Argument Against Gun Control Essay

Final Paper: Argument Against Gun Control The argument on firearm regulation has been a heated discussion for many years. On one side of the debate, we have people in favor placing restrictions on guns, while, on the opposite end of the spectrum, we have people fighting the regulation of guns. People in favor gun restrictions believe gun control can reduce crime ,while, the people against gun control believe having the right to bear arms is an effective crime deterrent. I believe that every law abiding citizen should be able to carry a gun and defend themselves against people who intend to harm them.Gun control laws are simply ineffective and they have an adverse effect on crime. Instead of reducing crime, gun control laws just simply take guns out the hands of good people and puts the guns into the hands of the bad guys. Gun control laws do not deter criminals from possessing firearms. Whether or not there’s a law restricting gun use, criminal will always find a way to get a gun because criminals are less likely to obey laws. That’s why they are called â€Å"criminals†. Also there’s no law that can stop the supply and demand of the illegal arms trade. If there’s money to be made in the black market, someone will profit from it. Criminals can easily obtain a gun through the black market. An unnamed felon was quoted, â€Å"There’s guns everywhere. If you got the money you, can get a gun.† If a criminal wanted to get a gun,they are not likely to walk into a store to buy one. Therefore, they could care less whether they had a background check or not. No law can stop criminals from arming themselves to protect themselves. Most criminals have lots of enemies and they rather get caught with a gun than get caught without one. (Stossel). The more gun control rules and regulations there are, the happier the criminals will be, for they know the more gun laws there are the less chance they have of having a crime victim defend themselves with a lawfully-owned  firearm. In many right to carry states, crime statistics are lower than the states with gun laws. The reason why is because guns are used more defensively than criminally. Criminals are usually rolling the dice when they are targeting law abiding citizens in right to carry states. (Polsby) Criminals do not fear the police or other authorities. What they fear most is the citizens who might be potentially armed. It makes it harder for criminals because they do not know what to expect from them if they’re planning to rob them. They’re either fortunate to have an unarmed victim or they become a victim with a citizen that is ready to shoot and defend their families. (Stossel). Gun control laws only affect the citizens who follow the law. The law does not apply to the criminals. Regardless if theres a gun ban or not, criminals will find a way to obtain guns. The gun laws have no way in curtailing the illegal arms trade. In Chicago, handguns are not for sale legally. Only shotguns, rifles and ammunition can be bought with people with a Firearm Owners Identification Card. The Chicago area is one of the most difficult places to legally obtain a gun. In order to get a gun license, people have to go through a background check and wait up to a month to legally carry a weapon.(Polsby). While it is difficult to legally possess a gun, it is way more easier to illegally carry a gun in Chicago. There are thousands of unregistered firearms in the streets with thousands more coming in every month. Banning the sale handguns in Chicago makes no difference as well too. People can go elsewhere to buy a gun. They can go out of town or even out of state to buy a gun with Indiana and Wisconsin in close proximity.(Moorhouse and Warner). Another example why gun control law are ineffective is the staggering increase in crime in England since they imposed a ban on guns. In 1997, England passed a ban on all guns, which makes it illegal for all citizens to carry guns. England’s gun sanctions made it one of the most strictest law in the world. The new law only created an illusion of the country being more safer. Instead of reducing crime, the law put it’s citizens at the mercy of criminals who are well assured that their would be victims are unarmed and defenseless. In the two years after the law was enacted, gun related crimes  increased to 40% and armed robberies rose to 53%. From 1997 to 2001, violent crimes more than doubled. People are six times more likely to be robbed at gunpoint in London compared to New York. In the United States, the occurrence of home burglaries is 13% because the majority of burglars fear armed homeowners more than they fear the law. England’s burglary statistics are 5 t imes higher compared to the United States at 55%. England’s gun ban created the unintended consequences of lawlessness in the streets, as well as, it did not stop criminals from possessing guns and committing crimes. (Malcolm) Even in the United states where states and cities that passed strict gun laws have found them to be ineffective. The places where gun control laws are the most strictest are places that have the most crimes are committed with firearms.(Piquero). Of the 15 states that have the highest homicide rates, 10 have very restrictive gun laws. New York, for example, has one of the most restrictive gun laws in the nation has 20 percent of the nations total of armed robberies. Another example, Washington D.C., since guns were banned in 1976 the murder rate has risen 200 percent. In Chicago, the city consistently had one of the highest homicide rates in the nation since they enacted a ban on gun in 1982. In May 2010, a month before the Supreme Court overturned the ban, Chicago already had 113 homicides for the year.(Piquero). Since gun restriction laws were repealed by the Supreme court in 2010, Chicago and Washington D.C. received significantly lower crime rates. The murder rate in Chicago in the first six months of 2011 is 14% lower than the first six months of 2010. This is the first significant drop in the murder rate since gun sanctions were first passed in 1982. In 2008, the Supreme Court lifted the gun ban in D.C. in the case of the District of Columbia vs. Heller. Since the gun ban was repealed, the murder rate in D.C. has dropped 35% from 2008-2010. The rate of assault with weapons decreased by 37% and armed robberies fell as well too by 25% (Lott). These statistics further prove how ineffective gun control laws are. Not only they do not work in reducing crime they create adverse effects on crime. Instead, they make the problems worst. I believe that the right to bear arms is an unalienable right and I don’t believe that government have that right to take it away. I feel that all citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families. Gun laws restricting the use of guns does not help law abiding citizens. These laws only take away the ability of each citizens to defend themselves and makes us helpless against criminals. Gun control only creates an illusion that a society is safer and it does not solve the root cause crime. One cannot solve the crime problem by just simply taking away guns. The crime problem goes way deeper than just guns. Criminals will find a way to get guns regardless if theres a strict law or not . Most criminals are opportunist and having a strict gun law only gives them the opportunity to commit more crime with less worry about that person being armed. I believe that there is other ways to fight crime, however, I don’t believe gun control is the answer to making our world a safer place.

Requiment Essay

Healthcare United aims to be the number one provider of Healthcare professionals in Australia. Healthcare United is an organisation that currently employs 1,500 Healthcare professionals with two sites, in Victoria and NSW and seeks to expand its operations and open another office in Hobart. As an organisation our vision is to provide: The best qualified and trained human resources available for clients. Up-to-date technology in all services for both clients and staffs. Innovative best practices and procedures from both inside and outside the organisation. Best facilities and procedures in a competitive environment. To address the future needs of organisation, Healthcare United aims to recruit a future 500 or the best possible healthcare professionals available, in three stages, over the next five years. 2. Executive Summary Healthcare United is a healthcare provider and currently employs 1,500 Healthcare professionals with two sites, in Victoria and NSW. They recently developed a new strategic plan that involves opening another office at Hobart. Part of their HR plan is to employ 500 workers in three stages. An analysis and review of Healthcare United’s 2000 and newly developed 2010 policies and procedures for recruitment and selection have been conducted in this report. Conclusions have been made from the comparison between the 2000 Healthcare United recruitment and selection guidelines and the newly developed 2010 Healthcare United recruitment and selection policy and relevant legislation. Recommendations have been made for the changes necessary to improve procedures and the overall process of Healthcare United’s recruitment and selection policies and procedures, based on current research. 3. Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to review analysis and compare Healthcare United recruitment and selection policies and procedures for the year 2000 and 2010 for the following 5 key areas: Timeframes Personnel involved Documentation Training Monitoring and evaluation Conclusions have been made from the comparison between the 2000 and the newly developed 2010 recruitment and selection policies and procedures. Recommendations have been made for changes to the 2010 policies and procedures to improve the newly developed recruitment and selection policies and procedures at Healthcare United. 4. Analysis and Review: Healthcare United 2000 and 2010 Recruitment and Selection Policies and Procedures The following is the analysis and review of 2000 and 2010 recruitment and selection policies and procedures: Key Area 2000 2010 Timeframe The whole selection process from: analyse the vacant position position description lodge an advertisement short-list applicants interview preparation interview applicants reference checks Total: 35 to 51 days The whole selection process from: analyse the vacant position position description lodge an advertisement short-list applicants interview preparation interview applicants reference checks Total: 14 to 21 days maximum. Personnel Involved HR department will assume major responsibility for the recruitment and selection of staff, the training of required personnel and supporting documentation. Managers will support the managers in role. Managers will assume major responsibility for the recruitment and selection of staff, the training of required personnel and supporting documentation. HR department will support the managers in role. Documentation All vacant and new positions will be advertised internally and externally for ten working days unless special exemptions apply and be advertised online and in leading national newspaper. All positions must first be advertised internally for a minimum of ten working days in the HU newsletter before being advertised externally for a period of ten working days. Training HR department will hold the training for all new employees. Manager will hold the training for all new employees. Monitoring and Evaluation HR department will monitor and evaluate each new employee about their work performance. Managers will monitor and evaluate each new employee and report it to HR department about their work performance. It can be noted from both the 2000 and 2010 Healthcare United’s recruitment and selection policy and procedures make no reference to all relevant legislation for the recruitment and selection processes. However 2010 policy and procedures briefly mention that Healthcare United is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. 5. Conclusions and Recommendations 5. 1 Conclusions It can be concluded from the analysis and review of 2000 ; 2010 Healthcare United policies and procedures for recruitment and selection processes that 2010 policies and procedures are superior to those of 2000 in all key areas in term of efficiency and effectiveness of the recruitment and selection processes. For example, 2010 policy and procedure envisage a timeframe of maximum 3 weeks which is for efficient in selecting the best candidate when compared to the 2000 policy and procedures which specify selection processes requiring 35-51 days. Also, 2000 policy and procedure require participant of a large number of HR personnel when compare to 2010 where only the department managers are principally involved with the HR a support role only at all stages of recruitment and selection processes. 5. 2 Recommendations It is recommended that the newly develop 2010 policies and procedures for recruitment and selection should be adopted by Healthcare United for its recruitment and selection processes for future employment needs. However, the 2010 policies and procedures should include the provisions of legislative Acts, such as Anti- discrimination and the latest individual relation laws and regulations in addition to the EEO laws already included for the recruitment and selection processes.

French writing Essay

Aujourd’hui je vais parler de Chris Dean qui est un basketteur ami ricain qui est ni le dix-huit juin 1981 dans l’Ohio. Di s son plus jeune i ge, il a montri son talent pour le basket-ball et n’a pas arri ti de s’ameliorer afin qu’il devienne le meilleur. Chris a assisti Schol haute St Mary i Akron, oi en tant que freshman premii re anni e, il becams un starter pour leur i quipe premii re, il affiche en moyenne vingt-et-un points par match et a meni une victoire record. Dean a conduit ila St Mary vicroties consi cutives et a   surnommi â€Å"Mr Basketball† et becams le premier joueur de St Marie i i tre si lectionni pour jouer pour les Etats-Unis i quipe premii re. Doyens stats contunued pour ami liorer jusqu’i ce qu’il soit attribui â€Å"gatorate nationales joueur de l’anni e† et qu’il i tait i ce moment son nouveau surnom â€Å"King Dean† est devenu un aliment de base des mi nages dans l’Ohio. Dean a continui ami liorer sa troisii me saison il affiche en moyenne 39 points par match et asurnommi † Monsieur basket pour une troisii me anni e consi cutive et a i ti si lectionni pour l’i quipe ami ricaine d’abord un temps de unpresidented tiers. Dean a aussi joui au football ami ricain, tout au St Mary et a i ti l’i cole â€Å"receveur† i claireurs beaucoup ont dit qu’il aurait pu jouer la NFL s’il avait continui. Dean a fait ses di buts d’abord dans 2003 quand il a i? si lectionni par le Caveliers Cleavland dans le projet de joueur. Plus tard dans la saison, Dean mener la caveliers i une victoire de point de 41 et becams le plus jeune joueur i marquer quarante points dans un match. Il a i ti nommi â€Å"recrue MBA de l’anni e† en vue de ce fait. Dean a continui i jouer pour la Caveliers pour sept saisons jusqu’i ce qu’il soit transfi ri i la chaleur de Miami en 2010 pour un record de 19. 000. 000 dollars, ce qui est la plus grosse somme jamais consacri i un joueur. Plus tard cette anni e, il a i ti surnommi â€Å"joueur le plus utile MBA. † Plus tard dans la saison, Dean a accompli sa plus grande riussite et a termini premier dans la ligue de MBA pour la premii re fois, en moyenne 33 points par match, i galant Michael Jordens enregistrer et i venir en avance sur le li gendaire Wade Dwayne qui a termini deuxii me avec 29 points par match. Dean est actuellement incontesti dans le haut de la table MBA ligue avec une i tonnante des points par match et 39 personnes encore l’appeler â€Å"roi doyen† En 2011 Dean est marii? Sophie Millard et ils ont eu deux enfants. Je pense que dans la saison ivenir Dean tentera d’ami liorer ses statistiques encore plus et peut-i tre une moyenne de quarante points par match, battant le record de Michael Jordan du 39. J’ai i crit au sujet de Chris Dean parce qu’il a i ti mon basketteur pri fi ri depuis qu’il a commenci sa carrii re et il m’a inspiri pour prendre le jeu, et, ce faisant, j’ai accompli de nombreuses ri alisations de la mienne, par exemple jouer pour Kent club de basket, je l’espi re de continuer i soutenir le doyen jusqu’i sa retraite du basket-ball.

Differences between Ethics and Law From Bioethical Point of View Essay

Differences between Ethics and Law From Bioethical Point of View - Essay Example Although there is a boundary between laws and ethics, the boundary does not separate them sufficiently. This paper seeks to define law and ethics and in the process try to bring out the difference between the two. Ethics comes from the notion of rights and wrongs within a given society. These wrong and rights are based on actions we would expect others to do for us in return. We are thus forced or expected to do to other people, as we would wish them to do to us. With time, these expectations have been developed into principles that define ethics in a given society. On the other hand, laws are developed and imposed by the government to enhance harmony among members of a given society1. This implies that laws are generally accepted in a given society as guiding principles if they create a difference between wrongs and rights. The government, through peoples representatives, creates laws for a given society and not the vice versa. For these laws to be generally acceptable, they must fu lfill the society’s requirements for wrongs and rights. Laws are therefore developed from existing ethics and imposed by the government to mediate the relationship between members of a particular society. An example of a common ethic in medical practice is treating emergency cases urgently. A similar law created by the government would state that all emergency cases brought to a hospital should be attended within the shortest time possible. The law would continue and give penalty for defaulters. Similarly, ethics have attached consequences that stipulate actions to be taken on defaulters. Laws are therefore developed from existing ethics for them to be generally accepted by a given society2. The development of laws from existing ethics implies that laws are just extensions of ethics and hence related. Due to general acceptance principle, ethics are unwritten rules that mediate between people of a given society. On the other hand, laws have a wider coverage and varied interpre tations that require preservation in writing. Ethics of a given society do not require to be kept in a written format since people are aware and ready to commit to them. Ethics are therefore established on people’s conscience eliminating the requirement of written a document. For a code of conduct to be accepted as an ethic in a given society, people must have the ability to recall it when a need for application arises. Therefore, some institutions have a written document that stipulates the code of ethics that must be upheld by the members of such institution. For example, health institutions have a code of ethics document for medical practitioners. Elimination of ambiguity and preservation are the two main reasons for writing down laws. Ethics on the other hand are preserved in people conscience and passed from one generation to another. This factor weakens the difference between written and unwritten rules. Writing of laws is done objectively while ethics are preserved in people‘s consciousness for a similar objectives. This implies that the existence of laws as written rules and ethics as unwritten rules does not create sufficient difference between the two implying that laws and ethics are similar. Laws have to be approved by all arms of the government before being put into application. On the other hand, ethics do not require approval by any party since they are generally accept

Fine art ba Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8000 words

Fine art ba - Essay Example Developments in the field of Art and Architecture emerged from the Classical to the Modern. There is indeed a clash within the academe as to how art and architecture must be assessed in the same respect to that of the general public or the viewers who have been hostile and unreceptive, in most cases, to the new form and standards of art and architecture that emerged and presented by the artists and innovators themselves. This is the condition that shows why Art Historians are busy rewriting art history. This is applicable to Lego since the said toy became a method in artistic production which will be discussed on the latter part of the dissertation. In this paper, there is an investigative, critical and synthetic approach and analysis as to how the Lego art and architecture, the external influences to the concept of construction, and the development of the style throughout time, in all aspects reflect the status and condition of Modern Art and Architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright will be dealt with in this paper as well since he is one the well-known architects that formulated new designs and conventions in terms of architecture. There will be an assessment of the modes of artistic production, specifically on the conception of form, the conventions of the work of art, the aesthetic appeal, the social context and observe clearly what are the difference and similarities among the three and the possible influence of one to the other. Also, the dissertation will try to investigate further the ambivalent connections of the aforementioned stylistic concepts. In achieving a cohesive and synthetic assessment of the matters that pertain to the subject being tackled, there will be a thorough deliberation of the relation of the aforementioned topics to its social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. Inevitably, these contexts provide a crucial playing field for the flourish and failures that art and architecture faced

Interpreting Crime and Criminals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Interpreting Crime and Criminals - Essay Example The biggest social phenomena of juvenile delinquency, is posed by the basic question in this regard: why do juveniles turn to crime? According to Cathy Spatz Damon & Joan Mc Cord (2001), there is a range of contributing factors such as prenatal care, differences in temperament, family influences, peer relationships, an impact of school policies towards delinquency and the broader influence of the neighbourhood and community. Back in the 1950’s, there weren’t any significant laws that differentiated between juvenile and adult offenders. It is with the recent spate of violent crimes, that the biggest social change to affect juvenile deliquescent criminals, has been the ongoing recriminalizing of juvenile crime with equal severity. To understand the consequences of such offences, it is essential to clarify the vital statistics in achieving a qualitative description of the offending criminals. Based on MET records and secondary evaluation, the following parameters have been identified: 1)Mean perceived likelihood of prosecution by prior arrests. 2)Mean perceived likelihood of prosecution by type of injury. 3)Arrest frequencies for different offence categories. 4)Felony type by gender in percentage. 5)Felony type by race in percentage. 6)Felony type by prior arrests in percentage. 7)Adjudication in percentage. 8)Adjudication by felony type. 8)Adjudication by gender. 9)Adjudication by . 10) Disposition. All these parameters comprise part of our questionnaire directed at PC constables.

Total Quality Management Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Total Quality Management - Article Example The first approach conceptualizes TQM as a limited set of technical tools(such as statistical process control and Pareto analysis) while the second approach views TQM as part of broader changes to human resource (HR) practices. Soft TQM corresponds to human factors like commitment, team work and so on which contributes to organisational performance. It plays dual roles. One is to create an environment where seamless diffusion and implementation of hard TQM can take place, and the other is to directly affect organisation's performance in the same way that traditional human resource management (HRM) practices impact organizations. (Ahire et al. 1996). Hard TQM tools tend to be more profound in companies that adopt strategies to increase stakeholder commitment and incorporate the views of employees in decision making processes. It views the organization on the whole as a system. It can be concluded that soft TQM will affect elements of hard TQM, in addition to having a direct impact on performance. In this study Organisational performance is expressed using seven variables used by (Samson and Terziovski, 1999) amongst six variables of soft TQM used by (Dow et al. 1999) and the four elements of hard TQM adopted by (Power et al, 2001). 1. ... 1. Direct effect of soft TQM on organisation's performance: Three (executive commitment, open organization and employee empowerment) of 12 soft TQM factors correlate to corporate performance (Powel, 1995). Again 3 (workforce commitment, shared vision and customer locus) of 9 factors influence corporate performance (Dow et, 1999). 2. Indirect effect of soft TQM on organisation's performance: Here soft TQM influences hard TQM for performance. A blend is required as attention to process, product and information technology may yield quality improvements, but ultimately it is 'people that make quality happen' (Bowen, 1992). Executives appear to understand that employee motivation, education and corporate culture all have an important role to play in efforts to improve quality, even if they are uncertain about how HR-based quality improvements can be implemented in practice (Bowen & Hart). 3. Direct effect of Hard TQM on corporate performance: Hard TQM contemplates in stressing continuous improvement and treat organization as total systems (Sitkin et al, 1994). For instance, product and process benchmarking has resulted in optimal product design and process cost reduction at companies such as Ford, Motorola, Xerox and General Motors (Main and Templin, 1992). Brief Description of areas investigated: A total of 3000 Australian manufacturing sites were surveyed of which 962 sites responded, yielding a response rate of 32 percent. A telephone survey of 108 non-respondents was conducted after the main survey, and no evidence of non-response bias was found (AMC, 1994). Since the survey instrument consisted of a large number of questions (a total of 260), the results of the survey were also tested for respondent fatigue. It was found that the

Relationship between technology and progress (or 2 other topics), Essay

Relationship between technology and progress (or 2 other topics), based on documents from book Thomas Edison and Modern America - Essay Example Therefore it has become necessary to ask this age old question once again. What exactly is the relationship between technology and progress? Is the change that is brought about by technology always positive? Is it at some point inevitable that once we accept the positive developments of technology we have at the same time have to accept its negative accompaniments? These are some of the questions that this paper shall seek to answer. There shall be a special focus on the book Thomas Edison and Modern America by Collins, Lisa and Gregory. There are three areas that I have identified in which the relationship between technology and progress is evident and straightforward. These areas are; an improvement in the quality of life, wealth creation, unemployment, the environment and transport and communication. I shall seek to discuss how technological inventions have brought about changes in the five named areas. This shall of course be done within the context of this book. Because it is ob vious that the perspective to be gained here is mostly from Edison’s day, I shall also include a few sentences to provide the modern context. This shall make up for an all rounded understanding of this relationship (Changing Times, p2). The first area to be looked at is the area of quality of life. This is also the most controversial area as far as the relationship between technology and progress is concerned. The reason that there is a controversy at the centre of this area is because there are varying views on what quality of life means. What constitutes an improvement in the quality of one person might be an unnecessary vexation to another (Not Just An Idea, p 28).. There are several inventions made during Edison’s time that improved the quality of life of the people then. The light bulb for instance comes to mind. Before Edison invented the light bulb, many people used other rudimentary forms of lighting like oil lamps. These were known for the chocking fumes they produced and also obviously because there were not bright enough. It can’t also be ignored that oil came at a cost (Edison's Sparks of Interest noted in the New York Sun). The other lighting that was used in the day was gas lighting. It was however seen a dangerous. Edison used his skills to homes located in a square mile around Pearl Street, Manhattan. It is important at this point to however state that Edison did not invent the light bulb. The light had been scientifically and technologically available half a century earlier. He merely made it commercially available. He also built an electrical system around which it could operate (pg 60). There are many technologies in the present day that have affected the lives of people as much as the light bulb and the electrical system did the. The most important thing about the light bulb is that it allowed people to have the access to lighting and energy in general. The electrical system on the other hand, was the basis for several other inventions. It provided inventors with a source of light and energy from which other inventions were made (Notice from the Edison Company for Isolated Lighting, November 1885). Today, there is one technology that I can think of that has made as much impact. It is the computer. The computer by itself has been an amazing invention. We can use it for typing documents e.t.c. However, that is not where the main significance of the computer is to be found. The

Crisis Communicaitons Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Crisis Communicaitons Plan - Essay Example It outlines major methods for reacting to these situations in a quick and effective manner. It is the principal goal of this Crisis Communication Plan to set up guidelines for handling the recent controversial situation and to ensure that school staff are well familiar with these procedures as well as their roles in this situation. The Crisis Communication Plan is designated to be utilized along with the common decision-making hierarchy of the school and in no way supplants this decision-making process. While addressing the media and the general public, the school will deliver factual data and messages that will be most beneficial to the school and to the school district. We aim at helping the mass media through provision of information which will enable them to air unbiased and true information about the school, which will not discredit the its position as a reliable educational establishment and educational leader. In all procedures of communication, the school will set up a positive opportunity for the general public that will position the educational sector as a whole (Crisis Communication Plan: Nonprofit Toolkit). Messages about the drug abuse problem and alleged involvement of our school teachers in drugs delivery will be solution oriented, responsive and directed at effective action. They will reinforce the school’s leadership position. The following School Communications Plan will serve as a guide to crisis communication for our school. Its overall purpose is to facilitate management of communications in the context of crisis. It includes necessary organizational considerations. The next section will inform about the objectives of the plan. 4. Successfully manage the data distribution, in particular dissemination of crucial and sensitive information to the sources of the mass media, which will make the current data available for the members of the public, staff

Fears & Phobias Opinion Paper Essay Example for Free

Fears Phobias Opinion Paper Essay â€Å"A strong dislike of flying is a fear, whereas a pathological fear (an intense, uncontrollable, unendurable, physical fear) is considered to be a phobia† (Rob Kelly). Not many people know the difference between fears and phobias neither did I until I began researching for my project. Many people have fears such as a fear of mice or a fear of the dentist. For some people there fears are very minor but what happens when a fear takes over a person’s entire life and disrupts their daily activities to the point they can no longer continue on with their day, it than turns into a phobia. â€Å"The number of people who suffer from phobias is estimated at more than 6 million people in the United States† (Melissa Stoppler). In today’s society many people don’t thoroughly understand what a phobia really is and how much of an issue a phobia can really be because of this people who do suffer from phobias and aren’t aware may think that what they’re going through is normal and is just a fear. The problem with people having this disorder is that not treating a phobia can change a person’s life drastically simply because they individual is giving the phobia more time to grow and dominate their life. It can become so drastic to the point they can push away any tasks that they are meant to complete on a daily basis and decide not to do anything that may lead to their phobia actually taking place. An example of this could be a man with a phobia of dogs; yes many people are afraid of dogs but what if the man decided to never leave his house due to the fact that there might be a slight chance of him having an encounter with a dog. Society isn’t aware of the actual impact that this disorder can cause. Fears and Phobias is a mental illness but many people aren’t aware of that. Because of the many stigmas attached to mental illness when people here about Fears and Phobias and someone being treated for this illness they are labeled as someone who is distressed or being delirious. â€Å"Coupled with their own feelings of sadness, these individuals often do not seek help† (cmha.ca). Due to the labels that come with Fears Phobias and the individuals own feelings of embarrassment and guilt they may decide to not get help for their situation even though there is a treatment available. A common stereotype associated with fears and phobias is the meaning of both of the words â€Å"The difference between fears and phobias is really in degree of suffering. Though both words are often used as if their meaning is the same† (Elly Prior). Most people think that fears and phobias both mean being afraid of something which isn’t true just as Elly said it depends on how much the person is suffering from their fear if they are able to function every day or not. Society believes that fears and phobias aren’t a real concern and don’t deserve to be a mental illness. I feel as if the reason society feels that way about this is because of the individuals who suffer from it to the point it dominates their lives decide not to get help or share their story. While researching for this CPT I chose to do case studies so when I started my search there weren’t as many as I thought there would be. To me that was proof about what I’ve learned about people suffering from this disorder.

Detection of Copy Move Forgery

Detection of Copy Move Forgery J.Reethrose B.E., Dr. J. P. Ananth M.E., Ph.D., Abstract—Digital images are easy to manipulate and edit using some editing software. So it is difficult to identify the duplicate images. Copy-move manipulations are common form of local processing, where parts of an image are copied and reinserted into another part of the same image. The problem of detecting the copy-move forgery describes an efficient and reliable detection and detects duplicate image regions. Most detection algorithm focused on pixel basis. In this paper propose a new approach to detect forgery image such scale, rotate, etc. Keywords—copy-move forgery, SIFT, LSH, RANSAC. INTRODUCTION Copy-move forgery is one of image tampering, were a part of the image is copied and pasted on another part of the same image. This copy-move forgery is easily done by some editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. Normally the human eye does not easily find out the copied region. The regions may be scaling or rotation type of manipulations. The goal of copy-move forgery is detecting duplicate image regions. The most common image manipulation techniques involve the following Removal of objects from the image. Addition of objects in the image. Change the objects appearance in the image. The most common of these three manipulations is removal of undesired objects from the image. Digital image forgery detection techniques are classified into active and passive approaches. In active approach, the digital image requires some pre-processing such as watermark embedding or signature generation at the time of creating the image, which would limit of their application in practice. Moreover, there are millions of digital images in internet without digital signature or watermark. In such scenario active approach could not be used to find the authentication of the image. Unlike the watermark-based and signature-based methods; the passive technology does not need any digital signature generated or watermark embedded in advance. Fig 1.1 Classification of Forgery detection techniques GENERAL DETECTION PROCEDURE Copy move manipulations result in duplicate image regions, which practical forensic analyses examine in terms of robust feature representations of parts of the image. Analyzing the image is very important before the preprocessing. After optional preprocessing (e.g., color to grayscale conversion), the image is transformed to the feature space. Feature representation is finding the duplicate region. There are so many methods used to find the duplicate image such as DCT (Discrete Cousine Transform), DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform), and PCD (Principal Component Analysis). A set of feature vectors represents local image characteristics and is inspected for similarities in a matching procedure. This is achieved either by splitting the image into small blocks, which are then transformed separately, or by finding salient key points and extracting feature vectors based thereon. The matching procedure is finding the similarity of duplicate image blocks. Some of the matching algorithms are k- d tree, Sorting, Nearest Neighbour Search, and Hashing. Similar feature vectors or their corresponding coordinates in the image plane. False positives in the matching procedure are pruned in a final error reduction step. The error reduction step is finding the duplicate image region. Fig 2.1 General copy move detection pipeline PROPOSED SYSTEM Accordingly, digital image forensics has emerged as a new research field that aims to reveal tampering operations in digital images. A common manipulation in tampering with digital images is known as region duplication, where a continuous portion of pixels is copied and pasted to a different location in the same image. To make convincing forgeries, the duplicated regions are often created with geometrical or illumination adjustments. There are various method used in the existing system. DWT (Discrete Wave Transform) used to reduce dimensionality reduction. But it does not find the rotation and scaling. Lexicographic Sorting and Counting Bloom Filters are also used in the existing system. But it cannot find solution of scaling and rotation. It does not remove the noise. The Zernike moment is easy way to find the copy (-rotate-) move forgery. This method is still weak against scaling or the other tempering based on Affine transform. Existing System has the drawback of computational com plexity and does not find accuracy of the duplicate image regions. In recent years, several methods have been proposed to detect region duplication for the purpose of image forensics. These methods are based on finding pixel blocks that are exact copies of each other in an image. Such methods are most effective for the detection of region copy-move, where a region of pixels is pasted without any change to another location in the image. A common form of digital tampering is Copy-Move forgery, in which a part of the image itself is copied and pasted into another part of the same image to conceal an important object. Because the copied part come from the same image, its important properties, such as noise, Shape, color and texture, will be compatible with the rest of the image and thus will be more difficult to distinguish and detect. In the preprocessing stage the RGB image is converted into grayscale image. Apply SIFT algorithm using to find the keypoints. SIFT Algorithm is used to detect the keypoint localization. Good keypoints and features should represent distinct locations in an image, be efficient to compute and robust to local geometrical distortion, noise, illumination variations and other degradations. Here, present SIFT features detection method to find the duplicate. Specifically, to detect the locations, of potential duplicated regions, we first detect SIFT keypoints in an image. The detected keypoints are matched using hashing algorithm. We can use the matched SIFT keypoints to estimate the affine transform parameters, but the obtained results are inaccurate due to the large number of mismatched keypoints. To find out the unreliable keypoints we use Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm then use the Affine transform. Finally detect the duplicate region. The following diagram shows the way to find the copy move forgery. Raw image is considered as the forgery image. Normally the raw image is RGB image. That RGB image is converting into gray scale. This is the preprocessing stage. Noise removal also includes the preprocessing stage. The steps involved in proposed method as follows. First step to find out the keypoints using SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform). Find the keypoints then perform the matching keypoints procedure. Matching keypoints is using the Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH). Matching is easy to find out the hash buckets. This hash is found the similar values or keypoints. Duplicate region is detected after matching. Find the duplicate region using the RANSAC (RANdom SAMple Consensus) algorithm. Fig 3.1 Block diagram of forgery detection A. Finding keypoints In the preprocessing stage the RGB image is converted into grayscale image. Apply SIFT algorithm for finding the keypoints. SIFT algorithm consist of the following stages: Scale-space extrema detection Keypoint localization Orientation assignment Generation of keypoint descriptors Good keypoints and features should represent distinct locations in an image, be efficient to compute and robust to local geometrical distortion, illumination variations, noise and other degradations. Here, to present a new region duplication detection methods based on the image SIFT features. Specifically, to detect the locations, of potential duplicated regions, first detect SIFT keypoints in an image. And compute the SIFT features for such keypoints. To ensure the obtained feature vector invariant to rotation and scaling, the size of the neighborhood is determined by the dominant scale of the keypoint, and all gradients within are aligned with the keypoints dominant orientation dominant orientation. B. Matching keypoints The similar keypoints can be found out using Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) technique. Previous year a k-d tree algorithm used to detect the keypoint. This is taken more time search to compute the similar values. Locality Sensitive Hashing easy to detect the similar values. Locality-sensitive hashing(LSH) is a method of performing probabilisticdimension reductionof high-dimensional data. The basic idea is tohashthe input items so that similar items are mapped to the same buckets with high probability (the number of buckets being much smaller than the universe of possible input items). This is different from the conventional hash functions, such as those used incryptographyas in this case the goal is to maximize probability of collision of similar items rather than avoid collisions. C. Duplicate Region RANSAC algorithm used to detect the error. This means SIFT produce the keypoints then Locality Sensitive Hashing used to find the similar keypoints. Locality Sensitive Hashing has the bucket. Each bucket contains the index that index contain the values of keypoints. RANSAC algorithm reduces the error. Instead of RANSAC using the Affine transformation. So it will easily to find out the error of scale, rotation and transformation of copy move forgery detection. CONCLUSION In particular the human eye does not easily find out the copied region. The regions may be scaling or rotation type of manipulations. The goal of copy-move forgery is detecting duplicate image regions. Copy move forgery is difficult to identify the duplicate image region. SIFT is used to detect the keypoints of given image. SIFT is Scale Invariant Feature Transform. So it focused to detect the Scale and transformation. Good keypoints and features should represent distinct locations in an image, be efficient to compute and robust to local geometrical distortion, illumination variations, noise and other degradations. Here, we present a new region duplication detection method based on the image SIFT features. Locality Sensitive Hashing detects the similar keypoints. Finally RANSAC algorithm used to find the duplicate image region. REFERENCE [1] Rohini. R. Maind, Alka Khade, D. K. Chitre â€Å"Robust Image Copy move Forgery Detection† International Journal of Advanced and Innovative Research (IJAIR) ISSN: 2278-7844, Vol. 2, Issue 8, 2013. [2] Yanjun Cao, Tiegang Gao , Li Fan , Qunting Yang â€Å"A robust detection algorithm for copy-move forgery in digital images† Forensic Science International 214 (2012). [3] Reza Oji â€Å"An Automatic Algorithm for Object Recognition and Detection Based On ASIFT Keypoints† Signal Image Processing: An International Journal (SIPIJ) Vol.3, No.5, October 2012. [4] Pradyumna Deshpande, Prashasti Kanikar, â€Å"Pixel Based Digital Image Forgery Detection Techniques† International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) Vol-2, Issue 3, May-June 2012. [5] B.L.Shivakumar, Dr. S.Santhosh Baboo, â€Å"Automated Forensic Method for Copy-Move Forgery Detection based on Harris Interest Points and SIFT Descriptors† International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 27– No.3, August 2011 [6] Xunyu Pan and Siwei Lyu,† Detecting Image Region Duplication Using Sift Features† IEEE, ICASSP, Dallas, USA 2010. [7] Seung-Jin Ryu, Min-Jeong Lee, and Heung-Kyu Lee, â€Å"Detection of Copy-Rotate Move Forgery Using Zernike Moments† International Conference on Information Hiding 2010. [8] Saiqa Khan, Arun Kulkarni, â€Å"Reduced Time Complexity for Detection of Copy-Move Forgery Using Discrete Wavelet Transform† International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 6– No.7, September 2010. [9] Sevinc Bayram, Husrev Taha Sencar, Nasir Memon, â€Å"An Efficient and Robust Method for Detecting Copy-Move Forgery† International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing – 2009. [10] Tehseen Shahid, Atif Bin Mansoor â€Å"Copy-Move Forgery Detection Algorithm for Digital Images and a New Accuracy Metric† International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering, Vol 2, No. 2, November 2009. [11] Aristides gionis, piote indyk, Rajeev motwani â€Å"Similarity search in high dimension via hashing 1999. [12] Prof. Unmukh Datta, Chetna Sharma â€Å"Analysis of Copy-Move Image Forgery Detection† International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (IJARCSEE) Volume 2, Issue 8, August 2013 [13] Frank Y. Shih and Yuan Yuan â€Å"A Comparison Study on Copy-Cover Image Forgery Detection† The Open Artificial Intelligence Journal, 2010, 4, 49-54 49

The Letters In Pride And Prejudice

The Letters In Pride And Prejudice To reveal how useful the letters are in Pride and Prejudice, we need to look at the history behind letter writing. Jane Austens novel, Pride and Prejudice was written in 1813. The main form of communication then was by letters. However, they did not have a Central Postal system that we have today, where if you want to send a letter or parcel urgently then it could arrive within a few hours, instead they had their mail sent by Mail Coach. Although, you could send the mail by express, which was where you would pay an extra amount of money to have your mail sent faster, for example Mr Gardiners letter in chapter 44 was sent by express. There were no separate envelopes so letters were folded and the address would be written on the back, often they would seal it using wax. If the letter was private then the writer may have made an envelope which would be made from simply folding paper. In chapter 35 Darcy makes an envelope for his letter to Elizabeth because it is so long. Paper would have been extremely expensive in Jane Austens time, so to save paper the writer would write in the margins making sure they used up every space upon the paper. The letters would have been written using a pen made from a quill feather, which would have been sharpened to a point and dipped in ink. The lost original first version of Pride and Prejudice was written in epistolary form and was called, First Impressions. Other eighteenth century authors wrote in this form. A twentieth century novel also written in epistolary form is, The Color Purple, Alice Walker. In total there are 40 letters either paraphrased or directly quoted in the novel Pride and Prejudice. Letters are useful because they give secrecy between two characters allowing for complete privacy. They allow the characters to express feelings they can never convey aloud, they have time to think. Letters allow one to reveal their thoughts more personally and intimately than they can in person. Staring at a blank page of paper is definitely less intimidating than looking into someones eyes. Letters allow you to communicate without travelling yourself. They are good for the use of invitations. Communication is such an important vitality, and letter-writing lacks the loss of words, stuttering, awkward silences, and uneasiness that conversations can sometimes carry. You can read a letter over and over again each time gaining a better understanding. In Chapter 36 Elizabeth reads the letter from Darcy intently it quotes, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ commanded herself so for as to examine the meaning of every sentence., she read and re-read with the closest attention., Again she read onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. They show that you can study a letter and read beyond the surface. As a reader a letter makes you feel as if you are prying. It gives you a quick coverage so you know what is happening in the novel. They are used to catch up with reasons of behaviour which advances the plot. From using letters it shows Janes ability to provide a variety and also break up the narrative at the same time. From the letters in the novel you can learn about the character of the writer and also the characteristics are revealed without being said bluntly. In the novel Pride and Prejudice, letter-writing is almost as much a form of communication as face-to-face conversation. In fact, letters provide some of the most intense and important climaxes in the story, not to mention some of the most intense secrets. This method that Austen uses effectively conveys the situation without any interruption or delay. The most obvious example of a letter revealing intimate feelings is Darcys letter in chapter 35.The content is informing her of the truth about Wickham. Darcy writes this letter to Elizabeth to apologise and explain for his behaviour. He writes it in a letter because he does not know whether he should reveal the truth to her. He writes You may possibly wonder why all this was not told you last night; but I was not then master enough of myself to know what could or ought to be revealed. He decides to confide in her. He says I write without any intention of paining youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This reveals that his character is not as arrogant as you are made to think about him and that he is considerate and sensitive which is everything Elizabeth needs to be reading at this time. He is focussed by sticking to the point and uses an anxious but calm tone. His letter is in detail and in great length. He uses a widened vocabulary and his style is varied. He is original and open-hearted. His letter shows that he is an educated writer. This explanation to Elizabeth is a crucial piece of text because it alters the way she thinks and her feelings towards Darcy and Wickham, Her feelings as she read were scarcely to be defined. Until he writes this letter, Darcy does not show his true emotions and feelings towards people. The letter is useful to Darcy because it lets him express his feelings that have been locked up inside him. He trusts Elizabeth enough to confide in her. A complete opposite of Darcy is Mr Collins. There are many distinctive differences between them. In chapter 13 Mr Collins writes to Mr Bennet to invite himself over to Longbourn. He writes the letter so he can meet the daughters and hopefully marry one, which will make him feel better about his inheritance. It is seen as being extremely rude inviting himself, but he assumes it will be acceptable. He writes a brief and formal letter in a pompous tone to reinforce gossip. He uses words such as: honoured, pleased and grateful to grovel and show his respect, especially towards Lady Catherine de Bourgh who he thinks the world of and boasts about knowing. He thinks he is really important by boasting about his position of the Church of England, he says, As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. This is an example of him flattering himself. He uses a good range of vocabulary to boast of his intellect. He is shown as being patronising towards the Bennets by saying and tha t the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbournà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ He likes to remind them that he will inherit their home which will make the Bennets annoyed. His letter is rushed I know this from the way he wanders around the point and does not stay focussed. From this letter it reveals that Mr Collins is already being recognised as a buffoon. Mr Collins and Lydia have similar traits. In chapter 47 Lydia writes to her friend Harriet to inform her that she is planning to secretly disappear to Gretna Green and elope with Wickham. She writes to brag, to send her apologies to Pratt for not being able to dance with him and also to ask Sally to mend a great slit in her worked muslin gown. Lydias letter does not take the plot further or introduce any new storylines. It is a very short and informal letter that is disorganised. All of the information is at random; this is proof that it has been rushed. Lydia shows no respect for the reader, she says, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦if you cannot guess who with, I shall think you a simpleton, She is also inconsiderate towards her family, she writes, You need not send them word at Longbourn of my going,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, for it will make the surprise the greater, when I write to them and sign my name Lydia Wickham. From writing this it shows Lydia to have no concern for possible consequ ences and that she is self-centred. She uses short sentences and a giddy tone, she writes, What a good joke it will be! She does not take anything seriously; everything is a big joke to her. She writes carelessly and with simple vocabulary which suggests her naivetà © and silliness. Lydias letter gets across her character as being selfish, immature, unsophisticated and definitely inconsiderate. One may think that sisters would share the same characteristics but Janes letters in chapter 46 proves that she is nothing like Lydia. Janes letters are to Elizabeth and are about Lydias unexpected elopement with Wickham to Gretna Green. Jane wrote these letters to Elizabeth to inform her of the event and to urge her to return home. Janes letters are long and detailed and are written in a more mature tone than Lydias. They are written in a formal manner. She is also informative and uses a variety of sentence lengths. She uses words such as imprudent and exigence which show her use of a more complex vocabulary. She also uses more complex sentences and a good use of commas and semi-colons for example, I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, that you have been spared something of these distressing scenes; but now, as the first shock is over, shall I own that u long for your return? Even though she is very distressed and concerned she manages to stay pleasant towards Wickham, she says,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood., and, My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. She is still kind even in thoughts. She uses a comforting tone towards Elizabeth because she knows that she will be distraught by the news, she writes, I am very, very sorry., and My dear Lizzyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ She is being sympathetic and a true sister! Jane uses abbreviations for places and names that she knows Lizzy will understand, these are, Mrs F. , W. and Colonel F. The letters reveal that Janes character is comforting, kind-hearted and considerate. I have learned that in Pride and Prejudice the letters are very useful because they move the plot along and introduce new storylines. They give secrecy between two characters and allow them to express their true feelings. The characters will find it much easier to reveal their thoughts more intimately in a letter then saying it in person. Most importantly they allow us to see what the letter reveals about the writers character and give us a better understanding for their actions and behaviour. By Alana Holmes

The Complex Issue of Gun Control Essay -- gun laws, illegal firearms

Taking into account of the recent shooting sprees, the gun control debate has started again. However, people have contemplated: â€Å"Why does America need gun laws† and â€Å"Why are so many states disagreeing about the restrictions that need to be put in place for civilians looking to purchase firearms.† The reasoning for such contemplation is that the fluxuating strictness of gun laws have led to several incidences within states that have strict gun laws due to the fact that the perpetrators of these incidences have purchased their firearms either from black markets, or states where the severity of gun control is at minimal levels. One of the most important aspects of the debate centered on gun legislature is the distribution of illegal firearms to felons, criminals and American youth. Witemute’s article hints that there have been several illegal gun sales from unauthorized markets and to those under the legal ages of 18 or 21 depending on the type of firearm being sold. Unfortunately, these illegal sales have resulted in an increase in gun related injuries and deaths. (55) Another aspect of this debate is in fact, the lobbyists that are pushing for more lenient or tighter gun-laws. It seems that the lobbyists that wanted stricter firearm-related laws are the ones who have witnessed the damage that criminals and the mentally unstable can really do with a gun in their hand. Those pushing for leniency when it comes to gun legislature state that firearms are trying to protect their right to carry an essential tool for those who want to venture the countryside in search for animals to shoot down for food, clothing or sport. The last aspects of the controversy are the federal and state laws that have decided whether or not concealed wea... ...ina in the other hand has prohibited the possession of any firearm to civilians other than sportsmen, hunters and security personnel. Even though rifles and shotguns are permitted, they require a time consuming licensing procedure in order to even possess one and the only citizens that can procure them are sportsmen who need these firearms to hunt and shoot skeet disks. Works Cited Wintemute, Garen J. "Where the Guns Come from: The Gun Industry and Gun Commerce." Princeton University 2002: 54-71. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. Jost, Kennth. â€Å"Remembering 9/11.† CQ Researcher 2 Sept. 2011: 701-732 Wright, Stephen E. â€Å"Gun Control Laws Will Not Save Lives.† Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issues. Rpt. From â€Å"Anti-Gun Group Common Sense Laws and Real Common Sense.† StephenEWright.com. 2010. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 28 Oct 2013.

Organizational Learning Essay -- Business Management

Introduction The business environment today is no longer just corporate but global. Businesses both local and multinational are being forced (by globalization and changes in technologies) to broaden their learning agenda to address the full range of challenges to meet and exceed the expectations for a sustainable global village. Learning is garnering new or modifying existing knowledge, skills, behaviours or values and it is more of a process because it is contextual and builds upon and is shaped by what we already know. Learning as a process involves the change in organizational behaviour as a result of new knowledge or experience. Peter Sange (1994) described organizational learning as being focused on the practice of five principles which will not only create a desired future for the organization, but give it the edge it needs to survive it today’s fast growing and highly competitive work environment. These five principles are mentioned below: 1. Systems thinking: organizations should endeavor to view the business environment as a ‘whole system’ which has parts and focus on building relationships with these parts to promote concord with the system rather than working against it. This helps the organization create long-term solutions to challenges. 2. Team learning: organizations should encourage team leaning to enhance the feeling of synergy and productiveness. Team learning impacts positively on individuals as their knowledge bases are broadened and a certain bond is built which creates a more conducive work environment through mutual respect. This is geared towards achieving organizational objectives, collectively. 3. Shared vision: there is a need for every part of a system to understand the reason for its existence. O... ...anizational learning and knowledge. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Smith, M. K. (2003) 'Learning theory', the encyclopedia of informal education, [online] Available from www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm, accessed 6th April 2012 Atherton J S (2011) Learning and Teaching; what is learning? [Online] available from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/whatlearn.htm, accessed 6th April 2012 Senge, P. et al. (1994) The Fifth Discipline Field book: strategies and tools for building a learning organization [online] available from: http://www.solonline.org/organizational_overview, accessed 7th April 2012 Child, J. Organisation: Contemporary Principles and Practice (2005), Blackwell Publishing Website http://systems-thinkers.org/index.php/resources/resource/reviews/the_fifth_discipline_fieldbook_strategies_and_tools_for_building_a_learning .

Cognitive Dissonance in Religion and Spirituality

Cognitive Dissonance in Religion Cognitive dissonance theory was developed by Leon Festinger more than fifty years ago as the most influential consistency theory of attitudes (Fanzoi, 2009). This theory argues that we often justify and rationalise our behavior in order to maintain cognitive consistency (Franzoi). In the classical cognitive dissonance experiment conducted by Festinger and J Merrill Carlsmitch, (Festinger, 1959, as cited in Franzoi, 2009) where a group of people were asked to perform two 30-minute mundane boring tasks where some were paid $1 and others were paid $20. At the end of the tasks, one group was asked to relay the message that the tasks were â€Å"very enjoyable† and â€Å"fun† to the next group of participants. There was also control group where they were not required to lie. At the end of the experiment, the entire group of participants were interviewed and asked the question how fun and interesting they actually found the tasks to be. The result of their finding showed that the $1 liars actually showed more enthusiasm in telling others that the tasks were â€Å"very interesting† and â€Å"fun† than the group who said so for $20. The $1 group was experiencing greater discomfort by telling the tasks as â€Å"very enjoyable† when they felt it was actually boring tasks whereas the $20 liars have more justification for their action. The cognitive dissonance experienced by the $1 liars naturally motivated to change their attitude in order to reduce the dissonance. According to Franzoi (2009), there are some strategies commonly employed to reduce cognitive dissonance such as changing one’s attitudes, adding more consonant thoughts, altering the importance of the discrepant thoughts, reducing perceived choice, making selfaffirmations to overlook current dissonance and changing behaviour. Having laid a little ground work on Cognitive Dissonance, I now wish to examine how we can observe cognitive dissonance occurring in one’s religion and spirituality. I will attempt to establish the premise that one’s spirituality may effect dissonance in one’s religious beliefs. â€Å"Religion is a fixed system of ideas while spirituality is the personal views on the fixed system of those ideas† (Ventis, 1995, as cited in LUTZ, L. 2003). â€Å"Given the Cognitive Dissonance in Religion facts that religious beliefs can be challenged by the critical historical studies, and cognitive dissonance would be generated when this occurred resulting in unconscious alteration of beliefs and attitudes† (Burns, 2006).A Study on Religion and the Role of It on People and Media†¦. When situations become inconsistent with one’s belief, dissonance would occur and needs to reduce it become obvious. When one is being perceived as hypocritical, such as â€Å"not practicing what he preaches, one would engage an unconscious strategy to reduce the dissonance often through the misattribution of arousal to a source other than one’s own discrepant behaviour† (Burns). This is an effective way â€Å"to maintain one’s self-concept as a psychologically consistent and moral person† (Fried and Aronson, 1995; Aronson, 1999, as cited by Burns, 2006). In a 1975 study of young women participating in a Christian youth program were first asked to state their beliefs publicly concerning the divinity of Jesus. They were then exposed to information aimed at disconfirming the divinity claim. The study found that those who believed Jesus’ divinity and also considered the disconfirming information as bona fide dealt with the cognitive dissonance by strengthening their belief in the divinity of Jesus. Those who dismissed the disconfirming information as true did not intensify their stance. The study showed that in some cases â€Å"the dissonance can actually reinforce original attitudes† (Burris, Harmon-Jones, and Tarpley, 1997, as cited in Burns, 2006). Kimberly Mahaffy (1996) did a study on religion and how it effects cognitive dissonance (Mahaffy,1996, as cited by MCCLUNG, 1999). â€Å"This study consisted of participants who were self-proclaimed lesbians who were either associated with a Christian church previously or presently† (MCCLUNG). The objective of the study was to determine do these women experienced dissonance when they realized their sexual orientations. Her finding concluded that the pre-evangelical Christians experienced more dissonance than their counter-parts and some women resorted to denying the supremacy of the Bible and thus Cognitive Dissonance in Religion believe that their sexual orientations may not be against their beliefs (Mahaffy, 1996, as cited by MCCLUNG, 1999). My personal association with two friends who are gay who regarded themselves to be committed Christians, high cognitive dissonance appeared to occur when they first realized their sexual orientations; they even attempted suicides. They claimed to have made attempts to change their behaviour, sought medical treatments but to no avail. They eventually conceded their current lifestyle was not by choice. I would like to cite an observation of cognitive dissonance in my personal spirituality. I used to hold strong conviction that God has ordained the church I pastor to be in Mid Valley; its existence there has been ordained. There has been much self-affirmation with providence for the first eight years confirming and intensifying that stance. However, tension started to develop the last two years when financial commitment became burdensome. Cognition dissonance of spirituality became obvious with questions held in great tensions: â€Å"Why do we need to continue paying high rental to stay in Mid Valley? † vs. â€Å"But isn’t God able to provide? † â€Å"How do we justify paying so much with little result to show? † vs. â€Å"But isn’t it worth it if even one soul has been saved? † â€Å"Aren’t we called to be in Mid Valley? † vs. â€Å"May be God is redirecting our path to elsewhere; better use the money to buy own building. The dissonance to remain in current location and the contemplation to relocate became a spiritual crisis. Coping strategies began to emerge. One member has suggested it is alright to relocate with the hope of returning once we consolidated. The same member altered the importance of the discrepancy with his remark, â€Å"It’s crucial to r elocate to conserve resource than to stay on till a crisis looms large. † I personally entertained the notion of financial limitation as sign of divine redirection. As long as dissonance remains high, justification intensifies. Once I embraced new attitudes justifying relocation, dissonance Cognitive Dissonance in Religion seemed to reduce significantly. With newly changed attitudes and beliefs, previous justification supporting old beliefs become irrelevant. From the observation of studies done by Burns (2006), Burris, Harmon-Jones, and Tarpley (1997, as cited by Burns, 2006), Mahaffy (1996, as cited by MCCLUNG, 1999) and from the reflection of personal affect, one could reasonably conclude that cognitive dissonance has been observed to occur in religion and spirituality.

African American Identity in Media

The print ad was about drug abuse and risky teenage behavior. We have to be realistic and see that many of the victims continue to be African American teenagers, especially the ones coming from poorer families.Although any young person would be attracted to an ad like this one, it seems to reach out to African Americans more because it speaks of struggles and pressure, both of which they are most acquainted compared to other people in this country.What shared values or norms are promoted in the media or marketing piece you selected?The print ad highlights the values of identity and freedom. What the ad is saying is that you don’t have to give in to peer-pressure. You can do what your own thing and be your own person without destroying your life. You can be free from drugs and you do not have to fit into the stereotype of a â€Å"teenage junkie†. It’s not worth it. Be your own person. Own yourself.How do these values contribute to the cultural identity of African- Americans?It should bring about feelings of liberation and pride. African Americans have fought so hard in the past to have the same rights, walk the same streets and work in the same jobs as white people. This is what these ads are reminding them of. That they must continue to fight whatever it is that keeps them from being free.They must resist the stereotypes and transcend these daily temptations to join the deteriorating masses. These values create a sense of connection between them because it reminds them that freedom does not come easy but the sweetness of freedom makes it worth fighting for. Today many African Americans are leaders in business, media, sports, entertainment and all other possible fields — all because they transcended the stereotypes.   

General Motors with Lean Manufacturing

General Motors with Lean Manufacturing An Introduction of GM Global Manufacturing System Operations Management Team Project Contributed by We Make A+ (sort by number): – 2009 050 444 – 2010 049 712 – 2010 054 149 – 2010 059 605 – 9125 620 120 Division of Business Administration, Hanyang Univ. ERICA Ansan, December 2012 Contents Part 1. Overview of General Motors2 1. 1 Why General Motors? 2 1. 2 Introduction of General Motors3 1. 3 Basic Information3 1. 4 History of GM4 1. 5 GM's family4 Part 2. Introduction of Lean Manufacturing4 2. 1 Definition5 2. 2 Lean and TPS5 2. 3 Theme: Efficiency6Part 3. GM’s Global Manufacturing System6 3. 1 Application of Lean Manufacturing6 3. 2 In-Progress Control and Verification7 3. 3 Process Failure and Effect Analysis11 3. 4 Quality Feedback/Feedforward11 3. 5 Quality System Management13 Part 4. Comments14 4. 1 Achievements beyond Efficiency14 4. 2 A Too-Lean GM? 15 Bibliography16 Part 1. Overview of Gene ral Motors 1. 1 Why General Motors? First automotive industry has started in 1885 since Karl Benz and Daimler develop gasoline engine cars. The early automotive industry was expensive ,slow and didn't escape from the design of the wagon type.But The introduction of Henry Ford's conveyor belt is way as to be able to mass-produced, it became the beginning of popularization. U. S. automotive company seek to enter into the world in Europe ,since 1920's and by combining U. S.. ‘s car production technology and Europe's brand value, Europe emerged as the largest market in the world. At the European economy will recover in 1950, U. S. has grown enough to occupy 80% in world market and Europe built a new product differentiation and diversification strategy in order to correspond to U. S. At this point should be noted that Japan's inroad into world market.Because of Korean war, Japan laid the foundation of growth and The 1960's, global automotive market is growing, Japan participate in global automotive market. Especially, Japan made new Labor-management relations by new industrial organization and distinctive production manner, and spreading Toyota production system and JIT approach to become more competitive, They were formed 3 polarized system to dominate the world market with U. S. and Europe. After that, Before and after the 1980's, Asian countries, including countries such as Mexico and Brazil participated in global automotive market as a weapon low-income and small car. In 1990's, U.S. lead global automotive market increasing core competencies by innovation to reengineering, benchmarking, restructuring, and downsizing, etc, competing with Japan. In the late 1990s, Automotive market undergo great confusion due to oversupply and changing consumer needs, and Multinational automotive companies' M;A is greatly increasing, and a small number of large companies lead global automotive market. In the flow of the automotive industry, after establishment in 1908, GM l ay the foundation focusing on to raise the size merging Buick, Cadillac, including 25 companies and maintain first in sales between 1933 to 2008.Also, in domestic, GM is known for a lot of familiar brands such as Chevrolet. Because GM overcome several financial crisis and still exist the center of the world's automotive industry companies, we choose GM automotive industry companies, we choose GM 1. 2 Introduction of General Motors General Motors Company commonly known as GM (General Motors Corporation before 2009), is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and the world's largest auto maker, by vehicle unit sales, in 2011, employing 202,000 people and doing business in some 157 countries.General Motors produces cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sells and services these vehicles through the following four regional segments, which are GM North America (GMNA), GM Europe (GME), GM International Operations (GMIO), and GM South America (GMS A), through which development, production, marketing and sales are organised in their respective world regions, plus as fifth segment GM Financial. 1. 3 Basic Information Industry – Automotive Founded – September 16, 1908 Founder(s) – William C. Durant Headquarters – Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan, the US Number of locations – 156 facilities on six continentsArea served – Worldwide Product – Automobiles, Financial Service 1. 4 History of GM 1908| Founded by William. C. Durant| 1910-1929| The rise of the automobile captured imaginations and sparked invention. | 1930-1959| GM’s commitment to innovation lent optimism during tumultuous world events. | 1960-1979| GM offered forward-thinking answers to an increasingly eco-conscious world. | 1980-1999| The close of the 20th century brought tremendous global growth for GM| 2000-2008| Trying economic times saw GM embracing an enduring passion for innovation. Today| We are passion ate about designing, building and selling the world’s best vehicles. This vision unites us as a team and is the hallmark of our customer-driven culture. | 1. 5 GM's family Part 2. Introduction of Lean Manufacturing 2. 1 Definition What is lean manufacturing(lean)? Lean manufacturing, lean enterprise, or lean production, often simply, â€Å"Lean,† is a production practice that considers the expenditure of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination.Working from the perspective of the customer who consumes a product or service, â€Å"value† is defined as any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for. Essentially, lean is centered on preserving value with less work. Lean manufacturing is a management philosophy derived mostly from the Toyota Production System (TPS) (hence the term Toyotism is also prevalent) and identified as â€Å"Lean† only in the 1990s. TPS is renowned for its focus on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes to improve overall customer value, but there are varying perspectives on how this is best achieved.The steady growth of Toyota, from a small company to the world's largest automaker, has focused attention on how it has achieved this success. 2. 2 Lean and TPS Lean is a management philosophy developed from the Toyota Production System (TPS) and identified as Lean in the 1990s. The Toyota Production System (TPS) is an integrated socio-technical system, developed by Toyota, that comprises its management philosophy and practices. The TPS organizes manufacturing and logistics for the automobile manufacturer, including interaction with suppliers and customers. The system is a major precursor of the more generic â€Å"lean manufacturing. Taiichi Ohno, Shigeo Shingo and Eiji Toyoda developed the system between 1948 and 1975. Originally called â€Å"just-in-time production,† it builds on the approach creat ed by the founder of Toyota, Sakichi Toyoda, his son Kiichiro Toyoda, and the engineer Taiichi Ohno. The principles underlying the TPS are embodied in The Toyota Way. TPS focuses on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes  to improve overall customer value. But there are varying perspectives on how this is best achieved. 2. 3 Theme: Efficiency Lean manufacturing is a variation on the theme of  efficiency  based on optimizing flow.It is a present-day instance of the recurring theme in human history toward increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and using empirical methods to decide what matters, rather than uncritically accepting pre-existing ideas. As such, it is a chapter in the larger narrative that also includes such ideas as the folk wisdom of thrift, time and motion study, Taylorism, the Efficiency Movement, and Fordism. Lean manufacturing is often seen as a more refined version of earlier efficiency efforts, building upon the work of earlier leaders such as Taylor or Ford, and learning from their mistakes.Part 3. GM’s Global Manufacturing System 3. 1 Application of Lean Manufacturing To be more competitive in the global automotive industry, General Motors is concentrated on some key priorities; get common; think lean and run fast; compete on a global basis; grow the business and most importantly-focus on the product. GM Manufacturing is dedicated to lean and common as demonstrated by a single, global manufacturing approach – a strategy that is changing the way it designs its products, lays out plants, selects equipment and design each assembly plant operator's job.The GM Global Manufacturing System-or GMS-is an important building block of an integrated strategy to develop products that excite customers in markets around the world. 3. 2 In-Progress Control and Verification In-Process Control & Verification includes the intent and purpose of the BIQ motto: â€Å"Satisfy your customer; do not accept, build or ship a defect! Solve problems through team work. † Quality expectations are achieved in each process to ensure defects are not passed on to downstream process. Well, it raises a question, how to achieve customer satisfaction?General Motors has three paths for solving this problem. In the first place, prevention avoids defects or non-standards occurring. Secondly, Detection—identify when defects or non-standards have occurred. At last, use containment to assure defects or non-standards are not passed on. I will introduce these three methods in the following minutes. The benefits of In-Process Control & Verification consist of three aspects: * To external customers (people buying our vehicle), it protects customers from sub-standard vehicle quality; it assures customer satisfaction. To internal customers (downstream operation), it prevents major repair and rework by detecting a non-conformity early in the process; it prevents the flow of defects from department to department and station to s tation. * To internal customers (from suppliers), it protects Team Members from non-compliant parts from suppliers through advanced quality planning and prompt containment during spills. Prevention To understand the prevention, let me show you a comparison at first. As you can see in the picture, Using the Lean approach, we control the process by prevention.It results in less rework and repair, and higher first time quality. By contrast, the traditional approach is trying to control the product, which is less efficient and more passive, with more rework and repair, and lower first time quality. Process Equipment Capability Reviews means periodic checks are conducted to identify trends or shifts in capability over periods of time. It includes four steps: 1) Identify process equipment with high risk/impact 2) Conduct initial capability confirmation 3) Conduct regular scheduled reviews to confirm capability 4) Implement corrective action as required DetectionThe second method is detect ion. Detection has two purposes. Purpose 1: To make non-standard conditions in the manufacturing process visible – identify when defects or non-standard have occurred. Purpose 2: This supports the â€Å"Do Not Accept† element of the quality motto: * Inspection process that confirms quality as soon as possible following manufacture * Measures the output of the manufacturing process * Alerts organization to out of standard conditions * Supports containment and provides input into continuous improvement Quality Check System Update: Internal/external ‘Customers’ are monitored for feedback.Where there is an indication of defect flow-out through the Verification process, a systematic analysis will be conducted; typically for: 1) Items currently not included in the quality check list/control plan For example, update check list based on prioritization and risk analysis. 2) Current check items not found during the check process For example, improve standardized wor k or re-train team members. The quality check system must be established in consideration of the ‘Supplier-Customer’ relationship. Inspection frequencies must be established by each ‘supplier’ that prevents shipping defects to downstream ‘customers’.This is a requirement for safety & compliance items, key characteristics and for issues that will significantly impact the next process or customer. During a repair, the risk for a discrepancy to occur is increased – many aspects of the repair operation are non-standard. So the Independent Repair Confirmation is very necessary. Many aspects of the repair operation are non-standard: Any documented repair must be verified by Repair Confirmation (both on- and off-line) * Repair Confirmation must be conducted independently (e. g. by Quality). Standardized work (non-cyclic) should be used for the confirmation process – quality standards must be available. * Appropriate training and knowledg e of standards must be developed to conduct or confirm repairs. * Repair confirmation should be as close to the repair process as possible. * Repair confirmation can be conducted by man or machine. Workers can use Andon(A Kind of Signboard) to Stop The Process: Work Station Team has the ability to stop the line and complete standardized work in station if there are some problems in the product line.If the Team Member has a quality issue within their standardized work they activate the Andon system to: * Initiate a call for help through station light, Andon board, and melody * Empower the Team Member to stop line & organization responds to provide support * Stop at FPS (Fixed Position Stop) to contain and complete the repair * Where Andon is not available the principles still apply Alarm and Escalation Process: When a defect is detected, feedback to the appropriate team or individual will be given by using a communication system. The alarm is raised by using audio/visual signals (e. . Andon). The alarm process directs the support functions to: * ‘Go and See’ the problem * Apply containment to prevent further flow of defects * Initiate problem solving Containment Containment: the purpose of it is the achievement of customer expectations relies on a method to contain defects within the manufacturing process, and implement corrections to protect the next/downstream customer. This also supports the â€Å"Do Not Ship† element of the quality motto: * Vehicle delivery to the customer * Powertrain and MFD plants to vehicle assembly * External supplier to the manufacturing plant Internal departments (e. g. between body, paint and GA) * Between work stations within a department Summary of In-Process Control and Verification Standardized work is performed in every process and includes the required quality checks. Process control activities are implemented on equipment to control variation on a daily basis and maintain capability over a period of time. Detection confirms the manufacturing process and ensures both internal (Production Team Members) and External Customers (people who buy our products) are receiving products that meet or exceed the quality standards.A process is in place to contain defects within the manufacturing process and implement permanent corrective actions that are verified as being effective. 3. 3 Process Failure and Effect Analysis Purpose of this procedure: Investigation, documentation and if necessary reduction of the risk potential (Risk Priority Number-RPN) for all production processes. RISK PRIORITY NUMBER S x O x D = RPN * S = Severity * O = Occurrence * D = Detection * RPN = Risk Priority Number* * 1 = Lowest1000 = Highest There are some questions to answer for the Process Failure and Effect Analysis: Potential failure mode:What things have gone wrong?What things could go wrong? Effects of failure:What does a failure mean to the next operation, the assy plant, the final customer? Potential Cause of f ailure: Root cause what has gone wrong in the past Brainstorm what could cause failures? Current controls: What do we do today to prevent the defect from occurring and getting to our customer? Recommended actions: If current controls are not 100% effective, what actions should be taken? 3. 4 Quality Feedback/Feedforward Definition: The communication of quality expectations and results between customers and suppliers through standardized communication pathways.Purpose: To ensure that information on quality reaches those who need it. Feed Information Forward: Internal and external suppliers communicate known/potential problems and/or problem solving status to their customers in a timely manner. This provides the customer with sufficient lead time to react to upcoming changes and take appropriate measures. Feed Information Back: Internal and external customers communicate known/potential problems and/or problem solving resolution to their suppliers in a timely manner. This provides the supplier with sufficient lead time to react to customer issues and take appropriate measures.Build and quality status of each vehicle is communicated to downstream processes. Summary of Quality Feedback/Feedforward Feedback/Feedforward promotes the communication of quality expectations and results between customers and suppliers through: * Clearly defining customer/supplier communication requirements †¢Defining timing, content, and format of information †¢Establishing metrics and the subsequent management process †¢Effective implementation of the Feedback/Feedforward communication tools †¢Problem identification, input into the plant problem solving process and countermeasure follow up . 5 Quality System Management Who is responsible for Quality? Team work is absolutely essential to deliver world-class quality. Everyone! Quality is a shared responsibility Quality Function Resource Allocation: Manufacturing and quality resources are allocated to support the qualit y system and interface with engineering. Each area requires sufficient resources to properly focus on supporting production and driving continuous improvement through P-D-C-A. Resource allocation needs to consider the quality and production components that are required to support the team member.Development of an organization for quality incorporates the â€Å"Planning†, â€Å"Doing† and â€Å"Checking† functions into their structure. Summary of Quality System Management Quality System Management provides the supporting structure and framework for the implementation of the quality system and ongoing improvement to the quality of our products through: * Establishment and implementation of a strategic quality plan for the organization * Allocation of manufacturing and quality resources to support the quality plan * Development of an rganization for quality that incorporates the â€Å"Planning†, â€Å"Doing† and â€Å"Checking† functions into t heir structure * Identification of requirements for documentation, procedures, practices and assessments * Integration of both quality and manufacturing BPD’s at all levels of the organization Part 4. Comments 4. 1 Achievements beyond Efficiency The GMS is generating positive results. By using GMS, General Motors achieved efficiency in many aspects. And GMS is a system built around people.The system stresses the value of teamwork, and is based on an underlying philosophy that everyone, in every position, adds value. In an empowered environment, everyone's experience and insights are valued. Manufacturing performance is improved through the consistent adoption of five principals-people involvement, standardization, built in quality, short lead time and continuous improvement. The principals are interrelated and implemented as a complete system. When implemented, the GMS principals maximize performance in the areas of people systems, safety, quality, customer responsiveness and cost.Products, plants and processes are designed to allow GM's people to use their skills and abilities as efficiently as possible. GM is the industry benchmark in safety, a goal achieved through a strong partnership between GM and its unions. GM's workers realize a healthy, injury-free environment. The team concept is a critical part of managing quality by making each team responsible for managing quality in their area. Team members receive extensive training in identifying and solving problems. GM's manufacturing strategy maximizes customer responsiveness, by responding fast to customer and market trends.GM's manufacturing system concentrates on cost savings by eliminating all forms of waste that detract from our ability to be competitive. 4. 2 A Too-Lean GM? It wasn't that long ago that General Motors was producing too many vehicles. Now the giant automaker can't produce enough for some area dealers, who said they are finding it difficult to keep enough inventory of some new car and truck models to satisfy demand. And they're probably losing some sales because of it â€Å"I definitely believe it's restricted† our sales, Scott Hatchett, managing partner of Scholfield Buick GMC, said Monday.GM's efforts to emerge from bankruptcy a leaner company mean the inventory Hatchett and other dealers have access to has been much thinner, especially for certain models such as GMC Terrain as well as the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse. â€Å"We literally get down to where we have one or two of those vehicles in stock,† he said. Jill Hattan said her dealership, Don Hattan Chevrolet in Park City, has had a difficult time keeping in stock the Chevy Equinox and Camaro. â€Å"It's just trickling in on top of a small inventory,† she said. â€Å"We are definitely missing some sales. Hattan said her dealership is trying to alleviate the lack of inventory from Chevrolet by tapping other dealers' inventory. â€Å"We actually try to purchase several at a time jus t for stock but when everyone's short, that's not easy to do either,† she said. GM spokesman Tom Henderson said his company is â€Å"dramatically different† now than before it entered a brief bankruptcy in June 2009. It's axed brands such as Saturn and Pontiac, closed plants and received $50 billion in aid from the federal government. Before GM's bankruptcy â€Å"we typically ran with very high inventories,† Henderson said.As a leaner company, its production has been sharply trimmed. Now the company is attempting to find the sweet spot between production and demand. â€Å"It's a really delicate balancing act,† Henderson said. Henderson said he couldn't disclose production rates going forward. But he did point to efforts by the company to ramp up production on the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox. It has taken an unused portion of its plant in Ontario, Canada, to create capacity for the manufacture of 60,000 to 80,000 more vehicles. Those two midsize SUVs are hot sellers for GM.GM said earlier this month that through the first six months of 2010, sales of the Equinox and Terrain were up nearly 193 percent from the same period last year. Henderson said the company is listening to its dealers such as Hatchett and Hattan. â€Å"We take their input seriously,† Henderson said, adding that dealers should see this fall the results of GM's increased production efforts at its Canadian plant. As for additional production increases, â€Å"We'll judge based on business conditions what to do going forward. † Bibliography * [http://www. gm. com] * Womack, James P. ; Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos.The Machine That Changed the World,1990. * Bailey, David (24 January 2008). â€Å"Automotive News calls Toyota world No. 1 car maker†. Reuters. com. Reuters. Retrieved 19 April 2008. * [http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing#cite_note-Reuters-3] * [http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Toyota_Production_System] * Strategos-Internati onal. Toyota Production System and Lean Manufacturing. * [http://www. autointell-news. com/News-2003/January-2003/January-2003-1/January-03-03-p6. htm], GM's Global Manufacturing System – A System To Build Great Cars and Trucks. * Jerry Siebenmark, A Too-Lean GM? , 2010.

Revenge Tragedy: Hamlet Essay

For a play to be considered a revenge tragedy, revenge has to be a prevalent theme throughout. Revenge needs to be intertwined in character interactions, and have a strong hold on the driving force of the plot. The desires of Hamlet, Laertes, and young Fortinbras each exhibit how the plot of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare revolves entirely around theories of revenge. The theme of revenge starts off very early in the play, when Hamlet speaks with the ghost of his deceased father. When the ghost tells Hamlet how Claudius murdered him, Hamlet is infuriated and overtaken with feelings of responsibility to right the wrong that has been done; to murder Claudius. The effects of this experience on Hamlet are portrayed clearly in the following quote, â€Å"And so I am revenged. That would be scanned: A villain kills my father, and for that, I, his sole son, d this same villain send to heaven;† (p. 161, 3.4). This quote clearly exemplifies Hamlets feeling toward this event. Being his fa thers only son, he feels completely responsible for his fathers vengeance. Revenge has caused the downfall of many a person. Its consuming nature causes one to act recklessly through anger rather than reason. Revenge is an emotion easily rationalized; one turn deserves another. However, this is a very dangerous theory to live by. Throughout Hamlet, revenge is a dominant theme. Fortinbras, Laertes, and Hamlet all seek to avenge the deaths of their fathers. But in so doing, all three rely more on emotion than thought, and take a very big gamble, a gamble which eventually leads to the downfall and death of all but one of them. King Fortinbras was slain by King Hamlet in a sword battle. This entitled King Hamlet to the land that was possessed by Fortinbras because it was written in a seal’d compact. â€Å"†¦our valiant Hamlet-for so this side of our known world esteem’d him-did slay this Fortinbras.† Young Fortinbras was enraged by his father’s murder and sought revenge against Denmark. He wanted to reclaim the land that had been lost to Denmark when his father was†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Now sir, young Fortinbras†¦as it doth well appear unto our state-†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦ †¦to exact revenge for his father’s death. Revenge can be an invaluable tool to amass success and wealth, or it can be a fatal flaw that guarantees immanent death. It is a dangerous emotion, which can easily consume, however it can be used to great satisfaction. Perhaps it is these qualities that lead us to allow ourselves to act on its impulses. The lessons learned by both Hamlet and Laertes are something that should be remembered. Revenge is not to be taken lightly. When acted on this is one emotion that can definitely come back to haunt you.