Ikea Communication Essay example - 1176 Words

Effective communication at Ikea Communication is the key to a successful business because everything is carried out properly and operates smoothly, thus being well organised too. In a business, communication not only takes place between the business and their buying customers, but also with their suppliers, within themselves and all of the stakeholders involved in the business. This includes all of the internal and external customers. Effective communication takes place if the chosen method works correctly for the situation the business and the receiver are in. For example, Ikea may not choose to advertise on the television that they have a product in stock which one customer was asking after because it is not guaranteed that the†¦show more content†¦Spoken communication can be in the form of speaking over the telephone, giving speeches and holding meetings or interviews. Most of these are also face-to-face except for talking over the telephone. This is also a common way for businesses to communicate, especially if they are talking to suppliers or another type of customer whom is far away. A problem with this though is that no automatic written ‘evidence’ is kept unless one person keeps notes, so important conversations may become forgotten. Written communication This method of communication can vary in length; a quick message can be written down on a small piece of paper or a contract can be drawn up which consists of countless pages and words. The three main documents which businesses use are explained below. Legal contracts A legal contract between businesses is a formal agreement which includes certain details about this agreement that cannot be broken. If they are, this is used as evidence in court, stating that there was in fact a contract and a business breached the conditions. Memos A memo (short for ‘Memorandum’) is a document which is given to all employees of a business when the company has an announcement to make. These are usually short and carry an important message which has to be seen by the staff. Normally, memos include details on when the next staff meeting is or when there is a day off work for all.Show MoreRelatedIkea Communication1194 Words   |  5 PagesEffective communication at Ikea Communication is the key to a successful business because everything is carried out properly and operates smoothly, thus being well organised too. In a business, communication not only takes place between the business and their buying customers, but also with their suppliers, within themselves and all of the stakeholders involved in the business. This includes all of the internal and external customers. Effective communication takes place if the chosen methodRead MoreMarketing Mix of Ikea803 Words   |  4 Pagespenetration pricing enables IKEA to gain significant market share.    Low prices are a result of large-quantity purchasing, low-cost logistics, store location in suburban areas and a DIY approach to marketing.    IKEA also benefits from economies of scale and healthy supplier-firm relationships.    IKEA enters into long-term contracts, provides leased equipment and technical support in exchange for exclusive, low-cost manufacturing from suppliers.    For new markets, IKEA should retain its price-imageRead MoreHeyy1303 Words   |  6 PagesHow different is different? IKEAs challenge to appeal to local tastes globally. Brief information about IKEA company. IKEA is a privately held, international home products company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture such as beds, chairs, and desks, appliances and home accessories. The company is the worlds largest furniture retailer. Founded in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden, the company is named as an acronym comprising the initials of the founders name (IngvarRead MoreIkea Media Plan1132 Words   |  5 PagesPlan Marketing Objective 1: To increase awareness of local IKEA store locations in the U.S. among Generation Y individuals between ages 23 and 30 by 25% by January 2014. Media Objective 1: Reach 30% of Generation Y (ages 23-30) at least twice a month during 2013 with information regarding their IKEA store within 200 miles. Media Strategy: Use direct mail campaign that highlights the location of the nearest store with IKEA facts, and promotions. The mailings are to be released at the beginningRead MoreThe Social Architecture Of Ikea, A Multinational Furniture Company ( Mnc ) And Private Entity1119 Words   |  5 PagesThe success of a company depends on global efficiency, local responsiveness, and worldwide coordination. This paper will focus on the social architecture of IKEA, a multinational furniture company (MNC) and private entity. As of 31 August, 2015, IKEA has operations in 43 countries that incudes stores and distribution centers (About the IKEA group, 2015). IKEA’s net income is up 31% and bigger than Target and Lowes. It has mastered the challenge of â€Å"selling high volumes of inventory at consistentlyRead MoreIkea s Successful Entry Into The Furniture Retail Market918 Words   |  4 Pagesneeds were not being addressed in the furniture retail market; in which, IKEA took the initiative to distinguish themselves from their competitors by providing and selling good quality furniture at lower prices. Second, execution by it’s founder Ingvar Kamprad to sell their products for â€Å"cheaper† by commissioning local manufacturers to produce IKEA products (Allen, n.d.). The internationalization importance relating to IKEA is imperative to Kamprad’s strategty that allows firms to market their productsRead MoreIKEA Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor1176 Words   |  5 PagesProposal Case: IKEA Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor Summary In this case, it is known that IKEA s procurement model is the mode of global sourcing. IKEA products are shipped to the 26 distribution centres from the trade area after procurement, and then delivered to the shopping malls in the world. IKEA s procurement philosophy and assessment of suppliers mainly include four aspects: continuous price improvement; strict supplier performance and service levels;Read MoreIkea Case Study1426 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction IKEA is a globally known home outfitting retailer. It has developed quickly since it was established in 1943. Today it is the world s biggest furniture retailer, perceived for its Scandinavian style. The greater part of IKEA s furniture is level pack, prepared to be gathered by the shopper. This permits a lessening in expenses and bundling. IKEA conveys a scope of 9,500 items, including home furniture and embellishments. This wide range is accessible in all IKEA stores and clientsRead MoreIkea Swot Analysis1017 Words   |  5 PagesINTRODUCTION: IKEA was founded in the year 1943 and is known as the world’s largest home furnishing retailer renowned for its Scandinavian style. The first store of IKEA was launched in Warrington in 1987.The main product includes flat-pack ranging from home furniture and accessories with 9500 products. The broad range products are obtainable in all IKEA stores. The stores are located worldwide and they even developed online website. The stores products vary from restaurants, cafesRead MoreCase Study : Global Enterprise Ikea1392 Words   |  6 PagesExecutive Summary Global enterprise IKEA has expanded from its humble beginning in Älmhult, Sweden to become the world’s largest home furnishings retailer with 393 stores worldwide and 915 million visitors annually. IKEA’s simplistic vision inspired by its Swedishness aims to provide as many people as possible with affordable, well designed, high quality, functional home furnishings that impress consumers, competitors and companies alike. This philosophy has resulted in very effective and efficient

The Views Of Same Sex Marriage - 948 Words

In my opinion, the views of many people are influences based upon the way they were raised and taught as a child. Yes, many others go the opposite direction as the way they were raised, but many others also stay the same. Throughout history, different groups have been suffering from inequality, because the people in their society do not view them as equals in their society. As society evolves over time, new groups of people have become the target of many and denied the rights they deserve as American citizens. For a long time in the United States, it was the African American community that was denied their rights as citizens, but now today it is the same-sex community that are being denied their rights as American citizens. The views about same-sex marriage has received a lot of influence from the Catholic Church in society, because they believe it to go against what God wants from his people. In the church’s eyes, a man should marry a woman, have children, and raise the m as a family together. Due to the fact that same-sex couples cannot do this, they are hated by many in society and not allowed to express their love for each other. Many politicians in the United States agree with this view and have voiced their opinions in Congress, to try and keep same-sex couples from marrying each other legally in many states. In Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, The Other America, he speaks to the people about why he believes it is hard to achieve racial and economicShow MoreRelatedSame Sex Marriage: a Conflict of Views2256 Words   |  10 PagesIII Honors Same-Sex Marriage: A Conflict of Views Throughout time marriage equality for same-sex couples has been non-existent. Now, gay rights are at the forefront of political and social reform. Same-sex marriage has recently become a fiercely debated topic; however, only nine states allow same-sex marriage and only a few allow domestic partnerships, because of religion, generational differences, and the general and voting public that still denounce it, marriage equality is a naturalRead MoreThe s Views On Same Sex Marriage Essay1753 Words   |  8 Pagesreflecting Mulholland’s views is the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013. I selected this Act since New Zealand was one of the first countries in Oceania to enact this legislation, before which it was illegal for same-sex couples to marry. This recognises a significant change in our societies values. Homosexual male sex was illegal before the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986. The values of our society have certainly changed evidenced by the fact that same-sex couples (male andRead MoreDeterminism and Existentialism in View of Same-Sex Marriage663 Words   |  3 PagesDeterminism and Existentialism in view of same-sex marriage The traditional determinism principle states that anything that happens in the present is necessitated by precursor happenings. In most cases within metaphysics, determinism is viewed as a culmination of the past facts, in conjunction with the present laws of nature will show or carry the truth about the future. This therefore means, at least in philosophy, that when the history and the present laws of nature are held constant, then itRead More A Religious View on Same-sex Marriage Essay1867 Words   |  8 PagesA Religious View on Same-sex Marriage The United States is a country built on a number of ideals and institutions. The moral structure of many Americans today was developed by our ancestors and the founders of this nation through the institutions that were a part of their lives. Family, religion, marriage, equality, and justice are just a few examples of the important components that provide a moral basis for our country. If any of these elements were to become tooRead MoreThe Inequality of the United States View on Same Sex Marriage1105 Words   |  5 PagesStates is reputable for its right to equality; an icon of hope, independence, and the chance to live a nondiscriminatory life and to benefit many of the opportunities. This country was founded on equality and the belief that everyone should have the same opportunities. As a country the United States has seen many protests when it comes to the with issues of equality, from the Women’s Rights Movement to equality for African Americans, and many s till remain. A sense of assurance has been created inRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Has Become Legal And The View On Lgbtq Essay1255 Words   |  6 PagesIn eighteenth and nineteenth century Europe, also known as the Enlightenment Era, same sex behaviors were typically seen in a negative light. Sometimes even punished due to laws that were in place at the time, sodomy laws. Somewhere in the 1920s people began to assume that homosexuality could be changed through psychology. This movement was so popular at the time that even Freud stated that homosexuality could sometimes be removed through hypnotic suggestion. However, this fact was disproven by UnitedRead MoreHeterosexual And Homosexuality Marriage. Marriage Is Considering1449 Words   |  6 PagesHeterosexual and homosexuality marriage Marriage is considering to be several distinct aspects of life: friendship and companion ship, sexual relations, love, conversation, procreation and child-rearing, and mutual responsibility. Making compromises and putting someone else first rather than yourself. My view on the purpose of marriage is being able to wake up to your best friend every day, being able to buy your first home together, plan for children, plan your future together as one and to be happyRead MoreThe Debate Over Same Sex Marriage1181 Words   |  5 Pagessociety than same sex marriage? It is a topic that has battered Americans for decades, and just recently has it been decided that same sex marriage and relations is awarded by the constitution. Before this it was at states discretion whether or not to allow those of the same sex to marry. But, on June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court ruled that the constitution gave legal rights to same sex couples to marry in all 50 states where prior to that only 37 states had leg alized same sex marriage. (Freedom toRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Legal Defense And Education Fund Supports Same Sex Marriage?1085 Words   |  5 Pagesopposing views on controversial issues, one of which is legalizing same-sex marriage. In their article, â€Å"Talking About the Freedom to Marry: Why Same-Sex Couples Should Have Equality in Marriage,† the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund supports same-sex marriage. An opposing view, is given by Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor. In his article, â€Å"The 28th Amendment: It Is Time to Protect Marriage, and Democracy, in America,† he explains why he is against same-sex marriage. The LambdaRead MoreEssay about Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legalized? 1555 Words   |  7 PagesShould same-sex marriage be legalized? The same-sex marriage issue has ignited worldwide. Joseph Chamie- the previous director- and Barry Mirkin-the previous Population Policy Section Chief- of the UN’s Population Division aim to present up-to-date statistics and information on the same-sex marriage debate in â€Å"Same-Sex Marriage: A New Social Phenomenon.† They mention that same-sex marriage is a â€Å"recent phenomenon† that will possibly stick around for years in many countries because societal, religious

Commonwealth Government Of the Australia †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Commonwealth Government Of The Australia? Answer: Introduction The project My Health record System by The commonwealth Government of Australia aims at storing the patients important data securely over internet so that it is easily accessible to the professionals, hospital staffs and the patients when required (Pearce Bainbridge, 2014). This system is to be designed keeping in mind the confidentiality, integrity and the availability of patients data, which is to be securely stored in cloud server. This eliminates the hassle of manual record keeping the hospitals and further frees the patients from retelling about their problems every time they visit a new professional. The government of Australia has initiated the project (Steele, Min Lo, 2012). The report discusses the functional and non-functional requirements of the project. It further elaborates the strength and weakness of storing the patients data over cloud and the SDLC approach of developing this project. Functional requirements The functional requirements of the project are elaborated below- 1) Authentication Medical records can be accessed only by the registered candidates. Patients have the power to select the accessibility of the system. Only the registered candidates can access the system. Therefore, authentication is an important functional requirement of the system under development (Jain, Nandakumar, 2012). 2) Summary The system should enable the feature of a summarized diagnostic record. This will help the patients as well as the professionals to identify the most important information. 3) Authorization levels- Authorization level will ensure that only a correct individual is able is access as proper information. It will limit the access of the health record system. 4) Edit/Update button- This button will enable the user to edit the existing documents and allow the user to upload new documents as well. Non-Functional requirements The non-functional requirement of the system are listed below Chung, Nixon Mylopoulos, 2012)- 1) Functionality- The system should abide by the functionality of the system, which includes the storage of patients data in cloud. 2) Usability- the system should be simple so that it offers usability to all the users 3) Reliability- the system should be reliable enough so that the patients can store their personal health information without any worry. 4) Performance- The system should offer high performance level of data access and data processing. 5) Supportability- the system should features of testability, adaptability and maintainability that as a whole reflects to the supportability of the system 6) Configurability- The system should be easily configured and updated. 7) Scalability- The system should be scalable and flexible to adapt to new changes. Strength and Weakness of cloud based solution The cloud environment in which the system is to be developed is All-cloud environment. This cloud environment has many potential advantages and hence it is being used. This environment helps in accessing all the works, documents and information from any device. The strength and weakness of All-cloud based solution is elaborated in the following paragraphs (Galibus Vissia, 2015)- Strength The strength of using All-cloud solution apart from easy accessibility are listed below- 1) Usability- All-cloud storage allows the users to drag files between the cloud storage and the local storage thus making the usability easier. 2) Bandwidth- high bandwidth, files can be accessed with a web link as well. 3) Reliability- The service platform of All-cloud storage offers high reliability. 4) Manageability- All-cloud provides enhanced and simplified information management and maintenance capabilities through a central administration and hence it is hassle free. 5) Disaster Recovery- cloud provides an easier disaster recovery facility, which ensures the availability of data even after a disaster. 6) Cost savings- cloud storage decreases the cost of storing a huge number of data. 7) Data availability- Cloud storage ensures the availability of data 24/7. Thus, both the patients and the professionals anytime anywhere can access the patients record (Chen Zhao, 2012). Weakness The weaknesses of using All-cloud solution are listed below- 1) Security and privacy - the major issues with the cloud storage is its security standards. All-cloud service providers ensure best security standards but the public service opens up cloud service providers into security challenges on a routine basis. The facility in procuring the cloud services can give did honest user the power and ability to scan the vulnerabilities in the system. This is particularly because, data are being hosted in a common server from where a hacker might able to break in and access the personal data of the patients. The commonwealth government of Australia should ensure proper data security (Kulkarni et al., 2012). 2) Vulnerable to attack- Cloud computing works over internet and therefore, it is vulnerable to cyber attacks. Moreover, cloud computing is built as a public service and thus it multiplies the possibility of an attack. The Australian government therefore should ensure that the My Health Record System is secure enough to bypass those attacks (AlZain et al., 2012). 3) Dependencies- Cloud storage or cloud service is dependent of the cloud service provider and therefore it is the responsibility of the Australian government to decide the dervice provider wisely (Rittinghouse Ransome, 2016). 4) Cost- The initial cost of developing a cloud-based solution is very high. However, once the system is set up, it reduces the hardware costs, which in turn benefits the organization. Predictive Approach The predictive software development life cycle or SDLC assumes that the phases associated with the software development life cycle can be pre planned sequentially during the project initiation. This will ensure no or little lap in the different phases of the software development life cycle. In this approach, the project deliverable is defined at the beginning of the project. This approach assumes that the system can fully developed according to the plan without the necessity or addition of any new requirement throughout the development of the project (Tuteja Dubey, 2012). The pros or advantages of the predictive SDLC approach are listed below- 1) Predictive approach of SDLC helps in defining a clear project objective. 2) It helps in ascertaining stable project requirements 3) It is easier to track and measure the progress of the project as the phases are pre defined. 4) The predictive approach follows strict sign-off requirements and thus the project handover becomes simple and easier. 5) The predictive approach considerably helps in risk avoidance as it defines the project requirements at the beginning of the project. 6) This method includes a strong approval and documentation control. All the planning phases are properly documented and are strictly followed during the execution phase. The cons or disadvantages of the predictive SDLC approach are listed below- 1) The major disadvantage of this model is that it is time consuming. Since the project is planned at the beginning of the project, the entire plan is needed to be properly documented so that the project team can work according to the plan. 2) The predictive approach prevents the backward tracking of the project as in it does not include any feedback path. 3) The predictive SDLC approach is not able to respond to the changes and offers little room for iteration. The Adaptive approach The adaptive SDLC approach generally refers to the development of a project or a system using agile methodology. In Agile methodology, the whole project is divided into sprints and is very different from the predictive approach. Unlike predictive approach, adaptive approach helps in improvising the project into the development phase and offers feedback path. The phases are not sequenced in this approach and hence the project can be improvised in any phase. Furthermore, this approach enables a thorough testing of each phase unlike the adaptive phase, which is a plus point (Balaji Murugaiyan, 2012). The advantages of adaptive SDLC are listed below- 1) Allows regular adoption to changes 2) Through testing is done before every release 3) Customers feedback is an important criterion 4) The project can be improvised even after development. The Disadvantages of Adaptive approach are listed below- 1) The project requires thorough supervision. 2) This approach might take a longer schedule to complete if new requirements are added in the later stages of the development. My Health record system is a medium sized project undertaken by the Australian government. It aims at making the medical procedures more easy and effective. Therefore, the system to be developed needs to be of high quality and should be completed within the scheduled time. Therefore, it is recommended that the appropriate approach of developing this system will be the adaptive approach towards the software development life cycle (Mahalakshmi Sundararajan, 2013). Conclusion Therefore form the above discussion, it can be concluded that the use of cloud storage will make the system easier to implement and cost effective as well. However, the security issues involved with the storage of data over cloud should be considered. The report elaborates major functional and non-functional requirements involved with the system. The discussion suggests adaptive SDLC approach to be suitable for the development of this software. Reference AlZain, M. A., Pardede, E., Soh, B., Thom, J. A. (2012, January). Cloud computing security: from single to multi-clouds. In System Science (HICSS), 2012 45th Hawaii International Conference on (pp. 5490-5499). IEEE. Balaji, S., Murugaiyan, M. S. (2012). Waterfall vs. V-Model vs. Agile: A comparative study on SDLC. International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management, 2(1), 26-30. Chen, D., Zhao, H. (2012, March). Data security and privacy protection issues in cloud computing. In Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (ICCSEE), 2012 International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 647-651). IEEE. Chung, L., Nixon, B. A., Yu, E., Mylopoulos, J. (2012). Non-functional requirements in software engineering (Vol. 5). Springer Science Business Media. Galibus, T., Vissia, H. E. R. M. (2015). Cloud storage security. Proc NSCE, 2014, 123-127. Jain, A. K., Nandakumar, K. (2012). Biometric Authentication: System Security and User Privacy. IEEE Computer, 45(11), 87-92. Kulkarni, G., Gambhir, J., Patil, T., Dongare, A. (2012, June). A security aspects in cloud computing. In Software Engineering and Service Science (ICSESS), 2012 IEEE 3rd International Conference on (pp. 547-550). IEEE. Mahalakshmi, M., Sundararajan, M. (2013). Traditional SDLC Vs Scrum MethodologyA Comparative Study.International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering,3(6), 192-196. Pearce, C., Bainbridge, M. (2014). A personally controlled electronic health record for Australia. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 21(4), 707-713. Rittinghouse, J. W., Ransome, J. F. (2016). Cloud computing: implementation, management, and security. CRC press. Steele, R., Min, K., Lo, A. (2012). Personal health record architectures: technology infrastructure implications and dependencies. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 63(6), 1079-1091. Tuteja, M., Dubey, G. (2012). A research study on importance of testing and quality assurance in software development life cycle (SDLC) models. International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering (IJSCE), 2(3), 251-257.

All About Me free essay sample

Who am I? I am Camila M., a freshman in high school. A few things about me is that I’m the youngest in my family. I’m also a very shy and quiet person who wants to travel the world. Also my family is really important to me and I really like to read. Also in the future I want to be a psychologist. Family is really important to me because theyre not just family they’re people that I can trust with anything. They’re people also really supportive. They would do anything for me and I would do anything for them.I’ve learned to be a better person because of them. I have also learned from them to work hard and be successful in life. That’s why my family has a huge impact of who I am today. Reading makes me unique and who I am because it’s not very common for young people to read books in this generation. We will write a custom essay sample on All About Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page But I love to read. I like how reading takes you into a whole different world whether it’s fictional or not.I also like how every book has a differentstory to tell. Another thing is that you can travel the world with books.One book can be about a kidnapper in the U.S,drug cartels in Mexico, or queens and kings in Europe. I think that every book has an important message you just have to read in between the lines. I also want to travel the world when I’m older. I want to learn about the cultures and the history of other places.I would also like to try to new foods and just to see new places. I know I’m only a freshman in highschool but I often think about my future. For a couple of years now I’ve been wanting to study psychology in college and hopefully make it my career. I want to be a psychologist because I like to help people. Ever since I was little I would always want to help people best I can or at least try to make them feel better. And I believe becoming a psychologist is the best way to full-fill that. I’m very determined to become a psychologist.With my family’s love and encouragement. I know I can have a great future.I have a huge passion for reading. As I get older and learn more about myself I hope that will never change because I think that reading is an amazing way to learn new things. I hope to continue school and to be successful in life. Also to reach all my goals. All About Me free essay sample Being a senior in high school you would think is one of the best feelings in the world. Well it is! The past three years you have worked hard to get this far and now you are finally here. You have a whole new title†SENIOR†! I am a track and field member and a very enthusiastic and friendly person. Hopefully i can continue in college and get even better. I hope to become caption this year; it has been my high school dream. I would love to be the one to give the big â€Å"encouragement† speech before a track meet and set a good example for the following year caption. I am interested in becoming an early childhood education teacher. I love being around kids and weather people know it or not you can learn as much from them as they can learn from you. I have two little brothers who I just adore. We will write a custom essay sample on All About Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page One of my brothers has been attending school since the age of two and he has really learned a lot. He can spell his name count past ten and even count to ten in Spanish. He knows how to share and interact with other children with no problem at all. He knows his days of the week and all his colors of the rainbow. I can guarantee that not many children between the ages of four know all these things if they aren’t in school; some are just barely potty trained. These little things show how important it is to have more early childhood teachers to expand the brains of these little ones. I wake up to my brothers and fall asleep with them, they tell me to have a good day at school and to be good just as they are told. They say these kids are the future and this is the perfect place to start and I want to be a part of the process. One of my main goals is to graduate high school. My mom was the first female in our family in a long time to graduate high school and I will be the second! It’s really important to make a difference and show people that things don’t have to be the way they are. My younger cousin just turned 16 and feels that school isn’t one bit of important. She’s more concerned about what brand her clothes are and a new hair style for the week. Little does she know she can graduate high school and get her cosmetology license or even go to the Art Institute of Chicago and be known worldwide for her fashion. You can grow up and say you made something out of yourself instead of sitting around doing nothing. Overall life is what you make of it. People think you can just breeze through high school and be okay. Many jobs require at least an associate’s degree to even be considered for the position. You have to be enthusiastic about wanting to do better in life for your future and in my opinion that doesn’t stop after high school.

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Descartes theories essays

Descartes theories essays The topic of human philosophy is one filled with arduous arguments about existence and the questioning of why we are here. Rene Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy is no different. The first two meditations deal specifically with these issues, as Descartes examines several examples where these questions can be pondered. The most memorable of these example can be found in Meditation Two, where Descartes describes the piece of wax. The wax changes forms when it melts, and its primary characteristics (color, fragrance, shape, hardness etc...) disappear, but it still remains a piece of wax, just found in a different form. More than anything else, what Descartes strives to do is provoke interesting thoughts in the mind of the reader, maybe not completely changing their opinion on the subject at hand, but at least allowing them to see the issue from a different perspective. In my own prior experience, I have found that the understanding of another mans perspective only enhances ones own thoughts and opinions on an array of philosophical questions. In Meditation Three, Descartes mentions two terms, nature and light of nature. Soon after introducing these two terms, it becomes clear that they mean very different ideas about how one is taught to act by the environment in which they live. The difference between these two terms will be discussed later in this essay. The main point concerning these terms is concerning how decisions are made, and how problems are solved by the mind. In most of the writing, it appears that nature represents the instincts found in people from when they are young. In contrast, it appears that light of nature represents something one must observe to realize its true meaning. These points can be seen most clearly on page 72 of Meditation Three, when Descartes writes, When I say here I have been taught by nature, all I have in mind is that I am driven by a spo...

Reflections on Connection of Chemistry to Franciscan Values Research Paper

Reflections on Connection of Chemistry to Franciscan Values - Research Paper Example In school, the value of transformation transcends what is merely physical for the necessitated change comes with spiritual maturity and accountability for others since our transforming thought and act affects not only our state of well-being but as well as our circle of influence within the society. It is, however, saddening to learn that in the modern world of the present, transformation rather bears with it a more physical meaning or something identified as chiefly material in nature. There widely exists, for instance, an extensive research on chemical substances and methods by which to reverse spontaneous reactions and defy aging thereafter yet the main underlying objective has been to improve the quality of commerce and trade for further acquisition of profits by prominent industries. Through recent discoveries in chemistry, majority of us have managed to obtain knowledge and experience of the latest in anti-aging technology and beauty phenomenon. As such, the market of chemical and pharmaceutical goods largely consist of items like BB creams, firming and lifting gels, reconstructing serums, whitening soaps and pills, and other skincare products or services coupled with attractive laser technologies that most people particularly the female population buy into. In the article â€Å"One Chemist’s Accidental Anti-Aging Discovery† by Nina Elias, the author expresses â€Å"What if there was a single naturally occurring ingredient that could fuel a plane, replace saturated fats in baked goods, and repair wrinkles?† Herein, she makes reference to the environment-friendly algae that addresses both health and beauty concerns and somehow, her illustration of the value of transformation coincides with the Franciscan’s insight into transformation with responsibility as the biotech company Solazyme, according to Elias, has come up with innovative solutions which ensure no hazardous impact toward the ecological surroundings. On the other hand, the cosmetic inventions presented via the brand Etude House exemplify a kind of transformation focused on the sole enhancement of external looks and which makes no sensible agreement to the Franciscan attribute of change which ought to include internal foundations of beauty. Moreover, the findings demonstrated in the article â€Å"Can This Drink Save Your Skin?† by Kiera Aaron, nevertheless, may be claimed credible compared to the aforementioned sources in being further responsible to convey the truth despite the product benefits. While Aaron’s composition recognizes the advantage of transformation with respect to drinking collagen, he criticizes the product by using perspectives of other specialists who performed cross-examination of it. Based on this picture, one must have observed the attitude of courage to reveal the truth besides regard for transformation which also constitutes a Franciscan principle. â€Å"Diversity†, as another Franciscan value of choice may be perceived in the flexibility of allowing student body to be variedly comprised of distinct socio-cultural backgrounds to serve the dynamic interest of globalization in helping youth from all over the world unite with each

Legal Aspects Of Business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legal Aspects Of Business - Case Study Example He should always comply with the deadline. Failure to do so makes all his efforts fruitless. So though he delivered the product it was of no value to the customer as he had run out of time and had made other arrangements. In the case provided it's not mentioned that the contract between Alf and the customer was written or not. If the contract is written then legal action can be taken against Alf. Since verbally the customer has mentioned that he cannot work other than the stipulated time, he has all rights to take action against Alf. The written agreement between both the parties with a clear mention of the time makes Alf's case weaker. However if the customer does not have a copy of the written agreement between him and Alf then his case becomes weaker. Also if somewhere in the contract if it's mentioned that the shopkeeper is in no way responsible for any delays in delivery then too, the customer can not take any action against Alf. So though verbally Alf and the customer know about their agreement, if the customer has a written document then Alf's action can be proved a legal offence. So for the sake of law it is advisable that Alf does not impose the contract forcefully on the customer. In the second case the customer was unable to work with an ... After inspecting the gravity of the defect, the seller should replace the product, repair the fault or in extreme circumstances even refund the money if the customer is not ready for either replacement or repair. But he cannot say 'no' to the customer. Hence legally the customer can take action against Alf for not complying with the guidelines of selling electronic gadgets. In such circumstances it is advisable for Alf to refund, as he himself will not have to suffer any losses because the sellers have back-to-back service and maintenance contract with manufacturers. According to Kolah if the customer claims that the purchased product is not working properly then "Such a claim will require the interpretation of the defendant's obligations under the terms of the contract. This is because there may be express terms of an agreement the claimant and defendant concerning the purpose and standard of the product." (2002, p. 52) If it's not this, then to ensure that the product is fit for th e purpose made known to the seller, in the contract terms, the law implies that the product is of good quality and is appropriate for the buyer. In the third case too, Alf has the similar legal bindings as in the second case. Alf assured the customer at the time of sale that the saw he is selling is meant to cut anything, even steel bars. Since the saw broke down on the first day of its use, the case of misrepresentation of facts by the seller can be charged on Alf. He is liable for refund or replacement and if he is not willing to do so then the customer has all rights to drag him to court. If the seller is making a statement to the potential buyer, like in this case, according to Kolah

Final Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Final Project - Essay Example heir clinic visits, store and retrieve information on the patient’s current diagnosis and to provide user interface for performing the above stated tasks. Considering the above stated requirements, the database structure will be designed in such a way that it has a table for registering new patients, a table that stores diagnosis information for the patients and finally, a table that stores booking information for the patients. The registration table will have the following fields; Patient Identification number, patients first name, patients surname, patients phone number, patients email address, patients location, patients ZIP address, patients Date of Birth, and patients date of registration. On the other hand, the table that stores diagnosis information will contain the following fields; Patient Identification number, patient name, Date of the diagnosis, diagnosed condition and the recommended treatment. Finally, the table that stores scheduling information will contain the user identification number, the patient’s name, and the patient’s date of visit, the name of the doctor to visit and the room number to visit. To prevent data redundancy and to normalize the database, the patients Identification number will be utilized as the primary key in all the tables and also as a foreign key of the database. To retrieve the data, appropriate SQL statements will be used together with a chosen scripting

Facebook User Consent for Experiments

Facebook User Consent for Experiments Facebook Research is for the Betterment of Human Kind and as a Business they should be Free to Undertake Large Scale Online Experiments without the need to Contact their Users. Facebook and many other network platforms have used large scale online experiments, often without the consent and awareness of their users. These experiments are usually to better understand their users, in attempts to better their business and provide reasons for human actions and responses relevant to them and that industry. However, the question remains should businesses like Facebook be allowed to conduct such experimental research without receiving consent from their users? To answer this first we must understand what this research is and what are the implications of it to the users. The ‘experiment evidence of massive-scale emotion contagion through social network’ (Kramer et al. 2014, p. 8788) article explores how the emotional state of one can be transferred to another through emotional contagion. This notion is taken a step further by transferring this positive or negative emotion via networks, such as Facebook. This method faces many criticisms; one being that the experiment itself does not take into consideration the experience where a person’s positive or negative emotion is the result of an incident or an interaction rather than the exposure to another’s emotion. This criticism is more from a technical point of view. From an ethical stand point (Reid 2017) the issue is that mass research was conducted on people without their consent regarding a matter which would otherwise be considered private (their emotional response) by many. This issue will be further explored from an ethical (Reid 2017) and legal perspective, an in relevant contexts.  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      In 2014 Facebook was in the medias eye for experimenting on its 1.3 billion users. Facebook researchers altered the newsfeed of about 700,000 of its users without informing them (Wholsen 2014). When this became public there was an outrage by many users while some other people (mainly businesses) argued that there is nothing wrong with what Facebook did or the way they went about doing it. The argument for research was supported by claims that Facebook conducts many forms of research in a variety of fields to enhance the â€Å"Facebook experience† (Wholsen 2014) for users and better the advertising and promotions Facebook offers to its business clients. Additionally, if they had asked for consent from each user it would be a lengthy, time consuming and difficult process as there are 1.3 billion users. After commencement of the emotion contagion research experiment Facebooks reported revenue and profits increased, the research being one of the contributing factors (Wholsen 2014). It is therefore evident that this research is for the betterment of businesses. However, can that be said about the betterment of mankind? The sensitivity to context ‘privacy in public’ notion focuses on users perceived online environment. Many users may believe that the research Facebook conduct was a breach of their private discussions and postings whereas others may think that it was a public act. The mix of these perceptions only aid in the difficultly of knowing what can be collected and distributed. There are three ethical concepts derived from what the basic human rights to privacy are. These are; confidentiality, anonymity, and informed consent (Eynon et al. 2009, p.188). For there to be full disclosure, consent and to be considered as an ethical means of obtaining data users, would need to know what they are consenting to and to what extent they are able to give this consent (Eynon et al. 2009, p.189) Based on this it is apparent that Facebook did not implement the informed consent aspect of this concept during their research. Additionally, Facebook didn’t submit a proposal to Institutional Review Board for pre-approval of the study. From a legal perspective Facebook asks for consent from users in their Data Usage Policy agreement during sing up. This agreement addresses that user’s information can be used for testing and research purposes (Kramer et al. 2014, p. 8789). However, this is a very weak form of consent and does not address the forms of research which can take place. This is a very broad statement and can include a lot or very little depending on interpretation. This agreement is compulsory to abide with no opt out options, if users are to use the social media program. This issue raises puts all Facebooks practices into question by its users and media including what this means for Facebook advertisements in terms of how honest they must be with what they are advertising based on the data collected. Although the Code of Practice acts as a guide to prevent many misleading advertisements including the requirement that advertisers are not to be deceptive or misleading in their advertisements and have evidence to support their advertised claims, there are still loop holes (Reid 2017). Facebook is available in more than 130 countries and not all of these countries have a Code of Practice and some have varying rules and guideline in theirs. Those countries not covered by the Code of Practice put their users at risk from misleading and deceptive advertisement, from Facebook and other businesses. There is a lack of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by Facebook. CRS addresses many factors including quality of environment, employment practice, diversity, benefits and relationship for employees and consumer protection (Reid 2017). The policy is flexible enough to be applicable across all industries and in a range of situations. In this case, specifically addressing the negligence of the consumer protection factor. There are many benefits to complying with CSR for businesses and their customers including increase in profits in the long run, improved public image and the evasion of government interface. However, the downfall of not complying are reduction in profits and creates bad image for the businesses reducing benefits to owners/stakeholders. This is evident for many companies who have adapted this method of research and avoided transparency by not contacting their consumers. Mass scale research provides great data but brings the high risk that the data collect can be tracked back to the participant/user because the data itself is so complete (Eynon et al. 2009, p.191) Through there are billions of Facebook users the contagion research conduct is so complete that the through the likes (clicks) and their user references can allow for back tracking. Even if the information collect is anonymous there is still room for some access back to users (Eynon et al. 2009, p.192), particularly for infamous hackers. Using this situation in any other context, for example Dungons and Dragons. This online game allows it’s users to have conversations with other users during the game. This conversation can be tracked back by linking their text snippet to context of the conversation even when encrypted (Eynon et al. 2009, p.192) and like so the virtual game has had issues with piracy where they conduct research on users without consent, later exposed through a hacking incident. This is just one of the many examples where mass scale research has gone wrong because the company had failed to contact their users. Exposing users to something that causes physiological status changes is experimentation is the kind of thing that requires user consent. Informed consent is the most essential part of research ethics. It creates a trusting bond between a participant and a researcher which allows for accurate and true data to be collected without the objection from the participant or in this case the users. As a bare minimum, all businesses should disclose on their website to their users that their formation or data is being tracked anonymously. Lack of doing so a breach of a person’s privacy, at least from an ethical perspective. Therefore, this in no way will better mankind only create trust issues due to lack of transparency. In ability to trust a business is bad for the business itself and its customers, long term. If customers no longer trust a business they will slowly separate themselves from them looking for alternatives. Additionally, it creates a bad reputation for the business, as it did for Facebook who is still in the medias eye for it in a negative light despite their public apology. This negative back lash is one that will associate with the business in the long term and gradually it will (and has) caused many issue to conduct other forms of research, including Facebook having to review their privacy policy as a result of the uprise negative response from their unconsented research. To conclude, there are many benefits for undertaking large scale online experiments without user/participant consent in the sort run however long term it does not benefit anyone let alone better mankind. References Eynon, R, Schroeder, R & Fry, J 2009, ‘new techniques in online research: challenges for research ethics’, Twenty- First Century Society, vol.4, no.2, pp.187-199 Kramer, A, Guillory, J & Handcock, J 2014, ‘Experiment evidence of massive-scale emotion contagion through social network’, PNAS, vol. 111, no. 24, pp. 8788-8790. Reid, D 2017, ‘Lecture 1’, ADV20001, Advertising Issues: Regulation, Ethics & Cultural Considerations, Learning material on Blackboard, Swinburne University of Technology, May 29, viewed 9 July 2017. Reid, D 2017, ‘Lecture 2’, ADV20001, Advertising Issues: Regulation, Ethics & Cultural Considerations, Learning material on Blackboard, Swinburne University of Technology, June 5, viewed 9 July 2017. Reid, D 2017, ‘Lecture 17’, ADV20001, Advertising Issues: Regulation, Ethics & Cultural Considerations, Learning material on Blackboard, Swinburne University of Technology, July 10, viewed 9 July 2017. Wholsen, M 2014, ‘Facebook won’t stop experimenting on you, it’s just too lucrative’, Wired, 10 March, viewed 10 July 2017, .

B.F. Skinner Essay -- Biographies Biography Psychologist Essays

B.F. Skinner B.F. Skinner was born on March 20, 1904 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a happy and â€Å"stable† home environment. Skinner spent a lot of time as a child building and inventing things. After Skinner attended Hamilton College, he worked as a newspaper writer. Then, he went to New York City for a few months and worked as a bookstore clerk. It was here that Skinner read books about the famous behavior theorists, Pavlov and Watson (B.F. Skinner Foundation, 2002). When Skinner turned 24, he attended graduate school at Harvard University. As a Psychology student, he teamed up with Physiology Professor, William Crozier. Together, they began to study the relationship between behavior and experimental conditions. During his time at Harvard, Skinner conducted many experiments using rats (B.F.Skinner Foundation, 2002). Skinner’s findings made him â€Å"the most influential psychologist of the 20th century† (Roblyer,2003, p.57). B. F. Skinner concluded that people could mentally have control over all of their responses. He believed that a reinforcement and/or consequence given after a behavior would influence future behavior (Roblyer,2003, p.57). In other words, reinforcements and/or punishments can shape human behavior. For example, if a child eats all of his vegetables at dinner and his parent’s reward him with positive words and a cookie, then the child will probably eat his vegetables at the next dinner. Skinner’s theory can be applied inside the classroom as well. A teacher can get her students to behave by positively reinforcing acceptable behavior and punishing or negatively reinforcing poor behavior. A teacher can also get her student to work hard in her class by doing the same thing. I am planning ... ... with Skinner when he said, â€Å"The major problems of the world today can be solved only if we improve our understanding of human behaviors† (B.F.Skinner Foundation, 2003). As a future teacher, I believe that I can reinforce students to behave desirably in the future. I can also positively reinforce the use of technology in the classroom so students are excited to learn about and use this technology. This is mainly because I feel technology is such an important tool in the classroom. In conclusion, B.F. Skinner’s theory about shaping behavior by using positive and/or negative reinforcements can be extremely useful in the classroom. Works Cited B.F.Skinner Foundation. (2002, October 18) About B.F.Skinner. Retrieved September 18,2003 from http://www.bfskinner.org/bio.asp Roblyer, M.D. (2003). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Merril Prentice Hall.

Philosophies of Religion Essay

This Essay portrays the basic philosophies of religion particularly Christianity. This will be helpful for Christians to refresh or enhance their faith or take the challenge in strengthening their beliefs. Among the important and basic Christian philosophies to be discussed include; the true religion, real and false churches, minds and soul, heaven and heal, life after death, love and forgiveness, perfect marriage, miracles, Trinity, the challenging questions about the Da Vinci Code, Christians and Muslims, perfect marriage, etc. The discussions presented in this article are focused on indepth reflections of my previous work entitled, Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself. This further simplify the understanding of mysterious things concerning Christian faith and the challenges that shaken or strengthen the beliefs of a Christian. Introduction Many people (Christians and non-Christians) are in a great religious confusion with tough questions about faith, life, death and many other challenging concerns that will most likely affect the faith or belief of the people. Most are searching for answers through reading literatures, the holy bible or the Koran, discussions with peers, religious institutions, and even through prayers. This essay will attempt to offer explanations of the many questions that challenge the beliefs of Christians and non-Christians. Some inputs of this essay are generated from my article, â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself† that aim to enhance man’s relation with God. What is Soul? Soul is the energy that God places within a human body so it would receive life. It is in the form of spirit which is invisible to human eyes. It does not reside in one part of the body but keeps on moving throughout the blood. It can leave the body, go to another place or world, and come back into it as long as it remains connected. It happens so fast because it can move at the speed of light. It has the ability to travel into the future and tell how the future will be, that is a vision. Soul gives light and lives in the body and also prevents the body from decaying, and once the soul is unconscious or leaves the body, the body has no life, and therefore it starts decaying. The soul is the body’s life giving spiritual thing which is separate and distinct from the body. They are inseparable in any way when the body is conscious, but the soul could be away from the body when the latter is unconscious. How do minds and soul communicate? Soul has no language barriers. There is only one language understood by all souls, or perhaps the soul has the ability to understand all languages. It has unlimited power and the ability to perform anything. When God created man, He granted this power and authority where the soul operates in human flesh in which the latter is ruled by a human mind. Human minds are limited in terms of power, their ability to perform, language, and mobility, among other things. Mind’s desire is for material or physical things while the soul desires for the things that are spiritual. The soul has the ability to see beyond what the naked eye cannot see and has the ability to gather information from different places in an instant. It is stated that even the absence of language, the soul still communicate with mind in harmony. Soul is therefore, considered as master over mind. A gap is identified between the human level and the spiritual level where either the spirit of God resides or the spirit of the Devil. The soul provides information to the mind. The spirit of God empowers the soul to act at its fullness, but the evil spirit empowers the mind or the flesh. The mind has the ability to process and store information or idea communicated from the soul which can be destructive or creative, depending on its source. What is a true religion? A true religion is the one that follow God’s guidance by building a good relationship with God. God is interested in having a good relationship with people; this is the true religion, knowing what God wants and knowing that we are doing what pleases Him. Likewise, the ISLAM HERALD (2003) stated that a true religion is teaching true concepts like the existence of God, that He is powerful and loving, He is aware of us and wishes to help us, and that certain things are required of us in return. It is therefore imperative that everyone should think that religion is just a vehicle to let people know that there is God and that He wants all the people to follow what He wants. Hence, the issue on true religion should not be argued. People who argue and claim that their religion is the true religion are those who did not follow what God wants them to do, hence, they are fools influenced by the thoughts of the devil. What is death, and how do people feel when dying? Death is the state when the soul has completely left the body and has no connection, or the soul is still in the body but unconscious. When a person meets an accident, the flesh may completely fail to function but the soul is fully conscious, preoccupied with many things, without expecting in meeting death. In this situation, the death of accident victim is declared but remains fully conscious within the body in which souls are looking for mercy, and they can talk. However, after some days, the soul gives up and became unconscious because they can no longer gain strength. What happens when one dies? When some people die, their souls remain unconscious within their bodies; others get out of their body and begin roaming around while the holy ones go to paradise, led by angels. The death of the holy ones will open the gate to a bright world where the angels are waiting to take them home (paradise), but those who remain in the grave are surrounded by darkness; they are not warm or cold. The latter’s case will be determined during the Day of Judgment. The rebellious ones still go on roaming the world and their souls are fully dedicated to the Devil. Are heaven and hell real? The Holy Bible tells everyone that there is heaven and hell. This contention can be read in some passages of the Bible, and among them are the book of Revelation and the gospel of Mathew which can be read below. Heaven Revelation 21:1-4 reads: â€Å"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. Hell Jesus used different images to describe hell. He used the images of torment (Matthew 25:46), a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12), a place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), and a place of fire (Matthew 3:12). Revelation 21:8 describes it as â€Å"the lake which burns with fire and brimstone†¦ † To demonstrate that hell is a place of continual and eternal torment, Revelation 14:11 states that â€Å"the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worships the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. This is the biblical teaching on hell. Those who try to dilute it are only hurting people; hell is real, and everyone who does not submit to the gospel of Christ will go there. However, Rev. Douglas Taylor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton, argue that Hell, like Heaven, is essentially a state of mind although the very opposite state of mind to heaven. If hell is within us, it will be seen outside of us as a place ( a hideous place), reflecting the hideousness of the evil within†. Is there life after death? Yes, there is life after death. This is supported by the Bible’s passage particularly in John 11:25-26 where God said â€Å"There is only one way – through faith and trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, â€Å"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Furthermore, this can also be read in the book of Mathew 25:46 which states that â€Å"Those who have been made righteous will go into eternal life in heaven, but unbelievers will be sent to eternal punishment or hell†. Who is right, Christians or Muslims? Christians and Muslims believe in the same God, and their faith is based on the Old Testament. These believers are both believe in the Day of Judgment and the coming of Jesus Christ for the second time. Many are amazed that the Koran talked more about Mary, the mother of Jesus, in regards to the birth of Christ than the Bible itself. Both groups of believers believe in the living God, the Most High King, and the God of the universe. At that high level, both groups have no difference. Those who called by His name are given the power and authority to rule and judge the world. God was just using different messengers for the Christians and the Muslims; Christ Jesus for the Christians, and Mohammad for the Muslims. But, they the same believed the old testament of the Holy Bible. In the eyes of God, the righteous are those who believe that there is God; obey His commands, and those who recognize that He is the most powerful and merciful God. What is a perfect marriage? A perfect marriage is a marriage that put God in the center. A perfect marriage is bound with open communication, faith and trust with each other. In Ephesians 5:23-33 of the Holy Bible, God describes that perfect marriage is based on love. He commands the husband to love his wife more than he loves himself, and to nourish and cherish her. A man should provide for his wife’s needs and consider her a precious possession. The most important part of a good marriage is LOVE, not just a physical attraction, but true love and concern for each other before God. Marriages that last are built on love (Ecclesiastes 9:9). The wise man Solomon said that enjoying life’s blessings with a loving companion is a great reward. Love’s endurance knows no limits, its trust no end, its hope no fading; it can outlast anything. If, we will but follow God’s pattern for the marriage relationship, we can find the happiness that God intended when He ordained it. The pleasure and happiness are there when the husband and the wife have the proper love for each other and for God. These explanations about perfect marriage are anchored on LOVE. What is the secret behind miracles? The secret behind miracles is faith. Many scriptures in the Holy Bible (in the New Testament) tell how Jesus shown that faith makes miracles. However, in some cases, miracles are used by the devil to mislead the people of God and forget the true miracle from God which is the miracle of forgiveness of sins. Do all miracles come from God? Not all miracles come from God. Dan Corner of Evangelical Outreach reveals that miracles come from two sources that is God and devil. The book of Exodus that â€Å"some of God’s miracles were duplicated by Satan’s power channeled through the Egyptian magicians: a wooden staff became a snake† (7:10, 11); â€Å"water was changed into blood† (7:20-22)† and frogs came out of the water and covered the land† (8:6, 7)! † Demons can and do perform miraculous signs† (Rev. 16:14, p. 142). In the Holy Bible (New Testament) Jesus Christ made many miracles of healing the sick people, giving life again to the declared dead person, calming storms, etc. All the miracles performed by Jesus came from God. Are all churches real? Not all churches are real. Elephant shared in his article that the real churches are those where the worshippers are singing with the same voice, moving in the same direction, without confusion, and seek God for salvation. Real churches are those with true worshippers. True worshippers of God are poor in hearts seeking God and left everything behind just to follow God with one purpose, salvation. Is there any false church or prophet? There are so many false churches and prophets even during the time of Jesus Christ. False church is look like a market place where there are lots of confusions; people are seeking God for material things not salvation. Yes, there were false prophets as supported by Ezekiel 13, even God warn the people against false prophets and said to Ezekiel â€Å"These foolish prophets are doomed! They provide their own inspiration and invent their own visions. Christians of today, your prophets are as useless as foxes living among the ruins of the city. They do not guard the places where the walls have crumbled, nor do they build the walls, and so the churches cannot be defended when war comes on the day of the Lord. Their visions are false, and their predictions are lies. They claim that they are speaking my message, but I have not sent them. Yet they expect their words to come true! I tell them: Those visions you see are false, and the predictions you make are lies. You say that they are my words, but I have not spoken to you†. Jeremiah was told by God to â€Å"Tell my people not to listen to what those false prophets say; they are filling you with false hopes. They tell you what they have imagined and not what I have said. To the people who refuse to listen to what I have said, they keep saying that all will go well with them. And they tell everyone who is stubborn that disaster will never touch him. † Is man a complicated creature? Why and why not? Man is a complicated creature because God has provided them everything, the life, the trees that produces foods they need. In Genesis 2:15-16, God even give man a companion in the presence of Eve. With a condition that he should not eat the fruit of the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and bad because the punishment of death will be accorded to him by God. Man’s complication started when he disobey God. The complication continue when God give different languages to human beings and scattered them all over the world. It is hard to understand man because something else that God had no intention to create was created after eating the fruit of the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. Man became a complicated creature and that is why we suffer, because we need to prove to God that we can be faithful and trusted once more. Our first parent chose to follow or listen to a stranger, the devil. He ignored the instruction of God, despite or everything provided to him by God.

How to Create a Character Profile the Ultimate Guide (with Template)

How to Create a Character Profile the Ultimate Guide (with Template) How to Create a Character Profile: the Ultimate Guide (with Template) Ask any great novelist and they’ll likely tell you that good writing starts with good characters. But sharp character development is also one of the toughest hills to climb, especially if you’ve struggled to think through those tried-and-true questions that keep you up at night:Are my characters convincing?Do my characters have depth?How do I make sure my character has an arc?If you’re having these doubts, you might want to turn to the age-old solution: a character profile. In this post, we take you through all the steps of creating a character profile requires - and give you a character template that you can use with any story you’re writing.Why create a character profile?What’s the point of filling out a character template? I never end up using all the information in my story, anyway! That’s true. In fact, you shouldn’t try to pack every character detail into your novel. Only use what's relevant to the actual story - otherwise you risk turning off readers with the dreaded "info dump."But the author always needs to understand their characters like the back of their hands. In Creating Unforgettable Characters: A Practical Guide to Character Development, Linda Seger compares the depth of a character to an iceberg. The audience will only see a fraction (maybe 10%) of all that the writer knows about their character. But the remaining 90% is what makes characters actually feel well-drawn, flawed, and real - as though they could live outside of the book itself.Those are the kinds of characters our character questionnaire is here to help you write.PRO-TIP:  If you're still in the beginning stages of building a character and need a name, this character name generator may come in handy.So what makes a good character profile?There are a lot of character questionnaires out there - some are good. Then there's the character template that asks you, â€Å"If your character was a color, what color would they be?†On ce you start answering those kinds of questions in a character template, you might be dealing with overkill. It won’t move the needle at all when it comes to character development.A better character profile is one that actually helps you build a holistic picture of your character in the context of your story. With this in mind, we built a character profile worksheet in three parts. If you treat a person like an apple, they’re going to have three layers of depth: the â€Å"skin,† the â€Å"flesh,† and the â€Å"core.† (Otherwise known as their physical appearance, backstory, and psychology.) That’s how this character template is structured - and if you have a particular area that you’d like to hone, you can skip to it below. Otherwise, this questionnaire will start with the eagle eye’s view of your character. And if you'd like to download it nicely formatted for you already in a PDF format, feel free to do so below! Ready? Let’s begin.PART 1: The Outer Layer, or Physical Appearance PART 2: The Flesh, or Backstory PART 3: The Core, or PsychologyPart 1: The Outer LayerTo be able to identify a criminal, detectives build a painstakingly thorough file of said criminal’s physical characteristics.That’s the goal of this section, which covers the â€Å"skin† of your character: everything from their outer appearance to the way that they speak. Think of it as a kind of offender profile - one that can help you spot your character in the middle of a crowded Times Square.ðŸ“â€" THE BASICSNameAgePlace of birthCurrent locationNationalityEducationOccupationIncome👀 PHYSICAL APPEARANCEWhat's their:eye color?hair style?build?Do they have any distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, birthmarks)?What's their preferred outfit?Do they wear glasses?  Ã°Å¸â€˜â€œWhat accessories are ALWAYS associated with them (cane, pipe, necklace, etc.)?  Ã°Å¸Å'‚What's their usual level of grooming?DisheveledSmart, very put togetherUntidy but cleanOther?Do they have any distinguishing â€Å" tics† and mannerisms?What's their health like? Do they suffer from chronic illnesses?  Ã°Å¸  ¥Describe their handwriting (sloppy, neat, careful, unintelligible).  Ã¢Å" How do they walk?  Ã°Å¸â€˜ £Confident, powerful stridesLazy strollFast, walks at a clipDistracted, eyes on the groundOther?💠¬ SPEECH AND COMMUNICATIONHow do they talk (rapid, slow, measured, drawl, etc.)?What's the style of their speech (elevated, educated, peppered with slang, etc.)?Do they have an accent?Posture:Stiff, militarySlouchingCasual and relaxed‘Turtle,’ tiredOther?Do they gesture?Only when agitated or eagerDoesn’t gestureCompulsive â€Å"hand-talker†Controlled, only to make a pointOther? If so, explain:How much eye contact that they like to make (direct, shifty, etc.)?What's their preferred curse word?What's their catchphrase?Any speech impediments?What are any distinguishing speech â€Å"tics†?What's their laugh like? What do they tend to find funny?D escribe their smile?How emotive are they? Do they wear their emotions on their sleeve? How easily can others to read them?They have a resting _____ face.Bitch 😒Angel 😇Neutral 😠Other?Part 2: The FleshCharacters don’t exist in a vacuum - they’re a product of their environment.This section in the character template dives a bit deeper into your character and covers their â€Å"flesh†: the people, circumstances, and formative influences that filled them out and made them who they are today. It’s the springboard to your character’s biography.⠏ ª THE PASTWhat's the name of their hometown?  Ã°Å¸  ¡What type of childhood did they have (sheltered, neglected, etc.)?Describe their education?  Ã°Å¸  Were they involved in organizations and clubs at school?Sports âš ½Debate ðŸâ€" £Gay / Straight AllianceModel UNDrama 🎠­Other? If so, explain:At graduation, they were named Most Likely To ___________ in the yearbook.  Ã° ŸŽ“Jobs (if applicable)? What would their rà ©sumà © look like?  Ã°Å¸â€™ ¼What was their dream job as a child? Why?Who were their role models growing up? Describe them.  Ã°Å¸â€˜ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ Ã°Å¸â€˜ ¦What's their greatest regret?What were their hobbies growing up?  Ã¢â€º ³Favorite place to be as a child?What's their earliest memory?What's their saddest memory?What's their happiest memory?What's their clearest memory?What are their skeletons in the closet?  Ã°Å¸â€™â‚¬If they could change one thing from their past, what would it be? Why?  Ã¢  ³Describe the major turning points or â€Å"life beats† in childhood.What are three adjectives to describe them as a child?What advice would they give to their younger self?List their criminal record.   👠ª FAMILYFather  Ã°Å¸â€˜ ¨Age (if living)OccupationBriefly describe their relationship with your characterMother  Ã°Å¸â€˜ ©Age (if living)OccupationBriefly describe their relationship with your characterSiblings👠§How many?What are their names and ages?Briefly describe their relationship(s) with your characterChildren  Ã°Å¸â€˜ ¶(if applicable)Age (if living)OccupationBriefly describe their relationship with your characterExtended family  Ã°Å¸â€˜ ´GrandparentsUncles and auntsCousinsOtherWhat's their family's economic status?  Ã°Å¸â€™ °How often do they see their family in a year?ðŸ’Å" EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPSWho are their closest friends? Describe them.Who are their other significant friends?  Ã°Å¸â€˜â€¹Enemies? Describe them.  Ã°Å¸Ëœ ¡How are they perceived by:strangers in the street?acquaintances at a work function?colleagues in the office?authority figures?friends in their friend circles?children?the opposite sex?extended family?What social media platfo rms are they on?TwitterTumblrFacebookRedditInstagramSnapchatOther? If so, explain.How would they use their social media platforms?How would they fill out an online dating profile for themselves?  Ã¢Å" ¨What’s their role in a group dynamic?  Ã°Å¸â€™ ¡LeaderJokerParentHype manMoochOther? If so, explain.Who do they depend on for:practical advice?mentoringa wingman?emotional support?moral support?How quickly do they respond to emails?  Ã°Å¸â€œ ¨What do they want from a relationship?Who would be their ideal partner?  Ã°Å¸â€™â€"Who is their significant other? Describe them.  Ã°Å¸â€™â€¢How many people would attend their funeral?Part 3: The CoreWe’ve come now to the â€Å"core†: who your character is deep down.This section in the character profile worksheet covers the â€Å"heart† of your character. If a backstory shapes a dynamic character, this will define them. More importantly, it will help inform the two most important points leading up to your nov el: the character’s story goal and story motivation.💠­ PSYCHOLOGYWhat do they do on rainy days?Are they:Street-smart or book-smartAn optimist or pessimistIntroverted or ExtrovertedWhat is their favorite sound?  Ã°Å¸â€Å Favorite place in the world?  Ã°Å¸Å'ŽWhat secrets do they keep? What are they most afraid of people finding out?  Ã°Å¸â€â€™What do they want the most?  Ã°Å¸â€ What's their biggest flaw?What's their biggest strength?What's their biggest fear?What is their biggest accomplishment?  Ã°Å¸â€œË†What is their idea of perfect happiness?What's their favorite quote?  Ã°Å¸â€˜Å'Do they want to be remembered? What for?  Ã¢Å'Å¡How do they approach:power?ambition?love?change?What is the one object or possession that they would rescue from their burning home?  Ã°Å¸â€ ¥What (or who) bores them?  Ã°Å¸â€™ ¤What makes them angry?  Ã°Å¸â€™ ¢What do they look for in a person?How strong is their moral compass? When, specifically, are they willing to co mpromise their morals?List the last 10 books they read.  Ã°Å¸â€œÅ¡Which fictional world would they most wish to visit?If they didn’t have to sleep, what would they do with the extra time?What are their pet peeves?  Ã¢Å¡  If they won the lottery, what would they do?Describe the character’s bucket list at the ages of 15, 20, 30, and 40.List the 10 songs that would occupy their All-Time Most Played playlist on Spotify.  Ã°Å¸Å½ µWhat is the best compliment that someone ever paid them?In an elevator, do they push the elevator button more than once?  Ã°Å¸Å¡ ªWhat would they want their tombstone to say?🔠® THE PRESENT AND FUTUREWhat is their story goal? (answer in a single paragraph)Story motivation (answer in a single paragraph)In other words: what does your character want in the story? Why do they want it? Every other answer in the character template builds up to this. This is critical information to know because it’ll make up the unshakable foundation - and raison d'à ªtre - for your story. Whenever you feel like your story is straying off course, go straight back to your character’s story goal and motivation.And if you lose physical sight of this character template, don’t sweat because we made it a portable resource for you.The Ultimate Character Profile TemplateThis downloadable character profile template will come as a fillable PDF file. Simply save it on to your computer and start typing in the text boxes to start developing your character.Additional resourcesIf you’re in an interrogatory mood and want even more questions outside of this character template, we’ve got your back. Here are some more famous tests with which to quiz your character - and a character questionnaire or two for your further perusal!The Proust QuestionnaireWhat it is: A set of questions popularized by Marcel Proust that digs into an individual’s personality.Some sample questions:What do you regard as the lowest dep th of misery?What is the trait you most deplore in others?On what occasion do you lie?Arthur Aron’s Intimacy TestWhat it is: A questionnaire of 36 questions that the New York Times in 2015 said would break down emotional barriers and accelerate intimacy between two strangers.Some sample questions:Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?The Book of QuestionsWhat it is: A series of questions by Gregory Stock that was initially published in 1987. (Note: you can find a PDF of 300+ questions here.)Some sample questions:At a meal, your friends start belittling a common acquaintance. If you felt their criticisms were unjustified, would you defend the person?Are you able to separate sex from love?When you make a big sacrifice, do you tell people about it or keep it to yourself? What would you never willingly sacrifice? Your life? Your health? Your integrity? Your dreams?Vault’s 101 Behavioral QuestionsWhat it is: A set of 101 interview questions from career site, Vault.Some sample questions:Where do you see yourself in ten years? Twenty years?Tell me about yourself in 30 seconds.Tell me about a time you had to break a promise. What was the situation and how did you handle it?If you're looking to hone your characters even further, here are seven of the best character development exercises. Keep an open mind as you work through every question and you'll be on your way to creating well-drawn, interesting characters in no time at all.Have you used a character profile or a character questionnaire to develop your characters before? Do you have any dependable character questions that our questionnaire lacks? Tell us in the comments below!

Biography of Bobby Seale, Black Panther Party Co-founder

Biography of Bobby Seale, Black Panther Party Co-founder Bobby Seale (born October 22, 1936) co-founded the Black Panther Party with Huey P. Newton. The organization, which was the most well-known group launched during the black power movement, stood out for its free breakfast program and emphasis on self-defense- a departure from the nonviolent philosophy advocated by civil rights activists. Fast Facts: Bobby Seale Known For: Co-founder, along with Huey P. Newton, of the Black Panther PartyBorn: October 22, 1936 in Dallas, TexasParents: George and Thelma SealeEducation: Merritt Community CollegeSpouse(s): Artie Seale, Leslie M. Johnson-SealeChildren: Malik Seale, Jaime SealeNotable Quote: â€Å"You dont fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with solidarity. Early Life and Education Bobby Seale, the first child of George and Thelma Seale, was born on October 22, 1936. He grew up with a brother (Jon), a sister (Betty), and a first cousin (Alvin Turner- the son of his mother’s identical twin). In addition to Dallas, the family lived in other Texas cities, including San Antonio. Seales parents had a rocky relationship, separating and reconciling repeatedly. The family struggled financially and sometimes rented out parts of their home to other families to earn additional income. Seales father, George, was a carpenter who once built a home from the ground up. He was also physically abusive; Bobby Seale later described being whipped with a belt by his father at age 6. When the family moved to California, George Seale struggled to get carpentry work or join a union, as unions often excluded African Americans during the Jim Crow era. When George Seale did manage to enter a union, he was one of just of three black men in the state with union membership, according to Seale. As a teenager, Seale hauled groceries and mowed lawns to earn extra cash. He attended Berkeley High School but dropped out to sign up for the US Air Force in 1955. After a conflict with a commanding officer, Seale was dishonorably discharged. However, this setback did not deter him. He earned his high school diploma and made a living as a sheet metal mechanic for aerospace companies. He also worked as a comedian. In 1960, Seale enrolled in Merritt College, where he joined a black student group and his political consciousness took hold. Two years later, he met Huey P. Newton, the man with whom he would start the Black Panthers. Founding the Black Panther Party At a 1962 demonstration against the Kennedy Administrations naval blockade of Cuba, Seale befriended Huey Newton. Both men found inspiration in black radical Malcolm X and were devastated when he was assassinated in 1965. The next year, they decided to form a group to reflect their political beliefs, and the Black Panthers were born. The organization reflected Malcolm X’s philosophy of self-defense by any means necessary. The idea of armed African Americans proved controversial in the broader United States, but as the civil rights movement waned following the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., many young black Americans leaned towards radicalism and militancy. The Black Panthers were particularly concerned about racism in the Oakland Police Department, but before long, Panthers chapters sprang up nationwide. The Black Panther Party became most well known for their 10-point plan and free breakfast program. The 10-point plan included culturally-relevant teaching, employment, shelter, and exemption from military service for African Americans. Legal Battles In 1968, Bobby Seale and seven other protesters were charged with conspiring to incite a riot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. When the trial date arrived, Seales lawyer was ill and unable to appear; the judge denied the request to delay the trial. Seale claimed the right to defend himself in order to advocate for his own constitutional rights, but the judge did not allow him to give an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, or speak to the jury. Seale contended that the judge had denied him his right to counsel, and he began to speak out in protest during the proceedings. In response, the judge ordered him bound and gagged. Seale was chained (later strapped) to a chair, with his mouth and jaw strapped shut, for several days of the trial. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Seale to four years in prison for contempt of court. That sentence was later overturned, but it did not mark the end of Seale’s legal troubles. In 1970, Seale and another defendant were tried for killing a Black Panther believed to be a police informant. The hung jury resulted in a mistrial, so Seale was not convicted of the 1969 murder. As his court battles unfolded, Seale wrote a book tracing the history of the Black Panthers. The book, published in 1970, was titled Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton. But the time Seale spent behind bars awaiting the outcomes of various court cases had taken a toll on the group, which began to fall apart in his absence. The settling of the court cases saw Seale take charge of the Panthers again. In 1973, he changed focus by putting his bid in to become the mayor of Oakland. He placed second in the race. He left the Panthers the following year. In 1978, he wrote his autobiography, A Lonely Rage. Later Years In the 1970s, the black power movement subsided, and groups like the Black Panthers ceased to exist. Deaths, prison sentences, and internal conflicts spurred by initiatives like the FBI’s Counterintelligence Program played a role in the unraveling process. Bobby Seale remains politically active, giving talks on his life and activism at college campuses and other venues. More than 50 years after the Black Panthers formed, the group continues to influence politics, pop culture, and activism. Sources â€Å"Bobby Seale.† PBS.org.Bennett, Kitty. Bobby Seale: Black Panther leader was one of the Chicago Eight. AARP Bulletin, 27 August, 2010.Glass, Andrew. Kennedy imposes naval blockade of Cuba, Oct. 22, 1962. Politico, 22 October, 2009.Seale, Bobby. â€Å"Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party.† 1970.

CHILDREN WITH ADHD Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

CHILDREN WITH ADHD - Term Paper Example sists in treating Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); it stimulates brain cells, and adjusts hyperactivity, helps in concentrating and modifies motor skills also. But these medications are usually adjusted for every child with trial and error and the precise medication and dosage is determined per child as per his bodily reactions towards it. Some of the side effects related with these medications are; anxiety, sleeping disorders, stomach aches etc. Certain dietary supplements are reported to have positive effects on an Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affected child. A child consuming healthy diets has an edge on combating the disease; this includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat protein diets. Where as a child with ADHD will have negative effects on his health if he is taking food additives and excessive sugar (AACAP, 2013). The most common drug prescribed for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is Ritalin, it is readily available and generally it is given to children six years and above, but in a special cases it can be prescribed for younger children. Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate, and it reacts with the chemicals of brain and nerves which controls impulses. It is an addictive drug and it is not prescribed for pre-schoolers for a long period. Parents who are dealing with a child having Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have to be much more vigilant, not only on the child in question, but on his older siblings as well. Since Ritalin is the readily available drug for ADHD, its abuse is very common too. Adult siblings of ADHD affected kids often caught of abusing this drug, because it causes alertness, gives a boost of energy and attention which helps them in performing better in tests. However the longer intake of this drug can be extremely harmful, even fatal (CESAR, 2013). Virginia is the second largest state which prescribes Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD in children. It

Response to liberalism and racial justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Response to liberalism and racial justice - Essay Example The interpretation of the same by different philosophers also indicates the varying definitions that are adopted by the liberals at their convenience. I believe that liberalism should be simply defined in terms of equality that is able to empower people cutting across race, culture, color or nationality. Thus, true liberalism must eliminate race and promote cultural diversity to mark the freedom of people, located at different geographical region. Knowledge and education therefore become must become intrinsic to the ideology and encourage it on a global basis. The supremacy of White is a disillusion that is promoted as a legacy of past when Whites were able to buy slaves and exploit them for their own selfish needs. In the current times of rapid globalization, the diminishing geographical boundaries have resulted in new order based on mutual dependency. Thus, liberalism needs to be associated with racial justice based on equality and freedom to make choices that do not offend others or infringe their

Anthropological theories on the common property Term Paper

Anthropological theories on the common property - Term Paper Example In this regard, the theory can be used to describe the behavior individual in the use of common property to meet their needs for more satisfaction. Moreover, people tend to focus on the utilization of utilities which are as cost effective as possible. In this regard the propensity for the use of common property is justified. The human nature which makes them to seek cost effectiveness in their actions and behavior is described within the instrumental rationality which lies in the spectrum of the rational choice theory (Kim and Mahoney 223). In the illustration of rational choice theory, it is observable that people for example tend to use public parks because of the cost effectiveness associated with them. In this regard, the society makes choices based on instrumental rationality to ensure that they enjoy better than bad at the most cost effective manner (McLellan 13). In this regard, the justification which people give for the use of common property is likely to include the fact th at they are cost effective even though they may not reveal this apparently because of the social attitudes associated with the common property. ... Rationality within the rational choice theory is used to signify the sanity which people employ in the use of common property. This means that people are left with no choice but to make realistic and hence sane choices in the utilization of common property (Dowding and Andrew 455). For example it makes sense for sane choices of utilization of common property because of the cost effectiveness associated with them. This can be exemplified by an individual who makes sane choices of using common property swimming pools instead of installing his or her own which would be impractical due to limitations in space, costly and time consuming. The rational choice theory further is used to exemplify the thoughtful nature of human beings in the use of common property. This means that the use of common property is often evaluated or assessed by the users with an aim of determining its usefulness or benefits in relation to the possible advantages (Hechter and Satoshi 194). The rational choice is th us conclusively based on the ability of people to weigh between benefits and disadvantages of utilization of specific common services or property under a thoughtful process before a choice is eventually reached. The motive of rational choice as postulated by the rational choice theory is the maximization of the advantages that can be accrued from personal utilization of common property (Yalman 388). Therefore, there is a rational process which drives the use of common property. The rational process and the cognition of a person therefore define the attitudes and behaviors which are demonstrated during the use or conversation about common property (Roberts 32). More importantly, the rational choice theory is postulated within the concept of preference (Nehring 205). For example

Adults with Learning Disabilities Essay Example for Free

Adults with Learning Disabilities Essay The discourse of ‘learning disabilities’ is now being used to challenge a wide range of acts and practices, including violence and intimidation, non-consenting sexual acts, the bullying of less resilient people by more able service users, unacceptably deprived physical or social environments and financial exploitation or fraud. Some argue that it should include all abuses of human rights. Clearly, these issues are not new as the following essay illustrates, and historically some of these practices have been hidden within service cultures while others have been quite open but variously rationalized as ‘behavior modification’, ‘relationships’, ‘control and restraint’, or ‘not giving in to attention seeking’. Abuse was regarded as a central, and inevitable, feature of institutionalized provision in influential models such as that of Goffman (1961) and Wolfensberger (1975 and 1980) within an analysis whose focus was on organizations and ideology. The new discourse is much more personalized and within it the focus is on the experience of the victim. This has some advantages for individuals and highlights some dilemmas for service organizations. It makes clear that people with learning disabilities are harmed, as any individual would be, by personal or sexual violence or exploitation. Harm is deemed equivalent whoever has caused it, for example whether it has been perpetrated by another service user, a member of staff or a stranger. This way of framing harmful acts highlights conflicts of interest between service users: the discourse of ‘challenging behavior’ for example, designed to neutralize the stigma of difficult behavior, inadvertently deflects from and discounts the experience of those on the receiving end of difficult behavior. Naming these acts as abusive confronts service agencies with the need for specialized, safe (expensive) placements for those who present a risk to others. Men with learning disabilities who have difficult sexual behaviors, for example, are often placed alongside very vulnerable people, their needs for asylum taking precedence over the safety of more vulnerable people (Thompson and Brown 1998). But while this acknowledgement is a step forward for individuals ,the new discourse risks personalizing forms of mistreatment that arise out of societal and structural inequalities. At an individual level, when issues of power are overlooked or neutralized, abusive and exploitative interactions can be explained away as relationships of choice. At a service level, new fault-lines between agencies and between purchasers, providers and regulators set up contingencies that make abuse more likely and less visible. At a societal level, there is growing inequality between the pay and working conditions of managerial, professional and so-called ‘unqualified’ staff within and across the statutory, private (for-profit) and voluntary (not-for-profit) sectors. Gender and race exacerbate the unequal position of direct care staff and the disproportionate responsibility that falls on them. This paper divides into two parts. First, I shall review the current usage of the term ‘learning disabilities’, looking at how it is being defined and categorized. Second, I will outline what is emerging as good practice in this field. WHAT DOES A LEARNING DISABILITY LOOK LIKE? Let me explain this with an exaomple: Saras lifelong difficulty with reading and writing had nothing to do with not being smart. Most individuals who have a learning disability are of average to above average intelligence and therefore have the intellectual potential to succeed at school and in careers. But they often do not reach this potential. While effort and motivation are important for success, it is clearly unfair to say of someone with a learning disability that he or she just needs to try harder. No matter how hard Sara worked, her problems did not go away. We know that a learning disability is caused by specific dysfunction within the central nervous system. The central nervous system, made up of the brain and the spinal cord, controls everything we do: our ability to process and think about language and to express ourselves verbally, as well as our ability to process nonverbal information, including art or music. Saras symptoms included reversing or rotating numbers (6 for 9), letters (b for d;p for q), and words (was for saw; on for no) when writing; omitting letters and sounds; and making sound and word substitutions when reading (tril for trial;then for there). Such problems make it difficult to decode words, and these decoding errors are most evident when reading aloud. Though never diagnosed, Saras symptoms became evident in first grade, when formal reading instruction began. As we learn to read we must of course master the alphabet, which is like a code, and learn the relationship between letters and sounds. Reading is a process of decoding the clusters of letters, converting them into words, and then attaching meaning to the words. In many cases, problems with phonological processing the ability to receive, transform, remember, and retrieve the sounds of oral language interfere with the acquisition of reading skills. Phonological processing involves the ability to separate a word into its component parts or blend sounds to construct a word. Problems with these skills make it very hard for the beginning reader to achieve fluency. Comprehension of written material depends on accurate and fluent decoding, a good vocabulary, and comprehension of the grammatical structure of sentences. When these skills are not developed that is, when they are slow and labored the reader must devote more energy and effort to identifying and comprehending each individual word, rather than constructing meaning from an entire paragraph or from general context. For many years, researchers believed that the reader automatically moved from reading the words on a page to comprehending, without participating in the process of constructing meaning. But recent research points to the fact that the reader plays an active role: using background knowledge about the subject, calling on appropriate strategies for both decoding and comprehension, and applying the right amount of attention and concentration. Reading strategies are now considered essential components of the reading process. These might include paraphrasing while reading or summarizing afterward to help with comprehension. Competent readers are able to evaluate the reading task and select strategies that are a good fit or match to the task. In Saras case, she read slowly and had to reread material several times, so she found it difficult to comprehend content or recall important facts when questioned about them later. Unlike good readers, she did not rely on strategies that could help her. She also struggled with writing. Many times she was ashamed to submit patient reports because she knew they were filled with spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors and were not organized or structured well. Her reports never reflected her knowledge or keen insight into patient care. Writing problems can be seen at any age, although they become more evident as academic or work demands increase. While Sara knew what she wanted to say, she had trouble getting started, focusing on the essential facts, and editing effectively. She tended to use the same words over and over. This was so different from her spoken language, which was rich and varied. Not surprisingly, it took her a long time and a good deal of effort to complete her reports. Her mathematical skills, though, were more than adequate. But there are people with learning disabilities who have problems understanding mathematical concepts or difficulty solving verbal or written mathematical problems. These problems may stem from more than one source, including inadequate spatial or directional sense and difficulty understanding abstract symbols or the language of mathematics. To use a basic example, someone who does not have a good understanding of concepts such as plus and minus is going to find it hard to identify the process needed to solve a mathematical problem. Learning strategies will be of great help to this person. Sara was also troubled by her erratic performance at work. Some days, she would be fine. But when she was fatigued or stressed, she found her attention was poor and she made more than the usual number of errors. At these times, she did not feel in control and usually needed to take a break and call on the support of friends to help her get back on track. While Sara felt her social life to be strength, some individuals who have learning disabilities have difficulty in social situations because they cannot perceive others needs and make or keep friends. Relationships with family and friends and associates on the job may suffer. As a way of compensating, an individual may avoid social situations altogether and thus become isolated. Others may struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of assertiveness, which can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies of failure. Moreover, repeated negative experiences in school and at home can discourage an individual from even trying. Many individuals who have learning disabilities have difficulty planning ahead and then evaluating their performance in academic courses or work-related tasks. Planning involves the ability to determine the outlines of a task and the skills it will require. Planning helps us generate strategies or know when to ask for outside help. We are not always conscious of initiating this type of planning because so many tasks are performed automatically, such as remembering a frequently called phone number by using a mnemonic, or writing notes in a book or on a memo. But when tasks are new or complex, active planning is needed. Other learning problems may stem from an inability to manage ones time effectively to get something done on schedule. For example, many college students do not leave sufficient time to research and write a term paper, and end up frantically completing it the night before it is due. Or a manager may delay writing a budget or marketing report, finding it hard to begin. In order to use strategies at school, at home, or on the job, we need to be aware of ourselves as learners. Researchers have suggested that each of us has our own built-in executive function that directs and controls our actions. If this executive is efficient and aware of individual skills and the strategies needed to accomplish a task, the appropriate plan of action can be put into effect. If the plan is unsuccessful, then the executive reevaluates and initiates a new course of action. Individuals who have learning disabilities have a less efficient executive, the theory goes, and are therefore less able to generate and use effective strategies in their personal and professional lives. In addition to learning disabilities, a large number of adults suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects an individuals ability to focus and concentrate on school or work tasks, and to make good use of strategies. The struggle to achieve is so much harder with the added burden of ADHD. Although external factors do not cause a learning disability, we know that they do play a significant role in learning. It is well documented that the environment we live and work in influences and helps to shape our learning patterns, behavior, and sense of self. Research has consistently shown that the type and quality of support provided both at school and within the home are strong determinants of success in school, at work, or in ones personal life. For example, a supportive family, early identification of learning problems, and appropriate intervention may make all the difference in helping an individual compensate for the disability. Learning disabilities are found throughout the world and in all socioeconomic groups they are not bound by culture or language. Approximately the same numbers of males as females have learning disabilities, and the problem tends to run in families. Many prominent figures in politics, science, and the arts are reported to have had a learning disability, among them Nelson Rockefeller, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Auguste Rodin. Einstein, for example, was described as having difficulty learning a foreign language and mathematics of all things! He also struggled with other academic subjects and with writing. All adults face the challenges and rewards of employment, home and family, leisure pursuits, community involvement, emotional and physical health, and personal responsibility and relationships. Adults who have learning disabilities must manage these life demands with an added set of problems. Society expects adults to be self-supporting, to function within a community, and to exhibit appropriate social behavior. Typically, to be self-supporting one must be employed. Employment for most adults spans a long period of time. It may begin with the exit from high school and continue for fifty or more years. While research on the employment of adults who have learning disabilities is sparse, and the findings that are available reflect the heterogeneity of the population, the information reported is unfortunately discouraging. It suggests that individuals with learning disabilities, as a group, show higher rates of unemployment, have jobs of lower status, receive lower pay, and change jobs more frequently than those without learning disabilities. Of course, there are many individuals at all levels of the workforce who do attain professional success. Further, there are well-documented accounts of persons with learning disabilities throughout history who have made significant contributions to society, among the most notable being Einstein, Edison, Churchill, and Rockefeller. It is important to keep in mind that adults who have learning disabilities who have above average intelligence, come from middle to higher economic backgrounds, and/or have completed postsecondary education, have higher rates of employment, higher job status, and greater job satisfaction than this research indicates. Those who graduate from college are much more likely to hold professional or managerial positions, for example, than those who have only a high school diploma. What makes success on the job so difficult for some people with learning disabilities? For one thing, persistent problems with reading, writing, and arithmetic can interfere with their work. Many report that they continue to struggle with decoding skills, sight vocabulary, and reading rate. Banking tasks and money management often bring out their troubles with arithmetic. Spelling is frequently reported to be the biggest problem of all. The level of basic skills that is required in the current job market is expanding to include more abstract abilities. Employers want their workers not only to be proficient in basic skills but also to be able to use these skills effectively and efficiently to solve on-the-job problems. Employers want the people they hire to be able to read for information, to analyze and synthesize the material, and apply the material read to on-the-job situations. They further expect employees to analyze problems, formulate solutions, and communicate that process, in writing, to others. Workplace mathematics, like reading and writing, also requires identification of the problem, analysis, and then the ability to find a solution. Employers further expect good interpersonal skills. The ability to use technology and information systems is becoming more essential as well. To do all of these things efficiently and effectively, workers must have mastered basic skills and be able to apply thinking skills. They also need personal qualities such as individual responsibility, self-esteem, and self management. The nature of a learning disability may affect the development of some of these competencies. For example, because of years of struggle and failure, self-esteem may be low and self-monitoring skills may not be functioning effectively. Employers often do not understand what a learning disability is, thus making it even more difficult for the adults with learning disabilities whom they supervise. Because employers cannot see the disability and may have limited knowledge about learning disabilities, they may find it difficult to understand that the problems are real. Therefore, they may fail to provide the necessary accommodations and supportive environment. They may often fail to recognize that, with assistance, workers who have learning disabilities may be tremendous assets to the company. A learning disability is a lifelong condition. Some adults, by the time they have completed their formal education, have learned to compensate for their difficulties. For many others, difficulties continue and to varying degrees impact on careers, social relationships, and activities of daily living. There are adults who were diagnosed as children and received services under the guidelines of PL 94-142. But more and more adults, who never knew why school was so hard, are now addressing the problem by initiating an assessment and seeking services to help them cope with their disabilities. Adults who have learning disabilities are a heterogeneous group. Some struggle with reading and writing, some with mathematical tasks, some with the basic challenges of daily life. There are adults who have learning disabilities who have trouble finding and keeping a job; others are professionally successful yet cannot seem to develop a satisfying social life. And there are those who seem to have few problems as they successfully negotiate the range of lifes demands. Adults who have learning disabilities are not merely children with learning disabilities grown up. The impact of having a learning disability differs at each stage of development. And adulthood itself has many stages, each with its unique challenges. Satisfaction or dissatisfaction at one stage does not guarantee the same degree of adjustment at another. At one point, the adult might deal with self-identity, at another with employment and economic independence, and still another with personal responsibility and relationships. As a group, adults who have learning disabilities represent a broad spectrum of the population. We see individuals of different ages, from different socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural groups. We see different clusters of social and learning problems that affect education, social, personal, and occupational adjustments. The field now recognizes the unique needs of the adult who has learning disabilities, and as such has responded by providing legal protection, programs, services, and an ever-developing information base. Where do we stand today? References: Erikson, E. H. 1968. Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton. Hallahan, D. P. , Lloyd, J. W. , Kauffman, J. M. , Weiss, M. P. , Martinez, E. A. (2005). Learning disabilities: Foundations, characteristics, and effective teaching (3rd ed. ). Toronto: Pearson Education, Inc. Johnson, D. J. , Blalock, J. W. (1987). Adults with learning disabilities: Clinical studies. Orlando: Grune Stratton. Jordan, D. R. (1996). Teaching adults with learning disabilities. The professional practices in adult education and human resource development series. Malabar, Fla: Krieger Pub. Shapiro, J. , Rich, R. (1999). Facing learning disabilities in the adult years. New York: Oxford University Press. Wong, B. Y. L. (1998). Learning about learning disabilities. San Diego: Academic Press.