Natural resistance mechanisms to HIV-1 infection Essay

Natural resistance mechanisms to HIV-1 infection - Essay Example There is currently no vaccine or cure for AIDS or HIV. The only known method is avoiding exposure of the virus. However a treatment known as post-exposure prophylaxis is believed to reduce the risk of infection if begun directly after exposure. Current treatment of HIV infection consists of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). This refers to combined therapy with three or more drugs, usually two that target the reverse transcriptase and one that targets the viral protease. Kimball's biology pages. 7 Oct. 2004. 24 Feb. 2007 Natural resistance to HIV can be considered at two levels: resistance to becoming infected with the virus and resistance to the virus if the person is already infected. The mechanisms of natural resistance in both cases are: Apoptosis. Apoptosis is a programmed death of the cells in multi-cells organism. During the HIV infection apoptosis is the main mechanism by which infected and uninfected CD4+ lymphocytes are eliminated. However apoptosis as a natural resistant mechanism to HIV infection has not been explored so far. Genetic factor.

Statement of Cash Flow Essay Example for Free

Statement of Cash Flow Essay The importance of cash the cash flow statement help businesses and creditors understand how liquid a company is. Team A discussed some important factors about the statement of cash flow. The purpose of the statement of cash flow and how it is used in accounting is explained. The direct and indirect method of preparing a statement is used. Steps in preparation and classification are explained. The team also examines things that they struggled with and also things that they were comfortable with. The purpose of the statement of cash flow Statement of cash flows purpose is to provide information of cash payment, cash receipt of a business during a period. It also provides answer to question for future investors wanting to make investment in the company. The investors will looks at the business cash flow statement â€Å"where did the cash come from during the period, what was the cash used for during the period, what was the change in the cash balance during the period† (Kieso, Weygandt, Warfield, 2010, p. 198). This shows the business economic and solvency which is more attracted to the investors. The statement of cash flow reports has four major categories, and they are 1) Cash effect of operating during a period. 2) Investing transactions transaction. 3) Financing transaction and 4) the net cash increase or decrease during the period. Between the four every aspect of a business transaction is covered. Statement of cash flow documents shows incoming and outgoing cash of the business. The document makes available a direction in which help guide decision of potential investor, reader, or lender understand the company financial report. Because this document is prepared last it will show a company income statement, balance sheet, owner equity statement, as the result, the report adds validity and accountability to the company financial statements. For example, investors, analysts, potential investors, stockholders, and lender use the statement cash flow report to evaluate the financial strength of the business. How the statement of cash flow used in accounting A company will use the statement of cash flows to illustrate cash payments and receipt payments for a specific period. This report shows how cash changes because of transactions that occur in daily operations such as investment transactions, financing transactions. This report will illustrate to investors and managers the level of liquid resources the company has available. Understanding a company’s cash flow will show the source of cash, the uses for the cash spent, and the balance of cash at the end of the period. This report will tie the information given on the income statement and on the balance sheet. The combination information provided in these statements provides a company’s inflows and outflows of cash. The statement of cash flows removes transactions not related to cash events and allows a person to look at the areas within the business that generate cash or the areas that cause a loss of cash (Luft, 2012). Analyzing the statement of cash flow gives investors and managers a history of how the cash earned and how the cash was used along with the amount of cash remaining at the end of the month. The usefulness of the Statement of Cash Flow The usefulness of the statement of cash flow is for businesses to understand how they are dong financially. Businesses use the statement of cash flow to know how quickly their assets can be converted into cash. Creditors are concern about how they will be paid. When a company can produce a high amount of cash, they can pay their bills. The statement of cash flow also provides information about a companys spending habits. Because a company has net income does not mean their business thriving. Knowing the companys net cash will provide the information needed to know whether or not to do business with them (Kieso, Weygandt, Warfield, 2010). The inflow and out flow The statement of Cash Flow outlines the inflow and outflow of cash from a company for a given period. Inflows include the transfer of funds to a company from another party as a result of core operations, investments or financing (Nordmeyer, 2012). The inflow of cash is generated when businesses either sell their products or perform a service for revenue. Theses inflows can range from collections on accounts, monies from investors, or interest on loans. Cash outflow, on the other hand, is money leaving a company. The outflow of cash from a company can include dividends paid to stockholders, bills, or the materials purchased to complete the products a company sells. Steps in preparation There are three major steps in preparing a Cash Flow Statement. The first step is to â€Å"determine the change in cash† (). This is calculated by comparing the current year’s cash balance to the previous year’s cash balance. For example, XYZ Inc. has a cash balance on its balance sheet of $100,000 and $90,000 for years ending December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 respectively. Their change in cash would be a decrease of $10,000. The second step is to â€Å"determine the net cash flow from operating activities† (). This step is depends on the method chosen. The â€Å"direct method reports cash receipts and disbursements from operating activities† (). XYZ, Inc. reported the following: revenues of $80,000, accounts receivables $20,000, accounts payable $30,000 and operating expenses of $50,000. To calculate the net cash flow they would subtract accounts receivable from revenues ($80,000-$20,000 = $60,000) to determine cash collected from revenues. Then, subtract accounts payable from operating expenses ($50,000-$30,000 = $20,000) to determine cash payments for expenses. Cash collected from revenues minus cash payments for expenses equals net cash provided by operating expenses ($40,000). This does not take into consideration income taxes. In contrast, the â€Å"indirect method adjusts net income for items that affected reported net income but did not affect cash. † This is done by adding back noncash charges in the income statement to the net income and deducting noncash credits (). Finally, the third step â€Å"determines the net cash flow from investing and financing activities. † This step determines â€Å"whether any other changes in balance sheet accounts caused an increase or decrease in cash† (). This step could include changes in common stock, retained earnings, or bonds. The hardest part in grasping the cash flow steps was learning when to add or subtract an increase or decrease. However, through research I could learn an increase in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, and how accounts payable is subtracted and a decrease is added (Investopedia, 2012). Increases are added and decrease are subtracted for prepaid expenses and inventory (Investopedia, 2012). This week reflect on the statement of cash flow. Team A spoke about the importance of the statement of cash flow. It is need to determine where a company is financially. It is also use to understand the liquidity of a business. Why companies use the direct method or indirect method of preparing a statement is explained. Steps in preparation and classification are explained. The team also examines things that they struggled with and also things that they were comfortable with.

Brauns Online Presence :: essays research papers

Key Issue: Braun’s main concern is to determine in which extend it is beneficial for the company to extend its online presence, and how aggressive the expansion should be. Recommendation: It is recommended that Braun increase gradually its online presence in order to maintain a broader customer base. However, an aggressive increment of its online presence is not recommended since it would be too risky for them. Rationale: Nowadays, online presence is a â€Å"must† for many businesses. Moreover, being a Canadian sports retailer, it is an asset to have access to other markets that guarantee sales throughout all the year, and not just in the summer season. Additionally, it can’t be argued that Braun’s online incursion was very successful, and that being online represents another way of interacting with customers, which have been Braun’s base of success. The fact that they’ve translated their customer service orientation into its online portal, have provided them with a competitive advantage. However, online sales makes just 10% of Braun’s annual revenue, and it can not be forgot that, being a respected small business focused in long term relationships with their retail customers, the main way of business for them is in-store business, which differentiate themselves from Bikeshop.com and its recent failure against all odds. Therefore, even though entering the online sector in an aggressive way is not recommended, it can not be denied that to increase gradually an online presence will be good for Braun’s business. Financial Implications: Last 4 months actual online sales were around 47,000$, so 120,000$/year will be a conservative estimate (taking into account that majority of the sales are done in summer).

Anthony Burns Essay

Imagine being a slave during the time of the fugitive slave act. Would you run away or would you stay and continue being a slave? If you ran away and you ran to Massachusetts and your master found you would you run from him? The man in this story did, listen as I tell you the sad story of Anthony Burns. Anthony burns was an educated slave that had a white father. His mother was a breeder which meant she had a baby every year. Anthony’s first master treated him like a sun early in the morning and gives him a horse ride. Anthony was very smart. One day his master threw him of his horse in mid air Tony did a somersault and landed on his hand and he flipped over. At the age of nineteen, Anthony Burns escaped slavery in Richmond, traveling by ship to Boston in 1853. In Boston he worked for â€Å"Coffin Pitts, clothing dealer, no. 36 Brattle Street. † On May 24, 1854 he was discovered â€Å"while walking in Court Street† and arrested. As a hub of resistance toward the â€Å"slave power† of the South, many Bostonians reacted by attempting to free Burns. President Franklin Pierce made an example of the case to show he was willing to strongly enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. The show of force turned many New Englanders against slavery who had passively accepted its existence before. On May 26, before Burns’ court case, a crowd of abolitionists of both races, including Thomas Wentworth Higginson and other Bostonians outraged at Burns’ arrest, stormed the court house to free the man. In the melee, Deputy U. S. Marshal James Batchelder was fatally stabbed, becoming the second Marshal to be killed in the line of duty. The police kept control of Burns, but the crowds of opponents, including such African-American abolitionists as Thomas James grew large. While the federal government sent US troops in support, numerous anti-slavery activists arrived in Boston to join the protest and continue the faceoff. It has been estimated the government’s cost of capturing and conducting Burns through the trial was upwards of $40,000. He was eventually taken back to Virginia where he went to a slave prison for a year. Afterward he was sold in North Carolina. Where his friend bought him and sent him to Canada where he lived the rest of his short life. He became a pastor and preached and lived peacefully.

Comparing Diverse African Cultures Essay

Throughout every culture there are many similar customs, however it is the personal experiences that make the cultures different and diverse. In the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the main character Okonkwo lives in Umofia until the tribe exiles him for accidentally killing a man in his village. After seven years the people of his village allow him to return to Umofia, among his return there are white missionaries in his village that have come to introduce christianity to his people. Okonkwo quickly realizes that his village is now unrecognizable. The short story Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu by Abioseh Nicol, expresses the strong relationships between the living and the dead that are present in African culture. The religious beliefs, social structures and attitudes toward the dead represented in Things Fall Apart are equally similar and different to the concepts present in the short story Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu. Death is a natural part of the circle of life, and the way the dead are treated varies from culture to culture. In Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu, a grandmother (Bola) and her granddaughter (Asi) receive an unexpected visit from the spirit of their son/father Meji. Except it is unknown to Bola and Asi that their loved one is a spirit until after he leaves them. Mr. Addai announces Meji’s death to the village on Monday, â€Å"‘But I tell you, he was here on Friday and left Sunday morning,’ Bola said. ‘He couldn’t have died on Friday.’† (Abioseh 10). The spirit of Meji had come back to his family to say his final goodbyes and thank his mother for all she had done for him. In the African culture they worship and praise the dead, as the dead are a huge part of their lives and culture. Similarly in Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s people believe in spirits of the Nigerian tribes, also called the egwugwu. The people of Umofia both fear and respect the egwugwu, â€Å"A woman fled as soon as an egwugwu came in sight. And when, as on that day, nine of the greatest masked spirits in the clan came out together it was a terrifying spectacle.† (Achebe 78). The people of Umofia believe that the egwugwu have magical powers, and know that when they are present someone will most likely be taken as a sacrifice to the gods. The people of African descent treat the dead with great respect and think highly of them. There are many different types of religion in the world, in many African cultures the people are polytheistic. In Things Fall Apart not only do they worship gods and priestesses but they idolize spirits too; like the ojbange. The ojbange is a child who has previously passed away, but has come back to haunt the mother and be reborn. â€Å"Some of them did become tired of their evil rounds of birth and death, or took pity on their mothers, and stayed.† (Achebe 70). Some of these children did continue their lives and grow into adults, but most of them die as young children or infants. Also in Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu the mothers of ojbange children are ridiculed and mocked by the village people. â€Å"All the years of their married life, people had said she was a witch because her children had died young.†(Abioseh 6). Even though most likely it is not the fault of the mother that their child had died, the people of the village overlook that and continue to outcast them for their â€Å"witchcraft†. A major social custom in African culture and many other cultures is food. Food has the power to bring a lot of people together. In Things Fall Apart we see this during the feast for Obierika’s daughters wedding shower. â€Å"As the evening wore on, food was presented to the guests. There were huge bowls of foo-foo and steaming pots of soup. There were also pots of yam pottage. It was a great feast.† (Achebe 104). Everyone, all over the world, eats food; it is the recipes and different dishes that make the experience diverse. Similarly in Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu, Bola uses food to welcome home her son. â€Å"We must make a feast, we must have a big feast. I must tell the neighbors at once.† (Abioseh 3). Bola’s excitement that her son is home calls for a celebration. When having people over nine out of ten times food will be involved in some way. Food is something that most all people have in common, and is something they think about everyday. The religious beliefs, attitudes toward the dead and social customs make Things Fall Apart and Life Is Sweet At Kumansenu equally similar and different. Two different African stories, from the same culture but that have different traditions and techniques is what makes our society different and diverse.

How To Grow Sodium Nitrate Crystals

How To Grow Sodium Nitrate Crystals Sodium nitrate is a common chemical, found in food, fertilizer, glass enamel, and pyrotechnics. Sodium nitrate, NaNO3, forms colorless hexagonal crystals. Although these crystals are a bit more challenging to grow than some of the beginner crystals, the interesting crystal structure makes them worth the effort. The crystal somewhat resembles calcite, exhibiting some of the same properties. Sodium nitrate crystals can be used to examine double refraction, cleavage, and glide. Sodium Nitrate Crystal Growing Solution Dissolve 110 grams sodium nitrate per 100 ml hot water. This will be a supersaturated solution. One method of growing crystals is to allow this solution to cool in an undisturbed location and allow it to produce crystals as the liquid evaporates.Another method of growing this crystal is to grow a single crystal in a sealed container from a supersaturated solution. If you choose to follow this method, prepare the aforementioned solution, allow this solution to cool, then add a couple of grains of sodium nitrate and seal the container. The excess sodium nitrate will deposit on the grains, producing a saturated sodium nitrate solution. Allow a couple of days for this to occur.Pour off the saturated solution. Pour a small amount of this solution into a shallow dish. Allow the liquid to evaporate, to produce small seed crystals. Select a crystal or two for further growth.To prepare the supersaturated growing solution, to your existing solution add 3 grams of sodium nitrate per 100 ml of w ater in the original solution. So, if you prepared 300 ml of solution, you would add an extra 9 grams of sodium nitrate. Carefully add your seed crystal to this liquid. You can suspend the crystal from a nylon monofilament. A nylon monofilament or wire is used because it wont wick up the solution, causing evaporation.Seal the jar and allow the crystals to grow at a constant temperature, someplace they wont be disturbed. Sodium nitrate is very sensitive to temperature changes, so maintaining a constant temperature is important. If you have difficulty maintaining a temperature, you can place the sealed jar inside a water bath. If you dont see crystal growth after a few days, try lowering the temperature slightly.

Discussions Essays

Discussions Essays Discussions Essay Discussions Essay Essay Topic: Discussion Discussions Name: Course: Date: Discussions Discussion 1 The passage that I enjoyed the most from U.S.A. was that which talked about the legendary musician, Big Bill. This passage appealed to me greatly because it talked of a celebrated musician who was celebrated not only by American citizens but also by other people all over the world. Big Bill was a singer, a guitarist and a songwriter whose career begun in the 1920’s. The passage ahs explained his rise to fame through the messages in his songs. He produced music with heartfelt messages and this was the main reason he became so famous. In the passage, Big Bill is portrayed by the author as one of the notable individuals in the country who represented â€Å"America at its best.† This is to mean that his music had a great effect on the world and since he came from the United States, it earned the country a good reputation. However, the passage goes on to state that even though he was an outstanding individual, he was not the â€Å"savior of the U.S.A.† This is because his messages were not heeded and the country fell into the very vices that which he was trying to warn them. For this reason, Big Bill is a victim because even id they were righteous, the rest of the people were not. This led to the presence of corruption in the country as well as other vices that have led to moral decay. This passage applies in the present situation because the vices that Big Bill talked about in his music are deeply entrenched in our societies. This passage makes one wonder, if his advice was taken into consideration, would we be facing the situations that we do now and would the world not be a much better place to live in. Discussion 2 A correctional officer in most jurisdictions requires a high school diploma or a GED. College credits or degrees should also be a necessity for the officers. The basic requirements for this position is the high school diploma but some institutions like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons also requires all the applicants to have a bachelors degree in a field related to the post. Degrees required include one in criminal justice or in social science. These degrees are important because they enable the correctional officers to do their job more effectively. For instance in the case of an individual who has a degree in criminal justice, they will be able to understand the justice system as well as the psychology of the prisoners in the institution. This will make it easier for him or her to monitor the inmates while compared to the individual who just has a high school diploma. This is because the officer with the GED or diploma does not have the necessary knowledge to handle the inmates i n the institution in question effectively. Therefore, in order to ensure that the correctional system in the United States has capable correctional officers, it is imperative that they all acquire degrees in fields related to their job descriptions (Simmons, n.d). Discussion 3 The just concluded elections were one of the most competitive ones recorded in the history of the United States. In order to analyze the election efficiently the demographic breakdown of the election is fundamental. In the demographic breakdown, different groups of people will be considered based on factors like age, gender, locality, income and educational background. A majority of the people aged between 18 and 49 supported Obama in the election while those aged above 50 supported Romney. The ages of the two candidates is assumed the reason behind this breakdown. In terms of gender, the females greatly supported Obama while the majority of the males supported Romney. The alleged reason for this is that the policies that Obama had brought forth favored women. Based on the areas of residence, the people living in the suburbs and the rural areas supported Romney more while the rest who lived in medium populated areas supported Obama. People with incomes over $100,000 supported Romney while all the ones who earned below that supported Obama. In the case of educational achievements, no disparity was there in terms of support but it was noted that people with postgraduate education supported Obama. For all the rest of the groups, the difference noted was limited to only 3% or below. Demographic breakdowns are very important in the analysis of elections as noted in this case. References Simmons, Constance. (n.d) â€Å"What Education Should a Corrections Officer Have?† Retrieved from: ehow.com/about_6320723_education-should-corrections-officer-have_.html

How to Write a Lead Paragraph

How to Write a Lead Paragraph How to Write a Lead Paragraph How to Write a Lead Paragraph By Mark Nichol Absent or in spite of a photograph or other visual information, the headline is the first thing most readers notice. But even the most captivating headline has to be followed by a lead paragraph (known in journalistic jargon as a lede) that convinces the reader that the article is worth reading. What’s the function of a lede? (The odd spelling supposedly derives from the tradition of distinguishing the noun lead or the adjectival form in â€Å"lead paragraph† from the homonym lead, as in â€Å"lead type.†) An article is a story, and the lede is the pitch to woo the reader. But that analogy is of dubious use if your storytelling overtures are along the lines of â€Å"Let me tell you about this crazy thing that happened to me today† no more useful than clearing your throat or shuffling papers before you give a speech. In person, your audience might patiently and politely await your account, but readers, knowing you’re not there to have your feelings hurt, will likely not hesitate to move on. But what if you cut to the chase and said, â€Å"A guy pulled a gun on me today†? Your audience will almost certainly invest some time and effort into hearing what comes next. By the same token, a lede must be constructed to attract attention. What content, exactly, goes into a lede? The first paragraph of an article provides the main points without digressing into details; those can follow in subsequent paragraphs. A lede tells the reader something interesting and/or newsworthy, providing context and perspective. Ideally, it speaks to the reader’s curiosity, and perhaps their desires or fears. It might introduce conflict or controversy. The traditional lede for a news article includes what journalists call the 5 Ws (and sometimes an H thrown in for good measure): This term is shorthand for who, what, when, where, and why (plus how). Of course, a lede that includes all five (or six) elements is usually overstuffed; it’s better to focus only a couple or at most a few of these. (One of the most celebrated newspaper-article ledes, in reference to a man who was shot and killed because he attacked a fast-food worker over an order of fried chicken, tells you only who and what and is reticent about the what: â€Å"Gary Robinson died hungry.†) The challenge to writing a good lede is achieving both specificity and brevity. To be specific, remember who and its friends. Pick one, or another question, to answer, and wrap the lede around it. To accomplish brevity (ideally, a lede should consist of less than thirty words), choose strong, vivid nouns and verbs, eschew verbosity and redundancy, and make every word count. To test the lede, read it aloud, and omit adjectives, adverbs, and wordy constructions and, especially in these search-engine-driven times, focus on keywords. To craft an effective lede, avoiding writing what readers already know and telling readers what you’re going to tell them. Keep to one point, and avoid attribution and specific numbers (an exception to the specificity rule). Think of the lede as an elevator speech the proverbial opportunity to sell your story to a movie producer or book publisher with a brief pitch during the interval the two of you share an elevator ride. This is your chance; take it. What if you just can’t put a lede together? Write a placeholder sentence, and come back to it later after you’ve completed the rest of the article the result may show you the way. You might also think about potential ledes before you even begin to report or research, or during the process. You may not end up using anything you come up with at that stage, but it will get you thinking. Also, keep in mind that the traditional journalistic lede isn’t the only way to go. Besides the summary form, there’s also the anecdotal lede, the question, the quotation, and the direct approach or a combination of forms. Remember â€Å"A guy pulled a gun on me today†? Though the question, quotation, and direct forms are challenging to pull off, the anecdotal form, a hallmark of what is called narrative journalism or narrative nonfiction, is increasingly popular and often intuitively constructed. Here’s the lede to a true first-person story I might write: â€Å"I had always wondered how I would react if someone pulled a gun on me. Today, I found out.† Would you like to read more? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 English Grammar Rules You Should Know11 Writing Exercises to Inspire You and Strengthen Your Writing20 Criminal Terms You Should Know

Inclusive leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Inclusive leadership - Essay Example This leadership will need to be found not only in the organization's management but also among employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the community. As an inclusive leader, one must adopt - and live - a set of values, which places human relationships centre stage and which defines the purpose of your enterprise in other than purely financial or commercial terms. For leadership to be meaningfully inclusive, it must find a way to include everyone in governance processes and be organized to pursue inclusive principles. Inclusive leaders perceive the organization as a complex system of mutually interdependent relationships, understand the links between the organization and the wider socio-economic environment and see organizational change in the context of social and technological change. "It is this deep understanding of the nature of the interdependence that exists between the organization and its dynamic environment that provides the basis for the ability of leaders to contribute to the development of an inspiring yet achievable vision of the organization's future." Such vision should meet the needs of the key stakeholders and at the same time provide the basis for an enterprise strategy to develop and sustain a competitive advantage. It attracts young managers with recognized leadership potential working in the voluntary, public and private sectors.

Ethic's - The concept of truth telling in cancer patients receiving Essay

Ethic's - The concept of truth telling in cancer patients receiving palliative chemotherapy and the impact on nurse-patient relationships - Essay Example ned by the performance of nursing functions with outmost care and diligence but that it moves toward the moral perception and awareness of nursing care. With this shift in the appreciation of nursing care – from performance of duties to moral perception of nursing care - the centrality of the nurse –patient relationship becomes more poignant and pivotal in the understanding of nursing (Gastmans et al, 1998; ; Covington 2005). In the context of nursing care perceived not just as a performance of duty but as a moral awareness, nurses rise up to the demands of care, respect and achieving the goal of holistic well-being for the patient. Thus, nurse-patient relationship opens a â€Å"comportment of the self towards others, which has the inherent goal of enhancing the existence of those others† (van Hooft 1999, p 190). However, the nurse-patient relationship is often plagued with quandaries that time and again challenges nursing care. One of these dilemmas that nurses have to contend with as they practise the profession day in and day out is truth telling in the context of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Recognising the importance of truth telling in the nurse-patient relationship and the dilemma that nurses frequently encounter with it, this paper will look into the concept of truth telling in relation with patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy. In lieu of the significance of truth telling in nurse-patient relationship, this paper aims to understand the intricacies of truth telling vis-a- vis nurse-patient relationship. It intends to gain deeper comprehension of utilitarianism, deontology and the four basic ethical principles of justice, autonomy, non-malfeasance and beneficence. Finally, to attain a clearer comprehension of the impact of truth telling in the nurse-patient relationship in the cancer setting (palliative chemotherapy). As this paper will look into the concept of truth telling vis-a-vis nurse-patient relationship in the context

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 17

Human Resource Management - Essay Example m of this study is to highlight the main reasons for the staff turnover and to recommend strategies to reduce the staff turnover within the organization. Before moving into the company and details of the employee turnover, it is essential to get a brief overview of the overall travel and tourism industry of UK. This will then be followed by brief overview of Thomas Cook and its employees and the major causes for the staff turnover. The UK travel and tourism industry is one of the largest across the world. The country has continuous inbound traffic from across the world. The country has been recognized to have ‘league position’ in terms of the international tourist entering the country as well as the earnings that the country gains from the tourist (Visit Britain - Trends, 2010). The graph below provides a clear view of the country’s overall overseas visits. The graph clearly shows that the visiting of the country has lowered by 11% when compared to April 2009 (National Statistics, 2010). However the decrease in terms of the corresponding period to the earlier year has been a decrease of 4% (Visit Britain, 2010). The above graph provides a clear view of the international inbound travel. This graph has been provided to give a brief overview of the country’s overall travel and tourism market (Visit Britain - Trends, 2010). The next section will provide a detailed overview of Thomas Cook and the issues being faced within the company, pertaining to the employees and the turnover rate. Thomas Cook is recognized to be one of the world’s best and most well known names in the field of travel. The company was started in 1841 and catered to one – day rail excursions. The company has grown from this and has grown to be the most renowned company across the UK. The company deals with a wide range of services currently and these include flights, hotels, holiday packages, cruises and a number of city breaks. Thomas Cook has a wide number of employees and the company

Virgil's prologue from Aeneid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Virgil's prologue from Aeneid - Essay Example epics; the parallel with Homer’s works can be found in Virgil’s attempt to define the two parts of the story as an odyssey and a tale of war--though in reverse of Homer’s story structure. Because of the widespread use of Latin, Virgil succeeded in reaching a large audience and, as a result, was able to share and expand on the idea of the Roman hero. The storyline of Aeneid explores the challenging journey of a pious, selfless warrior chosen by destiny to found the city of Rome. There are a variety of themes running through the story: the conflict of order vs. chaos; the superiority of the Roman hero; and the role of destiny in shaping a man’s actions. The reader can find these references within the prologue, as Virgil paints a vivid picture of the epic story to follow. The central theme of order vs. chaos can be found in Virgil’s description of Aeneas’ journey across the treacherous seas. â€Å"A fugitive, this captain, buffeted/ Cruelly on land as on the sea/ By blows from powers of the air--behind them, / Baleful Juno in her sleepless rage† illustrates the representation of chaos--Juno being the embodiment of emotional rage--stirring the weather and causing havoc. Order is found in the presence of Aeneas as he fights to reach Rome--the land of rational thought and law. Another theme is the ideal figure of the Roman hero; Aeneas is presented as the perfect example of Roman self-sacrifice, piety and clear-minded purpose. When Virgil states: â€Å"A man apart, devoted to his mission--/ To undergo so many perilous days/ And enter on so many trials† he is telling the reader of the exceptional strength--of both mind and body--found in his main protagonist. The role of destiny plays a major role in Aeneas’ story. At the start of the prologue, we learn that â€Å"He came to Italy by destiny† and the reader understands the important nature of Aeneas’ assignment and purpose. Virgil ends his prologue with the following lines: â€Å"They wandered as

The theory to the Study of International Relations Essay

The theory to the Study of International Relations - Essay Example It is worthwhile to take a look at the above definitions and examine whether International Relations truly reflect the emotions and desires of the people of the erstwhile Soviet-bloc. It could help to understand the principles of Realism, Marxism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, the major international relations theories to substantiate this study. Equality was what it preached. No doubt, the business class had to share its spoils with the working class, but on the whole, Marxism sought to suppress the feudal system of class discrimination. Realism was more State oriented. It chose to look at national interests more than others. Security and power is their aim. Despite the fall of the cold war, America is seen as the global policeman. Despite rising poverty and unemployment at home, America is more preoccupied with interests elsewhere. Liberalism is what the younger generation craves for. Independence and basic needs and wants are their vision. In the light of the revelation, it has become clear that the critical theory of International Relations is a jig-saw puzzle indeed. In the words of the Mahatma: â€Å"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being. Without interrelation with society, he cannot realize his oneness with the universe or suppress his egotism. His social interdependence enables him to test his faith and to prove himself on the touchstone of reality† Mahatma Gandhi, 1929, sums up the real thoughts of our young couple at Trafalgar Square.... There are two schools of thought, one looks to strengthened international law and international organizations to preserve peace; the other emphasizes that nations will always use their power to achieve goals and sees the key to peace in a balance of power among competing states. (R. Aron, H. J. Morgenthau, F. S. Northedge, and M. J. Grieve, www.answers.com/topic/international-relations) In other words, International Relations are the relationship between people of different races and divide. The world order is changing. Technology has brought people much closer. There is a general consensus that mankind is one and that this world is for all to share it equally. So what was it that attracted the majority of communist nations turn to the Liberals and Realists Critical Analysis In the context, it is worthwhile to take a look at the above definitions and examine whether International Relations truly reflect the emotions and desires of the people of the erstwhile Soviet-bloc. It could help to understand the principles of Realism, Marxism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, the major international relations theories to substantiate this study. Realism is commonly defined as a concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realism#Realism_in_international_relations) Realists believe that hard power, a concept used in realism, refers to national power through military and economic means. This holds true with the foreign policy advocated by the United States. Realism focused on States and national interest. In a speech before his nation launched an offensive against Afghanistan, President Bush said, "We are supported by the collective will of the

Continuity and Change of Scribal Education Essay

Continuity and Change of Scribal Education - Essay Example ole in the dissemination of cuneiform literacy, which firstly appeared as an educational institution in the Old Babylonian period and was referred as Eduba, a Sumerian word meaning ‘the tablet house’ (Sjà ¶berg, 1974). One of the literary sources frequently mentioned is the royal Hymn dedicated to Ã…  ulgi, the king of The Third Dynasty of Ur. Ã…  ulgi is presented describing his scribal education and proclaiming himself a perfect scribe. The passage became a background for the supposition that scribal schools had already existed in the twenty first century BC, however this is unlikely since all preserved versions of this Hymn came from the Old Babylonian period and primary from the school tablets in 18th century BC (Kuhrt, 1995). Archaeological evidence provides the tablets mostly referred to the administration system (lists of agricultural items, receipts, taxation documents etc.). Therefore, both the archaeological and literary sources hardly allow locating the appearance of the organized school practices earlier than the Old Babylonian epoch. However we can speculate that some scribal training was provided. A wide range of administration tablets could not be produced without the extensive knowledge of cuneiform literacy. Moreover, the texts from Ebla mention that the group of young scribes arrived from North Babylonian Mari. These tablets possibly indicate that Babylonian scribes were sent to teach their foreign colleagues, as Mieroop suggested. His assumption allows the suggestion that scribal schools probably existed already in the third millennium, and this is only not proved because of the absence of archaeological evidence (Mieroop, 2007). We know old Babylonian Eduba due to the references found in literary sources. Apart from royal hymns, Eduba is mentioned in Eduba-Dialogues, describing the student life. Examination Text A provides information about exams in scribal school. Another frequently quoted source is ‘Schooldays’ that contains a vivid

The theory to the Study of International Relations Essay

The theory to the Study of International Relations - Essay Example It is worthwhile to take a look at the above definitions and examine whether International Relations truly reflect the emotions and desires of the people of the erstwhile Soviet-bloc. It could help to understand the principles of Realism, Marxism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, the major international relations theories to substantiate this study. Equality was what it preached. No doubt, the business class had to share its spoils with the working class, but on the whole, Marxism sought to suppress the feudal system of class discrimination. Realism was more State oriented. It chose to look at national interests more than others. Security and power is their aim. Despite the fall of the cold war, America is seen as the global policeman. Despite rising poverty and unemployment at home, America is more preoccupied with interests elsewhere. Liberalism is what the younger generation craves for. Independence and basic needs and wants are their vision. In the light of the revelation, it has become clear that the critical theory of International Relations is a jig-saw puzzle indeed. In the words of the Mahatma: â€Å"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being. Without interrelation with society, he cannot realize his oneness with the universe or suppress his egotism. His social interdependence enables him to test his faith and to prove himself on the touchstone of reality† Mahatma Gandhi, 1929, sums up the real thoughts of our young couple at Trafalgar Square.... There are two schools of thought, one looks to strengthened international law and international organizations to preserve peace; the other emphasizes that nations will always use their power to achieve goals and sees the key to peace in a balance of power among competing states. (R. Aron, H. J. Morgenthau, F. S. Northedge, and M. J. Grieve, www.answers.com/topic/international-relations) In other words, International Relations are the relationship between people of different races and divide. The world order is changing. Technology has brought people much closer. There is a general consensus that mankind is one and that this world is for all to share it equally. So what was it that attracted the majority of communist nations turn to the Liberals and Realists Critical Analysis In the context, it is worthwhile to take a look at the above definitions and examine whether International Relations truly reflect the emotions and desires of the people of the erstwhile Soviet-bloc. It could help to understand the principles of Realism, Marxism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, the major international relations theories to substantiate this study. Realism is commonly defined as a concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realism#Realism_in_international_relations) Realists believe that hard power, a concept used in realism, refers to national power through military and economic means. This holds true with the foreign policy advocated by the United States. Realism focused on States and national interest. In a speech before his nation launched an offensive against Afghanistan, President Bush said, "We are supported by the collective will of the

Tobacco advertising should be banned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tobacco advertising should be banned - Essay Example â€Å"Each year smoking kills some 431 000 people in the community, 110  000 of them in Britain† – such lamentable statistics is suggested by Vickers (p. 1995). Hence, addiction to cigarettes remains to be an important and relevant problem for people in Europe and this problem may be straightforwardly related to tobacco advertising. It is definite fact that tobacco advertising should be banned and such kind of publicity for product which kills people’s lungs and takes away its lives should be prohibited. Actually, â€Å"in 1999, the European Parliament approved a ban on all forms of advertising for tobacco products† (K.M. Lancaster and A.R. Lancaster, 41). This decision is considered to be appropriate and wholesome. There are some straightforward reasons for such an idea and they are absolutely logical and reasonable. The essential point which is worse to mention is stopping children to become addicted to the cigarettes. It is suggested that five of six adult smokers commence this horrible addiction at the age of sixteen (Vickers, p. 1995). This is the time of rebellion and adolescent extremist orientations. Children in that age do not realize all consequences and harmfulness of cigarette addiction. And three influential factors which induce young people to smoking addiction due to Nelson (808) are: They all are connected and presuppose young person to harmful habits like smoking for example. Advertisements itself is related to social environment sphere as we can observe them everywhere in the streets, on television or newspapers. We are a consuming generation, so advertisements are considered to be our environment. At the same time an appealing advertisement may attract attention of young generation and encourage them to buy a pack of cigarettes. Such advertising compose a wrong perception of what cigarettes are and what implications their usage may cause. Moreover, advertising campaigns create false

Green buildings, global warming and clean energy Essay Example for Free

Green buildings, global warming and clean energy Essay Man’s failure to act today could result in an unsustainable planet characterized by warmer temperatures that may snowball out of control, it would lead to extinction of certain animal species, an increase in sea levels thus causing more natural disasters such as hurricanes or numerous diseases, less water availability in third world countries thus leading to conflicts amongst them and the spread of tropical diseases such as malaria. (Mc Carthy, 2001) Consequently, it is incumbent upon man to establish ways in which he can reduce global warming. This can be achieved by using the right kind of energy i. e. clean energy since this is responsible for emission of greenhouse gases which cause global warming. The paper shall dwell on how man can achieve the latter through green buildings. II. Claim of fact A) The major problem being tackled is that of global warming. Studies have shown that the amount of green house gases found in the atmosphere tend to stay there for a very long time. This means that global w is a harsh reality that may not disappear without human intervention. (Schneider, 2002) 1) Increased diseases and disasters Firstly, the phenomenon of global warming is going to cause warmer climates in the Northern parts of the world such as the United States. Consequently, vectors such as mosquitoes will increase tremendously. This implies that diseases such as malaria may start appearing in such countries. The future generation of Americans has a right to be protected from such a predicament because current occupants did not have to deal with such a problem. One only has to look at how some third world countries are having a difficult time handling this matter in order to understand the seriousness of the issue. Meteorological forecasts have shown that if the earth gets warmer, oceans and other water bodies will keep on rising. This means that the occurrence of hurricanes will be much more than it had been previously imagined. In 2004 and 2005, the country was plagued with very deadly hurricanes that caused tremendous damage to concerned parties. Since there is a possibility of preventing such occurrences, then individuals must carry out their responsibility of ensuring that it is enacted. (Godrej, 2001) One of the worst outcomes of this problem of global warming is extended periods of droughts and prolonged heat waves. A number of countries in the world still depend on natural rain alone to grow their crops and as sources of water. These third world countries currently face the problem of water shortage and the situation could get worse if droughts keep occurring. Such situations could cause a strain among affected communities thus leading to conflicts or war. These developing nations have provided Americans with numerous investment opportunities and any problem that arises in those regions could tremendously affect individuals within the US. (Nordhaus, 1998) 2) Economic consequences If there will be more disasters occurring in the world, then one cannot undermine the economic consequences that the US itself will be grappling with. The hurricanes in New Orleans caused losses amounting to billions of dollars. The country cannot afford more disasters such as these because its economy will begin staggering in ways that had not been anticipated. The loss of lives and property among future generations could ruin their economy and it is therefore negligent for current citizens to merely sit by without doing something about it. In close relation to the latter mentioned scenario is the emergence of tropical diseases. Developing nations spend so much money treating such diseases. Additionally, the lives lost as a result cause huge dents in their economy. The same thing could happen to the United States and other western nations if nothing is done today. (Van Arsdol, 2004) 3) Melting ice caps Lastly, the problem of global warming can and has caused melting of ice caps that could lead to other consequences as shown below; a) Rising sea levels b) Global outbalance c) Endanger plant and animal life d) Snowballing temperatures If global warming continues unabated, then chances are that ice caps will keep melting and the excess water will head to the oceans and seas. Currently, glaciers and permanent snow account for five point seven million cubic miles worth of water. If even some portions of this ice were to melt into water, then seas and oceans could rise by dozens of feet. Since this may occur gradually, then chances are that those low attitude regions will be ruined by this. (Clout, 2008) If ice caps continue melting, then chances are that the ecosystem as we know it today would be thoroughly messed up. This is largely because ice caps emanate from fresh water. If they are redirected into the sea, then the sea would loose its saltiness thus leading to a distortion of gulf currents. What this means is that ocean currents will change temperature conditions within Western Europe and North America. This means that organisms that had become accustomed to those temperatures will no longer survive in such adverse conditions. Melting ice caps will affect animal and plant life owing to the fact that these creatures will have new climatic conditions. Since not all life can change at such a fast pace or in accordance to present circumstances, then chances are that only the most adaptable will remain. This means that so many species may become extinct. Future generations will never get a chance to see such life or benefit from them. Ice cap melting can cause snowballing temperatures because ice caps are important sunlight reflectors in the world today. If they are reduced, then chances are that only the oceans will be able to reflect off sunlight. However, compared to ice caps, oceans are much darker in color yet dark colors tend to do more absorption that reflection. This implies that the earth will keep getting warmer, more ice caps will keep melting and the cycle continues. (Maslin, 2004) B) Demographics of the study The latter study will focus on the United States as the primary geographical region. However, some generalizations applicable to the rest of the world will also be done. In terms of corrective actions, the study will target some of the things that The United States citizenry can enact in order to curb this problem. Consequently, the research will focus on some of the changes that persons from all ages can enact in order to deal with such the problem of global warming. Since the highest numbers of buildings are found in cities, then this research will target Metropolitan areas within the country. III. Claim of value If man does not take action now, then chances are that global arming will exert a heavier impact on him. The situation can spiral out of control and this harms people who may not have caused it in the first place. For instance, persons in the third world produce minor fractions of carbon emission to the atmosphere but will be the first to feel the effects of droughts and other natural disasters. Global warming needs to be taken as a personal responsibility by all members of humanity. It is a known fact that the one of the greatest pollutants within this age is man. He has the ability to make conscious decisions that do not just benefit him alone but his surroundings as well. (Holton et al, 2003) A. Description of my angle 1) It is man’s personal responsibility It would be selfish to live for only today without thinking about how future generations would survive. If this earth’s forefathers had taken up the same attitude, then current generations would not have been alive today. Part of man’s responsibility is to ensure that he makes the earth sustainable for himself and his descendants too. (Lange et al, 2008) The latter view is one held by environmentalists and other individuals interested in preserving the environment. Part of what constitutes morality in man is his concern for his surroundings. If every single individual lived for himself or herself, then the world would be a chaotic place. Additionally, it has been argued that failure to take action today could lead to a great amount of risk. While some parties hold that global warming is not a real concept, the effects that could arise if the phenomenon was not real are still quite positive. The country and indeed the world would have much more to loose if it turns out that global arming is real and nothing was done about it rather than if it turns out that it was not real and something was done about it. 2) It would be costly to the economy In a report released by the UNEP during the year 2001, it had been asserted that not doing anything about global warming could cost the country up to two hundred billion dollars worth of revenue. The consultants who attended the latter conference asserted that this could rise to five hundred or one thousand billion dollars in subsequent years. If man may not be moved by the environmental issues that are affecting him, then perhaps these staggering economic figures could be shakier. 3) Whether it is a natural or man made processes is irrelevant The truth of the matter is that man has the ability to alter a natural process since this natural process is negative. Regardless of the fact that global warming may be a natural or artificial process, a rise in temperature will destabilize the environment. This means that biodiversity will decrease and so will food production. The current rising populations will not be sustained by their food production efforts and this could be very disastrous as it could cause millions of death. The latter scenario can even be compared to a practical occurrence. If one was to find out today that he or she was going to die, then it would not make sense to find out whether that death is due to natural or man made causes. All that really matters is that the person gets some help to prevent the death from occurring. Opponents of global warming may claim that this is nothing but a natural process. However, whether or not it is a natural process does not change the negative effects that it could cause to man. It is therefore essential to understand that such a global system can be altered for the betterment of society. B. Description of counter claims to this value 1) Right wing politicians and industrialists stand point Other groups claim that global warming effects are not as adverse as some people may claim. In fact such attitudes have infiltrated into political decisions within the Country. During the past presidential regime, the United States has been one of the least enthusiastic western countries in terms of its environmental sustainability policies. Some politicians believe that the country ought to dwell on â€Å"more pressing† issues such as the need for energy security. Consequently, such individuals have assented projects that increase carbon emissions in the atmosphere with little regard for the effect that this may have on the earth’s climatic conditions. In the US, industry lobbyists tend to oppose the views held by environmentalists and their actions are usually supported by right wing politicians. Traditionally, left wing politicians tend to be concerned about the overall good of society while right wing leaders tend to concentrate on building a capitalist economy. These perspectives have often led to a locking of horns when it comes to environmental issues such as global warming. (O’Hare, 2005) 2) Lack of â€Å"hard facts† Some skeptics claims that global warming as a phenomenon still leaves so many questions unanswered. They assert that there is a lack of compelling evidence to show that these effects will actually occur. In fact, some maintain that most effects are mere forecasts. In close relation to the latter angle is the fact that some scientists believe that global warming is a way in which the earth can balance off certain excesses. For instance, while temperatures may be going up in other parts of the world as a result of the phenomenon, others in the North East American region will be going down thus showing that the system will balance itself out. Adherents to this theory claim maintain that when an anomaly occurs such as a hurricane, then this will be labeled as a piece of evidence by environmentalists. These opponents further add that global warming enthusiasts tend to disregard contrary occurrences even when this is representative of common weather patterns. For instance, a study conducted along US coast lines some time in 2006 found that greater death rates have been recorded there because of increased population and wealth in these coastal towns and not as a result of greater intensities of the hurricane or as a result of global warming for that matter. Also, some scientists believe that the earth’s rising temperatures could be as result of coming out of the ice age. (Hardy, 2003)In other words, they claim that it is very normal for earth temperatures to increase since this is just a phase. 3) Business men’s stance on the matter A certain crop of individuals are not as enthusiastic as environmentalists when it comes to global warming. These individuals are businessmen whose work entails emission of carbon particles. The latter are required to invest heavily in â€Å"green† strategies that may cost their businesses a lot of revenue. Most of these business men tend to look for ways in which they can circumvent such obligations and one way in which they do this is by claiming that global warming effects are not that prevalent or they do not exists. They therefore posses ulterior motives in holding such a point of view. (Allaby, 2004) IV. Claim of policy A) Methodological plan to solve the problem The problem of global warming can be solved by embracing clean energy through the use of green buildings. Focus is on the United States because the latter country is at the centre of the world economy and its initiatives can serve as an example to other countries of the world that also need to embrace this fact. The latter country needs to pass legislations for designated residential and commercial houses to be green buildings. Statistics on the need for green buildings indicate the following;

Divorce by Ivan Klima :: Divorce Ivan Klima Short Stories Essays

Divorce by Ivan Klima In the short story entitled â€Å"Divorce† by Ivan Klima a judge makes an important decision that will affect him for the rest of his life. The decision maybe by this man, a Judge named Martin Vacek was for the better. Loyalty and dedication is more important than lust and romance. Judge Martin Vacek displayed true honorability when he decided to stay with his wife rather than go off with a younger, more attractive, recently divorced woman. His decision completely ignored his inner most feelings. Love didn’t overcome him. This was extremely unusual. Society has showed most of the time that love can prevail over anything. According to Martin that wasn’t the case. He proves that being loyal is number one to him. The Judge proves to be a noble man and I think the choice he made was the right one. A man who has been with married for 30 years show great loyalty. When the judge has a passionate and erotic night with a slim, finely built, smooth skinned, who has not one wrinkle one her skin, and who is twenty years old you would think that he found the perfect woman. In his eyes he has but chooses not to be with her. He finds her attractive and just feels an electric impulse when he is with her and when he speaks his soft words he actually makes this woman melt like butter. Martin hasn’t experienced this reaction towards him in a long time so this woman is main him feel outrageously special. So considering all the things he displayed what would Judge Martin Vacek do when she asks him â€Å"what’s the point of such a marriage Martin?† He answers with the absolute opposite of what she wanted to hear. She was waiting for Martin to say something to let her know that she is more special than his wife, but that wasn’t the case. Due to his decision Judge Vacek loses out on an amazingly gorgeous twenty year old girl but keeps his wife of thirty years who he has no feelings for. Martin had a chance to change his mind and make her still

Childhood Influences Impact the Writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay

Childhood Influences Impact the Writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald On Wednesday February 12 of 1890 F. Scott Fitzgerald's parents were married in Washington D.C. Six years later on September 24, 1896 Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was born at his home 481 Laurel Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota. His two infant older sisters had died from a violent influenza so that by the time Fitzgerald came along Mollie Fitzgerald had become the proverbial nightmare that known as an overprotective mother. Fitzgerald's mother was no traditional mother though, for she was known for her eccentricities. These eccentricities disturbed young Scott's life, "Fitzgerald later described his mother as 'half insane with pathological nervous worry'" (Bruccoli 15), but nothing worried anyone in the family so much as his father's failure to hold down a job. It was because his father lost his job as a wicker furniture manufacturer and salesman the family was forced to move from St. Paul to Buffalo in April of 1898, where his father began work for Proctor and Gamble. In January of 1901 the family moved from Buffalo to Syracuse where Edward had been transferred by his employer and where, on Sunday July 21, 1901 Scott's younger sister Annabel was born. Just two years later the family was back in Buffalo and just five years after that the family had returned to St. Paul and Grandma McQuillan's money. Grandma, born Louisa McQuillan, was a widow. Her husband Phillip Francis McQuillan was a man of Irish ancestry who had been a successful business man and grocer and when he died at age 43 he left behind a good $500,000 dollars to the family. Because of their financial problems the Fitzgerald family was often reliant on family money to survive. The Fitzgera... ...-occupation with glamour describe some of the main themes of his writing and indeed were some of the main themes of his childhood. Works Cited Bruccoli, Matthew J. Some Sort of Epic Grandeur. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, 1981 Caudle, Bill. "F. Scott Fitzgerald Walking Tour of St. Paul, MN". January 8, 2003. September 9, 2003 <http://home.att.net/~caudle/fscotwlk.htm> Prigozy, Ruth. "The Fitzgeralds". F. Scott Fitzgerald Society. September 9, 2003. <http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index.asp> The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina. "Quotations". January 28, 1997. University of South Carolina. September 9, 2003 <http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/quotes/quotes1.html>

Learning Activity for Western Civilization Essay

Western society was broken up in estates. These estates were the Church, the Nobility and Peasantry. Imagine contemporary western society has now been divided into three estates. I would say that it will be broken up as follows: the Political class, the Wealthy class and the Working class. Although we lived in the same country we were broken down into estates. The Political class, were considered the â€Å"law makers†. This included the President of the United States, Judges, lawyers and anyone dealing with politics. They were majority men and dressed in the finest custom made suits around. Politicians only associated themselves with other politicians and the wealthy class. This was because the wealthy often funded the Politicians. The wealthy class, were individuals who were either born wealthy or became wealthy and was able to maintain the lifestyle. If you were a person of wealth, you would be known by your appearance. A person of this class dressed in the most expensive garments made by famous designers. They lived in lavish homes located in the best neighborhoods in town. They also drove the finest cars. Their children lived the same lifestyle as their parents. Then we have the working class. These individuals made life easier for the Political and Wealthy class. The reason was because they were expected to work for money. This meant that the jobs or work that the upper classmen did not want to do, the working class did. They lived in an entirely different part of the neighborhood or town. When you see the average working class person, they dressed in lower end clothing, such as someone who shops at the Goodwill or thrift store. This was because they were underpaid for the work they performed. So could only afford the inexpensive items included the vehicles. These were people who were proud in whom they were and did not care to fit in with other estates. This is how I believe contemporary western society would be broken into if we were still in medieval society.

Foundation Broad Cost Leader Essay

This practice exercise will help you understand the relationships between business strategy, tactics, functional alignment, and the Foundation ® simulation. We will use the Chester Company for this example. (During the practice rounds, each company is assigned a different strategy.) You will execute your plan by inputting the decisions described below. At the same time, your competitors will execute their assigned plans. The practice exercise will take three rounds As each round is processed, you will evaluate the results and then input the next round’s assigned decisions. Upon completion of the practice rounds, the simulation will be reset to the beginning. You can then create and implement your own strategic plan for the actual competition. Executive Summary The Chester team will adopt a Broad Cost Leader strategy, maintaining a presence in both segments. We will gain a competitive advantage by keeping R&D costs, production costs, and raw material costs to a minimum, enabling us to compete on the basis of price. Our Cost Leader orientation will allow us gain a competitive advantage based upon low prices. We will increase automation levels to improve our margins and to make it acceptable to run overtime (which we can also view as a second shift). Vision Statement Low priced products for the industry: Chester brands offer solid value. Our primary stakeholders are bondholders, customers, stockholders and management. Research and Development (R&D) We will keep our existing product line and launch one new product in order to maintain a presence in both the Low Tech and High Tech segments. We will work to keep our products up to date (i.e. Size and Performance) in each segment despite high automation levels. Marketing We will maintain awareness and accessibility. After we establish our cost leadership position we will revisit our situation to decide whether sales and promotion budgets should be reduced or if we should keep pace with our competitors. Our prices will be lower than average. Production We will significantly increase automation levels on all products. However, because automation sets limits upon our ability to reposition products with R&D, we automate more in the slower moving Low Tech segment than in the fast moving High Tech segment. We will prefer overtime to capacity expansions. Finance We will finance our investments primarily through long-term bond issues, supplementing with stock offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are not adverse to leverage, and expect to keep debt/equity between 2.0 and 3.0. PRACTICE ROUND 1 Follow the decisions below. After the practice rounds are complete and the competition rounds begin, you are free to choose a different strategy; you are not obligated to continue as a Broad Cost Leader. R & D Round 1 Cake – Reduce reliability (MTBF) to reduce material cost. Example: Reduce MTBF from 21000 to 18000. Do not reduce MTBF below 17000 hours, because that is the lower limit of acceptable reliability (MTBF) for High Tech customers. New Product – Launch a new High Tech product, with a project length less than 2 years (no later than December of next year). Example: Name: Cedar (replace the first NA in the list), performance 9.0, size 11.0 and a reliability (MTBF) 20000. 1 Important: Under the rules of the simulation, the names of all new products must have the same first letter as the name of the company. Important: With the exception of the new product, make certain that the projects complete during this year before December 31st. Under the rules, a new project can only begin on January 1st. If these projects do not complete before the end of this year, you cannot begin follow-up projects next year. Perceptual Map from the Research & Development Spreadsheet: Product names in black indicate the product’s current location, names in magenta indicate the product’s revised position (with slight revisions, the names will overlap). Names of newly invented products appear in magenta. Marketing Round 1 Cake – Make moderate price cuts and decrease promotion and sales budgets. Forecast unit sales near last year’s level. Example: Price $33.50, promotion budget $800, sales budget $800. Forecast sales of 1300 units. New Product – Marketing decisions will be made next year when the new product is ready to begin production. Production Round 1 Production schedules will plan for eight weeks of inventory. That is, have enough inventory on hand to meet demand eight weeks beyond the sales forecast. This requires a 15% inventory cushion (8/52 = 0.15). For example, suppose Marketing forecasts demand at 1000, and you have 100 units in inventory. You want 1000 x 115% = 1150 available for sale. Since you have 100 on hand, you would schedule 1050 for production. If you cannot meet demand, sales go to competitors. Therefore, you want to plan for the upside as well as the downside. Your proforma balance sheet will forecast about eight weeks of inventory. You hope that your actual sales will fall between your sales forecast and the number of units available for sale. Schedule production for your existing product using this formula: (Unit Sales Forecast X 1.15) – Inventory On Hand. Cake – Increase automation level by 1.0 point. New Product – Buy 300,000 units of capacity by entering 300 in the Buy Sell Capacity cell. Set an automation level of 3.0. Important: There is a one year lag between purchase and use of new capacity and automation for both new and existing products. 2 Important: Make certain the Cake project completes during this year, before December 31st. Under the rules, a new project can only begin on January 1st. If a project does not complete before the end of this year, you cannot begin follow-up project next year. Finance Round 1 Your fiscal policies should maintain adequate working capital reserves to avoid a liquidity crisis. Working capital can be thought of as the money that you need to operate day-to-day. In Foundation ® working capital is current assets (cash + accounts receivable + inventory) – current liabilities (accounts payable + current debt). If you run out of cash because your sales are unexpectedly weak, an Emergency Loan will be issued. Here are some guidelines to help you avoid an Emergency Loan. Your proforma balance sheet predicts your financial condition at the end of this year. Make conservative sales forecasts. Do not rely on the computer prediction. Override it with a forecast of your own. If you are conservative, it is unlikely that your worst expectations will be exceeded. Next, build additional inventory beyond your conservative expectations. This forces your proforma balance sheet to predict a future where your sales forecast comes true and you are left with inventory. (If you sell the inventory, that’s wonderful.) On the Finance spreadsheet, issue stock, bonds or current debt until the December 31 Cash Position for the upcoming year equals at least five percent of your assets, as displayed on the proforma balance sheet. This creates an additional reserve for those times when your worst expectations are exceeded and disaster strikes. As you gain experience with managing your working capital, you will observe that the guidelines above make you somewhat â€Å"liquid,† and you may wish to tighten your policy by reducing cash and inventory projections. That is fine. The better your marketing forecasts, the less working capital you will require. Match your plant investment with a long-term bond. If you do not have sufficient new bond debt capacity, issue stock to cover the shortfall. Do not pay a dividend. Save decisions (select â€Å"directly to the website†). PRACTICE ROUND 2 R & D Round 2 Cake – Improve positioning and reduce age. Reduce reliability (MTBF) to reduce material cost. Example: Increase Cake’s performance to 6.7, reduce size by 13.0, and reduce MTBF to 17000. New Product – Note that the new product’s row is yellow instead of green, and that you cannot change these cells. This is because your product will not emerge from R&D until its current project completes. Under the rules of the simulation, new R&D projects cannot begin until the old one completes. 3 Marketing Round 2 Cake – Offer a price cut to $32.50. Hold promotion and sales budgets near current levels. Cake will still sell to both Low Tech and High Tech customers. Enter a forecast of 1100. New Product – Price at $44.00, Promotion at $1000, Sales at $1000. Since Cedar won’t be ready to enter production until well into this year, so enter 200 for sales forecast. Production Round 2 Schedule production using the formula: (Unit Sales Forecast X 1.15) – Inventory On Hand Important: As your new product is coming out sometime during the year, you might not be able to use the above formula – new products cannot begin production prior to their revision (release) date. Should the number you enter into the production schedule turn red, reduce the schedule until the red number turns black. Cake – Increase automation by 1.0 or 2.0 points. New Product – Increase automation level, but only by 1.0 points. We will want to begin repositioning it next year in order to keep it fresh for High Tech customers. The higher the automation rating, the more difficult it is to reposition. We must strike a balance between our cost pressure requirements vs. our need to reposition often. FINANCE ROUND 2 Match your plant investment with a long term debt (bond). If you do not have sufficient new bond debt capacity, issue stock to cover the shortfall. Look at the proforma balance sheet, and add together your Cash and Inventory accounts. Apply the following rule of thumb. Keep between 15% and 20% of your balance sheet assets in Cash plus Inventory. You do not care about the mix, but you do want to have adequate reserves to cover unexpected swings in inventory.

Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory In The 21st Century Essay

Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory is often regarded as the most comprehensive personality theory and the first in its area of study to theorise human behaviour but through the ages Freud has raised numerous debates on whether his theory of human behaviour has been more controversial or influential. In this essay, I will argue that the Psychoanalytical Theory made a significant contribution to the field of psychology by critically evaluating how Freudian ideas influenced subsequent theorists. Furthermore I will discuss its relevance in the 21st century whilst not neglecting to highlight the reasons why Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory is criticised as a personality theory. In the Psychoanalytic Theory, Freud structured the personality into three levels of consciousness, namely the conscious, preconscious and the unconscious. Amongst these three Freud is commonly known for â€Å"discovering† the unconscious and it became the core element to Freud’s theory. Freud further defined the structural elements of the psyche (the id, the ego and the superego) (Meyer, Moore & Viljoen, 2008:52). These components of Freud’s theory remain important since they are still to some extent used to explain how the human psyche functions. It is evident that Freudian ideas of the unconscious laid the foundation for future personality theorists such as Carl Jung who’s Analytical Theory too focused on the unconscious mind (Meyer, et al., 2008:95). Another personality theorist Freud influenced is Erik Erikson who was an Ego Psychologist. Psychologists in this area of study elaborated on the ego which was originally theorised by Freud. Erikson’s theory is regarded as one of the most useful psychological theories and several concepts formulated by him such as psychosocial development, ego strength and identity crisis are part of our everyday vocabulary today (Meyer, et al., 2008:95). It is clear in my above examples that Freud did influence subsequent theorists whose theories are still relevant in the field of psychology today. Certain concepts of Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory are still relevant in the 21st century such as dream analysis, free association and defence mechanisms. These psychotherapy techniques are being used and expanded upon in modern day clinical psychology. According to Hurd (n.d.), Freud is the most popular dream theorist known today, and his ideas are still drawing water a century after he wrote his magnum opus: The Interpretation of Dreams. Freud stated that dreams are a result of our repressed desires and that they have more meaning  to them than we acknowledge. He believed that dreams were the portal to our unconscious and that through analysing a person’s dreams a therapist could effectively treat the patient’s illness. With Freudian thoughts on dreams in mind, several current neuroscientists are uncovering the possibility that dreams play a role in childhood learning (Hurd, n.d.). Furthermore, Freud’s relevance in the 21st century is that his concept of defence mechanisms is still seen in other theories of psychology today. This is supported by Cramer (2000) which states that developmental, personality and social psychologists have all found evidence for defence mechanisms. Freud saw defence mechanisms as a strategy with which a person could deal with their anxiety and unfulfilled desires. Some of the most common defence mechanisms which have integrated themselves into every day speech are terms such as regression, sublimation, denial and projection. Through the ages we have absorbed more of Freudian idea than we thought, but it is impossible to avoid Freud’s shortcomings. The most controversial aspect of his theory is based on the fact that he placed emphasise on the sex drive being the primary motivating source for human behaviour. Freud focused too exclusively on sexuality and not enough on interpersonal and social conditions. He was also criticised for his view on female development with regard to the Electra complex in the phallic stage. Furthermore the Psychoanalytic Theory was criticised since it was seen as vaguely defined and lacked any empirical research. In conclusion, despite his shortcomings Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory has made an important contribution to the field of psychology through being a catalyst to the thoughts of subsequent theorists. Freud’s most valuable contribution to society is his theory of the unconscious mind which is still being expanded on today. Furthermore his contribution to modern day clinical psychology psychotherapy approaches cannot be ignored. A testament to the validity of Freud’s theory is that it is even today being debated many years after his death and the debate is not close to being concluded. Therefore he is relevant in the 21st century since his ideas have percolated through generations and subsequent personality theories. References: Beystehner, K.M. (n.d.). Psychoanalysis: Freud’s Revolutionary Approach to Human Personality. Retrieved from http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/beystehner.html Cramer, P. (2000). Defence mechanisms in psychology today. Further processes for adaptation. American Psychologist, 55(6):637-46 DOI: 10.1037//0003-066X.55.6.637 Hurd, R. (n.d.). Contemporary Dream Theories Starting with Freud. Retrieved from http://dreamstudies.org/2009/11/19/freudian-dream-theory-explained/ McLeod, S. A. (2011). Bandura – Social Learning Theory. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html Meyer, W.F., Moore, C., &Viljoen, H, G. (2011). Personology: From the individual to ecosystem. Sandton: Heineman Publishers.

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 24

Case study - Essay Example In this case, resources such as time and management costs have been taken into account and through the initiative, the total cost of keeping neighborhoods and communities safe are spread across a continuum of responsible entities (CESAR, 2001). Prior to initiatives like this, the justice department which comprises of the courts and the police was tasked with overlooking the security of the community. However, following increased population and development of real estate structures, the eyes of the justice system cannot keep the communities safe. If more police officers are to be recruited into the force, more funds will be needed despite the fact that national security budget is at all-times high. The collaborative initiative offloads some of the responsibilities expected from the justice department helping to conserve resources that can be used in other sectors. Additionally, the collaborative initiative helps in the recovery of communities categorized as HotSpots as they help residents to regain normal lives and to adjust to the limitations on their lifestyles (CESAR, 2001). Among the partners in the collaborative initiative include police, members of the community, and prosecutors as well. However, based on the structure of the initiative such that it aims at making the best out of the community members, the role played by prosecutors is undermined by the very objective of developing the initiative. Members of the society look forward to participating in the initiative but the presence of prosecutors projects a rather negative image regarding the role of the initiative. For instance, under the community prosecution results of the initiative, it shows that prosecutors were included in the initiative to draft and implement judgments and sentences that suit the community. In one way, this approach is acceptable as it ensures that communities with less resources and thriving as lower class would not be subjected to

Essay on social work's theory Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

On social work's theory - Essay Example roviding services (e) with most of these services located within the context of the welfare state and (f) social work is a composite of knowledge, skill and values (Ife, 1997). This has been the traditional framework within which social work has been existing, but this is becoming â€Å"increasingly out of step with the reality of the contemporary practice context†.(Ike, 1997: 12). The hitherto existing system has produced an increase in individual worker case loads, with less levels of control over one’s work while also faced with ethical dilemmas. The disparity between the traditional role that has been ascribed to social work and the reality of actual practice has resulted in critical reviews being instituted of the existing theories that drive social work and how they can be improved. This essay will examine and critique two specific social work theories (a) crisis intervention theory and (b) feminism. A crisis occurs when there is a source of stress that arises in the environment. There are three interrelated factors that are responsible for the generation of a crisis (a) a hazardous event which poses a threat (b) the threat is posed to the person’s instinctual needs, which may also be linked to earlier threats that may have occurred, thus making a person vulnerable to the threat and (c) the inability to respond appropriately to the crisis with an adequate level of coping mechanisms.(Rapoport, 1965:25-26). Dealing with crises is an integral part of social work, because it is a time when people need help. Situations presenting danger or opportunity call for effective decision making by social workers. The crisis theory states that in a developmental or situational crisis, the habitual ways of coping do not work, either because the situation is too new and has not been anticipated or because the events in question are too overwhelming for individuals to deal with. The underlying assumption of the crisis theory is that there are a number of needs, such as

What if Machiavelli and Voltaire met for lunch to discuss war and Essay

What if Machiavelli and Voltaire met for lunch to discuss war and politics - Essay Example Niccolà ² Machiavelli, born 1469 in Florence and died 1527, and Voltaire, real name Francois Marie Arouet, born in Paris in 1694 and died in 1778, would obviously never have met in life, despite the fact that Machiavelli , the statesman as well as political theorist, traveled widely as a representative of his native Florentine state, and Voltaire traveled to various European countries. However it is possible that, though coming from geographically and chronologically separate places, they may have shared some ideas, despite the differences of their backgrounds and the more than 200 years which separate their births. They both for instance had problems with authority. Both outspoken men, this imaginary luncheon might not have gone well unless they could find common ground. It must be asked what language would they speak? Which wines would they prefer? What would the menu be? Both had traveled. Would Italian, French, German or even English food be on the menu? Where would they meet? S witzerland, always neutral, seems the ideal place, in distance, as well as being a place where both had traveled. Presumably one of them could suggest a good place to meet. This essay will consider which ideas were important to these two profound thinkers whose influence has extended beyond their own generation, topics they feel to be so important that they would be discussed when they met, wherever and whenever that might be. ... I t is assumed by biographers3, but not proved, that he, attended the university in Florence. He certainly received a good education somewhere. In 1498 Florence became a republic and Machiavelli became a clerk in the republic’s service, quickly rising through the ranks. He would have been one of several intellectuals who considered historical and political problems in detail . Between 1498 and 1512 Machiavelli was entrusted with several missions on behalf of the Florentine republican state. While in France he was able to observe at first hand how a country was ruled by only one person., something at that time not happening in Florence. The first inklings then of ‘the Prince’ that was to come in 1513. When he returned home he found the republic in great trouble, as Cesare Borgia was attempting top carve out for himself a state he could rule as a prince in the area of Italy lying south of Florence as described by on the web page ‘Machiavelli’s â€Å"Th e Prince† a summary with quotations’ – anonymous and undated. In 1513 things had changed when the powerful Medici family again took charge. Machiavelli was arrested and accused of conspiracy, possibly even tortured. . He was known as an analyzer of political powers, perhaps he analyzed too closely for the comfort of his rulers. Soon pardoned he withdrew himself from the public arena and turned to a literary life, creating plays, comedies and poetry. He is best known for ‘The Prince’ was not published until 1532, well after his death . The main thrust of the work is that in order to maintain his authority any acts of a ruler are justified. He must have ‘virtu’. This is not the same as virtue, i.e. goodness, rightness or morality, but rather can be translated as prowess, skill or

How significant was the production of goods in Roman London's economy Essay

How significant was the production of goods in Roman London's economy - Essay Example With the conquest, however, in AD 43, a series of developments occurred which helped to make London a central place for trade and the production of goods. Firstly, the building of roads was crucial to development as they gave access in and out of London, and secondly, the building of a bridge over the Thames ensured the effectiveness of the new roads. As ships were passing up and down the river, the bridge also became an important â€Å"terminus† for traffic.1 There has been much historical debate about the initial purpose of London for the Romans; some have argued that its origins were purely military, while others have argued that it was set up purely as a commercial centre of civilian origins. The available evidence does not make it entirely clear but a reference from Tacitus suggests that London was â€Å"teeming with merchants and a famous city of commerce.† Importantly, Merrifield highlights that Tactius use of the word negotiatores, instead of the commoner word mercatores, suggests that the merchants he referred to were engaged in financial and commercial transactions on a higher level.2 In these early years of the Roman occupation, Boudiccas revolt in AD 60 had important consequences for London. The rebels were brutal in the treatment of London and its inhabitants. According to Bedoyere, this was the first great fire of London, so fierce it even melted bronze coins. Archaeologists have uncovered a â€Å"thick burnt layer deep under the ground† as testament to its severity. After the revolt, the Romans heavily fortified London, building a huge wall, almost two miles long. It was in the two decades after Boudicca that the commercialisation began. Bedoyere states that the Romans turned London into a â€Å"full-scale miniature Rome†, perhaps to restore their pride after the revolt. They built a forum and a huge basilica in the heart of the

Sports in canada Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sports in canada - Essay Example The most common sporting events are ice hockey, soccer, basketball, Canadian football and lacrosse. Sporting activities in Canada serve as a unifying factor for its people who come from different backgrounds of diverse cultures and traditions. This diversity sometimes acts as grounds for disunity and discord amongst the citizenry, and it has been found out that Sport breaks through all these invisible barriers erected by people between each other. Canadian sports are characterized by having a rich history and strong national values are attached to some sports activities. This is a discussion about the significance of Canadian sports and the different roles and purposes it plays in Canadian society. Canada was home to Native Americans who are referred to as Indians, and they are the aboriginal inhabitants of Canada. The aboriginals used sporting activities to strength and foster strong inter-clan relations that were vital for their survival and general wellbeing. Sporting activities i nitially developed from people’s daily chores, and as new ways of doing things developed, older ways of doing things was done just for leisure and amusement. Just like other people from different civilizations, Canadian aboriginals used sports to practice their survival skills. ... porting activities that can accredited to the Native Americans are lacrosse, archery, toboggan, canoe races and spear throwing which was later converted to javelin throwing (Morrow & Wamsley 98). In the early development of sports, in the ‘First Nation’ as some people call Canada was faced with a couple of challenges like exploitation, ethnocentric distortion and racism (Canadian Encyclopedia ). This was especially rampart in the minority groups including black and Native Americans. These minority groups were initially not allowed to participate in the same events as white Europeans by virtue of their skin color and racial background (Canadian Encyclopedia). This has been overcome through various legislative and policy changes in the laws and regulations governing sporting activities in the country. Over time, this has contributed to significant changes in the way sport is perceived by members of the Canadian society. The sporting tradition in Canada helped encourage and foster national cohesion amongst its people especially between the Native Americans and the occupying Europeans. Sports enabled these two groups to interact on an equal platform where there were no restrictions or boundaries separating them. In modern times, sports in Canada have evolved to become a way of life for some of the more than a million Canadians who play games like ice hockey as part of their a lifestyle. Canadian sport is characterized having two seasons for sport because of the climate in the region. Canada experiences snowfall for the better part of the year thus necessitating the development and adaptation of sporting activities that are suitable to these conditions. A good example of such a sport is ice hockey which is synonymous with Canada all over the world (Morrow & Wamsley

Gender and Sex Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Gender and Sex Worksheet Essay What is gender? What is sex in biological terms? Are gender and sex the same thing? Explain why or why not? Gender is a subclass within a grammatical class (as noun, pronoun, adjective, or verb) of a language that is partly arbitrary but also partly based on distinguishable characteristics (as shape, social rank, manner of existence, or sex) and that determines agreement with and selection of other words or grammatical forms (Merriam-Webster). Biological term for sex is ones biological classification as male or female which is set into motion at the moment the sperm ertilizes the egg (Intro To Sociology, 2009). Gender and Sex in my opinion are not the same. Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women, gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. How do gender and sex contribute to the concepts and constructions of masculinity and femininity? According to Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc (2013), â€Å"Culture determines gender roles and what is masculine and feminine. What does it mean to be a woman or man? Whether we are women or men is not determined just by our sex organs. Our gender includes a complex mix of beliefs, behaviors, and characteristics. How do you act, talk, and behave like a woman or man? Are you feminine or masculine, both, or neither? These are questions that help us get to the core of our gender and gender identity. † Do our concepts of gender and sex contribute to the ways we embrace gender and sex in diversity? Yes, I do feel that our concepts of gender and sex contribute to the ways we embrace gender and sex in diversity. I feel that we look at males as the ones who are supposed to be the readwinner, the rough and tough kind of person and we look at females as the ones who are supposed to be the sweet and kind caregiver at home taking care of the house and kids and being the emotional one, when it can be the other way around. Do our concepts of gender and sex contribute to our understanding of sexual orientation? Explain. Yes, I feel that our concepts of gender and sex contribute to our understanding of sexual orientation in many ways. We have a understanding of what each gender is and what they provide, causing us to make a decision on who we want to be with in life.