Baroque period Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Baroque period - Movie Review Example The self-portrait shows Argan who is a character in the play. It portrays his physical appearance and the characterful face of the character. He is an old wealthy man with two wives and three children. He is the head of the household and a proud person who always wants to be involved with rich people. He is always joyful even though he is ill and is married to an ill-minded woman who plans to take his wealth after he dies. The portrait shows the play in progress. The portrait focuses on fashion by showing the great outfits worn by the characters. In this portrait, Angelique and his father show their differences. Argan decides to marry his eldest daughter to a young doctor in order he could have a doctor by his side. On the other hand, his daughter wants to marry another man who she falls in love with and so he refuses his father’s proposal. This results to a conflict between Argan and his daughter but eventually he is convinced and accepts the situation. The painting appears t o be an extension of real space. It makes the viewers feel like their taking part in the scene. The play uses this paint to show how Thomas Diaafoirus, a graduated physician, looks on his father Doctor Diafoirus to negotiate his marriage to Angelique with Argan. Thomas wants to marry Angelique since she is a beautiful woman. He asks his father to accompany him in negotiating the marriage since he knows that his father is a good friend of Argan who is Angelique’s father. Argan also is in the fever of Thomas marrying his daughter.

Male Representation In Soap Operas Media Essay

Male Representation In Soap Operas Media Essay The purpose of the following research paper is to present the Male Representation in Soap Operas and the understanding that the audience has of the male characters in this genre. In order to do so the first step was Literature Review, so I have read books and e-books which concerned the audience attitudes in television in general and the representation of masculinity in television. From each book have been selected carefully the chapters that were relevant with the topic, in order to create an idea in relation with the topic. Articles and periodicals had been read in relation to the topic. In this paper I have discussed three research methods. Two methodologies have been discussed hypothetically, questionnaires and intensive interview. As a pilot methodology I used focus groups, that I tested in real and provided findings for this paper. The findings from the focus groups were that the audience understands the two types of male characters and shows their preference in the traditional Man who represents power. They dont prefer the sensitive man who isnt in control. The audience prefers to see unrealistic situation of a social class they can never be a part of rather than watch the life of everyday people. Introduction Soap Opera was originally introduced in the American audience in the 1930s in the radio. It was dramatized series. The name of it was given due to the sponsors and the commercial presented by detergent companies. It has been present in programs ever since, it has spread worldwide and followed a remarkable development of characters situations and relationships. We witness the development of male and female characters and their course throughout the decades. The male representation in Soap Operas is very important as well as the development of society and the way men are involved. We notice at first the typical father in the 1950s who gradually turns into a rich, successful smart businessman who is surrounded by pretty, kind and evil women and men. Also he becomes a sensitive man who isnt afraid anymore to express fear, anger of love. The male role model changes according to the needs and demands of the society. This project will focus on how man is present in Soap Operas and how the audience follows their presence. Literature Review Rethinking the Media Audience By Pertti Alasutari In order to create an idea about how to approach my topic Male Representation in Soap Operas, I should begin with finding what actual audience is. In chapter 9 it is mentioned that four (4) criteria must be followed so as to characterize someone as an audience member, Firstly, the exposure of an individual or group of individuals to a particular message of any mass medium. Secondly, the writer considers the attention given to the message and if it is decoded. Thirdly, the ability of the group to retain the information and store for the future. Fourthly, Alasuutari mentions the shaping of the individual or group perceptions and beliefs concerning a subject. Another chapter which helped me to establish a thorough image about audience in Soap Operas is chapter 8. In chapter 8 John Tullach, mentions that even though the majority of Soap Operas follow the popular topics, there are other as well which follow less expected frames such as cultural topics. Thats how I realize that the audienc e could be broader and different of what I had in mind. So, I found the information I read very helpful as I understand that, not only women of all ages are the audience of Soap Operas but also men should be considered as viewers as well. Serial Monogamy: Soap Opera, Lifespan and the Gender Politics of Fantasy By Christine Scodari This book provides me with many details about relationships among families, men, women, children, friendship. But especially in chapter 4 which gave me information about older woman, younger man relationship and the opposite, older man, younger woman. As we know from our own experience as television viewers mass media has created the image of the old rich man that has all the power, no matter how this power is portrayed (ex: beautiful young woman, expensive car, mansionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Traditionally older rich men have young attractive women authority, power, wealth-are framed as sexually appealing, Scodari,(2004). On the other hand older women over 40 simply do not appear as romantic leads, Scodari,(2004). In other words Soap Operas are based on the standard theme of love but in variations having to do with age, status, money and appearance. So, we see the appearance of the young kind, poor man and the old rich, bad man, the two classic versions of Soap Opera male characters. Chri stine Scodaris book successfully confirmed my observation through personal experience the standard characters of men in Soap Operas. Screen Tastes, Soap Opera to satellite Dishes By Charlotte Brunsdon Having read Screen Tastes, Soap Opera to satellite Dishes by Charlotte Brunsdon I realized that Soap Operas are the reflection of our society. Soap Operas are not only an important part of television history but also the representation of the contemporary society. In other words at some point women become as important and influential as men. So, men are sometimes even behind women in jobs and even in families. Precisely in the sixth chapter through the series Widows that focuses on the influences men may have on women in order for them to be stronger and smarter. The series also provokes questions about whether we can speak of masculinity and femininity in relation to practices of television viewing Brunsdon,(1997). In other words even though Soap Operas are originally viewed by female audience only, eventually gain male viewers as well. That is even if men are not present the masculine model influence women and leads their way. We see then another side of male representation in Soap Operas. This book gave me good information about my topic. Even though it is written in 1997, the data provided can be used even todays research. Masculinity and Popular Television By Rebecca Feasey This particular book deals exclusively with the topic of this Research Paper Male Representation in Soap Operas. Rebecca Feasey author of this book examines the theme of masculinity in television. A lot of studies have been done on TV as the history of it and its pervasiveness present a lot of interest .Furthermore the practically unlimited number of programs makes the  field of research practically endless. Also the easy access to the medium should be taken into consideration. Finally the existence of previous texts makes TV welcome by everyone. Masculinity presented is rather fixed, stable and unalterable ,Feasey(2008). Men are formed by the cultural environment that makes their masculinity available to study. Hegemonic masculinity: this term is used in the book to define white, heterosexual, competitive, individualist and aggressive men, Feasey(2008) who are present everywhere. This male is strong, successful, capable and authoritative, Feasey(2008). Man represents power. This is the ideal image of men. A standard idea of man having dominance over woman. Therefore masculinity is a set of exterior and interior features followed by men in all aspects of their lives. In all Soap Operas men are presented as friends, fathers, heroes and martyrs, Feasey(2008). All types are set in social and sexual debates of the period. Having read the second chapter of the book I noticed that hegemonic masculinity type and the dominant male role co-exist. There seems to be a representation of men in domestic drama and the status of men in the broader population. In the history of Soap Opera we see the focus on family, relationships and friendships. This creates the following male characters: the sensitive new man, the decent husband, the hero and of course the villain. When the woman has problems with her husband, there comes the Sensitive New Man who will listen to her, give advice and be supportive. There is also the Decent Husband who will not cheat on his wife and he will be good and kind. Another type is the Hero who sees life in a romantic way that makes him attractive to women. Finally, there is the Villain how always souses troubles and manipulates men and women. Another characteristic on male characters in Soap Operas is that men start expressing their feelings. They are no longer as hard as rocks but they start to express emotions to other men. They have intimate, deep conversations. According to a research conducted by psychopathologist Simon Baron- Cohen men have got pathological difference with women. We must mention that due to their brains inability to use the emotional activity in the right hemisphere men are at a disadvantage compared to women. Women have emotion in both hemispheres thats why they are more emotional. Men are brought up to be hard and not showing feelings. So men expressing feelings and emotions and showing sensitivity are opposed to stereotypes existing so far and introduce a new type of man. We see that there is no privacy for the Soap Opera characters as all conversations happen in a big range of places. So, everything can be witnessed by everyone so no secrets are kept in the long term. Another conclusion I have made after reading this book is that men fear the presence of a stronger man who will question their authority and try to take over him and his belongings. What used to be seen as a way of keeping femininity could now easily show how men take over private sphere. This way the public and the personal field are somehow mixed. Fatherhood and paternity are largely debated in Soap Operas. Fathers are important; they strive for their children wellbeing. They can even be single fathers so in total control of their upbringing. The paternity of children is often questioned in Soap Operas. This makes women having control over men as only they know the actual truth. The first Soap Operas  such as Dallas (1978-91) and Dynasty (1981-9) revolved around the central male protagonist who owned a business and tried to keep the balance between job, family, love and friends. The patriarchal American hero would often fail in order to regain more strength after suffering and adventures. To summarize this book offers information about the Male Representation in Soap Operas. On one hand we see that a man having a Hegemonic Masculinity has power, wealth and brains but, on the other hand se we that men start to express their feelings and emotions. Masculinity and Popular Television by Rebecca Feasey, has been very useful as it provided me with a lot of figures about my topic. It also helped me make a clear image about how to conduct my methodology about designing the questions which will complete my project. Academic Journal Soap Operas men in the 90s By Carol Traynor Williams This article focuses only on male representation in Soap Operas in the 90s. Mainly mentioning General Hospital and the Bold and The Beautiful we see the presence of men in them and their interaction with women and other men. It is clearly stated that men are manipulated by women in all aspects of life: their jobs, their families, their friendships. Men seem to be in control of things but there is always a woman pulling the strings. In The Bold and The Beautiful Ridge Forrester is loved by Brooke who is always influencing him and makes him agree with her by use of her femininity. Eric Forrester his father alike is influenced by Stephanie in all his decisions. Also is The Young and The Restless we see that men come from one woman to another, changing them without hesitation in order to have more money or more fame. I have realized that Soap Opera writers who were asked about their inspiration concerning male characters they answered that the formation was based on womens desire to be with a stronger, rather villain man who would sweep women off their feet and run away with. This helped me a lot with my task as it gave me information about Soap Opera that was really famous in Greece in the past. I had a clear idea about male characters their thoughts, their incentives and I will use it in my focus group. Periodical Hard Work Always Pays Off: Jobs, Families, and the Evolution of a TV Myth By Mary Ann Watson In this periodical article by Mary Ann Watson, there is information about male, representation in TV series since the 1950s. The development of male characters through the decades, helped me in better understanding the presence of men in the Soap Operas. At first, the male character was the typical representative of the contemporary society as well. He was a father, who followed the motto Hard Work Always Pays Off. This meant that if a man worked hard, his efforts would have positive results for himself and his children. As decades passed, we see that the male stereotypes changed as women start having active roles and are not happy with only being mothers and housewives. The course of male characters justified the present of men in the Soap Operas in the 80s and the 90s. They have evolved from ordinary everyday men to rich, handsome, smart men who are ready for everything but are influenced at some level by a pretty, smart woman. As this task focuses only on male representation in Soap Operas, this article was useful in order to see how male characters developed and so understand better the reason why writers present men in Soap Operas this way. Web Why Do Men Watch Soaps? By John Beadle John Beable in January 12, 2010 was the news columnist of www.Soaps.com . The title of his article attracted my attention in a way that after all the several book and articles that I read in order to build the basic knowledge for this topic, the same question was raised. Because in general, the Soap Opera focuses on and deals only with women. This is not entirely true and the representation of male characters in Soaps proves that they created their own history and their own development based on the changes of our society. So, Beadle in his article sets the question of Why do men watch Soaps? and gives his explanations about the reasons. One reason why the men watch soaps is that at first they were trapped in this because their wives were viewers. He characterizes this process slow, in other words they didnt even realize how this happened. Second, John Beable sets the Myth that only gay men watch Soap Operas. He doesnt reject this Myth. He makes clear that not only gay people watch Soaps but straight men as well, with the small difference that straight men dont admit it. Third, the writer of this article confirms that his mother was viewer of Soap Opera and points out that this activity of watching soaps was something normal. Finally, in the college they started watching unwillingly but eventually were introduced in the plot and need to know how it goes. This statement confirms also what Rebecca Feasey says in her book, Masculinity and Popular Television, that the majority of the male audience starts w atching Soap Operas while they are in College. This article was pleasant to read because it was in some point of view, a confession by a man who admitted openly watching Soaps as everyone else. The criteria for watching werent based on gender or other factors. It didnt provide with new information about Soaps, but by the use of humor he expressed what urges men as well to watch Soaps. Methodology Questionnaire The first research method that seemed appropriate for this topic was questionnaires, so it would be one of the two hypothetical methods. Soap Operas even in our days are surrounded by fame almost as it happened ten (10) years ago. One very typical example of fame and continuity is that The Bold and The Beautiful is a Soap Opera show that even today is broadcasted and has numerous viewers. Taking the opportunity of that , this Soap Opera was welcome by the Greek Television in the early 90s.It became popular very quickly and soon everyone talked about Ridge and Caroline. If carefully planned and prepared a questionnaire, it would be a good way to examine how the audience were understanding the representation of male characters through this particular Soap Opera. By using this method I would have the opportunity to capture the participants attitude towards the representation of man and more specific the focus would be of two main characters of The Bold and The Beautiful Ridge and Thorne. This quantitative method of research and gathering information is a good opportunity to get answers about how the audience understands male characters from Soap Operas. The method of questionnaire is structured and conducted, it has numerous advantages and disadvantages. The cost of conducting a questionnaire as research method is significantly low and the process is straightforward if we compare it with other methods of research and in relation to the important information we can collect. Furthermore, this method gives to the researcher and the participant a geographical independence because the only equipment that is necessary for the completion of this research, are only paper, pens and the participant of course. Moreover, a lot of studies have been done beforehand. So I can easily acquire material to help me work with. Opposing the advantages of this methodology, a questionnaire may have number of limitations. First of all and the most important disadvantage of the questionnaires is that, the independent variables cannot be controlled or manipulated. Second, the wrong use of word and questions by the researcher can make the content unclear to the participant with the result of not collecting the right answers. Closing one more disadvantage of survey methodology is the response of the participant to the researcher with fake data or fiction answers. This option can destroy the result of the survey by the time that the data that are gathered are not true and would be able to form different/ false findings of the research. This is the questionnaire that I would give to the participants about the Representation of Male Characters in Soap Operas. The purpose of the questionnaire is the method of research and it was designed to identity if The Bold and The Beautiful viewers can identify the male representation. Questionnaire Please choose the answer that that corresponds to your viewpoints. Please specify your sex. Male Female Please specify the age group that you belong. 18-25 26-35 36-45 45+ Did you watched any Soap Opera Yes No If yes, which one? The Bold and The Beautiful General Hospital Other Did you watch it every day or occasionally? Daily Occasionally Did you find the time the Soap Opera was aired convenient for you? Convenient I missed it sometimes What did you like the most of these Soap Operas? Plot Characters Actors/ Actresses Did you usually watch the episodes alone or this company? Alone With company ( Family, friends ) Did you discuss the plot, the characters or any other aspect of the Soap Opera episodes with others? Yes No Sometimes With whom did you usually discuss it? Family Friends How did you find the depiction of male characters? Realistic Unrealistic Interesting What characteristics of male characters attracted you most? Appearance Power Brain Sensitivity How similar are Soap Operas male characters with person of real life? Very A little At all Did you like watching a sensitive side of men in Soap Opera? Yes No How realistic was it to watch sensitive men in Soap Opera? Very Little At all Intensive Interviews The case of the Male Representation in Soap Operas is an issue that has not received a lot of attention, because Soap Opera as a genre originally focuses on women audience who were the first audience through the history of TV. Because of that, male characters were originally supportive (secondary) characters on the plot and they were less memorable to the viewers. But this is not a fact because several Soap Operas based their success on their male characters, for example, Ridge for The Bold and The Beautiful who was the object of pleasure for the female audience. This example will lead the second hypothetical methodology into the Intensive Interviews. I decided to use Intensive Interviews as the second methodology. One-on-one interviews would be able to provide detailed background about the reasons respondents give specific answers. (Wimmer and Dominick(2011)) . From this method the researcher can collect data from the interviewer that regard opinions, motivations, feelings and experiences. Also allows the observation of nonverbal responses and furthermore allows to the interviewer to form the questions based on the response of the interviewee. Of course this method has advantages and disadvantages. Intensive interviews or in-depth interviews provide the advantage based on the freedom that provides to extract information form the participant about the specific topic and gain accurate answers of sensitive issues. Also the Body language, the tone of voice and gestures would give the advantage to the researcher to form the questions according to the feedback received from the participant. The disadvantages of Intensive interview are quite a few. Generalizability is one of the negative aspects. It has to do with nonrandom sample that is used from the researcher. Questions that do not follow a certain pattern can provide answers very differentiated than the question. Second, interviewer bias, is another disadvantage of this method. Because of the personal contact that the researcher has with the interviewer, they can come up with in a dialogue. In that case the researcher is very likely to share information and opinions with the interviewers and vice versa. In this case the answers o f the intensive interview will not be accurate and would not be considered as correct data. Taking into account this risk, the researcher should be careful and avoid sharing information with the participants in order to control the interview. Finally, the researcher should keep the duration of the interview as short as possible in order to avoid having a tired participant who most probably will not answer honestly and will only want to end the interview. The Actual Interview After the participant and the interviewer shake hands and formally introduce their selves, in order to form a comfortable atmosphere, the questions which are designed based on the theory about Intensive interviews will go on: You are familiar with the Soap Opera as a television genre? Have you watched The Bold and The Beautiful? Since you are familiar with this Soap Opera, can you tell me why you watched it? Could you tell me what the plot of this Soap Opera was about? Do you remember any male character? And why? Could you describe Ridge and Thorne? Cloud you say the main characteristics of those two characters? What was their main difference? Could you choose which one of those two characters was more representative male character in real life? What makes you, remember those characters at the most? Pilot Focus Groups The research method that will be discussed and be actually tested is Focus Groups. The reason is because by definition The focus group, or group interviewing, is a research strategy for understanding peoples attitudes and behavior. (Wimmer and Dominick,(2011)). I decide to apply this methodology in the pilot study of this Research paper because of the four (4) characteristics of this technique. First, the focus groups involve participants (people) and second those people share the same characteristics and interest to this particular Soap Opera topic. Third, focus groups give the opportunity of qualitative data collection. The data would be able to present an image about the better understanding of the topic and to reveal a greater collection of opinions about the specific topic of the focus group. Fourth characteristic is that the focus group gives a flexibility on the questions the majority of which are planned to be asked are predetermined but they can provided further questions to the participants in order to reach the goal of this research. The Focus Groups methodology would be the pilot method of this Research paper but before we have to point out the advantages and disadvantages of this method. There are five (5) advantages. The first is that the Focus Groups allows the collection of preliminary information about the topic or a phenomenon (Wimmer and Dominick,(2011)). The preliminary information could be used in the pilot study in order to have the formation of the idea that would lead the research in clearer results and might be used for future researches. Second advantage of this method is that a focus group can be conducted very fast. Third, is the cost of a focus group which is very attractive for the researchers and the participants. Fourth, the flexibility in the questions is one big advantage. The follow-up question which would be created by the moderator to the participants gives the opportunity to focus on the important points that come up from the conversation. Also the researcher can provide to the participants before the focus Group, to complete a written questionnaire that covers the material of the focus group. Final advantage is the dynamics that a group can offer, because the questions would be formed based on the peoples spontaneous answers in a sense that the data collected would be more complete and less inhabited than the data that individual interviews can provide. On the other hand, the disadvantages are a few. First the group leader, one of the participant who would take the role of the leader in the group in a sense that he/she would try to attract the attention and monopolize the conversation. Also this participant would try to force his/her opinion to the other participants. If the researcher faces a situation like that, he should be able to control this kind of situation by motivating the other participant to express their opinion. Second, groups of 4-6 persons is not recommended for gathering quantitative data, because the aim of the focus group is to collect qualitative data such as why? and how?. Third, the researcher who would monitor the focus group should be skilful in order to identify and puss the participants with further questions for further information. Fourth, is the weakness which small groups have that there are no representative population samples. Fifth, the researcher in order to take the data from the focus group so as to examine and document it is recommended to use technological equipment such as recording equipments( tape recorders, video camera). Those might distract participants attention and make them not act normally in the group. Finally, if the participants of the group are allowed to lose or be confused on the topic, then the data would not be useful. The procedure In order to pilot focus group for my research about Male representation in soap operas I have to follow a number of methodological steps of preparation in the conduction of focus group. 1) I have to define the precise topic of the research, 2) I have to choose samples that represent my topic in the best possible way, 3) I have to determine the number of the group necessary, 4) I have to prepare the mechanism ( the room that the research would take place, the video wall and other required equipments), 5) I have to prepare the materials for the research, such as video clips to be shown, photographs, recording machines and the questions that would lead the groups based on the materials. 6) I have to conduct the session, 7) after the end of the focus group I will have to go though the answers and the findings and conduct the results. Material The material that will be presented to the participants of the focus group would be from the Soap Opera The Bold and The Beautiful. The series was showing on Greek television and during the 90s it had a great success and many loyal viewers. In the materials there will be two (2) photos of the male characters Ridge Forrester (Ronn Moss) and Thorne Forrester (Wilson Harmon). The characters are chosen because of their being lead characters in this Soap Opera for more than 16 years. More precisely Ronn Moss has been the protagonist since 1987until even today, and Wilson Harmon has been a protagonist since 1996 until today as well. Also they are chosen because of their different characters. The first is a representative example of the Man with power, money and the second is the example of the New Man, the sensitive, the supportive male character in the soap opera. The material will be only photos because of the participants of the focus group which I will explain further down. The Group The group is designed specifically about this specific Soap Opera. It consists of women who are engaged with the topic and will provide with information about those two characters and how they understand the masculinity of their characters. All those 6 women belong on the age group of 30-45. All of the participants were watching these Soap Opera during the 90s as college students. The Questions The questions that I asked the participants in order to make the conversion are the following: Did you watch Soap Operas? Do you remember The Bold and The Beautiful? What was all about? (in terms of plot) Can you identify this man? Which was the character that he played? Could you characterize him in one word? What did you like on him? Please notice that those questions were only in order to motivate the conversation and show to the participants what I want them to recall from their memories and discuss about. There is the possibility of not using all of them. Findings The findings of the focus group were at the very first point very clear, without the researcher trying to categorize the two characters into power and sensitive. The group expressed very clearly their favor about the Man of power instead of the New man. As Rebecca Feasey points out in her book those characteristics given to male characters are usually represented in Soap Operas and they serve women. So, in the findings the focus group confirmed that there are two types of characters in soap operas and the classic Man still attracts women. Women like to see a man in control who can take care of every situation. Conclusion   Male Representation in Soap Operas   was a topic very close to me, as it has interest and provides informational background. It was an ideal topic for my fist contact with actual research. Based on curiosity at the beginning, of why men are not a popular research topic, especially since   the world is created by them, for them. This research experience came to change this stereotypical idea. During the whole process of this research, from the day that I started thinking about the topic, the literature review which created another dimension about television in general, what it was in the 30s an

Reward Management Essay -- Reward Systems RM

Reward Management (RM) has been defined as the distribution of monetary and non-monetary rewards to employees in an effort to align the interests of the employees, the organisation, and its shareholders (O’Neil, 1998). In addition O’Neil (1998) also suggests that a RM system can serve the purpose of attracting prospective job applicants, retaining valuable employees, motivating employees, ensuring legal requirements relating to direct and indirect rewards are not violated, assisting the company in achieving human resource and business objectives, and ultimately assisting the organisation in obtaining a competitive advantage. Various conflicts in the RM system can affect the benefits that can be obtained. It has been argued that performance management systems only provide superficial motivations and have little effect on underlying behaviours and attitudes. Although the RM system can have some limitations, there is strong argument for the benefits, and logic also deems it as a credible strategy to assist in improving employee performance. The implementation and application of RM within the subject organisation has provided many opportunities for increased performance. Limitations and inequities have been recognised in the system employed, mainly due to the lack of assessment and changes to the system in order to align it with organisational objectives. Reward Management Theory Reward management involves defining, facilitating, and encouraging performance. The positive effects a successful RM system can provide to employee performance and in turn organisational success and competitive advantage are clear. This appeal has driven many organisations to take up RM as part of their performance management stratagem. The RM system falls into the broader process of the performance management model within the organisation, as stated by Clark (as cited in Human Resource Management, 2000). This involves the continual process of setting performance objectives, measuring outcomes, providing feedback on the results, providing rewards which are linked to desired outcomes and finally evaluating and making amendments to objectives and activities of the system. When developing an effective RM procedure as part of organisational strategy many considerations must be addressed. O’Neil (1998) suggests the following key methods of linking pay to performance; ascerta... ...e â€Å" The reward system of the organisation guides the actions that generally have the greatest impact on the motivation and performance of individual employees†. Similarly, Wah (2000) argues that companies which treat their high-performing employees significantly better than those that don't are the best-performing companies around and they reside in the upper quartile of shareholder returns. In addition Lawler (as cited in, Readings In Contemporary Employment Relations, 1998) states that if all the psychological rewards are removed employees will grudgingly remain at work, however if all the financial rewards are removed they would most likely leave. As most of the literature suggests, employee performance is a vital element in organisational survival and success. The systems developed and applied to facilitate the management of employee performance are therefore major contributors to the overall success of performance management. To remain effective the RM process should not be isolated from other HRM functions, in addition the process must be dynamic and constantly aligned to organisational strategy. In these instances long term benefits for all stakeholders can be realised.

The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Health And Social Care Essay

In the current scenario, a 64-year-old female patient has suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) and she seemed to demo no betterment despite her current intervention for 6 months. RA is a chronic redness disease and harmonizing to the study of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE February 2009 ) RA affects 10000 people each twelvemonth in the UK population. RA is characterised by swelling and painful articulations, usually symmetrical and frequently impacting diarthrodial articulations of custodies and pess [ Firestein GS. , 2003 ] . Although RA normally attacks articulations, it can besides impact other variety meats such as bosom, lung and eyes. The exact pathogenesis of the disease still remains to be discovered. However, autoimmunity activities are believed to be to play a major function in the development of the disease. The unnatural release of inflammatory factors such as interleukins ( IL ) and tissue mortification factor ( TNF ) by the peripheral inflammatory cells such as CD4+ T cells, B cells and macrophages are involved in the patterned advance of RA which leads to inflammatory reaction at the synovial fluid ( SF ) and synovial tissues ( ST ) that line the joint and resulted in joint devastation [ Agarwal et al. , 2005 ] . When the redness progresses into farther phase, portion of the synovial membrane which envelops the SF will develop into pannus which is an inflammatory tissues that farther assail the joint and gristle and may take to joint merger by let go ofing destructive enzymes such as collagenase. Harmonizing to Scots Intercollegiate Guidelines Network ( SIGN 48 ) guidelines, RA is normally diagnosed by recovering patient ‘s medical history and scrutiny on elevated degree of inflammatory markers such as non-specific erythrocyte deposit rate ( ESR ) , C-reactive protein ( CRP ) and a more specific arthritic factor, which is an auto-antibody nowadayss in 80 % of RA patients [ Firestein GS. , 2003 ] . The incidence of RA may non be seen every bit serious as other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplastic disease which recorded a higher morbidity and mortality rate, but one time the disease progresses, it can give a great impact on patient ‘s day-to-day life. It accounts for 0.8 % of entire planetary Year Lived with Disability ( YLD ) , which is the 31st prima cause of YLD globally [ Symmons et al. , 2006 ] . As a chronic redness disease, RA causes lasting joint harm if it is non treated suitably every bit shortly as possible and a long-time medicine is required to decelerate down the patterned advance of the disease. The joint harm starts at the early phase of disease and worsens increasingly resulted in troubles in patients ‘ day-to-day work. A simple day-to-day undertaking such as opening a bottle or walking across the room can ensue in great hurting for RA patients. Some patients might even necessitate to discontinue or alter their current oc cupation due to sore articulations. Epidemiology survey showed that RA is associated with decreased life anticipation and increased mortality [ Anthony et al. , 2003 ] . As RA develops, the disease finally invades the bone around the joint and may take to osteoporosis due to inflammatory activities. Furthermore, RA intervention utilizing corticoid besides increases the hazard of osteoporosis due to depletion of Ca and increase loss of bone mass [ Kelman et al. , 2005 ] . Besides that, merely like other redness diseases, RA patients can confront anemic jobs where red blood cells production is inhibited during redness. After the importance of early intervention of DMARDs has been recognised, the old â€Å" intervention pyramid † used in RA which started off with diagnostic intervention utilizing anodynes such as NSAIDs has been reviewed. The â€Å" intervention pyramid † describes the usage of anodynes in the early phase of disease to alleviate hurting and merely starts DMARDs when the disease develops into more advanced phase where NSAIDs can no longer command the hurting and redness. However, several surveies have shown that protection of articulation from harm utilizing DMARDs should be started every bit shortly as possible to supply better patients ‘ forecast and continue patient functional ability [ Egmose et al. , 1995 ; van der Heide et al. , 1996 ] . Therefore both NICE and SIGN guidelines suggest the early usage of DMARDs to command and detain RA symptoms after diagnosing of RA is confirmed. There is no definite intervention for RA as patients may react otherwise to the assortment picks of RA pharmacological therapy. Normally RA patients would be started with the most normally used DMARDs and reviewed invariably for drugs effectiveness until symptoms are well-controlled by the DMARDs therapy. Further change in the intervention needs to be done if no satisfactory response is achieved. As in this instance survey, the female patient has failed to react to six-month intervention of sulfasalazine, which is one of the commonly used DMARDs in commanding RA. Thus an option should be sought every bit shortly as possible to forestall major joint devastation.TreatmentHarmonizing to NICE guidelines 2009, it is stated that if RA patient does non react to the first DMARDs intervention, the dosage of the drug should be reviewed and focused to supply an effectual and suited dosage for the patient before a 2nd option of DMARDs is sought. In the current scenario, the patient had failed to react to six-month therapy of SLS, it is assumed that the dosage of SLS had been adjusted to the possible maximal bound but still demo no benefit in the patient. Thus, farther intervention would be focused on seeking for an alternate DMARDs. DMARDs are drugs from different categories that are grouped together due to their similarity in decelerating down the patterned advance of RA and understating joint devastation caused by RA besides commanding the symptoms. The normally used DMARDs include sulfasalazine ( SLS ) , amethopterin ( MTX ) , gold, Cuprimine, anti-malarial, azathioprine, leflunomide and cyclosporine. SLS and MTX are most preferable in clinical pattern due to their favourable toxicity profiles although intramuscular gold and Cuprimine had shown similar effectivity in handling RA [ Aletaha et al. , 2003 ; Felson et al. , 1990 ; Capell et al. , 1993 ] . MTX and SLS were considered to be safer at usage as it was shown that there was no important difference in the incidence of side-effects reported between high and low dose intervention of the drugs [ Aletaha et al. , 2003 ] . Since the patient has failed to react to SLS, MTX would normally be the following option in head. However, there is a pick to do whether t o utilize MTX in combination with SLS or replace SLS with MTX as monotherapy. DMARDs combination has been recommended in NICE guidelines for early RA intervention, but more clinical groundss need to be sought for the usage of combination in established RA, which is pictured in the current scenario as the patient has been suffered from RA for more than 6 months and immune to SLS therapy. Three surveies were found to compare the usage of MTX monotherapy and dual-therapy with SLS in patients unresponsive to SLS. Among the three, two were randomised controlled tests ( RCT ) while one was non-randomised experimental test [ Haagsma et al. , 1994 ; Capell et al. , 2007 ; Schipper et al. , 2009 ] The first RCT was carried out in 1994 which merely included a little figure of patients ( n=40 ) based on a single-observer method over 24 hebdomads while a longer continuance ( & gt ; 18 months ) of double-blind placebo-controlled survey with a larger survey group ( n=165 ) was adopted in the 2nd RCT in 2007. Despite the difference in the survey features, both RCTs concluded that MTX-SLS double therapy had a greater efficaciousness in commanding symptoms over MTX monotherapy in SLS-resistant patients without important addition in toxicity. However, although the 2nd RCT had shown important clinical benefits for combination therapy compared to the usage of monotherapy, no important advantage was seen in radiological results or functional disablement. The 3rd survey was a recent test published in 2009 investigated 230 patients who were immune to SLS intervention utilizing the similar intervention magnitude as the old surveies to measure the drug efficaciousness. This test was carried out for more than 15 old ages and concluded that that both options provided similar consequence. The disagreement was believed to be caused by the deficiency of control group in the ulterior test which might lend to biased consequences and inconsistent usage of other drugs such as corticoids in different tests which might misdirect the reading of drug efficaciousness. Besides efficaciousness and toxicity, cost of intervention is the following of import factor to be considered in taking the right intervention for the patient. However, really few surveies were done comparing the cost-effectiveness of different DMARDs because RA is non every bit prevailing as other major diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and it does non normally result in immediate decease. The more recent cost-effectiveness analysis on DMARDs was done in Thailand from the social point of position where the costs included a direct cost and indirect cost [ Osiri et al. , 2007 ] . In order to enable numerical comparing, the cost-effectiveness of the therapies was measured utilizing the Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio ( ICER ) which is the entire cost in US dollar needed to accomplish one unit of ( HAQ ) Health Assessment Questionnaire, which comprised of 20 inquiries on patients ‘ self-report functional and disablement position. The ICER of each intervention was compa red against the anti-malarial monotherapy as anti-malarial was recognised as the cheapest and least efficacious DMARDs available. Comparing among the sum of 152 RA patients, it was found that MTX and SLS therapy recorded a three times lower ICER compared to MTX monotherapy, which explained that the double therapy was less dearly-won and more effectual compared to the monotherapy ( US $ 625 versus US $ 2061 per one unit of HAQ mark ) . However, this survey was non specifically directed to SLS-resistant patients. Therefore, merely a comparative comparing can be made on the cost for the current scenario. The following option of intervention for the current patient is the usage of three-base hit therapy which uses MTX, SLS and an anti-malarial. It was shown in a biennial, prospective randomised test on 180 patients that the ternary therapy had given a better curative efficaciousness over the dual- ( MTX and SLS or MTX and anti-malarial ) and MTX monotherapy irrespective of the drugs given in the early RA intervention [ Calguneri et al. , 1999 ] . Again, the incidence of inauspicious effects did non increase significantly with the addition in figure of drugs. The enhanced benefit by adding an anti-malarial agent to MTX intervention had further strengthened the grounds shown antecedently by a long-run followup survey on patients who were treated with ternary therapy. It was shown in the old survey that patients who had failed to react to at least one DMARD and treated with ternary therapy had shown continued betterment with minimum toxicity after 3 old ages compared to MTX monotherapy a nd SLS-hydroxychloroquine therapy [ O'Dell et al. , 1999 ] . Addition of anti-malarial agent to MTX had been shown to execute better than MTX-SLS combination, which proposed an implicit in interactive activity of anti-malarial and MTX when they are used together likely due to heighten MTX bioavailability by anti-malarial [ O'Dell et al. , 2002 ; Carmichael et al. , 2002 ] . In footings of the intervention cost, based on the same cost-effectiveness survey mentioned above, ternary therapy recorded a lower ICER ( US $ 1222 per one unit of HAQ mark ) than MTX monotherapy, but about twice every bit high as the ICER of MTX-SLS therapy. Other than utilizing the traditional DMARDs, the freshly developed biological anti-rheumatic drugs are besides being studied for SLS immune patients. Since RA involves a great trade of cytokines activities, specific cytokines blockers have been investigated to stamp down or modify the redness procedure. The most normally used biological agents include infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab which target the tissue mortification factor, TNF-I ± , which is one of the chief cytokines released by macrophage that farther induces the release of other cytokines which are responsible for the redness. NICE guidelines emphasized that TNF-I ± inhibitors can merely be used when the patient has failed to react to intervention of at least two DMARDs including amethopterin. However, Combe et Al. had tried a different attack where Enbrel has been used and investigated in patients specifically having SLS intervention but still have ailment of active RA without affecting MTX [ Combe et al. , 2006 ] . It was found that etanercept monotherapy or in combination with SLS had given better betterment in American College of Rheumatology ( ACR ) standards compared to patients treated with SLS entirely. There was no important difference in the efficaciousness in the etanercept monotherapy and combination group. However, there was a significantly higher incidence rate of side-effects such as concern, sickness and astheny in the combination group while a higher hazard of infections and injection side reactions were recorded in patients with etanercept entirely. Besides that, as a biological drug, TNF-I ± inhibitors can non get away the fact of doing serious inauspicious effects such as malignance, demyelination and increased susceptibleness to infections like TB [ Nahar et al. , 2003 ] . However when the ratio of efficaciousness over toxicity is concerned, a meta-analysis showed that TNF inhibitors have a higher ratio than gold and sulfasalazine [ Ravindran et al. , 2008 ] . Again, whe n cost is concerned, etanercept intervention, as expected is much expensive compared to DMARDs, where the cost was shown to be more than twice higher than the most expensive DMARD available, cyclosporin [ Jobanputra et al. , 2002 ] .TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONComparing the four options available, MTX monotherapy, MTX-SLS dual-therapy, ternary therapy and etanercept therapy, MTX-SLS dual-therapy seems to be the best intervention for the current patient as it is supported by groundss for its lower cost with comparable efficaciousness in SLS immune patients. It might non be the most effectual intervention compared to treble therapy, but it is ever advisable to understate the figure of drugs used in a patient to forestall unneeded inauspicious effects or drug interactions. However, there is still possibility that the patient may still be unresponsive to the dual-therapy as there is no definite warrant on the action of the therapy on every RA patient and the possibility of developing immune to MTX. Thus, the National Clinical Guidelines recommends monthly reappraisal of CRP ( C-Reactive Protein ) , an inflammatory marker and other cardinal constituents of disease activity such as DAS 28 ( Disease Activity Score based on 28 articulations ) until the disease is controlled by the given intervention to a degree antecedently discussed and agreed by the patients. If there is still no satisfactory respond, farther change in the therapy needs to be done such as sing the ternary therapy or etanercept therapy. Besides giving the slow-acting disease modifying drugs, SIGN 48 guidelines suggest the usage of intra-articular injection of corticoids to give rapid diagnostic alleviation before the oncoming of the new DMARDs therapy. Oral corticoids are non preferred to be used as a long-run intervention as it can do serious inauspicious consequence on bone mass and GI systems and it merely shows benefit in the early intervention of active RA [ Saag et al. , 1995 ; Kirwan et al. , 1995 ] If injection is non possible, so low dosage of unwritten corticoid is used in a shortest continuance possible [ Laan et al. , 1995 ] . For the diagnostic hurting control on top of DMARDs, mentioning to SIGN 48 guidelines, whenever possible, simple anodynes such as paracetamol are preferred over NSAIDs due to set up side-effects peculiarly GI annoyance. If simple anodynes are non powerful plenty to alleviate the hurting, a low dose NSAIDs such as isobutylphenyl propionic acid or more selective Cyclooxygenase ( Cox-2 ) inhibitors such as etoricoxib can be prescribed for the shortest continuance possible. When NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors have to be used, coincident usage of GI protective medicine such as proton-pump inhibitors should be considered for aged and patients with history of GI ulcerations. Both NICE and SIGN guidelines recommend that dosage of NSAIDs should be reviewed and reduced once patients show equal response to DMARDs. In drumhead, the patient should be continued with SLS, at the same clip, added with MTX as the combined DMARDs therapy. In add-on, intra-articular or short-course unwritten corticoid should be commenced as a â€Å" span therapy † before the oncoming of action of the new DMARDs therapy. For diagnostic control, if paracetamol is non equal to relief hurting, NSAIDs such as diclofenac together with a proton pump inhibitor such as Prilosec can be used unless it is contraindicated in the patient, so a Cox-2 inhibitor such as etoricoxib should be used. Besides that, patient would be put on a monthly monitoring to reexamine the effectivity of the new therapy.

Personal Development Paper

I was influenced the way I determine different actions or behavior in a particular situation since I was a child. Growing up with a Baptist mother and four brothers made me value different things and behave in a particular way. In addition, this made me a have a particular ethical system that influences the way I work and act as an individual. At the corporation level, ethics is important because they set the rules and policy. In this paper, I will explain the developmental aspects of my ethics as well as my ethical system, the effects of my ethics at my workplace, and importance of ethics in an association to achieve its goals. My ethical system was shaped since I was a child. Growing up with a Baptist mother, definitely influence the way I value my family. In addition, some of my decisions are influenced by this Baptist upbringing. We treated everyone in the neighborhood like relatives, so even if you had one parent the neighbors would help the parent raise you. This was the standard I was use to until middle school, when I started wanting more freedom. My ethical system really started to develop then. The middle school I went to was 97% black 2% Hispanic and 1% white. As kids on the verge of being teens, we would test each other to do things that we knew was wrong just to see if we could get away with it. As dumb as it sounds that was the rules. As a kid, you do not think of what can go wrong. Then in high school things, changed hormones took over and everybody wanted sex. We know at that age that should have been that last thing on our minds but it was the first thing we thought about from sun up to sun down. My ethics would not allow me to take drugs. I saw for myself the effects of drugs and that was a route I could not take. Joining the Army really set in stone my ethical system that I would come to live by. We had so many rules and regulations that govern us that it only took one mistake to ruin your life. My underlying ethical system was in jeopardy every day. Treat people how you wanted to be treated even if they did not. The drill sergeants did not have to treat us like people, so we became a product owned by the US government. I learned honor, duty, respect, selfless service, leadership, and other things. That is when I discovered that the world was bigger that just me. One time in Afghanistan, one of my soldiers was on detail to help fix roads in country. The location that they were at had not been scan for landmines. The people in charge did not know that, so I jumped in a vehicle to find her so she would not be injured. By the time I got there, they were already in the middle of the minefield. I should have waited for the recovery unit to get there but I did not want see anyone be killed. First, I made them stop what they were doing and backtrack all the way out. No one got hurt it was the fact that made feel like I did the right thing for my fellow soldiers. This was a case of a duty-based ethical system. Then along came the marriage and the family. This is where my ethical system changed to a relativistic system. Dealing with a wife and kids there is no black and white, but there are many gray areas. You can never be right unless you agree with your wife even if she is wrong. The kids ask questions that you cannot answer so you tell them something made up just to make them better. The potential effects of my ethics on my performance helps me make the right choices at work most of the time. Shipping parts and items internationally there are a lot regulations you have to follow. Some people try to cheat the system and half way do paperwork thinking we can let them get away with it. Well, if that happens and the item is held up at the docks or on the plane, the company has to pay a fine a big fine now a day. If you are involved in that, you can be fired. One time not too long ago we were helping a customer get their parts shipped to out Hardy facility. After 4:00pm, you cannot ship any big item at that time because of traffic. We told the manger that the item could not ship it will have to go out tomorrow. He stated that the customer wanted the item that day and could not wait. The item went out any way and was damaged because the driver had to take back streets to get to our other facility. The item was so tall that it hit every tree it came in contact with which cost the customer $125,000 dollars to fix. The next time they try to ship anything they have to get permission from more than just the customer. They have to get hand written permission from three different sections so they can get the best service that we can give them even if we do not give what they want all the time. Ethics are need in organizations like mine so people will not take advantage of other co-workers and the customers. People in these companies sometimes treat the worker unfairly and will not pay them for their worth. They work long hours and get no compensation. Some companies like ENRON cheat people and cause problems globally because of the different investors that have invested in the company. The individual loses their job, the organization suffers in the public’s eye and society see the company as a sham. If an organization’s ethics are being held by the employees the company does well and the people know that the organization can be trusted. Most of these organizations have ethics classes and different types of learning programs to help the employees understand the importance of ethics. Conclusion Many different factors guide a person to have the ethical standpoint they have in life. Over time and as that person grows their ethics change and grows with them. There are no black and whites, good and bad, just people for the most part doing what they believe to be right in there point of view.

What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Essays

What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Essays What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Paper What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Paper Essay Topic: Film A trailer is the joining of short sequences extracted from a movie to help to promote it and make it appeal to the target audience, according to the genre of the film and the sort of people that would be likely to watch it or buy it. The industry chosen to produce the trailer tries to take the best and most interesting sequences and information from the film, in order to get to the audiences attention and likes effectively. They will do that through selecting and including the best shots and main stars, depending on the narrative of the film. In order to do that, producers will use the kind of background music, soundtrack or voice-over that they consider more appropriate. In this essay I aim to try and explain the techniques used in the Mission Impossible II trailer to make it appeal to the audience, by means of analysing the employment of media terms. The star in Mission Impossible II is Tom Cruise and John Woo directs the film. U. S. P (Unique selling point) is something or someone that individually appears (usually the star in the film or a well-known person) to help sell by using its image. The Unique selling point does also depend on the target audience, for example Tom Cruise would not be very much attractive to kids, but Mickey Mouse (Disney animated cartoon) would. Advertising film companies always aim to focus and create big shots on the main selling points during the promoting trailer, according with the films narrative and the audience it is addressed to. If the actors fame is due mainly to a specific narrative genre, in which he/she is easily recognised, advertising companies would produce a trailer with shots and introductions of the movie, bearing in mind the popularity level of the starring actor between the selected audience, which will improve selling conditions in the films promotion campaign. It would also increase the publics assistance to the cinema, which was the whole initial objective. In the trailer I am examining we can clearly see that the trailer producing company portrayed Tom Cruise as the unique selling point. In order to do that they used a selected number of shots with different angles. At the start of the Mission Impossible 2 trailer, producers placed a long-angle shot, in which we could observe a big mountainous zone and a person exerting himself in climbing to the top of a summit. Then the camera moves nearer until get a big close up of the so well-recognised actor, which makes the public remember and link him with the very first movie of Mission Impossible, in which he also starred. As a whole thing, Tom Cruise occupies all of the trailer sequences, excepting for the explosions scenes and a few more. The genre could be seen as the U. S. P because of the appeal of action-science fiction films among the target audience, which should be between 14 to 50. The science fiction genre has a great influence on different target audiences. They would be very interested in the continuation (or second part) of the previous Mission Impossible movie (which had a smashing success), in which they could see once more the private agent, Mr Hunt, on new adventures and missions. Also the fact that this film is a sequel and a re-make of a 1970s TV programme might as well predominate on the eldest and middle-aged (50 to 60s approximately) audiences appeal according to the shows they had seen on their youth years, that would incite them to see or buy the film. In the trailer are about three different characters that we can barely see, without counting star actor, Tom Cruise. In one quick film sequence we can see a man with one eye in an iron plate, which we can deduce, for its presentation, that is the evil one in the story. In other brief sequence we can see a romance scene of Tom Cruise and a woman whom would have the role of being his lover. The remaining part of the trailer is headed by Tom Cruise shots and street fighting scenes as well as car and motorcycle racing. The Mr Hunt character (Tom Cruise) is constructed as brave good-looking man that is always calm and seems to have everything under control. We have evidence from the trailer to demonstrate this: You gotta be kidding, he says with a very unruffled expression on his face after he is introduced to his next mission. He is also portrayed as a current and normal person that under that calculated image is a strong (strong personality as well) high- skilled hero, we can see that in the climbing mountains scenes and in the street fighting. All that qualities make him perfectly fit the conventions of a secret service agent. Compared to British James Bond there are a big variety of similitudes as the popularity both have among women. However, there are also differences; British Bond is an aristocrat from upper class while in American characters as Mr Hunt the superior social position is not always necessary. The way in which Mr Hunt is determined to the publics eyes would successfully attract the different targets audience. His qualities and the style in which they are presented make him look attractive, probably because he has the requisites people are looking for in a science fiction character. We are given more information about Mr Hunt because he is the main character in the film and producers have concentrated on repeating his image throughout the trailer, creating a proper atmosphere around him and using its personality to perfectly match with the films narrative. As far as the trailer reveal us the films narrative is developed in a science fiction background with high technology effects and ultimate machines, such as the sunglasses with especial visual location that Mr Hunt wears. The story involves a secret mission addressed to Tom Cruise in order to protect something or somebody from a person that could use a certain information (possibly inserted in a diskette) for bad purposes. That sort of persecution action between the characters is very typical in the story constitution of this genre, which are also slightly fantastic if we refer at the high development of technology used, probably to make the audience get inside that fictitious world of constant action and suspense in which everything seems possible. The narrative structure in this trailer would undoubtedly appeal to those who have previous knowledge of the film by that peculiar music and the trailers introduction to the story, without forgetting the so recognised character that would bring back Mr Hunt into life, creating anxiety among the public to get to see him again in new adventures. As for those who dont have any previous knowledge, the film trailer would be likewise interesting and appealing, especially for science fiction lovers. That would be possibly due to the attracting the trailer emits towards the film, making it look a big temptation to the audience, mainly by the way the trailer is edited with the best images selection. This trailer is edited at a high speed and most of the images are juxtaposed (image against each other), an effect that gives out the impression of loads of things happening and continuos entertaining action. But not all the scenes in the trailer are like that. In the first part, the trailer starts off very calmly and slowly with a beautiful view of a mountainous countryside and a clear sky, of a perfect blue behind Mr Hunt while he exerts himself in climbing a mountain. This view and the use of bright colours as the free, plain and purely blue sky, give out connotations of stillness and peacefulness. But everything will soon change, as the actor slips, we can see a computer-localising camera that will turn and relate all the following scenes with high technology effects. As usual on the science fiction genre, there will be ultimate machines and an astonishing development technology taken to the highest levels. The remaining shots are coloured in metallic blue tones to give people the connotation of the high technology world in which the movie is developed. Another evidence from the trailer to demonstrate the importance of high-tech items are Mr Hunts glasses which have a message of identification, it says: Agent: Mr Hunt. The trailer also has mid-red scenes with explosions to give connotations of fire and danger, which link perfectly with the action required in these films, adding the car and motorcycle racing and the street fighting. To look at the trailer construction, we also need to refer to the background sounds. Probably the so famous and recognisable Mission Impossible soundtrack would positively make the audience pay attention to the trailer, as they are well familiarised with the films typical and peculiar music. In addition, the sound of the cars and motorbikes give the impression of continual action and danger, not counting the explosion noises and the drumbeats joined by computer sounds, created with a high technology work of vibrations. At the opening of the trailer we can appreciate the use of voice-over when a man (or computer) says to Mr Hunt after having localised him Good morning Mr Hunt, sorry to disturb you in your vacations. That happens soon after Tom Cruise puts his glasses on, which have the information necessary for his next mission. The trailer manufacturers also decide to include some lettering in this film advert in which they situate the directors name among the flames of a big explosion. The release date had been placed at the ending of the promotion trailer in smaller letters, as it is considered less important. As a final point I am going to conclude this trailer breakdown and examination. I would predict and assure the exit of this film preview among the audience. The media terminology used would certainly suit the publics requests, as they have been transmitted to the audience effectively throughout the inclusion and sponsorship from the main star, the director and the acknowledged science fiction genre. Summing up, the detail that the movie is a continuation of a triumphant previous film and episodes and the numerous connotations of action, danger and adventure make the film look altogether as an interesting choice on the big screen that the audience would delightfully enjoy.

The eNotes Blog Happy 87th Birthday, HarperLee!

Happy 87th Birthday, HarperLee! Last night, I found my sixteen-year-old daughter in bed   a full hour early. In her hands was Harper Lees classic novel  To Kill a Mockingbird. I want to see what is happening with Scout. Im worried about her, she explained. My daughter, like millions of other readers, has become enthralled by the coming-of-age story of Scout Finch as she navigates the racially-charged world of Alabama in the 1930s. Yesterday, April 28, 2013, marked the 87th birthday of Harper Lee, the novels author.  To Kill a Mockingbird  was immediately popular and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. It was an instant critical success as well, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. In 2008, Londons  The Telegraph  named  To Kill a Mockingbird  the greatest novel of all time. The novel, Lees only published work, may not have ever been.   She was struggling to make ends meet in New York, working as a ticket agent for Eastern Airlines. While in the city, she became friends with the composer and lyricist Michael Brown  and his wife, Joy. The three became very close. In December, the Browns gave Lee an astonishing gift: a years salary with a note that read, You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please. Merry Christmas. Within a year, Lee had completed the first draft of   Mockingbird.   Hot on the heels of Lees Pulitzer was the film being made of her work. The movie was released in 1962 starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.  To Kill a Mockingbird  won three Oscars and was nominated for five more.  In 2003, AFI named Atticus Finch the greatest movie hero of the 20th century. Want more? How about some trivia?! Five Quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I’d have the facts. I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. Before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. You really never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view†¦until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Seven Quotes: On Reading Writing More than a simple matter of putting down words, writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer. There are people who write, but I think they’re quite different from people who must write. There’s no substitute for the love of language, for the beauty of an English sentence. There’s no substitute for struggling, if a struggle is needed, to make an English sentence as beautiful as it should be. I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career, that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide. Any writer worth his salt writes to please himself†¦It’s a self-exploratory operation that is endless. An exorcism of not necessarily his demon, but of his divine discontent. It was like being hit over the head and knocked cold. I didn’t expect the book to sell in the first place. I was hoping for a quick and merciful death at the hands of reviewers but at the same time I sort of hoped that maybe someone would like it enough to give me encouragement. Public encouragement. I hoped for a little, as I said, but I got rather a whole lot, and in some ways this was just about as frightening as the quick, merciful death I’d expected. Now, 75 years later in an abundant society where people have laptops, cell phones, iPods, and minds like empty rooms, I still plod along with books. Instant information is not for me. I prefer to search library stacks because when I work to learn something, I remember it. You must come to terms with yourself about your writing. You must not write ‘for’ something; you must not write with definite hopes of reward. (Source). Still want more Test your knowledge of Harper Lee or her classic novel!   Take our fun, interactive quizzes! To Kill a Mockingbird Quiz   Harper Lee Quiz

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) - Definition

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) - Definition Analysis of Variance, or ANOVA for short, is a statistical test that looks for significant differences between means on a particular measure. For example, say you are interested in studying the education level of athletes in a community, so you survey people on various teams. You start to wonder, however, if the education level is different among the different teams. You could use an ANOVA to determine if the mean education level is different among the softball team versus the rugby team versus the Ultimate Frisbee team. Key Takeaways: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Researchers conduct an ANOVA when they are interested in determining whether two groups differ significantly on a particular measure or test.There are four basic types of ANOVA models: one-way between groups, one-way repeated measures, two-way between groups, and two-way repeated measures.Statistical software programs can be used to make conducting an ANOVA easier and more efficient. ANOVA Models There are four types of basic ANOVA models (although it is also possible to conduct more complex ANOVA tests as well). Following are descriptions and examples of each. One-way between groups ANOVA A one-way between groups ANOVA is used when you want to test the difference between two or more groups. The example above, of education level among different sports teams, would be an example of this type of model. It is called a one-way ANOVA because there is only one variable (type of sport played) that is being used to divide participants into different groups. One-way repeated measures ANOVA If you are interested in assessing a single group at more than one time point, you should use a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. For example, if you wanted to test students’ understanding of a subject, you could administer the same test at the beginning of the course, in the middle of the course, and at the end of the course. Conducting a one-way repeated measures ANOVA would allow you to find out whether the students’ test scores changed significantly from the beginning to the end of the course. Two-way between groups ANOVA Imagine now that you have two different ways in which you want to group your participants (or, in statistical terms, you have two different independent variables). For example, imagine you were interested in testing whether test scores differed between student athletes and non-athletes, as well as for freshmen versus seniors. In this case, you would conduct a two-way between groups ANOVA. You would have three effects from this ANOVA- two main effects and an interaction effect. The main effects are the effect of being an athlete and the effect of class year. The interaction effect looks at the impact of both being an athlete and class year. Each of the main effects is a one-way test. The interaction effect is simply asking if the two main effects impact each other: for example, if student athletes scored differently than non-athletes did, but this was only the case when studying freshmen, there would be an interaction between class year and being an athlete. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA If you want to look at how different groups change across time, you can use a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Imagine you’re interested in looking at how test scores change across time (as in the example above for a one-way repeated measures ANOVA). However, this time you’re also interested in assessing gender as well. For example, do males and females improve their test scores at the same rate, or is there a gender difference? A two-way repeated measures ANOVA can be used to answer these types of questions. Assumptions of ANOVA The following assumptions exist when you perform an analysis of variance: The expected values of the errors are zero.The variances of all errors are equal to each other.The errors are independent from one another.The errors are normally distributed. How an ANOVA is Done The mean is calculated for each of your groups. Using the example of education and sports teams from the introduction in the first paragraph above, the mean education level is calculated for each sports team.The overall mean is then calculated for all of the groups combined.Within each group, the total deviation of each individual’s score from the group mean is calculated. This tells us whether the individuals in the group tend to have similar scores or whether there is a lot of variability between different people in the same group. Statisticians call this within group variation.Next, how much each group mean deviates from the overall mean is calculated. This is called between group variation.Finally, an F statistic is calculated, which is the ratio of between group variation to the within group variation. If there is significantly greater between group variation than within group variation (in other words, when the F statistic is larger), then it is likely that the difference between the groups is statistically significant. Statistical software can be used to calculate the F statistic and determine whether it is significant or not. All types of ANOVA follow the basic principles outlined above. However, as the number of groups and the interaction effects increase, the sources of variation will become more complex. Performing an ANOVA Because conducting an ANOVA by hand is a time-consuming process, most researchers use statistical software programs when they are interested in conducting an ANOVA. SPSS can be used to conduct ANOVAs, as can R, a free software program. In Excel, you can do an ANOVA by using the Data Analysis Add-on. SAS, STATA, Minitab, and other  statistical software programs  that are equipped for handling bigger and more complex data sets can also be used to perform an ANOVA. References Monash University. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). csse.monash.edu.au/~smarkham/resources/anova.htm

Kuwaits democratic development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Kuwaits democratic development - Research Paper Example This essay declares that in developing the context of democracy, the essential approaches for consideration with relation to the democratic development include the procession of development of civil life from the kin-based origins or the contractual and interest-based styles of leadership . The associations of the ancient worlds are much similar to those of today. In the pursuit of liberation and establishment of civil life, the aspects of cultural origin structure the continuity of rule within the political systems. The rule on interest-based conceptions entails the selection of a leader based on his interest for the subjects. Democracy and development remain the driving forces of the ‘new world order.’ The initial opportunity for engaging in Kuwait was the call to liberate Kuwait from the invasion by the Iraqi forces. This paper makes a conclusion that the development of Kuwait towards democracy has a rich history of turbulent times. The aspect of the government structure of the city-state constitutes vastly in the limitation towards achieving complete democratic establishments . Politics and individual interest in the recourses of the oil-rich country continue to increment the gap towards the development of the city-state into adopting democracy in all its constitutions. Further, the factors of religious beliefs and culture also limit the establishment and achievement of democratic development of Kuwait. These factors result in the retarding growth of Kuwait towards the establishment of democratic development.

Islamic finance and conventional finance Research Paper

Islamic finance and conventional finance - Research Paper Example There is a growing global concern of the inequity in the allocation of wealth and income in the modern world, between and within countries, than has been witnessed before, with little hope of bridging the disparity. In this perspective, this essay will discuss ways in which Islamic finance can be seen as an innovative way that could substantively redefine finance and why it is different from conventional finance. Islamic finance is distinguished from conventional finance by the key attribute of adding moral and ethical aspects to fiscal transactions, hence providing a practical alternative to promoting responsibility in a free-market economy (Warner 301). Unlike the conventional financial and banking system, Islamic finance prohibits the opportunities for gambling-like speculation (or maysir), exchanging money for money (or riba) and making profit maximization the only endeavor for investment managers while disregarding other human perspectives of wealth. Instead, Islamic finance has innovatively introduced financial products based on Islamic law and also regulated and reciprocated by conventional monetary rules and regulations. Islamic Finance Products From the below examples, one can see that Islamic finance is geared towards reducing financial exploitation, especially among the less privileged. All rates of return are determined by the asset transaction, unlike conventional finance systems that base the returns on the interest accrued from loaned money (Warde 124). This is why it is increasingly appealing not only to non-Muslim countries, but also non-Muslim individuals, by redefining the way they perceive financial transactions. Istinaa: Also known as Commissioned Manufacture, Istinaa is a contract for the manufacture of goods under the perspective that speculation avoids the sale of a product that a person does not own yet. A promise under agreed specifications is arrived at, and a bank commissions the manufacture, hence undertaking the risk, and later sel ls to the buyer at agreed profit (Timur 799). Ijara: This is a leasing contract in which a party obtains an asset under lease for a specified cost and time from another, often a bank. All the risk is borne by the bank while a portion of the installments pay towards completion of the purchase at the time the asset will be transferred. Mudaraba: This is a trustee-type partnership financing whereby one party offers capital and another labor. Musharakha: This is equity participation whereby the involved parties contribute capital in terms of technical expertise or assets and set an agreed percentage of the risk and returns. If a bank is involved, it purchases property alongside the customers, and repayments are partly constituted of payback and rent. Differences between Islamic Finance and Conventional Finance In Islamic finance, there is the notion of a captive market, where products are based on Islamic principles and the market comprises of customers willing to adhere to the concepts of their religion. All transactions are based on the principle of sharing profit and loss, with returns varying depending on a bank’s performance. Customers can take part in profit sharing in more equitable ways than getting predetermined returns. On the other hand, in conventional finance and banking, customer returns are irrespective of a bank’s profitability or performance (Kadri 53). The banks only treat customers as depositors who do not receive any compensation apart from interest. Unlike conventional

Global Managerial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Managerial Economics - Essay Example The Balance of Payments (BOP) refers to the sum of all economic exchanges between countries and includes expenses and income from the trade of goods and services, and financial transactions, including foreign direct investment. These exchanges, or transactions, fall under two categories: A Current Account and a Capital Account. The flow of goods, services, and money in and out of the United States is recorded in the current account. When national expenses exceed national income or budget, meaning the current account is â€Å"overdrawn,† it is referred to as a trade deficit. The US finances its current account deficit by issuing securities and bonds. Since fluctuations in the BOP also affects the value of the US dollar, the Federal Reserve uses a managed floating system by occasionally intervening to control fluctuations in the exchange rate. Daniel Griswold, in his 1998 trade policy analysis, states â€Å"No aspect of international trade is†¦ understood less than America’s perennial trade deficit†¦Trade deficits reflect the flow of capital across international borders, flows that are determined by†¦how much people save and invest. This renders trade policy1 an ineffective tool for reducing a nations trade deficit†¦[since] since trade deficit†¦has virtually nothing to do with trade policy.† Griswold explains that a country that has more investments than savings, such as the United States, must bring in capital from overseas through a capital account surplus. These foreign investments enable Americans to buy more goods and services even if they produce less, bridging the gap through a trade deficit. Since the mid-70s, the US has had a yearly trade deficit, reaching $100 billion in 1984 and over $150 billion in 1987. In 1991, the trade deficit dropped to $31 billion, but has been increasing since then, reaching over $190 billion2 in the fourth quarter of 2005 (BEA, 2006). Trade deficits have been blamed for â€Å"unfair† foreign

Creative and media strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Creative and media strategy - Essay Example Each of the topics has been focused in the means of communication and data related to the media. Advertising is one of the effective means and the most desired action taken by the marketers to attract the customers. For an effective advertisement, creativity is very much essential, advertisements is all about creativity. Creativity also requires planning, the need to advertise, and the marketing and promotion objectives. Today the marketers are trying to capture the minds of the customers by creating an emotional appeal. The marketers are using the techniques of emotional appeal which have succeeded and customers have become more brand conscious. In the second part of the project report under the heading campaign development, an advertisement has been chosen from the Coca Cola company where the advertisements also tends to apply the technique of emotional appeal to attract the customers. Section A Section A deals with two topics one concerned with radio as a multi media opportunity a nd secondly on media-multiplier and simultaneous consumption of media. The brand which is chosen for radio is Pringles crisps. This section would deal with the opportunities that exist in connection with the radio and for a better understanding, one of the radio station of UK would be analysed. And in case of simultaneous use of media a term known as media stacking has been explained and it has been said that the simultaneous use of media has been proving to be an advantage for the people as well as for the marketers. Radio as a multi-media opportunity Pringles crisps are considering the use of radio for the next campaign. Pringles a brand of Procter and Gamble (Pringles, 2011) have decided to introduce radio as a means of communication in their new campaign in UK. For an effective media it is necessary to target the right audience and the right means of communication. It has been rightly said that novelty is the key to an effective advertising. Novelty in media, message, product, t arget segment and especially in the fields of creativity is more likely to increase the sale. Another factor that would lead to success is the emotional advertisements which are more likely to appeal more to the customers. Emotional appeal is the most effective means in advertising (Tellis, 2004, p.22-23). The form of communication chosen by Pringles is radio. Radio may seem to be the least glamorous of media but the reality is that radio has been an important part of the media and forms an integral part in the media plans. Radio has some of the unique features and because of its qualities the advertisers are investing about $7billion per year in radio advertising in order to reach the local and national audience (O'Guinn, et.al, 2011, p. 485). Therefore the opportunities lies with the radio station and its audience is wide and with the help of new digital aspect, the marketers are more widely using radio as means of communication. Pringles thus have adopted the new and most famous tools of media which is radio. There are different radio options available to an advertiser to reach its target audiences. The advertisers can choose from the categories such as syndication, networks, satellite, AM versus FM and through internet and mobile. The advertisers can choose from the options and communicate the message accordingly. In Syndication, the radio provides complete programs to stations on

MDCM (B) write up Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MDCM (B) write up - Case Study Example & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). Along with defining, prioritizing and framing useful recommendations, the paper also constitutes a score card in order to evaluate each prioritized projects and also comparing the prescribed projects using the Portfolio Application Model Matrix (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The MDCM corporate board should keep prime focus upon defining, initiating and prioritizing top IT projects that should support or help MDCM’s strategic business goals in order to compensate huge losses that the organization faced during the last five successive years. In this connection, the MDCM board should assess their prioritized projects initiative that would ultimately provide high value and low risk towards the business organization. Moreover, the corporate board of MDCM should lay emphasis upon the long-term competitive advantage of the organization along with tackling the risk issues that are mainly associated or related with them (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The most appropriate IT project initiatives that MDCM analyses can become a part in order to improve its global IT. The organization took the initiative on unifying its methodology and technical values. The corporate team of MDCM wanted to eliminate the numerous different standards and IT methodologies that are prevailing across the company. This approach would help them to reduce the project sequence and encourage information distribution across IT development teams. This initiative was very much essential for MDCM in order to improve the future system development capability of the organization (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The other significant project initiative of

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities - Essay Example Both regional and local authorities have the responsibility of planning, and implementi8ng cycling policies. National level commitment is essential for putting right the legal, regulatory, and financial framework that lead to successful implementation of cycling initiatives. This is the city in the region with a well advanced form of League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community where bicycling is an important means of transport and recreational activity. According to the 2007-2011 American Community Survey, 4% of Newark households engage in bicycling for recreation (Delaware Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Survey). It is a normal phenomenon that all cyclists at one time have felt to be invisible to motorists. Bike Delaware has provided the â€Å"intentional blindness† that addresses this phenomenon. Another issue of safety is the question as to why cyclists’ and pedestrians’ safety is termed as invisible to traffic engineers. Most traffic engineers pay close attention to road safety and traffic congestion. Despite this safety, little is realized on the ped/bike safety projects. The federal program called the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is responsible for funding Road Safety in Delaware. According to the data collected from the research, Delaware has spent more than $8 million HSIP dollars every year on road safety improvement projects but none focused on reducing pedestrian or cyclist fatalities. As a result, motor vehicle occupant fatalities have reduced while pedestrians’ fatalities have not. Cycling around Delaware University and Newark area is a favored means of transport to students, staff, faculty, and locals living in the area. Cyclists are assisted by the Newark Traffic Relief Committee (NTRC) that has prepared a Newark City Bicycle Map. The map shows cycling and pedestrian routes in the city and provides

MDCM (B) write up Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MDCM (B) write up - Case Study Example & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). Along with defining, prioritizing and framing useful recommendations, the paper also constitutes a score card in order to evaluate each prioritized projects and also comparing the prescribed projects using the Portfolio Application Model Matrix (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The MDCM corporate board should keep prime focus upon defining, initiating and prioritizing top IT projects that should support or help MDCM’s strategic business goals in order to compensate huge losses that the organization faced during the last five successive years. In this connection, the MDCM board should assess their prioritized projects initiative that would ultimately provide high value and low risk towards the business organization. Moreover, the corporate board of MDCM should lay emphasis upon the long-term competitive advantage of the organization along with tackling the risk issues that are mainly associated or related with them (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The most appropriate IT project initiatives that MDCM analyses can become a part in order to improve its global IT. The organization took the initiative on unifying its methodology and technical values. The corporate team of MDCM wanted to eliminate the numerous different standards and IT methodologies that are prevailing across the company. This approach would help them to reduce the project sequence and encourage information distribution across IT development teams. This initiative was very much essential for MDCM in order to improve the future system development capability of the organization (Jeffery, M. & Norton, J. F., â€Å"MDCM, Inc. (B): Strategic IT Portfolio Management†). The other significant project initiative of

Hofstede's cultural dimension australia vs vietnam (management Essay

Hofstede's cultural dimension australia vs vietnam (management subject) - Essay Example Hofstede says that culture â€Å"is the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the member of one group or category of people from another†(Tjosvoid and Leung, 2003, p 31) Hofstede has captured cultural values in terms of cultural dimensions which are broad attitudes of the people in a society concerned with identification of evil, good, dirty and clean, moral and immoral, irrational and rational.(Tjosvoid and Leung, 2003, p 31) The work of Hofstede stemming out of a lengthy survey of employees of the well known IBM multinational spread over some 70 countries and his later work have categorised the cultural dimensions in five values of Power Distance (PD) , Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), Individualism and Collectivism (IDV), Masculinity and Feminity (MAS) and Long Term v Short Term Orientation (LTO). (Hofstede, 2001) The five values need to be explained before examining the case of Boost juice organisation of Australia entering Vietnam.Power Distance: Classified as high and low power distance, it signifies the extent to which a person can exercise power against the others. It applies to power equation with the Government, employer and with the family members. If the distance is high, power is considered as concentrated in a powerful minority and if low, it is decentralised meaning that people in the society enjoy freedom. According to Hofstede, some cultures are characterized by high power distance and some others by low power distance. In high power distance, individuals accept power as part of society by which superiors consider their subordinates different from themselves and vice versa. Countries such as India, Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Greece, Venezuela, Mexico and the Philippines have high power equation and people there think power and authority are facts of life. Similarly, countries su ch as Austria, Finland, Denmark, Norway, the United States, New Zealand