Significance of Austrian and Post-Keynesian criticisms of the standard Essay

Significance of Austrian and Post-Keynesian criticisms of the standard neoclassical view of the competitive process - Essay Example These markets which are referred to in the neoclassical viewpoint are considered to be a group of optimizing individuals trading amongst each other at predetermined prices and are endowed with the means of production given (Henry,  2012, p. 321). The concept of competitive process in neoclassical view revolves around the utility optimization in an environment of Perfect Competition. Perfect Competition is where there is no market power exhibited by the firms and they act as the price takers. Thus, the extent of the market power indicated the competition in a particular market. The economists of this theory believe that the equilibrium is the point where the utility is maximized. Profit maximization is an example of this as it is a fundamental aspect of a firm within their market structure. Equilibrium, according to them, also provides the market clearing process to take place. As this theory has been providing a simple ideology for the functioning of the market under the Perfect Co mpetition, there are many modern economists who have considered the real life situations and concluded that a number of other factors are also to be included to analyze the competitive process in the markets (Leask, Parnell, 2005, p. 469). There have been some theorists that have criticized the traditional approach over the time as modern aspects were introduced, and so alternative schools of thought were created. Two of these alternative schools are the Austrian and the Post-Keynesian theories. The Austrian school of thought is rooted from the work of Menger, Hayek and Mises. The approach was concerned with the significance of Subjectivism,... This paper stresses that the perfect competition structure of the market is the key approach of the neoclassical theory of competition and on the other hand, the Austrian and Post-Keynesian theories emphasize on the importance of Oligopoly as greater in the modern economics. Being philosophically distant from one another, the neoclassic view had been under constant pressure throughout the years. As much as it is important to assess the criticisms, it is also important to assess the significance of those criticisms and their affects. The author talks that the concept of competitive process in neoclassical view revolves around the utility optimization in an environment of Perfect Competition. Perfect Competition is where there is no market power exhibited by the firms and they act as the price takers. Thus, the extent of the market power indicated the competition in a particular market. This report makes a conlusion that it is evident that the criticisms made by the Austrian and the Post-Keynesians hold a very significant impact on the business economics and this impact is unquestionable. These criticisms were a rise to much advancement that was needed in the modern economics. In fact, the impact that they had were not only on the academics but also on the general knowledge for the public. These criticisms drove the extensions to the neoclassical theories and gave them a sense of realism. These criticisms are however, significant only until the neoclassical school finds a way to enhance their role and advance their models to come up to the level of the two alternative schools. Modern economics and realism are the key factors to be looked upon.

Tata Motors Essay Example for Free

Tata Motors Essay The Tata group comprises over 100 operating companies in seven business sectors: communications and information technology, engineering, materials, services, energy, consumer products and chemicals. The group has operations in more than 80 countries across six continents, and its companies export products and services to 85 countries. The total revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was $100. 09 billion (around Rs475,721 crore) in 2011-12, with 58 percent of this coming from business outside India. Tata companies employ over 450,000 people worldwide. The Tata name has been respected in India for more than 140 years for its adherence to strong values and business ethics. Every Tata company or enterprise operates independently. Each of these companies has its own board of directors and shareholders, to whom it is answerable. There are 32 publicly listed Tata enterprises and they have a combined market capitalisation of about $89. 53 billion (as on June 6, 2013), and a shareholder base of 3. 8 million. The major Tata companies are Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Power, Tata Chemicals, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Teleservices, Titan, Tata Communications and Indian Hotels. Tata Steel is among the top ten steelmakers, and Tata Motors is among the top five commercial vehicle manufacturers, in the world. TCS is a leading global software company, with delivery centres in the US, UK, Hungary, Brazil, Uruguay and China, besides India. Tata Global Beverages is the second-largest player in tea in the world. Tata Chemicals is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of soda ash and Tata Communications is one of the world’s largest wholesale voice carriers. In tandem with the increasing international footprint of Tata companies, the Tata brand is also gaining international recognition. Brand Finance, a UK-based consultancy firm, valued the Tata brand at $18. 16 billion and ranked it 39th among the top 500 most valuable global brands in their BrandFinance ® Global 500 2013 report. In 2010, BusinessWeek magazine ranked Tata 17th among the 50 Most Innovative Companies list. Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, Tata’s early years were inspired by the spirit of nationalism. It pioneered several industries of national importance in India: steel, power, hospitality and airlines. In more recent times, its pioneering spirit has been showcased by companies such as TCS, India’s first software company, and Tata Motors, which made India’s first indigenously developed car, the Indica, in 1998 and recently unveiled the world’s most affordable car, the Tata Nano. Tata companies have always believed in returning wealth to the society they serve. Two-thirds of the equity of Tata Sons, the Tata promoter holding company, is held by philanthropic trusts that have created national institutions for science and technology, medical research, social studies and the performing arts. The trusts also provide aid and assistance to non-government organisations working in the areas of education, healthcare and livelihoods. Tata companies also extend social welfare activities to communities around their industrial units. The combined development-related expenditure of the trusts and the companies amounts to around 3 percent of the groups net profits in 2011. Going forward, Tata is focusing on new technologies and innovation to drive its business in India and internationally. The Nano car is one example, as is the Eka supercomputer (developed by another Tata company), which in 2008 was ranked the world’s fourth fastest. Anchored in India and wedded to traditional values and strong ethics, Tata companies are building multinational businesses that will achieve growth through excellence and innovation, while balancing the interests of shareholders, employees and civil society.

Christian Ethics And Secular Ethical Systems Theology Religion Essay

Christian Ethics And Secular Ethical Systems Theology Religion Essay In this essay, I will enumerate the differences between Christian and secular ethics. The role of theology on ethical decision making will be indicated, along with secular and diverse religious stands on ethical discourses on abortion and divorce. Miscellaneous Christian views which include those of: the Liberals, the Evangelicals and the Neo-orthodox will also be examined. Furthermore, I will explore the implications of the aforementioned ethical issues on interfaith dialogue involving Buddhism and the Abrahamic faiths. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIAN AND SECULAR ETHICS Ethics is a word that originated from the Greek words: ethikos and ethos which respectively implies custom and character.  [1]  However, Collins dictionary defines ethics as a social, religious, or civil code of behaviour considered correct, especially that of a particular group, profession, or individual.  [2]   I found a clear-cut definition of Christian ethics by Dr Harkness (a professor of applied theology) as the systematic study of the way of life set forth by Jesus Christ applied to the daily demands and decisions of human existence.  [3]  It is the Christians code of conduct derived from the scriptures. While Christian ethics aim is to determine what conforms to Gods character and what does not it is more of a practical entity in comparison with theory oriented Christian theology.  [4]   Conversely, James Bernat in his book, Ethical issues in neurology defines secular ethics as the invention of human rational dialogue that assumes that mankind can create a comprehensive and world-wide structure of morality that is void of religious framework.  [5]  The main approaches to secular ethics are predicated on: reason, experience or moral sense.  [6]   Additionally, secular ethics consists of various models as: utilitarianism, egoism or hedonism, emotivism and cultural relativism.  [7]  These models form the framework for most ethical postulations. I will now examine the contrasts between Christian and secular ethics. A dissimilarity between Christian and secular ethics is that the latter serves as a basis for arriving at moral judgments as it appraises existing customs, while supporting the enactment of laws and policies. Secular ethics are used as a yardstick to evaluate religious doctrines by application of a determined set of moral principles.  [8]  Christian ethics are founded on godly revelations. BASES FOR CHRISTIAN ETHICAL DECISIONS Evangelical Christians base moral ethical decisions on Gods revelation which is from nature itself (the general) or from the scriptures (the special). An example derived from the scriptures is the Ten Commandments in Exodus 21-23. Biblical scholars emphasize that the natural law derived from nature itself is inherent in mankind and it is responsible for doing things right without Biblical guidelines. This is referred to in the book of Romans 2:14-15, where Apostle Paul mentioned the clarity of the human conscience in the decision making mechanism. Similarly, Jesus Christ affirms the same principle when he said men should do unto others what they will have done to themselves, (Matt 7:12). This particular view is upheld by renowned philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Clive Lewis in their writings.  [9]  The application of moral decisions on ethical issues is subject to debate as will be indicated in subsequent paragraphs. SOME ETHICAL ISSUES This range from: abortion, divorce, homosexuality, same sex marriage, war, money, marriage, sexuality, death, forgiveness, euthanasia, business etc. I will be focusing on the ethical theme of abortion and divorce within the: secular, Christian and interfaith discourse. SECULAR VIEWS ON ABORTION Abortion is any artificial means to induce the loss of a pregnancy. An average pregnancy is for forty weeks or nine months. Pregnancy terminated due to natural causes during the first twenty weeks is called a miscarriage, while further than twenty weeks are pre-term delivery.  [10]   Nonetheless, abortion involves the moral choice of the mother, as well as the ethical right of the baby to live. Abortion might be inevitable in: rape, poverty, deformity of baby etc. Abortion supporters see it as a retroactive contraceptive while those against it see it as a little less than prenatal infanticide.  [11]  It has been established that moral justification of abortion is common in the secular world. Under the United Kingdom law (Abortions act 1967); abortion is endorsed within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy as long as certain conditions are fulfilled. It must be in an approved institution, the mother and childs health are considered, and decisions to be made with the consensus of two medical doctors.  [12]   CHRISTIANS ON ABORTION The Liberals are broadminded on abortion, as long as it is done legally and safely.  [13]  The woman has full rights over her own body when it involves the decision to abort or not.  [14]  The Liberals do not deliberate over ethical issues concerning the unborn baby, in contrast to evangelicals position. Evangelical Christians are on strict stand against abortion with scriptural arguments used to portray (babys) life in high esteem. They also support of all social aspects regarding pregnancy care and adoption issues.  [15]  The position of the Neo-orthodox Christians will be examined next. The Neo-Orthodoxy originated from Germany after the First World War when Karl Barth (a protestant theologian) advanced the theology of crisis. It was an era when people were disappointed from most beliefs.  [16]  Neo-Orthodoxy assumes that the scripture can be a faulty human invention, although Gods revelation is continuously present under personal experience.  [17]  Nevertheless, abortion is not allowed except if carried out to protect the pregnant woman. The Christian ethics of divorce will be examined next. CHRISTIAN ETHICS ON DIVORCE Jesus response to the permission given by Moses for the issuance of the bill of divorce to women was followed by the injunction that divorce is a direct covenant-breaking departure from Gods master plan for marriage, (Matt 19:6 Rom 7:2). Jesus also denounces divorce in the dialogue with his disciples in Mark 10: 1-11, while arguments resulting from the exception clause (i.e. Condition for divorce) is interpreted by some scholars in the context to mean fornication established against the wife during the betrothal phase of marriage according to Jewish tradition. Unfortunately, the biblical divorce law interpretation is diverse. Some scholars argue that the exemption clause means adultery which is a leverage to institute divorce. However, a suitable rejoinder is the reaction of the disciples who concluded that it is not advantageous to marry this is interpreted by some Evangelicals as voiding the powers of the husband to divorce a wife under any circumstance, as they are expected to forgive their spouse.  [18]  The ethical issue applicable to the Old Testament bill of divorce allowed by Moses is that the Bill is meant to protect the women from the frivolity of men, so that they can re-marry rather than be outcasts. Some Evangelicals justified grounds for divorce to be desertion (by either spouse) and evidence of physical abuse against the wife. There is also a Pauline privilege in (1st Corinthians 7:15) which allows a believing wife to be free from an unbelieving husband who wants a divorce. There are resultant Christian ethical debates concerning the modalities of the freedom, whether it allows re-marrying or remaining single till death. Contrastingly, Liberal Christians see the scriptural dialogues on divorce as being applicable to the historical contexts of their various times, hence divorce is permitted according to the merit of each case. Marriage characterized with physical abuse is seen as a marriage pledge violation, whereby divorce is granted.  [19]  The American inception of no fault divorce regulation in the 1960s and 1970s weakened the marriage institution, as spouses obtained divorces against their partners wish. Similarly, despite independence from the secular laws of the day, liberal Christians amidst their objective application of divorce laws was criticized for being pro-secular because of contractual approaches used instead of covenant obligation by some Christians.  [20]  The Neo-orthodox view turned out to be permissive. Neo-Orthodox Christians are permissive due to their existential system which sees Bible precepts as only relevant to the culture of when they were admonished; hence they could not be categorically applied to our times. Therefore they established no ethical grounds for opposing divorce.  [21]   THE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS AND INTERFAITH DIALOGUE The Abrahamic faith is used to make reference to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions that trace their spiritual culture back to Abraham.  [22]  The platform which religions and cultures meet to exchange views for better understanding of each other is called the interfaith dialogue. The dialogue was prompted by the WCC (World Council of Churches) in 1961, when fledgling Asian Churches needed to coexist with diverse Asian religions.  [23]   Fundamentally, the existence of diverse social issues such as universal poverty has prompted the study and use of ethical approaches to interfaith dialogues. Examples are medical and economic ethics.  [24]  The Medical ethical considerations are evoked in several issues like Euthanasia, Abortion, Ecology, DNA researches etc. I will be examining the Islamic laws on abortion the next. ISLAMIC FAITH ON ABORTION AND DIVORCE Islamic faith which is based on the Quran and the leadership of Prophet Mohammed is guided by five pillars of faith, of which two are: faith in one God and at least one pilgrimage to Mecca. Other admonitions require taking care of orphans, prisoners and desisting from: adultery, unfair business practices and unwarranted killings.  [25]  Some Muslims prohibit abortion. The area of ethical contention is the actual time soul is given to a formed foetus. This is termed ensoulment which some Muslims take as 16 weeks into the pregnancy. However, abortion performed prior to the completion of 16th week is accepted if the health of the mother is endangered or if the baby is under the threat of mental or physical malformation. Another consideration is if the well-being of the family is not going to be properly sustained because of the child.  [26]  The Islamic religion takes abortion as being immoral in view the revered value of life as indicated in Surah 17:31 which states that: Slay not your Childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.killing of them is a great sin. Nevertheless, an Islamic consequentialism holds the mother answerable to the aborted child at judgement day; this is supported by verses from Surah 81, verses 7-14.  [27]  Surah is a supportive reference in Islam. Abortion applied to pre-marital pregnancy is allowed because the sin of having a child out of wedlock is considered worse than abortion.  [28]   Concerning divorce, Islam encourages the termination of irreconcilable marriages in good faith rather than co-existence of spouses in bitterness. There is an injunction for settling differences through relatives of spouses. Nevertheless, where this mediation fails then divorce can be instituted, (Quran 4:35). Mubarat is the term used to describe mutually divorce by couples without court proceedings. Procedures called fasakh or Khula are based on the initiation of divorce by the woman. However, talaq (meaning to separate) is used to denote the divorce instigated by the husband. This can be done without much official protocols but must be verbalized or documented.  [29]  The traditional laws of the Jews will be examined next. JUDAISM ON ABORTION AND DIVORCE Judaism as practiced by the Jews precedes Christianity which became distinct in the first Century at the time when Apostle Paul and Peter had contentions with the Jews. The Bible book of Acts Chapter 15, recorded the deviations of the gentiles from the Law of Moses. This caused an argument about the acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles into the community of believers. Some scholars take the advent of Judaism to be the Biblical time of Abraham while others choose the time of Moses.  [30]   Nonetheless, two out of the many beliefs of Judaism are as follows: 1) God made a covenant with his people (the Hebrews) through Moses which is the Ten Commandments. 2) Abrahams offspring are to be the ideal model for all nations to emulate in preparation for the coming of the future Messiah who will rule the world in harmony and fairness.  [31]   In similarity to the Islamic faith, high regard is given to the value of life, but the safety of the pregnant woman remains paramount. Nevertheless, the law of Judaism on abortion assumes the insignificance of fertilized egg cells until the 40th day of pregnancy when it is taken as part of the womans body. Judaism allows abortion within the first 40 days of pregnancy but does not permit it thereafter, till full term. Judaism ethically upholds that the foetus is a part of the human body that must not be damaged.  [32]  The Jewish law allows sanction of persons who cause miscarriage due to a physical strife that involve pregnant women. Furthermore, intended abortion on an advance pregnancy that threatens the mother in any circumstances would have to be undoubtedly established. The baby is literally considered as trying to kill the mother, in which case severing the limbs of the baby and other similar acts is allowed to save the mother. A critical aspect of applying the abortion law by the Rabbis (who are in charge of the Judaism laws) is the equal importance given to the life of the baby and the mother at the moment the babys head is on the way out of the mother.  [33]   The issues of divorce cannot be addressed without talking about the marriage tradition of the Jews. Judaism upholds the sanctity and integrity of marriage to such an extent that the Talmud (sacred writings) states that even the altar sheds tears during separation of couples. Although formal grounds for divorce do not exist, it is recognized that some circumstances make it inevitable. The divorce is predicated on the agreement of the couple and it involves documentation called the get which is the certificate of divorce. There are no hindrances placed against divorced couples who want to get back together in marriage. However priests are prohibited from marrying a divorcee. The certificate of divorce (the get) specially written by a scribe (in the presence of a judge) is traditionally kept by the woman, and must be made available whenever she wants to re-marry. In modern times the rabbinic courts keep the get and issue the woman with a certificate in place of it. There is a serious ethical issue that the woman cannot re-marry if there is no evidence of the death of her husband. This situation is called Agunah, which implies that the woman is bound to the husband. It is generally expected that anyone who breaches divorce conditions are not allowed to be integrated into the Jewish community.  [34]   BUDHISM ON ABORTION AND DIVORCE This religion has its origin from India in the 6th Century with Siddhartha Gautama (Known as Buddha, the enlightened one). Buddhism is a spiritual way of life rather than a religion. Beliefs range from non-existence of a deity and that all things are being constantly transformed, hence the belief in re-incarnation, decency, understanding and reflection.  [35]   Over 300 million Buddhists worldwide have no doctrinal guidance on abortion. They however believe in re-incarnation which stands against abortion, therefore consider it ethically wrong, although not too keen on its total prohibition by law. Nevertheless, another Buddhist expectation is the decision of abortion to be exclusively that of the pregnant woman. In Japan abortion is rampant and there is a post abortion ceremony called Mizuko kuyo done by Buddhist priest to assist women in recovering from the after effect of abortion.  [36]  The following paragraph will cover the Buddhist view on divorce. Buddhism does not see marriage as a core religious matter. They view non-entanglement with basic family life as a path to greater levels of monkish Buddhist practice, rather than the low-grade lay position where one is free to raise a family. An example was set by the Buddha himself at 29 years of age when he left his family to remain celibate till the end of his life.  [37]   Buddhist tenets support moral chastity where marriages remain intact for the sake of the children. Separated couples are encouraged to re-unite. The man who chooses celibate life must renounce his wife so that she is free to remarry  [38]  . CONCLUSION Worldwide moral laws made from the Ten Commandments are somewhat entrenched in most religions and secular regulations  [39]  . Needless to say that ethics imparted through religion will have most impact on religious peoples behaviour. I discovered from my findings that most religions have some kind of diversity based on ethical principles (such as hedonism and consequentialism) considered in creating the creed of their subdivisions. Just as the Christians views vary, so is the specific application of certain tenets of the Abrahamic faiths in various countries. These variations are also present in the Buddhist faith where disparities in India, Japan and other countries are considered. All facts point to the use of ethical principles to determine religious creeds. The same fact is applicable to the current trend in interfaith dialogues such that participants unavoidably approach most themes brought forward, within the framework of ethical agendas. This has created awareness for the study of ethics by those already equipped with vast knowledge of their faiths.

Dont Mess with Nature :: science

Don't Mess with Nature Of all the things a student needs to make it through a typical day, probably the most important, yet least appreciated, is paper. Paper is used for academic, social, and personal purposes by nearly all students every day. The most obvious use is for the academic or classroom assignment, whether it comes in the form of a test, an essay, or a summary of plant life on Easter Island. The social uses of paper center around the "note," which any student can tell you is s important a part of a student’s social life as Friday night ball games or the Junior Prom. As for the personal applications, there is doodling for the nervous mind, and there is scrunching for the nervous hand. The traditional paper airplanes and spit wads are still around, but they seem less popular than in days gone by-probably because it is easier for a student to move freely about the classroom today than it used to be. In any case, there can be no doubt that paper is just as important as ever to the student whose days would be a waste without it. Not only students, but everyone needs paper. Just as students use the paper, so does everyone else. The social purpose surrounds the mail, which we receive everyday. For personal use, there’s the diary and the note pads to remind us the things we need to remember. There are many examples that I can give for instance, paper plates, paper bags, cardboard boxes, etc†¦ Anyhow, the point that I am deriving at is that paper and cardboard boxes are all made from trees. Millions of trees are being destroyed every year to produce paper. Not only for paper, but for housing projects as well. New programs are being set up to plant trees in replace of the destroyed ones. Little do people realize how much damage could be done when dealing with nature. These housing projects are built, where beautiful trees use to sit letting cool breeze pass through their leaves. Now, the Recycling foundation has set up a program for young kids to plant trees in their neighborhood to save "Mother Earth." These trees are being planted at almost every street corner. The kids don’t know what’s likely to happen. They think they are doing good for their community. Now, trees as thick as fifteen baseballs put together, creep up underneath the sidewalk all over town.

Social Interaction

‘Social Interaction’ Social Interaction: Social Interaction is the foundation of society. Studying social interaction in everyday life sheds light on larger social systems & institutions. It is the building block of the entire Social Order and Social Relations. Definition: Social interaction is the process by which two or more individuals act and react to the people around us. It is the way people talk to each other and how they interact with various structures in society. It also includes the mutual influence of two or more people on each other’s behavior.Example: Interaction between the members of a family with each other, such as eating, sleeping and even family get-togethers. You will read more examples later in this assignment. Importance of social interaction: The opportunity for social interactions with others is very important for the development of all children. Through social interactions, children begin to establish a sense of â€Å"self† and to learn what others expect of them. Although social interactions for very young children primarily occur within the family, as children grow and develop, they become more and more interested in playing and interacting with other children.While playing with others, children learn appropriate social behaviors, such as sharing, cooperating and respecting the property of others. In addition, while interacting with their peers, young children learn communication, cognitive, and motor skills. Children with disabilities and nondisabled children to play together is an extremely important part of instruction in integrated preschools. The children must have the opportunity to play together if they are to become friends. These friendships will help the nondisabled child form positive, accepting attitudes toward persons who are disabled.In addition, the child who is disabled will have the opportunity to learn age-appropriate social skills. Children who learn appropriate social skills often have a higher self-esteem and show a greater willingness to interact with their environment as they grow. Opportunities for social interaction not only enhance development in the early years, but also may be important for the future of the young child who is disabled. The ability to interact competently with is a skill that is required throughout life and may affect future educational and vocational opportunities.Assisting young children who are disabled to learn through positive social interaction with nondisabled children may help them acquire skills from which they will benefit throughout their life. Interacting and playing with peers provides many learning opportunities for young children. In integrated preschool settings, nondisabled children and children with disabilities may need to be encouraged to play together. Social interaction between the two groups of children can be encouraged in a number of different ways.Suggestions for ways to use teacher attention and to structure the c lassroom to promote socially interactive play are discussed below. Teachers and adults can be very effective in promoting social interaction by encouraging children to play together and by praising them when they do. Teachers and other adults also can promote interactions by teaching children specific ways to ask other children to play, to share toys, to take turns, to express affection and to help other children. Assisting children to control their aggressive behavior encourages the formation of friendships.Planning small group activities that require cooperation and sharing motivates socially interactive behavior. For example, painting a mural or making soup as a group encourages children to learn to work together. Being certain that children with disabilities are seated next to nondisabled children makes it easy for the children to interact with and learn from each other. Allowing the child who is disabled to lead activities, pass out materials, and be praised in front of his or her classmates helps the nondisabled child view the child who is disabled as a competent friend.Toys such as blocks, dolls, dress-up clothes, trains, and cars promote social interactions much more than do toys such as beads, clay, puzzles and paints. Providing toys with which the child who is disabled can play competently encourages the children to play together. Limiting the number of toys available and requesting that children play in a small area requires the children to share and engage in the same activity, thereby encouraging social interaction. As you get older and retire or move to a new community, you may not have quite as many opportunities to socialize as you did when you were younger.People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated. Relationships and social interactions even help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. The benefits of being social: Specific health benefit s of social interaction in older adults include: * Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis * Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease * Lower blood pressure Reduced risk for mental health issues such as depression Conversely, social isolation carries real risks. Some of these risks are: * Feeling lonely and depressed * Being less physically active * Having a greater risk of death * Having high blood pressure Social interaction helps keep your brain from getting rusty, but it's most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and physical activity. Keeping your connections strong: Start by staying in touch with friends and family, and try to visit with them regularly.Here are other ways you can maintain a high level of social interaction: * Volunteer in your community. * Visit a senior center and participate in offered activities with other seniors—this is a gre at way to make new friends. * Join a group focused on activities you enjoy, such as playing cards or a book club. * Try taking a class—learn a new language or a new style of cooking or experiment with a new hobby. * Join a gym or fitness center to stay physically fit and engage with others. Find ways to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy and out of the house.Schedule regular visits with grandkids or volunteer at a school or children's organization to enjoy time with little ones and absorb some of their youthful energy. Although staying in touch in person is important, phone calls, snail mail, and e-mail can keep you connected, too—if you're not yet comfortable with computers, ask a young relative to help you. Staying socially active and maintaining your relationships are an important part of healthy aging. Reach out to your loved ones—neighbors, friends, family members—and stay as vibrant, active, and social as you've always been. Kinds of social inter action:There are six kinds of social interaction: 1) Cooperation 2) Conflict 3) Competition 4) Accommodation 5) Acculturation 6) Assimilation 1) Cooperation: Green: According to Green, cooperation can be defined as â€Å"The continuous and common endeavor of two or more persons to perform a task or to realize a goal that is commonly cherished. † Cooperation is one of the fundamental processes of social life. Cooperation is that basic form of human interaction in which men strive jointly with each other for a good goal or value. At the same time, cooperation is the most pervasive and continuous of the social processes.It is an integrating activity. It is an associative process which means working together in the pursuit of common interests or common goal. Modes of Cooperation: There are two modes of cooperation in a social life: * Direct cooperation: includes â€Å"those activities in which men do like things together† –like play together, worship together, etc. * Indirect cooperation: is found wherever people perform unlike tasks towards a single end – like where there is a division of labor or mass production. Importance: Cooperation is a universal phenomenon.All the progress that mankind has made in various fields is to be attributed to the cooperating spirit of the people. It is so important in the life of an individual that it is difficult to survive without it. Cooperation for human beings is both a psychological and a social necessity. Collective goals in our social life cannot be achieved without cooperation. 2) Conflict: Mac Iver and Page: â€Å"Form of struggle in which â€Å"men contend against one other for any object. † Conflict is as ever-present process in human relations. Conflict is universal and occurs in all places and at all time.There has never been a time or a society in which some individuals or groups did not come into conflict. Social conflict is a struggle between opponents over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources. Conflict therefore, expresses itself in thousands of ways and degrees and over every range of human contact. It is a dissociative process. In conflict, the person or group thwarts injuries or destroys the opponent in order to secure a goal or reward. Darwin states that – â€Å"the principles of struggle for existence and survival of the fittest are the main causes of conflict. † Types of Conflict:There are four basic types of conflict: * Man vs. Man: It occurs when a character (some other person) has an argument or disagreement with the other character. * Man vs. Society: It occurs when a man disagrees with a societal values, laws or beliefs. * Man vs. Nature: It occurs when a man has problem with outside forces; weather, animals (like in a TV show ‘Man vs. Wild'), and land. Etc * Man vs. Self: It occurs when a person develops an internal struggle between his ideas and thoughts. This can be a cause of other conflicts mentioned. Modes of Conflict: There are two modes of conflict: Direct Conflict: The direct conflict is in which people seek to attain some objective by restraining, injuring or destroying one another. Revolution was and street fights are example of direct conflict. * Indirect Conflict: The indirect conflict is in which the people do not restrain or injure other in seeking there ends but manage to attain their own goals which the opponent cannot approach to his goal in any way. It means obstruction in rivals is created. Group opinion is colored against the rival about his aims. Talking ill of others and backbiting are also indirect conflicts.These are the frequently occurring instances in the social life of people. Importance: Conflict generally occurs due to individual differences, cultural differences, clash of interests and social changes. Conflict in its extreme form brings war and destruction of lives and property. Those conflicts which cause wars or may take hostile form may destroy live s and property of the people – may cause great negative psychological and moral change. Conflict serves as constructive and positive ends. In corporate conflicts – that is, between groups and societies, solidarity and fellow-feelings are increased.Thus we may conclude that all types of conflicts are not harmful to the society because it performs certain positive functions also. Mac Iver therefore, rightly observes that – Society is cooperation crossed by conflict. 3) Competition: Competition is the most fundamental form of opposition or social struggle. It is a struggle of two or more persons for the same object which is so limited that all cannot share it. Anderson and Parker: â€Å"Competition is that form of social action in which we strive against each other for the possession of or use of some limited material and non-material good.   In our society, for instance, there is competition for jobs, for goods, power, social position, fame and all other things one cannot get by mere asking. Thus competition goes on an impersonal manner. The eye is on the goal or reward rather than the competitors. Importance: Competition therefore, exists everywhere, but appears in many ways. It varies as to scope, intensity and type from one system to another. It performs many useful functions in our society. Competition tends to stimulate economy, efficiency, and inventiveness.It tends to increase one’s ego and to give one satisfaction. Since competition rests upon a set of rules, it creates respect for the ruling of the game. 4) Accommodation: If conflict goes on for an indefinite period, our social life becomes unbearable. Hence, attempts are always made for the resolution of conflicts. Accommodation means resolution of conflict by adjusting oneself to the new environment. Mac Iver and Page: â€Å"The term accommodation refers particularly to the process on which man attains a sense of harmony with his environment. † Ogburn and Nimkoff: Accommodation is a term used by sociologists to describe the adjustment of hostile individuals or groups†. Accommodation is the term used by the sociologists to describe the process by those once in conflicts who can work together in common enterprises. It brings arrangements which permit groups to work together. A structure of interdependent roles arises and organizes people in ways which permit them to live and Act in spite of differences in latent hostility. Thus, the social order arises through the process of accommodation. Accommodation is thus, the basis of all social organizations. Importance:The term ‘accommodation' refers to several sorts of working agreements between rival groups that permit at least limited cooperation between them even though the issues dividing them remain unsettled. It does not technically end the conflict, but holds it in abeyance. The accommodation may last for only a short time and may be for the purpose of allowing the conflicting part ies to consolidate their positions and to prepare for further conflict. Or, as is more often the case, the initial accommodation agreed upon by the parties may be part of the process of seeking solutions to the issues that divide them.If those solutions are not found, the accommodation itself may become permanent. 5) Acculturation: Acculturation is defined as, â€Å"Acculturation is a process in which members of one cultural group adopt the beliefs and behaviors of another group. † Although acculturation is usually in the direction of a minority group adopting habits and language patterns of the dominant group, acculturation can be reciprocal–that is, the dominant group also adopts patterns typical of the minority group. Importance:This term is used to describe both the process of contacts between different cultures and also the customs of such contacts. As the process of contact between cultures, acculturation may involve either direct social interaction or exposure t o other cultures by means of the mass media of communication. As the outcome of such contact, acculturation refers to the assimilation by one group of the culture of another which modifies the existing culture and so changes group identity. There may be a tension between old and new cultures which leads to the adapting of the new as well as the old. ) Assimilation: Assimilation is the process whereby persons and groups acquire the culture of the other persons and groups in which they come to live  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ by adopting its attitudes and values and its way of life. Assimilation is the blending or fusing of minority groups into the dominant society. Young and Mack: â€Å"Assimilation is a slow and a gradual process†. It takes time. For example, immigrants take time to get assimilated with majority group. Assimilation is concerned with the absorption and incorporation of the culture by another.Assimilation is therefore, another form of interaction which cannot be neglected in t he social process. But the same time, the extreme differences in cultural background, prejudice and physical differences usually Act as barriers to assimilation. Importance: The term ‘assimilation' again is in general use, being applied most often to the process whereby large numbers of migrants from Europe were absorbed into the American population during the 19th and the early part of the 20th century. The assimilation of immigrants was a dramatic and highly visible set of events and illustrates the process well.There are other types of assimilation, however, and there are aspects of the assimilation of European migrants that might be put in propositional form. First, assimilation is a two-way process. Second, assimilation of groups as well as individuals takes place. Third some assimilation probably occurs in all lasting interpersonal situations. Fourth, assimilation is often incomplete and creates adjustment problems for individuals. And, fifth, assimilation does not proce ed equally rapidly and equally effectively in all inter-group situations fusion or blending of two previously distinct groups into one. Social Interaction ‘Social Interaction’ Social Interaction: Social Interaction is the foundation of society. Studying social interaction in everyday life sheds light on larger social systems & institutions. It is the building block of the entire Social Order and Social Relations. Definition: Social interaction is the process by which two or more individuals act and react to the people around us. It is the way people talk to each other and how they interact with various structures in society. It also includes the mutual influence of two or more people on each other’s behavior.Example: Interaction between the members of a family with each other, such as eating, sleeping and even family get-togethers. You will read more examples later in this assignment. Importance of social interaction: The opportunity for social interactions with others is very important for the development of all children. Through social interactions, children begin to establish a sense of â€Å"self† and to learn what others expect of them. Although social interactions for very young children primarily occur within the family, as children grow and develop, they become more and more interested in playing and interacting with other children.While playing with others, children learn appropriate social behaviors, such as sharing, cooperating and respecting the property of others. In addition, while interacting with their peers, young children learn communication, cognitive, and motor skills. Children with disabilities and nondisabled children to play together is an extremely important part of instruction in integrated preschools. The children must have the opportunity to play together if they are to become friends. These friendships will help the nondisabled child form positive, accepting attitudes toward persons who are disabled.In addition, the child who is disabled will have the opportunity to learn age-appropriate social skills. Children who learn appropriate social skills often have a higher self-esteem and show a greater willingness to interact with their environment as they grow. Opportunities for social interaction not only enhance development in the early years, but also may be important for the future of the young child who is disabled. The ability to interact competently with is a skill that is required throughout life and may affect future educational and vocational opportunities.Assisting young children who are disabled to learn through positive social interaction with nondisabled children may help them acquire skills from which they will benefit throughout their life. Interacting and playing with peers provides many learning opportunities for young children. In integrated preschool settings, nondisabled children and children with disabilities may need to be encouraged to play together. Social interaction between the two groups of children can be encouraged in a number of different ways.Suggestions for ways to use teacher attention and to structure the c lassroom to promote socially interactive play are discussed below. Teachers and adults can be very effective in promoting social interaction by encouraging children to play together and by praising them when they do. Teachers and other adults also can promote interactions by teaching children specific ways to ask other children to play, to share toys, to take turns, to express affection and to help other children. Assisting children to control their aggressive behavior encourages the formation of friendships.Planning small group activities that require cooperation and sharing motivates socially interactive behavior. For example, painting a mural or making soup as a group encourages children to learn to work together. Being certain that children with disabilities are seated next to nondisabled children makes it easy for the children to interact with and learn from each other. Allowing the child who is disabled to lead activities, pass out materials, and be praised in front of his or her classmates helps the nondisabled child view the child who is disabled as a competent friend.Toys such as blocks, dolls, dress-up clothes, trains, and cars promote social interactions much more than do toys such as beads, clay, puzzles and paints. Providing toys with which the child who is disabled can play competently encourages the children to play together. Limiting the number of toys available and requesting that children play in a small area requires the children to share and engage in the same activity, thereby encouraging social interaction. As you get older and retire or move to a new community, you may not have quite as many opportunities to socialize as you did when you were younger.People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated. Relationships and social interactions even help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. The benefits of being social: Specific health benefit s of social interaction in older adults include: * Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis * Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease * Lower blood pressure Reduced risk for mental health issues such as depression Conversely, social isolation carries real risks. Some of these risks are: * Feeling lonely and depressed * Being less physically active * Having a greater risk of death * Having high blood pressure Social interaction helps keep your brain from getting rusty, but it's most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and physical activity. Keeping your connections strong: Start by staying in touch with friends and family, and try to visit with them regularly.Here are other ways you can maintain a high level of social interaction: * Volunteer in your community. * Visit a senior center and participate in offered activities with other seniors—this is a gre at way to make new friends. * Join a group focused on activities you enjoy, such as playing cards or a book club. * Try taking a class—learn a new language or a new style of cooking or experiment with a new hobby. * Join a gym or fitness center to stay physically fit and engage with others. Find ways to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy and out of the house.Schedule regular visits with grandkids or volunteer at a school or children's organization to enjoy time with little ones and absorb some of their youthful energy. Although staying in touch in person is important, phone calls, snail mail, and e-mail can keep you connected, too—if you're not yet comfortable with computers, ask a young relative to help you. Staying socially active and maintaining your relationships are an important part of healthy aging. Reach out to your loved ones—neighbors, friends, family members—and stay as vibrant, active, and social as you've always been. Kinds of social inter action:There are six kinds of social interaction: 1) Cooperation 2) Conflict 3) Competition 4) Accommodation 5) Acculturation 6) Assimilation 1) Cooperation: Green: According to Green, cooperation can be defined as â€Å"The continuous and common endeavor of two or more persons to perform a task or to realize a goal that is commonly cherished. † Cooperation is one of the fundamental processes of social life. Cooperation is that basic form of human interaction in which men strive jointly with each other for a good goal or value. At the same time, cooperation is the most pervasive and continuous of the social processes.It is an integrating activity. It is an associative process which means working together in the pursuit of common interests or common goal. Modes of Cooperation: There are two modes of cooperation in a social life: * Direct cooperation: includes â€Å"those activities in which men do like things together† –like play together, worship together, etc. * Indirect cooperation: is found wherever people perform unlike tasks towards a single end – like where there is a division of labor or mass production. Importance: Cooperation is a universal phenomenon.All the progress that mankind has made in various fields is to be attributed to the cooperating spirit of the people. It is so important in the life of an individual that it is difficult to survive without it. Cooperation for human beings is both a psychological and a social necessity. Collective goals in our social life cannot be achieved without cooperation. 2) Conflict: Mac Iver and Page: â€Å"Form of struggle in which â€Å"men contend against one other for any object. † Conflict is as ever-present process in human relations. Conflict is universal and occurs in all places and at all time.There has never been a time or a society in which some individuals or groups did not come into conflict. Social conflict is a struggle between opponents over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources. Conflict therefore, expresses itself in thousands of ways and degrees and over every range of human contact. It is a dissociative process. In conflict, the person or group thwarts injuries or destroys the opponent in order to secure a goal or reward. Darwin states that – â€Å"the principles of struggle for existence and survival of the fittest are the main causes of conflict. † Types of Conflict:There are four basic types of conflict: * Man vs. Man: It occurs when a character (some other person) has an argument or disagreement with the other character. * Man vs. Society: It occurs when a man disagrees with a societal values, laws or beliefs. * Man vs. Nature: It occurs when a man has problem with outside forces; weather, animals (like in a TV show ‘Man vs. Wild'), and land. Etc * Man vs. Self: It occurs when a person develops an internal struggle between his ideas and thoughts. This can be a cause of other conflicts mentioned. Modes of Conflict: There are two modes of conflict: Direct Conflict: The direct conflict is in which people seek to attain some objective by restraining, injuring or destroying one another. Revolution was and street fights are example of direct conflict. * Indirect Conflict: The indirect conflict is in which the people do not restrain or injure other in seeking there ends but manage to attain their own goals which the opponent cannot approach to his goal in any way. It means obstruction in rivals is created. Group opinion is colored against the rival about his aims. Talking ill of others and backbiting are also indirect conflicts.These are the frequently occurring instances in the social life of people. Importance: Conflict generally occurs due to individual differences, cultural differences, clash of interests and social changes. Conflict in its extreme form brings war and destruction of lives and property. Those conflicts which cause wars or may take hostile form may destroy live s and property of the people – may cause great negative psychological and moral change. Conflict serves as constructive and positive ends. In corporate conflicts – that is, between groups and societies, solidarity and fellow-feelings are increased.Thus we may conclude that all types of conflicts are not harmful to the society because it performs certain positive functions also. Mac Iver therefore, rightly observes that – Society is cooperation crossed by conflict. 3) Competition: Competition is the most fundamental form of opposition or social struggle. It is a struggle of two or more persons for the same object which is so limited that all cannot share it. Anderson and Parker: â€Å"Competition is that form of social action in which we strive against each other for the possession of or use of some limited material and non-material good.   In our society, for instance, there is competition for jobs, for goods, power, social position, fame and all other things one cannot get by mere asking. Thus competition goes on an impersonal manner. The eye is on the goal or reward rather than the competitors. Importance: Competition therefore, exists everywhere, but appears in many ways. It varies as to scope, intensity and type from one system to another. It performs many useful functions in our society. Competition tends to stimulate economy, efficiency, and inventiveness.It tends to increase one’s ego and to give one satisfaction. Since competition rests upon a set of rules, it creates respect for the ruling of the game. 4) Accommodation: If conflict goes on for an indefinite period, our social life becomes unbearable. Hence, attempts are always made for the resolution of conflicts. Accommodation means resolution of conflict by adjusting oneself to the new environment. Mac Iver and Page: â€Å"The term accommodation refers particularly to the process on which man attains a sense of harmony with his environment. † Ogburn and Nimkoff: Accommodation is a term used by sociologists to describe the adjustment of hostile individuals or groups†. Accommodation is the term used by the sociologists to describe the process by those once in conflicts who can work together in common enterprises. It brings arrangements which permit groups to work together. A structure of interdependent roles arises and organizes people in ways which permit them to live and Act in spite of differences in latent hostility. Thus, the social order arises through the process of accommodation. Accommodation is thus, the basis of all social organizations. Importance:The term ‘accommodation' refers to several sorts of working agreements between rival groups that permit at least limited cooperation between them even though the issues dividing them remain unsettled. It does not technically end the conflict, but holds it in abeyance. The accommodation may last for only a short time and may be for the purpose of allowing the conflicting part ies to consolidate their positions and to prepare for further conflict. Or, as is more often the case, the initial accommodation agreed upon by the parties may be part of the process of seeking solutions to the issues that divide them.If those solutions are not found, the accommodation itself may become permanent. 5) Acculturation: Acculturation is defined as, â€Å"Acculturation is a process in which members of one cultural group adopt the beliefs and behaviors of another group. † Although acculturation is usually in the direction of a minority group adopting habits and language patterns of the dominant group, acculturation can be reciprocal–that is, the dominant group also adopts patterns typical of the minority group. Importance:This term is used to describe both the process of contacts between different cultures and also the customs of such contacts. As the process of contact between cultures, acculturation may involve either direct social interaction or exposure t o other cultures by means of the mass media of communication. As the outcome of such contact, acculturation refers to the assimilation by one group of the culture of another which modifies the existing culture and so changes group identity. There may be a tension between old and new cultures which leads to the adapting of the new as well as the old. ) Assimilation: Assimilation is the process whereby persons and groups acquire the culture of the other persons and groups in which they come to live  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ by adopting its attitudes and values and its way of life. Assimilation is the blending or fusing of minority groups into the dominant society. Young and Mack: â€Å"Assimilation is a slow and a gradual process†. It takes time. For example, immigrants take time to get assimilated with majority group. Assimilation is concerned with the absorption and incorporation of the culture by another.Assimilation is therefore, another form of interaction which cannot be neglected in t he social process. But the same time, the extreme differences in cultural background, prejudice and physical differences usually Act as barriers to assimilation. Importance: The term ‘assimilation' again is in general use, being applied most often to the process whereby large numbers of migrants from Europe were absorbed into the American population during the 19th and the early part of the 20th century. The assimilation of immigrants was a dramatic and highly visible set of events and illustrates the process well.There are other types of assimilation, however, and there are aspects of the assimilation of European migrants that might be put in propositional form. First, assimilation is a two-way process. Second, assimilation of groups as well as individuals takes place. Third some assimilation probably occurs in all lasting interpersonal situations. Fourth, assimilation is often incomplete and creates adjustment problems for individuals. And, fifth, assimilation does not proce ed equally rapidly and equally effectively in all inter-group situations fusion or blending of two previously distinct groups into one.

Madea Possibly the Litarary Worlds First Feminist essays

Madea Possibly the Litarary Worlds First Feminist essays Medea: Possibly the Literary Worlds First Feminist Ancient Greece was an extremely misogynistic culture, and believed that women were a lesser breed. Because of these beliefs women were portrayed as weak, irrational, and vain creatures, and men bore the responsibility of taking care of them. Euripides created Medea, a women who is betrayed by her husband, and exiled by the king. It is only after King Kreon exiles Medea, and her children that she gets angry. Medea uses these assumptions about women to manipulate these characters in order to get her revenge. Medea is a very intelligent woman, and she uses her intelligence to plan her revenge. Men considered women weak, and because of this presumption it makes it easy for Madea to influence them. After she is exiled she must seek refuge, and she finds it in Athens with King Aigeus. In exchange for a place in his kingdom she promises to use her powers as a witch to bring him and his wife children. She makes him promise before all the Gods That you yourself will never cast me from your land, Nor, if any of my enemies should demand me, Will you, in your life, willingly hand me over (733-735) He has no idea of her intentions, but because he swore before the gods he must now honor is oath. Even though she will have murdered her children he must protect her, and give her a haven within his kingdom. Now that she has security she can carry out her plan. Her next step is to trick Jason, and does so by making peace with him. He treats her as if she were just an irrational woman who finally comes to her senses. She uses this as an excuse for her behavior and to make him believe that he is right. But we women are what we are,-perhaps a little Worthless; and you men must not be like us in this, Nor be foolish in return when we are foolish. Now I give in, and admit that then I was wrong (865-868). ...

Definition of Secession

Definition of Secession Secession was the act by which a state left the Union. The Secession Crisis of late 1860 and early 1861 led to the Civil War when southern states seceded from the Union and declared themselves a separate nation, the Confederate States of America. There is no provision for secession in the U.S. Constitution. Threats to secede from the Union had arisen for decades, and during the Nullification Crisis three decades earlier it appeared that South Carolina might try to break away from the Union. Even earlier, the Hartford Convention of 1814-15 was a gathering of New England states which considered breaking away from the Union. South Carolina Was the First State to Secede Following the election of Abraham Lincoln, southern states began to make more serious threats to secede. The first state to secede was South Carolina, which passed an Ordinance of Secession on December 20, 1860. The document was brief, essentially a paragraph which stated that South Carolina was leaving the Union. Four days later, South Carolina issued a â€Å"Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Justified the Secession of South Carolina from the Union.† South Carolinas declaration made it abundantly clear that the reason for secession was the desire to preserve slavery. South Carolina’s declaration noted that a number of states wouldnt fully enforce fugitive slave laws; that a number of states had â€Å"denounced as sinful the institution of slavery†; and that â€Å"societies,† meaning abolitionist groups, had been allowed to operate openly in many states. The declaration from South Carolina also referred specifically to the election of Abraham Lincoln, stating that his opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery. Other Slave States Followed South Carolina After South Carolina seceded, other states also broke from the Union, including Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas in January 1861; Virginia in April 1861; and Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina in May 1861. Missouri and Kentucky were also considered to be part of the Confederate States of America, though they never issued documents of secession.

Hunahpu and Xbalanque - The Maya Hero Twins

Hunahpu and Xbalanque - The Maya Hero Twins The Hero Twins are famous Mayan semi-gods called Hunahpu and Xbalanque, whose story is narrated in the Popol Vuh (â€Å"The Book of Council†). The Popol Vuh is the sacred text of the Quichà © Maya of the Guatemalan highlands, and it was written during the Early Colonial period, probably between 1554–1556, although the stories within it are clearly much older. The First Hero Twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque are the second Hero Twins in Maya mythology. Like all Mesoamerican cultures, the Maya believed in cyclical time, including periodic cosmic destruction and renovation, called the ages of the world. The first pair of divine hero twins were the Maize Twins, 1 Hunter Hun Hunahpu and 7 Hunter Vuqub Hunahpu, and they lived during the second world. Hun Hunahpu and his twin brother Vucub Hunahpu were invited down into the Maya underworld (Xibalba) to play the Mesoamerican ballgame by the Xibalban lords One and Seven Death. There they fell prey to several trickeries. On the eve of the scheduled game, they were given cigars and torches and told to keep them lit all night without consuming them. They failed in this test, and the penalty for failure was death. The twins were sacrificed and buried, but the head of Hun Hunapu was cut off, and only his body was buried with his younger brother. The Lords of Xibalba placed Hun Hunapus head in the fork of a tree, where it helped the tree bear fruit. Eventually, the head came to look like a calabash- the American domesticated squash. A daughter of one of the lords of Xibalba named Xquic (Blood Moon) came to see the tree and Hun Hunapus head talked to her and spit saliva into the maidens hand, impregnating her. Nine months later, the second Hero Twins were born. The Second Hero Twins In the third world, the second pair of hero twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, avenged the first set by defeating the Lords of the Underworld. The names of the second set of Hero Twins have been translated as X-Balan-Que â€Å"Jaguar-Sun† or â€Å"Jaguar-Deer,† and Hunah-Pu, as â€Å"One Blowgunner.† When Hunahpu (One Blowgunner) and Xbalanque (Jaguar Sun) are born, they are treated cruelly by their half-brothers  but make themselves happy by going out every day to hunt birds with their blowguns. After many adventures, the twins are summoned to the underworld. Following in the footsteps of their fathers, Hunahpu and Xbalanque descend the road to Xibalba, but avoid the tricks that captured their fathers. When they are given a torch and cigars to keep alight, they trick the lords by passing off a macaws tail as the glow of a torch, and by putting fireflies at the tips of their cigars. The next day, Hunahpuh and Xbalanque play ball with the Xibalbans, who first try to play with a ball made of a skull covered with crushed bone. An extended game follows, full of trickery on both sides, but the wily twins survive. Dating the Hero Twins Myth In prehistoric sculptures and paintings, the Hero Twins arent identical twins. The older twin (Hunahpuh) is depicted as larger than his younger twin, right-handed and masculine, with black spots on his right cheek, shoulder and arms. The sun and pronghorn antlers are Hunahpuhs main symbols, although often both twins wear deer symbols. The younger twin (Xbalanque) is smaller, left-handed and often with a feminine guise, with the moon and rabbits his symbols. Xbalanque has patches of jaguar skin on his face and body. Although the Popol Vuh dates to the Colonial period, the Hero Twins have been identified on painted vessels, monuments, and cave walls dating to the Classic and Preclassic period, as early as 1000 BCE. The names of the Hero Twins are also present in the Maya calendar as day signs. This further indicates the importance and antiquity of the myth of the Hero Twins, whose origins date back to the earliest period of Maya history. Hero Twins in the Americas In the Popol Vuh myth, before avenging the fates of the first twins, the two brothers have to kill a bird-demon called Vucub-Caquix. This episode is apparently portrayed in a stela at the early site of Izapa, in Chiapas. Here a couple of young men are portrayed shooting a bird-monster descending from a tree with their blowgun. This image is very similar to the one narrated in the Popol Vuh. The myth of divine hero-twins is known in most Native American traditions. They are present in myths and tales both as legendary ancestors, and heroes that need to overcome various trials. Death and rebirth are suggested by many of the hero-twins appearing in the form of men-fish. Many Mesoamerican Indians believed that gods catch fish, human embryos floating in a mythical lake. The Hero Twin myth was part of a suite of ideas and artifacts that arrived in the American southwest from the gulf coast beginning about 800 CE. Scholars have noted that the Maya Hero Twin myth appears in southwestern United States Mimbres pottery about that time. Updated by K. Kris Hirst Sources Boskovic, Aleksandar. The Meaning of Maya Myths. Anthropos 84.1/3 (1989): 203–12. Print.Gilman, Patricia, Marc Thompson, and Kristina Wyckoff. Ritual Change and the Distant: Mesoamerican Iconography, Scarlet Macaws, and Great Kivas in the Mimbres Region of Southwestern New Mexico. American Antiquity 79.1 (2014): 90–107. Print.Knapp, Bettina L. The Popol Vuh: Primordial Mother Participates in the Creation. Confluencia 12.2 (1997): 31–48. Print.Miller, Mary E., and Karl Taube. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. London: Thames and Hudson, 1997. Print.Sharer, Robert J. The Ancient Maya. 6th ed. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2006. Print.Tedlock, Dennis. How to Drink Chocolate from a Skull at a Wedding Banquet. RES: Anthropology and Aesthetics 42 (2002): 166–79. Print.-. The Popol Vuh: Definitive Edition of the Maya Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings. 2nd ed. New York: Touc hstone, 1996. Print.

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Report - Essay Example SWAT and Porter analysis demonstrates that the strategy of development adopted by the company for the next two decades is fully in line with the key strengths, opportunities, and competitive forces the Corporation is likely to face in the future. The Port of Brisbane Corporation is a Government Owned Corporation that manages and controls the operations of the third busiest container port in Australia. First small exports through Brisbane were made during the early years of European settlement, and only in the second half of the 19th century it emerged as the main commercial centre in Australia. During only 35 years from 1850 to 1885 net tonnage through Brisbane grew from 8,128 tons to 690,883 ton. In 1888 the Port started to trade frozen beef adding it to the dominant exports of coal and rural products (POB 2007). World War II became the next major milestone in the Port's development. Disruption of normal maintenance dredging activities made the main channel's depths unsuitable for further exploitation by 1949. Construction of Cairncross Dockyard to meet the demand for ship repair facilities was only the first step in the long series of developments in the Port. As a result, total tonnage through the port reached 2.6 million ton in 1961 (POB 2007). The 1960s were marked by two other developments that had essential impact on further operation of the Port. Firstly, the discovery of the Moonie oil fields led to construction of two large refineries at the mouth of the Brisbane River. Secondly, the growth of containerized exports led to a modification in cargo handling technology: the Brisbane's first container terminal was constructed in the Hamilton Reach of the river in 1969 (POB 2007). The Port of Brisbane Corporation was established as a statutory authority in 1976. In 1994 it was corporatized under the Government Owned Corporation (GOC) Act 1993, and on the 1st of July this year the Port of Brisbane Corporation changed from a statutory to a company GOC, listed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Currently, the PBC is a publicly owned organization that operates on a commercial basis and in a competitive environment and manages Australia's fastest growing container port. The Corporation also leases and manages land for port-related purposes and maintains navigable access to the port for commercial shipping. Currently, the Port of Brisbane is the largest general cargo port in the region of Queensland. Annually, more than 2,600 ships exchange over 26 million tons of cargo over the Port's wharves. The exchange is expected to reach 50 million tons by 2025 (POB 2007). Factors of Success The progress made by the Port of Brisbane over less than a decade is impressive. Rapidly developing infrastructure of the Port provides effective transport networks, logistics options, and ensures convenient location of warehouses and other facilities. Currently, the Port's trade consists of a range of containerized, bulk and break-bulk cargoes: it leads the industry in beef and cotton exports holding approximately 50% of Australia's total market in this section (POB 2007). Financial

A Competence of Children Safeguarding Service Research Paper

A Competence of Children Safeguarding Service - Research Paper Example Since many of the managers from the established management team have been working in their departments for over 30 years, there has been much resistance on their part when it comes to implementing changes within their organization. In fact, I have been considered a threat to these managers. The Operations Manager, for instance, feels that change within her organization is absolutely unnecessary since they have gotten positive feedback regarding their services in the past. However, after assessing the performance of all the managers, I have found out that there are indeed a number of problems that need to be addressed. These are namely, 1) Poor response or lack response, 2) poor information systems, 3) lack of support and training for managers and staff members, 4) poor and infrequent supervision, 5) the failure to implement policies and procedures, 6) poor structures within services, 5) infrastructure is fragmented and disorganized. This report shall provide information pertaining to implementing change within an organization and managing members of the staff, especially with regards to introducing change. I shall also make references to the current issues when it comes to safeguarding children social workers undertaking child protection services. Clearly, considering that the managers are not welcoming change within their organization as they should, there is a need for this report in order to provide information regarding appropriate human resource management, organizational culture, and organizational behavior.   I have decided to use journals as sources, as well as articles from the Internet and books.

Law 5 Formation of Business Entities; Assignment

Law 5 Formation of Business Entities; - Assignment Example Sole proprietorship is a business formed and controlled by the same person whereby the owner shares all profits and risks in the business (Balotti, 2011). A sole proprietor bears all the liabilities of the business including all debts, violations and losses associated with the business. From my professional experience, some of the advantages of a sole proprietorship include the ease of formation since only a business name and business license is needed to start the business (Emerson, 2009). The sole proprietor enjoys all the profits, decision making and control of the business. A small amount of capital is needed to form the business and tax benefits arise since tax returns are not filled as a separate business but as personal income of the business owner (Emerson, 2009). However, some disadvantages of a sole proprietorship business include the difficulties in securing expansion capital in the capital markets, the lack of continuity after the death or incapacitation of the sole proprietor and the direct responsibility for all debts, losses and business violations of the sole proprietorship business (Balotti, 2011). The second common form of business entity is the partnership. Some types of the partnership include the general partnership and limited partnership. General partnership business is created under common law where two or more people form a business with the sole objective of making a profit. It is created by partnership agreement that outlines the duties and method of sharing profits and losses amongst the partners (Emerson, 2009). Without such agreement, the profits and losses are shared equally amongst the partners. In my own experience, partnership has certain disadvantages since each partner is jointly liable for the wrong actions of the other partners and the business can terminate after the death, bankruptcy or on agreement of the partners (Emerson, 2009). The

Reading Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 19

Reading Response - Essay Example Deuchler believes that it is possible to balance between literacy and other vital domestic chores amongst women. Although the author expects transformation of the women from Choson dynasty in terms of their cultural believes, they still stick to their traditions. Deuchler explains that the effect of dynastic transitions did not alternate the rules that affected women as was the case with the women of Choson dynasty and gives example with Chinese women. The author believed that despite the grasp of classical literature and transitional changes of dynasty the primary role of women as wives still remained vital1. Deuchler highlights some key elite women such as Yunjingdang and Saimdang who did exceptionally well both with their grasp of classical literature, calligraphic painting and outstanding dedication management of the household2. The sources used have greatly added value to the writing by providing examples that have helped in authenticating the topic of discussion. The author got the information from the source cited below and the main intention was to highlight the fact that a woman can effectively balance her duty as a wife with talents and

Analysis of a Healthcare Lawsuit Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analysis of a Healthcare Lawsuit - Case Study Example Eric H. Holder Jr., the defendant as the United States Attorney General is directly responsible for the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of the Health Care and Reconciliation amendment passed by the US President Barrack Obama on the 23rd of March 2010 (Mead v. Holder‎, 2011). According to section 1501, it requires every American to buy a health care policy from any private company or institution if he/she can afford to do so. This clause will force thousands of American citizens to forcefully buy an insurance policy from many banks and companies and if they fail to do so and do not pass the individual mandate, they will have to face a penalty and would have to pay the government with a penalty known as the Shared Responsibility payment. This penalty may also be applicable over the individual’s spouse or dependent family members. The payment for the Health Care insurance Policy and the Shared responsibility are excluding taxes. The Shared Responsibility payment, if continued would also continue to increase every year. This law will also be forcefully applied on the 62-year old American Citizen, Miss Margaret Peggy Lee Mead, who is a self-employed Single American citizen living in the State of North Carolina. She also works part time and is not eligible for Medicare. However, Miss Mead is also not under any exemption of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is also not exempted from the Shared Responsibility payment she would have to pay over the years to the government consequently. The Plaintiff would have to pay a Shared Responsibility Payment of around $3,895 to the government by 2020 in different installments per year if she does not opt for a Health Care and Insurance policy from any private entity as per the individual mandate enforced by the act. Miss Mead is under direct enforcement of the act and is under no exemption. This enforcement would

Control in Global Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Control in Global Economy - Essay Example This study therefore chose to evaluate on this catchy trend in management control systems. Management control systems in the world differ. These differences make management practices in various parts and organizations different. One country’s proven management systems may not work appropriately in a foreign country. Lere and Portz (2005), in the CPA Journal, undertook a research to establish possible reasons that may inhabit the working of a management control system in the United States with a multinational corporation firm in a foreign country. Taking a case study of a U.S based Multinational Corporation; the effectiveness of her management control system would evidently differ from one country to another or even from one branch with diverse cultural inclination to another in the same country. Therefore, the following is a report from the investigation carried out. The report from an earlier research conducted by Hofstede was that culture differs in the following aspects; power distance, gender, individual versus collectivism and uncertainty avoidance. Three regions and fifty countries were used in the analysis. However, his taxonomy added another aspect that was used to analyze twenty three nations and this is Confucian dynamism. Hofstede found out that those cultural differences has numerous implications to the effectiveness of a management system. Countries with cultures regularly referred to as the small power distance countries are associated with participative decision making and decentralization whereas large power countries are normally associated with less participative decision making and centralization. This implies that different control management systems will suit a country on the basis of their mode of decision making. For instance, in a decentralized organization, management remains at low organizational levels while in a centralized system, management control system is at high organizational

Reading Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 19

Reading Response - Essay Example Deuchler believes that it is possible to balance between literacy and other vital domestic chores amongst women. Although the author expects transformation of the women from Choson dynasty in terms of their cultural believes, they still stick to their traditions. Deuchler explains that the effect of dynastic transitions did not alternate the rules that affected women as was the case with the women of Choson dynasty and gives example with Chinese women. The author believed that despite the grasp of classical literature and transitional changes of dynasty the primary role of women as wives still remained vital1. Deuchler highlights some key elite women such as Yunjingdang and Saimdang who did exceptionally well both with their grasp of classical literature, calligraphic painting and outstanding dedication management of the household2. The sources used have greatly added value to the writing by providing examples that have helped in authenticating the topic of discussion. The author got the information from the source cited below and the main intention was to highlight the fact that a woman can effectively balance her duty as a wife with talents and

Control in Global Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Control in Global Economy - Essay Example This study therefore chose to evaluate on this catchy trend in management control systems. Management control systems in the world differ. These differences make management practices in various parts and organizations different. One country’s proven management systems may not work appropriately in a foreign country. Lere and Portz (2005), in the CPA Journal, undertook a research to establish possible reasons that may inhabit the working of a management control system in the United States with a multinational corporation firm in a foreign country. Taking a case study of a U.S based Multinational Corporation; the effectiveness of her management control system would evidently differ from one country to another or even from one branch with diverse cultural inclination to another in the same country. Therefore, the following is a report from the investigation carried out. The report from an earlier research conducted by Hofstede was that culture differs in the following aspects; power distance, gender, individual versus collectivism and uncertainty avoidance. Three regions and fifty countries were used in the analysis. However, his taxonomy added another aspect that was used to analyze twenty three nations and this is Confucian dynamism. Hofstede found out that those cultural differences has numerous implications to the effectiveness of a management system. Countries with cultures regularly referred to as the small power distance countries are associated with participative decision making and decentralization whereas large power countries are normally associated with less participative decision making and centralization. This implies that different control management systems will suit a country on the basis of their mode of decision making. For instance, in a decentralized organization, management remains at low organizational levels while in a centralized system, management control system is at high organizational

Animals Right Essay Example for Free

Animals Right Essay Some people believe that animals are humans’ friends. The other people might do not think so. Because people have different values of animals, the arguments are commenced. Since 1977, all of three philosophers, Peter Singer, Tom Regan and Carl Cohen have respectively written their work to declare the status of animals. On the one hand, according to Peter Singer’s â€Å"All Animals Are Equal(1977) ,† and Tom Regan’s â€Å"The Case for Animal Rights(1989),† they claim that people should give equal rights to animals as the way do for human beings, and treat all the animals in certain way no matter how the consequences are; On the other hand, in â€Å"The Case for the Use of Animals in Biomedical Research(1986),† Carl Cohen believes that animals have no rights because they are not a part of a group whose typical members are moral agents and able to respond to moral claims. Only human can be the top one of the living beings in the world. Then the other two consider this is a form of speciesism. To see how this long debate’s process, animals’ equal rights and speciesism are the focus. First of all, animals should have equal rights. Peter Singer starts to call for the equal rights for animals. A similarity can be found by Tom Regan. Regan presents the principle, â€Å"subject-of-a-life† as the basis of his case for the fundamental rights of animals. Once any being has complicated spiritual life, like desire, belief, memory, intention and a sense of the future, which is a subject of a life. Due to the fact that each subject of a life is an individual who worries and thinks about his or her life, that life is defined with inherent value. Indeed, Regan identifies that being is not important as the state, and concludes that all who have inherent value equally. Therefore, all animals’ equal right should be treated with respect. However, Cohen replies that animals are not morally self-legislative, cannot possibly be members of a truly moral community (Cohen2. Para. 6), and â€Å"not being of a kind capable of exercising or responding to moral claims† (Cohen 2. Para. 5), so they do not allow to gain rights. But as human infants, severely retarded humans are members of a group whose typical members are moral agents, so they do have rights. Regarding to Cohen’s idea that animals have no rights, Peter Singer analyzes the idea of speciesism to ground his case for the basic rights of animals. Speciesism is a prejudice or partiality that prevents objective consideration of one’s own species and against those of members of other species. Singer goes to explain three claims against speciesism. First, he thinks equal consideration is the basis of equality, so it is unfair to argue an animal since they do not have extending rights. He cites the claim of dogs that are unequal because they do not know what voting is so that cause them not allow to vote. Secondly equality is a moral idea not an actual one. He points out the problems of claims came from defense of racism, sexism, and arguments against the equality of human beings to illustrate his thinking. The aim of this is to put forward the point that, â€Å"equality does not depend on intelligence, moral capacity, physical strength, or similar matters of fact†(Singer3. Para. 12). Thirdly the capacity for suffering is the basic support structure of rights. Therefore he concludes that equality cannot pursue with speciesism. Finally, Carl Cohen argues that speciesism is not at all like the cases of racism or sexism, it can defense morally. Racism has no rational ground whatever†¦the same is true of the sexes, neither sex being entitled by right to greater respect or concern than other† (Cohen3. Para. 21). Unlike the differences between the sexes and races, there are much morally relevant differences between humans and animals. â€Å"Theirs is a moral status very different from that of cats or rats† (Cohen 3. Para. 22). For example, Animals cannot make moral judgments. Also, Cohen describes that the benefits of an adequate utilitarian calculus of animal experimentation which are much more valuable than its costs. As a result, the idea to oppose animal experimentation is inconsistent because this is by far a better use of animals than are other uses of animals the opponents accept, like the use of animals for food, clothing, and shelter. On the other hand, but Cohen applies the idea that it is human beings’ responsibilities to help animals to stop meaningless suffering. Carl Cohen’s arguments against animal rights are shown to be unsound. Cohen’s strategy entails that animals have rights, that humans do not, the negations of those conclusions, and other false and inconsistent implications. Singer’s view is not so very radical, and does not lead to hugely counterintuitive conclusions, because he thinks there are lots or differences between the interests of humans and the interests of other animals. So in practice, treating animals and humans as equals allows for a fair amount of different treatment. However, â€Å"the Case for Animal Rights† is beyond question the most important philosophical contribution to animal rights and is a major work in moral philosophy. Should animals have more rights? The answer we need to wait until the next declaration to go on the animal rights.

New Restaurant Business and Operations Plan

New Restaurant Business and Operations Plan Executive Summary Delicias, unlike other typical restaurants, will provide a unique excellent food at value pricing within an entertaining atmosphere. Delicias will be setup due to an increasing demand in value for everything the food purchased; customers are not willing to accept anything that does not meettheir expectations and a need for entertaining while dining. Delicias will provide soups/salads, appetizers, desserts and entrees to the San Diego market. I will setup this business to provide the customers with value for their purchase and to realize profits from the business. The business will be able to meet its objective by offering value pricing and entertaining environment to its customers. This will be a lucrative business and I expect to open other restaurants with a similar setup in future. Restaurant Description/Concept Statement The restaurant will start out as a simple sole proprietorship I will be the owner. The founder will focus on both the operation and financial management of the restaurant. The founder has a Masters Degree in Business Management and Administration and has been working for various restaurant companies for over 5 years. The wealth of experienced gained and the educational background of the founder enables the founder to successfully manage and run the restaurant. The founder has chosen to engage in sole proprietorship to ensure that business decisions are made quickly. Secondly, sole proprietorship has been preferred because the founder has not found any other people with similar business ideas. The business will be small thereby generating a small profit margin and there could be problems while sharing profits. Mission Statement Delicias will be a great place to eat since it will be combining an intriguing atmosphere with excellent and interesting food that is also very good for the people who eat within the restaurant. I am looking for fair profit and a rewarding place where my employees can work. Vision Statement: Delicias restaurant is a place where customers come to relax, get enteretained while they relax and enjoy delicios food. From the moment our customers walk into the the restaurant, they are welcomed by a warm atmosphere, entertaining music and courteous employes. Restaurant Concept Physical Location Delicias restaurant will be located in San Diego, California at La Jolla. La Jolla has been chosen for the restaurant location because it has higher scale neighborhoods, where the people would more easily pay for a more expensive lunch or dinner. The restaurant will be a modern style architecture, simple yet elegant. Restaurant design The patio area will be full of seasonal flowers and palm trees and a nice water fountain to accent the outdoor ambiance. The inside will have high ceilings and a stone floor with modern tables and chairs. The kitchen will be at one end of the restaurant, with a long horizontal window, so the guests can enjoy the process of their food. A variety of good wines is also necessary in a great restaurant, so it will need to have a wine cellar, I would like it to be also visible to the guests so they can see our wide variety and how beautiful a wine cellar can be. Tablecloths, plates, glasses and silverware will also be simple, very modern and spacious to provide the look for my plates. A study conducted in Britain in 2003 among the restaurant owners showed that the restaurants can increase their profit margins by playing classical music within the restaurant while customers eat. This is because diners spend an average of 10% more per meal while listening to classical music than while listening to other forms of music such as pop music. A restaurant which has no music is unlikely to record high sales because the customers are likely to be bored and this reduces their spending. The ambience of a restaurant is a very important aspect. At Delicias, clients will expect to have a nice time, where they eat delicious food and relax. Therefore, my clients will enjoy a nice classic music while they are eating and bounding. Services Delicias will focus on soups/salads, appetizers and entrees. Salad recipes will be used to provide the customers with a diverse and unusual menu. Delicias has also realized the demand of the customers in San Diego for healthy dishes and will be providing a wide mix of healthy food to meet this demand. The customers around San Diego like going out with their friends and family members to places where they can relax and get entertained and are willing to spend money to get these services. Therefore, I want an American style so they can feel comfortable like if they were going to eat at home, but with the touch of fine dining. The touch of fine dining will be giving by the ambience, decoration and food presentation. Collateral Several items will be given to the customers as collaterals. The aim of these items will be to ensure that the customers are assured of the quality of the service and products the restaurant offers them. The collaterals will also create a good relationship between the management, the employees and the customers. Some of the collaterals which will be given include printed menus, business cards and gift cards. Marketing Plan An effective marketing plan will be drafted and implemented and will comprise a combination of local media and the restaurant marketing programs. The in-store marketing programs are considered more effective because they will be utilized at the restaurant while having direct contact with the customers. This will include the use of table tents, in-store tour given to every new customer, outdoor marquee message changed weekly, wall posters, yearly birthday parties and grand opening celebration. Other media will be engaged once the restaurant expands. For example, Radio campaign will be used to advertise our products and services and the management will make live presentation on the radio about its services. Newspaper campaign will also be used to place several large adverts throughout the month to explain the restaurant concept to the customers in San Diego. The best form of advertisement will be word of mouth. The restaurant will attract more customers by providing quality and healthy food within a cool and entertaining environment to the customers. The prices will be affordable and the food will be served in a clean and friendly environment. Emails containing interior pictures of the restaurant will be sent to prospective customers. The management will employ three different marketing tactics to increase customer awareness of the restaurant. Delicias most important tactic will be word of mouth or in-store marketing. This marketing strategy has been chosen because it is cheap but has a great potential of attracting more customers. The Local Store Marketing (LSM) will be the second marketing tactic. These marketing plans require low budget plans. However, the use of the media has a wider customer effect but this will not used because the business is just starting and has not generated enough money for the adverts. Delicias main focus in marketing will be to increase customer awareness among the customers in San Diego and the neighboring towns. Delicias will also direct all of its tactics and programs toward the goal of explaining what the restaurant offers and how it offers to the existing and prospective customers. The products will be priced fairly, keeping standards high, and executing the concept. Furthermore, there will be no outside marketing for the first sixty days of business. The restaurant will also target festival seasons to attract more customers. However, the management of the restaurant will be careful not to bring in more customers than the restaurant can accommodate and serve effectively. Pricing Strategy All menu items will be moderately priced. This will be done by ensuring that the food are of high quality and this will assist the restaurant in being the value leader in the restaurant business within San Diego. Value Proposition Competitive Advantage The restaurant will be properly decorated to add value to the food we are offering at the restaurant. For example, the use of seasonal flowers and palm trees and nice water fountain to accent the outdoor ambiance while the inside will have high ceilings and a stone floor with modern tables and chairs. Serving a variety of food will ensure that the customer gets what they want at once. The restaurant will also host both VIP lunch and dinner and this will be done to assist the management train and introduce the staff to the restaurant customers. The customers will mainly be residents of San Diego, California but we will also invite visitors from other regions. All the visitors at the dual event will receive an invitation for themselves and additional one for their friends/family members free-of-charge. In order to gain a competitive advantage, we will also be serving top quality desserts, soups and appetizers on the premises and seasoned to perfection. With our high dinner volume, ther e will be no waiting for a food since we will have the restaurant stocked with every degree of doneness. It is apparent that no restaurant has tapped this market. Target Market Delicias is faced with the exciting opportunity of being the first mover in a restaurant where quality food is offered in an entertaining environment. The consistent popularity of soup, appetizers and desserts combined with a value price has proven to be the winning concept in other markets and will produce the same results in this venture. The market has been defined in the following groups as targeted segments. Below are the targeted market segments for the restaurant. Age Delicias will offer food to a wide variety of people across all ages. Location Delicias restaurant will be located in San Diego, California at La Jolla. Gender the restaurant will target both sexes with a slight skew for females due to their heavy consumption of salads. Income level the products and services will mainly target the high side of low income earners and to all in the middle and upper income bracket. Social class and occupation The restaurant will target the white collar workers and young professionals with families. Education the restaurant will target both high school graduates and individuals with some college education. By our definition, we will have very broad appeal for our concept. It is our goal to be the restaurant of choice for the largest community in San Diego. Competition In every business, there has to be some form of competition. The direct competitor to my family friendly restaurant would be Sammys Woodfired Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen and Cheescake factory. The business is unlikely to encounter stiff competition from California Pizza Kitchen and Cheescake factory due to their portions and prices. The restaurant will more gourmet and will be able to compete favorably. Besides the competition from these already established restaurants, there are certain barriers which might affect the restaurant. For example, I still do not have adequate startup funds coupled with high production costs and high marketing costs. Acquiring new customers in San Diego has never been easy for a new business and this is because most customers like attending the restaurants they are conversant with. Most of the staff do not have enough experience in the restaurant business and will require training. The market niche is also over-served with the current restaurants in S an Diego and this will make it difficult to acquire a large pool of customers. There are other factors which might affect the business and these include change in technology, change in government regulations, change in the economy and change in the food industry. Marketing Strategy Dalicias intends to cater to the bulk of the San Diego customers. The restaurant will have an average capacity of 400 customers and it is the business goal to fill all the seats and have everything for everyone every day on the menu. The customers in San Diego are on both fixed limited incomes and seek a value/price kind of service. It is therefore the restaurants objective to meet these needs and desires and this will assist in improving sales within the subsequent years. The restaurant will remain focused on the changing customer needs and change the menus accordingly. The restaurant will establish two marketing strategies. The first strategy will aim at attracting more customers at lunch time while the second strategy will aim at providing competitive price advantage. Offering a wide mix of food at lunch time will ensure that customers dont miss what they want to eat at lunch time. We will offer quick and light meals at lunch time and avoid heavy meals. The visitors will also be offered French fries seasoned with special blend of spices and these will be displayed on the grill. The pricing strategy will be to keep the price point at lunch time as low as possible in order to keep the business in competition within the restaurant business in San Diego. A single price will be offered which enables the customers get the salads, dessert in addition to the drinks and fries. For example, at $13 the customers will be able to get Roasted Turkey Sandwich served on marble rye bread, pancetta, avocado mayonnaise and mixed sweet potato fries. The customers wil l also get Banana Coconut Tapioca topped with a fresh berries and a lemon tuile at $6. These strategies will be adopted to establish a winning strategy for the restaurant that will broaden the business customer base at lunch. The customers targeted at this time will include teens, singles and professionals while still maintaining our core market segment. Promotion The business will mainly rely on advertisement as a means of promoting its products and services. Dalicias will make adverts on table tents, newspapers and brochures. There will also be in-house tour for the customers. The local media will be used from time to time to reach a large number of customers. The use of table tents and brochures are considered the cheapest but are unlikely to get to a large audience. The aim of these promotions will be to enable the customers understand the kind of services that the restaurant is offering and differentiate the restaurant with other restaurants in San Diego. In addition to these advertisements, the management will display the restaurants logo on letter head and business cards. The interior of the restaurant will be decorated with attractive colors and also utilizing the colors in the restaurants logo. Pricing There are several factors which will determine the price of the food. The prices will vary according to the time of the day, the season and the food composition. For example, the meals offered at lunch will have a low price as compared to the meals of the same composition in the evenings. This will be done to attract more customers at lunch time. The prices will also be high during the festive seasons and this is because there will be more customers coming to the restaurant than other none festive seasons. Customers who require a wide variety of food composition within a single purchase will enjoy quantity discount and this will see the prices go down. However, the customers who require only a single meal will pay the standard price of the food as stated in the menu. The customers base at San Diego dont necessary make their purchasing decisions based on price but on the quality of the product and service offered. In order to effective implement the pricing strategy; the restaurant will have to provide other services to the customers such as entertainment within the restaurant and a clean atmosphere.