Sports Psychology Essay Research Paper Why does free essay sample

Sports Psychology Essay, Research Paper Why does one jock excel when another performs far below his or her possible? What separates a victor from a also-ran? How can a individual use their head to better every facet of their game? Sport psychological science is a comparatively new scientific discipline that is merely now going familiar with jocks and managers likewise. It strives to educate jocks and to reply inquiries like these. Scan the books and magazine articles that are emerging on today s athleticss scene and you ll happen a new focal point for developing jocks..an internal focal point. The mental revolution in athleticss has arrived. Interestingly, these books and articles are non written by managers but by experts in other Fieldss. Impressive grounds has been gathered by psychologists, head-shrinkers, kinesiologists, physiologists, doctors, and even theologists.the dramatic decision is that the power of the head is the driving force behind all athletic accomplishment, Stan Kellner wrote in his book, Taking it to the bound. We will write a custom essay sample on Sports Psychology Essay Research Paper Why does or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Today, athletics is undergoing a mental revolution. More attending is being given to an athlete s attitude, emotions, motive, being psyched up, and mentally prepared. They are besides looking deeper into the psychological factors of success. Until now jocks have been given the right technique, the right exercises, the right repasts, and the right equipment, but they have non ever understood all of the facets of mental readying. When this of import side of sports is ignored, many assuring jocks perform with averageness. A common phrase is that athleticss are 10 % physical and 90 % mental, so it is highly of import to pay attending to both facets. The mind-body connexion is a really powerful one. For everything you think in your head, your organic structure has a reaction, irrespective of whether it is existent or imagined. For illustration, have you of all time had a bad dream? Normally, you will wake up and your bosom is rushing, you are sudating and really agitated, even though all you were making was kiping. But, in your head there was something bad traveling on and your organic structure was responding to it. Here s another illustration: if you are home entirely and you hear a noise and construe it as the air current, you are all right ; but if you interpret it as a sneak, your battle or flight response takes over and you become fearful, your bosom begins traveling a stat mi a minute, your eyes dilate and you are scared. These are merely a few illustrations of how strong the connexion is between your head and your organic structure. With this premiss, it becomes unmistakable how necessary it is to develop both the head an d organic structure for peak public presentation. Slowly but certainly jocks, squads, managers and directors are non merely stating that they feel athleticss is mental, but they are making something about it. They are engaging Sports Psychologists, reading books, and giving clip to team edifice and mental preparation. In athleticss, so adult male y things are left to opportunity. Sports are predictably unpredictable. Why allow your mental mentality be another one of those things? You have the power and authorization to command that. These tools and resources will assist you take psychological barriers that can acquire in the manner of peak public presentation and give you some control over your ain public presentation. Up until about a decennary ago, a Sports Psychologist or Consultant was considered a individual who athletes went to see merely when they had a job, non person who healthy and productive jocks and squads spent their clip with. Fortunately, this stigma is altering ; the alteration is slow, but it is apparent. You see Sports Psychologists everyplace now ; recreational jocks, colleges, professional squads, Olympic athletes, concerns, and corporations all seek them out. Peoples are recognizing that no affair how good you are, you can ever better, and one manner to better yourself is to go well-versed in public presentation sweetening techniques. There is no room for complacence ; the complacent 1s get left buttocks. This doctrine holds true non merely in athleticss but in concern every bit good. Athletes spend so much clip physically practising to acquire an border on the competition. Yet what squads and jocks can truly make to acquire an border is to develop their mental concentration, their calm and as a consequence their assurance. Most jocks are non using their most powerful resource, the head. They fatigue mentally before they fatigue physically, due to the fact that their head is non in every bit good of form as their organic structures Competition is tight, jocks are physically fit, and the border for triumph is slender. Directors, managers and participants are recognizing that to acquire in front they need an added resource, and that resource is a trained head. Still, many managers are blind to the importance of mental accomplishments in their jocks. When there are two squads that are physically equal, it is the squad that works together smoothly and is mentally prepared and confident that will come out on top. Keep in head, though: no mental preparation will counterbalance for uneffective technique. You need to be strong, technically and mentally. Unfortunately, many times one facet of your game is magnified at the disbursal of the other. You should give equal attending to both ; that is the ideal attack. You are given the endowment, it s your occupation to develop it and watch it flourish by uniting physical and mental preparation with a great work ethic. Oklahoma State University s Baseball Coach Gary Ward says , Uniting the two elements [ mental preparation and proficient preparation ] gives the participants an chance to set up a consistent, peak public presentation every clip they step on the field ( Brennan, 1990, p. 252 ) . You want you and your squad to be prepared mentally and physically to the best of its ability to increase the opportunity of success. If your head is ever working, why non hold it work for you?

Quality Management essays

Quality Management essays The point that this book stresses, I believe is summed up by Quality is free, but it is not a gift. (pg 136) There are many supplemental ideas that must be thrown into play in order for quality to work. Along with changes in style of ones management of operations. By using these changes, the book was well on convincing me that quality is attainable. The second sentence in the book reads Getting people to do better all the worthwhile things they ought to be doing anyway. (pg. 3) I think that this is a key element in making quality certain in an operation. Employee discipline stops the things that have to be done 2-3 times instead of once. The changes that can be made will save you money and time. When jobs; have to be done again because they were not done right the first time, there is a major opportunity cost to the company. In order to be successful we must reduce the cost of Quality. People seem to think that these types of preventions are highly desirable but unattainable (pg. 4). Ideas like these are what lead to companies spending 15-20% of every sales dollar on reworking, repeated service, scrapping, inspections, tests, and other quality costs. (1st page of book) I think that responsibility is a major element in quality. People want to make excuses why they couldnt do their job correctly the first time. From Crosbys experience he stated, Everybody felt it (quality) was a problem, but not their responsibility. This is the exact reason that Phillip Crosby is rich and has a best selling book. He decided to take the initiative to attain an unattainable market. People perform to the standards of their leaders. For a company to attain quality management it has to get right in there and be active. Employees monitor and measure management constantly, to determine which attitudes and beliefs are stronger. (pg. 7) Our consistency at wanting to know what displ...

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

FAIRYTALES - Essay Example In this version, the main character, Flossie, is asked by her grandmother to deliver a basket of eggs to one of the neighbors. The grandmother, who is referred to in the story as ‘Big Mamma’ cautions the girl to be wary of the fox, who is a well known egg connoisseur. Flossie’s grandmother does not provide the little girl with any more information about the fox’s outward appearance, and so she sets off without fully understanding what she should avoid. When she reaches a wooded area, she is greeted by the fox who tries to get her to be frightened of him. Moreover, Flossie is not aware of how a real fox looks like and so is doubtful about what the fox is trying to convince her. She keeps on rejecting his assertions until a fierce dog makes it possible for her to continue with her journey after handling the fox, and she is able to deliver the eggs safely to the neighbor. Lessons from Flossie’s Encounter with the Wolf Flossie’s discussion with he r grandmother on the identity of the fox is quite puzzling at first. It is only later that the reader realizes that Flossie’s grandmother is quite wise. When Flossie inquired of her grandmother, â€Å"What do a fox look like?† her grandmother simply answered, â€Å"A fox just be a fox† (McKissack and Isadora 5). It is evident that Flossie and her grandmother were living in an area that had many dangers. It would appear that Flossie’s grandmother was trying to raise little Flossie to be self confident and sure of herself but also aware of the snares around her. Flossie was sent into the dangerous woods even though her grandmother knew that there was a fox on the prowl. She was also sent carrying what the fox considered to be a delicacy. In her trails, Flossie wondered what she would do if she came upon the fox, but quickly remembered her grandmother’s assertion that ‘a fox is just a fox’. This could be interpreted as meaning that a thre at is merely a threat; and need not amount to its definition. Essentially, the aim of Flossie’s grandmother was to teach her grandchild how to thrive and live her life in spite of being in the presence of constant danger. The fox was actually bigger in size than little Flossie, but the girl was not flustered. Her confidence in demanding that the fox prove who he is threw the fox’s confidence off-balance even though he was physically larger than her. This allowed her to continue with her journey confident in the knowledge that the creature she had just met was no threat. CONCLUSION Flossie’s encounter with the fox might be taken as being representative of a deeper hidden meaning for a race that encountered many problems in bygone eras. It would seem that the moral of the tale was that it is only people who had the power to empower their own fears. If they did not believe that they could be defeated, then, they would not be defeated. The story of Flossie and the F ox also encourages people to search for deeper meanings in ancient sayings. Flossie chose to take her grandmother’s word as truth and it helped her to combat the wily fox. The story also seeks to encourage people to recognize their own authority. When the fox insinuated to Flossie that she ought to be frightened of him, she replaced his vision of himself and his abilities with her vision of herself and what she believed or did not believe him to be. The fox was shaken by the fact that she showed no fear of him and actually took time to chart with him about something that had

Research Proposal. We Can Do It Poster Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research Proposal. We Can Do It Poster - Essay Example Howard Miller in 1942, who worked under the supervision of Westinghouse Company’s War Production Committee. Initially, its aim was to recruit women only for Midwest Westinghouse factory for two weeks, later on with the passage of time feminist campaigns used it for the sake of their identity. Aspire behind the creation of these posters, was to inspire women to take part in jobs considered for men. For example jobs at mills and weapon industries, civilian services and even in military. Due to the shortage of labor, women were encouraged to enlist themselves in workforce. (2) Lately the famous â€Å"We can do it poster!† is referred to as â€Å"Rosie the Riveter†. The woman in the poster was an inspirational model for women in the time of war. Her confident and definite gaze; showed the responsible citizen doing the right act at the right time, in the times of catastrophe. Her pose negates the feminine modesty and portrays more of a courageous and daring side. The show of bicep, explains the power and capability woman owns. Muscular arm also displayed the kind of rigorous effort female gender can put in, negating their own image as sleek and slender creatures. Her uniform portrayed the aim and responsibility of an individual, who realized the importance of duty call in a trying time and hence the strength of a nation rely on both men and women. Her uniform also showed the association of woman with a competitive job other than domestic jobs. Her logo on collar and bandana depicts the readiness and willingness of feminine approach to work in complex circumstances for stabilizing the nation. The neatly pulled back hair and definite lines on her face, showed the dedication and determination, a woman can put in rather than her presumed image. The most interesting fact about the World War II was its idea of war, was more dependent upon the productivity rather than the military action itself. The motivational and awakening poster for women showed th at, their male family members need them to provide with arms and weapons. Therefore, industries need workforce which was easily replaced by women. The change in the duty bond mother, wife and sister was amazing. They not only took better responsibility but proved to be more intellectual and capable up till now. Their participation in industrial development increased afterwards. Almost 18 million American women worked during the World War II thus, the government recognized the need of day care centers and nurseries for their children at close proximity to work place. Therefore several day care centers and nurseries were provided by the employers to facilitate the female labor. However, after the war was over in 1944, only 16% of women were left in the weapon industries. (4) The idea of becoming substitute needs more attention and research. Many of the female industrial labor faced harassment after the war from male employees. They faced forced termination and ceased job vacancies aft er the war. However, the change during the time of war occurred and awakened the need of â€Å"recognition† in women never slept again. The efforts and participation put in by American women in the time of war could not be easily neglected once the war was over. The feeling of being able to earn living and learn the trade of life liberated women to fight against the forced termination from jobs. A public survey in 1947, showed the unacceptable behavior of men towards working women and the reminder of

Academic Dishonesty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Academic Dishonesty - Essay Example In this regard, the aim of the current essay is to proffer pertinent issues affecting academic dishonesty, as a behavior that young people often choose to participate in with their peers, knowing full well that it comes with specific risks, side effects, or hazards. Specifically, one intends to determine how young people justify their decision to participate in academic cheating and the factors that influence this choice. The essay hereby aims to prove that academic dishonesty is the effect of different factors impinging on the performance of students placing the blame on the external factors more than the individual students’ desire to manifest exemplary academic performance. Definition of Terms.The Missouri State’s policy defines academic dishonesty as encompassing any of the four specific acts, to wit: (1) â€Å" Cheating: The term â€Å"cheating† refers to using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise; (2) Fabrication: The term â€Å"fabrication† refers to unauthorized falsification or invention of any information (including research data) or any citation in any academic exercise; (3) Plagiarism: ... ndicates, any or all of the abovementioned acts are considered maladjusted behavior and are usually dealt with the stiffest penalties and sanctions imposed by different schools and universities depending on the extent, degree, level, and frequency of the acts committed. Factors Influencing Academic Dishonesty The study conducted by Lambert, Hogan and Barton (2003) aimed to identify various rationales for cheating. From among those that were revealed through the support of previous researches and studies on the subject, the following factors actually influence academic dishonesty: alienation, low levels of commitment between learning orientations and ideals of higher education, failure to emphasize and recognize ethical implications of the behavior, past cheating behavior, and other crucial variables such as â€Å"competitiveness of their major, course difficulty, the need for professional success, cynicism, and that other students cheat† (Lambert, Hogan and Barton par. 19). Ot her crucial factors that reveal increased propensities to cheat focus on gender, where males have higher tendencies to indulge in academic dishonestly than females. According to Lambert, et al (2003), â€Å"women are socialized differently and view cheating more negatively† (Lambert, Hogan and Barton par. 8). Further, the impact of age was found to be inversely related to cheating behavior. The younger the students, the more they are inclined to cheat due to immaturity and lack of responsibility and accountability for one’s actions. In addition, students with lower GPAs justify the need to cheat hopefully to attain higher grades, if dishonesty is not detected. Finally, the imposition of deterrent sanctions affects the level and extent of academic dishonesty. Schools and universities with strict

Anthropology Concept of the Home

Anthropology Concept of the Home Annotated Bibliography: Home Introduction In this paper, I will be reviewing 4 readings which are closely related to homes and dwelling. I will also analyse and assess the strengths and weakness on each reading based on the explanations and theories presented on each reading, based on the ideal home, the perception of home and the concept of home within the anthropological perspective. A home or a domicile is a dwelling-place used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for an individual, family, household or several families. It is often a house, apartment, or other building, or alternatively a mobile home, houseboat, yurt, shack, etc. Homes typically provide areas and facilities for sleeping, preparing food, eating and hygiene. Homes also provide a private space which allows the residents to separate from the outside world. Homes can also be used in a variety different ways in comparison to public space or quasi-public spaces in which certain rules and regulations are mandatory. When secure and legal dwellings are not available due to financial or geographical reasons, residents can be forced to live in informal and/or illegal shacks found in slums and shanty towns in a geographical region. Slums and shanty towns are still present in developing nations in the modern era. Generally, home may be considered to be a geographic area, such as a town, village, suburb, city, or country. Bachelard, G. 1958. The Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at how we Experience Intimate Places. (1994 edition, translated by M. Jolas) Boston: Beacon Press Gaston Bachelards book, The Poetics of Space provides an intriguing insights into the meaning of spaces which incorporate poetry, primarily focusing on intimate private spaces such as a house. Within, the home, examples such as a drawer, a night dresser are mentioned and analysed from an anthropological and philosophical perspective. Also, outdoor spaces such as vistas, gardens, trees and woods are also examined in a similar manner, both indoor and outdoor spaces are examined in a poetic manner in comparison to a structured manner which is different than most standard academic readings, therefore the book is appealing to wider audiences. In the first chapter of the book, Bachelard focuses on the interior domestic space within the home and its components, such as rooms and objects within a room, primarily focusing on furniture, dà ©cor and windows, doors etc. Bachelard also continues to pursue the investigation of the acceptance of the subjective consciousness and the poetic image. Bachelard also states that an acceptance within the domestic space which also demands with great openness from residents or guests, and a focus on the present experience different time frames. Bachelard states that a home is the essential, almost living object, meaning that the home according its residents, they experience an epitomical memories with the home setting. Bachelard claims the home is categorised as a personal universe, claiming that all really inhabited space bears the essence of the notion of home (The Poetics of Space, 1958, p.5). Bachelard, continues to examine the home as the expression and explanation of the soul through literary images and poetic images. This is found in most forms of poetry. Bachelard examines different locations in the home as certain places of memory and also intimacy which are also expressed in poetry. This also provides a detailed anthropological, philosophical and psychological perspectives of the home to the reader. Bachelard focuses on the poetic images of the home for it being the property of the innocence and relative consciousness, something which precedes conscious thought from the people who are present, the home does not require extensive knowledge and is the product of the heart and soul according to the resident. Bachelard also describes the direct relation of poetry to reality and vice versa which intensifies the reality of certain perceived objects (imagination augments the values of reality, The Poetics of Space, p.3). Bachelard claims, poetry is directed at one and the same time both outwards and inwards, therefore establishing a future discussion of outside and inside (in relation to home and other public spaces) which is familiar to anyone who is familiar with the theories of public and private space. Bachelard claims that the home has both complexity and unity, it is made out of experiences and memories, Bachelard also introduces his concept of topo-analysis, which he defines as a psychological studying of the sites of our intimate lives which is done systematically. The house, the most intricate and intimate of all public and private spaces, in which it protects the daydreamer and thus understanding the house is a way to understand the soul and also the spiritual attributes of a human being. Heidegger, M. 1951. Building, Dwelling, Thinking. In: (trans. A. Hofstadter) Poetry, Language, Thought [New York: Harper, 1971], pp. 145-61 Martin Heideggers Building Dwelling Thinking begins with a strong argument that a dwelling structure (primarily focusing on fixed buildings) is essentially and ideally designed for a person or family as their own private space for many dwelling related purposes. However, Heidegger also states certain definitions and considerations that undermine the clarity and simplicity of this statement. Heidegger argues that not all buildings are designed for dwelling, which is obvious when considering factories, hospitals, schools, office buildings etc. The fundamental framework for Building Dwelling Thinking is to investigate into the relationships and processes between the concepts of building and dwelling, and to question the meaning behind dwelling, how building relates to dwelling and does building in itself allows for dwelling. Heidegger claims that the modern world has brought about a negative perception and analysis between building and dwelling. Heideggers perception was formed during the post war housing crisis in the 1950s in Europe, as the original article was published during the housing shortage which was common in the early 1950s. Heidegger also examines the origins for most key words (e.g. build) and analyses the words based on meaning from an anthropological and philosophical perspective, which helps to build strong arguments and gather further insights from the mid-20th century from a historical perspective. Heidegger claims that the key words have lost their original meanings in regards to existing or being in a certain place, primarily focusing on dwellings. Heidegger then proceeds to argue in regards to the manner in which we reside in residential buildings. Heidegger also provides a very overt philosophical perceptive about the manner in regards to our identity on Earth within a dwelling. However, for residents who may not own a property or living in a semi-permanent or temporary accommodation, the true emotions of belonging at home is disputed as some individuals may feel that home is a part of their identity, but other residents may disagree with this perspective. In terms of describing the relationships between dwelling, Heidegger claims that modern times (then post-war era) has brought a large, complex confusion in the understanding and processes of relationship between building and dwelling from a sociological perspective which is also stated in the readings very overtly. Heidegger also states, as buildings are not conceived to be related to the state of a dwellers existence in the world. Buildings in particular, are not problematic as the ability for a building to provide housing or shelter is in this article is considered as being adequate. Heidegger also clarifies the properties and functions of buildings and their relationship with dwellers, with considering social and cultural aspects of a dwellers lifestyle. Buildings and dwellings are also a part of a local community which can lead to a certain community to experience a mutual sense of the present, past and a future. Dwellings according to Heidegger are a fixed, permanent place and in order to be situated in a certain relationship with a dwellers existence, a relationship is characterized by enabling and nurturing the world through dwellings and their omnipotence. According to Heidegger, the basic character of dwelling is to spare, to preserveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ dwelling itself is always a staying with things. Dwelling, as preserving, keeps the fourfold in that with which mortals stay: in things (Heidegger, 1951 pp.150-151). This also questions the meaning of home to dwellers who live a non-permanent fixtures such as shacks, tents and yurts. Kaufman, E. 2002. Living Virtually in a Cluttered House. Angelaki, vol.7, no. 3, pp. 159 169 Living Virtually in a Cluttered House by Eleanor Kaufman, provides a modern insight to readers in regards to the internet revolution within the home and beyond, Kaufman also assesses and analyses the human interaction within the home through virtual visions and experiences from a psychological and philosophical perspective alongside an explanation for the evolution of home through a historical perspective. Kaufmann starts the article with segments from Gaston Bachelards book, The Poetics of Space (1958), which provides a good solid arguments for advanced thought within the home. Kaufman assesses and analyses the evolution of the home throughout various historical periods. Kaufman also claims a detailed analysis of the space of the Baroque house, which is defined by the fact that it has only two levels and, moreover, a folded space that separates them. The universe as a stairwell marks the Neo-platonic tradition. (Kaufman, 2002 pp. 159). Kaufman, also traces the history of levels within the home which began during the Baroque-era, as the eras contribution is a home with only two floors, which is standard in most houses in the modern era, separated by a wall or barrier that echoes, similar to terraced houses and apartments. Kaufman also claims that the two different levels are used differently and are also divided based on activity, privacy and safety, At issue here are, on the one hand, the demarcation of two distinct floors or levels and, on the other, the liminal or boundary space the fold or point of inflection where the two levels come together. (Kaufman, 2002, pp. 159) The two levels of the Baroque house would appear to be diametric opposites: the lower level is large, open, public and spacious, while the upper level is small, windowless, private, and closed. Furthermore, the lower level corresponds with the body while the upper level corresponds with the soul. (Kaufman, 2002, pp159) Kaufman claims that the levels within the home cannot be separate from each other, as the first floor cannot exist without the second floor, or there is one floor. Then again, and this may be preoccupied in what follows, the question remains on whether or not one floor question remains on whether or not a I flooring is actually single or whether or not it conjointly presupposes a virtual second floor. It appears that the latter is that the case a minimum of in France wherever the enumeration of floors begins with what in American nomenclature language is already the second floor. Such conundrums riddle may well be worked out indefinitely, however what matters is that they need real referring to the means we have a tendency to understand the area distance around United States and therefore real referring to the means lives and lived, notably in non-extreme moments, here and currently that is most of the time. This question of the double dubiousness of the image belonging or contiguousness of 2 distinct however indivisible entities involves the foreground in another philosophical register, that is that of the relation between mind and body, relative between intellect and resonator. Victimisation the framework of the Baroque house as some extent of departure, firm as a mathematical notation of divergence. Kaufman also bases her argument through the works of Gilles Deleuze, a well-respected French philosopher. Deleuze connects this framework on varied occasions to the mind-body head-substance question. Whereas treating this question consistently with relevance Deleuze would need a lot of in-depth analysis, its helpful and beneficial here to illustrate however Deleuzes model of Baroque area conjointly serves manikin of Baroque area conjointly function an abstract model for the same relation between body and soul. Robben, A. C. G. M. 1989. Habits of the Home: Spatial Hegemony and the Structuration of House and Society in Brazil. American Anthropologist, vol. 91, no. 3, pp. 570 588 Habits of the Home provides an intricate glimpse into special hegemony and housing structures in a coastal town, Camurim. Camurim is a coastal town of around 6,000 inhabitants the state of Bahia in northeast Brazil. This socio-spatial organization of the house gains a full capacity. The social relationships and limits fit those of the economic, domestic, through the economy, planned within the home, correspondence of those 2 levels of a stratified results of associate degree informative method during which social perspective of the domestic world. For example, the fabric reply to his written agreement obligations at work, space resembles the competition for standing in within the bedchamber is expounded to the importance of couple. Nonetheless this informative method isnt solely same time, the public toilet economic and public positions, the interpretation and copy. House and society represent area unit reflected nonetheless reworked within the alternative. during this article, Robben clarifies the complicated relation associate degree associate degreealysis of the domestic world of fishermen a sketch of the anthropology setting associate degree, Robben also demonstrates that the organization of society domains isnt an analytic however an empirical polygamous areas exist among the house, the sea, create phased transitions between the 3 domains lowed by an outline of the principal reciprocal direction of the social group and domestic domains can discuss the organization of the house and domains of society. However, Robben highlights variations of the socio-spatial habitus make to totally different erected between house and society. The four-six man fishing crews can stay up to 10 days. They exploit a colossal space of coral reefs and sand banks between the coastal waters and also the fringe of the ocean floor. The twelve largest vessels fish solely with hand lines, whereas the smaller boats alternate between the employment of trawl nets, gill nets, and hand lines. The high price of even the small powerboat ($6,000) has resulted during a patronage system during which some former boat fishermen have succeeded in befriending native landowners to co-sign their bank loans. The growing monopolisation of those social networks by the boat house owners has hindered the upward quality of the boat fishermen. The road is seen as impure, because the supply of evil, as a place of danger conflict that will damage the members of the unit if its dangerous influences are penetrate. Physical markers, thresholds, and ambiguous areas area unit erected that serve rework folks symbolically throughout their transition from one social domain to. According to Robben, residents in Camurim make certain to wipe their feet on the adorned doormat rests on the threshold after they enter a house as a symbolic gesture that they convey evil to the house. Conclusion To conclude, all readings are closely related to homes and dwelling and describe the various themes of home, in regards to personal space and a sense of belonging. Also, between Heidegger (1951) and Robben (1989), there is a rigid perceptive on dwellings and their strong bonds. However, this may not be applicable to residents who may in semi-permanent or temporary buildings. Kaufman (2002), provide a modern arguments to the relationships between dwellers and dwellings through a comparison of ancient era buildings and their structures. Bachelard (1958) provides a fluid, open argument behind the meaning of each designed room within the home. Bachelard also assesses the home from a psychological and philosophical perspective which provides more details for a holistic argument. However, in the modern era the concept of home being separate from the outside world is changing. Due to advancement in technology, the home is also becoming a place to socialise, work and build alongside the outside world through medium such as mobile phones, PCs and tablets. These ideas and viewpoints may be challenged in the present and in the future. Bibliography Bachelard, G. 1958. The Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at how we Experience Intimate Places. (1994 edition, translated by M. Jolas) Boston: Beacon Press Heidegger, M. 1951. Building, Dwelling, Thinking. In: (trans. A. Hofstadter) Poetry, Language, Thought [New York: Harper, 1971], pp. 145-61 Kaufman, E. 2002. Living Virtually in a Cluttered House. Angelaki, vol.7, no. 3, pp. 159 169 Robben, A. C. G. M. 1989. Habits of the Home: Spatial Hegemony and the Structuration of House and Society in Brazil. American Anthropologist, vol. 91, no. 3, pp. 570 588

Comparing Masque of the Red Death and Hop Frog Essay -- comparison com

Masque of the Red Death and Hop Frog The manner in which Poe addresses the topic of class differences and the struggle for power with his fictional characters resounds of his own struggles in his personal life. However, unlike in Hop Frog and the Masque of the Red Death, he was never himself able to emerge wholly victorious over his adversaries, including the publishing industry. In addition, Poe’s characters appear to hint that while wealth may be the source of power for many, the correct use of information itself is the surest path to the acquisition of power. In the story by his name, Hop-Frog is not only physically dwarfed by the King but is dwarfed in terms of bodily capabilities, wealth, social standing, and even in numbers as he and Trippetta are but two against the King and his 7 ministers. However, Hop-Frog emerges victorious, as his mental capabilities are seemingly far greater than the Kings. The King is described as having â€Å"an especial admiration for breadth in a jest, and would often put up with length, for the sake of it† (Poe, 502). It becomes apparent that the King is not a smart man and his jester is indeed quite the opposite. The fact that Hop-Frog knows of the King’s weaknesses and tailors a perfect plan for vengeance to fit the occasion of the masque ball is a testament to his creativity and most useful utilization of information. In the Purloined Letter, the useful utilization of information, which is by keeping such information hostage, again allows for great power in government. In these two stories we are given the message that information is most valuable and leads to power. In reality, Poe also made good use of information in order to gain a wider subscriptio... ... to power may have been Poe’s ideals in Hop-Frog and The Purloined Letter, but the reality of the situation was that monetary wealth was the single most useful means of gaining power, at least in the publishing industry. The Masque of the Red Death was a poignant social commentary on this uneven field of play and Poe’s point of view concerning the wealthy capitalists. Nonetheless, the possibility of altering the rules on the field of play lay not in the hands of the mentally acute and those who possessed information, but completely with those who possessed capital. Works Cited    Kennedy, Gerald J. A Historical Guide to Edgar Allan Poe. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2001    Poe, Edgar Allan. The Collected Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. New York: The Modern Library 1992    Poe, Edgar Allan. The Unknown Poe. San Francisco: City Light Books 1980

Hamlet Essay

Thomas Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedy shaped the work of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Both are revenge tragedies that include the mystery of death. Behind the mystery, there is a spirit of the dead who appears before the protagonists, Hieronimo and Hamlet, to cry out for revenge. In The Spanish Tragedy and Hamlet, soliloquy plays an important role. It is often used to express the true feelings of the main characters. In both tragedies, the protagonists use soliloquy to demonstrate a central dilemma that slows the main character’s process of vengeance. The dilemma is that it is sinful to commit a murder, but it is also unfair to keep the criminal alive. Their soliloquies show their desire to commit suicide to escape from the dilemma. Another obvious dilemma is that suicide is a sin as well. Thus, the question is whether to live to satisfy the ghost and be damned, or to kill oneself and be damned. Realizing revenge as the better choice of the two, both mad geniuses decide to seek revenge at last. Soliloquies also display the character’s madness. It is their uncertainty, their attempt to reveal the truth, and their mind persistently seeking for reason that drives the avengers to some extent of madness; however, they are not completely insane. Their madness only acts as a disguise so they seem harmless. Both Hieronimo and Hamlet are deceitful. They stay close to the murderers as a mad person grieving for the death of their loved ones, then they act to their plan when it is least expected. The two avengers succeed in the revenge. Of course, the heroes, along with many other characters in the play, die at the end.

Donny Is My Leader

Donny Is My Leader The Path-Goal Theory states that, â€Å"leaders motivate subordinates to achieve high performance by showing them the path to reach valued goals or results. † In the case study Donny Is My Leader it shows what Donny perceived as motivation was, in fact, demotivating to some of the members of the group thus affecting the productivity as a whole. His autocratic, coercive and often inconsistent leadership style was the deterring factor that influenced the lack of production from the team.His â€Å"break ‘em down to build ‘em up† philosophy minimized some of the effectiveness and productivity of the team thus damaging the entire team structure. An autocratic leader is defined as one who has unlimited authority, power, or influence in any group. Donny’s power was in an unofficial capacity although the group accepted him as their leader. His constant pushing, pulling and prodding was beneficial to some but not all of the team. One day heà ¢â‚¬â„¢s encouraging and comforting and the next day he’s belligerent, inconsiderate, spiteful and coercive.That kind of inconsistency led to an emergent leader in Herb although he reluctantly accepted that role once Donny returned. Out of all the different powers to have, coercive is the only one with obvious negative connotations. Donny lashed out in several situations both on the track and in the locker room. In one particular incident the narrator characterized his outbursts as â€Å"Donny’s wrath†. Every leader has his or her strengths and weaknesses. Donny’s strength as a leader, in large part, comes from his ability to outperform the team, plan a regimen and assume the leadership role although it was not officially his title.He often slowed down to encourage those who were having trouble completing the two mile run. His actions are in line with the consideration leadership style. Consideration leadership style includes showing concern for subordina tes and acting in a friendly supportive manner. Donny routinely left his place at the front to help the slower and more challenged runners. He often encouraged those who fell behind but he wasn’t shy about lashing out if he felt like they were â€Å"loafing†. Leadership has its weaknesses too. Donny’s weaknesses were of the coercive nature.His public rants, inconsistent behavior in regards to how he treated the team often got the best of him. His tirades went on for hours and frequently spilling over into the following day. Aggressiveness is a like a double edged sword. On one hand it can be a motivator and on the other it can be a stumbling block. Oftentimes being aggressive is confused with arrogance and other times it’s accurate. When Donny sensed a challenge to his leadership style he became emotionally unavailable and uncooperative evidenced by his reluctance to call out the particular number of laps as he customarily did.In my opinion, I think Donny was more of a manager than a leader. Managers are â€Å"process oriented and believe that good systems and processes produce good results. † Donny’s management style was task oriented. He believed in taking certain calculated steps to achieve their goals. In particular, he took that approach with Troy. He instructed Troy to â€Å"walk five laps after you’ve run, and then you’ll run with us for four more. † It’s debatable if you have to be a leader to be a manager or vice versa but Donny was both to a much lesser extent. Although I think he was too emotional and defensive whenever his â€Å"authority† was challenged.The consequences of Donny’s leadership style became evident during his absence. While he was out Herb led the group. Herb assured the group that he would run slow enough for everyone to finish. The difference between Donny and Herb became apparent. Donny was task and time oriented whereas Herb was task oriented and much more pleasant. Herb’s approach immediately made him an emerging leader because each time he led the group the entire group finished the two mile run. When Donny reappeared the group dynamic went back to its original state where some would finish and the others wouldn’t.Donny did his usual chastising but to no avail. Harry mentioned that he preferred to running under Harry and that’s when Donny’s emotional and defensive side surfaced. Donny thought that the way in which he led the group motivated them to achieve high performance by showing them the path to reach the team’s desired goals. The emergent leadership qualities in Herb immediately challenged Donny’s power and influence although Herb was reluctant to accept his new role. Despite the path-goal theory building upon a motivational theory, path-goal theory does not fully explain how leadership styles affect follower motivation.Zach Bunn stated that, â€Å"The path-goal theory is a contingency theory, in that it predicts how a leader’s style will interact with follower needs and the nature of the task. It argues directive leadership for ambiguous tasks, supportive leadership for repetitive tasks, participative leadership for unclear, autonomous task and achievement-oriented leadership for challenging tasks. † (Bunn, 2012) My leadership style is one in which I believe everyone is capable of attaining their goals and it’s my job, as their leader, to help them get there.I would consult with each member as to what their personal goals are and incorporate their goals within the team goals. We would map out the proper steps and begin the regimen. I would pay close attention to the temperament, ability and attitude of each team member by exercising my emotional intelligence while constantly publicly and privately encouraging everyone. I believe in learning how to push everyone in the same direction while keeping them engaged. My negative feedback would not be public. I’ve been taught that in order to get respect, you must give it and constructive criticism goes much further than browbeating and embarrassment.

Biography of Pol Pot, Cambodian Dictator

Biography of Pol Pot, Cambodian Dictator Pol Pot (born Saloth Sar; May 19, 1925–April 15, 1998) was a Cambodian dictator. As the head of the Khmer Rouge, he oversaw an unprecedented and extremely brutal attempt to remove Cambodia from the modern world and establish an agrarian utopia. While attempting to create this utopia, Pol Pot initiated the Cambodian genocide, which lasted from 1975 to 1979 and caused the deaths of at least 1.5 million Cambodians. Fast Facts: Pol Pot Known For: As the leader of the revolutionary Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot oversaw the Cambodian genocide.Also Known As: Saloth SarBorn: May 19, 1925 in Prek Sbauv, CambodiaParents: Loth Sar and Sok NemDied: April 15, 1998 in Anlong Veng, CambodiaSpouse(s): Khieu Ponnary (m. 1956–1979), Mea Son (m. 1986–1998)Children: Sar Patchata Early Life Pol Pot was born Saloth Sar on May 19, 1928, in the fishing village of Prek Sbauk, Kampong Thom province, in what was then French Indochina (now Cambodia). His family, of Chinese-Khmer descent, was moderately well-to-do. They had connections to the royal family: a sister was a concubine of the king, Sisovath Monivong, and a brother was a court official. In 1934, Pol Pot went to live with the brother in Phnom Penh, where he spent a year in a royal Buddhist monastery and then attended a Catholic school. At age 14, he began high school in Kompong Cham. Pol Pot was, however, not a very successful student, and he eventually switched to a technical school to study carpentry. In 1949, Pol Pot obtained a scholarship to study radio electronics in Paris. He enjoyed himself in Paris, gaining a reputation as something of a bon vivant, fond of dancing and drinking red wine. However, by his second year in Paris, Pol Pot had become friends with other students who were impassioned by politics. From these friends, Pol Pot encountered Marxism, joining the Cercle Marxiste (Marxist Circle of Khmer Students in Paris) and the French Communist Party. (Many of the other students whom he befriended during this period later became central figures in the Khmer Rouge.) After Pol Pot failed his examinations for the third year in a row, however, he had to return in January 1953 to what would shortly become Cambodia. Joining the Viet Minh As the first of the Cercle Marxiste to return to Cambodia, Pol Pot helped assess the different groups rebelling against the Cambodian government and recommended that returning members of the Cercle join the Khmer Viet Minh (or Moutakeaha). Although Pol Pot and other members of the Cercle disliked that the Khmer Viet Minh had heavy ties with Vietnam, the group felt this Communist revolutionary organization was the one most likely to take action. In August 1953, Pol Pot left his home secretly and, without even telling his friends, headed to the Viet Minh’s Eastern Zone Headquarters, located near the village of Krabao. The camp was located in the forest and consisted of canvas tents that could be easily moved in case of an attack. Pol Pot (and eventually more of his Cercle friends) were dismayed to find the camp completely segregated, with Vietnamese as the high-ranking members and Cambodians (Khmers) given only menial tasks. Pol Pot himself was assigned tasks such as farming and working in the mess hall. Still, he watched and learned how the Viet Minh used propaganda and force to take control of peasant villages in the region. The Khmer Viet Minh was forced to disband after the 1954 Geneva Accords; Pol Pot and several of his friends headed back to Phnom Penh. 1955 Election The 1954 Geneva Accords had temporarily quashed much of the revolutionary fervor within Cambodia and proclaimed a mandatory election in 1955. Pol Pot, who was now back in Phnom Penh, was determined to do what he could to influence the election. He infiltrated the Democratic Party with the hope of being able to reshape its policies. When it turned out that Prince Norodom Sihanouk had rigged the election, Pol Pot and others became convinced that the only way to change Cambodia was through revolution. Khmer Rouge In the years following the 1955 elections, Pol Pot led a dual life. By day, Pol Pot worked as a teacher and surprisingly was well-liked by his students. By night, Pol Pot was heavily involved in a Communist revolutionary organization, the Kampuchean Peoples Revolutionary Party (KPRP). (â€Å"Kampuchean† is another term for â€Å"Cambodian.†) During this time, Pol Pot also married Khieu Ponnary, the sister of one of his Paris student friends. The couple never had children together. By 1959, Prince Sihanouk had begun to seriously repress leftist political movements, especially by targeting the older generation of experienced dissidents. With many of the older leaders in exile or on the run, Pol Pot and other young members of the KPRP emerged as leaders in party affairs. After a power struggle within the KPRP in the early 1960s, Pol Pot took control of the party. This party, which was officially renamed the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) in 1966, became more commonly known as the Khmer Rouge (meaning â€Å"Red Khmer† in French). The term â€Å"Khmer Rouge† was used by Prince Sihanouk to describe the CPK, since many in the CPK were both Communists (often called â€Å"reds†) and of Khmer descent. The Battle to Topple Prince Sihanouk In March 1962 when his name appeared on a list of people wanted for questioning, Pol Pot went into hiding. He took to the jungle and began preparing a guerrilla-based revolutionary movement that intended to topple Prince Sihanouk’s government. In 1964 with help from North Vietnam, the Khmer Rouge established a base camp in the border region and issued a declaration calling for armed struggle against the Cambodian monarchy, which they viewed as corrupt and repressive. The ideology of the Khmer Rouge gradually developed in this period. It featured a Maoist orientation with an emphasis on the peasant farmer as the foundation for a revolution. This contrasted with the orthodox Marxist idea that the proletariat (working class) was the basis for revolution. Courting Vietnam and China In 1965, Pol Pot was hoping to get support from either Vietnam or China for his revolution. Since the Communist North Vietnamese regime was the most likely source of support for the Khmer Rouge at the time, Pol Pot went to Hanoi to ask for aid. In response to his request, the North Vietnamese criticized Pol Pot for having a nationalist agenda. Since, at this time, Prince Sihanouk was letting the North Vietnamese use Cambodian territory in their struggle against South Vietnam and the United States, the Vietnamese believed the time was not right for an armed struggle in Cambodia. It did not matter to the Vietnamese that the time might have felt right for the Cambodian people. Pol Pot next visited the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC) and fell under the influence of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, which emphasized revolutionary enthusiasm and sacrifice. It accomplished this in part by encouraging people to destroy any vestiges of traditional Chinese civilization. China would not openly support the Khmer Rouge, but it gave Pol Pot some ideas for his own revolution. In 1967, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, though isolated and lacking widespread support, made the decision to start a revolt against the Cambodian government. The initial action began on January 18, 1968. By that summer, Pol Pot had moved away from collective leadership to become the sole decision maker. He even set up a separate compound and lived apart from the other leaders. Cambodia and the Vietnam War The Khmer Rouge’s revolution progressed very slowly until two major events occurred in 1970. The first was a successful coup led by General Lon Nol, which deposed the increasingly unpopular Prince Sihanouk and aligned Cambodia with the United States. The second involved a massive bombardment campaign and invasion of Cambodia by the United States. During the Vietnam War, Cambodia had officially remained neutral; however, the Viet Cong (Vietnamese communist guerrilla fighters) used that position to their advantage by creating bases within Cambodian territory in order to regroup and store supplies. American strategists believed that a massive bombing campaign within Cambodia would deprive the Viet Cong of this sanctuary and thus bring the Vietnam War to a quicker end. The result for Cambodia was political destabilization. These political changes set the stage for the rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. With an incursion by Americans within Cambodia, Pol Pot was able to claim that the Khmer Rouge was fighting for Cambodian independence and against imperialism. Although he might have been refused aid from North Vietnam and China before, Cambodian involvement in the Vietnam War led to their support of the Khmer Rouge. With this new backing, Pol Pot was able to concentrate on recruiting and training while the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong did most of the initial fighting. Disturbing trends emerged early. Students and so-called â€Å"middle† or better-off peasants were no longer allowed to join the Khmer Rouge. Former government workers and officials, teachers, and people with an education were also purged from the party. Chams- an important ethnic group in Cambodia- and other minorities were forced to adopt Cambodian styles of dress and appearance. Decrees were issued establishing cooperative agricultural enterprises. The practice of emptying urban areas began. By 1973, the Khmer Rouge controlled two-thirds of the country and half the population. Genocide in Democratic Kampuchea After five years of civil war, the Khmer Rouge was finally able to capture Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975. This ended Lon Nol’s rule and began the five-year reign of the Khmer Rouge. It was at this time that Saloth Sar began calling himself â€Å"brother number one† and took Pol Pot as his nom de guerre. (According to one source, â€Å"Pol Pot† comes from the French words â€Å"politique potentielle.†) After taking control of Cambodia, Pol Pot declared the Year Zero. This meant much more than restarting the calendar; it was a means of emphasizing that all that was familiar in the lives of Cambodians were to be destroyed. This was a far more comprehensive cultural revolution than the one Pol Pot had observed in Communist China. Religion was abolished, ethnic groups were  forbidden to speak their language or follow their customs, and political dissent was ruthlessly suppressed. As dictator of Cambodia, which the Khmer Rouge renamed Democratic Kampuchea, Pol Pot began a ruthless, bloody campaign against a variety of groups: members of the former government, Buddhist monks, Muslims, Western-educated intellectuals, university students and teachers, people in contact with Westerners or Vietnamese, people who were crippled or lame, and ethnic Chinese, Laotians, and Vietnamese. These massive changes within Cambodia and the specific targeting of large sections of the population led to the Cambodian genocide. By its end in 1979, at least 1.5 million people had been murdered in the â€Å"Killing Fields.† Many were beaten to death with iron bars or hoes after digging their own graves. Some were buried alive. One directive read: â€Å"Bullets not to be wasted.† Most died from starvation and disease, but probably 200,000 were executed, often after interrogation and brutal torture. The most infamous interrogation center was Tuol Sleng, S-21 (Security Prison 21), a former high school. It was there that prisoners were photographed, interrogated, and tortured. It was known as â€Å"the place where people go in but never come out.† Vietnam Defeats the Khmer Rouge As the years passed, Pol Pot became increasingly paranoid about the possibility of an invasion by Vietnam. To preempt an attack, Pol Pot’s regime began carrying out raids and massacres in Vietnamese territory. Rather than dissuade the Vietnamese from attacking, these raids ultimately provided Vietnam with an excuse to invade Cambodia in 1978. By the following year, the Vietnamese had routed the Khmer Rouge, ending both the Khmer Rouge’s rule in Cambodia and the genocidal policies of Pol Pot. Ousted from power, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge retreated to a remote area of Cambodia along the border with Thailand. For several years, the North Vietnamese tolerated the existence of the Khmer Rouge in this border area. However, in 1984, the North Vietnamese made a concerted effort to deal with them. After that, the Khmer Rouge survived only with the support of Communist China and the toleration of the Thai government. In 1985, Pol Pot resigned as head of the Khmer Rouge and handed over day-to-day administrative tasks to his longtime associate, Son Sen. Pol Pot nonetheless continued as the de facto leader of the party. Aftermath In 1995, Pol Pot, still living in isolation on the Thai border, suffered a stroke that left the left side of his body paralyzed. Two years later, he had Son Sen and members of Sen’s family executed because he believed that Sen had attempted to negotiate with the Cambodian government. The deaths of Son Sen and his family shocked many of the remaining Khmer leadership. Feeling that Pol Pot’s paranoia was out of control and worried about their own lives, Khmer Rouge leaders arrested Pol Pot and put him on trial for the murder of Sen and other Khmer Rouge members. Pol Pot was sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life. He was not punished more severely because he had been so prominent in Khmer Rouge affairs. Some of the remaining members of the party, however, questioned this lenient treatment. Death On April 15, 1998, Pol Pot heard a broadcast on Voice of America (of which he was a faithful listener) announce that the Khmer Rouge had agreed to turn him over to an international tribunal. He died that same night. Rumors persist that he either committed suicide or was murdered. His body was cremated without an autopsy to establish the cause of death. Legacy Pol Pot is remembered for his long, oppressive reign and for his attempt to exterminate all religious and ethnic minorities in Cambodia. The Cambodian genocide- responsible for the deaths of at least 1.5 million people- resulted in several Khmer Rouge leaders being convicted of crimes against humanity. Sources Bergin, Sean.  The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Genocide. Rosen Pub. Group, 2009.Short, Philip.  Pol Pot: Anatomy of a Nightmare. Henry Holt, 2005.

Children as Eyewitnesses Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7250 words

Children as Eyewitnesses - Research Paper Example According to the research findings the courtroom is the modern day battlefield. As lay persons, much of our experience with court trials is acquired from television shows and movies. While the actual study of law covers so many topics that may come across as routine and ordinary, such as the law on property and on personal relations, the law that is depicted in primetime media is always dramatic and suspenseful, and always in the field of criminal law. The climactic scenes would always have to do with the cross-examination of the crucial witness whom the clever lawyer would always get to reveal the truth with some masterful techniques in questioning. Courtroom procedure has strict rules which lawyers must follow in questioning witnesses. The obvious purpose is so that witnesses will not be tricked or intimidated into providing a misleading answer, and therefore to ensure that the testimony will lead to the truth. A clean line of questioning is also important in bringing out the whole truth, and not only a portion of it; a good lawyer will apply skill and strategy in tactfully getting the most hostile witness to testify to the truth despite the witness’s efforts to conceal it. Such techniques and procedures are designed for adults, however, and they may not be applicable when the witness to be interrogated is a child. Common knowledge tells us that children are prone to tell the truth as they perceive it, and do not resort to deceptive manoeuvres that adults are used to employing. On the other hand, common observation also tells us that children themselves are easily deceived, that sometimes suggestions by adults or people whom they trust colours their perception of what is true. Under certain circumstances, therefore, it is possible that truthful children may become unreliable eyewitnesses because of circumstances in and out of the courtroom. This study will determine to what extent children’s testimony as eyewitnesses can be re lied upon, and the precautions taken in legal procedure to ensure the integrity of their testimony. The paper will discuss about important elements in child development and psychology in order to understand better the way children think and act in various stages of their development. After that, the general law on the treatment and questioning of eyewitnesses shall be discussed, to establish the common practice in this legal procedure. After discussing the general approach, the special approach of interrogating a child as an eyewitness will be described and analysed. This will entail a comparison with the general approach and a discussion on the points where they differ. The conclusion shall follow thereafter. 2. Child development and psychology 2.1. Stages of child development Children’s minds function differently during different stages of the child’s development. This may well have a bearing on the manner by which children of various ages would be expected to act as witnesses. 2.1.1 Cognitive Development Theories Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development teaches that children think differently than adults, in that children play an active role in acquiring knowledge by actively seeking out and constructing their understanding of the world. Children are like scientists who build their theory about how things around them work, and try to interpret things in accordance with their theory, and revising their theory when the new experience does not fit.1 Table 1: Piaget’s Four Stages of Cognitive Development2 Stage Approximate Age Characteristics Sensorimotor Birth to 2 years Infant’s knowledge of the world is based on senses and motor skills; by the end of the period, uses mental representation. Preoperational thought 2 to 6 years Child learns how to use symbols such as words and numbers to represent aspects of the world but relates to the world only through his or her perspective. Concrete operational thought 7 years to early adolescence Chi ld understands and applies logical operators to experiences provided they are focused on the

British Petroleum Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

British Petroleum - Case Study Example Colonialism, however, eventually collapsed but BP did not (Heiss, 1997). Indeed, not only did BP survive the collapse of colonialism but it expanded its global operations, effectively maintained its status as one of the world's top oil and gas multinationals. In recent years, however, BP's status was threatened by industrial accidents which, consequent to their detrimental environmental effects, turned public opinion against the company. Survival, evidenced in the fact that it did re-bounce, was predicated on the successful revamping of BP's image. With the dawn of the new millennium, British Petroleum's problems reached the point of crisis. Its environmental and human rights records were placed in the spotlight and subjected to public scrutiny, with the outcome being that in both 2001 and 2006, BP was named as one of the world's worst corporations (Cameron, 2006). Allegations, the majority of which were substantiated and incontrovertibly factual, encompassed of BP's poor environmental record, its abuse of its own employees, its support of totalitarian governments for its own financial gain and the exploitation of the public's dependency on oil and gas for the expansion of its profit margins. Accusations pertaining to abuse of its labour force focus on the Tex... gh price in 2005 when a large column overfilled with gas, leading to the formation of a vapour cloud and, eventually, an explosion which killed 15 employees, injured several others and destroyed a significant percentage of the plant itself. More independent and internal investigations placed the blame squarely on BP, focusing on mismanagement and lack of regard for worker and environmental safety as evidence in its failure to maintain the plant and implement the minimum required safety standards (Cameron, 2006). Prior to recovering from the Texas City Refinery Disaster, BP confronted an environmental disaster in Prudhoe bay, Alaska, fording the closure of its pipelines there. In 2006, corrosion in its pipeline led to the spilling of 5,000 barrels of oil into the environment (Cameron, 2006). At this point, part of, but not all of the pipeline was closed. In 2007, a second disaster forced the closure of much of the remaining operational sections of the pipeline. Again, the cause was cited as BP's failure to adequately invest in safety and maintenance. It is interesting to note that in 2006 BP admitted to the fact that it had contributed to the degradation of the Alaskan natural environment through seepages which totaled approximately 27,000 barrels of oil (BP,' n.d.). The fallout of BP's seemingly callous attitude towards worker safety and the environment, were only exacerbated by its support of totalitarian and abusive governments for the purpose of maintaining corporate profits. In 2006, BP lost a lawsuit launched against it by Columbian farmers who accused the company of supporting an openly abusive regime for the purpose of maintaining its pipeline operations in the country. A similar accusation was made by the West Papua population which accused BP of