SWOT Analysis of the Fast Food Industry in the UK Essay

SWOT Analysis of the Fast Food Industry in the UK - Essay Example The difference between fast food items and casual restaurants is blurred by many people over the time. Fast food has existed in the UK, since the Roman times. Here fast food is considered as meat pies and anything which is fried or battered. The number of fast food restaurants has increased during the past few years and has 25 per cent of fast food restaurants in the world. Fast food recipes have been adopted from other cultures, such as Pizzas, Noodles and Kebabs. (Fast Food Factsheet) A major strength for this industry is the growing market. There are a lot of aspects of the market which can be covered and not many people have ventured into these markets. Also, once a customer is hooked onto fast food, not many other types of food taste good to him. He keeps coming back, thus brand loyalty is high in the fast food industry. The variety of fast food available makes this industry more attractive to the owners and the consumers. Eating out is not only about having food anymore, it is getting to know about other cultures and mixing around. An individual can not possibly cook so many cuisines; the concept of fast food makes it possible for everyone to try something new. The prices are also not very high, which enables people from all backgrounds to be able to enjoy this food. Globalization has enable restaurant owners to diversify themselves by providing different types of food to individuals. For example; people are more willing to eat raw fish today than they were twenty years ago. (Stage Model Research) The market for food is very recession proof because of the need to eat on a daily basis and the relatively lower costs just add more to this situation. Since fast food is not perceived as a luxury item, people are more willing to spend on it and will not think twice about it. (Food & Coffee Franchises) One of the major weaknesses for this industry is that obesity has become a growing problem for the

Jacksonian democrats Essay Example for Free

Jacksonian democrats Essay Thomas Jefferson was consistently inconsistent by switching from a strict constructionist view to a broad interpretation on the constitution to support his political views. Similarly, Jacksonian democrats occasionally altered their belief of being guardians of the political democracy, individual liberty, economic opportunity, and the Constitution to suit their purposes. President Andrew Jackson had several ways of ensuring political democracy thus he is regarded as a guardian of it. The spoils system is an example of Jackson stressing political democracy. According to Senator William Marcy the spoils system was acceptable since the benefits of winning should go to the winner. He supports this thought by saying, To the victor belongs the spoils. The spoils system allowed Jackson Old Hickory to rid his opponents of government jobs and award them to his supporters the Hickoryites. Another example of political democracy is rotation in office. Rotation in office is what Jackson utilized to incorporate the common man into a government role. Jackson believed that any man was capable of doing the job. Every man is as good as his neighbor, he declared, perhaps equally better. The inevitable dilemma that arises from Jacksons notion on political democracy is that illiterates, incompetents and crooks obtained positions of public trust. The result of this was Samuel Swartwout, the collector of customs at the port of New York, stole a million dollars from the government. Jackson, although he was a rich aristocrat at the time of his election, might have been influenced to raise the common man on a pedestal as a result of him having been born poor. One of his first acts as president was to invite the working class of America to his inaugural. The White house was only emptied upon a rumor that said spiked punch had been served on the lawns. As a result, the inaugural is often referred to as the inaugural brawl and Jackson being the leader of the common people was called, King Mob. This represented what Jackson emphasized and that was the importance of individual right. Jackson believed that it was unfair for power to be in the hands of an elite few. Therefore, he advocated the rights of the common man through his land policy. His land policy would allow people to expand  further into the west. The more obtainable land there was signified a higher electorate. Jacksons belief of rotation in office allowed average men to try their hand at government. Rotation in office is something which had been previously limited to the aristocratic elite since they were the only ones viewed as capable of managing the job. His success in achieving basic individual rights is shown in Doc. D. when Harriet Marineau, a British visitor to the United States reported that she had seen every man as an independent citizen and controversies of which the people were to be judges. However, the concept of individual liberty is not applied to minorities such as the blacks and Indians. This is seen in Document E. when Philip Hone, a New York City businessman describes riots in Eastern cities. The spirit of riot and subordination to the lawsappears to have been produced by hostility to the blacks and an indiscriminate persecution of all whose skins were darker than those of their enlightened fellow citizens. Document G also demonstrates that individual liberty was only directed towards whites. If individual liberty had been meant for all the Indians would not have been removed from their homeland. Further proof of whites against minorities is represented in Document A when George Henry Evans explains that all men are created equal, and allowed the rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Obviously, the Indians, immigrants and blacks were not granted these rights to individual freedom. Jackson was a guardian of the economy since he supported economic opportunities. To make sure that economic opportunities were achieved Jackson had to be anti big business. A big business tended to monopolize a certain part of the economy and not allow other businesses to expand and earn money. He wanted to ensure that the economy was not in the hands of a few rich men. In 1835 Jacksonian Roger Brooke Taney replaced Federalist John Marshall as Supreme Court judge. In 1837, a case known as Charles River Bridge versus Warren Bridge was about monopolies and charters. Two companies wanted to build bridges across the Charles River, but only one had a long standing charter. In the Marshall Court, the ruling would have been that the contract was stronger than the interests of anything else. But, under the  Jacksonians, it was ruled that the interests of the people were more important then any charter. Jackson viewed the bank as unconstitutional and undemocratic. In Document B Jackson describes the bank as incompatible with the Constitution he also says, The present Bank of the United States enjoys an exclusive privilege of bankingalmost a monopoly of the foreign and domestic exchange. Therefore, when Henry Clay proposes a bill to congress in 1832 that would recharter the bank four year before needed Jackson vetoes it. After this Jackson bleeds the bank dry by removing federal deposits and started placing surplus money in pet banks which were pro-Jackson banks. The nullification issue emerged due to the Tariff of Abominations which protected it us from European competition. It angered South Carolina since they had to buy expensive manufactured goods and had to sell crops on an unprotected market. As a result of the high tariff Britain does not purchase as many goods as it previously did. The south also feared the tariff as a possible foothold for later federalist interference with slavery in the southern states this was brought on by a the South Carolina Cxposition written by John Calhoun which stated that the federal government has a compact with the states and that the state conventions had the power to declare laws unconstitutional and states should nullify the tariff. The tariff of 1832 was null and void they undertook the necessary military preparations and threatened to secede from the union if the United states government came to collect the customs and duties by force. Jackson was furious because he was against nullification therefore he quietly prepared an army and passed the force bill which authorized the president to use the army and navy to collect fed tariff duties. Henry Clay, although a supporter of the tariff influenced the compromise tariff of 1833 which said that the tariff would be reduced by 10% over a period of 8 years. By 1842 it would be back at 20-25%.Through Jacksons aggressive reaction of South Carolina threatening to secede from the state we can see that Jackson believes in states rights. However, if he has to choose, the union comes before states rights. Being a guardian of the constitution means protecting many things at one time  since the constitution is basically a summary of the rights we possess. The rights that had to be protected were individual liberty, and economic opportunity among other things and the Jacksonians were not guardians of these rights. The time Jackson was president tends to be regarded as the Age of the Common Man. The reason as to why is that Jackson attempted to incorporate the common man into the current political economic situation. The type of common man that was favored by Jackson was a poor westerner who desired land, freedom of choice, and a say in politics. He succeeds in incorporating the common man into politics through Rotation in office and involving them in government rallies. However, the problem with improving the common man was that anyone else who would fall out of this category: women, slaves, Native Americans, wealthy, Easterners, Northerners, were often denied their own rights which is a direct violation of the constitution. (Doc D). The exempting of those who wouldnt fit the category of the common man, helped stress universal manhood suffrage. Jacksons personal view of the Bank of the United States was that it was unconstitutional. However, John Marshall had made it very clear in McCulloch vs. Maryland that the bank was constitutional. Jackson believed that preservation of the union preceded states rights. This was an unconstitutional view considering it was the states who had created the government. Therefore, if the government was stepping its rights the states could protest against the governments actions. The first amendment is violated in Document F when the U.S. Post office suppresses abolitionist mail into the South. The reason why this was done to keep the multitude from finding out which would have motivated many to become anti-slavery. The Jacksonians could be described as two-faced considering they were for the common man while being a part of the aristocratic elite. They attempted to promote economic opportunities by eliminating the Bank of the United States. The Panic of 1937 was a repercussion of removing the bank yet Jackson succeeded in his main effort. His main focus was retrieving power from Nicholas Biddle, the owner of the bank. The belief of Union preceding states was utilized to assert the power of the executive branch. Finally, Jacksonian democracy did allow more people to vote than ever before and made government more directly responsible to the people.

Charles Darwin And Herbert Spencer :: Natural Selection, Evolution Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, revolutionized biology with his theory of evolution through the process of natural selection. Herbert Spencer was the major philosopher of biological and social evolution. Spencer's work significantly influenced 19th century developments in biology, psychology, sociology and anthropology. While Darwin was influential in the fields of natural history and geology, his theory of evolution created great controversy. He changed the way people thought about the role of humans in the natural world. Although these two men made advancement in the theory of evolution they had contrasting views regarding anthropological study.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who first solidly established the theory of organic evolution, in his work, The Origin of Species. Darwin was born in Shresbury, Shropshire on February 12, 1809. His grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, was a famous English scientist and poet. In 1825 the young Darwin went to Edinburgh University to become a doctor. The same year, however, he transferred to Christ's College in Cambridge in order to become a clergyman. During this time he befriended a man of science, John Steven Henslow. It was Henslow who recommended him for the unpaid position of naturalist on the H.M.S. Beagle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Darwin set sail on December 27, 1831 to study the Pacific coast of South America and the Pacific Islands. His other duty was to set up navigation stations in the area. He also studied the geology and biology of these areas. Upon his return in 1839, Darwin married his cousin, Emma Wedgewood, and was admitted to the Royal Society. He moved to Downe, Kent in 1842, and was plagued by ill health until his death. He apparently transmitted Trypanosomiastis from frequent bug bites in the Pacific. Darwin died on April 19, 1882 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In The Origin of Species, Darwin presented his idea that species evolve from more primitive species through the process of natural selection, which occurs spontaneously in nature. In his theory of how natural selection occurs, known as Darwinism, he pointed out that not all individuals of a species are exactly the same. But, rather that individuals have variations and that some of these variations make their bearers better adapted to particular ecological conditions. He pointed out that most species have more chances of surviving and producing young than do less adapted, and that over the passage of time, are slowly weeded out. The accumulation of adaptations to a particular ecological system leads into the development of separate species, each adapted to its own ecolgoical area.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1837, Darwin began work on the concept that evolution is essentially brought about by three principles. The first being variation which is present

Fresh Direct case analysis Essay

BACKGROUND/HISTORY FreshDirect was launched in July 2001. Cofounder and former chief executive officer Joseph Fedele, Joseph Fedele was able to bring a wealth of experience in New York City’s food industry to FreshDirect. In 1993 Joseph Fedele cofounded Fairway Uptown, a 35,000 foot supermarket located on West 133 Street in Harlem. Only reason Fairway survived in that location was of Fairway’s low prices and quality selection of produce and meats which made the store a big hit with neighborhood residents and many downtown and suburban commuters. FreshDirect primary business is for consumers who want to shop for their produce from the comfort of their own time and need. Being able to shop from work, home, app, pretty much anywhere and have it either delivered to you at work, meet up with them at a specific location or even just pick it up at their very own FreshDirect location is their goal, along with making sure the customer gets what they want and guarantee the freshness of their items. FreshDirect is still in business and their corrent CEO is Jason Ackerman. However as the case listed FreshDirect went through many CEO changes. Which isn’t always a great thing but since FreshDirect was growing so much, so quickly there was in need of changes to happen. â€Å"Cofounder Joseph Fedele had remained CEO until January 2004, when cofounder Jason Ackerman succeeded him in that position. Since then, FreshDirect has experienced multiple CEO changes. Jason Ackerman stayed as CEO of FreshDirect for a little over seven months, until Dean Furbush succeeded him in that position in September 2004. Ackerman remained vice chairman and chief financial officer. The tenure of Dean Furbush lasted a little over two years. Steve Michaelson, president since 2004, replaced Furbush as the CEO of FreshDirect in early 2007.9 In 2008 Michaelson left  for another firm, and FreshDirect’s chairman of the board, Richard Braddock, expanded his role in the firm and took over as CEO.† (Strategic Management 2012) FreshDirect main promise when opening wa s â€Å"Our food is fresh, our customers are spoiled†¦. Order on the web today and get next-day delivery of the best food at the best price, exactly the way you want it, with 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed.† Since FreshDirect is still in business and still improving since when they first opened they have not changed their main mission which was to prides itself on sourcing the highest quality food and freshest ingredients available for their customers and being able to deliver them when they want. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths – †¢ well-known brand †¢ high quality produce †¢ multiple ways to order/deliver †¢ only company that allows you to change rate the freshness †¢ more options on what kind of meat thickness, type, etc to choose from Weaknesses – †¢ weather †¢ large market for many other competitors †¢ many stores around the corner open late Opportunities – †¢ expandable since having their own trucks †¢ longer delivery times advantage of owning own trucks Threats – †¢ many high quality organic produces, lower-price at competitors †¢ Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s moving into a FreshDirect neighborhood †¢ numerous competitors †¢ lower prices for delivery with competitors ANALYSIS VIA PORTER’S FIVE FORCES MODEL STRATEGY USED FreshDirect has been using the same strategy since they had opened in 2001. They have been able to fulfil what the customer wants and how they want it every time a customer is shopping. Being able to rate products and showing them the rate of how fresh the product might be helps every customer out every time. Able to deliver the same day and also next day right to your office or doorstep along with being able to pick up at the store is a strategy that FreshDirect has been using since the opened. Since they own their own delivery trucks they are able to deliver anytime needed for the customer. Low prices, and also having a minimum order to just $30 with a low delivery fee is great for any shopper. THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING THIS COMPANY Only problems, issues, and challenges that are faced by are the company are very small. Main one would be the fact that not a lot of people like to buy their produce online, since they are not able to pick it themselves, however FreshDirect has been able to show many consumers that they can be trusted, and many consumers are given a choice on what they want and how they want their meats. Another problem faced by FreshDirect was that many people were concerned about the pollution the trucks/vans were giving off by FreshDirect when delivering groceries. Also another issue that was a concern for the company was the volitions for parking that the company got, and blocking traffic in the city when delivering. FreshDirect had to pay for them, along with many boxes that were wasted when boxing everything different for each customer, there was no way for customers to return the boxes to the company for proper recycling. COURSE OF ACTION RECOMMENDED Since the company is already doing well there is only a few things I would change. I would first lower the prices for delivery since many people will find that high, and along with that give discounts on separate bulk orders so it is like a wholesaler such as Sam’s or Costco or even BJ’s. If that is done, and shipping prices are reduced then they would not have to worry  about Amazon and even Walmart effecting their business that are larger markets that could hurt the business. OPINION I feel that in my opinion I really do not like shopping for groceries online, I am one of those people who like to shop in person for things like this, however I’d shop online a lot but for food, I feel like it is more of a hands on process that should be done then just ordering your meats and produce online. Even though the market for online shopping is good, since some people do not have time to physically go shopping, it is not a bad idea. When I was first reading this, I thought to myself, how can they succeed, but then realized in NY there are many people who are busy with their jobs and family, where this would eliminate some time in spending at a store. REFERENCES Dess, G., Lumpkin, G. & Eisner, A. (2012). Strategic Management (6e). Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Fresh Direct, LLC. (2002 – 2014). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from https://www.freshdirect.com/index.jsp Porter’s Five Forces – Problem Solving Techniques from MindTools.com. (1996 – 2014). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_08.htm

Conan Doyle Essay

In the â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† Sherlock Holmes solves the mystery of a stolen diamond. The criminal in this story is a man named James Ryder. After James Ryder had stolen â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† he stuck it down a goose’s throat. The goose that had the diamond was distributed the Breckenridge Stall, then sold to a goose club at the Alpha Inn. Sherlock Holmes bumps into James Ryder outside the Breckenridge Stall. Sherlock Holmes makes the criminal confess to what he had done. Sherlock Holmes then lets him go free because he thinks that he will not commit any more crimes, because of how fearful he was. It was quite important for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to create a strange atmosphere because it adds to the tension. All three stories have strange and unusual atmospheres, but each story’s atmosphere is different. In â€Å"The Red Headed League†, Conan Doyle describes the area of Saxe-Coburg Square. He shows how unpleasant and muddled the area is. â€Å"It was a pokey, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. † The words that are used here show the messiness and unpleasantness of the area. The words â€Å"pokey†, â€Å"little†, â€Å"shabby-genteel†, â€Å"dingy† and â€Å"smoke-laden† all give a pretty good idea that the area was quite chaotic. In â€Å"The Speckled Band† Conan Doyle created a thrilling and frightening atmosphere, as if it was a horror story. â€Å"The Speckled Band† was set at â€Å"Stoke Moran† in â€Å"Surrey†, which is where Julia Stoner was killed. At the beginning of the story when Helen Stoner is talking to Sherlock Holmes about her problems she describes how the night was when Julia was killed. â€Å"It was a wild night†, this shows that that night was unlike any ordinary night. â€Å"The wind was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing against the windows. † This describes a lot of the atmosphere; it shows that the weather was quite stormy. This also explains why Helen couldn’t sleep. â€Å"Suddenly, amidst all the hubbub of the gale, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. † Conan Doyle’s intended effect was to thrill the reader; Conan Doyle has achieved this by using the words â€Å"wild†, â€Å"howling† and â€Å"beating†. Here the writer’s effect was to try and scare or thrill the reader. Whereas in â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† the atmosphere was a little different. â€Å"It was a bitter night†. Here, Conan Doyle is trying to show the reader that it is cold outside. He achieves this by describing the night as â€Å"bitter†. The reader will also know that it is cold because Holmes and Watson both put on their â€Å"ulsters† and â€Å"cravats†. â€Å"Outside, the stars were shining coldly in a cloudless sky†, here Conan Doyle is trying to show the reader that the area is very calm and peaceful, unlike in â€Å"The Red Headed League† where the area is busy and unpleasant. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used different ways to show that these stories take place in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Most of the time he mentions â€Å"carriages†, which were used in that time. Nowadays carriages are not used because they have been replaced by cars. In â€Å"The Red Headed League† when Sherlock Holmes is memorising all the shops at Saxe-Coburg Square he comes across a shop that makes carriages. â€Å"McFarlane’s carriage-building depot†. Here the writer intended to show the reader that this was a time where carriages were used as a form of transport. The effect on the reader is that the reader knows this story is set in the 1890’s. Conan Doyle also uses dates and newspapers to show that these stories are set in the 1880’s and 1890’s. In â€Å"The Speckled Band† and â€Å"The Red Headed league† Conan Doyle mentions the date, but he does not mention the date in â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle†. In â€Å"The Speckled Band†, right at the beginning of the story while Dr. Watson is narrating, he says â€Å"It was early in April, in the year ’83†; hear the writer is showing the reader that this story is taking place in the year 1883. In â€Å"The Red Headed League†, the note that Jabez Wilson shows to Sherlock Holmes had a date on it. The note said, â€Å"THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE IS DISSOLVED. October 9, 1890. † Also when Mr. Wilson is showing Sherlock Holmes the advertisement he mentions the date on the newspaper. â€Å"It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago. † By saying that the newspaper was from two months ago, Conan Doyle is telling the reader that this story was set in 1890. Conan Doyle did not always use the same techniques, to show that each story was set in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Unlike â€Å"The Speckled Band† and â€Å"The Red Headed League†, in â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† there are no dates to show that the story is set in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Conan Doyle uses different techniques to show that this story is also set in that time. In â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† and â€Å"The Red Headed† Conan Doyle refers to gas-lit lamps, as gas lamps were used in the 1880’s and 1890’s. In â€Å"The Blue Carbuncle† when Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were jus about to leave the Breckenridge stall, Watson narrates â€Å"Turning round we saw a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp. † He also says, â€Å"He sprang round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of colour had been driven from his face. † Also in â€Å"The Red Headed League† Watson says, â€Å"We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. † These references to gas lamps show that the stories were set in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Conan Doyle also referred to matches in â€Å"The Speckled Band†. Even though we use matches nowadays, we do not use them for the same purposes as in the 1880’s and 1890’s. In those times they were used to see in the dark or to light lanterns. When Helen stoner is talking about what happened to her sister Julia she mentions a match. â€Å"In her right hand was found the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box. † This shows that when Julia woke up she struck a match to see what was going on. The value of money in the 1880’s and the 1890’s was much different than the value for money now. At that time people were paid around i 4 a week, which was considered quite a lot of money. Whereas, people now are paid much more and with i 4 you cant really buy much. The social differences in those times also show that these stories were based in the 1880’s and 1890’s. If you look at Helen Stoner, she was a rich woman that lived in a big house with servants. In those times rich people were considered superior to poorer people. Nowadays you wouldn’t find servants working for rich people, because weather your rich or poor you have rights. The audience or readers would recognise the places named in the stories, which are all in England. The intended effect of the writer was to make the reader feel as if he or she was in the story itself, which would make it feel more dramatic. Conan Doyle achieves this by using areas in London that most people live in. Places such as â€Å"Holborn† and â€Å"Harrow†. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used very unusual titles for his stories to intrigue the reader. When a reader sees the title â€Å"The Speckled Band†, he or she wouldn’t think of a venomous Indian snake. The reader wouldn’t know what to think, which make them want to read the story to see what â€Å"The Speckled Band† is. The same with â€Å"The Red Headed League†, which is a very unusual title. The reader wouldn’t think that that â€Å"The Red Headed League† was a club for read headed people who were paid i 4 a week for copying the â€Å"Encyclopaedia Britannica†. Conan Doyle uses these unusual titles to throw the reader off track. In â€Å"The Speckled band† Conan Doyle makes the reader think that the gypsies are the ones that killed Julia Stoner. He makes it look like all the evidence points to them. Helen Stoner says, â€Å"†¦ perhaps to these very gypsies in the plantation. I do not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which she used. † The effect on the reader was that he or she would be thrown off track to make the story feel more interesting. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses some very interesting openings to grab the reader’s attention. Also, every character that Conan Doyle introduces is different in some way, which makes the story feel more interesting and also to intrigue the reader.

Analysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia

Analysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia Free Online Research Papers In 1995, Pierre Omidyar was experimenting with how equal access to information and opportunities affects the efficiency of marketplaces. After spending Labor Day weekend writing the code for an online auction site, he tested his idea by posting a listing for a broken laser pointer which to his astonishment sold for $14.83. Omidyar contacted the winning bidder to ensure he realized the item was broken. The buyer answered, â€Å"I’m a collector of broken laser pointers.† At that moment, Omidyar knew he was on to something very big and eBay was born. From day one, Omidyar built eBay around what remain the company’s core values; a belief that: People are basically good Everyone has something to contribute An open environment brings out the best in people In June, 1996, eBay hired its first employee after revenues topped $10,000 for the month. Jeff Skoll was soon hired as the first president of the company and Pierre Omidyar quit his day job to work on eBay full time. That same year, eBay launched the feedback forum. In 1997, registered eBay users topped 341,000 and they are hosting more than 200,000 individual auctions per month, compared with 250,000 auctions in all of 1996. In 1998, Meg Whitman joined the company as President and CEO and eBay went public in September. Gross profits exploded from $95 million in 1997 to $740 million. eBay expanded internationally in 1999, with sites in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The â€Å"Buy it Now† option was introduced to meet the demand for fixed price trading. Between 2000 and 2007, eBay continued its international expansion with marketplaces in Austria, Canada, France and Taiwan, as well as Ireland, Italy Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Switzerland, among others. In 2003, eBay introduced PayPal Buyer Protection services for eBay transactions. By the end of 2007, revenues have topped $52.5 billion, registered eBay users have exceeded 222 million and the number of employees has reached 13,200. The success of eBay underscores the truth of the corporate values outlined earlier, which are at the heart of eBay’s continuing success. In spite of eBay’s success in international markets, the question remains of why eBay can’t get a strong foothold in the Asian market, primarily China and Japan. S.W.O.T. Analysis The following analysis was derived from the case outlined in the text as well as internet research performed in order to analyze eBay and their strategy to be the dominant player in the Asian online auction market. Although eBay has several important strengths and weaknesses, our team chose to identify those we felt were most crucial. Those weaknesses are listed in order of importance. Strengths eBay currently enjoys a large global presence and various globally recognized brands. They have access to an extremely large amount of capital. The parent company has ensured a strong foundation of survivability and diversification by acquiring numerous highly successful companies ( PayPal, Skype, Shopping.com) Currently, eBay possesses the largest market share in online auctions. Weaknesses eBay maintains centralized management home based in the United States through which all decision making goes. Their website’s layout, design and development are weak. They lack an online payment system like PayPal in the Asian market. eBay’s previous strategy of acquiring other e-commerce sites through complete buyout appears too aggressive to the Asian market. eBay has a history of poor customer support. Opportunities People have access to the internet at any time and any place. There is currently endless potential for growth of e-commerce in the Asian market eBay has a feedback forum that other sites do not have. Through the implementation of a global PayPal platform, eBay can allow and provide a means for currency exchange between markets. Currently there is a low percentage of the large Asian market which is online. Threats There are very few barriers to entering the online market Competition in the Asian market is â€Å"homegrown† so they understand the culture and business practices. There are other successful retail websites such as Wal-Mart and Amazon which are already well established which eBay must compete with. Yahoo, eBay’s largest competitor, is currently very successful in the Asian market and they are affiliated with the largest Asian competitor. eBay does not allow direct communication between buyer and seller as do other sites. Alternatives Alternative 1 – Research project, website improvement, and advertisement The Simple Plan With this plan EBay could improve some of the small things to their company. A research project of how eBay could get a foothold in the Asian market could give them valuable information. Some improvements to their website to suit the Asian market could make it more accessible and easier to navigate. Lastly, simple advertisement of the new and improved website through several medias, including magazines, newspapers, and TV commercials, could help narrow the gap between their Asian competitors. Alternative 2 Research project, website improvement, advertisement, and hire a competitor’s executive The Better Plan The inability to expand into the Asian market has put eBay on the outside looking in. If eBay could hire an executive from a competitor in the Asian market, it could give them the edge they need for a complete breakthrough. This executive could show eBay how to gain the advantage they need to penetrate the Asian market. Another benefit of this option would be the â€Å"Piped Piper Effect† which is when one employee leaves, and other employees follow. This is due to social capital which is the relationship between coworkers both in and out of their work environments. Alternative 3 – Start from scratch The Complete Plan Both previous plans would give eBay a chance to expand into the Asian market, but without the complete plan, the future could be short. eBay’s several attempts at acquiring already in place e-businesses have failed. One factor for failure has been that eBay tried to expand into Asia without physically being there. Analysts also believe that eBay’s aggressive method of acquiring other online businesses as being defensive. Implementing the complete plan would be to decentralize and create a headquarters physically in the Asian market. With this plan there are several benefits that could help eBay be more successful. Developing a headquarters in Asia would create job opportunities. A local headquarters could also improve customer service which in turn creates customer loyalty. Conclusions and Recommendations In conclusion, all the alternatives presented will have an impact on eBay’s future. The Simple Plan requires the least amount of change and resources. This alternative will have a small impact on eBay’s bigger picture of gaining a larger share of the Asian market. The Better Plan will help increase eBay’s share in the Asian market, but does not meet the ultimate goal. The Complete Plan meets the goal of a larger expansion into the Asian market. The Complete Plan provides the largest opportunity for eBay to break into the Asian market. The Complete Plan provides for a brand new headquarters located in Asia to gain a better understanding of the local customs and the target market. This plan also provides for an insider look at the success of competitor’s in eBay’s desired market. This new perspective will help eBay to realize its goal. Once the new headquarters for the Asian branch of eBay becomes established, advertising, research and web design will complete the changes needed to succeed. This complex plan should be executed in stages in order to be implemented correctly. First, eBay should start from scratch. By building a local headquarters in Asia, eBay will gain a physical presence in the Asian market. This will also help eBay gain respect in the Asian market. Second, eBay should aggressively recruit experienced personnel to handle the operations in the Asian headquarters. By hiring locals to run the headquarters and decentralizing, eBay will have the knowledge needed to connect with the local market. Ideally, a recruit from eBay’s competitors would have a greater knowledge of the market in Asia and therefore give eBay a greater advantage. Lastly, eBay should implement the advertising, research project, and website improvements discussed in the Simple Plan. The information gained from the research project will help the local executives at the Asian headquarters compete against already established firms. The improvements to the website will allow for a platform that is suitable to the Asian market. An example of this would be to al low the open forum eBay already has established to facilitate communications between the buyer and seller, like the competition has found successful. Advertising of these new features will entice auction seekers to visit eBay’s new Asian website. This case analysis has discussed eBay’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats to the company. The Complete Plan has been chosen as the best alternative for eBay’s successful expansion into the Asian market. 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Free Essays on Agony In Oedipus

In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus discovers through mental, physical and emotional suffering who he really is, which leads him to accept his indisputable fate Discuss. Many who have passed through the crucible of suffering will acknowledge that they have found themselves infinitely better from the experience - bitter though it may have been. In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus discovers through mental, physical and emotional suffering who he really is, which leads him to accept his indisputable fate. As Oedipus grows in terrifying self-knowledge, he changes from a once prideful, heroic King, to a tyrant in denial toward the middle, and finally to a fearful, condemned man, humbled by his tragic fate. Oedipus’ mental anguish over whether or not he is Laius’ murderer, his physical torture (by gauging out his eyes) and, his emotional torment over Jocastas’ death and his children’s fate, cause his suffering but, in the end, leads to his self-realization. Oedipus’s mental distress causes him a great deal of suffering but, in turn, leads to his self-realization. In the beginning, Oedipus is a very confident and valiant hero, with more than a sufficient amount of pride. Oedipus, as the male protagonist, finds himself constrained to rid Thebes of a horrible and deadly plague that will cease only if he finds King Lauis’ murderer, â€Å"Does any man among you know/ who killed Laius son of Labdacus?† (14).Oedipus, in such an unrelenting effort to find the assassin discovers that he himself might be the murderer, â€Å"I say, the murderer of the man/ whose murder you pursue is you† (21).Tiresias corners Oedipus and points to him as Lauis’ murderer. With this, Oedipus is in rage and disbelief. As Oedipus places the burden onto Tiresias, accusing him of being the sinister murderer, he falls into a hollow pit of denial. Further on in the story, Oedipus learns pieces of information about the assassination of La ius. With th... Free Essays on Agony In Oedipus Free Essays on Agony In Oedipus In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus discovers through mental, physical and emotional suffering who he really is, which leads him to accept his indisputable fate Discuss. Many who have passed through the crucible of suffering will acknowledge that they have found themselves infinitely better from the experience - bitter though it may have been. In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus discovers through mental, physical and emotional suffering who he really is, which leads him to accept his indisputable fate. As Oedipus grows in terrifying self-knowledge, he changes from a once prideful, heroic King, to a tyrant in denial toward the middle, and finally to a fearful, condemned man, humbled by his tragic fate. Oedipus’ mental anguish over whether or not he is Laius’ murderer, his physical torture (by gauging out his eyes) and, his emotional torment over Jocastas’ death and his children’s fate, cause his suffering but, in the end, leads to his self-realization. Oedipus’s mental distress causes him a great deal of suffering but, in turn, leads to his self-realization. In the beginning, Oedipus is a very confident and valiant hero, with more than a sufficient amount of pride. Oedipus, as the male protagonist, finds himself constrained to rid Thebes of a horrible and deadly plague that will cease only if he finds King Lauis’ murderer, â€Å"Does any man among you know/ who killed Laius son of Labdacus?† (14).Oedipus, in such an unrelenting effort to find the assassin discovers that he himself might be the murderer, â€Å"I say, the murderer of the man/ whose murder you pursue is you† (21).Tiresias corners Oedipus and points to him as Lauis’ murderer. With this, Oedipus is in rage and disbelief. As Oedipus places the burden onto Tiresias, accusing him of being the sinister murderer, he falls into a hollow pit of denial. Further on in the story, Oedipus learns pieces of information about the assassination of L aius. With th...

Early Explorers of Africa

Early Explorers of Africa Even in the 18th century, much of the interior of Africa was unfamiliar to Europeans. Most of their time in Africa was limited to trade along the coast, first in gold, ivory, spices, and later slaves. In 1788 Joseph Banks, the botanist whod sailed across the Pacific Ocean with Cook, went as far as to found the African Association to promote the exploration of the interior of the continent. Ibn Battuta Ibn Battuta (1304-1377) traveled over 100,000 kilometers from his home in Morocco. According to the book he dictated, he traveled as far as Beijing and the Volga River; scholars say its unlikely he traveled everywhere he claims to have. James Bruce James Bruce (1730-94) was a Scottish explorer who set off from Cairo in 1768 to find the source of the River Nile. He arrived at Lake Tana in 1770, confirming that this lake was the origin of the Blue Nile, one of the tributaries of the Nile. Mungo Park Mungo Park (1771-1806) was hired by the African Association in 1795 to explore the River Niger. When the Scotsman returned to Britain having reached the Niger, he was disappointed by the lack of public recognition of his achievement and that he was not acknowledged as a great explorer. In 1805 he set out to follow the Niger to its source. His canoe was ambushed by tribesmen at the Bussa Falls and he drowned. Renà ©-Auguste Caillià © Renà ©-Auguste Caillià © (1799-1838), a Frenchman, was the first European to visit Timbuktu and survive to tell the tale. Hed disguised himself as an Arab to make the trip. Imagine his disappointment when he discovered that the city wasnt made of gold, as legend said, but of mud. His journey started in West Africa in March 1827, headed towards Timbuktu where he stayed for two weeks. He then crossed the Sahara (the first European to do so) in a caravan of 1,200 animals, then the Atlas Mountains to reach Tangier in 1828, from where he sailed home to France. Heinrich Barth Heinrich Barth (1821-1865) was a German working for the British government. His first expedition (1844-1845)was from Rabat (Morocco) across the coast of North Africa to Alexandria (Egypt). His second expedition (1850-1855) took him from Tripoli (Tunisia) across the Sahara to Lake Chad, the River Benue, and Timbuktu, and back across the Sahara again. Samuel Baker Samuel Baker (1821-1893) was the first European to see the Murchison Falls and Lake Albert, in 1864. He was actually hunting for the source of the Nile. Richard Burton Richard Burton (1821-1890) was not only a great explorer but also a great scholar (he produced the first unabridged translation of The Thousand Nights and a Night). His most famous exploit is probably his dressing as an Arab and visiting the holy city of Mecca (in 1853) which non-Muslims are forbidden to enter. In 1857 he and Speke set off from the east coast of Africa (Tanzania) to find the source of the Nile. At Lake Tanganyika Burton fell seriously ill, leaving Speke to travel on alone. John Hanning Speke John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) spent 10 years with the Indian Army before starting his travels with Burton in Africa. Speke discovered Lake Victoria in August 1858 which he initially believed to be the source of the Nile. Burton didnt believe him and in 1860 Speke set out again, this time with James Grant. In July 1862 he found the source of the Nile, the Ripon Falls north of Lake Victoria. David Livingstone David Livingstone (1813-1873) arrived in Southern Africa as a missionary with the aim of improving the life of Africans through European knowledge and trade. A qualified doctor and minister, he had worked in a cotton mill near Glasgow, Scotland, as a boy. Between 1853 and 1856 he crossed Africa from west to east, from Luanda (in Angola) to Quelimane (in Mozambique), following the Zambezi River to the sea. Between 1858 and 1864 he explored the Shire and Ruvuma river valleys and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). In 1865 he set off to find the source of the River Nile. Henry Morton Stanley Henry Morton Stanley (1841-1904) was a journalist sent by the New York Herald to find Livingstone who had been presumed dead for four years as no-one in Europe had heard from him. Stanley found him at Uiji on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in Central Africa on 13 November 1871. Stanleys words Dr. Livingstone, I presume? have gone down in the history as one of the greatest understatements ever. Dr. Livingstone is said to have replied, You have brought me new life. Livingstone had missed the Franco-Prussian War, the opening of the Suez Canal, and the inauguration of the transatlantic telegraph. Livingstone refused to return to Europe with Stanley and continued on his journey to find the source of the Nile. He died in May 1873 in the swamps around Lake Bangweulu. His heart and viscera were buried, then his body was carried to Zanzibar, from where it was shipped to Britain. He was buried at Westminster Abbey in London. Unlike Livingstone, Stanley was motivated by fame and fortune. He traveled in large, well-armed expeditions he had 200 porters on his expedition to find Livingstone, who often traveled with only a few bearers. Stanleys second expedition set off from Zanzibar towards Lake Victoria (which he sailed around in his boat, the Lady Alice), then headed into Central Africa towards Nyangwe and the Congo (Zaire) River, which he followed for some 3,220 kilometers from its tributaries to the sea, reaching Boma in August 1877. He then set off back into Central Africa to find Emin Pasha, a German explorer believed to be in danger from warring cannibals. The German explorer, philosopher, and journalist Carl Peters (1856-1918) played a significant role in the creation of Deutsch-Ostafrika (German East Africa) A leading figure in the Scramble for Africa Peters was ultimately vilified for his cruelty to Africans and removed from office. He was, however, considered a hero by the German emperor Wilhelm II and Adolf Hitler. Mary Kingsley's Mary Kingsleys (1862-1900) father spent most of his life accompanying noblemen around the world, keeping diaries and notes which he hoped to publish. Educated at home, she learned the rudiments of natural history from him and his library. He employed a tutor to teach his daughter German so she could help him translate scientific papers. His comparative study of sacrificial rites around the world was his major passion and it was Marys desire to complete this which took her to West Africa after her parents deaths in 1892 (within six weeks of each other). Her two journeys werent remarkable for their geological exploration, but were remarkable for being undertaken, alone, by a sheltered, middle-class, Victorian spinster in her thirties without any knowledge of African languages or French, or much money (she arrived in West Africa with only  £300). Kingsley did collect specimens for science, including a new fish which was named after her. She died nursing prisoners of war in Simons Town (Cape Town) during the Anglo-Boer War. The article is a revised and expanded version of that first published on 25 June 2001.

The Kurds A Stateless Nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Kurds A Stateless Nation - Essay Example Studies indicate that, the political and social-economic changes witnessed by the rural Kurds in the 1950s such as industrialization, rural-urban migration, mechanization of farming and agriculture, and political mobilization destabilized the tribal structure of their tribal structure (Romano 66). For instance, over 35% of the Kurdish population in Turkey lives in Izmir, Ankara, Istanbul, and other parts of Turkish cities. Many of these people left Kurdistan forcibly because of political and state terror or voluntarily because of economic and social purposes. This essay will explore more on the language, religion, and other cultural and economic aspects of Kurdish identity. According to Zulal (146), the Kurds continues to speak many languages of the Kurdish commonly categorized into two groups. The first language group is Kurmanji spoken by over 75% of the Kurds, composed of two branches; North Kurmanji the most widely used language among the Kurds and South Kurmanji. The second lang uage group is the Pahlawani spoken by the 25% of the Kurds population and composed of two branches; Dimili and Gurani. Kurdish language serves as the cementing power of the Kurdish nationalism. For the past decades, conflicts have emerged within different tribes as many attempt to differentiate languages used by the Kurds. For instance, in the early 1920s, Ataturk substituted the alphabet words used in Turkish from the Arabic and Latin alphabet. As a result, the Kurds from turkey were forced to embrace and adapt the Latin alphabet for their language. In 1924, strict measures were imposed in Turkey to suppress the Kurds’ language (Entessar 66). The measures involved banning both written and spoken word of Kurdish language and ensuring that only those who speak and understand Turkish are provided with information and education. During that period, possession and distribution of written materials in Kurdish language became a severe crime liable to be punished by long prison sent ence. However, in the early 1990s, Kurds within Turkey began to use their language. Many Kurds have had the opportunity to express their thoughts in writings and readings. In terms of religion, two thirds of the Kurds’ population are Sunni Muslims who adhere mostly to the Shafi’i legal schools. However, the Arab and Turkish adhere to the Hanafi schools while Persian and Azeri to the Shi’ite schools. The remaining population of Kurds adhere to heterodox and rituals and beliefs that are somehow influenced by Islam, but more influenced by other Iranian religion. The Syncretistic sects include the Ahle-e Haqq also known as people of truth, the Alevis, and Ahl-e Haqq. Still, there a few thousands Christians Kurds and Jewish Kurds living in and outside Kurdistan. In the 18th and 19th century, religion played a significant role in the Kurdish community. It dictates the way people lived and perceived things. For instance, most of the Kurdish rebellions that broke out be tween 1880 and 1940 were initiated by Sheikhs (Gunter 539). At this point, the rebellion was affected by the religious differences of the Kurds. For example, Sunnis divided into two religious diversities; the Naqshbandi and Qadiri that never cooperated with each other effectively. The religion diversities between the two religions instigated rebellious. In regard to education, the ban of the Kurdish language and shortages of teachers and schools in Kurdish community have hindered education development. A study

The Problem of Evil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Problem of Evil - Essay Example There are people with numerous doubts, but others hold on to their faith in God. The paper establishes a discussion of the topic though a description, analysis and evaluation of arguments by various philosophers, and it will also establish the stance of the paper concerning the topic. Emmanuel Levinas is one of the philosophers who asserts that evil influences people into doing the wrong things; thus, he seeks to develop a discussion that accounts for evil. In fact, his argument is based on the role of rationality through the propagation of evil, which seems to be underestimated (Katz, 2005). Moreover, he argues that evil is infused in everyday transformation of temptations that are forbidden concerning impulse of good. Furthermore, his approach to the problem of evil is based on the discount of the conventional perception of theodicy that is considered a justification or rationalization of evil along with suffering inflicted on people. The other philosopher is Morilyn McCord Adams w ith an argument that the problem of evil relates to problem of reconciling existence of horrendous evils with God’s existence, which is suitable for people. In fact, Adams offers proposals as solutions of the problems, whereby she appeals to various forms of intimacy with God. Furthermore, this intimacy is focused on participants of horrendous evils (Earl, 2011). ... However, Kant fails to clarify the propensity of evil; thus, there is need to focus on interpretation of the propensity of evil and association with claims of evil of humanity (Duncan, 2011). Nevertheless, there are features that distinguish interpretation of the issue, whereby there are commentators who have ignorance of the issue. Moreover, there is serious analogy drawn by Kant concerning the propensity of evil and addiction. In this case, Kant has plausible argument regarding the assertion of human race, and it is reasonable. 2. Description and analysis of philosophers' views Levinas's views offer a chance of creating a perception of evil in a different light, whereby he considers evil as a disregard of acts and not a destruction of life, and he considered the source of evil to be inability of attuning to other. In fact, this form of evil offers a capacity of detachment from humanity, whereby people fail to see their responsibility. Therefore, this leads to an assertion that ther e is a precondition of other forms of evil. On the other hand, Levinas raises claims that indicate that evil makes people stand suffering, whereby one may seek to invert the relationship between suffering and evil. Furthermore, he poses a rejection of the conception of suffering, whereby he considers suffering to be a substantial component of the meaning of human life. Adams focuses on worry associated with respect to horrendous evil concerning the way God would defeat horrendous evil, which is in the context of participant’s lifetime. In fact, she argues that God would be supporting good people suffering from horrendous evil, thereby allowing their lives to subdue to evil (Swinburne, 2012). Therefore, her

An Argument Supporting a Thesis on the Effective Use of English Essay

An Argument Supporting a Thesis on the Effective Use of English - Essay Example Additionally, whenever a person wishes to travel to a place in the globe, they have to communicate throughout their journey. For instance, if a person does not understand the language at a place in the globe, he or she would communicate their concerns to those inhabitants through talking English. If we could imagine of a person who does snot confer the English language travelling to a distant land whose language they may not understand, they would find it extremely intricate to express their sentiments. Thus, it is a benefit to learn and comprehend the English language. Communicating in English with a foreigner would be an easy thing to do, since numerous people have an understanding of English. This explicates on the reason behind why most media publications are expressed in the English language. These publications include newspapers, magazines and broadcasts. If one gets a magazine or newspaper and are interested in reading it, he or she would pick it and start reading. If they do not understand the English written in the initial sentences, they would stop reading the newspaper. Another advantaged person with prior knowledge of English would read it comfortably. Tan has communicates in different English languages, something that she notes peculiar (Tan). She asserts, â€Å"It has become our language of intimacy, a different sort of English that relates to family talk, the language I grew up with.† Thus, the truth that her environment implicated on her English quality proves that backgrounds immensely contribute to incompetence in talking in effective and perfect English. In the case of immigrants from a distant country seeking, employment or residence in a neighbouring country, prior knowledge of the English language would aid them in interacting with workmates or neighbours. Since English appears to be the most commonly used language for instruction and communication in workplaces, it is pertinent and an added advantage if the immigrant understood how to communicate effectively in the language. Knowledge of English as an instruction language would minimize erring and people would interact effectually with their counterparts. Ability to organize themselves coherently in communication of their sentiments to their counterparts or fellow people, immigrants can be at a merit. For instance, Rodriquez had an immense challenge in speaking English and was disadvantaged when communicating with other English speakers. He asserts that they had to bend lower to hear what he was saying properly (Rodriques 154). This shows how important English language is for immigrants, since Rodriquez must have communicated in English to express his sentiments. Additionally, those immigrants who are in the process of seeking employment in chief industries or companies would have an advantage if are conversant with English speaking. Conversely, their counterparts who have no experience in communicating in English fluently would have a hard time procuring emp loyment. This means that English speakers are at an elevated advantage than those who are not competent in the English language. Because effectual communication is a pertinent activity when operating in the workplace, people who can communicate effectively in English always have an added advantage than their counterparts. In the case of Malcolm X, he felt that he was having difficulties even in writing a simple letter to Muhammad (Malcolm X). He was overly frustrated and could not articulate himself properly and effectively. However, his prison

Ethnicity (Oxford Reader) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethnicity (Oxford Reader) - Research Paper Example To the instrumentalist it is more like a resource, which one can gain by following his or her interest. To others is a social construction used by people to forge their identity. This paper discusses the different points of view on ethnicity and points out to the point of view I find to be most convincing. Though there is a tendency to link ethnicity with conflict, the two entities are completely different. However, ethnic conflict is a common phenomenon that arises due to factors such as political divides that are based on ethnic communities and identities, economic inequalities arising due to scarcity of resource hence as well as cultural differences. Cultural differences could be based on language or religion. Another source of ethnic conflict is unequal distribution of political reward where more political rewards being given to one ethnic group than others in a polyethnic state. Additionally, national identity and ideology are common source of ethnic conflict (Hutchinson and Smith 1-10). From a long time back, people use the term ethnicity to demonstrate some form of commonness in addition to demonstrating solidarity. Among the Greeks, ethnicity is associated with the term ethnie, which means, ethnic category, ethnic network, ethnic association, ethnic network or ethnic community. To the Schermerhorn ethnie is a myth of common ancestry, common culture, or some form of link to homeland (Hutchinson and Smith 10-14). Currently, there are different approaches to ethnie. Primodialism is one such approach, which defines ethnie as naturally given socially creating bonds. However, this definition is problematic since it is static and naturalistic hence lacking exploratory power. Sociobiloogists view ethnie as an explanation for kinship-based grouping with genetic reproductive capacity. This approach is also problematic since it tends to reduce social and cultural behaviors to biological drives. Additionally, it tends to be speculative when dealing with large

Nutrition Case Study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nutrition Case Study - Assignment Example From the table above, it can be concluded that carbohydrates intake by HB is above nutritional requirements and she needs to reduce the amount of intakes. In addition, the amount of protein intake is just enough to accomplish nutritional needs while the amount of fats intakes is also higher than the nutritional needs and should be reduced. c. Despite the use of foodstuffs that result into attainment of high value nutrients, there are certain foods that are not provided thus it will not be easy to obtain certain nutrients. The main nutrient that is missing from the food combination is corn floor that is rich in calcium. Thus it will not be possible to obtain calcium from the food combination. b. The most important facts that need to be known about this drug is that the user needs to keep the blood sugar from getting too low, that are likely to result into a condition called hypoglycemia. In addition, people need to be aware of symptoms of blood sugar such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination and vomiting or nausea. c. This medication is taken in the exact way in which it was prescribed. It is mainly used as an injection under the skin. The specifications for use are usually given by the doctor or pharmacist with regards to where injection should be done. d. There are certain actions that are taken in case of under-dose or overdose. In order to avoid a missed dose, it is important to ensure that the user eats the right amounts of meals within 30 to 60 minutes of the dose. In case the user overdoses, it is necessary to ensure the user seeks the right medical attention since too much of this drug can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms of this condition include weaknesses, blurred vision, sweating and convulsions. f. This drug does not have any direct impacts on nutrients in that are consumed by the user.

Gun laws In The Usa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gun laws In The Usa - Essay Example As such, guns assist in threatening burglars into submission of the law, where they surrender lest the weapon be fired on them. In addition legalizing firearms allows those that possess them to have an upper hand in cases of violence against them, where they buy time for the authorities to arrive and contain the situation by arresting the culprits. This means that legalizing guns is a positive thing to the entire society by curbing the occurrence of crime all over; thanks to the dangerous and life threatening nature of guns into coercing one to comply with demands for the right or moral thing to be done. In addition, the legalization of guns in the American society creates a suitable situation for all to stay away from violent activities that involve life-threatening situations. This is as seen through resolution of disputes through amicable means by persuading aggressors to steer off violence and embrace non-violent means of dispute resolutions. However, the above situation works if the person with the gun exercises his or her rationality in a life-threatening situation since he or she holds the upper hand. Having guns as legal items in America also serve to improve the security countrywide following the equality created in having them. This is through accountability and uniformity that is bound to be all over, considering that anyone with an interest in guns is bound to get and use it according to his or her discretion. This form of uniformity allows individuals to be accountable and responsible with their firearms such that they do not use them at will, but rather in situations that call for them. According to the above statement, cases of threats would be minimal, as would those of violent crime involving guns (Sabhalok). This is because; since everyone can easily get a legal firearm, disputes can and will be resolved more responsibly unlike in cases where only one of those involved owns a gun. As such, rationality will be conventional thing to do since fai lure to be rational would lead to loss of lives. In addition, it is conventional for misuse or abuse of items and substances to go low once the items are legalized for use by the public as is the case for alcohol consumption in relation to binge drinking (CBS News). According to this statement, once guns are legalized, crime rates are bound to go down as guns become prevalent among the public, and with laws governing their use. This is to say that the use of illegal firearms to commit crimes will be low allowing for members of the American society to live their lives in peace. Concerning self-defense, guns are crucial for protection of one’s wellbeing against evil elements in society. This is especially so for individuals with impairments or of a certain age, where their abilities are highly impaired or uncontrollable. As such, senior citizens find security in the guns since they cannot compete against young burglars and criminals (Codrea). As a result, having a gun allows th em to overpower the youth in crime and get their situations under control and save their lives, as well as protect that which belongs to them. Guns also lead to recognition of certain minority groups commonly discriminated against under the pretext of criminal activity. Guns put all the ethnic communities on the map, for the right reasons; thus

Nutrition Case Study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nutrition Case Study - Assignment Example From the table above, it can be concluded that carbohydrates intake by HB is above nutritional requirements and she needs to reduce the amount of intakes. In addition, the amount of protein intake is just enough to accomplish nutritional needs while the amount of fats intakes is also higher than the nutritional needs and should be reduced. c. Despite the use of foodstuffs that result into attainment of high value nutrients, there are certain foods that are not provided thus it will not be easy to obtain certain nutrients. The main nutrient that is missing from the food combination is corn floor that is rich in calcium. Thus it will not be possible to obtain calcium from the food combination. b. The most important facts that need to be known about this drug is that the user needs to keep the blood sugar from getting too low, that are likely to result into a condition called hypoglycemia. In addition, people need to be aware of symptoms of blood sugar such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination and vomiting or nausea. c. This medication is taken in the exact way in which it was prescribed. It is mainly used as an injection under the skin. The specifications for use are usually given by the doctor or pharmacist with regards to where injection should be done. d. There are certain actions that are taken in case of under-dose or overdose. In order to avoid a missed dose, it is important to ensure that the user eats the right amounts of meals within 30 to 60 minutes of the dose. In case the user overdoses, it is necessary to ensure the user seeks the right medical attention since too much of this drug can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms of this condition include weaknesses, blurred vision, sweating and convulsions. f. This drug does not have any direct impacts on nutrients in that are consumed by the user.

HRD 495 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

HRD 495 - Essay Example Fourth is being a capacity builder in order to do culture and capability audits of the organization. Fifth is being a strategic positioner which involves constructing HR reactions that are in line with the external requirements (Jackson, Schuler & Werner, 2012). With the changes in the nature of business, there has been a refocusing and expanding in HR roles. In order to meet the expectations of organizations, senior HR leaders have to react by recognizing and acquiring the competencies necessary for their dynamic functions. The major additional competencies required by senior HR leaders are leading change, strategic thinking and effective communication. Strategic human resource management is formulated to aid companies in meeting the various needs of their employees while also promoting company goals. SHRM is a component that is valuable in ensuring organizational success as it helps in attaining a competitive edge as pertains to flexibility, cost and quality. It is therefore necessary for SHRM to include the individuals that the organization is involved in business with. It is through them that sustainability can be attained by creating values that could not be implemented by indirect and direct competitors. Organizational success could also be attained by continuous investment by an organization in its image or reputation, emphasizing on the need for sound HR practices and policies and adjusting them with the business strategies through SHRM. Therefore, SHRM is not merely a strategy that is centered on the organization’s human aspect but is a holistic approach which builds on the human asset as value-creating factors (Ivan cevich, 2010). It is an employer’s aim to hire the best person for a particular job irrespective of their age. There have been a lot of misconceptions regarding hiring older workers pertaining to productivity, health, up-skilling, and blocking

Criteria for a good short story Essay Example for Free

Criteria for a good short story Essay Does The Adventure of the Speckled Band meet your criteria for a good short story?  A short story is a work of fiction shorter than a novel or novelette, and is one of the oldest forms of literature. Some of the most famous short stories are The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th Century. However, before the 1800s short stories did not get much respect, and were seen as a poor relation of the novel. At around 1835, Edgar Allen Poe became the first writer to make the short story a distinct literary form. After this the popularity of this form of literature grew in popularity due to short stories being published in magazines and journals, becoming widely available. The Adventure of the Speckled Band was written by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1892. It was published as part of a book of twelve short stories, all in the crime genre. Conan Doyle was and still is famous for his crime stories involving the great detective, Sherlock Holmes. Before taking up professional writing, Conan Doyle was a doctor. The first of the Sherlock Holmes stories was A Study in Scarlet and was published in 1887. The crime story genre was very popular in the 19th century, and many established writers wrote stories of this type. For example, Charles Dickens last, unfinished novel was The Mystery of Edwin Drood. This was a murder mystery and so shows how popular the genre had become. For any short story to be successful, especially the crime genre, the correct authorial perspective must be chosen. In The Adventure of the Speckled Band the perspective is that of Dr Watson, looking back over a previous case. I think that this is effective because the reader is able to relate to Watson, as he is following Sherlock Holmes. Watson also learns of the clues at the same times as the reader, but doesnt get an explanation. This creates tension and excitement and so the reader will read on to find out. For example, the reader knew there was a dummy bell rope, but it wasnt until Holmes explained it that we found out its actual use. If the narrative perspective had of been from Sherlock Holmes point of view, there would be no tension as he worked out the clues very quickly. We know the when Holmes saw the bell rope was a dummy, it instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and coming to the bed. Another option Conan Doyle could have chosen would be to have an omniscient narrator, who would know everything going on and everyones feelings. This, also, would have reduced the tension and atmosphere in the story. The plot of The Adventure of the Speckled Band is that of a typical nineteenth Century crime story. A young woman, Helen Stoner, comes to see Sherlock Holmes, after the strange circumstances surrounding her sisters death start to repeat themselves. Just before she got married, therefore getting her inheritance, she dies very mysteriously. Miss Stoner is very worried, and she is also set to be married. Holmes and Watson agree to help the young lady. However, before they set off for Stoke Moran, Dr Grimesby Roylott, Miss Stoners stepfather, pays them a visit and tries to threaten them into not going. This only encourages Holmes, who goes to the house, where he finds several clues in the bedrooms. Holmes decides to come back to the house at night and stay in Miss Stoners bedroom, to witness the strange events for himself. During the night, a snake crawls through the ventilator between Dr Roylott and Miss Stoners rooms. Holmes attacks it and it flees back, where it turns upon its owner, and kills him. As this is a short story, it should only have one main storyline, and this one does. If there was more than one then there would be little time for any development of plot at all. Conan Doyle, in The Adventure of the Speckled Band gives enough information to sustain interest, but is also very selective about what is included in it. There are some events in the story that are not directly important to the plot, but create tension and suspense. The visit of Dr Roylott to Sherlock Holmes house is included for this reason. Dr Roylott describes himself as a dangerous man to fall foul of, so Holmes wants to get to the house even more quickly, as he fears for the safety of Miss Stoner. This also increases the pace of the story, and makes it more exciting. Conan Doyle uses various things throughout the story to keep the readers interest. Dr Grimesby Roylott is an unusual man, who used to live in Calcutta. He went to prison for after he beat his native butler to death. When he returned home to England he had various ferocious quarrels, due to his violence of temper approaching to mania. Dr Roylott also kept tropical animals, which also makes him an interesting character, and his violent temper is also typical of a nineteenth Century villain. Another factor that creates interest in the story is the amazing skills of deduction possessed by Sherlock Holmes. Watson notices his quick, all-comprehensive glances when he first meets Miss Stoner. Holmes then goes on to deduce her exact journey, just from what he has seen. The reader is then anxious to see what he deduces from what Miss Stoner tells him about her circumstances.

Nursing Reflective Essay Mentorship

Nursing Reflective Essay Mentorship According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2006) the term mentor is used to denote the role of a registered nurse who facilitates learning and supervises and assesses students in the practice place. They furthermore identify the eight mandatory standards that must be achieved to become a mentor, and within the assignment I shall be referring to the Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice; NMC standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers, and identifying the standards for mentors required (SM). This assignment will first look at the personal and professional reasons why I wanted to undertake the mentorship module. It will also discuss the importance of a supportive learning environment in the workplace, and how essential it is. My role as a mentor to a nursing student will be evaluated, looking at the way in which I supported her on the ward and how I facilitated this. In conclusion, I will identify my own personal development in undertaking and completing this module. As a registered nurse on a busy Paediatric ward I always enjoy supporting student nurses whilst they are on placement with us. There is an apparent shortage of qualified mentors on the ward, and within my last personal development review with my line manager I identified a need to attain the mentorship qualification. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2004) states, that as a registered nurse, you must keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date throughout your working life. You also have a duty to facilitate nursing students and others to develop their competence. According to Hand (2006), teaching is seen as an important part of the health professionals role, and at some point in their career, members of most healthcare professions are expected to teach other staff, students, patients and relatives. Therefore, the standard of teachers and mentors available in the practice place will have a major impact on the quality of future practitioners, consequently making an improvement in patient care. Most students and many professionals note that learning acquired from placement experience is much more meaningful and relevant than that acquired in the lecture room (Quinn 2000). To ensure any learner has a positive learning experience it is essential that the learning environment is practically, professionally, and psychologically supportive to all who work and learn within it. Clarke et al. (2003) notes that current nurse education puts a high value on learning in the clinical environment and this places numerous demands on clinical areas and staff. The quality of these clinical placements has a significant influence on the learning process for nursing students. The ward on which I work aims to foster a good all-round learning experience to students on placement as we are fortunate to be a well resourced ward with many experienced staff. Although we are an extremely busy ward, students are positively received and supported well, the majority wishing to work with us once qualified. On commencement of the mentorship module it was found that there were no students or learners available to me initially so the time span for my period of mentoring for the purpose of the assignment was limited to just one month. I was however, able to identify my own clinical mentor on the ward, and after analysis of my own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) I decided on my short and long term goals and set a learning contract with my mentor in readiness for the allocation of a student. Jasper (2003) regards SWOT analysis as getting to know yourself. The understanding of our skills and abilities and the awareness of where our limits lie is seen as crucial to being able to act as a professional practitioner. I was finally allocated a first year child branch student, and was informed by the matron that this would be her first clinical placement. It was important to know where she was in her training for me to plan adequately when supporting her on the ward. A frequently used taxonomy in nurse education is the framework by Benner (2001) in which there are five levels; novice, beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Benner (2001) suggests that nurses may be at different levels in different areas dependent on their previous experiences. It was unfortunate that I was not able to work with her on her first shift as I was finishing the nightshift as she was starting with the dayshift. I did however welcome her to the ward and orientated her to it, ensuring she knew who she would be working with on her first ever clinical shift. Davidson (2005) notes that students can be made to feel welcome by someone simply knowing their name and being expected. He also notes that a physical tour is a good start. This allows for brief introductions to other staff that the student will be working with. On this initial meeting I also gave her the wards student nurse orientation/resource pack. This provided her with basic information about the ward and the different teams and staff within it, this was to provide a good introduction into the environment that she would be learning in during her placement. Two days after she began, we had our first clinical shift together. I was pleased to hear that she had found other members of staff supportive during her first two days on the ward. Cahill (1996) acknowledges that the single most crucial factor in creating a positive learning environment is the relationship between staff and nursing students. She also notes that a common problem for students is that they are unable to work regularly with their mentor, so I took this opportunity to discuss and plan her off-duty taking into account any requests she had. Kenworthy and Nicklin (2000) remark that the more comfortable and safe a student feels within the environment, the more likely it is that effective learning will take place and the student will become motivated to learn. I was also able to discuss the learning pack which I had previously given her and she acknowledged that it appeared to be very informative. Morton-Cooper and Palmer (2000) state that although, in practice the mentor act s as a learning resource, it is necessary for the student to become self directed in the development of their learning needs. An important part of her placement was to establish a learning contract with myself as her clinical mentor. A learning contract is a document used to assist in the planning of a learning project. It is a written agreement negotiated between the learner and the mentor in which learning needs are identified (Lowry 1997). In order to do this successfully we needed to identify her learning objectives which included the learning outcomes of the modules to be assessed in practice. As this was her first attempt to set a learning contract it was important for me to support her through the process. Twentyman et al (2006) discuss assisted learning where the mentor asks the student to identify their goals and aim to secure learning opportunities that support the achievement. Jackson and Mannix (2001) note that amount of interest the nurse shows in the learning needs of the student and the key role he or she plays in their achievement are essential to the students development. During the shifts that I worked with her we discussed her required learning outcomes and during one of our formal meetings we agreed her learning contract. Within this learning contract she had identified that she needed to develop her awareness in the safe use of medical equipment used on the ward and the principles regarding using these. Quinn (2000a) remarks that it is important to have knowledge of the students programme and the required outcomes in order to ensure effective learning. After discussion with her it was decided that a teaching session surrounding the safe use of blood glucose monitoring equipment would be of benefit to her, as it was a procedure that was often required on the ward. It would cover one of her learning outcomes, and I agreed to facilitate this. Wallace (2003) notes, that it is important to reduce the possibility of exposing student or patient to any risk, until the student has acquired sufficient skill and knowledge when carrying out a practical procedure. The importance of assessment by a mentor is therefore crucial to ensure students become proficient in practical skills. The commonly held principle that accountability comes from training and education, is evident within the student nurse role. According to Pennels (1997) if accountability comes with knowledge, students are rightfully protected from full accountability until trained. Although responsible for their actions their knowledge base may be inadequate to allow accountability. Therefore, professional accountability lies with the registered nurse that a student nurse works with. It was reassuring for me that she and I had quickly developed an effective working relationship in which I had confidence in her ability to always ask if she became unsure about a situation. She appeared to fully understand her role as a student nurse as identified in the NMC guide for students of nursing and midwifery (NMC 2006a). Before embarking on any programme of teaching it is important to recognise that there are different learning theories and styles to consider. Reece and Walker (2003) state that there is a great deal written about the way people learn and numerous theories on the methods to teach effectively or guide people in learning. They discuss that the main learning theories are Behaviourism, Cognitivism and Humanism. According to the Behaviourism theory (Skinner 1974), the learning environment is fundamental to learning, and if this environment is right, learning occurs as connections are made between stimulus and response, and response and reinforcement (cited by Quinn, 2000a). The Cognitive theory (Bruner 1966) considers learning as an internal process that involves higher order mental activities such as memory, thinking, problem-solving, perception and reasoning (cited by Hand, 2006). The Humanistic learning theory (Maslow 1968) is based on the belief that humans have two basic needs, a need for growth and a need for positive regard by others. It is seen as the most holistic approach as it takes into account the drive and motivation of an individual to learn. Reece and Walker (2003) suggest that this theory also depends on the overall influence of the environment which may hinder or aid the learning process. Honey and Mumford (1992) discuss four different learning styles, and whenever possible, it is important to allow the students own style to influence your choice of teaching method. They describe learners as activists, pragmatists, theorists or reflectors. They further note that although many people were a mixture they generally had a preference for one style. To ensure her learning experience on the ward was successful it was important for me as her mentor to be aware of her preferred learning style as clinical education is an essential part of the nursing curriculum. During the shifts that I had worked with her, and with discussion it was established that she preferred a more practical experience therefore she favoured a pragmatist approach to learning. I therefore incorporated her preferred learning style into my planned teaching session. To enable an effective teaching session to take place, I as the facilitator needed to select an appropriate environment which was safe, clean, private and comfortable. It was also important that my learner, clinical mentor and myself were guaranteed time free from interruptions. The SWOT analysis that I had completed had highlighted the difficulties on the ward often found when teaching sessions were cancelled due to staff being too busy to attend. I therefore negotiated in advance protected time for all parties for this facilitation of learning and assessment. Davison (2005) notes that mentors need to plan ahead as good preparation can ease the experience for all parties. Watson (1999) also states that if teaching opportunities for students are to be meaningful and productive, planning is an important part of the mentors role. Although I felt I had established a good relationship with her since she had been working with me, it was important for me as her mentor to be aware of learne r anxiety as discussed by Price (2005). Anxiety is seen as disabling and requires mentor support if progress is to be made when learning in practice. Good communication skills are paramount when mentoring students, and diplomacy and tact must be employed when students need extra help in challenging situations. It is also worth noting that as a mentor with good communication and practical skills facilitating a well planned teaching session, I still experienced some anxiety. Price (2005) notes this often happens when your practice is being held up as exemplary and your knowledge may be tested later. On reflection I felt the teaching session achieved all the objectives set, and she was able to demonstrate this to me in both verbal feedback and the self assessment sheet provided. I also received positive verbal and written feedback from my clinical mentor. McAllister et al (1997) suggest the intention of giving positive feedback is to aid the receiver when developing their clinical and interpersonal skills. Reflective practice in nursing has been encouraged since the 1980s (Jasper 2003). Johns (1995) describes the process of reflection as a tool we use to assess, understand and learn through our lived experiences. Jasper (2003) also acknowledges that reflective practice is seen as one of the ways we can learn from our experiences, and in education for healthcare professions it is recognised as an essential tool for assisting students to make the links between theory and practice. As an effective mentor it is important for me to understand the value of supporting her in critically reflecting upon her learning experiences in order that her future learning can be enhanced, and when working with her I have actively encouraged her to do so. In conclusion, through undertaking and completing this module, I have developed an advanced knowledge and critical awareness of mentorship in health care practice. I have been encouraged to look at my own practice, ensuring that it is evidence based at all times, thus enabling me to fully support students in applying evidence base to their own practice. Research into the learning environment has clearly shown the impact that it can have on student learning and I intend to ensure that the ward resources are kept up to date for all learners. The exploration of learning theories and styles within the module has allowed me to acquire valuable understanding of the philosophies and theories surrounding learning, teaching and assessing and when planning learning experiences for students I now feel more equipped to integrate theory into practice. It is also important that once becoming a qualified mentor I attend the regular updates provided by the university, as the role of a mentor will be seen as the gate keeper to the profession. This will in turn enable me to mentor students more effectively on the ward as the importance of the mentors role in assessing practice cannot be over-emphasised.

Business Communication at Sainsburys and Cadburys Essay -- Business M

Business Communication at Sainsbury's and Cadburys Communication There are several different types of communication in a business such as Sainsbury's and Cadburys. INTERNAL Telephone ? When the business is a big building or is a group of small way which are close or far away when telling another group of colleges something important e.g. Telling them that their supplies have arrived. It is the main way of communicating around the business. Telephones are appropriate when you need to talk to someone when it is quicker to ring them rather than going all the way over to the person. Face to face communication ? This is when two of more colleges talk to each other face to face. This could be general slacking or telling them useful information. It is the quickest way of communicating. But if the receiver doesn?t write the message down they will forget the message and it may be important to the functioning of the business. Face to face is appropriate when you need to tell someone a message quickly and they are next to you or if they are in the same area as them. Meetings ? Sometimes it is important that everyone meets face to face to discuss business issues. Usually, an assistant writes down what was discussed and agreed. These are called the minutes and everyone gets a copy. One problem of a meeting is that they take time and have to be planned in advance to make sure that everyone can be there. Intranet - The advantages of Ict upon communica...

RENE DESCARTES PROOF OF GOD’S EXISTENCE: ACRITICAL EXPOSITION Essay

The question of God is a perennial subject of debate in the history of philosophical scholarship and can be located in nearly all the epochs of philosophy. The subject however occupies a central space in the medieval epoch that was characterized by religious thinkers. The debate is largely between two schools of thought. There are those who opine that there is no such entity as God. To such thinkers, the question of God does not amount to anything but is largely a product of human imagination. On the other hand, there are certain group of thinkers who insist that God is a reality that exist and must be given due consideration. Thus, the onus lies on the one who affirms the existence of God to explain who or what this God is and to prove his existence. The subject of God may have being difficult to explain because the term God does not refer to any physical entity in the universe. Rene Descartes who is widely revered as the father of modern philosophy affirmed the existence of God and proffered two arguments for the existence of God. Many scholars have bore their minds on the question of God, but our aim in this paper is to examine the various ramifications of Descartes’ proof of God’s existence. To achieve this aim, our exposition shall follow this outline: Life and works of Descartes Who is God? The historical trajectory of the problem of God The cogito: a background to the Cartesian prof of God’s existence ï  ¶Descartes’ proof of God’s existence Criticisms of the Cartesian proof of God’s existence Evaluation Conclusion Life and works of Rene Descartes Descartes is the first major philosophical thinker of the modern period and the father of modern philosophy. He was born in La Haye, a small town near Tours in France on the 3rd of March he received a Jesuit education at the Jesuit college of La fleche in Anjou, one of the best schools of his time. Upon completion of his studies, he went to Holland where he joined the army in 1618. The following year, he travelled to Germany where he began to develop his ideas concerning how knowledge should be acquired. Descartes  returned to France in 1628 but soon returned to Holland where he remained until 1649, when he went to Sweden at the request of Queen Christina to come and tutor her in philosophy and knowledge in general. He is said to have died of pneumonia on the 11th of February 1650. Descartes has many achievements to his name, he invented the analytic geometry and the Cartesian coordinate system named after him. His major works include: The Rules for the Direction of the Mind (1628), the world (1629), Discourse on Method (1637), Optics (1637), Meteorology (1637), Meditations on first Philosophy (1641), Principles of Philosophy (1644) and Passions of the soul (1649). Who is God? Much of the disagreement about â€Å"proofs† of God’s existence is due to different conceptions of God. Classical theism, for instance, characterizes God as a supreme metaphysical being. Despite extensive writing on the nature of God, these classical theists did not believe that God could be defined. They believed that it would be contradictory to the transcendent nature of God if mere humans are able to define him. By contrast, much of Eastern religious thought (chiefly pantheism) presents God as a force inherent in every accessible and conceivable experience. In modern times, the concept of God typically entails a monotheistic, supreme, ultimate, and personal being, as found in the Islamic, Christian and Hebrew traditions. A historical trajectory of the problem of God. Since the ancient epoch of philosophy, philosophers have always grappled with the problem of the existence of God. Thus we shall examine the general posture that the discourse of God assumed before and after the advent of Descartes. This would properly position us to understand the background from were Descartes emerges. The ancient Western tradition of philosophical discuss of the existence of God began with Plato and Aristotle, who made arguments that would today be categorized as cosmological. In the medieval epoch of philosophy, other arguments for the existence of God have been proposed by St. Anselm, who formulated the first ontological argument; Avicena Averroes and Thomas Aquinas, who refined the cosmological argument (the kalam argument and the first way, respectively). In the modern period, Descartes, asserts that the existence of a benevolent God is logically necessary for the evidence of the senses to be meaningful; and Immanuel Kant, also contended that the existence of God can be deduced from the existence of good. The cogito: a background to Descartes prof of God’s existence Descartes was skeptical of the knowledge he acquired over the years, because he thinks that real knowledge requires certainty. To attain certainty, we need a foundation and then, we need a way of building from that foundation to other truths. Descartes describes his foundation in the first meditation. His starting point is the collection of beliefs. Thus he looks for grounds of doubt for certain basic beliefs and having found certain grounds for doubt, all other beliefs based on the basic beliefs will tumble. He rejects beliefs acquired through sense perception on the ground that we could be dreaming. He further rejects a priori beliefs for example mathematical truths on grounds that there could be an evil deceiver who is so powerful and possibly responsible for making him conceive of these beliefs. Having doubted his beliefs, Descartes discovers that he exists, for even if there is a powerful deceiver, he must exis t. The reason for his certainty about this belief is that he is thinking, whether this thinking consists of being deceived by the evil deceiver or not. In other to be thinking, he must exist. He avers cogito ego sum-I think, therefore I exist. Thus, his existence serves as a model for acquiring other kinds of knowledge. However, Descartes has not totally extricated himself from his self-imposed doubt and to do so, he proves the existence of a God who is not a deceiver. The Cartesian proof of God’s existence. Descartes proffered two arguments for the existence of God in the meditations, neither is original. The first is a version of the cosmological argument espoused by ancient thinkers and the second is a reformulation of Anselm’s ontological argument the starting point for the two fold argument is his clear and distinct idea of God. That is, he infers the existence of God from his idea of God. The causal argument for the existence of God Descartes’ first argument can be summarized as an attempt to prove God’s existence by causal reasoning. He asserts that his idea of God could only have been caused by God. Below is a concise presentation of his causal argument: †¢All effects including ideas are caused by something. †¢There must be at least as much reality in the cause as there is in the effect. †¢I have an idea of God as an infinite and perfect being. †¢The idea of God in my mind is an effect that was caused by something †¢I am finite and imperfect and thus could not be the cause of the idea of an infinite and perfect God. †¢Only an infinite being could be the cause of such an idea. †¢Therefore, God (an infinite and perfect being) exist. The first premise of the causal argument derives from a commonly held belief that has long being a premise in other arguments for the existence of God. The logic behind Descartes’ second premise can be explained thus, he says a cold object such as a pot of water cannot become hot unless something else causes that heat. But, the cause must have a high degree as the effect. For it is impossible for one level of reality (the boiling water) to be produced by a cause that is less than the effect (a cold stove). Just as heated water is an effect that requires a cause, so Descartes’ idea of an infinite and perfect being is an effect or a phenomenon that needs to be accounted for. It is possible that Descartes could have produced the idea of God himself. But for him, a finite object can only produce another finite object. Hence, Descartes says ordinarily, the idea in his mind does not tell him if there is the existence of any external reality. However, the idea of perfection is unique. If he could not have manufactured it himself, then it will necessarily follow that he is not alone in the world, but that some other thing which is the cause of this idea exist. That thing can only be God therefore, God exists. Descartes further corroborated his argument by demonstrating that his sustained existence requires an adequate cause. Using a variation of his causal argument, he argues that a being such as himself who contains the idea of perfection cannot come from an imperfect cause. In the cause of searching for an explanation for his own sustained existence, he introduces the principle that there cannot be an infinite regress of causes therefore; these causes must culminate in an ultimate cause and that cause is God. He conceives God as an infinite substance who is Omniscient, omnipotent, everlasting, unchanging, perfect, and the creator of all things. The ontological argument. In the meditation, Descartes employed a version of Anselm’s ontological argument to buttress the existence of God. Descartes begins by stating that the essence of a thing is different from its existence. The essence of a thing is that property without which it cannot be what it is. He argues that, to be a perfect being, a being must include in itself all perfection. Existence is perfection, therefore a perfect being (God) necessarily exist. The main outline of Descartes’ version of the ontological argument is as follows: †¢I have the idea of a God that possess all perfection, †¢Existence is a kind of perfection †¢If the God I am thinking of lacked existence, then he will not be perfect †¢Hence, if I can have the idea of a perfect God, I must conclude that existence is one of God’s essential attributes. †¢If existence is one of God’s essential attributes, he must exist †¢Therefore God exist. Descartes’ bases his argument on the notion that when one clearly understands the nature of something, one would be lead to conceive of all its essential properties. The idea of God according to Descartes is always thought to be the idea of a perfect being. As such, such a being cannot lack perfection of any kind, including existence. And no other being has existence as a part of its essence. Thus Descartes says, it would be contradictory to say, I think of a perfect being who necessarily has existence as its property but who does not exist. Having proved the existence of God, Descartes uses the existence of God to explain his existence. He now sees God as the source of his existence and sustenance. Prior to his discovery of God, he had no idea of why he existed, for he could find no power within him that could bring about his existence. He now realizes that he is imperfect finite and dependent on God. Criticisms of the Cartesian proof of God’s existence. There are many problems with Descartes’ argument. Perhaps, the most obvious are his reliance on the causal principles, his acceptance of his previous scholastic beliefs about the degrees of reality of ideas and of things and his claim that his idea of God is clear and distinct. Descartes posits that the light of nature teaches us how to distinguish what is clear and distinct from what is not. One problem that still remains a puzzle concerns how we  can know when the infallible light of nature is guiding us and when our natural impulses are leading us since we do not have any means of detecting when our natural impulses are leading us from those instances where we are led by the light of nature. Several theologians of Descartes’s time challenged the claim that infinity and perfection must precede all thoughts of finitude and imperfection. One of such critics puts it thus, â€Å"I can surely take a given degree of being, which I perceive within myself, and add on a further degree of being, and thus construct the idea of a perfect being from all the degrees which are capable of being added on.† If finite minds can construct the idea of infinity or perfection in this manner, we do not need to look outside of ourselves in an attempt to account for the origin of our idea of infinity.’ Though many theologians who used this argument agree that there is the existence of God, they simply think that Descartes provided an inadequate argument for the existence of God. Many philosophers have also objected that existence is not a property at all, hence cannot be derived from the concept of God in the same way as God’s benevolence or omnipotence. We can also question Descartes’ claim that his idea of God is clear and distinct. Perhaps, the idea of a supremely perfect being contains a contradiction. Even i f we were to grant Descartes that reality or existence is a property, why must we think that there is a most perfect being-that is, that there is a top to the scale, at which actuality is reached? From our exposition, it is apparent that Descartes’ rationalistic method has led him out of the slit of doubt. He is now certain of the existence of himself and God. The existence of God for him is particularly important because it released him from the prison of his mind. He now knows that something exists outside his own mind and its ideas. Thus, he uses his certainty of the existence of God as a bridge to the external world. It is important to note however that Descartes aim is to show that all knowledge can be derived from reason. He begins with the ‘cogito’ which shows him that he exists as a thinking thing. From the cogito, he knows that what he clearly and distinctly perceives by the ‘light of nature’ must be true. Then he discovers certain clear and distinct principles which together with a clear and distinct idea of God enable him to derive God’s existence. And  ones he has done this, he is able to remove the evil demon as a ground o f doubt since an even more powerful benevolent perfect deity exist. We have successfully examined the issue of the existence of God. We began by examining the ambiguous nature of the concept of God after which we attempted to understand how the truth of the cogito led Descartes to the discovery of the existence of God and the terrestrial world. from our exposition, we can say that conclusions on the existence of God can be divided along numerous axes, producing a variety of independent classifications such as; Theism and atheism, Gnosticism and agnosticism, Ignosticism, and Apatheism. Though Descartes can be criticized and has been criticized on many fronts, his contribution to the God question cannot be over emphasized. He has inspired many after him who have also contributed their quota to the problem all in a view to proffer solution to the perennial problem of God. Bibliography Lawhead F., William, the Voyage of Discovery: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy, second edition, U.S.A: Wadsworth, 2002. Sutchile F. E., Descartes: Discourse on the Method, (trans.) London: Penguin Books, 1968. Ariscombe E. and Geach, P. T., Descartes philosophical writings (Ed.) New York: Open University Press 1971. Beardsley C. Monroe, The European Philosophers from Descartes to Nietzsche, New York: Random House Inc. 1992. Norris C., on Truth and meaning: Language, Logic and the Grounds for Belief, London and New York: Continuum, 2006. Jimoh K. A., Certitude and Doubt: A Guide in Epistemology, Ibadan: Ebony Books and Kreations, 2013.