Ethics in Psychology Essay

The definition of ethics is as follows: â€Å"a theory or system of moral values; the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person†. (dictionary.com ) In modern day society, we have bio-ethicists; professionals who are trained to judge what can be considered ethical, as well as strict guidelines set forth by the APA (American Psychological Association). However, during the early years of the formation of Psychology, there were no bio-ethicists or universal guidelines, therefore some of the early experiments such as the â€Å"Little Albert†, and â€Å"Mother Attachment† would be considered unethical and therefore would not be permitted today. In 1920, behaviorist John B. Watson and his assistant Rosalie Rayner conducted an experiment now called the â€Å"Little Albert†. The desired outcome of the experiment was to show empirical evidence of classical conditioning in humans. (T. Bartlett) A similar study that preceded â€Å"Little Albert† was conducted by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, which demonstrated the conditioning process in dogs. It is said that Watson wanted to continue and further Pavlov’s research to eventually show that emotional reactions could be classically conditioned in humans. Watson and Rayner first selected a nine month old baby from a local hospital, his name was Douglas Merritte. The child was then exposed to a series of stimuli including a white rat, a rabbit, a monkey, masks, and burning newspapers; his initial reactions were observed and recorded. The boy initially showed no fear of any of the objects he was shown. However, the second time the boy was exposed to the white rat, it is accompanied by a loud starling clang, that clearly frightens the child. This portion of the experiment is repeated multiple times until the mere sight of the white rat, or creatures that have a similar appearance, frighten the child even when unaccompanied by the startlingly clang. The researchers have successfully conditioned Little Albert to be afraid. (T. Bartlett) Today â€Å"Little Albert† is considered to be a cruel experiment of questionable value, clearly in violation of all five of the APA’s general ethical guidelines. The APA states that psychologists must: â€Å"respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Be aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making. Be aware of and respect cultural, individual and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices.†(APA) The first problem with â€Å"Little Albert† stems from the harm caused to the individual in question. Douglas Merritte was ultimately driven to feel extreme fear and even terror when exposed to anything that remotely resembled the white rat. This was mentally damaging for the child, and may have impaired his ability to integrate himself into society at a later date. (Cherry. K) Secondly, the right to withdraw was not present in the experiment; even when the boy became distressed and even ill the experiment continued. Therefore, today, the â€Å"Little Albert† experiment would be considered highly unethical. During the 1960’s, American Psychologist Harry Harlow, conducted a series of controvertial experiments known as the â€Å"Mother Attachment Experiments†. These experiments were used to analyze the mother-child relationship in primates. In Harlow’s initial experiments, infant monkeys were separated from their mother’s shortly after birth and were raised instead by surrogate mothers made either wire or soft terry cloth. In one experiment both types of surrogates were present in the cage, but only one was equipped with the ability to nurse the infant. Some infants received nourishment from the wire surrogate, and others were fed from the cloth mother. Harlow established that mother love was really behavior based, meaning the offspring would seek physical comfort, rather than feeding. Harlow’s isolation studies also demonstrated the need for maternal interaction with their infants and the importance of play as part of the normal process of psychosocial growth. Harlow has received multiple awards for these experiments, they have been deemed â€Å"of extreme significance for understanding those aspects of human behavior related to depression, aggression or sexual dysfunction, which originated in the formative years of mother-infant interaction.†(Theodore Lidz of Yale University Medical School). However, due to the fact that the experiments caused extreme psychological effects on the primates used in the trials, they could be seen as highly unethical. In the APA’s ethical principles of psychology, section 8.09 clearly states that psychologists must have a: Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research. Subsections B and D of section 8.09 are relevant when considering Harlow’s treatment of the primates. Subsection B states: â€Å"Psychologists trained in research methods and experienced in the care of laboratory animals supervise all procedures involving animals and are responsible for ensuring appropriate consideration of their comfort, health and humane treatment† (APA). In the â€Å"Mother Attachment† experiments, Harlow himself was not trained in the research methods and experienced in the care of the primates, nor was there any consideration for their comfort or mental health after the experiment. Furthermore, subsection D states that: â€Å"Psychologists make reasonable efforts to minimize the discomfort, infection, illness and pain of animal subjects† (APA). Harlow failed to minimize the negative effects of his experiments on the primates in a long term setting; most primates involved in the study were clinically depressed after the termination and in some cases during the experiment.Therefore, in accordance to the APA’s ethical guidelines Harlowâ €™s experiment would be seen as morally questionable and in most cases unethical in modern society. There is no question that the science which is psychology has been built and greatly advanced through the means of what some would consider unethical means and experimentation. â€Å"Little Albert† is seen today as a cruel experiment of questionable value. However knowledge was gained from this â€Å"unethical† experiment that has helped modern day psychologists. The â€Å"Mother Attachment† experiments, have won multiple awards for their â€Å"extreme significance† (Theodore Lidz) in the analysis of behavior based on the mother-child relationship; despite the fierce criticism and controversy surrounding the experiments. Should both experiments be considered morally wrong and unethical? Perhaps. Did both experiments play a large role in the advancement of psychology? Without a doubt. Therefore in Harlow and Watson’s cases, the end justifies the means. References American Psychological Association (APA). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=3 Bartlett, T. (2012). The Sad Saga of ‘Little Albert’ Gets Far Worse for a Researcher’s Reputation . Chronicle of Higher Education, Vol. 58(Issue 23), A-26. Cherry, K. Psychology – Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. Little Albert – The Little Albert Experiment. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://psychology.about.com/od/classicpsychologystudies/a/little-albert-experiment.htm (1975). Honoring Harlow for dedicated research . Science News , Vol.107 (Issue 24), 383.

Phuket Beach Resort Essay

Case Report : Phuket Beach Hotel Executive Summary Phuket Beach Hotel has space located on second floor of the main building which was underutilized. Planet Karaoke pub was expanding in Thailand and looking for a venue in patong beach area for setting up another outlet. Planet Karaoke Pub found unused space of the hotel most suitable for their new venture. Beach Karaoke pub project does not considered salary as excess man power is available but if we considered cost of staff salary, Beach Karaoke pub becomes less attractive. There are many factors that cannot be quantified but they need to be addressed for the evaluation of the projects including Security issues. Additional security guards can be hired to maintain law and order but the costs of extra security is not provided for analysis. Recommendation Wanida should suggest an investment recommendation in favor of the Planet Karaoke Club (PKC) project. Reference : On-line segments Text Book – Financial management (Theory & Practices) Phuket Beach Hotel report

Power of One Word

A single word can be used to belittle, hurt, and humiliate. One word can cause so much hurt to a person that they burst into tears or spiral down into a damaging hole that they can't get out of for an extended amount of time. Throughout history, names have been used to keep a population in its place. Insults have been hurled to make a single person understand what another thinks of them. Words are used all the time to cause damage to a person or an entire peoples soul. One word can have a lot of power. In â€Å"What's in a Name? †, Henry Louis Gates father was a well respected negro in his community.Maybe the better way to put it is more respected. He worked two jobs, and being more financially successful elevated the family's status. The Gates family was the only negro allowed into a local drugstore to actually sit down and eat. On one occasion, Mr. Gates and his father went in together for ice cream and his father greeted a white man. The white man, Mr. Wilson, responded, bu t called his father â€Å"George†. George was a disparaging name for black men. Mr. Gates asked his dad to correct the Mr. Wilson, thinking it had been a mistake. When he realized that Mr.Wilson had deliberately insulted his father, it changed something in him forever. I believe Mr. Gates could not comprehend Mr. Wilson acknowledging and belittling his father at the same time. Why did he say anything back at all? Why would he be rude on purpose? Mr. Gates, up until that moment, had believed that Mr. Wilson was a nice person. After Mr. Gates' father explained that he called every black man George, his opinion shifted. The white man insulted every black man he knew. This was the first time Mr. Gates could see that people were not always who they seemed.He was confused about why his father did not correct Mr. Wilson. Surely his father must have been insulted. He must have understood that Mr. Wilson meant to insult him. I believe he became embarrassed for his father and wanted hi m to correct Mr. Wilson, to stand up for himself. His mother called it â€Å"just one of those things† (Gates 6), and he was upset that they accepted that. It was painful that they had so many of those moments. He wanted his father to change something, to correct the wrong. Accepting it was painful and shameful. He wrote that he could never look Mr.Wilson in the eye again. One word, â€Å"George†, made a little boy see clearly a white man, his black father, their positions in society, and the injustice that society tolerated. It changed his view of the world and of his family forever. In A Lesson Before Dying, a black man, Jefferson, is sentenced to be electrocuted for a murder that he did not commit. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time with a couple of boys he had known his whole life, and they were trouble. They robbed a liquor store that was owned by a white man, and during the robbery the white man was killed.A black man at the scene of the crime never stoo d any chance of not being convicted. When the sentencing part of his trial came up, his lawyer tried to get him out of a death sentence. The lawyer claimed that he was the equivalent of a hog. â€Å"I ask you, I implore, look carefully- do you see a man sitting here? † (7; pt. 3, ch. 1)†¦ â€Å"What justice would there be to take this life? Justice gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in electric chair as this. † (8; pt. 4, ch. 1) Jefferson and his godmother, Aunt Emma, are both deeply affected by the word hog.She calls on a family friend, Grant, to help Jefferson learn to be a man. She says, â€Å"I don't want them to kill no hog† and â€Å"I want a man to go to that chair, on his own two feet. † (13; pt. 2, ch. 2) She wants him to die with dignity. The first time they see him after the court date, Jefferson has taken being a hog to heart. He's so hurt that he snuffles and makes hog noises, saying that dignity is for â€Å"youmans† (83; pt. 8, ch. 11) and they should only be bringing certain foods that hogs eat, since he was a hog. Grant has no idea how to teach dignity to a man, but over time they start to communicate.They talk about ice cream, which Jefferson wants for his last meal, and Grant brings him a radio. This reminds Jefferson of his humanity, and he thinks maybe Grant is trying to do him some good. Grant had been struggling with his own demons since he came back to his hometown after college. He no longer believes in God and is bitter and beat down by the way black people are treated. He separates himself from his community because he thinks that he no longer belongs. He thinks that his family and friends don't understand how white people keep them all in their place, and that they are weak because they just accept it.He never wanted to help Jefferson and thought he would never be able to make a difference. Breaking through to Jefferson makes him realize that as much as he hates the way life is in their small town, he does belong. He is a part of it and the people. He can finally understand what Jefferson's aunt wanted him to do, and explains to Jefferson that he can die a man, that Jefferson can go to the chair with so much dignity that he strengthens the whole community. They all owe something to each other, and like it or not, they should all be trying to help each other out.Jefferson realizes that since he loves his aunt he should learn to â€Å"be a man† so she can have peace when he dies. When he finally goes to the chair, he is a man. He dies with dignity and leaves his mark behind. White men know deep in their hearts that his punishment was unjust. He starts a slow change in certain people in that town. Jefferson left behind more than he had brought with him to the world. One word, â€Å"hog† changed two men forever. Jefferson found himself and became something for the people to look up to. Grant realized that he was not better than everyone else, and be gan wanting to make his world a better place.The word hog took Jefferson down so low that he believed he should be eating slop off the floor and that they should just hurry up and slaughter him. When his time finally came, he was calm and understood that he could actually use this to do some good. He was a man. Females can be horrible to each other. They can be vicious and sneaky, and sometimes that is most evident in sororities. Sororities have intense and sometimes demeaning tasks and initiations to become a member. The older girls will tell their pledges that they are losers, fat, or stupid.There is one word that seems to be thrown out more often than not, and it should be a word that women don't use against each other, â€Å"bitch†. The girls that pledge to sororities are looking for somewhere to belong when they get to a new school and are away from home for the first time. In a lot of cases, instead of being welcomed and introduced to their new school in a friendly way, they are put through hazing and degrading situations. In Pledged, one of the initiations was putting the new girls in blind folds, stripping them down and laying them face down on the floor.Boys from a fraternity were then free to move around the room with markers and mark on the girls. The boys would highlight the areas on their bodies that the new girls needed to work on. (Robbins 259-260) Others sororities have branded their new girls with lit cigarettes or metal brands after encouraging the girls to drink heavily and then stripping them down without their consent. (Robbins 258-259) Any girls who objected to this treatment, however, would be called a bitch and kicked out. Women should not be treating each other this way.It is hard to understand that sororities, which should be lifting their members up, would want to subject their members to even worse treatment than what they already saw at home, in the outside world. They put each other down and are constantly telling them how to do their hair, how to dress, how much to weigh, and how to act. The whole time they are doing this, however, they are telling the new girls that they are not good enough, and probably won't be able to meet those standards. They are told that all of this is to help improve themselves and it's all for the greater good.If a girl decides to stand up for herself, she will have no choice but to leave the sorority for not being able to cut it. Girls that complained were called a bitch and had their rooms ransacked. (Robbins 359) The new girls are told that the sorority is tearing them down in order to build them back up. It destroys their trust in other girls and in a system they thought was going to protect and nurture them. In Born Round, Frank Bruni always had a little trouble with his weight. He came from a big Italian family, where big family dinners and having a lot of food in the house was normal.He had a personal struggle with food. He knew he should not eat so much and dieted f requently because he was embarrassed of his weight. When he got into adulthood, he gained quite a bit of weight at one point. He realized that he was judged, sometimes just by his weight alone. He liked to eat however, and got a job as a food critic. Starting out as a food writer, he managed to keep his weight down to a manageable level. As time went on, however, his weight started to creep back up. When he saw an old family friend while he was heavier, she judged him and told him he was so fat. Bruni, 35)This word. â€Å"fat† sent him into a slight depression, where he put on even more weight. He dieted again, continuing in his circle of up and down weight. It took him a long time to accept who he was and find his healthy weight, and most of his psychological problems with his weight came from the word fat. A single word can be used to belittle, hurt, and humiliate. One word can cause so much hurt that it makes a person doubt who they are and their self worth. It can, howeve r, make a person stronger. It can put events into motion that change a community. One word can change people forever.

Gender and crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gender and crime - Essay Example was â€Å"strongly related to rising unemployment and an increasing sense of despair among the groups, which finds expression or outlet through aggression and violence† and these crimes were dominant â€Å"in depressed and impoverished areas, such as council estates in the U.K since the late 1980s, often accompanied by new forms of crime such as ram-raiding, joy-riding and the rise of alcohol-induced brawling in towns and cities†( Edwards, 2006, p. 11). Thus, one can obviously come to the conclusion that crimes in U.K had been associated with masculinity as majority of the crimes in U.K was committed by males and the women were thought to be incapable of subjecting themselves to any violent crimes. However, one can notice that factors such as the emergence of new women liberation movements, growth in feminism and women empowerment have been instrumental in increasing criminal offences by women at an apparently a faster rate than offending by men since the 1960s. While criminology in U.K were always focussed on males crimes and offending towards the last two decades of the 20th century â€Å"female incarceration rates were sky-rocketing, leading to a surge in research on girls, women, crime, and the criminal justice system† and as the researchers have very well put it the war on drugs and the federal sentencing reform were the two factors that resulted in the incarceration of women (Miller, 2009, p. 246). Similarly, one can also notice that female Prisoner Population in England and Wales rose considerably in the 1970s to the 1970s. It is, therefore, imperative that there are more of extensive researches and studies on female offending in the U.K. It was Freda Adler who f irst argued that females crime rates have been on the rise in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. The researcher concluded that â€Å"women offenders were changing their patterns of offending to more ‘masculine’ styles, becoming more aggressive and violent; and that this was due to the growth of the

Are we living in a therapy culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Are we living in a therapy culture - Essay Example The different types of general problems are also increasing for employees day by day. According to Furedi (2003), the therapy concepts are not linked with dilemmas that are peculiar or indifferent states of mind of the individuals. Therapy is being taken as dealing with dilemmas that are common and state of minds that are being observed in normal human beings on a usual basis. There was a time therapy was considered as typically being applied on some unique cases but now every human being is gradually becoming prone to therapies. The states such as depression, stress, anxieties that are general, different types of phobia, and shyness are some of the common problems that are faced by majority of the individuals (Howard 2005). The author Furedi (2003) also discusses that the individual experiences that are faced are being categorized as medical and psychological issues and this may directly relate with the emotional mind set of the individuals. Therapy concepts are not just visiting psychologists and having chat sessions with them, therapy is becoming an inbuilt concept in society that is making mandatory compulsions on individuals for remaining competitive in the society and cope up with realities of life. Therapeutic claim making has become one of the most interesting debates currently. Furedi (2003) suggests that individuals are mostly interested in acknowledgements that state that they need formal recognitions and approaches to cure themselves. The society pressurizes the individuals to consult psychologists and counsellors to have sessions and discuss about their problems so that their therapy sessions can start with them. Cameron (2000) argues in his book that people are ready to make therapy claims very easily by observing their conditions. It the psychological thought that they have developed that they may get well if they take up therapy sessions for

Assessing the potential impact of institutional investors on corporate Dissertation

Assessing the potential impact of institutional investors on corporate governance in China - Dissertation Example .................................................................... p.10 Literature review ..................................................................... p.10 Conclusions ..................................................................... p.31 References ..................................................................... p.37 ABSTRACT Examples are given pertaining to the development and present situation of Western institutional investors. Also under discussion is the practice of Western/Anglo institutional investors towards an increasing participation in the corporate governance in a proactive way. The methods and procedures of institutional investors participation in corporate governance is described, with American and British examples – and how these institutions pertain to China. Analysis is given describing the development of the corporate culture that leads to a more active role in governance, and how the assumptions thereof have evolved over time. Both the p ositive and the negative of institutional investors on corporate governance are described, with respect to a term corporate interests. Challenges relating to foreign investments in China are described in this context. The current status of investors and the losses they have suffered due to transitional effects in the Chinese economy are extrapolated based upon a shifting legal and financial landscape as China modernizes its economy. Recommendations to alleviate these concerns are proposed. INTRODUCTION The advent of high finance and its utilization in the operations of Incorporated business organizations created a situation many decades ago in which it was recognized that owners and shareholders need not always see eye to eye. The directors that oversee functional operations over day-to-day matters do not always have the same vested interests as the shareholding owners of the corporation. The interests of operational control may not match the objectives of other individuals interest ed in a slow and steady growth of assets and equity. But the considerable benefits of ownership by way of investment have been recognized for nearly the entirety of the 20th century, thus investors by necessity must gain certain rights and privileges. The role of these investors is an evolving understanding that balances the nuances of organizational agility against long-term growth. Theories of corporate governance must be developed to define the responsibilities of investors and the degree to which they can influence operations without stressing corporate resources beyond their ability to perform. (Davis, 2002) Possible examples might include the director/executive officer, who may have founded the business wanting to maintain control possibly for sentimental reasons – the business might have been in his family for many years. Or, the business might be a valuable source of jobs for a particular local community. But the investors that can help a business rise to the world st age might feel that their interests are best served through mergers or takeovers that permit a favorable return on investments based upon various stock options and projected share values. Certain individuals may perceive a loss of livelihood, and thus oppose measures that will increase the profits of those that have injected vast amounts of capital to make the business what it is. Arbitration and compromise are necessities. OVERVIEW Over three decades institutional investors have superseded private individual shareholders in the world's most important capital

Discuss the Moral Considerations Relevant to the Killing of Human Essay

Discuss the Moral Considerations Relevant to the Killing of Human Being - Essay Example According to those who oppose this  practice, they argue that the foetus is a human being or a person from the time of conception. Hence terminating it is the same as killing a human  being  which in itself is not  moral.  The foetus acquires  human  characteristics remarkably early in its  life  such that by the tenth week, it already has acquired a  face, arms,  and also  fingers and toes.  Also, the internal organs and the brain activity can be detected by this time. As every human has the right to life, also does the foetus. Every woman has the right to decide what should be happening in her body, but the foetus's right to life always outweighs her right to  make  a  choice  as to what happens in her body (Thompson 45). Many people who support abortion have  various  premises to support their arguments. One is pregnancy due to rape. They argue that this is reason enough to terminate the pregnancy. However, one cannot say that those who  wer e conceived  through rape have less  right  to live than others. Pregnancy due to rape results in the conception of a  baby  that also has the equal right to life just like all the other conventional methods of conception (Thompson 56). Hence Judith wonders what will happen when the mother's life  is threatened  by the pregnancy, whether it is morally relevant to  abort  the pregnancy or not. ... This means that abortion is morally permissible in some situations while in others it is not (Thompson 58). Judith's considerations on the  morality  of human  killing  are similar to the argument of Dan Brock who argued about the  morality  of voluntary, active euthanasia. Provision of  relieve  from suffering is among the many ways doctors take care of the patient`s wellbeing (Brock 30). Yet from a third-person point of view, it  is not known  whether an individual`s quality of life is extremely low that it  is burdensome  for the individual. Hence an  individual  might  regard  the continuation of his life to be unbearable because of the severity of his suffering; and  want  a doctor to end his suffering  immediately  by ending his life. This means that an individual acting on his values is morally permissible if his doing so is consistent with permitting others to the same freedom. This is  mostly  self-determination and the  value  of  equal  liberty. Hence an individual`s  choice  of  voluntary, active euthanasia is  more  consistent with permitting others the same freedom. Therefore, an individual  choice  of  voluntary, active euthanasia and the doctor's fulfilment of this request are morally permissible. However, voluntary, active euthanasia involves the deliberate killing of individuals, which is wrong. Hence voluntary, active euthanasia is also wrong. Removing life-sustaining  treatment  also amounts to deliberate killing of innocent people yet it  is thought  as morally permissible (Brock 32). This  is only done  when it is  consistent  with the well-being of the patient and his  self  determination. Hence voluntary, active euthanasia is morally permissible when it is  consistent  with the autonomy and the well-being of the patient (Brock 35). According

The managment of corporate social responsibility in developing Essay

The managment of corporate social responsibility in developing economies - Essay Example It is also seen that in the developing economies, monitory power is concentrated in the few industrial and corporate houses, which constitute the core area in the development. Yet another major feature of the economy is that it has emerging market with vast potential, which attracts lots of foreign investments and multinationals with their numerous products. It is a fact that government alone cannot be responsible for the socio economic development of its population. Though it provides the basic guiding principles and policy parameters of development process in the various core areas, people must also take up the cudgels to get involved into the process along with the government, if the country is to achieve the distinction of sustainable development that percolates down to the people living at poverty line. Hence, according to social scientists and economists, the corporate houses including the multinationals, must get involved in exercising their social responsibility with right earnest and contribute towards the all round development of the nation, especially the underprivileged segment of the society and the underdeveloped region which may even lack the basic infrastructural facilities. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a relatively new concept that is becoming increasing more popular among the multinationals and big corporate houses which have significant presence in a developing countries or are intending to enter the emerging market of developing economies. ‘The relationship between companies and civil society organizations has moved on from paternalistic philanthropy to a re-examination of the roles, rights and responsibilities of business in society. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), defined in terms of the responsiveness of businesses to stakeholders’ legal, ethical, social and environmental expectations, is one outcome of these developments’ (UNIDO, 2002). The last few years have seen rising cases of CSR in the socially

Greenpeace Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Greenpeace - Case Study Example In other words, Greenpeace has a reputation of an organization that is not afraid to take bold actions in order for the society to change its current perspective on the relationships with nature. In the case that will be examined in this paper one is able to see the following situation: Greenpeace has been a long proponent of switching from harmful substances that are used in refrigerators to those that are environmentally friendly. Finally, it was able to success in it by finding a company that would be willing to introduce the changes. This marked the transition from a conflict based approach of promoting environmental values to an approach that relied on cooperation and reasoning. Nowadays, Greenpeace is known to have promoted its environmentally friendly coolant almost all over the world, excluding the United States. However, there is hope that one day it may change since large companies are many certain steps towards it. To begin with, it may be rather useful to evaluate the tactics that was used by Greenpeace in the Greenfreeze campaign. First of all, one might mentioned that the organization in question tried to target the brand that directly interact with the consumers and, therefore, value their reputation. Indeed, this is a rather smart move since big industrial corporations never contact with people to whom they sell their product and they can hardly be influenced. On the other hand, big bands are willing to gain a competitive advantage by trying to attract their customers with the use of new environmentally friendly technologies (Kaufmann, 2014, p. 103). What is more important is that these brands are able to have a direct impact on the manufactures; so, by targeting them Greenpeace made a right choice. Another aspect of the strategy that should be mentioned is the fact that it promoted the technology worldwide by making sure that companies

Noam Chomsky's Theory of Universal Grammar and Development of Language Coursework

Noam Chomsky's Theory of Universal Grammar and Development of Language Abilities in Humans - Coursework Example   According to Chomsky, the process of language acquisition is genetically programmed and occurs as a consequence of the complex mental processes in the human brain. Simply stated, individuals possess inherent abilities and capacities, needed to understand the principal rules of grammar and apply them to construct meaningful sentences.Ample evidence supports the Chomskyan thesis. A profound analysis of language typology by Herman (2009) shows that all languages within and beyond the Austronesian group exhibit the same grammatical characteristics and operate the same list of grammatical conventions. These conventions reflect the ways, in which sentences in different languages are constructed (Kay & Fillmore 1999). Crain (2009) uses disjunctions to show, that children have a grammatical view of language different from that of adults, meaning that they develop their language structures, based on the a priori knowledge of grammatical rules. That the changes in language do not prevent c hildren from acquiring and learning it is one of the principal arguments in favor of the UG thesis. However, not all scholars readily agree with this viewpoint.Language diversity refutes a belief in grammatical universality across languages. The absence of certain grammatical categories in different languages further challenges the UG viewpoint. Ultimately, the UG thesis itself is a result of the lack of observational and analytical skills in professional linguists.The current state of literature does not fully support the UG thesis but does not reject it. Objectively, Chomskyan theory exemplifies one of the essential dimensions of scholarly research into English grammar and other languages and creates a foundation for future linguistic research. Even if Chomskyan universal grammar theory seems to neglect the differences between languages and the cultural/ social factors affecting language development, it operates strong arguments supporting the generalization and standardization of grammar patterns across languages. Apparently, future research must concentrate on the investigation of genetic mechanisms and their role in first and second language acquisition by English learners.

5 Steps To meeting Someone New Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

5 Steps To meeting Someone New - Essay Example If your date enjoys music, perhaps the obvious choice would be attending a music concert. Instead, however, consider going on step further and take a portable CD player, a picnic basket and your date out for a quiet lunch under the sun. If your date is a film fanatic, avoid a crowded theater and opt for a projector and find the perfect place to host your own private showing of a comedy movie that's sure to bring a smile to your date's face. By being creative, you will show that you have put thought into the evening.The second step is making your First Impression. First impression plays an important role when you're meeting up with a woman, because your first impression can either make it or break it. A lot of guys don't take this seriously, but it's a fact that if you're able to make a GOOD first impression, then chances of you getting with that girl will be around 90%. But if you fail to do so, then your chances are reduced dramatically to 20%. Just think about this, you just went o n a blind date and it turns out to be that the girl doesn't smell nice, her hair looks awful and she didn't put too much effort dressing up. Would you want to meet up with her again I don't think so!! So here are some simple things you need to remember, in order to make a good first impression. Always look your best and smell good.

Battle of Thermopylae Essay Example for Free

Battle of Thermopylae Essay 300 is a fictionalized depiction of the 460 B. C. Battle of Thermopylae. Adapted from Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300, director Zack Snyder evidently aimed for this cinematic spectacle as historical as the Spartan’s glory. Led by King Leonidas (Gerard Butler), the 300 best Spartan soldiers fought to death against the Persian King Xerxes’ (Rodrigo Santoro) campaign of ruling the world of men, save the last one named Dilios (David Wenham) who lived to proclaim the glory of the 300 and of course, recount the story from the birth of King Leonidas to the rigors of a Spartan soldier’s life. Through this narrative technique, we are brought to the world of grotesque-faced warriors, beautiful and cursed oracles, sex orgy, 460 B. C. political evil and gigantic fantastical beasts that made the whole movie an action historical fantasy instead of a classroom historical documentary. Created by CGI visual effects technology, the movie is an image duplication of the original comic book. The unworldly creatures came to life, a mere number of casts looked a hundred thousand or so, the amazing panoramic dark clouds added much drama to the dark scenes and the rain of gores and blood were clearly meant for action suckers rather than the sandal supporters. Indeed, human slaughter never looked so pretty. But you do not need to be a comic book or a computer animation fan to admire this cinematic landmark. The cinematography is what grabs your attention in a different way as Gladiator or Lord of the Rings or Troy ever did. Although I have to add that incorporating some of the said movies’ best shots like the Gladiator’s sunny wheat field scene, the olliphant-like creatures from LotR and the bird’s eye view battalion shots from Troy, gave us some moments sort of deja vu but over-all, Snyder did his homework pretty well in making this 460 B. C battle unbelievably believable. From the angles to the color schemes, the 300 movie looked like a technically polished storyboard. Every frame is beautiful and every panel is a cinematic feast. Unlike the technically benchmarking combat between Hector and Achilles in Troy, the combats in 300 are taken NOT from a vantage point of a spectator, but from an eye level of somebody who belongs in the battle†¦ somebody who moves in the battle. Filled with slow motion shots, the frame almost freezes to give a further zoom of the amazing sequences. The effect? Well, the audience were brought face-to-face to the thrill of the Battle of Thermopylae than they could ever imagine. The way the film flowed gave us a comic book feel to almost every scene but freed us from the eye candy gloss of the comic book. The chained giant Persians, the leprosy looking elders and warriors, the outrageously choreographed combats and the spear-causing blood showers looked wildly more spectacular than what paint brushes or video game film-making could ever do. The irony of the special effects’ impact on creating a scene of the past while setting a cinematic future gained 300 its wider acceptance. The incredible visuals were bloody mad and ferocious, which is exactly what that era is all about and what our era tries to relive, technically. We know how this is made. Shots were indoors against a blue screen and the backgrounds were added using CGI techniques. (Movie buffs get the hang of this technique after Twilight produced an exclusive documentary of the CGI behind their movie). Lacking of an all star casts and expensive shooting locations, we can say that the movie’s visual effects stole the spotlight. Even Gerard Butler’s commanding voice will not be given that much awe without the tiny acoustic touch. However, the visual techniques which so prodigiously employed didn’t just become the movie’s success but as well the movies failing. Having it overpower the substance made critics less indulged and more complaining. Many said that whatever the movie tremendously have in style, it lacks in human emotions and thus fall short in portraying the historical Battle of Thermopylae as a human history, not an epic from another world. Save Queen Gorgo’s (Lena Headey) shot to rally support for her husband, all those battle speeches sounded vain for lacking frame supports. But then again, the R rating could well make us understand that it’s the bloody, violent stunts that made us pay for the two-hour beautifully-generated tortures. To quote King Leonidas, â€Å"a new age has come, a new freedom†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ I guess, we just have to embrace it.

International Law of Sea Frameworks

International Law of Sea Frameworks The framework for an international law of the sea should have the authority or force of law and promote collective interest that drives state compliance. The process of authoritative decision flows from three distinct elements—interaction among the maritime states and oceans users; the rights of access, including the rights of access for the international community to oceans space and the rights of coastal states to claim jurisdiction over ocean space; and finally, determinations of decision-makers responding to these competing claims. The unfolding process of authoritative decision for a public order of the oceans is evident in maritime operational and diplomatic theater. In the contemporary era, this drama unfolds within the regimes reflected in the 1982 Convention. The point of departure for the regimes, and corresponding rights and duties in the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS), is the baseline of the coastal state. This chapter discusses baselines, intern al waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone, international straits, archipelagic waters, the exclusive economic zone, and the regimes and national security. Keywords:  United Nations,  international law,  territorial waters,  national security,  1982 Convention,  UNCLOS Throughout the Cold War, the Soviet Union would come to learn that all states, not just traditional maritime powers, have an interest in unimpeded access to the seas. The progression in Soviet thought was not immediate. Changes in Moscow’s thinking unfolded from the 1950s to the 1970s, as the U.S.S.R. shifted from a green-water coastal defense strategy to a blue-water fleet. By the time the Soviet Union had fully embraced naval power as a key element of its global ideological struggle, the nation was so politically and economically decrepit that it soon would collapse under its own weight. The response of the Soviet Union to the massive advantage in Western naval power was the same as that selected by Imperial Germany to counter the Royal Navy, which was to build a blue-water fleet. All coastal states harbor a desire to constrain or restrict the offshore transit of foreign-flagged commercial and military vessels. Nations are motivated by the struggle for greater security and control in an anarchic world. A land power may try to match a maritime power by constructing a large fleet and becoming a maritime power, or it can choose to respond much more cheaply, albeit perhaps less effectively, by attempting to deny its opponents maritime access near its shores. The search for security leads nations to either build a fleet or construct shore defenses. The dilemma posed by these two polarities illuminates the desire to both exclude other users from the oceans, while at the same time seeking the â€Å"fullest possible access, either for itself or for others on its behalf, to all the inclusive uses of the ocean†¦.†1Furthermore, †¦ [t]he net total of the inclusive uses available for sharing among all states is directly dependent †¦ upon restriction of the exclusive claims to the minimum reasonably necessary to the protection of common interest. If all states asserted and were protected in extravagant, disproportionate, exclusive claims, there would be little, if any, net total of inclusive use for common enjoyment.2 This is where contemporary maritime strategy meets the international law of the sea. Exclusive marine claims assume a zero-sum diplomatic and economic game. This game produces military and political instability, and generates tension that can lead to conflict. While it follows that each state has an interest in preserving the greatest amount of the world’s ocean space for use by the international community, that interest in the global good may be somewhat(p.96)attenuated—overshadowed by the coastal state’s interest in exclusive control over waters adjacent to the shoreline. The resolve of the international community in vindicating the common interest in freedom of the seas is complicated by competing domestic pressures. Marshalling collective action to resist excessive claims, both within governments and among states, therefore is particularly difficult. The final chapter discusses some diplomatic strategies for meeting these challenges. There have been four major multilateral oceans law initiatives: conferences in 1930, 1958, 1960, and 1973-1982. The first of these four conferences occurred during the interwar period. In 1924, a Committee of Experts appointed by the League of Nations was established to consider issues appropriate for codification at a multilateral conference of the peacetime international law of the sea. A preparatory commission developed terms of reference for negotiations in three areas—nationality, state responsibility, and territorial waters.3The Hague Codification Conference of 1930 recommended that the international community adopt the standard of a universal sovereign territorial sea of three miles in width, measured from the low-water mark running along the coast.4At the time, the three-mile territorial sea had widespread acceptance. The State Department reported that Canada, China, Great Britain, India, Japan, The Netherlands, South Africa, Greece, Ireland, and the United States unco nditionally supported the three-mile limit. The efforts of the 1930 conference, however, never led to a draft convention. But the terms of reference for the meeting later were used as a point of departure for the first UN Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1958. The 1930 meeting recognized a zone that may be considered a precursor to the contiguous zone, adjacent to and immediately beyond the territorial sea. In this area, states would exercise â€Å"administrative rights based on the ground of custom or of vital interests.†5States also would enjoy â€Å"rights of jurisdiction necessary for their protection† inside the new zone.6The recognition that coastal states should be able to exercise some measure of limited authority beyond the territorial sea was a function of the perennial search for coastal state safety and security. The 1930 Conference also adopted a functional approach to the right of the coastal state in the territorial sea.7Different rules were applied to different(p.97)activities occurring in the same water space. This liberal or functional view of the oceans would become the most progressive principle of twentieth century oceans governance. The oceans were viewed as a flow resource, and they could be enjoyed by multiple users simultaneously within the context of a model that emphasized sharing and inclusion. The commission produced a Basis of Discussion to serve as the point of departure for a new Law of the Sea conference. The provision on innocent passage, however, only protected the right for merchant vessels rather than all ships. In a major victory for freedom of navigation for warships, however, this shortcoming later would be corrected, and ultimately included in the 1982 Convention.8But first, the United Nations would make two failed attempts at a restatement of the global order of the oceans. UN Conferences I II Uniform rules were needed to provide a formula for standardizing offshore oceans claims and recognizing navigational rules in the areas claimed by coastal states. In 1949, the International Law Commission (ILC) of the UN took up the issue and began work in earnest on drafting a general law of the high seas. On December 6 of the same year, the UN General Assembly asked that the ILC include work on the territorial sea as well. The report of the Commission led to the convening of the First UN Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1958. More than 80 states participated in the conference, which produced four treaties—the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the High Seas Convention, the Convention on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, and the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas. The instruments from the first UN Conference entered into force between 1962 and 1966, but they failed on several critical and contentious points. First, the breadth of the territorial sea was not resolved. This was a key point, making moot agreement on many other provisions. The extent of the continental shelf was set at the 200-meter isobath, so states that had only a narrow geologic continental shelf walked away dissatisfied. Finally, the thorny question of foreign fishing rights beyond the territorial sea remained unsettled. The importance of the fishing issue cannot be underestated. The commercial fishing sector exercises enormous political clout in many coastal states, and disagreements over foreign-flagged access to offshore fisheries raised the very real prospect of armed conflict. Coastal state sovereignty claims were not standardized, but ranged from between 3

Neurobiology of Memory Reconsolidation

Neurobiology of Memory Reconsolidation What is the current understanding of the neurobiology of memory reconsolidation and how will impact psychology. Abstract This essay is focusing on the neurobiology of memory reconsolidation, specifically on the molecular mechanisms of LTP and reconsolidation, and the crucial role synaptic plasticity plays in fear conditioning and its resultant implication for psychopathology specifically Posttraumatic stress disorder This essay is focusing on current understanding of the neurobiology of memory reconsolidation, specifically on the molecular mechanisms of LTP and reconsolidation, and its resultant implication for psychopathology specifically promising research using propranolol and d-cycloserine as a treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Memory consolidationis the process by which memories are stabilised after being acquired. Consolidation studies have traditionally focused on the hippocampus andsystems consolidation, whereshort term memories become long term memories and independent of thehippocampus over time (Pinel, 2011). The more recently discovered process of consolidation is synaptic consolidation, which occurs within the first few hours after learning, and requires protein synthesis and gene transcription (Pinel, 2011). Long term memories were once considered to be stable, but within the last decade, the discovery of reconsolidation, the process in which stored memories can be retrieved and held in labile short-term memory, has changed theory and research on memory (Pinel, 2011). The neurobiological process of synaptic memory consolidation is thought to be long-term potentiation (LTP), which is the prolonged strengthening of the synapse with increased signalling between two neurons (Sacktor, 2012). The model of LTP and synaptic consolidation, as first theorised by Hebb (Pinel, 2011), suggests that changes in membrane potential and alterations of synapticprotein synthesis such as activating Phosporylated Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK),are achieved through activatingintracellular transduction cascades, such as glutamate activating the NMDA receptor so that calcium ions can enter the neuron. These molecular cascades triggertranscription factors such as CREBthat lead to changes ingene expression through RNA synthesis (Pinel, 2011). The result of the gene expression is the lasting structural remodelling of synapses. This complex process of the molecular cascade, expression and process of transcription factors, is susceptible to disruptions in the short ti me period immediately following memory induction (Nader, Schafe LeDoux, 2000a). The potential for memory to be distrupted during consolidation has been extensively researched using pharmacology and trauma. For example, in experiments on Pavlovian fear conditioning in rats, LTP and fear conditioning were blocked when NMDA-receptorantagonistswere administered (Nader et al, 2000b). This process ofLTPis regarded as a contributing factor tosynaptic plasticityand in the growth ofsynaptic strength, and is thought to underlie memory formation, as it affects memory when disrupted. It was previously thought that even though this long process of consolidation could be disrupted, once a memory was consolidated it could not be disrupted. This classic view has been revised over the last 15 years, with extensive research showing that consolidated memories, once retrieved, revert to a labile state where they can be disrupted and undergo another consolidation process, called reconsolidation. (Shwabe, 2014). Reconsolidation was first hypothesised after studies were done using electroconvulsive shock therapy to disrupt consolidated fear memory (Tronson Taylor, 2007). Nader’s (2000a) landmark research using Pavlovianfear conditioningon rats found that a consolidated fear memory can return to alabilestate, when the amygdalais infused with theprotein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin. Subsequent studies have also shown that post-retrieval treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors can lead to an amnestic state (Shwabe, 2014). It has been concluded therefore that cons olidated fear memory, when reactivated, enters a changeable state that requires de novo protein synthesisfor new consolidation or reconsolidation of the old memory (Shwabe, 2014). Since these breakthrough studies many more have found evidence supporting reconsolidation, and have explored its processes and implications. Reconsolidation research over the last decade has demonstrated that some, but not all memories can be strengthened, weakened, or updated thus providing an opportunity to modify some long term memories (Shwabe, 2014). This very limited essay will focus on a few of the important animal and human studies related to fear memory and reconsolidation theory and its implications for psychology. Fear conditioning, fear memory and extinction learning experiments, often use manipulations of theamygdala, due to its involvement in the encoding and memory of significant emotional experiences (Agren et al, 2012). Most of the research on reconsolidation has been done on animals, one of the first studies of human fear memory consolidation was by Kindt in 2009 in which healthy participants were first fear-conditioned and the fear was reactivated by a single presentation of a conditioned stimulus 24 hours later. Shortly before memory reactivation, participants received the beta-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol during the proposed reconsolidation window, which resulted in substantial weakening of the behavioural fear response and the return of fear memory. Research by Schiller (2010) also explored fear memory activation and update mechanisms and extinction learning, and found the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays an important role (Schiller, 2013). Agren et al (2012) also demonstrated fear memory trace erasure in the amygdala of humans using behavioural manipulations. Using functional brain imaging, Agren and colleagues (2012) found that when reconsolidation was disrupted through extinction training, the fear memory was significantly weakened and the memory trace was erased in the amygdala. Additional important recent research providing support for memory updating used Pavlovian fear conditioning manipulations and micro density heat map measures of fear memory on the lateral amygdala of rats, and found that the memory recapitulated not only in the same location but in new areas during reconsolidation (Bergstrom, McDonald, Dey, Tang, Selwyn Johnson, 2013). These, and many more important studies using different experimental manipulations, suggest that memory is labile and updated after reactivation, and that more or less the same areas are recruited for reconsolidation that are involved in initial memory formation. The potential ability to modify established emotional memories through the processes of memory updating, reconsolidationand extinction of conditioned fear memories has important implications for the treatment of many mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder is classified as ananxiety disorderin the DSM iV, characteristic symptoms of PTSD are strong traumatic memories that are continuously retrieved in an intrusive manner, causing re-experiencing of the original trauma (Schwabe, 2014).Research is focusing on testing pharmacological treatments and behavioural interventions that target memory reconsolidation in PTSD populations. One drug being researched in neurobiology for the treatment of PTSD is propranolol, the b-adrenergic receptor antagonist that has effects on protein synthesis. The idea that propranolol could be a useful treatment in PTSD stemmed from studies showing that this drug can disrupt the reconsolidation of fear conditioning in animal models and humans (Kindt, 2009). There is some evidence of success with propranolol, such as in pilot studies by Pitman (2002) and Vaiva (2003) which found that immediate treatment with propranolol decreases posttraumatic stress disorder two months after trauma. In recent experiments using propranolol, patients with chronic PTSD were asked to prepare a written script of their personal traumatic experience that caused the PTSD. Each patient then received either propranolol or a placebo (Brunet et al, 2008). One week later, all patients underwent a procedure where there physiological arousal was tested as the script was read. The results showed that psychophysiological responding was significantly lower in patients who had received propranolol a week earlier than in patients who were administered a placebo. These findings were replicated and extended in three open-label studies where PTSD symptoms were significantly lower than at pretreatment (Brunet et al, 2011). In these promising studies on the effect of post-retrieval propranolol in chronic PTSD it is ambiguous as to whether the benefits were from propranolol enhancement or the psychological intervention; And whether propranolol enhanced extinction consolidation or blocked memory reconsoli dation. (de Kleine et al, 2013). Some of these studies also lacked the appropriate control groups that would be required to conclude that the observed effects are due to changes in memory reconsolidation, however, these findings suggest that postretrieval manipulations with propranolol might be a promising tool in the treatment of PTSD, even when the trauma is decades old. d-cycloserine (DCS) is another pharmacological intervention being recently researched in reconsolidation and PTSD due to it being a partial NMDA receptor agonist and extinction enhancer (De Kliene, 2014). Research on using exposure therapy with DCS for PTSD suggests that it could be promising (De Kliene, 2014). Exposure therapy is established as an effective form of fear extinction training in PTSD through the repeated exposure of the trauma memory, and its emotional processing (De Kliene, 2014). De Kleine, Hendriks, Kusters, Broekman, and van Minnen (2012) investigated the effect of DCS on exposure therapy on a female civilian population and found no overall enhancement effects, but a stronger treatment response. However, a second study on a male veteran population found a significant enhancement (Litz et al, 2012). Some criticisms of these studies were the possibility that DCS might have undesirable effects when there is no in session fear extinction, and the need for more research and better administration of the drug (De Kleine, 2014). Sheeringa (2014) researched the effect of d-cycloserine with cognitive behaviour therapy on pediatric posttraumatic stress using a randomized placebo-controlled d-cycloserine. So far, DCS has only shown as extinction effect when used with behavioural training such as exposure therapy and CBT. This study did not show a greater effect on reducing PTSD symptoms, but did show preliminary evidence for improving attention of participants. Another promising study currently in press looked at whether DCS enhanced psychotherapy when used with virtual reality trauma exposure therapy (Difede, 2014). The pilot trial was randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind and found significantly greater PTSD remission rates for DCS group, with larger between groups effect sizes (Difede, 2014). Understanding the processes of reconsolidation and the crucial role synaptic plasticity plays in fear conditioning does have exciting and important implication for psychopathology specifically PTSD. There are still barriers and boundary conditions to be understood and overcome for example, memory age and strength. In Posttraumatic stress disorder, unwanted memories need to be retrieved and destabilized before they can be modified during reconsolidation. One of the barriers particular to PTSD is that researchers have proposed that younger and weaker memories are more likely to be modified after reconsolidation than older and stronger memories which are less likely to be modified (Wihchet, 2011). Further boundary conditions highlighted by Shwabe at al (2014) is the context in which the reactivation takes place, and the presence of new information at reactivation of the memories. Therefore, more research is needed to understand exactly when memories do and do not undergo reconsolidation in order to use reconsolidation as a treatment for disorders such as PTSD.

Should Napoleon Bonaparte Be Considered A Hero? :: European Europe History

Should Napoleon Bonaparte Be Considered A Hero? What is a hero? A hero can be defined as a common man who rises to greatness on the basis of sheer talent. Should Napoleon Bonaparte be considered as a hero? Many would argue that Napoleon is a hero as his heroic nature provided France with the institutions and sense of national identity they needed. Others would argue Napoleon is not a hero, as his use of propaganda made the French public believe he was their savior. I believe Napoleon Bonaparte was a hero, as his many accomplishments modified the French society and ultimately the civilized world. Not only did he better France through his domestic policy, he also expanded the territory of France with many battles won through strategic warfare. He as well gave the citizens of France the sense of national identity and pride they needed. Napoleon's domestic policy, "was his greatest legacy to France" (Mitchner, pg 57). His domestic policies had such an immense impact on the way of life in France that they are used today in the civilized world. Through his domestic policy, Napoleon created the Bank of France. By creating the Bank of France Napoleon stabilized the French economy where the previous leaders of France had failed and made the franc the highest currency in all of Europe. Napoleon claimed "Equality must be the first element in education" (Mitchner, pg 59). This was the basis of the educating system Napoleon strived for. The Education reforms which Napoleon introduced in 1802 called lycees allowed this equality to occur and enhanced the way of learning for all of the citizens. Finally the serious rift with the Roman Catholic Church (which was created during the French revolution) was healed when The Concordat was introduced by Napoleon. Mending the rift between the Church and State allowed freedom of religion and rejuvenated the beliefs within the people of France. This contribution to France ended in French domestic tranquility. Napoleon was not only a great leader, he also was a military genius. As a military genius, Napoleon won many battles to expand France and was always welcomed back to France as a hero. His use of strategic warfare throughout many battles allowed him to be seen as a hero not only in France but all of Europe. Although his army was outnumbered by the Russians and Austrians in December 2, 1805, Napoleon' brilliant strategies resulted in a defeat of the opposing armies in the Battle of Austerlitz.

Pakistan - The Land of Adventure and Nature :: science

Pakistan - The Land of Adventure and Nature From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan. Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world's smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale. Situated in the heart of the South Asian sub-continent, it is a country with its own fascinating history and cultural heritage. Pakistan was the site for one of the world's earliest human settlements, the great prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, the crucible of ancient empires, religions and cultures. Pakistan traces its history back to 2,500 years B.C. when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in more ancient times. The landscape of Pakistan ranges from lofty mountains in the north, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, through dissected plateaus to the rich alluvial plains of the Punjab. Then follows desolate barrenness of Balochistan and the hot dry deserts of Sindh blending into miles and miles of golden beaches of Mekran coast. Pakistan is situated between latitude 24 and 37 degrees North and longitude 62 and 75 degrees East. The country borders Iran on the West, India on the East, Afghanistan in the North-West, China in the North and the Arabian Sea in the South. The great mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush form Pakistan's northern highlands of North West Frontier Province and the Northern Area; Punjab province is a flat, alluvial plain with five major rivers dominating the upper region eventually joining the Indus River flowing south to the Arabian Sea; Sindh is bounded on the east by the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch and on the west by the Kirthar range; the Balochistan Plateau is an arid tableland, encircled by dry mountains.

Evaluation of Comptronix Corporation: Identifying Inherent Risk and Control Risk Factors Essay

1. Professional auditing standards present the audit risk model, which is used to determine the nature, timing, and extent of audit procedures. Describe the components of the model and discuss how changes in each component affect the auditor’s need for evidence. The audit risk model is used to determine the nature, timing, and extent of substantive audit procedures. The components of audit risk model usually stated as follows: DR = AR/(IR x CR) Where: DR = detection risk; AR = audit risk; IR = inherent risk; CR = control risk Detection Risk: auditors’ procedures will lead them to conclude that a financial statement assertion is not materially misstated when in fact such misstatement does exist. If auditors want to decrease DR, they had better collect more evidence and make sure the validity of evidence. Audit Risk: auditors may unknowingly fail to appropriately modify their opinion on financial statements that are materially misstated. If AR should be keep in low level, which means the other risks also should be low. Inherent Risk: The risk of material misstatement of a financial statement assertion, assuming there were no related controls. As inherent risk increases, PDR decreases, which in turn increases the auditor’s need for stronger evidence. Control risk: The risk that a material misstatement that could occur in an account will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control. If the strength of internal control is assessed as decreasing, the auditor should pay more attention to control risks. 2. One of the components of the audit risk model is inherent risk. Describe typical factors that auditors evaluate when assessing inherent risk. With the benefit of hindsight, what inherent risk factors were present during the audits of the 1989 through 1992 Comptronix financial statements? Inherent risk is a measure of the auditor’s assessment of the susceptibility of an assertion to a material misstatement assuming there are no related internal controls. Some believe that inherent risk would be greater for some assertions and related account based on some conditions as follows: †¢Complex calculations rather than simple calculations. †¢Non-routine rather than routine transactions. †¢Subjective data rather than objective data. More importantly is that inherent risk is always be effected by external factors as follows: †¢Changes in economic environment †¢Insufficient capital to continue operations †¢Technological improvements. †¢Transactions with related parties. †¢Susceptibility of assets to misappropriation. The inherent risk factors present during the 1989 through 1992 financial statement audits as follows: †¢Loss of Key Customer: Comptronix lost a key customer to SCI after the public offering of stock. Once the company lost their a key customer, Management have a strong motivation manipulate sales and operating performance to satisfy investor expectations because the loss of a key customer put too much pressure on management to meet the requirements of external users. †¢Public Offering of Stock: After Comptronix made its public offering of stock , they have the pressure which push the management to manipulate operating performance too meet the expectations from the external users. †¢Technological Improvement: Comptronix is a manufacture company which main products are circuit boards and the circuit boards’ development depend on technological improvement. The technological improvement has a negative impact on operating performance. †¢Pressures from a new star Company: By the first year of the fraud (1989), Comptronix became a new company which can employ more than 1,800 employees in less than a decade , and at same time, the company expanded its the size of the company in three different locations. The rapid development of company made the management adjusted their operations instead of monitoring company operations. †¢Estimation of Accounts: The high inherent risk accounts include Accounts receivable/ payable, inventory, and property, plant, and equipment. But all the accounts’ computation is based on estimation which led the numbers are very unreliable and subjective. †¢Cash Flow Pressures: Comptronix suffered net losses from 1986. Until the company attracted a venture capitalist, the company was able to generate strong sales and profits. Prior to 1989, Comptronix had generated only two consecutive years of profit after several years of net losses. cash flow of financial statement cannot cover many years of recurring losses. The management has motives to make up operating accounts to look perfect to attract more  investors. 3. Another component of the audit risk model is control risk. Describe the five components of internal control. What characteristics of Comptronix’s internal control increased control risk for the audits of the 1989-1992 year-end financial statements? Five components of control risk are: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. Control environment set the tone of an organization by influencing the control consciousness of people. Risk assessment is management’s process for identifying, analyzing, and responding to the risks. Control activities are policies and procedures that help ensure that management’s directives are carried out. Information is needed at all levels of an organization to assist management in meeting the organization’s objectives. Monitoring of controls is a process to assess the quality of internal control performance over time. The information and communication is seriously weak in that he three executives were able to perpetrate the fraud by bypassing the existing accounting system. They could record the fictitious entries manually and other employees were excluded from the manipulations to minimize the likelihood of the fraud being discovered. Besides, the weak control activity and monitoring is represented by the fact that Mr. Shifflett or Mr. Medlin could approve payments based solely on an invoice. Therefore, the fraud team was able to bypass internal controls over cash disbursements. Internal controls were also insufficient to detect the manipulation of sales and accounts receivable. Mr. Medlin had the ability to access the shipping department system. 4. The board of directors, and its audit committee, can be an effective corporate governance mechanism. Discuss the pros and cons of allowing inside directors to sere on the board. Describe typical responsibilities of audit committees.What strengths or weaknesses were present related to Comptronix’s board of directors and audit committee? As shareholders have limited access to the sufficient information, they are hard to monitor the daily transactions and management. They would delegate the responsibilities to the board of directors. Then, board of directors require inside directors to provide sufficient information in order to make decisions those are in the maximum profits of shareholders. However, if the inside directors have improper purposes, it’s easily to be a manipulation tool for management. Audit committee is responsible for ensuring that the company’s financial statements and reports are accurate and use fair and reasonable estimates. More specifically, it is charged with overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process, monitoring choice of accounting policies and principles, overseeing hiring, performance and independence of the external auditors, oversight of regulatory compliance, monitoring the internal control process, overseeing the performance of the internal audit function, and discussing risk management policies and practices with management. The control environment is significantly influenced by the effectiveness of its board of directors or its audit committee. Factors that bear on the effectiveness of the board or audit committee include the extent of its independence from management, the experience and stature of its members. However, among the seven individuals in Comptronix board of directors, five members are either inside directors or directors had close affiliations with management. In addition, the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to protect the shareholders’ assets and ensure they receive a decent return on their investment. Board members act as trustees of the organization’s assets and must exercise due diligence to oversee that the organization is well managed and that its financial situation remains sound. But the composition of Comptronix’s board of directors obviously lacks objectivity. A qualifying audit committee should be composed of independent directors who are not officers or employees of the organization and who do not have other relationships that impair independence. However, The audit committee of  Comptronix is made up two outside directors and one gray director, which would inevitably impair the independence. What’s more, to qualify, the committee must be composed of outside director with at least one qualifying as a financial expert. Nevertheless, for Comptronix Corporation, there is no indication of whether any of these individuals had accounting or financial reporting backgrounds. Lastly, the audit committee met only twice during 1991, it was not efficiently and sufficiently to monitor and oversee the financial reporting. 5. Public companies must file quarterly financial statements in Form 10-Qs, that have been reviewed by the company’s external auditor. Briefly describe the key requirements of Auditing Standards (AU) Section 722, Interim Financial Statements. Why wouldn’t all companies (public and private) engage their auditors to perform timely reviews of interim financial statements? The term interim financial information means financial information or statements covering a period less than a full year or for a 12-month period ending on a date other than the entity’s fiscal year end. A review consists principally of performing analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and does not contemplate (a) test of accounting records through inspection, observation, or confirmation; (b) tests of controls to evaluate their effectiveness; (c) the obtain net of corroborating evidence in response to inquiries; or (d) the performance of certain other procedures ordinarily performed in an audit. The decision to have a review engagement is a joint decision of the client and auditor. So a review would be performed when the benefits to the auditor and to the client exceed the costs to both parties. In general, firms with high complexity are more likely to be reviewed than firms with low complexity. Firms with high growth opportunities a less likely to be reviewed than those with low growth opportunities for they may be associated with higher information and litigation risks. And it’s also about the firms’ audit assurance and insurance needs. 6. Describe whether you think Comptronix’s executive team was inherently dishonest from the beginning. How is it possible for otherwise honest people to become involved in frauds like the one at Comptronix? We don’t think Comptronix’s executive team was inherently dishonest from the beginning. In opposite, we think there are two main reasons for the company committed the fraud. The first is its weak internal control. First comes to the company’s board of director. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the actions of management. Factors that bear on the effectiveness of the board include the extent of its independence from management, the experience and stature of its members, the extent to which it raises and pursues difficult questions with management, and its interaction with the internal and external auditors. the audit committee of the board of directors should be composed of independent directors who are not officers or employees of the organization and who do not have other relationships that impair independence. In addition, the audit committee should have one or more members who have financial reporting expertise. However, Comptronix’s board of directors consist of the CEO and the COO of the company, And two of the other five directors who had close affiliations with management, one served as the company’s outside general legal counsel and the other who served as vice president of manufacturing for a significant customer of Comptronix, and one of the remaining outside directors who was a partner in the venture capital firm that owned 574,978 shares (5.3%) of Comptronix’s common stock, the second outside director who was the vice chairman and CEO of the local bank originally loaning money to the company, and the third outside director who was president of an international components supplier based in Taiwan. And there was no indication of whether any of these individuals had accounting or financial reporting backgrounds. 28.6% of the board consisted of inside directors. And even all of the board of directors disobey the independence and  effectiveness of the formation of the board of directors. The interest relationship with the company increased the potential risk for the management to commit fraud. The second reason is the huge pressure of harsh competition for the companies in the industry. The fraud was motivated by the loss of a key customer in 1989 to the three executives’ former employer, SCI. Since the first manipulation of the financial statement, they were forced to manipulate the other years and evidences to hide the manipulation, which created a vicious circle. In conclusion, the weak internal control system provided a good environment for the commission of fraud. The huge pressure of the company brought the motivation of the fraud. Both of them played important roles for the honest people to become involved in frauds. 7. Auditing Standards (AU) Section 316, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, notes that three conditions are generally present when fraud occurs. Research the authoritative standards for auditors and provide a brief summary of each of the three fraud conditions. Additionally, provide an example from the Comptronix fraud of each of the three fraud conditions. (1) Three fraud conditions First, management or other employees have an incentive or are under pressure, which provides a reason to commit fraud. Second, circumstances exist—for example, the absence of controls, ineffective controls, or the ability of management to override controls—that provide an opportunity for a fraud to be perpetrated. Third, those involved are able to rationalize committing a fraudulent act. Some individuals possess an attitude, character, or set of ethical values that allow them to knowingly and intentionally commit a dishonest act. (2) Examples The incentive for top company executive to do fraud is that after the company went public, the company needed an increasing number for profit on the income statement, to attract more investors and make the stock price higher and higher. One of the opportunities for fraud perpetrated in Comptronix is that their internal controls were so insufficient. The three executives had so many authorities to get access to various accounts. They can get control of both checks and accounts payable, which enable them to make fake equipment purchasing recording. Because Comptronix`s quarterly filings were unaudited, the executives were successful in manipulating quarterly financial statements. After they successfully manipulated 1989 year-end sales and receivables, they thought their performance may not be discovered by external auditors and SEC, so they began recording fictitious quarterly sales frequently. 8. Auditing Standards Section 316, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, notes that there is a possibility that management override of controls could occur in every audit and accordingly, the auditor should include audit procedures in every audit to address that risk. a. What do you think is meant by the term â€Å"management override†? Management override of internal controls is the intervention by managers in handling financial information and making decisions contrary to internal control policy. Managers may think they have the ability to operate outside of the internal controls, but this is not true. b. provide two examples of where management override of controls occurred in the Comptronix fraud. For example, Mr. Medilin, as controller and treasurer, has the authorization to manipulate both sales documents and accounts receivable documents. Thus he can enter bogus sales into the accounting system then make fake accounts  receivable to overstate the company`s earnings. Moreover, in order to overstate the equipment and accounts payable, the three company executives cut fake checks to the bogus accounts payable vendors associated with the fake purchases of equipment. However, the check preparing and recording of equipment purchases jobs should be distributed to different staff. Handling these two jobs at the same time by same executives provide them opportunity to make overstated recording of equipment purchasing. c. Research AU Section 316 to identify the three required auditor responses to further address the risk of management override of internal controls. Three required auditor responses to further address the risk of management override: (1) Examining journal entries and other adjustments for evidence of possible material misstatement due to fraud. (2) Reviewing accounting estimates for biases that could result in material misstatement due to fraud. (3) Evaluating the business rationale for significant unusual transactions.

Dialogue as Empathic Conversation

Organizational communication : balancing creativity and constraint / Eric M. Eisenberg, H. L. Goodall, Jr. , Angela Trethewey. Boston : Bedford/St. Martin's, c2010. ISBN: 9780312574864 ; Pages: 26-52 M IMIII;WJI D efining Organizational Communication As stated in the last chapter, as long as t here have been humans, there has been organizing, and with organizing comes a concern about how to do better, whether the task is hunting, coaching a sports team, o r r unning a multinational corporation . Unfortunately, those with practical interest in improving organizational communication have n ot always adopted the same definitions and assumptions.F or example, when engineers speak o f t he importance o f communication, they often (but not always) refer t o its role in promoting clarity and consensus. I n contrast, a group o f clergy ca lling for improved communication would likely focus o n the evocative and emotional power o f discourse. I n this chapter, we describe some common approach es t o organizational communication, including models o f commtmication as information transfer, transactional process, strategic control, and a balance o f creativity and constraint. W e conclude with a model o f communication as mindful dialogue as well as a discussion o f integrity and ethics.  §J APPROAC HE S T O O RGANIZATIONAL C OMMUNICATION O f the various conceptions o f organizational communication, four have attracted the greatest number o f adherents: ( l) communication as information transfer, (2) communication as transactional process, (3) communication as strategic control, and (4) communication as a balance o f creativity and constraint. 26 Chapter 2: Defining Org:mizarion in many people's u nderstanding o f o rganizational c ommunicar:ion. F or example, the general m anager o f a large aerospace company hired several pilots ro fly over his manufacturing p lant and d rop h undreds o f Hyers with the message: â€Å"S

Doctor Faustus’ Damnation Essay

Doctor Faustus chose to be damned, although the evil spirits may have influenced him, Faustus always wanted wealth and honor. Faustus was very intelligent but with all the knowledge he had pertaining to logic, medicine, and law, it was never enough for him. With his quest for all that he could know he would never be satisfied unless he was a magician of the black arts. The damnation of Faustus’s soul was his own doing; it is exactly what he wanted. Only by selling his soul too Lucifer could Faustus obtain all the he desired, having ultimate knowledge. The beginning of the play shows Doctor Faustus is already interested with the black arts and magicians. â€Å"These metaphysics of magicians/ and necromantic books are heavenly! / Lines, circles, schemes, letters, and characters! / Ay, these are those Faustus most desires.† (lines 49-52). Faustus has an undying need for knowledge that he can only get through the means of selling his soul. Obviously Faustus had no hesitation when he has summoned Mephastophilis for the first time and demands that he be his servant for twenty-four years. This shows that Faustus does not care what he must do to become an honored and wealthy person. However the good angel and the evil angel appear to him and try to influence his deal with Lucifer. Faustus is having indecisive thoughts on if he has done the right thing. â€Å"Ah Christ my Savior! seek to save/ Distressed Faustus’ soul!† (line 256). The good angel is trying to tell Faustus that he can still repent and his soul will be saved, but the evil angel is reminding him that if he stays with the deal that he made, he will be wealthy and honorable. Faustus only considers repenting for a moment and then disregards that. â€Å"O this feeds my soul!† (line 330). Through his own thoughts and free will, Doctor Faustus brought the damnation onto himself. He had the opportunity to repent more than once, but even then that wasn’t enough to make him see his fate. Faustus was not a sympathetic figure; he was simply out to do whatever necessary for his own personal gain. Although his dearest friend The German Valdes and Cornelius, they greatly help Faustus’ journey to damnation.

Deviant Behavior and Consequences

Employees occasionally break the rules on the job. This behavior is called â€Å"work place deviance behaviors†. In the workplace when employees break rules on purpose this can affect the organization and its members negatively. Workplace deviance is classified into two categories-organizational deviance and deviance between people. On the hand in schools, teacher’s deviant behavior by breaking rules by breaking rules can affect the school and students in a negative way. The deviant behaviors of teachers can have serious consequences.These consequences can impact the welfare of others in the school setting that had nothing to do with the educator’s deviant behavior. In some cases it can cause a Domino effect to occur (one issue compounds on another issue, etc) According to Galperin &Burke (2006) teachers putting their reputation on the line means you can trust them and you can depend on them and you can depend on them doing the right thing. But when teachers beha ve negatively, it destroys all trust and belief in the person.The following information is a case of teacher’s deviant behaviors in a school setting, the impact of their behavior and others and the consequences of their devious acts. It is sad that Joe Paterno, head football coach at Penn State University failed to uncover the sexual acts against 10 boys by his assistant Jerry Sandusky for 15 years. After thorough investigations by the authorities 48 criminal charges were filed against the suspects Joe Paterno and Sandusky.This incident is a typical example of deviant behavior confirmed by a psychologist -Alycia Chambers who was invited by Penn State University to discuss the case. According to news reports students rioted for many days destroying cars and property. Another problem that occurred was that the NCAA levied a fine of $60 million dollars against Penn State University. Some Penalties against the University were: Five year probation, a four year post season ban, dis missal of all wins from 1998-2011 (which constitutes 112 wins), and the loss of 40 scholarships from  2013-2017.These penalties will be a problem for Penn State University and its football team for many years. As a result of this unfortunate occurrence at Penn State University, many other colleges across the nation have been affected too. Many of these colleges changed their rules to avoid similar problems of sex abuse scandals. In another case, Bishop Eddie Long. an Atlanta, Georgia Bishop of a prominent mega church of over 25,000 members was accused in a sexual scandal.According to the Huffington Post Newspaper, September 15, 2010 issue, Bishop Long is being accused of seducing 2 young men into sexual acts. These men’s lawyer, Bernstein, claimed Bishop Long abused his spiritual authority to seduce his clients with cars, money, clothes, jewelry, international trips and access to celebrities. Also, this case is considered a pedophile incident. If Bishop Long is found guilty of the charges, he stands to spend many years in prison. Thirdly, the Catholic Church has a long history of sex abuse scandal where the priests molest young boys in so many incidents.The former Pope Benedict and Pope Francis with all his Bishops have apologized to the entire world about this sad behavior. Although many of the deviant acts may seem negative, there are positive ones as well. According to Galperin (2002), deviance may have positive and negative effects. The positive ones are called â€Å"constructive deviance† while the negative effects are called â€Å"destructive deviance†. Galperin described constructive deviance as voluntary behavior that is contrary to the rules of any organization.On the positive side of deviant behavior is called â€Å"constructive deviance†. This consists of doing random acts of kindness such as raking some ones’ yard free of charge , helping an elderly person pump her or his gas or giving someone who is homeless a bag of groceries ; grab a couple of dozen sweets or bagels for coworkers; help someone load groceries into his car; giving homeless person a temporary place to stay; leave a hefty tip for friendly service at your favorite restaurant; donate unused books to any local library and leave change in a person’s parking meter.By doing these things without looking for a payback is participating in â€Å"constructive behavior†. The impact and consequences are more favorable. Doing more random acts of kindness in school settings are helping students with homework issues in an open session, assisting parents with economic issues, assisting parents to get children to school on time and by checking on student’s safety in and around the school grounds. Teachers doing these things without looking for a reward or pay back are participating in â€Å"constructive behavior†. ConclusionTeachers must build trust among students and exemplify professional decorum at all times. S tudents are not your equal. You are dealing with the ratio of an adult to a child. Students look up to teachers for positive guidance. Teachers are leaders in the school and community. Despicable leadership and deviant behavior causes an eruption to the person’s leadership style and derails and or demoralize the positives between the students and the teacher’s relationship. Students as well as their parents should feel they can attend school in a safe environment away from predators.

College Degree Necessary Essay

In Barbara Ehrenreich’s article, â€Å"The Higher Education Scam† she expresses her feelings about employers looking specifically for college grads to fill their positions. Ehrenreich seems to be voicing her feelings to employers because they are beginning to look specifically for college grads, instead of people who may have more experience and knowledge, or even currently work for the organization. She claims that employers seek college grads merely because they have a college degree and it shows they have the ability to listen and obey. Deep within Ehrenreich seems to be attacking the college grads by saying that once they have finished school and earned their degree, they are now slaves to the employers. Her claim is quite logical and the examples she gives validate what she is saying. Conversely, she seems to be going on a theory with her argument and her attacks on the college grads for going to school and earning a degree detracts from the value she has built up. Finally, Ehrenreich’s argument is effective to some degree, but lack of personal experience leave the article with a flaw. Ehrenreich uses value and emotion within her article to get the attention of her audience. We all need jobs in order to get through life and if you want to have a good job, you need to get a degree. This puts a lot of value in what you need to accomplish because the final product is suppose to be worth it, and employers will only hire you if you are a college grad. Ehrenreich uses this example to connect with her audience and adds to the credibility of her argument. Throughout the article Ehrenreich adds humor to help make an emotional connection with her audience. She says that whatever you learn in college doesn’t seem to matter. All that employers are looking at is that you were able to sit still for long periods of time, be told what to do, and appear awake. Ehrenreich is saying that no matter what degree you’ve just earned, all employers are looking at is that you devoted 4 years doing what your told. She adds, â€Å"no college has yet been honest enough to offer a degree in seat-warming† (696). This is most likely what you will end up doing when you begin working at a white-collar job anyways, so by hiring you they know you are able to do what they ask. She also goes on to imply that you will be desperate for work because of the debt you have just accrued and you won’t become a troublemaker, or whistle blower. You’ll basically grovel at their every need and do exactly what your told. Ehrenreich adds to the credibility of her article by giving examples of people who have been able to do something and do it well, but didn’t have a degree to back it up. They were either dismissed from their job, or called out on it once they became popular. She gives the example about Marilee Jones who worked for MIT as the dean of admissions for twenty-eight years. Marilee claimed she had three degrees and yet she really didn’t have any. Now if Marilee had done a poor job as the dean of admission it would be easy to forgive and remove her from her position, yet she was very successful and it was threatening to an institution of higher learning. This gives us an emotional appeal because it’s a personal story of sadness for Marilee and it causes the audience to wonder if a college degree is really worth it. She did a good job for the institution and just because she didn’t have a degree, they were willing to dismiss her. Is that really all the companies want is a degree; or do they want someone who is going to do a great job for their organization? Throughout Ehrenreich’s article she stays pretty true to her argument, employers seek out college grads. Although she puts in the example of â€Å"Dr. Dennis Waitley Ph. D† who is known for writing a best selling self-help book The Secret. He confessed to not having a master’s degree and the marketing firm he worked for admitted that they couldn’t confirm he ever received his Ph. D. This example adds to Ehrenreich’s credibility, but it seems to go off what she talks about in the majority of her article, which seems to be more along the lines of employers. It does however stay true to her title, â€Å"The Higher Education Scam†. For her article to be spot on with her argument, she should have stuck more with education and touched on different subjects like employers, writers, and other people in general who have not had college degrees, but were still successful in their fields. In Ehrenreich’s article she doesn’t attack anyone in particular with what she is saying, but she keeps her comments vague so it is up to the reader to interpret the hidden meaning. In the beginning she talks about the amount of lies being put into resumes in order for people to get certain positions they are applying for. She says, â€Å"that 10-30 percent of resumes include distortions if not outright lies† (696). She adds to this with some more humor in saying, â€Å"lying is a grievous sin, as everyone outside of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue knows† (696). This comment adds humor to the article as well as a little ad hominem because of the hidden attack. Ultimately, the article by Barbara Ehrenriech is effective. She shows credibility with the examples she uses and the only flaw seen is that she doesn’t have a personal example herself. She keeps humor going in the article, which keeps the audience drawn in and is very logical in her viewpoints. Ehrenreich really makes you think after reading her article. Should we go to college in order to get a degree and work for a good company? Should employers really just look for candidates that have earned that college degree hoping they will obey their every need? Should employers give there currently employees a chance to earn a college degree instead of being dismissed from their position? Is it worth over looking other candidates for positions strictly because they don’t have a degree when they will be able to do the same job and possibly do it better? To sum it all up, why do employers really need to be looking for a college degree? Is the time and money really worth it to earn that degree for a position that you are going to learn on the spot anyways? Employers really need to think about what they are doing and not just jump on the bandwagon and make hasty generalizations. Works Cited Ehrenreich, Barbara. â€Å"The Higher Education Scam. † Inventing Arguments, 2nd ed. Eds. John Mauk and John Metz. Boston: Wadsworth, 2009. Print. 69-697.