Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Financial Management in Health Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Monetary Management in Health Care - Essay Example These parts of the board target guaranteeing associations work inside productive edges in guaranteeing congruity of the association. The administration guarantees that associations find feasible wellsprings of subsidizing for different exercises. Monetary administration in medicinal services takes different viewpoints relying upon the wellspring of financing for associations (Gapenski, 2009). Asset reports, for instance, stay the absolute most popular markers of budgetary execution inside an association. Asset reports structure a principal component of appraisal of the budgetary situation of an association during determined period. The data contained in accounting reports stays comparative inside various elements however the capacities performed by the monetary records vary. Benefit association In benefit making medicinal services associations, the budgetary structures of associations target using money related assets to accomplish fiscal additions. These substances work like differe nt organizations whose central target remains making benefits from budgetary assets. The monetary administration of these elements targets keeping up gainfulness for the association. Every single money related choice actualized in these budgetary elements try to guarantee that the associations stay beneficial and serious inside the business (Nowicki, 2008). The financing for these associations originates from returns on speculations made by the owners of the association. These associations offer administrations as indicated by the accessible funds accessible for determined administrations. The capacities performed by fiscal summaries vary between medicinal services substances relying upon the agents of the foundations. The budget reports for these foundations should be introduced to the owners of the associations. All consumptions for these associations ought to be represented in the organization’s asset report. Introduction of the asset report stays basic in the budgetary st ructure of these associations. Inside other human services substances, similar to those claimed by the legislature, the data contained in a critical position sheets becomes enhanced with important information pointing at the organization’s goals. Accomplishing the hierarchical destinations remains the major point of the associations. These associations target augmenting their productivity from money related and fiscal assets accessible inside the association. Money related administration inside these associations targets using the accessible monetary assets to accomplish greatest profits for speculations. The subsidizing for the associations originates from owners’ value among other financing choices. The elements work with money related assets that ought to be discounted to the lenders. The store could be obtained from account establishments and installments ought to be done from the following benefits (Finkler and Ward, 2006). Beneficial activity of these establishme nts stays fundamental in guaranteeing fruition of the reimbursements. Other social insurance substances, similar to the non-benefits associations, never need to reimburse the working capital. These associations work to offer administrations to determined people as per the requests of the lenders. Rather than other social insurance substances, benefit causing elements to don't have limitations, from the lenders, in regards to the clients whom to render clinical administrations. The choices of the administration with respect to use of budgetary resourc

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Reflection for movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reflection for film - Essay Example The Invisible War shows that such a supposition that isn't just bogus; it is terribly slanted by the media and the administration itself since assault keeps on being endemic to the military and uncertain enough to endure up to the present with no unequivocal answers for its anticipation and remediation. The film shows the incongruity between the picture and the truth of female officers. The film begins with an energetic tune and declarations of ladies, who longed for being warriors, of serving their nation and feeling pride in doing as such. That is the perfect picture. The fact of the matter is broken when these ladies, when hopeful and devoted, pronounced that they were completely assaulted, once, however ordinarily, in the military. It doesn't make a difference in the event that they served in the Coast Guard, the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force. It doesn't make a difference where they where during their administration. These ladies, who needed to serve their nation so earnestly and really, were assaulted not long in the wake of beginning their administrations. The U.S. government and the military need to send the picture that they are sexual orientation delicate by employing ladies, however they don't secure their privileges and interests by any means. With assault so inescapable in the military, it is a disgrace that they even recruit ladies whom they can't ensure. The media and the administration are in it, secluded from everything and sabotaging the undetectable war, since assault keeps on rising and anticipation and remediation measures are scarcely open to the people in question. ... Cioca’s broken jaw from the assault she encountered needs prompt medical procedure, yet one year after her objection, she doesn't get the money related help she needs. It is grievous how, as a casualty, the administration either overlooked her or deliberately needs to disregard her. I would prefer not to consider intrigue that the administration is deliberately attempting to slaughter these veteran officers who announced about assault that included their bosses or companions. Yet, when Cioca discussed the medication that the administration gave her, which when consolidated are deadly and as of now slaughtered different vets, I am presently far fetched of the intentions of the legislature. In the event that the legislature thought about these ladies, why not give them the treatment and assets they have to proceed onward with their lives, beside putting their attackers in the slammer for their whole lifetime? None of these is going on. Why? The legislature and the military work together in propagating a male centric world, where ladies are still observed as sexual items, as wares that can be assaulted and tossed aside. Rather than offering laws, measures, and controls that will give equity and backing to the people in question and that will forestall assault in the military, the administration just offers void vows to the individuals who are assaulted. Man centric society isn't dead. It is in the legislature that is visually impaired and hard of hearing to the help and equity required by assaulted veteran fighters. It is in the military that doesn't give proactive measures to stop assault and other equity and budgetary help administrations and assets for the assault casualties. Male centric society is alive. It must be murdered. What's more, we should wage a full scale war against it before another of our valiant female troopers get assaulted. Weeping for Women that Others Do Not Cry for in No Woman, No Cry Christy Turlington

Friday, August 14, 2020

Leaves, Strawberries, Doors

Leaves, Strawberries, Doors Peak fall foliage has finally hit MIT. Some trees on campus started to turn as early a September, but only recently has most of the campus become awash in color (thanks in part to that unusual snowstorm last week). Im not a very good photographer, but here are a few images of campus from this week: Also this week, I was invited to the faculty dinner at the ZBT house, home to Bryan 07, among many other awesome people. While Im not technically faculty, many cool faculty members were in attendance, including: Political Science department head Prof. Charles Stewart, Physics professor Scott Hughes, Professor of Urban Studies and History Robert Fogelson, and Foreign Languages professor Margery Resnick. Its cool that such important professors take time out from their families to have dinner with students. I had some really great converations about the 2004 presidential election, Massachusetts public schools, university riots in the 60s, and more. One of the dinner tables at ZBT; in this picture, you can see Professors Stewart and Hughes, as well as Biology Research Scientist Ky Lowenhaupt and many ZBT brothers. The dinner was capped off with a delicious dessert of chocolate-covered strawberries. I ate many of these. Since I hadnt been to the beautiful ZBT house since 1996 (!), I had Shaye 08 give me a house tour. Along the way, I saw a door to add to my (small) collection of photos of doors at MIT, this from a room appropriately called 8 Bit: A door mural of Link with a Triforce from the original Legend of Zelda videogame. Inside the room there were more murals of old-school NES characters: Application reading begins this week more on that soon!

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Walt Whitman - Song of Myself - 822 Words

Walt Whitman has neither related his biography nor glorified himself in the poem as the title suggests. Infact, the apparent indication of the title is here of no importance. The poem is the song of celebration of every object of nature in general where a question put to the poet by a little child triggers off a philosophical trend of thought relating to death and the meaning of death. In the poem, he has celebrated his own idea (that nothing collapses due to death but instead life moves on) and imaginary power while showcasing his optimistic views on life A little child questions the poet, What is grass? that sets his mind wondering when he has nor ready answer for the childs question and is unable to answer it. He muses that perhaps†¦show more content†¦It may be from old people or from offspring taken soon out of their mothers laps. This brings out the fact that everyone must die eventually, whether due to natural causes or to the bloodshed of warfare. He then contrasts t he colour of the grass to the hair of old women when he says This grass is very dark to be from the white heads of old mothers thus implying that the graves below are that of young people, people who have died before their time. He continues to talk about the grasss colour claiming it to be darker than the colourless beards of old men. He perceives that the grass is coming from the faint red roofs of mouths of the dead below and that the dead below are trying to tell him something after all, so many uttering tonguesÂ…. Do not come from the roofs of mouths for nothing. Indicating that the uttering tongues is the grass and they must be carrying some meaning with them when the sprout over the graves. The poet wishes that he could translate the hints about dead young men and women as well as the hints about old men and mothers, and the offspring taken soon out of their laps all which is in the form of grass. He wants to decipher the secrets it holds and know more about the lives of t hese men and women over whose graves the grass now grows. He is perplexed and throws out the question What do you think has become of the young and old men? And what do you think has become of the women andShow MoreRelatedWalt Whitman Song of Myself1260 Words   |  6 PagesJanuary 20th, 2012 It’s Only Natural: Racial and Gender Equality in Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself† In the opening line of Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself,† it becomes immediately evident that his song is not about himself, but about the entire human race: â€Å"I celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume you shall assume, / for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you†. His poem extols the mundane aspects of everyday life that a traditional poet of his day would not have consideredRead MoreSong Of Myself By Walt Whitman1795 Words   |  8 Pageschemical also released during sex and eating. In his gutsy poem to America, Song of Myself, Walt Whitman uses repetition to make music that will bring pleasure to his readers and also shape how they perceive the world. Whitman begins his poem by boldly stating that he celebrates himself. Like the chorus to a song he repeats the word â€Å"I† throughout the entirety of the poem. The meaning of the word transitions from â€Å"I† being Whitman himself, to the people reading his book , and then ending with the readerRead MoreSong of Myself by Walt Whitman2251 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"I celebrate myself, and sing myself / and what I shall assume you shall assume† (Whitman 1-2). These lines not only open up the beginning of one the best poems of the American Romantic period, but they also represent a prominent theme of one of this period’s best poet, Walt Whitman. In Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself, Whitman deals with his time period’s most prominent theme of democracy. Whitman tells readers that they must not only observe the democratic life but they must become one with it. AsRead MoreThe Song Of Myself By Walt Whitman And Howl1353 Words   |  6 PagesBoth â€Å"Song of Myself† by Walt Whitman and â€Å"Howl† by Allen Ginsberg are important pieces of American poetry. â€Å"Song of Myself† was written in the 1850’s and â€Å"Howl† was written about a century later. Both poets were part of groups th at wanted to change America – the Transcendentalists and the Beats. Transcendentalists believed in the goodness of people and nature. They believe that people are at their best when they are truly independent. The Beats rejected standard values and materialism. They experimentedRead MoreAnalysis Of Song Of Myself By Walt Whitman1451 Words   |  6 Pagesself-wisdom, discovery and betterment – is the ground-breaking poet, Walt Whitman. In his poetry, Whitman explores the surreal and cosmic, relating the supernatural to the mundane .With an emphasis on oneness with nature, Whitman’s celebratory attitude of the human soul in all of its complexity, beauty, and contradictions is most noted in his extensive poem titled â€Å"Song of Myself†, and is developed further in his poem â€Å"Kosmos†. Moreover, Whitman pioneers the future of modern poetry while incorporating hisRead MoreSong of Myself by Walt Whitman903 Words   |  4 Pagesultimate threat to the United States at the time, Whitman wished to mend Americas social and political demands through his poetry. Throughout Whitman’s works, the reader can evidently observe the widths and basis of his social and political philosophy and the layers of various circumstances that exist within his American culture – which is an essential part of his democratic vision. Many of Whitmans poems, including major works such as Song of Myself, can be studied with this tidbit, but yet theseRead MoreWalt Whitman s Song Of Myself1191 Words   |  5 Pages Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself† Walt Whitman was an American poet born in May 31, 1819 in New York, and he died in March 26, 1892 in New Jersey. He grew up going to school in separate facilities from people of color, so he was growing up along with the nation. He was self-taught by exploring things for himself, for example, going to the museums when he could. Whitman as a young boy alternated from being in the city to being in the countryside with his grandparents. He was exposed to be beingRead MoreSong of Myself by Walt Whitman Essay1343 Words   |  6 PagesIn his first anthology of poems entitled â€Å"Song of Myself†, Walt Whitman reveals some of his views on democracy through the use of symbolism and free verse poetry. His use of symbolism and free verse poetry creates indeterminacy, giving the reader hints rather than answers about the nature of the poem. In the sixth part of â€Å"Song of Myself†, a child asks the narrator of the poem, â€Å"What is the grass?† (Whitman). Instead of simply giving an answer, the narrator cannot make up his mind, and stumblesRead MoreAnalysis Of Walt Whitman s Song Of Myself1178 Words   |  5 Pagesa Poem Using the Same Ideas from Another Person The idea that the artist is a single individual coming to stand and speak for the masses is one of Emerson’s main transcendentalist ideas. Walt Whitman met Emerson’s ideal artist description as he spoke as one man for the multitude in his poem, â€Å"Song of Myself†, which openly demonstrates Whitman’s faith in the imperative indivisibility of self-reliance. He shares many of the same ideas as Emerson, such as the importance of the self and views on religionRead MoreAnalysis Of Walt Whitman s Song Of Myself Essay2414 Words   |  10 Pages The prevalence of Hegelianism in Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself† is indisputable, yet a consensus on the meaning remains elusive, and therefore, insidious to the democratic progress Whitman attempts. Whitman uses Hegel to support his ideas about the dialectical theory of consciousness, the spiritualization and importance of art, and America’s manifest destiny. I later elucidate on these catego ries and break them down into more precise ideas. I use a variety of scholars for evidence of structural

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

A Fierce Discontent By Michael Mcgerr, The Jungle By Upton...

The boom of the industrial revolution changed many things in America, and roles began to shift. Many farmers moved their families into the cities and began working in factories. Not only did men work in these factories, but many women did as well. During the beginning of the twentieth century we begin to see a huge rise in women in the work force. In the novels A Fierce Discontent by Michael McGerr, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and Industrial Workers in Chicago by Lizabeth Cohen, each author paints a picture of what lives of different individuals was like during this time period. There are many different themes that the authors discuss in their novels such as race, labor, wealth, region, gender, and many more. One theme that is most intriguing is that of the women workers during the early twentieth century. Women in the workforce begins to explode during this time and will really take off during World War II. The road that women had to travel to get to where we are today was a rough one. These three books discuss well womens struggle in the work place and In particular the authors discuss the different things that working women had to endure such as discrimination, class struggle and working conditions. Working women in the early part of the twentieth century faced many obstacles, one such obstacle was discrimination. In the work force men always received the better positions and always made higher wages. Women were given unskilled labor and were paid half of what men

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Redevelopment of Salford Quays Free Essays

In the 19th century the city of Manchester was at the heart of the industrial revolution; it was a thriving port and the centre of Lancashire’s textile industry. Yet, by 1950 business had declined to an all-time low. The canal journey had become too slow and therefore uneconomical for factories and companies. We will write a custom essay sample on Redevelopment of Salford Quays or any similar topic only for you Order Now The port could no longer respond to the pressures placed on it by the changes in technology. The docks lay neglected and derelict. Vandalism and crime rates were high, as was unemployment (the city had depended on the docks for jobs). However, with the help of government funding, grants and publicity the city began to address its social, economic and physical problems resulting from past industrial decline. In 1985 Salford began its huge re-development scheme, construction continued up until 1993 and now is a perfect example of successful inner-city redevelopment. All the decisions that were made were complex and had to consider what land uses were to be located where and how much land to devote to each competing demand or problem. The construction work alone provided around four hundred jobs, and the area now provides employment for over 6,000 people, leading to the fastest drop in unemployment ever within the Greater Manchester area. Community Schemes have been aimed at improving the quality of schools has kept the youth unemployment rates low. The new Heritage Centre also provides an educational service to schools, colleges and the public. Primary school pupils through to university students use Salford Quays for learning purposes. Salford Quays has addressed other problems too such as vandalism, crime rates, poverty and the lack of investment and funding in Greater Manchester. Organizations such as the New Deal for Communities programme and other funding (over i100 million in lottery funding has been invested) based in Salford Quays have worked at putting money back into the Greater Manchester community. The Salford Partnership also launched a community plan; all of which demonstrates a commitment to working to achieve change. Plans such as these have improved living conditions and lead to a drop in poverty rates. To keep investment into the area high, over 300,000 feet of office space was built attracting companies into the area. Well known companies such as Kellogg’s, Rank Hovis, Ford Trucks and Konica all have offices in Salford Quays. Facilities at such buildings as the MGM Cannon cinema and Copthorne Hotel, because of their location, car parking and accessibility attract people from the local area as well as other parts of Greater Manchester. In addition, a high of local pride has been generated that, together with higher income (due to greater employment) and places to go, has lead to a reduction in vandalism and crime. Easy access to Salford Quays via a Metro link, as well as entrances to the region’s motorways, railways and the city centre of Manchester has resulted in a rise of tourism. Places such as the Lowry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, as well as the overall design of the area attract large numbers of visitors every year. This has increased the amount of money that has been invested into the area. The redevelopment has made Salford Quays an attractive place to visit, work and live; it has also been a model for other cities to follow. The social and economic benefits have been felt throughout Greater Manchester and the North West. How to cite Redevelopment of Salford Quays, Papers

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Learning and Life free essay sample

when life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. I always knew looking back on the tears will make me laugh, but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t you can close your eyes to things you don’t want to see, but you cant close your heart to the things you don’t want to feel you’ve got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you’ve got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget.Learn from mistakes, but never regret life isn’t waiting for the storm to pass.. it’s learning to dance in the rain I’ve learned that things change, people change, and it doesn’t mean you forget that past or try to cover it up. We will write a custom essay sample on Learning and Life or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It simply means that you move on and treasure the memories. every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around never regret something that made you smile I think that the only reason people hold onto memories are the only things that don’t change. When everybody else does you don’t stop playing because you grow old.You grow old because you stop playing just because its not what you were expecting, doesn’t mean its not everything you’ve been waiting for I like to pretend that everything’s alright. Because when everybody else thinks you’re fine, sometimes you forget for a while that you’re not at one point of your life, you either have the thing you want or the reasons why you don’t want I am the author of my life. Unfortunately I’m writing in pen and can’t erase my mistakes. not all scars shows. Not all wounds heal. Sometimes you can’t see, the pain someone feels. in three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life.There are some things in life that aren’t meant to last. They just take place in our lives so we will be smarter next time. Never look back unless you are planning to go that way. I love the way I can be having the worst day of my life and simply talking to you completely changes my mood. life dosent give you the people you want. Instead it gives you the ones you need, to teach you, to hurt you, to love you and to make exactly the way you should be life is about taking risks and never giving up hope, no matter how lost you are, everyone eventually finds their own way. Tears are simply the raindrops from the storms inside of us

Friday, March 27, 2020

The Role Of Friar Lawrence Essay Research free essay sample

The Role Of Friar Lawrence Essay, Research Paper In Romeo and Juliet, a calamity by William Shakespeare, Friar Lawrence plays a dominate function in the eventual decease of Romeo and Juliet even though he is non on phase for most of the drama. There are fundamentally three major parts that lead to the calamity ; the matrimony, the program, and the inevitable deceases in all which Friar Lawrence plays a critical role.Friar Lawrence plays an indispensable function in the matrimony of immature Romeo and Juliet. At Romeo? s petition Friar Lawrence provinces, # 8220 ; In one regard I? ll thy helper be ; for this confederation may so happy prove, to turn your families to pure love # 8221 ; ( Act 2 Scene 3. ) Friar Lawrence believes that this holy matrimony would convey the Capulet household and Montuague household closer together, for he anticipates that the households will halt detesting each other and be peaceable. His efforts to do the matrimony of Romeo and Juliet are admirable but ill planned. We will write a custom essay sample on The Role Of Friar Lawrence Essay Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Friar Lawrence performs the matrimony rites to unify them in holy matrimony. Romeo and Juliet are now husband and married woman. They have known each other a amount of two yearss. Friar Lawrence plays a critical function in the matrimony of Romeo and Juliet.Friar Lawrence plays a important function in the program for Juliet to # 8220 ; sleep. # 8221 ; Friar Lawrence calms a frenetic Juliet by giving her and stating her to # 8220 ; Take 1000 this phial, being so in bed, and this distilled spirits drink though off # 8221 ; ( Act 4, Scene 1 ) . Later, Juliet is uneasy and unsure of the effects of the potion. She hopes that this is only a temporary sleep and not a permanent one. He also tells Juliet that â€Å"Shall Romeo by my letters know our drift, and hither shall hem come; and he and I shall watch thy waking, and that very night shall Romeo bear thee to Mantua† (Act 4, Scene 1.) Unforeseen to neither the Friar nor Juliet that an error such as the one of Friar John?s would prove to be deadly. Poor Romeo was not able to receive the letter. Friar Lawrence plays a significant role in the plan for Juliet to â€Å"sleep.†Friar Lawrence plays an important rule in the actual deaths of Romeo, Juliet, And Paris. Friar Lawrence is unable to reach Romeo with the news of Juliet?s â€Å"death.† Romeo, thinking Juliet is dead rushes to Verona, but not before buying some fast poison. There he finds his true love in a deep sleep not yet kissed by death. When Juliet awakes, Friar tells her of the unfortunate deaths . Juliet, unable to handle the situation decides to kill herself. Taking Romeo?s sword she stabs herself. Friar Lawrence plays an important rule in the actual deaths of Romeo, Juliet, And Paris.In conclusion, there are basically three major parts that lead to the tragedy; the marriage, the plan, and the inevitable deaths in which Friar Lawrence plays a vital role. Through his words Friar Lawrence demonstrates that he is a good intentioned, yet sometimes short-sighted man.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Colored Fire Spray Bottles

Colored Fire Spray Bottles In the pilot episode of Breaking Bad, chemistry teacher Walt White performs a demonstration in which he changes the color of a bunsen burner flame by spraying the flame with chemicals. You can perform the colored fire demonstration yourself. All you need are some common chemicals, alcohol, and spray bottles. Here is a list of metal salts you can use to (safely) color fire. The chemicals have low toxicity and any smoke produced wont be any better/worse for you than normal wood smoke: Colored Fire Chemicals Heres a list of common chemicals and the colors of flames they produce: Dark red lithium chlorideRed strontium chloride (found in emergency flares)Orange calcium chloride (a bleaching powder)Yellow sodium chloride (table salt) or sodium carbonateYellowish green borax (sodium borate, a common insecticide and cleaning agent)Green copper sulfate (found in some pool and aquarium chemicals)Blue copper chloride (lab chemical, but other copper compounds found in algicides and fungicides may work)Violet 3 parts potassium sulfate, 1 part potassium nitrate (saltpeter)Purple potassium chloride (sometimes sold as a salt substitute)White magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) Prepare the Flame Colorants If you were just coloring a campfire or other wood fire, you could simply sprinkle the dry metal salts onto the fire. Copper chloride is especially nice for this since the sodium that is naturally present in wood causes this chemical to produce a mix of blue, green, and yellow flames. However, for the gas flame in a burner, you need the salts dissolved in a flammable liquid. The obvious choice here is alcohol. Common alcohols found around the home could include rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (e.g., in vodka). In some cases, the metal salts will first need to be dissolved in a small volume of water and then mixed with alcohol so that they can be spray onto a flame. Some salts may not dissolve, so what you can do is grind them into a fine powder and suspend them in liquid. Do not spray alcohol or any flammable chemical across a flame toward people! Safety Information While the colorants used in this demonstration are generally safe, this project involves flammable materials and flames. There is an innate risk of burns and uncontrolled fire. Be sure to have a working fire extinguisher handy, wear appropriate safety gear, and maintain a safe distance between the demonstration and the demonstrator/audience. Flames involving alcohol may be extinguished with water, by suffocation, or with any fire extinguisher. The demonstrator is advised to wear low-flammability clothing (typically natural fibers) rather than flammable synthetic clothing. A little preparation makes for a safe and memorable demonstration that will raise interest in chemistry! Disclaimer: Please be advised that the content provided by our website is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Fireworks and the chemicals contained within them are dangerous and should always be handled with care and used with common sense. By using this website you acknowledge that ThoughtCo., its parent About, Inc. (a/k/a Dotdash), and IAC/InterActive Corp. shall have no liability for any damages, injuries, or other legal matters caused by your use of fireworks or the knowledge or application of the information on this website. The providers of this content specifically do not condone using fireworks for disruptive, unsafe, illegal, or destructive purposes. You are responsible for following all applicable laws before using or applying the information provided on this website.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

International Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

International Business Strategy - Essay Example also factors related to consumer viewpoint in their willingness to sample new products with unknown new competitive players, based also on their traditional cultural values. These factors need to be considered prior to entering Spain as a viable profit opportunity. However, evidence provides that the growth rates in Spain associated with consumer willingness to purchase mobile products makes this a quality opportunity if new methods to undercut these values can be accomplished through marketing or other innovative communications methods. Spain represents a tremendous new market opportunity that is marked with sustained growth, despite problems that exist in labour shortages and the presence of a highly regulated labour market. It is recommended to pursue this strategy of expansion into the Spanish marketplace and improve long-term manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the process. Tiko Mobile Technology Limited is a mobile manufacturing product located in Cairo, Egypt. Tiko began manufacturing Network products in 1988 and produces its first mobile phone in 2002. Since then, Tiko Mobile Technology Ltd has produced many models that have faired well in most countries. Tiko has its own SMT line, R&D centre and Assembly Line that have been instrumental to its success in maintaining and cultivating long-term business relationships. The core business activities of the company include ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) and OEM and (Original Equipment Manufacturing) of mobile phones. Its brand name is TAMGO and has 485 employees. Its Annual Sales translates to $850,000 with an OEM capability of 160,000 per month. Currently, it has two major mobile phone products which include 3G mobile phones and GSM phones. Tiko believes in acting for better communication around the globe and for this, the company has invested in Assets and Human resource in order to give its client s the individual care needed. They believe in letting the client specify his unique needs and carefully

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Corporate real estate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Corporate real estate - Essay Example The real estate market has largely adopted the concept of out-tasking as indicated by numerous research studies. Some of the common tasks related to real estate that are commonly out-tasked include real estate brokerage, market analysis, site selection, transaction management, project management as well as construction management. In the case of real estate, out-tasking basically involves assigning the work involved in specialized real estate tasks as opposed to assigning the all the responsibilities involved in real estate as an enterprise. The rationale behind managers selecting out-tasking as opposed to outsourcing is that they want to retain control over the corporate processes (Zeffane, 2005, p. 30). Out-tasking is often used as a strategic catalyst that managers use to rationalize the processes of the business. For instance, executive in the real estate market carry out a comprehensive analysis of the overall real estate strategy when making the decision to out-task. Some of the decisions are assigned to a trusted advisor who determines the parts of the real estate process that will be out-tasked and the ones that will be handled inhouse. This is to ensure that there is the proper allocation of resources and talent relative to the business and professional stakeholders. In most cases, out-tasking is used as a tactical implementation of strategies that are consistent with the corporate objectives of facilities management (Williamson, 2004, p. 119). Research studies indicate that the real estate market is one of the industries that have adopted the concept of out-tasking. This has been majorly influenced by the growing needs of corporate users. This means that professionals in the real estate market have the responsibility of creating value in addition to reducing costs. Cost reduction has been the main driver for large enterprises to outsource their business

Monday, January 27, 2020

Financial and Strategic Evaluation of Tesco Plc

Financial and Strategic Evaluation of Tesco Plc Financial and strategic evaluation of Tesco Plc Executive Summary To understand how a business is performing, understand what might be expected in the future and determine whether the business is a risky investment. An investor, analyst, researcher or accountant needs to understand the strategy of a business and how they plan to achieve this. The capital structure of a business can determine whether the company has enough finance in order to achieve targets and investments, determining certain risks involved and level of return required. This report looks at the level of gearing Tesco has whether financed by debt or equity, going on to look at the weighted average cost of capital. Investment is also important as investors expect, and the company looks to achieve growth. With Tesco this report looks at both future and past investments, analysing the non financial and financial benefits from them. Dividend policy and yields are analysed looking into theory behind them. Tesco shares are analysed using valuation techniques, looking at what may be the reason for Tescos success through the recession, helping them stabilise share price after the peak of recession despite some contractual and ethical issues. Finally looking into how the international market has benefited Tesco by non financial means. An overview of a few strategic issues Tesco has faced over the years is provided, looking into some of the challenges and results of these issues. Problems such as competition, international expansion and contract disputes are shown in detail later in the report. 1.0 Introduction Tescos overall strategy is growth, which has helped strengthen their core business within the UK, (Tesco, 2010). Tesco plan to achieve this strategy through diversifying their product range away from food and to include financial, non financial and telecommunication services/products also by penetrating new markets globally. This report evaluates Tesco, analysing their capital structure and the level of debt discussing how this can influences the company value and investing decisions, looking at how past investments and future investments are beneficial for Tesco. Dividend policies are related to theory and share prices are questioned using different valuation techniques available to any investor. Going on to look at survival through the recession looking at different strategic issues they have faced over the years. 2.0 Capital Structure and Finance agreement Figures above referenced from FAME database, show for expansion of its business Tesco Plc increased gearing from 51.58% to 91.38% within years 2000 and 2003. Increasing debt can be a cheaper less risky option as cost of debt is lower than equity and increasing levels of debt can reduce the weighted average cost of capital. By reducing weighted average cost of capital, company value can be increased and therefore shareholder wealth is increased. WACC can be used against cash flows in order to determine the net present value of a project. Tesco probably used this as a means to decide which investments are beneficial. After this period global financial crisis began to hit the market, Tesco Plc reduced its gearing ratio and kept the ratio level at around 75% until 2007. This was sensible at the time due to recession risk of lower turnover levels could mean the ability to repay certain levels of debt more difficult. Having higher levels at the time would have meant financial risk, repayment risk etc, would affect interest rates on loans and increase the cost of equity as shareholders are taking a higher risk therefore require a higher rate of return. Tescos main competitors suffer the similar situation; ASDA and Sainsbury were also affected by the global financial crisis, they also reduced their gearing ratio level and keep it to relatively low level to about 35%. However, with the positive profit figure, Tesco changed its current strategy. Tesco have geared up its business rapidly from 2008, and reached 149.14% in 2009. As the figures show that Tesco had borrowed in a huge amount of debt in 2009. R ecently, a joint venture between Tesco and property firm British Land has refinanced its retail portfolio with a new 315 million pounds five-year term loan. (British Land, 2010) it is to believe that a rapid market expansion and investment will be followed. Years 2005 to 2009, sales and income figures of TESCO have steadily increased; it generated a very positive profit return for investors. With the global finance crisis continuing to affect UKs economics, the government may loosen its restriction towards TESCO; whatever happens, people need foods and basic living materials, it is a perfect moment for Tescos expansion. The high level of gearing may support Tesco to expand its business; however there is potential risk of default on loans. Can Tesco maintain its level of income, if not how can TESCO to repay the debt it borrowed? This problem could influence investor decisions. 3.0 Investment UKs largest retailer Tesco expanded into foreign markets attempting to increase future growth in the global retail industry. The company initiated its international expansion strategy by venturing into Central Europe, Asia and the US. Figure 1 shows Tesco PLC sales profits before recession had an impacted. This shows sales profits in the overseas market amounted to a fair percentage of Tescos profit figure. Comparing growth over 5 years in the UK with Asia, UK only generates a 49% increase when the Asian market increased 250%. Tesco has placed increasingly focuses on their international venture. Nearly two-thirds of the groups space is now overseas, although these markets still only account for a quarter of group turnover (Rigby, 2009). Tescos Summary Five Year Record Year ended February 2001 (m) 2002 (m) 2003 (m) 2004 (m) 2005 (m) Group Sales 22,585 25,401 28,280 33,557 37,070 Turnover excluding VAT UK 18,203 19,821 21,309 24,760 27,146 Rest of Europe 1,737 2,181 2,664 3,385 3,818 Asia 860 1,398 2,031 2,669 3,010 20,800 23,400 26,004 30,814 33,974 Philip Clarke, head of Tescos international operations, singled out South Korea, along with China. Mentioned as Tescos two most promising markets, planning to open 100 new stores in South Korea alone (Rigby, 2009). This is a wise decision due to current economics Britain has been impacted among some of the worst around the world, where China especially was not greatly affected with vast growth. Probable reasons for Tesco expanding internationally rather than nationally may be due to competition policy trying to limit Tescos growth, also there is little land space to continue building new structures, and Tesco already purchased the most profitable local convenience stores in the past. 3.1 Environmental Tesco, now 4th largest retailer in the world, have announced that it will open the first zero carbon store as part of its bid to be a carbon  ­neutral company by 2050. They stated its corporate commitment towards reducing climate change, for example halving its energy use per square foot by 2010, reuse and recycling packaging where possible (Leahy, 2009). A green example of this is where they use returnable ‘Green trays saving around 132,000 tonnes of cardboard packaging in 2007/08. Tesco plans to invest  £100m in sustainable environmental technology which is finding more practical ways to use renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, and to help develop the green technologies of the future (Tesco Media, 2010). Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important over the years. Climate change has become a huge focus for businesses. The Climate Change Act 2008 makes the UK the first country in the world to have a legally binding long-term framework to cut carbon emissions (OPSI, 2008). Government ensures that organisations are adapting and that its policies, programmes and investment decision are made in the context of climate change. By continuously making environmental changes Tesco builds reputation as a more ethical company. 3.2 Diversification On the other side of expansion, Tesco is looking to take advantage of the current mistrust towards banks following their role in the economic crisis. They had spent  £950m for purchasing 50% of Royal Bank of Scotlands share of TPF last year (This Is Money, 2008). It is also planning to expand its telecoms operation industry following the appointment of Tesco marketing director Lance Bachelor as Tesco Telecom chief executive. Tesco are going to attempt penetrate the finance market further by offering current accounts within two years and also offering mortgages for their first time. Offering credit cards, insurance and savings deals already Tesco has a huge customer base. They have a huge potential to increase turnover by selling more products to their existing customers. They plan to open branches globally not on in the United Kingdom which could be a huge challenge for the company. They need to time this investment perfectly, especially amidst the recession. They stated that it has to build the IT infrastructure which required supporting the bank system, and this project is described as a huge undertaking†. As a Tesco bank customer, you will also be able to accrue loyalty points under its Club card program (Tesco, 2008). 4.0 Shareholder Information An important factor in the eye of an investor is predicting the future. Shareholders are interested in company performance, both long and short term. They are also interested in the companys investment not only to expect growth but so they are able to assume levels of retained earnings and cash flows. This allows shareholders to make estimations on dividend payout, the only form of cash flows a shareholder receives and predict any growth on share price. 4.1 Dividend Policy Tesco pay cash dividends as interim and final year. The dividend is steadily increasing even through the Recession. Annual Dividends per share has increased 26.48% from 8.91p in 2007 to 11.27p in 2009 (Tesco, 2007-9). The company pay a fairly low dividend with a yield averaging 2.43% from 2007-09. Low yields can lead to possible patterns of high growth unlike high yields resulting in sharp falls (Arnold, 2008). Steady dividend payments and low dividend yield targets higher earners and those on looking for long term investment. Cash in the business is expected to be invested in projects with positive net present values as investors are looking for capital gains. This suits Tesco as one of the reasons for a lower yield and dividend is due to large investments in expanding and making the company more diverse. 4.2 Share Price Capture.PNGShares are hard to say what influences price, there are many factors which can all influence share price such as earnings per share and price earnings multiple. News can have affects such as bad press can decrease share price, disputes or contractual issues etc. Other areas may be dividends, although according to Modigliani and Miller theory whatever dividend policy is used, firms which pay more dividends offer less price appreciation and pay the same shareholder return, according to cash flows from investments and risk measurements (Arnold, 2008). This theory provides proof given assumptions of no tax, investment decisions are not affected by dividends and there are no transaction costs converting price into cash when selling stock. In the current economic position this theory would most likely be irrelevant as there are always taxes upon a business. Transaction costs would almost always apply therefore this theory has its limitations. If dividends were irrelevant, the business may be wasting time analysing which shareholder are indifferent (MM Theory, 1961). As market leader for United Kingdom Tesco has shown stability during the crisis. Share price over the peak of the recession until recently has remained more stable for Tesco than competitor Sainsbury. Sainsbury had been affected severely between August and November 2007 as Delta Two pulled out in belief Sainsburys did not have enough capital to maintain competitiveness (Birmingham Post, 2007). This was a high in the recession. Financial markets began to stop trading between each other and there was the near collapse of Northern rock, (Telegraph, 2009). The Sector was hit hardest in years however Tesco has begun to make its recovery with share price increasing unlike Sainsbury who only managed to stabilise over the last year. 4.3 Valuation Capture7.PNGInvestors may use share valuation techniques to determine whether shares are over or under value. Dividend yield valuation shows share price was fairly valued in 2007 but undervalued in 2008 and overvalued for 2009. This is calculated by dividing share price by the yield seen in Figure 3. Dividend yield was based upon Annual Dividend/ Share price. This valuation method can be affected by the level of dividend especially if the company is going to invest, which Tesco has made some huge investments purchasing 50% of RBS. This could be the reason why value is currently low here, whereas real value accounts for all affects. klll.PNGThe final method for this report is Price Earnings Valuation. Multiplying earnings per share by the P/E multiple. A higher P/E multiple indicates the price of stock is more than a lower P/E. In Figure 4 P/E*EPS shows similar results as using the dividend yield however P/E over the past 3 years has been decreasing, which shows investors are not willing to pay as much for a stock than previously. Tesco shares have remained strong, recovering after a downfall in peak of recession. Share valuation techniques however have shown share value may be overvalued in 2009. There seemed to be a recovery but using P/E and Dividend yield valuation, which provided a comparable result share value should be lower. This may mean it is safe to sell shares in Tesco now as price may fall. Dividend payment however suggest chance of expected growth in the future but looking at long term trends there have not been any dramatic changes in dividend payment or yields. 5.0 Surviving the Recession Researchers and Accountants believe Tesco was the number one company to survive the recession in the research survivability index. The information considered for this was not just cost cutting but based upon factors such as; branding, cost management, internet potential and customer targeting, (Ruddick, 2008). For instance, Tesco replaced a lot of high brand products with Tesco value products, which sell for less however attract more customers generating higher turnover, this helped reduce costs related to more expensive products. Other cost savings are through better use of IT, and from policies and management of suppliers to ensure the greatest value to the business and customer (Business, 2009). Tesco club card points and vouchers have been a huge impact for customer targeting, by offering double club card points many customers who arent regular shoppers become regulars. Tesco also monitor their customers far more intensely than other supermarkets. They analyse buying patterns and send vouchers in the post to attract customers back, or when customers have not returned for a while they send vouchers to entice them. 6.0 Competition Severe rivalry within the UK retail market is forcing cost cuts and ways news ways that they can differentiate themselves from competitors. The retail market is mature and oligopolistic in its nature, with a few major multiple retailers dominating the market (Business, 2009). Competition between the large retailers resulted in price wars with the big two, Asda and Tesco reducing price margins for the industry as a whole as other competitors have to react according to the market. The market is well regulated. The monopolies and mergers commission constantly examines the market to ensure fair competition. The government has also been active in planning restrictions for new store openings (BBC, 2004). Growth appears to come from gaining new customers, improving product offerings, and from non food products, such as financial services. In Tescos case they have expanded overseas as well as diversifying their product range. Customers are still number one in the eye of the retailers. Success in the industry is still dependent on how well the retailer can meet the customer needs. Price, particularly in the UK has become a dominant feature. Considering the recession, this will places stress on retailers to set low prices and maintain that level. The main reason being consumers are tightening their spending level and are not willing purchase luxury items and are purchasing the necessities. 7.0 Bad Credibility Tesco were faced with a big contractual issue back in 2007. Tesco delivery drivers were offered new contracts, which had worse conditions and around 3000 to 6000 pounds less pay. This resulted in drivers going on a 3day strike, causing problems for Tesco when shoppers refused to shop in their stores and many drivers rejected the new contracts which resulted in Tesco terminating their positions (BBC, 2007). This issue meant Tesco had to spend a lot of time and money with unions, whilst losing sales from shoppers refusing to shop with them and deliveries not being made. Although this issue was only in one area, the businesses image would have been damaged by news and publicity on the matter. The competition commission has started to realise that the bigger the retailer they have a stronger capability to force prices lower from suppliers. Described as a â€Å"master servant† relationship farmers complain about Tescos cancelling orders at last minute and forcing cost lower than production cost (Hird, 2005). In extreme cases farmers have protested especially over milk prices (Mullin 2009). This shows Tesco has done little to improve their relationship with farmers over the years. It could be assumed that government may begin to intervene soon as Tesco becomes more unethical. Issues like this make people lose trust, they are unsure if in the future more problems will arise. When looking at investing you must trust a company making sure they are reliable and able to give you what you want from them. Other investors who catch news of problems tend to back out and sell stock. If enough people sell share price will begin to fall, this may be an opportunity to purchase shares at a lower price as long as you accept the risks. 8.0 Environmental Issues One big issue that Tesco is facing is the environment element; as the increasing global concern of environmental problem, how Tesco react to this issue will have huge impact to its future business performance. The public demands more than ever that films should take their responsibility as a member of the society. Tesco has taken a lot of effort to respond the challenge; in 2007, Tesco unveiled its green pledges; â€Å"If we fail to mitigate climate change, the environmental, social and economic consequences will be stark and severe† Sir Terry Leahy, Tesco chief executive. (BBC news, 2007) In the statement, he promised that Tesco would cut emissions from existing stores worldwide by at least 50% by 2020, and would seek to restrict air transport to less than 1% of the firms products. Moreover, for cutting CO2 and energy saving, Tesco also introduce a series of strategy; by encourage customers to use reusable carry bag and reward shopping points to club members to reduce the usa ge of plastic bags; Tesco also introduce new energy saving store to the public; in January 2009, Tesco opened UKs most energy efficient store in Cheetham Hill. As part of the climate change program, the stores carbon footprint is 70% less than an equivalent store built in 2006. (Tesco, 2009) So far, Tesco has already made a lot of progress, yet there are much more problems waiting. 9.0 Overseas Tescos expansion internationally has not only benefited the company financial. They would develop new understandings and learn new techniques have diverse teams within the organisation. Tesco successfully penetrated the overseas market, being able to adapt to new cultures. To do this they would need incredible management with a perfect strategy. On the Tesco website they take a different approach internationally, strategy changes and their main focus is more of a cultural issue. For instance being â€Å"Flexible† as in Japan they shop in small amounts but prefer fresh items, also â€Å"Act local† such as in India, who prefer less or no packaging so they can go through piles of produce. With 10 years of experience Tesco has wide experience of cultures (Tesco, 2009). Culture isnt only going to affect Tesco through the market i.e. selling, but will be a part of the business. Tesco employees local staff this affects the organisations culture, especially within head offices and management. Teams will include people from all different ethnic backgrounds growing up to have different culture, educated with a diverse range of skills. Having this within a business can be very successful and can create more effective team working (Brooks, 2006). 10.0 Conclusion Tesco on a financial level has a lot of risk involved. They are currently very highly geared and have a huge financial risk which can and most likely will affect the company value and share holder wealth. However over the next 2 years could be a crucial time for Tesco as their investments go under way which could result in a very prosperous future for shareholders through diversification and international expansion. A lot of risk relies on customer targeting, which in the past Tesco has been very successful. Dividend yields and dividend payments seem to be targeting high earners who can face risk and are looking for long term capital gains; however share price for 2009 seems to be overvalued and may decrease. It may be safer to sell shares now and buy again after share price falls. Tesco has had a lot of success and faced many different strategic issues, some which could result in a stronger business such as cultural diversification within the company. A lot of issues have occurred though, damaging the image as a result. Little seems to have been done to improve some of these problems especially with farmers. Tesco only seems to care if regulation intervenes, then they will do something about it which could be seen with some of the environmental problems. As a result of the analysis provided throughout the report Tesco seem like an opportunity for those who are willing to take high risks. References Arnold, G. (2008) Corporate Financial Management. 4th edition. London, Pitman Publishing. BBC. 2004. Tesco sees profits jump to  £822m: New stores. [Online] BBC News. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3675164.stm [Accessed 20/3/2010]. BBC News, 2007. Tesco boss unveils green pledges [Online]. BBC News. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6276351.stm [Assessed 24/3/2010]. BBC News. 2007. Tesco dispute enters second day. [Online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6690475.stm [Accessed 20/3/2010]. BIRMINGHAM POST. 2007. Sainsbury shares plummet as Delta Two pulls out. [Online] Available at: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-170795697.html [Accessed 18/3/2010]. BRITISH LAND. 2010. Press release. [Online] British land. Available at: http://www.britishland.com/media/pressreleases/pressrelease130110 [Accessed 15/3/2010]. BROOKS, I. 2006. Organisational Behaviour: Individuals, groups and organisations. 3rd edition. Pearson Education. BUSINESS, T. 2009. Challenges and outlook for the Tesco Stores Ltd. [Online] Available at: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business-resources/case-study-database/tesco-case-study/ [Accessed 20/3/2010]. FAME, database. 2010. Detailed information on Tesco Plc. [Online] Available at: https://fame.bvdep.com/version2010226/cgi/template.dll?checkathens=1kick=1product=1user=n0242395%40ntu.ac.ukpw=nK9CXV0V3ZRxfmNkkx9ZjA%3d%3d [Accessed 23/3/2010]. HIRD, H and BURLEY, H. 2005. The Tesco Takeover. [Online] Available at: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/marketing_material/tesco_takeover_leaflet.pdf [Accessed 20/3/2010]. LANGFELD, M, 2009. Tesco: Consistent Earnings Growth at Attractive Price, [online]. Available at: http://seekingalpha.com/article/159992-tesco-consistent-earnings-growth-at-attractive-price [Accessed 18/3/2010]. LEAHY, T. 2009. Press releases: SCI Conference. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/media/pr/pr2009/2009-10-16/ [Accessed 18/3/2010]. MM Theory, 1961. When Are Dividends Irrelevant? (The Miller Modigliani Proposition). [Online] Available at: http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/invfables/dividirrelevance.htm [Accessed 19/3/2010]. MULLIN, D. 2009. Farmers protest at Tesco over milk price. [Online] Available at: http://www.farmersjournal.ie/myJournal/forum/content/farmers-protest-tesco-over-milk-price [Accessed 20/3/2010]. OPSI. 2008. Climate Change Act 2008. [Online] Available at: http://opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2008/ukpga_20080027_en_1 [Accessed 16/3/2010]. RIGBY, E. 2009. Tesco trumpets strategic success overseas. [Online] Available at: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7b824f06-2b88-11de-b806-00144feabdc0.html [Accessed 20/3/2010]. RUDDICK, G. 2008. Tesco: most likely retailer to survive recession. [Online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/3368164/Tesco-most-likely-retailer-to-survive-recession.html [Accessed 18/3/2010]. TELEGRAPH. 2009. UK Recession: Timeline of how the British economy has been hit. [Online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/4320827/UK-Recession-Timeline-of-how-the-British-economy-has-been-hit.html [Accessed 19/3/2010]. TESCO. 2007. Press release. [Online] TESCO plc. Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/media/pr/pr2009/2009-01-13b/ [Assessed 24/3/2010]. TESCO. 2007-9. Tesco: Annual Report 2007/8 2008/9. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/annualreport09/downloads/ [Accessed 17/3/2010]. TESCO. 2008. Tesco takes full ownership of Tesco personal finance and targets  £1 billion from retailing services. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/storage/intannounce.pdf [Accessed 18/3/2010]. TESCO plc. 2009. International Strategy. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/strategy/international/ [Accessed 19/3/2010]. TESCO. 2010. Our Strategy. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/strategy/ [Accessed 19/3/2009]. TESCO, Media. 2010. Press releases: Tesco in  £100m to boost UK green economy. [Online] Available at: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/media/pr/pr2010/2010-02-03/ [Accessed 18/3/2010]. THIS IS MONEY. 2008. Tesco takes on banks after RBS buyout. [Online] Available at: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/markets/article.html?in_article_id=448364in_page_id=3 [Accessed 18/3/2010].

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Feminist Anthropology

Introduction In the center of the nineteenth century the theory of feminist anthropology emerged as a reaction to a perceived androcentric prejudice within the field of anthropology ( Lamphere 1996: 488 ) . Symbolic anthropology, on the other manus, emerged during the twentieth century and formed in response to the dissatisfaction with the theory of structural linguistics that was grounded in linguistics and semiologies ( Des Chene 1996:1275 ) . The purpose of this paper is to analyze the similarities and differences between the theories of feminist anthropology and symbolic anthropology in order to better understand the impact both motions had on the societal scientific disciplines. Both of these theories, although seemingly unrelated, portion a assortment of similarities that are at the nucleus of the paradigm displacement in anthropology that continues today. Further, an scrutiny of some of the cardinal figures in anthropology who influenced the outgrowth of these theoretical tendencies, will further clarify the principle for their development.OrAdditionally, an scrutiny of some of the cardinal figures in anthropology who influenced these paradigm ‘s will further light these th eories ‘ importance. Although this paper can non supply a complete analysis of what differs and remains the same between feminist and symbolic anthropology, we can make a better apprehension of the two theoretical schools of idea and the impact they had on the field of anthropology and societal scientific discipline as a whole. However, before comparing and contrasting the theories, it is indispensable to hold a basic apprehension of what each theory entails. Basic Dogmas of Feminist Anthropology In the history of anthropology, three different moving ridges of feminist anthropology occurred with varying focal points ( Gellner and Stockett, 2006 ) . These different moving ridges did non to the full occur in chronological order and there are convergences with some of the theories of each still relevant today. The first moving ridge occurred between 1850 and 1920, and had the primary end of including adult females ‘s voices into descriptive anthropology. At the clip, there was really small ethnographic informations refering adult females, and the informations that did be was mostly the studies of male sources talking for adult females and analyzed through male ethnographers ( Pine 1996: 253 ) . The focal point of the 2nd moving ridge, which occurred between 1920 and 1980 was an effort to divide the impressions of sex and gender. Until this point, the footings had been used interchangeably and the word â€Å" Gender † referred to both the constructs of male and female, the cultural building that created these two classs and the relationship between them. ( Pine 1996:253 ) . This was debatable since the definition of gender varies from civilization to civilization and can take to false apprehensions and the creative activity of cultural false beliefs in the field of anthropology . Further, during the 2nd moving ridge, feminist anthropologists pushed for a rejection of the bing dualities between work forces and adult females that were present in Western civilization, such as the thought that work forces should work while adult females stayed at place. During the 2nd moving ridge, mercenary research into the thoughts of societal dealingss about adult females, reproduction and their productive capablenesss in the work force became popular, particularly how these factors related to other societal factors such as societal category. Therefore, in the 2nd moving ridge, feminist anthropologists argued for a move off from the wide generalisations that had plagued the field of anthropology for coevalss ( Lamphere 1996:488 ) . This is linked to the single focal point put-forth by the interpretivist motion in anthropology during the 1950s. However, it differs because it makes connexions between adult females irrespective of what civilization they belong to. Contemporary women's rightist anthropologists make up the 3rd moving ridge of feminist anthropology, which started in the 1980s and continues throughout the new millenary. Feminist anthropologists of today, are no longer entirely focused on the gender dissymmetry but instead focal point on the differences that exist between classs such as category, race and ethnicity ( Geller and Stockett, 2006 ) . This modern-day focal point therefore examines the differences that exist between adult females with differing societal backgrounds, instead than concentrating on the difference between males and females ( McGee, Warms 1996: 392 ) . Contemporary women's rightist anthropology besides examines how these assorted societal factors interact, particularly in the con text of power, which is frequently used as the chief method of analysis. However, this method has resulted in a extremely disconnected theoretical attack, which uses combined pieces of assorted theories ( Geller and Stockett, 2006 ) . Cardinal Peoples in Feminist Anthropology One of the cardinal figures in the first moving ridge of feminist anthropology was Ruth Benedict ( 1887-1948 ) . Benedict was a pupil of Franz Boas, and one of the first female anthropologists, gaining her doctor's degree from Columbia University in 1923 ( Buckner 1997: 34 ) . Most of her work focused on Native Americans and other groups which led her to develop her â€Å" configurational attack † to civilization, which views cultural systems as working to prefer certain personality types among different societies ( Buckner 1997: 34 ) . Another cardinal figure who emerged in the 2nd moving ridge of feminist anthropology was Margaret Mead ( 1901-1978 ) another pupil of Franz Boas, who was friends with Ruth Benedict. Meads feminist work centered on the separating factors between sex and gender. Many of her theories were influenced by or borrowed from Gestalt psychological science, a subfield of psychological science which focused on analysing personality as an interconnected psy chological form alternatively of a aggregation of unrelated elements ( McGee, Warms 1996:202 ) Her work attempted to divide the biological factors from the cultural factors that influence human behaviour and personality development and helped to construct a model for the emerging subject of feminist anthropology. Additionally, her work analyzed the permeant sexual dissymmetry that existed in the ethnographic literature of anthropology during the clip. ( Levinson, Ember 1996:488 ) . Basic Dogmas of Interpretive Anthropology The intent of symbolic anthropology is to analyze the different ways that people understand their milieus, every bit good as the differing readings of those who act within them. Symbolic anthropologists believe that these readings can be combined to make a shared cultural system of significance, or shared apprehensions shared between members of the same civilization. However, it is understood that non all members of a civilization will hold the exact same beliefs ( Des Chene 1996:1274 ) . One of the chief focal points of symbolic anthropology is the survey of symbols and the assorted ways that symbols are created and have their significances assigned to them. Symbolic anthropologists believe that scrutiny of these symbols and the procedures that create them ( such as myth and faith ) will light the cardinal inquiries of human societal life shared by each civilization ( Spencer 1996:535 ) . Therefore, symbolic anthropologists view civilization as an independent system of intending tha t can be deciphered by construing cardinal symbols and rites that create it ( Spencer 1996:535 ) . Overall, there are two cardinal premises in symbolic anthropology. The first of these premises provinces that the beliefs of a certain group of people, nevertheless unintelligible they may look, can ever be understood when they are examined as portion of an bing cultural system of significance ( Des Chene 1996:1274 ) . The 2nd premiss provinces that the actions of a specific group of people are guided by the reading of these symbols. These two premises allows for symbolic anthropologists to use symbolism to construe both ideal and material activities of a specific group of people. Frequently, the focal point of symbolic anthropology will be on faith, cosmology, ritual activity, and expressive imposts such as mythology and the acting humanistic disciplines ( Des Chene 1996:1274 ) . However, symbolic anthropologists besides study other signifiers of societal organisation such as affinity and political organisation, which allows research workers to analyze the function that these symbols play in the mundane life of people from different civilizations. ( Des Chene 1996:1274 ) . Cardinal Peoples in Interpretive Anthropology Overall, the field of symbolic anthropology can be divided into two major attacks, each associated with one of the cardinal figures of the theory. The first attack is associated with Clifford Geertz and the University of Chicago and the other with Victor W. Turner at Cornell University. Geertz ‘s place illustrates the interpretative attack to symbolic anthropology, while Turner ‘s illustrates the symbolic attack. Clifford Geertz ( 1926-2006 ) studied at Harvard University in the 1950s and was strongly influenced by the Hagiographas of philosophers such as Langer, Ryle, and Weber. ( Handler 1991 ; Tongs 1993 ) Geertz was influenced mostly by the sociologist Max Weber, finally utilizing different facets of their thought as cardinal elements in his theory of interpretative anthropology, and was more interested in the operations of â€Å" civilization † than the assorted ways that symbols interact within the societal procedure. In his digest of essays entitled â€Å" The Interpretation of Cultures † ( 1973c ) , Geertz argued that an analysis of civilization should â€Å" non [ be ] an experimental scientific discipline in hunt of jurisprudence but an interpretative 1 in hunt of significance † ( Geertz 1973d:5 ) . Further, Geertz believed that civilization was a societal phenomenon and a shared system of intersubjective symbols and significances ( Parker 1985 ) .` This can be seen in his ain definition of civilization, which was â€Å" an historically familial form of significances embodied in symbols, a system of familial constructs expressed in symbolic signifiers by agencies of which work forces communicate, perpetuate, and develop their cognition about and their attitudes toward life † ( Geertz 1973e:89 ) . Geertz ‘s symbolic anthropology focused on the different ways in which symbols operate within a specific civilization, particularly how persons â€Å" see, experience, and think about the universe † ( Ortner 1983:129-131 ) . He believed that civilization is expressed through the external symbols utilized by society and is non merely stored inside the heads of members of that society. Geertz, argued that adult male utilized the symbolic as â€Å" beginnings of light † in order to point himself in his ain system of significance ( Geertz 1973a:45 ) . Therefore, societies use their symbols to show their ain alone â€Å"worldview, value-orientation, ethos, [ and other facets of their civilization ] † ( Ortner 1983:129 ) . Symbols could be seen as â€Å" vehicles of ‘culture † who ‘s intending should non be studied in and of themselves, but alternatively should be studied for what they can uncover about a peculiar civilization. Geertz argued that these cultural symbols shaped the ways that societal histrions see, experience, and think about the universe ( Ortner 1983:129 ) . Victor Witter Turner ( 1920-1983 ) was the leader of the other subdivision of symbolic anthropology ( Turner 1980:143 ) . Born in Scotland, Turner was influenced by the structural-functionalist attack of British societal anthropology that had been outstanding during the clip. In peculiar, Turner was influenced by Emile Durkheim, which shaped his version of symbolic anthropology to concentrate more on the operations of â€Å" society â €  and the ways in which different symbols operate within it. ( Ortner 1983:128-129 ) . Turner, like old British anthropologists, was interested in look intoing whether symbols really functioned within the societal procedure the manner current symbolic anthropologists believed they did. Thus, Turner ‘s attack to symbols was highly different than that of his modern-day, Clifford Geertz. Alternatively of being interested in symbols as vehicles of â€Å" civilization † as Geertz was, Turner believed that symbols functioned as â€Å" operators in the societal procedure † ( Ortner 1983:131 ) and that â€Å" the symbolic look of shared significances † , non the attractive force of stuff involvements, prevarication at the centre of human relationships † ( Maning 1984:20 ) . Turner believed that symbols â€Å" instigate societal action † and exercise â€Å" determinable influences tending individuals and groups to action † ( Turner 1967:36 ) and felt that these â€Å" operators, † if placed in a certain agreement and context, would bring forth â€Å" societal transmutations † which both act to maintain the people in a society tied to the society ‘s specific societal norms every bit good as decide societal struggle and assistance in altering the societal position of the histrions involved ( Ortner 1983:131 ) . Theoretical Similarities There are several theoretical similarities between feminist and symbolic anthropology. Both Fieldss recognize the dynamic nature of societal systems. Like symbolic anthropology which views civilization in footings of symbols and mental footings, accounting for its transient and altering nature, 2nd wave feminist anthropologists rejected Durkheim’s impression of a inactive system composed of built-in dualities, and sought to demo that the societal systems are dynamic. Further, both women's rightist and symbolic anthropology believe in â€Å" actor-centric † actions, intending that actions are non separate from societal histrions but a portion of their societal model. ( Ortner 1983:136 ) . Another cardinal similarity is the focal points shared by both women's rightist and symbolic anthropology. Focus on individuality and difference is a cardinal focal point of both feminist anthropology and symbolic anthropology. This means that there is a focal point on societal classs such as age, business, faith, position, and so on. Power is besides an of import constituent of analysis for feminist anthropology, since the building and passage of individuality occurs through discourses and actions that are structured by contexts of power ( Gellner and Stockett, 2006 ) . However, this besides fits in with Turner ‘s analysis of symbols and societal action. Further, both theories challenge the construct of normality and catholicity that many old anthropological theories supported. The rejection of normality and cosmopolitan truths, every bit good as the thought that anthropology must non merely analyze on a cultural degree, but besides on an single degree, is cardinal to symbolic anthropology. This thought is chiefly seen in feminist anthropology through the thought that male point of view differs well from the female point of view, and that both must be accounted for. The rejection of normality is farther seen in feminist anthropology through fagot theory, which is the most recent reaction against the impression of â€Å"normalcy† Queer theory challenges the construct of heteronormativity, or the premise that heterosexualism and the ensuing societal establishments are the normative socio-sexual constructions in all societies ( Gellner and Stockett, 2006 ) . The theory argues that gender is non a portion of the indispensable ego and is alternatively based upon the socially constructed nature of sexual Acts of the Apostless and individualities, which consist of many varied constituents ( Warner, 1993 ; Barry, 2002 ) . Therefore, like symbolic anthropology, feminist anthropology relies to a great extent on the construct of cultural constructivism. Arguing different positions Due to cultural growing and intervention of Man and Women. The most obvious similarity between the theories is that both were a response to old anthropological theories. The symbolic and interpretative theory was a reactions to structuralism that was grounded in linguistics and semiologies and pioneered by L? vi-Strauss ( Des Chene 1996:1275 ) . The subfield of Feminist Anthropology emerged as a reaction to a perceived androcentric prejudice within the subject ( Lamphere 1996: Additionally, another cardinal similarity between the theories is that they have non been discredited position in the modern societal scientific disciplines? ? Theoretical Differences One of the chief differences between the two anthropological attacks is the catholicity found in feminist anthropology. Although the construct of catholicity is under scrutiny today, early women's rightist anthropologists believed that there was a cosmopolitan subordination of adult females to work forces, in all civilizations around the Earth. Therefore, one of the chief constituents of feminist anthropology was to seek for cosmopolitan accounts for female subordination and gender inequality. However, the thought that all adult females suffer the same subjugation merely because they are adult females does non suit within the symbolic and interpretivist model. Symbolic anthropologists argue that these historically specific Western premises about the societal differences between work forces and adult females can non be decently applied to non-Western societies ( Spencer 1996:538 ) . Another of import difference between feminist and symbolic anthropology is that feminist anthropology c hiefly focuses on the constructs of gender and gender, while symbolic anthropology examines all societal facets. Varies from civilization to civilization Muslim adult females viewed as opressed, but they view forced sexualization as opression Decision

Friday, January 10, 2020

Compare and contrast plato and decsartes Essay

Descartes and Plato are two of the most influential thinkers within philosophy. The allegory of the cave and systematic doubt are also two of the most famous concepts within philosophy. Plato at the time of writing the cave allegory was trying to resist the growing influence of the Sophist philosophers who prioritised semantics and rhetoric over truth. 1 Descartes by introducing radical scepticism to philosophy was challenging traditional scholastic philosophy which had dominated the philosophy for many centuries. While both pieces of writing are separated by different ages of time and space, they share many  similarities as well as fundamental differences. This essay will attempt to compare and contrast these two bodies of work by firstly explaining what is Descartes’ systematic doubt and Plato’s Allegory of the cave before finally examining the similarities and differences between them in the final paragraph of analysis. Descartes in his first meditation introduces the concept of Radical doubt which similarly places suspicion on the senses and the appearance of things. This involves stripping away all one’s beliefs and preconceived notions in order to find the foundational bedrock of  knowledge in which all sciences could then grow2. Descartes begins his first meditation by casting doubt on all his beliefs, if a belief can be even slightly doubted it must be discarded. He wants to ‘reject as absolutely false anything in which I could imagine the least amount of doubt3’ this is called radical scepticism where all beliefs must be challenged. Through this experiment Descartes conceded that the physical senses are not to be trusted as they have deceived him before, this is known as sensory deception and this revelation forces him to  doubt any beliefs about the external world and knowledge that is gathered by the five senses. His examination also reveals that dreams states can be difficult to distinguish between waking life, this has happened before where he thought he was in bed but wasn’t. Henceforth one cannot truly know if they are awake observing reality or asleep enjoying a dream, this is known as the dream hypothesis. Descartes also uncovers the evil demon hypothesis whereby all external reality observed may be just an illusion that is perpetrated by an evil demon  seeking to deceive him, also there is the problem that all previous memories about oneself could simply just be imagination and not grounded in any reality. The system of radical doubt leads Descartes into murky territory where he cannot believe in the existence of anything at 1 JULIAS, ANNAS: INTRODUCTION TO PLATO’S REPUBLIC(NEW YORK, 1998)P. 252 2 JOHN, COTTINGHAM, DESCARTES: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MIND(LONDON, 1997) P. 21 3 JOHN CORRINGHAM, DESCARTES: MEDITATIONS ON FIRST PHILOSOPHY (NEW YORK, 2013) P. 33 all. This thankfully is changed when he discovers the cogito’ I think therefore I am’, his  starting point which saves him from uncertainty, allowing him to prove that he exists. In Plato’s allegory of the cave, there are prisoners who are locked up within the depths of a cave. All day long, they are situated in front of a wall and behind them is a fire which reflects shadows on the wall. Unbeknownst to the prisoners, there are puppeteers who use the firelight to reflect shadows of their puppets upon the wall while making noises ‘the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows’4. The prisoners are unaware of this illusion and mistakenly believe these shadows are real images. One day, a prisoner is released from his chains and allowed to walk freely about the cave. Although it is confusing for him to see the puppets and fire, he is forced to accept this clearer version of reality and eventually ascents through the cave, spending a day and night under the sun and the stars. As he becomes familiar with the world above, he realises the sun is the giver of light, how it casts shadows and how his prior life in the cave was an entire illusion. This newfound enlightenment Plato remarks will prevent him from ever returning to the life in cave, nor will his old inmates  believe him if he tried to free him, instead ‘they would put him to death5’ This intellectual awakening will cause the inmate to grasp the idea of good, the eternal form which will urge him to act ‘rationally in public or private life6’. Ultimately Plato suggests the inmate should return to his old friends and seek to help them. The cave analogy is concerned with the human condition and its’ lack of enlightenment7, for Plato the prisoners represent ordinary citizens who hold false beliefs (shadows), reality is dictated to them by their senses (appearance of things) allowing them to be easily manipulated8. Ignorance is then symbolised by darkness and the intellect and reason is symbolised by the light. The journey of the inmate from darkness to light is a metaphor for education which allows one to progress from the ignorance in the depths of the cave to the intellectual plains of the enlightened one in the outside world. The outer world symbolises true knowledge, the realisation of eternal forms while the cave again illustrates the world of appearance and false beliefs, Woozley writes ‘most men without knowing it live in this shadow world’9 4 PLATO. ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE. P. 74 5 IBID. P. 75 6 IBID. P. 75. 7 ANTHONY, WOOZLEY: PLATO’S REPUBLIC: A PHILOSOPHICAL COMMENTARY(LONDON, 1989)P206 8 JULIAS, ANNAS: INTRODUCTION TO PLATO’S REPUBLIC(NEW YORK, 1998)P254 The cave analogy and Descartes systematic doubt have much in common. Both are concerned with the illusory nature of the senses and external reality, for Plato people place too much emphasis on the senses, on the appearance of things as illustrated in by the shadows on the wall, this leads them to hold false beliefs and to be easily misled, only by entering the realm of thought can people free themselves by gaining knowledge and becoming enlightened. Descartes through the systematic doubt also maintains that external reality cannot be truly known; the sensory deception and evil demon hypothesis cast doubt on the authenticity of the outside world. Indeed the evil demon hypothesis is an almost identical scenario to that of the prisoners whose sensory perception is distorted by the shadow wielding puppeteers. Only through the mind or intellect can an individual overcome the illusory nature of the senses, it allows the prisoner to access the outside world to gain enlightenment and help his fellow inmates while for Descartes the mind by way of the cogito is the one thing  that cannot be doubted which through it allows him prove the existence of the outside world in his later meditations. The cave is an analogy which illustrates how people can possess false consciousness and how through reason and knowledge one can overcome this while systematic doubt is an instruction on how to discard false beliefs, the ascent through the cave into the intellectual world is the finishing point for Plato while the cogito for Descartes is a starting point for further investigation. The two authors also differ on the type of philosophy employed in their argument. Plato insists that after the ascent , the prisoner will experience the idea of the good ‘ the lord of light in the visible world, and the immediate source of reason and truth in the intellectual’10 the good then is the highest point of knowledge and represents Plato’s philosophy of perfect types or forms known as idealism, Descartes through highlighting the sensory, dream and demon hypothesis illustrates how the external world cannot be relied upon as a basis for true knowledge, but the cogito is a starting point, the attempt to find secure beliefs that allow a foundation for further knowledge to be rested upon  is known as Foundationalism which is credited to Descartes. In conclusion, both Descartes and Plato in their attempts to challenge the prevailing doctrine of their respective times introduced two of the most influential concepts in the world of Philosophy. Descartes through his examination of systematic doubt uncovers the limitations of the physical senses in acquiring knowledge and introduces further challenges to understanding external reality with the dream, memory and evil demon hypothesis. Only 9 ANTHONY, WOOZLEY: PLATO’S REPUBLIC: A PHILOSOPHICAL COMMENTARY(LONDON, 1989)P. 223 10 PLATO. ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE. P. 77  through the mind alone can one grasp the nature of reality starting with the cogito. Likewise Plato is concerned with the appearance of things, how the senses can deceive us and humanity like the inmates in the cave can live in a state of ignorance or darkness if they don’t use the power of the mind to acquire knowledge and reason. Only through using the intellect can humanity gather true knowledge and escape the darkness in the cave. For both the intellect is the only means for gathering true knowledge, the senses are illusory. Descartes systematic doubt and cogito provide the foundational starting point for the sciences while the  cave allegory offers advocates a way of life for humanity to feign the world of ignorance and seek true knowledge so that those who acquire it will return to the cave and help their fellow man. Works Cited: Annas, Julias. An Introduction to Plato’s’ Republic. New York: Oxford University Press Cottingham, John. Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013 Cottingham, John. Ed. Ray Monk. Descartes’ Philosophy of Mind. London: Phoenix Publishers, 1997 Plato. The Allegory of the cave. Week 5 Handout Woozley, Anthony. Plato’s Republic: A philosophical commentary. London: MacMillan Publishers, 1989.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Primitive Beginnings in Herman Melvilles Moby Dick

Primitive Beginnings in Herman Melvilles Moby Dick Among the numerous themes and ideas that author Herman Melville expresses in Moby Dick, one of the less examined is the superiority of the primitive man to the modern man. As an undertone running through the entire book, one can see in Moby Dick the same admiration of the noble savage that is so prevalent in Melvilles earlier tales of the simple and idyllic life of the cannibals, even though the focus has been shifted to the dangers of seeing things from only one point of view and to the struggle between good and evil. Before proceeding to a discussion of how Melville glorifies primitive man in Moby Dick, a working definition for the term must be agreed†¦show more content†¦what is called savagery. When a whaling ship leaves port, it leaves the civilized world and plunges into the world of the primitive, where the sea rolls as it rolled five thousand years ago and wild, furious nature, unmodulated by the influence of man, holds complete sway. (see Chapter 58: Brit) There, the ship shares many characteristics with a nomadic tribe, roving across the prairies in search of great beasts to hunt and kill. These ship-tribes are few and far between, and when they meet, it is an opportunity to tell stories and to exchange any useful knowledge they may have gathered. In addition, the whale hunt itself provides a metaphor for the hunt that took up most of the primitive mens time and provided them with their sustenance. When the harpooners all hurl their harpoons at a whale, the image of c avemen hurling spears at a mammoth is vividly conjured up. The virtues required of the prehistoric mammoth-hunters are also observed in the whalemen; both must have courage, perseverance, and solidarity. So, when Melville devotes several chapters to an exposition of the glories of whaling, attempting to endow the whaling industry with a mythology befitting a fundamental activity of manShow MoreRelatedEssay on Reading Moby-Dick as Ethnic Allegory2752 Words   |  12 PagesReading Moby-Dick as Ethnic Allegory At a time when images of the white settler conquering the savage frontier were prevalent in antebellum America, depictions of racial polarization and, alternately, co-existence among different ethnic groups had already begun to find expression in various artistic mediums, from painting to literature. Today more than ever, such works continue to elicit critical re-examinations where race relations, colonization, and literary representation are concernedRead MoreThemes in Green Grass Running Water817 Words   |  4 PagesAmericans eventually adopts a name from these White works. The four characters come from works by white writers for white audiences that feature Native American characters: Robinson Crusoe from the eponymous novel by Daniel Defoe, Ishmael from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Hawkeye from James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, and The Lone Ranger, the titular hero of radio and television serials. King furthers this theme of cultural conflict by demonstrating the power that popular culture has in shapingRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesbackground knowledge to disambiguate, then someone is going to have to instruct it to do all the information processing that is done unconsciously by us humans, who are naturally intelligent. In the 1950s, when the field of computer science was beginning, many computer designers and programmers made radically optimistic claims about how they were on the verge of automating language understanding and language translation. The U.S. government was convinced, and it invested a great amount of money