Essay on Chaucers The Canterbury Tales - 927 Words

Chaucers The Canterbury Tales In The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer comments on moral corruption within the Roman Catholic Church. He criticizes many high-ranking members of the Church and describes a lack of morality in medieval society; yet in the â€Å"Retraction,† Chaucer recants much of his work and pledges to be true to Christianity. Seemingly opposite views exist within the â€Å"Retraction† and The Canterbury Tales. However, this contradiction does not weaken Chaucer’s social commentary. Rather, the â€Å"Retraction† emphasizes Chaucer’s criticism of the Church and society in The Canterbury Tales by reinforcing the risk inherent in doing so. In The Canterbury Tales Chaucer portrays the Roman Catholic Church as an institution in†¦show more content†¦Chaucer clearly indicates that many leaders of the Church act only for their own good, rather than for spiritual reasons. In his description of other pilgrims, Chaucer points out how the lack of morality within the Church is echoed by the rest of society. Several pilgrims have non-religious reasons for going on the pilgrimage. The Wife of Bath, for instance, is looking for her sixth husband, hoping that â€Å"Som Cristen man shal wed me [her] anoon† (WBT 54). Many of the characters have little or no regard for others, but instead are focused only on their own desires. The Franklin is so gluttonous that â€Å"It snewed [snows] in his hous of mete and drinke, / Of alle daintees that men coude thinke† (GP 347-8). Chaucer even suggests that the Sergeant at Law, a prominent figure in society, â€Å"seemed bisier than he was† (GP 324). The corruption of the Church has, according to Chaucer, affected the way individuals act. If the Church is immoral it is not surprising that much of society mirrors the Church’s immoral actions. The Parson cleverly describes the effect of a lack of m orality in the leaders of society by comparing the corruption of individuals to the rusting of metals: â€Å"if gold ruste, what shal iren do? / For if a preest be foul, on whom we truste, / No wonder is a lewed man to ruste† (GP 502-4). Chaucer attacks not only the behaviour of the Church officials but also the immorality of the laypeople in Medieval society. Contrary to the critical tone used in The CanterburyShow MoreRelatedChaucers The Canterbury Tales1381 Words   |  6 PagesThe Canterbury Tales serves as a moral manual in the Middle Ages. In the tales, Geoffrey Chaucer portrays the problems of the society. For instance, Chaucer uses the monk and the friar in comparison to the parson to show what the ecclesiastical class are doing versus what they are supposed to be doing. In other words, it is to make people be aware of these problems. It can be inferred that the author’s main goal is for this literary work to serve as a message to the people along with changing theRead More Chaucers Canterbury Tales2103 Words   |  9 Pagesbe forever immortalized as Geoffrey Chaucer the writer, and the Satirist. The true goal of any Satire is to point out the flaws in certain aspect of society, while also inspiring reform to that very same aspect in one way or another. In Chaucer’s Canterbury tales, Chaucer satirizes the corruption Catholic Church and those associated. Chaucer saw that hypocrisy polluted the pureness of the church and expressed his disillusionment through the use of satire. Fearless of discommunication Geoffrey ChaucerRead MoreGeoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales1030 Words   |  5 PagesGeoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a collection of several tales that are all told by different characters and all convey different messages. The story presented in the general prologue is that a group of pilgrims is traveling to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket, and during their journey they take turns telling tales and talking about themselves. Chaucer uses the pilgrims to express his beliefs, about religion, marriage, social class, and many other topics. One of the pilgrims is the MancipleRead MoreMarriage In Chaucers The Canterbury Tales1709 Words   |  7 PagesIn Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, a group of traveling pilgrims on their way from London to Canterbury pass the time by telling each other stories and tales. A handful of the tales are on the topic of marriage, most notably The Miller’s Tale, The Wife of Bath’s Tale and The Merchant’s Tale. The Miller talks about his wife and marriage poorly in his prologue and his tale is just as cynical. The Wife of Bath reveals in her prologue that she has had five husbands, something that was frownedRead MoreChaucers Canterbury Tales741 Words   |  3 Pagesreference to one of The Canterbury Tales discuss, what means Chaucer uses to create the highly individualized (and often comic) characters and how successful is his creation. The Friar from The Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer was a master at creating highly individualized characters who are often comic and realistic at the same time and always have good traits as well as bad ones. The aim of this essay is to demonstrate this ability on the example of the Friar from The Canterbury Tales who is one of theRead MoreEssay on The Pardoners Tale of Chaucers The Canterbury Tales1482 Words   |  6 PagesThe Pardoners Tale of Chaucers The Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales is a structured novel which starts with the narrator obtaining twenty traveling companions at an inn. They are all traveling to Canterbury to pay homage to a saint. On their way, these colorful individuals decide to make the trip more bearable by having a story telling contest. Each will tell one story on the way to Canterbury, and one story on the way back. The winner will be decided by the innsRead MoreChaucers Society in Canterbury Tales815 Words   |  4 Pages Chaucers society represents every social class. In doing so, it shows what it takes to actually make a society function. The different people carry different stories to share. These stories carry lessons learned in hopes of sharing them with others so that they may not end up in the same predicaments. After all, that is the main point of sharing stories, isnt it? In the Nun and Priests tale, a story of never trusting a flatterer is told. The Pardoner tries to sell indulgences to the pilgrimsRead MoreChaucers Canterbury Tales922 Words   |  4 Pages These characters are vividly described and distinguished into three different classes: the military, nobles and knights, the church, priests, nuns, and monks, and the common people. Chaucer’s detailed descriptions built these complex characters who now carried his opinions of the different classes. Trough Chaucer’s contradicting description of the Prioresse, the reader questions the sincerity of church figures during this time, ultimately suggesting that the church was not genuine and full-fillingRead More Chaucers The Canterbury Tales: The Parson’s Tale Essay2219 Words   |  9 PagesChaucers The Canterbury Tales: The Parson’s Tale The critical acclaim for The Canterbury Tales as a whole is matched by the puzzlement over the work’s conclusion, the â€Å"Parson’s Tale† and Chaucer’s retraction. By modern standards, it hardly seems the â€Å"merry tale† the Parson promises his audience, and after the liveliness of much of the rest of the Tales, it appears to close the work not with a bang, but a whimper. However, this does not mean that the tale and retraction aren’t worthyRead MoreWomen In Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales1288 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Geoffrey Chaucer’s â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† is a collection of stories written between 1387 and 1400 about a group of thirty people who travel as pilgrims to Canterbury (England) and on their way, they tell stories to each other about their lives and experiences. The stories constitute a critique of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church, while women seem to be presented in a different way than they are in other contemporary works. The aim of this essay is to present

American Foreign Relations before 1913 Free Essays

The American Foreign Relations also referred to as the foreign policy of the United States of America is the adopted policies that the country uses in its interaction with other countries. As of now, the United States is the most influential country in the world on the basis that it is the only remaining superpower after the collapse of the Soviet Union which led to the end of the Cold War. As of now, the economy of the United States is the world largest and this helps the country in its global outreach. We will write a custom essay sample on American Foreign Relations before 1913 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The country nowadays has set is foreign policies agendas and objectives as the creation of a world which is more secure, democratic and economically powerful of the benefit of the American citizens as well as the international community (Gardner, 1984). During the Bush administration, the American country has been faced by many international threats and enemies. This is because the administration is thought to have overstepped its foreign relations especially in the country’s quest to bring about world peace and democracy to all nations around the world. However, it is important to relate to the historical overview of the United States of America from the time it gained independence to the beginning of the First World War (John, 1935). From 1776 to 1898 The United States gained its independence from Britain in the year 1776 and this was brought about by the American Revolution. It is important to note that from that time, America began its relations with some of the superpowers of Europe at that time, key among them being France. However, from the time of American Revolution to the time of Spanish-American War, the United States foreign relations focused mainly in the regional relations rather the international relations (Engerman, 2000). During the American Revolution, the United States of America developed ties with major European powers at that time. This was necessary because it main rival and colonizer, Britain was a very powerful force at that time. The United States could not have defeated Britain without the help of some powerful countries. This was the reason that necessitated America to establish ties with Spain, Netherlands and France and it is important to note that the country needed the countries for their intervention in its war with Britain[1]. Britain at that time was a mutual enemy of the three European countries and the United States as well. The intervention of these three countries saw to it that America attained its independence and also assumed the status of a sovereign state (Gardner, 1984). After its war with Britain, the United States also continued to cultivate its ties with Britain and this was enhanced by the signing of the Olive Branch Policy. The United States made various efforts to restore peace and also resume its important trade with Britain. French having contributed so much in the American Revolution was also not left out of the picture. To this end, the United States continued its relations with the French Republic and an important evidence to this is the French presentation of the Statue of Liberty to the United States in the year 1886 (Foner, 1970). [1]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gilbert, Felix. To the Farewell Address: Ideas of Early American Foreign Policy. Princeton, N.J., (1961): 236 – 267 How to cite American Foreign Relations before 1913, Papers

Managing Time Essay Example For Students

Managing Time Essay The ability to manage time may be the most valuable asset students can have. Without it, one can get so bogged down with sports, homework, and life that one accomplishes little. As a freshman one needs to get involved in the school and community through sports, clubs and volunteer work. This will make a well- rounded individual not only in high school or college, but also in life. Allocate time for sports, homework, friends, and community service carefully. It is important to realize that many things have to be accomplished simultaneously to make a person stand out. Here are some things that I have found to help me:#61656; Setting Objectives#61656; Setting Priorities#61656; Stretching your time and using it effectively#61656; Setting alarm a couple of minutes ahead#61656; Plan the night before#61656; Know what your going to do the next day and execute objectives #61656; Write things down on notepad #61656; Keep ones standards high;#61656; Establish deadlinesI use these skills everyda y and I feel that I am a well-rounded student. I am actively involved in sports. I play football in the winter, wrestling in the fall, and baseball in the spring. Also, I am enrolled in many AP classes that are ambiguous and have countless hours of homework and require TIME! Furthermore, Im involved in my community from working at bible schools to doing cancer runs. Not to mention the time I have to put in with family and friends. Motivation is an important aspect of time management. If one doesnt truly want to use their time better, one will find he/she trapped forever in old nonproductive patterns. Each individual must decide what personal payoffs he or she can expect to receive from school to achieve a higher education.

Reasons Why People Play Chess an Example by

Reasons Why People Play Chess Chess is a game widely played everywhere: schools, parks, and even over the Internet. The game continues to be one of popular hobbies of both the old generation and young generation. The challenge and excitement make up the fun aspect of chess especially when players think their moves thoroughly. Each move of the chess pieces critically spells either victory or defeat between the players. Need essay sample on "Reasons Why People Play Chess" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Players of chess often find several reasons why they love to play the game. First is the aspect of convenience. Chess is fairly easy to play just about anywhere. For a few dollars, you can purchase a mini-chess set that fits your pocket. You also have an option to play chess online against one of the many computer programs found in the market. Next is that chess is a fair game. The absence of dice allows a good play without the possibility of a bad roll that ruin your turn. All it matters is how excellent you play. Third, chess can be learned how to play as good as anybody else. Additionally, chess can be played no matter how young or old you and how petite or tall you are. Lastly, chess is an intellectually exciting game. You won't be bored with the game when there is more strategy to learn how to play better. Thus, it enables players to think more analytically resulting to an improved concentration and development of memory. In fact, numerous studies, such as by Riefner (1992), have proven that children achieved a higher reading level, math level and a greater learning ability as a consequence of playing chess. Work Cited Philip Rifner, ``Playing Chess: A Study of Problem-Solving Skills in Students with Average and Above Average Intelligence,'' doctoral dissertation, 1992.

Data Mining and Automated Procedures in Business

Data Mining and Automated Procedures in Business Free Online Research Papers In today’s business world, information about the customer is a necessity for a businesses trying to maximize its profits. A new, and important, tool in gaining this knowledge is Data Mining. Data Mining is a set of automated procedures used to find previously unknown patterns and relationships in data. These patterns and relationships, once extracted, can be used to make valid predictions about the behavior of the customer. Data Mining is generally used for four main tasks: (1) to improve the process of making new customers and retaining customers; (2) to reduce fraud; (3) to identify internal wastefulness and deal with that wastefulness in operations, and (4) to chart unexplored areas of the internet (Cavoukian). The fulfillment of these tasks can be enhanced if appropriate data has been collected and if that data is stored in a data warehouse. According to Stanford University, A Data Warehouse is a repository of integrated information, available for queries and analysis. Data and information are extracted from heterogeneous sources as they are generated.This makes it much easier and more efficient to run queries over data that originally came from different sources. When data about an organization’s practices is easier to access, it becomes more economical to mine. â€Å"Without the pool of validated and scrubbed data that a data warehouse provides, the data mining process requires considerabl e additional effort to pre-process the data† (SAS Institute). There are several different types of models and algorithms used to â€Å"mine† the data. These include, but are not limited to, neural networks, decision trees, rule induction, boosting, and genetic algorithms. Neural networks are physical cellular systems which can acquire, store, and utilize experiential knowledge (Zurada). Neural networks offer a way to efficiently model large and complex problems. Decision trees are diagrams used for making decisions in business or computer programming. Branches are used to represent choices with associated risks, costs, results, or probabilities. Rule induction is a way of deriving a set of rules to classify cases (Two Crows). These set of rules differ from those in a decision tree in that they are independent from one another. Boosting is a technique in which multiple random samples of data are taken and a classification model for each set of data is made (Two Crows). The genetic algorithm is a model of machine learning, whose behavior is based on the processes of evolution in nature. Populations of data are resented by chromosomes and then go through a process of evolution. The members of one set of data compete to pass on their most favorable characteristics to the next generation of data. This process continues until the best data is found. Many of the models and algorithms used in data mining are simplifications of the linear regression model. Data Mining is largely, if not entirely used for business purposes. The highest users of data mining include banking, financial, and telecommunications industries (Two Crows). A survey taken by Two Crows Corporation turned up these applications of data mining:  · Ad revenue forecasting  · Churn (turnover) management  · Claims processing  · Credit risk analysis  · Cross-marketing  · Customer profiling  · Customer retention  · Electronic commerce  · Exception reports  · Food-service menu analysis  · Fraud detection  · Government policy setting  · Hiring profiles  · Market basket analysis  · Medical management  · Member enrollment  · New product development  · Pharmaceutical research  · Process control  · Quality control  · Shelf management/store management  · Student recruiting and retention  · Targeted marketing  · Warranty analysis Data mining will have a different effect on different industries in the business world. In the telecommunications industry, for example, in order to retain or build market share and expand or develop new products and services, service providers will have to make the necessary adaptations and changes that the industry and pace setting technology requires. â€Å"The most successful telecommunications companies will, of course, be the ones who can develop and market products and services that customers will buy,† says Julian Kulkarni, SAS institute Europe’s Product Marketing Coordinator for telecommunications. â€Å"But high customer churn rates in telcom markets show that you cannot depend on customer loyalty. To thrive, companies must know their customers, their products, their own operations, and the competition better.† The key to succeeding in this rapidly changing industry is to understand the customer, or the market that the customer represents. Through data mining, telecommunications companies can know what their customers have done in the past and what they will do in the future. With this information, the companies will be in ideal positions to make business decisions based on the information they have gained from the data mining process. Other real world examples of data mining include:  · Targeting a set of consumers who are most likely to respond to a direct mail campaign  · Predicting the probability of default for consumer loan applications  · Predicting audience share for television programs  · Predicting the probability that a cancer patient will respond to radiation therapy  · Predicting the probability that an offshore oil well is actually going to produce oil There are many computer applications on the market to assist businesses in the data mining process. The applicability of these programs can accommodate the various uses of data mining. Software titles include AC2, ALICE dIsoft, AutoClass C, C5.0 (See5), Clementine, Data Surveyor, DataDetective, DataEngine, Datasage, DataScope, DataX(tm), DbBridge, dbProbe, dbProphet, Explora, IBM Visualization Data Explorer, INLEN, IRIS, IXL IDIS software, LEVEL5 Quest, MineSet (SGI), ModelQuest MarketMiner, Nuggets(TM), Partek, PolyAnalyst, PV-WAVE, SE-Learn, Sipina-W v2.0 Sipina-Pro, Snob, SPSS Data Mining Software, The Data Mining Suite, Thinkbases Data Mining Product, TiMBL (Tilburg Memory Based Learner), Tooldiag, WINROSA, WinViz, WizWhy, XmdvTool, and XpertRule. Bibliography Cavoukian, Ann, Ph.D. â€Å"Data Mining: Staking a Claim on Your Privacy.† Jan. 1998 Pryke, Andy. â€Å"The Data Mine.† 23 Sep. 1998 SAS Institute Inc. â€Å"Data Mining.† 12 Jan. 2000 Two Crows Co. â€Å"Introduction to Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery.† 1999 Zurada, J.M. (1992), Introduction To Artificial Neural Systems, Boston: PWS Publishing Company, p. xv: Word Count: 1676 Research Papers on Data Mining and Automated Procedures in BusinessIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalResearch Process Part OneThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseOpen Architechture a white paperThe Project Managment Office SystemInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfGenetic EngineeringAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThree Concepts of Psychodynamic

A Comparison of the Bandar and Cowboy Star Restaurant Butcher Restauant

A Comparison of the Bandar and Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Restauant The Bandar and Cowboy star restaurant butcher restaurants compare by both restaurants serving cuisine that is natural and conventional based rather than fast foods. In regard to this, both serve fresh livestock meat and seafood. Also, both restaurants have incorporated wine in their menu which is optional for customers and a separate room exclusive for alcoholic drinks for interested customers (Bandar Persian Prime Restaurant, 2018). On the other hand, they differ by offering more specified and diversified meals; Bandar incorporates vegetables in their meals while Cowboy focuses more on meat products for their customers (Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop, 2018). What positively influences both restaurants towards attracting and retaining their customers is the quality of their products. Considering they offer natural foods is a great motivation especially towards the customers who prefer organic foods. Additionally, there is the incorporation of vegetables upon request which caters well for the vegetarians since not all customers prefer meals based on meat products. Similarly, both restaurants offer meat products which can be considered as a negative influencer to the customers who totally disregard meat products and its association. Owing to this, there are customers who can entirely avoid the restaurants on the basis of animal product association. Additionally, seafood presents a mixture of reactions among customers; it is the most favorite to some while others disregard it but are comfortable with other livestock products. Furthermore, the involvement of alcoholic drinks in the form of wine or beer is not perceived positively by all customers despite being optional and may discourage potential clients of different faith/religion. Depending on the nature of customer, this may, therefore, act as a drawback.

Spaghetti Challenge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Spaghetti Challenge - Essay Example Every project must have a budget; there is an estimated budget for any project that the client is willing and ready to spend. This budget is worked upon by the client together with the project manager. The budget must contain an additional just in case money that is thoroughly monitored. A project manager must account for all the money that is spent on the construction this is done by availing all the receipts and stock taking to the client all through the project. Equipment’s that are rented must be kept in good condition to reduce fines and damages that can be incurred. Time is an essential factor in any project. A client will expect a working timeline when contracting. Time constraint is the limited time the constructor has to work to work with under growing pressure top finish the project without any defects or additional costs. The timeline will include the designing of the project blueprint as seen in the spaghetti challenge as well as the construction time. The objectives outlined that need to be achieved in order to meet the client’s needs must be completed in time within cost and quality as expected. Most contracts will have a penalty section in case of any breach of terms and conditions, a real-world big scale construction projectwill include a contract with the terms and condition that must include the timeline and various fines if there is a breach of these terms. These penalties impose an obligation on the construction company to fulfil its duties and objectives in a given time to avoid breaching the contract hence paying damages. A real-world big scale construction project must also consider conducting various test factors that may affect the strength and stability of a structure. These factors must be put in the blueprint before the start of the project and properly reinforced to avoid disaster and casualties. Bonuses can be added as incentives to

The Problem of the Corrections in Prisons Term Paper

The Problem of the Corrections in Prisons - Term Paper Example It is on this basis that the USA established a legal system, which included the police, and the federal court system. The federal court system of the US falls in the judiciary system under the USA constitution. The US federal court system gets segmented into the highest court composed of the Supreme Court, which acts as a last resort in the process of judgment. It also has the appellate (appeal) courts that are in charge of appeals for the district of Colombia, appeals for veterans, appeals for the armed forces, appeals for the federal circuit, as well as the foreign intelligence court of review. Below the appellate court, is the district court including the 94 federal district courts (Neubauer & Fradella, 2010). In Article III of the USA law, the United States Congress is the body mandated, with constitutional power to establish courts. It also the body permitted to formulate regulations governing the courts. In addition, they can create limitations as well as eliminate the federal judiciary excluding the Supreme Court. The district court remains the general trial courts in the US with jurisdiction to handle any case according to the specification in the constitution. They also have the jurisdiction to hear appeal diverted by the administrative judges the higher courts. This must come with authority from the above courts according to article three of the United States Constitution on legal systems. The supreme courts, on the other hand, operates under a mandatory system of review which means the court only listens to appeals from the district courts (Mauk & Oakland, 2005). When a person is, therefore, not satisfied with the decisions from the district courts, he is granted by law to lodge c omplains in the Supreme Court in the form of appeals.

Food Trip Essay Example for Free

Food Trip Essay Revolutionaries and activists, tried of associating the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) with these words? Well, it’s time to change your thoughts. PUP isn’t just for words like those mentioned above, please try to look at the brighter side. PUP isn’t just the way you think it is. All the speculations about our school aren’t true. Actually, if you’re inside our campus, you’ll surely have a wonderful time. The school offers delightful treats such as low tuition, high quality education and most especially, foods. I recommend you to go to PUP and I assure you a cheap and an enjoyable food trip for you and for your friends. TRUST ME! ï Å  PUP has it all, from snacks to lunch and to every kind of foods that you will surely like. I bet if you enter our campus, you won’t go out of it without being tempt to buy foods because of its cheap price. Be sure to prepare your spoon and fork as I introduce to you the best foods at the lowest price our campus can offer. 1.Value Meals (20php – 35php) One cup of rice with any ulam of your choice. These include dinuguan, chicken fillet, fried chicken, beef steak, adobo, burger steak, liempo, giniling, sausages, vegetables, etc. Imagine?!! With just 30php, you will experience tasting lutong bahay even if you’re away from home. 2.Buy 1 Take 1 Burgers (25php – 32php) Say goodbye to Jollibee, Mcdonald’s, KFC, and other burger – producing fast food chains. PUP has the cheapest burger ever. With just 32php, we can avail two burgers and that is if you are in PUP. While in fast food chains, you will just be left with dissatisfaction. 3.Clubhouse (20php) All the PUPians know this – clubhouse is a triangle shaped sandwich with egg wrappings and ham fillings. Well, the best thing about this food is that it is served with free drinks. Yes!!! You heard it right! It’s with FREE! FREE! FREE! AS IN FREE DRINKS which comes in various flavors. As far as I know, it is one of the highest grossing and most sought food in the University. It is so SULIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT! 4.FEWA (33php or 37php) FEWA is also known as Footlong and Egg Wrapped Around. It is a sandwich with footlong (can be either regular in size or jumbo) wrapped in fried scrambled egg with cheese and cabbage. Another reason why you would enjoy this food is because of its vendor who has great sense of humor. Wondering who? Well, better check him or, should I say, her? At the East Wing of PUP canteen. 5.Fruit Shakes and Juices (10php-20php)

Computer Games and Artificial Intelligence :: Video Game AI

Computer Games and Artificial Intelligence Abstract Computer games provide a challenge for mankind. A way to demonstrate his mastery over the concept of intelligence and yet a way to test that mastery. It is through a continual need to improve the artificial intelligence in computer games that man also finds a way to examine his own creativity, to reach beyond what is possible and improve himself. Developments in the artificial intelligence of computer games have shown remarkable improvement as new genres of games have been created with new advances in the technology. Newer more complex and adaptable games demonstrate an increased understanding of intelligence and furnish entertaining benchmarks of our own ability. Introduction The idea of artificial intelligence is a daunting notion. That the very thing that distinguishes humanity from all other living beings, intelligence, is reproducible even improved upon presents a certain challenge to mankind: is artificial intelligence superior to human intelligence? To avoid the philosophical chicken-and-egg argument, man has created an ingenious way to test AI: games. What were once mere entertaining diversions, computer games have become a forum for man to pit his intelligence against an artificially intelligent computer program in an attempt to validate his own self worth. Such challenges provide not only a means of entertainment but also a path to self-improvement. Consider the controversy regarding the recent victory of IBM's Deep Blue over world chess champion Gary Kasparov. Headlines relating the story typically questioned the preeminence of human intelligence in favor of the artificial intelligence represented by Deep Blue. Now more than ever, the challenge presented by computer games and artificial intelligence has created a need. This need can only be met by tests provided by engaging, creative, and intelligent computer games. This has spurred an entire industry, which accounts for billions of dollars every year. The wide-scale development of computer games continues in a variety of formats: simulation games, action/adventure games, interactive 3D games, fighting games, and others. These are all ways for man to test not only his creativity but also his own intelligence and ability to improve himself. Computer Games Early computer games required mere physical reaction and not much intelligence as game programmers struggled to develop more realistic games that would provide an environment for more complex interaction. With this aside, the advent of modern computer games required game designers to develop programs that would simulate human behavior. Simulation, thus, while not representative of original thought, is a necessary place to start in order to examine the development of computer game intelligence.

Comparative Analysis on Belonging of Romulus

The 1961 novel Revolutionary Road by author Richard Yates links strongly with the autobiographical recount Romulus, My Father, by Raimond Gaita, and in so doing provides a greater understanding of the concept of Belonging. It charts the disintegration of the marriage of Frank and April Wheeler as they struggle against the oppressive conformity of suburban 1950s America. The texts together explore the processes undergone by the individual in their integration to society and it’s inherent cultural groups.Revolutionary Road posits as it’s central idea that life is – entirely and inescapably, not only on the surface but right down to the core of human nature – an act. Every action of the characters in the novel, every single piece of behavior, thought, and reasoning are based on a structure of systematic etiquette. The central protagonist, Frank Wheeler phrases this concept perfectly in the way he describes the speech of his wife as having a â€Å"quality of play-acting, of slightly false intensity, a way of seeming to speak less to him and more to some romantic abstraction†.Though set in the cultural dead-end of the United States in the 1950s, a time when the American dream, entirely achieved, was beginning to ring hollow; it could easily be from any context that could be regarded as a ‘society’ – the text implying a sense of general universality of it’s central posit. The book shows that in any attempt for acceptance, true self expression will be limited – often severely so. Contrastingly, Romulus, My Father appears to espouse an entirely opposite premise: that an honestly of character equates to moral goodness, even in the face of great adversity, and will bring a sense of ful? led connection in life. As Gaita puts is â€Å"Character†¦ was the central moral concept for my father and Hora. † Romulus retains his own identity, despite the barriers it creates in a society that seeks to assimilate; and it is this very attribute that allows him to belong to his family and those he loves. Romulus’s ideals are based entirely on his true feeling, not prescribed to a speci? c formula of action and reaction such as is the case in Revolutionary Road; his values are what make him. Upon further analysis, however, this is no less a conformity to protocol than that of Frank and April.Gaita states that â€Å"the sense given to me by my father and Hora, of the contrast between malleable laws and conventions made by human beings to reconcile and suit their many interests, and the uncompromising authority of morality, always the judge, never merely the servant of our interests†, the perception of his son that certain rules are entirely unbreakable and inarguable is, in itself, a baseless social construct. No real contrast between human convention and morality actually exists. â€Å"Morality was for him as substantially a part of reality as the natural facts of huma n action and motivation. To belittle the feelings of Frank Wheeler as somehow less guiding than Romulus’s is also incorrect, both use feeling based reasoning to choose one of several possible options, open to them as a result of combination of circumstance and the system they take as inarguable, infallible law. Gaita attempts no higher argument for the inherent goodness of his father than his strict obedience and conformist attitude to a moral viewpoint, and makes no further argument for the de? nition of what good is beyond what one perceives to be good.Both are, at root, based on entirely nothing at all – to call one moral and the other etiquette is a farce, both are mere social construct, built by cultural conditioning, to establish and maintain a system of behavior deemed correct for no true reason. They only exist as objectively unchangeable so long as their creators and keepers believe them to be so. So, to avoid the true baselessness of their society and everyth ing the believe in, the protagonists of both texts resort to a method of delusion just as strong as that which they infer to abhor.In Revolutionary Road, Yates uses a technique of not matching the internal dialogue or self-perception of his characters to the events of the plot or speech. Frank Wheeler will often imagine conversations in his head, or prescribe to himself some false grandiosity in his lines – contrasted to a third person narrative voice, which reveals the scene to be usually uneventful and mediocre. April envisions herself â€Å"a whole world of marvelous golden people somewhere†¦ ho made their lives work out the way they wanted without even trying, who never had to make the best of a bad job because it never occurred to them to do anything less then perfectly the ? rst time. Sort of heroic super-people, all of them beautiful and witty and calm and kind, and I always imagined that when I did ? nd them I'd suddenly know that I Belonged among them, that I w as one of them, that I'd been meant to be one of them all along, and everything in the meantime had been a mistake; and they'd know it too. I'd be like the ugly duckling among the swans. †The Wheelers believes in something greater, something more, and that they a worthy part of it; when in reality, such a thing is simply non-existent. All they truly have is the mediocrity of their suburban prison, and the paradox of a world which, with all options open, is so terrifyingly vast that they must cling to the safety and security afforded by familiar protocol. They hold ? rm the excuse that it is necessary and inevitable to ensure societal acceptance, and the vague general assumption that they are somehow different, somehow better or above their surroundings. They are not.All that separates them is their own idea of separation, they do not think themselves to belong, yet in reality ful? ll perfectly the 50s ‘Nuclear Family’ suburban stereotype. They are everything they claim to hate in a way so natural they probably couldn’t have achieved if they’d tried. There is no ‘backup’ to their facade, no face behind the masks they craft, no true identity oppressed by circumstance. All that they have is, as Frank puts it, â€Å"the hopeless emptiness†. This is mirrored in Romulus, but in regards to Raimond’s perception of his father; he sees him not as he is, but as an archetype – some â€Å"romantic abstraction†.The novel is essentially a glori? cation. For Raimond, Romulus is a great man; someone special whose faults could either be excused to someone else’s inadequacy, his madness, or an overextension of his stubborn moralism – him being too good. The events described clearly contradict this, however. Romulus was not remarkable nor extraordinary. He lacked ambition and intelligence (after not succeeding in gaining scholarship he never again pursued any attempts at education, despite the fact that he had suf? ient ability and opportunity – yet in referance to the event, Raimond makes the claim that â€Å"He cried bitterly, not because of lost employment prospects, but because his love of learning would never be ful? lled. †). e wasted his skills in beautiful metalwork ( as the composer puts isâ€Å"He was able to make almost anything to the most exacting standards†, â€Å"his work was unsurpassed in quality and speed†, and My father was not merely skilled, he was a   man of practical genius†) upon the construction of what even his son admits is ugly furniture. e led a lifestyle that perpetuated the isolation that so caused him and those he loved to suffer. In his life he never did a single thing that could be regarded as brilliant that was not to the end of his or Raimond’s continued survival; and though for much of it he lived through great hardship, in the context of humanity it was not especially severe. The greatest in sight to this is found in the ? nal pages of the book, in the speech delivered at Romulus’s funeral, in which Raimond says (in regards to his father) that â€Å"he never intentionally caused suffering to anyone†.It would take a man of enormous stupidity not to realize that to in? ict domestic violence unto his mentally ill wife and young child would cause them signi? cant pain. The composer attempts to portray his father’s wrongs as a product of circumstance, removed from choice or free will; but if such a stance is taken, there is no limit upon extending it to good deeds as well or, even to the very heart of a persona – no line can be drawn between what is merely conditioning and what is one’s true nature.It is ironic that in attempting to portray a man who espoused no greater good than â€Å"real character†, Gaita paints a nearly perfect archetype and ignores or downplays or re-interprets aspects just as real and signi? cant to who his fat her was as those which play to what he seems to want to see. Raimond in his perception of his father and the Wheelers in their perception of themselves seem to assume that, would it not have been for that which life had thrown at them, they could have been something much greater; something truer to themselves or more realizing of their own potential.In reality, they had the whole world at their hands, and as much time at their disposal as any who has lived. They were exactly as they were, and nothing more. It was not circumstance that prohibited the ful? llment of these characters’ potential – this was but a convenient excuse – it was themselves; the sad fact was that neither the Wheelers nor Romulus were actually so brilliant at all.Ergo, from a collective analysis of both texts, it can be concluded that, in the processes undergone by the individual in their integration to society and it’s inherent cultural groups, the conformity to an idealized human ar chetype, though necessary to belong, will inevitably deny individualistic actualization of the true human condition. Through the ideas explored in Revolutionary Road text, strong links can be made with Raimond Gaita’s Romulus, My Father, to provide a signi? cantly furthered understanding of the concept of Belonging.

Communication System in Bd Essay

Communication system denotes the ways and means of movement of people and goods from one place to another inside a country and outside it as well. In other words it refers to the transport facilities that are available to people for traveling and carrying goods. It includes both the vehicles and the ways used by them. The history of the development of transport shows how people have been trying from prehistoric times to use more and more advanced types of transport thereby replacing the traditional means of conveyance. In modern times knowledge of science and technology came in a big way to help people to devise ways and means quicken and more comfortable movement of men and goods mot only on land and water but also in the air. Thus the vehicles that ply on land and water as well as in the air in a country to connect different place, far and near, constitute its communication system. The communication system greatly helps to set up towns, cities and trading centers, to introduce new tools and technology in agriculture and industry and to disseminate new knowledge and ideas. The communication system in a country in one of its most essential infrastructures required for its development. Train as one of the land communication system of Bangladesh Bangladesh Railway Conditions In Bangladesh : The communication system in Bangladesh is quite unenviable. Because of a large number of rivers crisscrossing it, building roads and highways, railways and bridges in all its parts has not been feasible. This is why, traditional country boats still serve as the most useful means of transport and communication. Besides, the economic condition of our country also does not allow mass mechanization of transport. Consequently we still see Bullock and Buffalo carts lumbering on the dirt roads of many parts of Bangladesh. Therefore, geographical and economic conditions are important factors which often determine whether a country will continue to use its traditional communication system or introduce modern transport. But now a days every country tries to modernize its transport system as far as possible, because modern transport holds out better prospects for development of a nation. Thus of late, Bangladesh has also made phenomenal development in its communication system. Ancient land communication system of Bangladesh Man using Bullock Carts Source: my own photo album A man push a cart for transporting goods Source: my own photo album Land Communication : The land communication has been tremendously developed in recent year in Bangladesh. A large numbers of roads and highways have been constructed throughout the country connecting all the districts. Besides, many old dirt roads have been metaled in all the areas of the country. Thus people can travel anywhere by bus and transport their goods by truck. Besides, construction of some bridges over different rivers have greatly improved the system of communication by land. All these have enormously facilitated the movement of heavy motor vehicles in all parts of the country. In addition to private motor vehicles owner Associations, there is also Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation of the Government. Thus both the private sector and the public sector are working side by side to carry men and goods across the country. But, Bangladesh railway is still the single largest means of land communication in Bangladesh. In recent times after the construction of theJamuna Bridge the railway communication has been revolutionized. Newer plans are also being taken up to expand and modernize the Bangladesh railway service. It is taken care of by the Bangladesh Railway Board. Boat as the water communication system of Bangladesh Source: my own photo album Water Communication : There are many large and small rivers as well as lake in Bangladesh which are an important factor for communication. Numerous motor launches and shifts ply on these rivers carrying a large number of passengers as well as a large volume of cargo. They connect the far-flung areas of the country with one another as well as the capital city. The international sea-ports and the internal rivers ports render a great deal of service in conducting trade and commerce of the country. The transport facilities available in the water ways of Bangladesh play a dominate role in its communication system. The internal water transport facilities are looked after by the Bangladesh Internal Water Transport Authority. Bangladesh Biman as the air communication system of Bangladesh Source: By Eduard Marmet [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) Air Communication : The air communication network in Bangladesh is also witnessing a steady development. The Bangladesh Biman operates a large good number of internal and international flights which can transport a lot of passengers and cargo. The capital city is connected with Chittagong, Sylhet, Jessore and other places by air. This contributes a great deal to the development of the trade and commerce of the country and quick movement of the people from one place to another. In its communication system Bangladesh has a remarkable network of land transport, water transport and air transport. But the system tells a sad tale. Road accidents and motor launch accidents are very common events in Bangladesh. More often than not, these accidents which take a heavy toll of life make sensational head lines in daily news paper every now and then. Unfit and outdated vehicles as well as reckless drivers and crew are mainly responsible for these accidents. Steps should be taken to ensure safe travel and the whole system should be modernized to provide comfortable communication facilities to the people.

Summary of The Handmaids Tale essays

Summary of The Handmaid's Tale essays Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is a frighteningly credible, if somewhat tongues which come to mind include the increasing pressure to abolish the Constitutional barrier between church and state, the recent failure of the women's movement to establish legally mandated rights to equality, the growing schism between adherents of science and technology and those who fear the power and responsibility such advances create, and the growing sense of individual isolation from the collective of society – a phenomenon that has been on the rise for nearly a century. My reaction to this novel is one of trepidation. While the misuse of women certainly takes center stage, the callous and self-righteous movement behind the rise of Gilead clearly brutalizes both sexes. Offred and Ofglen several times see the executed bodies of "criminals" displayed on the wall as a warning to the population. Some of the men they see hanging there are former physicians who performed abortions, a priest, and homosexuals. Even the Commander eventually...

Capital Market Efficiency Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Capital Market Efficiency - Assignment Example Public companies are able to support various projects through corporate social responsibility. These projects have a significant role in improving the living standards of the people in the society. On the other hand, increased certainty on the future prospects strengthens the competitive position of the company in the market (Moyer, McGuigan, & Rao, 2015). This makes it possible for the firm to diversify its operations and even invest overseas in order to reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with focusing on a single market. Question 3An efficient portfolio is one that brings in the highest returns with the lowest risks for any given return (Moyer, McGuigan, & Rao, 2015). An efficient capital market enables the present value of the future cash flows to be indicated in the current prices of the securities. As a result, the information would be significant in enabling the investor to select the best portfolio to invest in which have the lowest risks. This would enable the inve stor to make immense returns. In many cases, management team consult the shareholders on capital budgeting and capital structure decisions because of the risks associated with these decisions. However, managers can make these decisions in case they are certain about the outcome. This is through consulting professionals and insuring the decisions in order to be compensated in case they incur losses. Efficient capital market provides both the firm and the investor with real time information (Moyer, McGuigan, & Rao, 2015).

Equity and Trusts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Equity and Trusts - Essay Example As anyone who has read Dickens, Bleak house will know, by the 18th century, equity had itself become rigid. The origins of the jurisdiction have been prevailed and the principles of equity can now be applied in every civil court in the land. One of equity’s greatest inventions has been the ‘trust’. The trust is a form of ownership that developed in England through the courts of Chancery. Trust can be defined as the written instruments that give title to or an interest in real estate. A trustee holds title on behalf of the lender, known as the beneficiary who is the legal owner. Trust law applies whenever one person has placed trust and confidence in another person to manage his or her affairs. The full force of the law of equity governs such relationships and the trust now provides a mechanism for a number of situations, family relationships, charities, pension funds, to name but a few. The common benefits that a trust offer includes are: (i) Providing financial a nd personal safeguard for family and other beneficiaries, (ii) Establishing a means of controlling or administering property, taxes, (iii) Meeting other social or commercial goals, and (iv) Postponing or avoiding unnecessary.

Dress Code in School Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dress Code in School - Research Paper Example in Kraft, 2003). Are you a liberal? Are you a conservative? Whatever be your political leaning, or personal belief, I am sure every one of you will agree with me that school safety is of paramount importance to society. The provision of a safe study environment takes precedence over self-expression. In these days of unequivocal liberalism, when the least hint of curtailment of individual rights is immediately condemned as authoritarianism, I defiantly stand here before you in support of a uniform dress code in schools. I am aware that many of you will equate a uniform dress code with the stifling of creativity and the freedom to self-expression. But this is a very simplistic way of looking at the issue. The school is the primary and most crucial factor in the educational process of an individual. It is here that the moral foundation and intellectual capabilities of the child are built up. Schools must be differentiated from society at large, and special rules applied here. In this co ntext, it is crucial that the school environment is totally focused on learning, and all extraneous factors are eliminated. ... This factor is of great significance in keeping students under secure supervision. Conversely, uniforms make is easy to identify any trespassers on school property. This is a very effective safeguard against the entry of anti-social elements into the school campus and the disruption of discipline. School uniforms eliminate the possibility of ignorant students inadvertently wearing gang colors, or other gang related items of clothing, and being exposed to attacks by opposite gangs as a result of this. The use of gang attire is completely eliminated on campus. The uniform does away with badges of gang identity, such as aggressively painted jackets, bandannas, or chunky jewelry. Expensive and fashionable clothes are often the cause of inciting less privileged children to resort to theft and violence. In the same way, emphasis on fashionable dressing may lead to competition among students and result in violence. School uniforms as unequivocally â€Å"competition reducing† (Kraft, 2003). In some cases, fashion accessories and clothes are used as weapons or as a means to conceal weapons. (Paliokas, n.d.). The use of hooded sweatshirts, as a deliberate way to avoid detection after acts of vandalism in school, is a pointer in this direction. It is clear that school safety justifies the implementation of a uniform dress code. Self-esteem is a major issue for all school-going children. American school reports show that â€Å"students base the worth of peers on the kinds of clothes that are worn but distinctions in worth were not noted when the entire school population was dressed in uniforms† (King, 2002. qtd. in Kraft, 2003). The major link between self-esteem and clothes is the fact that clothes emphatically proclaim income disparities, and become the basis

Impact of Government Spending on the Private Sector Essay - 86

Impact of Government Spending on the Private Sector - Essay Example According to the study the increase in in consumption expenditure by the government relatively results to an increase in investments. Notably, the optimum consumption expenditure is about 300000 unit price across the years in UK. In the same manner, the U.S. government expenditure acts the same as the one of the U.K. Evidently, the steady increase in expenditure by the government has lead increased investment by the private sector to an optimum of about 2700 unit cash. The difference arises by the fact that the U.K has consumes more in terms of cash than the U.S but the pattern is quite the same. From this discussion it is clear that   the graphs indicates that an increase in government need for more goods, leads to an increase in production of the same by the investors. Hereby, when the U.K government spends more products for its citizen, the private sector has to increase their production in an almost similar rate. Though not steady, the increased spending has in the years lead to the development of private sectors. Going by this fact, we can also note that the real U.S government expenditure acts the same way. However, the difference arises in that, the U.S government has a lesser consumption rate, the investment is relatively lesser compared to that of the U.K. In this manner we can conclude that the government spending on good positively affects the private industry. The government expenditure in terms of cash per gross domestic product in viewed in relation to the gross fixed capital per gross domestic product. By the look of the table, one can clearly notice that the re lacks a particularly distinct pattern to define the graph. Each year has a different value in relation to the two per GDP/s. the lesser the government spends per unit GDP, the lesser the physical assets produced by the investors.  

Devising a training program for an organisation

Devising a training program for an organisation Organizations are not exempt from changes that society continually faces, therefore training is a fundamental part of organisational life. Many situations require unique solutions based on the unique needs of the organization. Thus this makes training a universal need but one that differs across individuals. Training is the acquisition of knowledge and skills in order for a person to carry out a specific task or job. Training benefits employees in several ways: It increases their sense of ownership in the business. They become more organised, productive and flexible and are better able to meet the needs of internal and external customers new skills and abilities in areas such as decision-making can empower staff, which makes them more effective. As a training manager, I know that the first step in conducting a training programme is to conduct a training needs analysis. This involves fours stages, Planning, job analysis, training gap analysis and training options analysis. In which I ask myself why is this training needed? What is the perceived problem? What are the aims and objectives? (Grey 1994) It is where I outline how the organizational objectives can be realised through the training programme. To do this I should conduct a gap analysis in which I identify the gap between the existing and needed skills of the employees, and in turn I can specify when, what, who, where and how to conduct the training. I can classify the exact areas were training is needed, that the training is closely aligned by the goals of the organization, that its causing the least possible disruptions to normal work routine, thats its cost effective and that I constantly keep in mind the preferred learning styles and opportunities to the individual and the organisation. This needs analysis proceeds in 3 stages, with the outcomes of the one stage influencing and helping to shape the next: (!) Organisation analysis (2) job analysis (3) person analysis. In the organisational analysis, I link the training initiatives with the organisations strategic plans. This is a very important step because before training solutions are sought one must ensure that funds are allocated properly, because this can cause costly mistakes to the organisation. In job analysis I identify the tasks, skills and attitudes that one needs to compete the job. This can be achieved through an HTA (Hierarchical task analysis) which was developed by Annett and Duncan 1967, in which tasks are broken down in a deductive manner, hence showing a hierarchical connection between the tasks, and afterwards instruction is sequenced bottom up. However one must keep in mind that the HTA does not necessarily capture the psychological processes that one goes through when doing the task. In the last stage of person analysis, I ask myself question like who needs the training? What skills need to be taught? Once I have gathered all the information from the training needs analysis, I can move on to the actual content of the programme in the training design, which is the second stage in the training cycle. The training design helps me determine the criterion behaviour, so I determine the contents, design of the training, and what the person should be able to do after the training. Throughout this stage one must keep in mind how people learn. This is because people learn in different ways, and so one must pay close to attention to teach the trainees in the most effective manner suitable to them. As example depending on the organization and the type of tasks that Im trying to teach the employees I may choose Fitts Skills Development theory (1962) which states that skill development progresses through three distinctive phases, Banduras Social Learning theory (1977) who says that learning is seen to result from strengthening stimulus response links through reinforcing appropriate behaviour or Andersons ACT theory (1983, 1987), whos theory is aimed at developing expertise. Regardless of what method of instruction I choose, I should keep in mind Goldsteins and Fords 2002 techniques for choosing good trainers. They argue that good trainers are those who encourage trainees to use their talents to achieve, set difficult but attainable goals, give exams that show both strengths and weaknesses, show enthusiasm for the subject, allows trainees to express problems related to the course content covered and to share any relevant knowledge and experiences and trainers who stimulate interest in the subject. I also should pay attention at how easily the trainees can put what they have learned in the training programme (the skills, attitudes and knowledge) into practise in the work place. And this all depends on the trainee characteristics, meaning the trainees personality, self efficacy, cognitive ability, age (Colquitt at al, 2000). With this information I can evaluate who is to be trained and how train them since for example older employers tend to take longer to learn or unlearn. One must also pay close attention to the work environment, including the organisational climate and the social support system (Tracey et al, 1995). The training evaluation is the final stage of the training cycle. Here I ask myself if the trainees reached their objective, and if the training programme has been a valid one. Throughout this stage I asses the performance of the workers before and after the training programme this is done by measuring performance, to establish is any changes took place if these changes are as a result of the training. Kirkpatrick explains that there are four stages for evaluation of training programme. (1) Reaction, in which the trainers get to know the trainees opinion about the training programme, which can be both positive and negative. (2) Learning, which actually looks for confirmation that learning took place. (3) Behaviour is the stage in which one sees the trainee performing what has been learnt (4) In the last stage one sees how the training effected behaviour, performance and the organisation. One should also take note that depending on the organisation one may choose to conduct these stages in either an on the job or off the job training programmes. As an example Tesco which is the largest British retailer and is also the worlds third largest grocery retailer with outlets across Europe, USA and Asia, offers employees both on-the-job training and off-the-job training. On-the-job training methods at Tesco include: shadowing a person already in the job shows the employee how to do it, coaching a manager or designated colleague will help trainees work through problems and inspire them to find solutions, mentoring a more experienced member of staff acts as an adviser job rotation or secondment the trainee has the opportunity of covering their target role, taking full responsibility on a temporary or limited basis. Off-the-job training is often more appropriate for training in specific new skills or for developing the individual, in areas such as team-building, communications (for example, making presentations), or organisation and planning. It usually involves attending external courses run by professional training organisations or qualified Tesco training staff (www.thetimes100.co.uk ) A well constructed training programme, is beneficial on both and organizational level and an individual level. This is because on an individual level, one gains greater intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction, and the employee can enhance their portfolio for better employability. On an organisation level it can lead to enhanced work performance and productivity, less absenteeism accidents, decrease in wastage, greater customer satisfaction and lower labour turnover. (Arnold et al, 2007) In conclusion one must keep in mind all the points and stages that I have mentioned, because unless the training is planned and systematic, its simply a waste of time and money. Organisations that fail to do so, end up making costly mistakes and as a result end up using ineffective training methods, wrong amounts of training (too little or too much) or they fail to follow up on the training used. (Arnold et al, 2007) (Word count: 1,311)

Laying the Last Minstrel in Jane Eyre :: Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre Essays

Laying the Last Minstrel in Jane Eyre To find one work quoted multiple times in a novel, as is the case in Jane Eyre with The Lay of the Last Minstrel by Sir Walter Scott, should suggest to a reader that this quoted work can serve to shed some light on the work in which it is found. In this case, Charlotte Brontà « alluded to Scott’s work at appropriate moments in the novel, both because of similarities in the plots at those moments, but also, more importantly, because of the theme of The Lay of the Last Minstrel. The Lay of the Last Minstrel tells the story of two lovers, who despite overwhelming obstacles, end up together. This is possible only after the pride which contributes to their separation is vanquished. Use of a story with this theme serves to foreshadow the eventual marriage between Jane and Rochester, but only after their pride is no longer an obstacle. J. H. Alexander’s description of the themes in The Lay of the Last Minstrel in his article "On the Verbal and Thematic Texture" can easily be applied to a discussion of Jane Eyre. He writes that the "overt theme of the Lay [is] the quelling of barren pride" while added to that are "the apocalyptic abolition of all pride in human achievement and the insistance that true love is in its essential nature supernatural" (19). The ability to freely love one another is what enables Rochester and Jane to be together at the end, once pride is no longer an issue for either one of them. Brontà « gives their love a supernatural element in the way that Jane is drawn to Rochester after hearing him call out her name (409; ch. 35). Aside from the legal obstacle to Jane and Rochester’s marriage, pride is a major factor in keeping them apart. The first instance where The Lay of the Last Minstrel appears in Jane Eyre is the scene where Jane tells Rochester of the night that someone (she later learns it was Bertha) came to her bedroom and ripped the veil she was supposed to wear at Jane and Rochester’s wedding: "But, sir, as it grew dark, the wind rose: it blew yesterday evening not as it blows now – wild and high – but ‘with a sullen, moaning sound’ far more eerie" (279; ch. 25). She goes on to explain her uneasiness at his being away and her difficulty in falling asleep that night. Laying the Last Minstrel in Jane Eyre :: Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre Essays Laying the Last Minstrel in Jane Eyre To find one work quoted multiple times in a novel, as is the case in Jane Eyre with The Lay of the Last Minstrel by Sir Walter Scott, should suggest to a reader that this quoted work can serve to shed some light on the work in which it is found. In this case, Charlotte Brontà « alluded to Scott’s work at appropriate moments in the novel, both because of similarities in the plots at those moments, but also, more importantly, because of the theme of The Lay of the Last Minstrel. The Lay of the Last Minstrel tells the story of two lovers, who despite overwhelming obstacles, end up together. This is possible only after the pride which contributes to their separation is vanquished. Use of a story with this theme serves to foreshadow the eventual marriage between Jane and Rochester, but only after their pride is no longer an obstacle. J. H. Alexander’s description of the themes in The Lay of the Last Minstrel in his article "On the Verbal and Thematic Texture" can easily be applied to a discussion of Jane Eyre. He writes that the "overt theme of the Lay [is] the quelling of barren pride" while added to that are "the apocalyptic abolition of all pride in human achievement and the insistance that true love is in its essential nature supernatural" (19). The ability to freely love one another is what enables Rochester and Jane to be together at the end, once pride is no longer an issue for either one of them. Brontà « gives their love a supernatural element in the way that Jane is drawn to Rochester after hearing him call out her name (409; ch. 35). Aside from the legal obstacle to Jane and Rochester’s marriage, pride is a major factor in keeping them apart. The first instance where The Lay of the Last Minstrel appears in Jane Eyre is the scene where Jane tells Rochester of the night that someone (she later learns it was Bertha) came to her bedroom and ripped the veil she was supposed to wear at Jane and Rochester’s wedding: "But, sir, as it grew dark, the wind rose: it blew yesterday evening not as it blows now – wild and high – but ‘with a sullen, moaning sound’ far more eerie" (279; ch. 25). She goes on to explain her uneasiness at his being away and her difficulty in falling asleep that night.

Differences Between Leadership and Management

Beckhard elaborates about what leadership is like, drawing the line between this and that of management. Leadership has to do with change, enthusiasm and encouragement for the tasks, and influence. These three vital traits, each one linked with a specific function for leaders include:1) The imagination to innovate:   To promote innovation, successful leaders assist in cultivating novel view, the ideas, paradigm, and applications of expertise that makes an organization distinct. 2) The professionalism to perform: Leaders offer personal and organizational capability, assisted by personnel preparation and education, to implement impeccably and dispense worth to ever more difficult and exacting customers. 3) The openness to work in partnership: Leaders create associations and linkages with partners who can enlarge the organization's contact, improve its contributions, or strengthen its systems. Since an organization is composed of people, this leader knows a lot about human nature so h e can appropriately anticipate and adjust to various personalities (Beckhard, R. 1969).Mulhauser, Greg. Management Skills and Leadership Skills. Accessed February 27,2008. Mulhauser argues that there is no delineation line between management and leadership and the skills pertinent to the issue. Anchored on the theoretical perspective of Carl Rogers especially on the latter’s concepts like Acceptance, Authenticity and Empathic Listening, the author explores the development of these characteristics well into the individual manager or leader’s style which springs essentially from the person’s character.The author believes that many of the theories set forth on any of these two issues are defective simply because the fact remains that there is simply no distinction as to when leadership starts and ends and where management plays its role in the picture. The author puts forth practical situations and strategies to apply the theory or concept as posited by Carl Rogers . This is an important resource because few theorists effectively can succinctly communicate what leadership and management concepts are and how they are better applied in specific settings.Sullivan, Eleanor and Phillip J. Decker. 2005. Effective Leadership and Nursing Management in Nursing, with Student Video (4th Edition). Authors Sullivan and Decker, wrote a very effective communication piece in the 2005 book Effective Leadership and Nursing Management in Nursing.   Although there is no argument whether leadership is vastly different from management, it carries with it the idea that the practical application of the skills comes in two important aspects and that they are indispensable as well as distinct and inseparable.The authors identified that organizations are designed in their specific arrangements as they function and these are pertinent in how the people working in their specific areas are handled and led. The book is a great resource when specific situations (i.e., staf fing and recruiting, coaching and disciplining as well as issues as handling conflict and the workplace stress) that are common in the field of nursing and health care especially where the unique challenges are being faced by both administration and management and frontline staff in this particular field.Jaques, E. (2002). Social Power and the CEO: Leadership and Trust in a sustainable free enterprise system. Westport, Connecticut: Quorum Books in McMorland, Judith. 2005. â€Å"Are you big enough for your jobs? Is your job big enough for you? Exploring levels of work organizations. University of Auckland Business Review. Vol. 7, No.2.According to Dr. Jacques, there is actually no difference between these two terminologies (leadership and management) in the prime values that Dr. Elliot Jacques placed on every part of the organization and as he postulated in his stratified systems theory. When he called for the individual responsibility, he meant that whether the person in the spotli ght may be the rank and file individual or he happens to be the plant manager, the type of leadership that is seen is expressive of this core value.Management then implies the adoption of accountability and this summarily implies leadership knowing as mentioned in the preceding pages on influence and exercise of power, when a person exercises accountability, he actually exerts leadership; leading by example and it is fundamentally ethical and transferable. Management and leadership are seen then, as interchangeable essentials, and according to Dr. Jacques, the existence and continuity as well as the perpetuation of a successful team depend much on the kind of leadership exemplified in the theory he posited.Bruffee, Kenneth A. Collaborative Learning: Higher Education, Interdependence,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and the Authority of Knowledge. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1993.The author explains in prà ©cis the need for a more efficient, economical and equitab le management of the people in the industry or organization has never been as pronounced as it is today. This need has never been brought about by factors which inevitably affect not only the established structures and ways of doing things within the personnel area but also by the more meaningful and substantial task of managing the organization’s most important asset – the human capital. Among these factors are: stiffer competition in business; rapid changes in technological, competitive and economic environments; the explosion of technical and managerial knowledge; spiraling wage and benefits cost and so many others. These factors have no doubt been responsible for the emergence of the personnel function as a vital area in the implementation of corporate strategy.Demick, J. and Miller, P., Development in the Workplace, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publishers, New Jersey, 1993.Demick and Miller places in context first what an organ ization is like and settles how it can affect behavior in general and when that is established, proceeded to explain leadership and management in this context. In organizational behavior which is basic to the management of human resource, it points to the inquiry and application of learning about how people, individuals, and groups perform, operate, and work in organizations. It accomplishes this by means of adopting a system approach. Explicitly, it infers people-organization affairs in terms of the entire person, group totality, complete organization, and total social structure. Its intention is to put up enhance relations by attaining human goals, organizational purposes, and social goals. In such a milieu, the goals to effect change are influenced by several significant factors which are crucial to the overall results. Hence, there are expected leadership behaviors that maintain momentum during the change process.

Management Philosophy

â€Å"Management aims to accomplish group purposes with the least expenditure of material or human resources† (Koontz, 1969, p. 415). The term management philosophy seems almost oxymoronic in that they appear to work toward different results. The goal of management should be to improve the organization. (Kirkeby, 2000) suggest that the objective of management has always been the goal of making the group, institution, organization, or nation, into the strongest organism possible. Triumph, subjugation, gaining strength, and survival are all priorities of management. These along with personal prestige, acquiring real estate (enlarging your territory), making lots of money, and transferring thought to action paint the perfect picture of today’s successful manager. (Kirkeby, 2000) believes that philosophy is just the opposite, suggesting that philosophy deals with power but in a different way, its focus is the power of thought instead of position or bottom line performance. The pursuit of philosophy is not one of financial gain for the individual but one of freedom and liberation of thought. Similar article: Scientific Management Theory in Health Care Philosophy lends itself to a relationship with reality as opposed to management where goals exist to create, shape, and determine the best reality conducive to productivity. Philosophy does not insist on leading the individual to think, but rather presenting ideas and thought for evaluation and consideration of the individual, allowing them to pick, choose, and add to the original thought, and even completely dismiss. Dr. W. Edwards Deming – The system of profound knowledge/System Theory Dr.  Deming was a known for his work in the many fields to include management philosophy. The management philosophy of Dr. Deming is centered on the system of profound knowledge. The System of Profound Knowledge was presented in his book titled â€Å"The New Economics†, (Deming, 1994). The system of profound knowledge provides a map of theory with assist us in understanding the organizations that we work in. It is comprised of four major tenets (Deming); â€Å"Appreciation of a System, Theory of Knowledge, Theory of Variation, and Psychology†. Deming goes on to suggest that â€Å"many themes show up in various parts of the System of Profound Knowledge, particularly those relating to organizational purpose, driving out fear in an organization, and understanding the implications of variation† (Deming, p. 11). Systems theory lays out management methods that can create systems out of organizations, and the advantages of these systems. There are many road blocks to the establishing an organizational system, (Deming, 1994) describes some of the road blocks as; focus on the benefit of performance from one aspect of the system. This feeds self interest and promotion. Internal competition; this leads to business units with holding information and not willing to share resources and the use of the performance appraisal; this creates a mind-set geared toward individual performance. (Deming) breaks down the four tenets that make up the system of profound knowledge; the Theory of Knowledge or epistemology as it is often referred provides a description for a system that focuses on learning and the use of theory. The Theory of Variation; its purpose is to assist managers in understanding what variation is and how this understanding will improve process within the system. Deming describes management as the ability to predict and for this reason an in-depth understanding of variation is all the more critical. Psychology; is seen and utilized in all aspects of Deming’s system. Deming’s suggest that manages must be able to identify psychological influences on and in their respective units if they are to become a true system. Scientific Management  There are examples all a round us concerning the benefit of Scientific Management; planes, trains, and automobiles, processes, and work environments that we engage each day. All of these examples and many others function and are produced at a higher rate of efficiently due to Scientific Management. Frederick W. Taylor born on March 20, 1865 considered â€Å"the father of Scientific Management†. He strongly campaigned for less human interaction and more machine driven production, even going on to say â€Å"In the past the man has been first; in the future the system must be first† (Worthy, 1959, p. 3). One of the driving factors for Taylor’s scientific management was that he believed the industrial management of his day was run by individuals that had no professional amplitude Deming suggested that â€Å"management could be formulated as an academic discipline, and that the best results would come from the partnership between a trained and qualified management and a cooperative and innovative workforce† (Weisbord, 1987, p. 9). â€Å"Taylorism† became the first big management fad. Taylor's scientific management consisted of four principles (Weisbord, 1987): 1. Replace rule-of-thumb work methods with methods based on a scientific study of the tasks. 2. Scientifically select, train, and develop each employee rather than passively leaving them to train themselves. 3. Provide detailed instruction and supervision of each worker in the performance of that worker's discrete task. 4. Divide work equally between managers and workers, so that the managers apply scientific management principles to planning the work and the workers actually perform the tasks. Taylor was the first to present a systematic study of interactions among job requirements such as tools, methods, and human skill. To fit people to jobs both psychologically and physically, and to let data and facts do the talking rather than prejudice, opinions, or egos† (Weisbord, 1987, p. 10). As scientific management increased in popularity Taylor became more outspoken concerning his position on human relations in the work place, assuming that workers were â€Å"lazy, won't take responsibility, lack desire to achieve significant results, demonstrate inability to direct their own behavior, show indifference to organizational needs, prefer to be led by others, and avoid making decisions whenever possible. † (Montgomery, 1989, p. 6). Compare and Contrast Scientific Management – although scientific management has played and will continue to be an important aspect of our universal business model for production, it is necessary to note the weaknesses that this method contains. Such as its negative influence in current work environments concerning the human contribution. The tenants of Scientific Management are not applicable to all modern organizations. Nelson notes that â€Å"Scientific Management is perhaps best seen as an evolutionary stage in management’s ever developing history. † (Nelson, 1980, p. 14). Today’s the average employee has increased in their understanding of self-worth and their ontribution to the organization. Employees are no longer content with just the financial reward for their work; they also receive satisfaction when allowed to participate in the benefit of the organizations success. The Scientific Management system viewed workers as interested only in the economic reward and working toward that end only. (Worthy, 1959, p. 42) states that â€Å"in current organizations it has been recognized that productivity and success is not just obtained by controlling all factors in the work place, but by contributing to the social well-being and development of the individual employee. Scientific management’s negative aspects are apparent when evaluating the value of employees in the context of organizational contribution and success. (Nelson, 1980) uncovers that at the Taylor’s methods for managing the workers were not fully accepted by thousands of manufacturing plants due to fear of alienating the employees. Nelson states that â€Å"the principals of scientific management are unquestionably authoritarian in that they assume decision-making is best kept at the top of the organization because there exist a lack of trust in the competence of the employees. † (Nelson, p. 27). System of profound knowledge – Dr. Deming’s system of profound knowledge is quite different form that of Taylor’s scientific management in several ways that will be discussed here. The first is in my opinion the most significance, Dr. Deming’s system of profound knowledge unlike scientific management starts with the individual. Transformation of the individual is a key aspect of this system. This transformation is the result of understanding of the system of profound knowledge. (Deming, 1994) suggest that the once a person is transformed, they will understand that their life has value and real meaning. These principles will then be applied to all relationships, personal, professional, and social. The individual upon understanding the system of profound knowledge now has a point of reference for decisions and for organizations that they are a part of. The one challenge that I can see with the system of profound knowledge is this constant pursuit to improve. How do you start? How do you set down all of the baggage in order for transformation to actually begin? The last challenge that I see with this system is that all four tenants have to be put into play, if one of the four is not operative then the other three become null and void. Conclusion While both of these management philosophies/systems proved to be of benefit in different times when injected into different organizations, they are not without challenge and negative aspects. People, while they operate within systems, sub-systems, or processes, they are not comprised of them, however complex they are. When individuals are introduced into a system there has to be processes that will gage the individual performance outside of the system as well as within the system. If not the employee will always be subject to the system and not allowed to explore and identify their potential for success within other systems.