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Questions And Answers About Random Philosophers Essays -

Questions And Answers About Random Philosophers 1.What convictions did the Sophists challenge? They didn't accept that divine bein...

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Antigone Moral Law vs. Political Law - 814 Words

ANTIGONE 3 January 2013 Moral Law vs. Political Law The theme of Antigone is the struggle between political law and moral law; the difference of following the law because it is the law and following one’s own morals because you feel it is what is right. The characters in Antigone face this struggle when confronted with Creon’s refusal of a burial for Antigone’s brother Polynices. The ancient Greeks believed that without proper burial, entrance into the afterlife was forbidden. It is through her own moral standing that Antigone decides that burying her brother is the right thing to do no matter what the consequence. She asks her sister, Ismene, to help her bury Polynices. â€Å"You’ll soon show what you are, worth your breeding, Ismene?†¦show more content†¦As well, Abraham Lincoln shares similar views with Creon in his speech, â€Å"The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions.† In this piece, he shares that even though you may not agree with some laws; you must conform to them or else risk punishment. Lincoln’s view was, â€Å"We toiled not in the acquirement or establishment of them - [laws] they are a legacy bequeathed us, by a once hardy, brave, and patriotic, but now lamented and departed race of ancestors.† Antigone is an excellent example of one’s inner struggle to be â€Å"good.† These works of literature show the contradiction of what being â€Å"good† is; one person’s â€Å"good† may differ from another’s. Thoreau, Martin Luther King Jr. and Lincoln also battled with the difference between what they and others thought was just. Political law and moral law will always conflict with each other as we as a human race battle between what is right, and what isShow MoreRelatedMoral Law vs. Political Law in Sophocles’ Antigone Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesIn Sophocles’ Antigone, a written dramatic play, Sophocles portrays the theme that at times of one’s life, it is necessary to follow moral law and ignore political law. In the play, a determined and courageous woman named Antigone is loyal to her beloved brother by granting him a proper burial and having to suffer the consequences for revolting. Throughout Antigone, severa l incidents occurred where the political law was of no importance to the individual. Conflicts between Antigone and Ismene andRead MoreUnderstanding Of Cultural And Contextual Consideration Of Antigone By Sophocles968 Words   |  4 Pagesorals, my understanding of cultural and contextual consideration of Antigone by Sophocles has developed. You must receive further information about the playwright, the role of women, and the symbols used in Antigone to have a full understanding of the play. Without the knowledge provided from the interactive orals, the play would not have been understood as well as it is now. To understand the importance and meaning of Antigone, you must understand the playwright and his purpose of writing the playRead MoreAntigone Moral Dilemma1253 Words   |  6 PagesAntigone’s Moral Dilemma Margaret Walsh South University Online Antigone’s Moral Dilemma Perhaps the most pronounced question in the play Antigone by Sophocles is the value of human law vs. divine law. In this tragic play a newly appointed king Creon declares to his people that treason was committed during battle, andRead MoreThe Conflict Between Antigone And Creon836 Words   |  4 PagesIn Sophocles’ tragedy, Antigone, Sophocles follows Aristotle’s definition of tragedy which is constructed in six parts: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song. Although these six parts are used to produce a successful tragedy, thought is especially important in Antigone because it encapsulates the plot of the play. The thought, or the theme, is revealed in the dialogue from the Prologue to the Second Episode. As a result, Antigone’s and Creon’s dialogue exhibits two interrelated themes:Read MoreHuman Law Vs. Divine Law1487 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Law vs. Divine Law Morality is principles that determines the distinction between right and wrong action, or good and bad behavior. There is also a link that being moral should be determined by either human law or divine law. The play â€Å"Antigone†, by Sophocles, shows the complexity of this certain concept of morality. Antigone must determine whether she should defy King Creon’s law in order to bury her brother, Polynices, or reject her own religious beliefs in order to maintain in the King’sRead MoreDivine Law Vs. Human Law1510 Words   |  7 PagesWritten Assignment Divine Law vs. Human Law West Islip High School Là ©na Seltzer 003996-0069 May 2017 1472 Words Religion and State have historically battled over value of importance. For centuries, laws have been set forth to further the separation between the two. While good intentions were utilized in the creation of these statutes, it is challenging to shift the mindset of civilians who have worshiped religion above the state their entire lives. In the play, Antigone, Sophocles dramatizesRead More Sophocles Antigone – Comparing the Symbolic Alignment Utilized by Creon and President George Bush1023 Words   |  5 PagesSophocles Antigone – Comparing the Symbolic Alignment Utilized by Creon and President George Bush ... he who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building. - The Prince by Machiavelli Sophocles addresses this very problem in his play Antigone by the methods Creon uses to rule Thebes. Creon begins ruling Thebes in a very difficult time and circumstance. The polis hasRead MoreAn Ideal Hero: Greek vs. Roman Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pagesarchitecture surplus manpower c. Writing (â€Å"gifts of the gods†)= records. Pictograph, ideogram, cuneiform. d. Institutions for centralized inherited power . - Priesthood for centralized sacred ritual . - Kingship for centralized political and social structure (Paraoh= kings in Egypt) . 2. Geographical areas of early civilizations (Attached) 3. Ages of early Greek mythology to Ovid ( Poet of Metamorphoses) a. Origin of humans: sacred clay (wise and rulers) blood

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Affects That the Appearance Has On Behavior - 1900 Words

The Affects That the Appearance Has On Behavior In, the three stories that we have explored this semester, Passing, A Raisin in the Sun, and Mama Day all have the same theme of how identity is based off of the appearance of someone, and how that appearance reflects how they will behave. So the behavior of someone is based off the outward appearance of someone. This is shown by the fluidity of Clare and her ability to assimilate into different culture easily, in Passing, the various examples of the various the conflicts between Cocoa and George in, Mama Day, and the how the characters in Mama Day, present themselves. In Passing, by Nella Larsen she shows how Clare doesn’t see why race has to be a barrier for someone to be part of a†¦show more content†¦She shows here how she doesn’t see race to be a big factor to how she can interact with people, because even though these two different groups see her as different races they don’t affect how she acts around them. With both groups she is herself and is j ust a social person who doesn’t see race as being a barrier. She feels that if her husband does find out that she is black, it’s not a big deal because even though she would have lost him, she would still have the black community and either way she will be fine. In Mama Day, the characters actions reflect how they see themselves. Cocoa, one of the main characters in Mama Day, constantly battles with the fact that she is much lighter than the rest of her family, and it leads her to want to become as dark as the rest of her family, thinking that it will help her feel better. Its evident from a very early beginning in the novel that Cocoa’s family really likes family members who are darker, and, â€Å"They gave her the pet name cocoa. It’ll put color on her somewhere.†(Naylor 40). This serves as a constant reminder to Cocoa that your identity is based off of your color or outward appearance, and that she could never equate to the same racial status as the rest of her family. Due to this difference in her appearance she wont be considered part of the family. By calling her Cocoa it’s meant to poke fun at the fact that she is a lighter shade ofShow MoreRelatedTelevision And Its Influence On Our Culture985 Words   |à ‚  4 PagesTelevision has become a large part of our lives after the early 1950s. During this time, television was the primary medium for influencing public opinion. Its purpose was originally to influence the population and that is still apparent today; Whether that continues to be it purpose is debatable. Television as legacy media has many negative influences on our culture. This is most apparent in younger generations than any other. The scope of this paper will be identifying the negative affects popularRead MoreAn Interview With 41 Rape922 Words   |  4 Pagesgoing to wear that day as a means of sexual consent or sexual advances. With these results it demonstrates that in reality all the assumptions and myths created by society in particular women does not affect if a women’s particular attire will cause sexual harassment. It is the assumptions that society has created within themselves to maintain a justification for women who wear sexy clothing. A women who wears tig ht fitted clothing, or â€Å"sexy† attire does not make her a potential target for sexual harassmentRead MoreEssay on The Psychological Effects of Stroke in Older Adults1733 Words   |  7 PagesHowever, more than the external deleterious consequences of these diseases are the psychological ramifications that they have to older adults that are worth investigating. Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is one of the many age-related diseases that affect both the physical and psychological functioning of many older adults. To understand the extent of the effects of stroke to older adults, this research paper will enumerate various physical, mental, and social aftermaths of this disease. FurthermoreRead MoreMedia s Portrayal Of Women1190 Words   |  5 PagesIn a society obsessed with appearance and numb to sexism, it comes as no surprise that women are expressing hate for their bodies more than ever before. Mass media’s portrayal of women is one of unattainable perfectio n— most models are stick thin with flawless complexions and pearl-white smiles. Consumers are bombarded with images of women being displayed as sex objects, valued for their physical appearance above all else. The evasiveness of media has led women to believe they must resemble the modelsRead MoreNegative Body Image Essay945 Words   |  4 Pagesexterior physical appearance of people’s physique, facial features, body shape, hair color/texture, and skin color. People can have a positive body image or a negative one. People who have a negative body image often experience mental and physical health issues, and long-lasting negative self-perception can lead to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. The media = has a strong impact on body image, and research has shown that the media’s standard of beauty has a detrimentalRead MoreThe Psychological Effects of Going Through Cosmetic Surgery1486 Words   |  6 Pagesfeelings towards our body image affects us psychologically and psychosocially by our own body-self image, sexual relationships, social interactions esteem and self worth. As we age our body dissatisfaction increases and in order to increase our body self image and esteem we proceed to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures. The psychological or emotional state of a person who has undergone cosmetic surgery varies. The patient may feel better about their psychical appearance but may not have any improvementsRead MoreDescription Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder741 Words   |  3 Pagesan imagined defect in appearance is one way to possibly detect body dysmorphic disorder. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern with the body part is extremely excessive. The preoccupation causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Repetitive behaviors may occur; including mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking, clothes changing, comparing one’s appearance with other people. HISTORYRead MoreThe Problem With Body Dysmorphic Disorder ( Bdd )1749 Words   |  7 PagesConcerns about one’s own appearance are not uncommon. The majority of people that dislike a certain aspect of their appearance may occasionally refer to it negatively and leave it at that, whereas someone with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) will refer to their perceived flaws so much so that it affects their life on a daily basis (The BDD Alliance, 2016). About 1.7% to 2.4% of the general population is affected by BDD, meaning that about 1 in 50 people have the disorder (Phillips, n.d.). FortunatelyRead MoreThe Effect of Storefront Appearance on Shopper Behavior1584 Words   |  7 PagesThe Effect of Storefront Appearance on Shopper Behavior Teresa Shera Texas A M, Commerce TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract 3 Chapter 1: Introduction 4 Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature 6 Chapter 3: Methodology 7 Chapter 4: Findings 9 Chapter 5: Summary 11 References 12 Appendices 13 ABSTRACT Read MoreMedias Influence on Body Image Essay example1550 Words   |  7 Pagesin physical activities. Physical activities could be participating in sports where one has a feeling of being â€Å"too fat† or feeling that one has to achieve a certain look before they can participate (Paxton , 2002, P. 4). 2.1 Theory Researchers have utilized various theoretical findings for examining the relationship between media and body image (Holmstrom, 2004 ). Here is the review of the theories that has been used by the researchers in the area. The most common of these theories is Festinger’s

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Logistics Demand and Supply Chain Management †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Business Logistics Demand and Supply Chain Management. Answer: Introduction: Goods that have hidden charges are characterized by a wide range of factors which determines their production, distribution and eventual consumption. Despite their perceived profitability index to the firms, such goods do not exist in all markets. They have specific qualities that single them out in the market. More so, their presence is also chiefly determined by the level of consumer awareness as well as the trends associates with their consumption in particular. This paper looks clearly on the characteristics of such goods as revealed in all markets. Moreover, the paper will also delve into establishing any existing relationship between international tourism and the hidden charges while paying special attention to the turn out for imports and their impact on the market equilibrium. Finally, the paper will analyze the impact of hidden fees on the exchange rate with respect to the interrelationship of demand and supply. Goods with hidden fees exhibit inelastic demand. For instance, there is an insignificant to zero response that consumers have on their consumption. Changes in prices do not result into bigger changes in the amount demanded by consumers. This implies that consumers have a smaller influence on the consumption trends that are rife in the market. Instead, according to Thornton Arndt (2003), producers do have a bigger influence on price determination. Since consumer consumption is stable due to this unresponsiveness to price changes, producers are therefore able to changes prices for bigger realization of revenue. The excludability of these goods means that consumption levels is always bound to hit top notch because their choices are limited in the market (Economist 2017). For example, the airplane ticket prices will always carry extra fees because there are no close alternatives in the market for the goods. This is another avenue that means consumer awareness is not easily realized. Absence of closer substitutes. Goods that have hidden charges are primarily exclusive in the market. As a result consumer choice is decimated hence giving producers in the market an autonomy in the price determination. Airline charges have zero close substitutes that consumers can resort to indicating a situation whereby there are stuck with consumption amounts available in the market. Since the United States is able to increase these hidden charges, there has never been incentive by the consumers to seek for other substitutes to realize maximum satisfaction (OConnell Warnock-Smith 2013). In other consumption is always stable as a result of the lack of these substitutes that consumers would eventually resort for. A clear characteristic of goods with hidden charges is that the market is rife with price discrimination. It is devised on the back of the airlines are able to issue different prices for different consumers. Moreover, the peak hours generate a lot of revenue because consumers have to dig deeper in their pockets to buy the tickets as well. A case in point is that it is still down to the lack of substitutes in the market for these goods that makes producers chiefly determine the amount that customers pay for the goods. As aforementioned, consumers are stuck in sourcing for ways to cut down on the high prices in the market. Another important aspect according to Mumbower, Garrow and Newman (2016), is that prices for these goods are determined by the producer exclusively because the market has no autonomy for create consumer awareness that goes a long way in having price responsiveness. Furthermore, this makes the market for this goods have monopolistic tendencies. The fact that producer is the price maker for these goods implies that there is a minimal impact of the market forces in determination of the quality demanded as well as the supply. Instead producers have to balance the price and quantity available in the market to realize bumper profits. In essence, profits can be realized both in the short run and the long run. The tax incidence for goods with hidden fees fall primarily on the consumers. This is attributed to the producer aspect of price making as well as elastic demand. A higher tax will always translate into consumers bearing the burden through increasing the prices. This comes through price discrimination. However, this case is sequentially followed whereby a single firms decision is followed by all firms adopting the same set of conditions. for instance in the United States, when a certain airline firm sets high prices for baggage and other itineraries it sets up a similar scenario in the entire industry. However, this move has a long term disturbances for the economy because a firm that decides to set a $50 dollar increment will lead a similar case within a short period of time hence ending up as a standard rate across the entire industry. Hidden fees have a huge effect on the imports made by the United States trading partners particularly with regard to the tourism industry. Inclusion of hidden fees stifles the balance of trade among the trading partners involved with the US. They end up having expensive imports while the US gets cheaper exports. The balance of trade is therefore unfavorable. Furthermore, international tourism faces a huge threat in terms of substitution from domestic markets reorganization (Heller 2010). Domestic cultural diversity for instance is changing the tourism dynamics in the international market. It is emerging as a huge threat to the returns realized in the mass tourism. Basically, substitutes to tourism alludes to alternative tourism that ensures services such as thematic tours, eco-tours, adventure tours as well as products entertainment, food services, travel agencies. Specifically, an increment in the domestic tourism in terms of a preference for these services reduces the demand for in ternational tourism products. As these products are becoming more valuable in the market, there is lesser international tourism plummets as international numbers sharply reduce. The aggregate demand for international tourism reduces since there will be a big cut on the tourism numbers travelling all around the world as motivated by these products. In others words, the equilibrium price reduces while there will be a comparatively similar case for equilibrium quantity. On the supply side, while consumers resort for substitute products in the market in the form of domestically tailored products, there will be an increase in the aggregate supply which pays attention to the move by consumers to have a better market control through the locally available products (Clark 2016). A reduction in the number of consumer is testament to an eventuality that leads market reorganization whereby individual producers are determinants of the quality the equilibrium quantity and price with respect to supply. The market need for the US dollars is influenced by both demand and supply while pegging it to the hidden charges. A favorable market rate for market demand and market supply of the dollar is basically established through an intersection of the forces of demand and supply. In the above diagram, the relationship between demands for dollars is indicated by the demand curve and the supply curve in that the equilibrium price and demand for the dollars is established by the aforementioned intersection. At rest, which is without the inclusion of the hidden fees, the market is self-sustaining, the equilibrium price is established at point P while the equilibrium quantity is indicated by the point Q. in other words, and the market demand for dollars equals the market supply of the same dollars (Christopher 2016). In essence, the most suitable exchange rate is indicated by this equilibrium such that any changes to the structure will have consequences for to the market for the United States dollars as explained below. In order to understand the effect of the hidden charges on the foreign exchange involving the United States dollar in comparison to other currencies, needs a recall on the characteristics of the hidden fees in an economy as well as the sector of concern. The case above indicates that the inelasticity of the market to price changes will have huge bearing on determining the value of the US dollar in this regard. First, when hidden fees are introduced, it means the demand for the US dollars rises as indicated by demand shift from demand1 to demand2. The more sales for the tickets is realized the more increase in the dollar. It means that the price for the US dollar will increase as shown by a movement in the equilibrium quantity from point P1 to P2 while at the same time, there will be an upsurge in the quantity demanded as well shooting from Q1 to Q2. In essence, hidden fees have an effect of increasing the demand for the dollar as compared to the rest of the world which translates to more revenue as indicated in the article. References The Economist, 2017. Hidden fees charged by hotels and airlines are bad for customers and the economy. Retrieved Online. Available on 19th January 2017. Thornton, E. and Arndt, M., 2003. FEES! FEES! FEES! Companies can't raise prices, so they're socking consumers with hundreds of hidden charges--and that's creating stealth inflation and fueling a popular backlash. Business Week, (3851), pp. 98. Heller, M., 2010. The Gridlock Economy: How Too Much Ownership Wrecks Markets Stops Innovation, and Costs Lives. ReadHowYouWant. Mumbower, S., Garrow, L.A. and Newman, J.P., 2015. Investigating airline customers premium coach seat purchases and implications for optimal pricing strategies. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 73, pp. 53-69. Clark, P., 2016. Stormy skies: airlines in crisis. Routledge: Abington, London O'Connell, J.F. and Warnock-Smith, D., 2013. An investigation into traveler preferences and acceptance levels of airline ancillary revenues. Journal of Air Transport Management, 33, pp.12-21. Christopher, M., 2016. Logistics supply chain management. Pearson UK.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

The Devil and Daniel Webster Movie Essay Example For Students

The Devil and Daniel Webster Movie Essay In the movie and the short story, The Devil and Daniel Webster , written by Stephen Vincent Benet, there is illustrated the battle between the forces of good and evil. Although the story allows the reader to mentally picture the scenes and the movie does the depicting for the viewer, there are several similarities in each script. Some of these similarities are the way the characters are depicted and the final scene. There are several incongruous scenes between the short story and the way the movie unfolds. The differences are the amount of time that is spent on the character development, also there are some scenes added into the movie such as the harvest dance and the reminder of the contract. There are three main characters in this short story/movie. They are Scratch, Daniel Webster, and Jabez Stone. The actors picked for the roles fit almost perfectly to the descriptions of the characters in the short story. Scratch is described as a soft-spoken, dark-dressed stranger white teeth†¦were filed to a point.. We will write a custom essay on The Devil and Daniel Webster Movie specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now As shown in the movie the actor was also a very darkly clad man. He also had a very soft, hypnotic voice and whenever he smiled his teeth were very shiny and pointy. The man described as the biggest man in the country when he stood up to speak, stars and stripes came right out of the sky and when he argued a case, he could turn on the harps of the blessed and the shaking of the earth underground was Daniel Webster. In the movie the actor who filed his role was a very big man with a powerful voice. The last character, Jabez Stone, wasn given a very active role in the short story, but he was described as an unlucky man he had a good wife and children, but the more he had the less there was to feed them. In the movie Jabez is seen more throughout the unfolding of the tale and his family life was a little different. He had only one child and that was after the contract with the devil was made. The ending to the short story took place in Jabez s barn and consisted of a jury filled with the ruthless dead. This was also how the movie was played out. Even the closing speech that Daniel made wasn told word for word in the short story, but the way it was spoken in the movie seemed to sum up the way it was supposed to be in the short story. It had the same affect because it made the glitter gone from the eyes of the judge and jury, and, for the moment, they were men again, and knew they were men. The only difference in the movie that I didn t like as much was that the Devil didn t seem as intimidated by Daniel Webster as he did in the short story. He just laughed at Daniel and told him he d get him in the presidency race. There are even more differences between the scripts then there are similarities. The first of these is the way the characters are depicted. I already pointed out that Jabez had a bigger role in the movie and that he only had one child. His wife, her mother, the neighboring farmers and the housekeeper were also given more substantial roles in the movie. His wife, Mary, was there to dote on him and also to show her support for him after all the farmers had turned on him. Her mother and the farmers, who weren t even mentioned in the short story, were there to act as Jabez s conscious. .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .postImageUrl , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:hover , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:visited , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:active { border:0!important; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:active , .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7c6d4a4084900ebbcc5d7a8c4b26c05b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Election 2000 EssayThe mother always seemed to appear after something bad happened. The farmer s were there at first to get him to join the Populist movement and the Farmer s Guild. When he refused that and took the devil s offer all he would do was gloat. They eventually turned on him, this is different in the short story because in it they were very fond of him and even wanted him to run for state senate. The housekeeper was also around a lot and for some reason after the baby is born she changes into Belle, a very seductive, young women. This is one thing about the movie that I didn like because it distracted from the whole idea of the contract he made. In the movie Jabez moves into a new home where he hosts a harvest dance. During this scene he pushes his wife away and Daniel comes to take her and their son. Also in this scene Mr. Stevens contract is up and Scratch turns him into a moth and places him in the box. I liked how the interaction between the Devil and Jabez occurred, but I thought the scene with Mr. Stevens swirling around and finally collapsing was a little too much. He should have just been struck dead. That is why I do like the one scene where the Devil after Making the contract with Jabez writes the termination date in the trunk of the tree so as to remind Jabez every day. Also the scene with Jabez trying to cut down the tree as to break the contract was very effective. Overall the way the director decided to interpret the short story was not the same as I did while I was reading it. For the most part he tried to stick with the script, but with the scenes he tried to change they didn t seem as effective. However the scenes he decided to add and the characters he expanded on were a great choice and brought the story alive.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Political Impacts Of Integrated Resorts Tourism Essays

Political Impacts Of Integrated Resorts Tourism Essays Political Impacts Of Integrated Resorts Tourism Essay Political Impacts Of Integrated Resorts Tourism Essay South Africas bet oning industrys gross chancing gross in fiscal twelvemonth 2011/2012 grew by 7.5 to R18.4 billion. In financial twelvemonth 2011/2012 South Africas 37 casinos paid about R4.7 billion to authorities gross through 36 per centum gross casino revenue enhancement. R10.1 billion was invested in casinos between 1997 to 2000, stand foring 2.1 % of the entire South African capital formation. Besides, societal and responsible chancing plans were funded with more than R80 million ( CASA 2012 ) . Soon, there are 830 table games and 22,688 slot machines in all over South Africa s casinos. Casino industry has generated about 100,000 direct and indirect new occupations, besides adding 7,000 hotel suites and two international convention centres ( CASA 2012 ) . Montecasino is located in Fourways, North of Johannesburg is known for being Gauteng s figure one amusement finish. It was foremost opened on 30 November 2000. Montecasino amusement composite offers a universe category gambling, leisure, amusement and shopping experience. Montecasino amusement composite encompasses 3 hotels, The Palazzo Montecasino offering 246 suites, Southern Sun Montecasino offering 194 suites A ; SunSquare Montecasino with 179 suites. . It was designed and built by South African designer company, Bentel Associates International, at a cost of R1.6 billion rand. It presently attracts over 9.3 million visitants yearly. Montecasino has a non-smoking and two smoke casinos, with more than 1700 slot machines and 70 gambling tabular arraies, from American Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Poker and Blackjack to novelty games like Wheel of Fortune and Life of Luxury and progressive slots kitties. Montecasino is besides the largest of Gauteng s five casinos, covering 38 hectares of premier existent estate in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Subject: Monumental Subject Design: Ancient Tuscan Village ( Italian design ) The chief edifice with the casino has a bogus sky, painted on the roof, indoors traveling from light to dark from one side to the other. Political impacts of incorporate resorts Before the debut of the National Gambling Act in that twelvemonth, South Africa had a booming illegal gaming industry which was about wholly controlled by Whites, offered participants no protection against fraud, was readily available to bush leagues and wholly neglected jobs associated with compulsive and job gaming. A decennary subsequently, illegal machines are down from about 150 000 to less than 10 000, while the figure of legal machines has increased from the about 7 000 which existed in the pre-1996 old fatherland casinos in 1994 to 22 000 in 2010, a figure which is still good below these which existed illicitly. Today, there are 37 legal casinos in all nine of South Africa s states, conveying legion benefits to the locations and communities where they operate. The commissariats of the National Gambling Act, along with the ordinances made in footings of it, hold provided South Africa with a regulative model which is universally regarded as the most rigorous and scrupulous chancing government in the universe. Social impacts of incorporate resorts The societal impact of chancing can run from productiveness loss, bankruptcy, offense, self-destruction, unwellness, maltreatment, divorce and separation, societal services and intervention costs. The societal impact of chancing is non confined to the job gambler. It most surely affects others such as partners, kids, extended household members or close friends. The history of gaming is that of a stigmatized behaviour that has passed through legion rhythms of restrained credence and prohibition. The recent spread of chancing in South Africa has been characterized by efforts to neutralize the stigma associated with this behaviour. However, there are really existent personal and societal jobs associated with gaming ( COSATU 2012 ) . Problem gaming. Pathological gaming is a progressive disease that devastates non merely the gambler but everyone with whom he or she has a important relationship. Surveies on the impact of chancing found a strong correlativity between greater handiness of chancing and pathological gaming. Some of the effects of job chancing even if non at a pathological phase at the personal degree can include an increased degree of depression and anxiousness, impaired judgement, reduced tolerance with other people, and loss of self-respect. Negative effects on work and survey can include hapless public presentation, high absenteeism, lower productiveness, and unemployment or trouble in keeping employment. Crime. There is positive correlativity between offense and gaming. Gambling nuts resort to condemnable activities in order to finance their wont. Larceny, robbery and fraud are some of the things that job gamblers sometimes prosecute in. Gambling is besides a oasis for organized condemnable mobs. Gambling operators normally refuse to admit this for fright of losing affluent clients ( COSATU 2012 ) . The South African casino industry is besides extensively involved in societal investing plans which benefit local communities, peculiarly the disadvantaged, and in 2010 contributed more than R107 million to this intent. Such community upliftment plans range from the constitution of trusts to back up assorted local NGO enterprises to the upgrading of substructure in less developed countries and regular contributions towards charitable and welfare organisations, every bit good as donees in the environment, humanistic disciplines, athleticss, civilization and other deserving causes ( CASASA 2012 ) . Economic impacts of incorporate resorts The part of the Casino gambling sector to the GDP in South Africa in general, and to the Gauteng state, has been exponential over the old ages. For illustration, in the last five old ages, the gaming Casino industry in South Africa had a entire turnover of over R62 billion, with R5.6 billion paid in Casino bet oning revenue enhancement. The entire Gross Gaming Revenue increased from R8.2 billion in 2005 to R14 billion in 2009.The addition in gross was besides due in portion to more Casinos being licensed throughout South Africa. However, the Gross Gaming Revenue appears to hold stabilized, holding reached over R15 billion in 2008 and worsening by R1 billion in 2009 ( Gauteng Gambling Board 2010 ) . During the 2009 fiscal twelvemonth, South Africa s casinos generated quarterly gross of about 50 billion rand, with a full twelvemonth aggregated figure of two hundred and twelve billion rand ( The South African National Gambling Board, 2009 ) . In footings of the Casino gambling revenue enhancement, the revenue enhancement paid increased from R763.7 million in 2005 and the payment for the most being in 2008, but did non worsen to R1 billion in 2009. Apart from 2006, the mean figure of occupations in the Gauteng Casino industry has been at around 11,000. The industry has besides contributed to occupation creative activity in the state for illustration, the employment multiplier of 5.6 would connote that for every one occupation created straight by the gaming sector, a farther 4.6 occupations are created through indirect and indirect effects. The above suggests that the initial employment of 11,093 in 2009 resulted in the entire employment of 51 028 through the indirect and induced employment consequence of the gaming sector. The entire Gross Added Value Added ( GVA ) of the gaming sector ( direct, indirect and induced ) is R7.1 billion in Gauteng. ( Gauteng Gambling Board 2010 ) . Technology impacts of incorporate resorts Angel Eye Designed to set the brakes on a rampant card-switching job in Asiatic states, Angel Eye relies on saloon codifications placed on each card with unseeable ink. As the chemin de fer trader trades cards, a detector in the dealing shoe keeps path of the cards being dealt and transfers the information to a computing machine. After the cards on the tabular array are revealed, the trader presses a button on the shoe, and the consequences of the manus judged by the computing machine are displayed. Security starts flexing its musculuss if the consequences on the tabular array do nt fit the computing machines. TableEye21 TableEye21 combines several engineerings into a individual impressive service: an overhead picture camera keeps path of the action, and by utilizing a mixture of picture analysis package and information from RFID french friess, it s able to cover the picture provender with real-time information of the cards being dealt and the french friess being wagered. In the interim, TableEye21aˆ?s robust package methodically tracks all sorts of stats for the tabular array, including trader unit of ammunitions per hr, tendency studies, and participant win per centum. Casinos usage that information to assist place when a participant is numbering cards or working in cahoots with the trader to sleep together the casino out of money. Promotion event Montecasino hosted South Africa Tennis Open for the 2nd clip in 2010. It was held for the first clip in 2009 at Montecasino, with the locale turn outing to be catalyst in the restaging of the tourney after 14 old ages. The R3.5-million event ran from 1 to7 February 2010, with the measure uping tourney taking topographic point on January 30 and 31. The SA Tennis Open is a 250 series event on the ATP World Tour, which means that the victor took off 250 South African Airways universe ranking points. South Africa Tennis Association Chief Executive Ian Smith said that the participants loved the locale last twelvemonth, which helped to pull a strong field yet once more. The response from the populace was overpowering, with the semifinal and concluding yearss ( Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February ) being sold out a hebdomad before the event. Celine Dion live show at Montecasino: Thousands of South African fans had flocked to see international Superstar Celine Dion executing unrecorded under African skies at Montecasino, Johannesburg on 01 March 2008. The concert was staged next to the dramatic new outdoor plaza in Montecasino, giving the audience the chance to see the thaumaturgy of Celine Dion in a Tuscan small town under African skies. Streams of gross Beginnings of gross of Montecasino are: three hotels with a sum of 619 suites ; conferencing and run intoing installations that comprise 16 locales numbering 2000 square metres of floor infinite ; the 1 850-seat Teatro ; and three eating houses Billy G s, a 700-seater counter eating house, Cobblestones Pub, a 150 seater pub-style eating house, and @ Monte Restaurant A ; Wine Bar, an upmarket 120-seat locale. Montecasino s 95 per centum of the R1 billion-plus gross comes from casino. Montecasino in 2012 is traveling off from the silo attack where the different divisions such as conference locales, hotels, theaters, gambling, amusement, and eating houses were responsible for their ain turnovers and it s now happening ways to unite offerings for visitants to guarantee maximal value and enjoyment for them and improved use and profitableness for Montecasino. Montecasino is concentrating on the bundle offerings they can offer to corporates, associations, nines, households, or any group. Positive facet of this realignment exercising are the logistical chances to leverage across the extended company-owned and privately-owned installations at Montecasino. Montecasino is traveling off from the scheme which saw its assorted divisions such as gambling, hotels, eating houses and theaters responsible for their ain turnovers towards improved profitableness and use from all its divisions. Watering place Lanna Spa ( Thai massage ) This Lifestyle watering place is fashionable and elegant and provides the perfect flight for indulgence and indulgence. The name Lanna literally means land of a million rice Fieldss and is a temple for the organic structure, head and psyche. Lanna Spa offers a full scope of alone intervention services including Clarins Beauty interventions for him and her, Thai Herbal and Oil Massage, Lanna Body Wraps, Manicures and Pedicures, a full scope of waxing or merely make your ain particular bundle to accommodate your demands. The decor is simple, yet elegant with a strong Thai influence. There are 9 intervention suites including a couples room, a relaxation room, a council chamber to run into with clients and indulge them with a pamper session thenceforth and a 12 seater Jacuzzi.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Around the World in 80 Days Review

'Around the World in 80 Days' Review Jules Vernes Around the World in Eighty Days is a rip-roaring adventure story set primarily in  Victorian England but spans the world following its protagonist Phileas Fogg. Written with a cosmopolitan and open view of the world, Around the World in Eighty Days is a brilliant tale. Vivid in its descriptions, Fogg, a cold, brittle man, who slowly shows that he does have the heart of an Englishman. The book wonderfully captures a spirit of adventure that was bubbling around the turn of the century and is impossible to put down. The Main Plot The story begins in London where the reader is introduced to an incredibly precise and controlled man by the name of Fogg. Fogg lives happily, although a little mysteriously, for no-one knows the true origin of his wealth. He goes to his gentlemans club every day, and it is there that he accepts a wager to travel around the world in eighty days. He packs his things and, along with his manservant, Passepartout he sets out on his journey. Early on in his voyage, a police inspector begins to trail him, believing Fogg is a bank robber. After a reasonably uneventful start, difficulties emerge in India when Fogg realities that a train line he was hoping to take has not been finished. He decides to takes an elephant instead. This diversion is fortunate in one way, for Fogg meets and saves an Indian woman from a forced marriage. On his journey, Fogg will fall in love with Aouda and, on his return to England will make her his wife. In the interim, however, Fogg faces a number of challenges, including losing Passepartout to a Yokohama circus and being attacked by Native Americans in the Midwest. During this incident, Fogg shows his humanity by going off personally to save his manservant, despite the fact that this could well cost him his bet. Finally, Fogg manages to get back onto British soil (albeit by leading a mutiny aboard a French steamer) and seemingly in enough time to win his bet. At this point, the police inspector arrests him, delaying him just long enough to lose the bet. He returns home saddened by his failure, but brightened by the fact that Aouda has agreed to marry him. When Passepartout is sent to arrange the wedding, he realizes that it is a day earlier than they think (by traveling East across the International date line they have gained a day), and so Fogg wins his bet. The Human Spirit of Adventure Unlike many of his more science-based fiction stories, Jules Vernes Around the World in Eighty Days is interested in the capabilities of technology in his own time. The things that human beings can achieve armed only with a sense of adventure and an exploratory spirit. It is also a brilliant dissection of what it is to be English in the time of empire. Fogg is a brilliantly drawn character, a man who is stiff-upper-lipped and precise in all his habits. However, as the novel goes on the icy man begins to thaw. He begins to place the importance of friendship and love above his usual concerns of reserve and punctuality. In the end, he is willing to lose his bet to help a friend. He doesn’t care about defeat because he has won the hand of the woman he loves. Although some would argue it doesnt have the great literary merit of some novels written around the same time, Around the World in Eighty Days certainly makes up for it with its vivid descriptions. The undoubtedly a classic story is peopled with characters who will be long remembered. It is a breathtaking roller-coaster ride around the world and a touching view of an older time. Filled with the thrill of adventure, Around the World in Eighty Days is a wonderful story, written with skill and no short order of panache.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Therapeutic approaches within multicultural cmmunities Essay

Therapeutic approaches within multicultural cmmunities - Essay Example These are knowledge of oneself i.e. self-awareness, knowledge of other, and the therapeutic practice. We are basically concerned here with Therapeutic approaches within Multicultural Communities (Swanson, 2010). Most of the mental health issues pertain to historical and social issues linked with colonialism. These concerns had have a disastrous intergenerational effect on the communities of First Nations, even though modern Western focused service delivery is the prime focus. Inappropriately, many of the people of First Nations idealize mental health care to be culturally insensitive and inaccessible. The Nations clients are not as prone to come back after first session of counseling as compared to Caucasian clients (Swanson, 2010). In this paper, we extend the historical and socio-political rationale for been the reason to basic cultural differences. This approach to comprehending and working with cultural differences is based on the three sub ideas of multicultural capability. In w hat trails, we will discuss the practice and theory of these domains of multicultural capability as they pertain to counseling the clients of First Nations (McGilloway, 2010). ... The multicultural counseling should endorse client-related other than cultural-related involvements. Giving a distinct treatment for each different group is not a sound decision. Many people of the First Nations are identified with multiple cultures, thus making the matters more intricate at hand. Human centered commonly focuses approaches might be the best approach to balance the scale of modern verses conventional involvements (Gallardo, 2012). Western approaches are still relevant when it comes to counseling of the people of First Nations. The First Nations client usually seems to reject the modern counseling practices but it is dealt with. Certain perspectives of the Western theory are agreeable to be deconstructed and being use for healing processes. For instance, the procedures involved in conventional practices f sharing and healing have certain types of main group therapy. The Western methods of counseling can easily be replaced is not the idea here. However, both contemporar y and conventional methods can be compared and utilized alike. One should keep in touch with multicultural aspect that respects and values the diversity in all arenas. No assumption should be made to predominating the validity or correctness or effectiveness of one aspect of healing over other one. Certainly, when it relates to effectiveness, the therapeutic consequence research immensely relates to rank of a collaborative balance between the model of counselor in counseling and client global view. The balance is needed to determine an optimistic counseling result (Swanson, 2010). Accumulation strategies should be attended to as well. There is a big difference between First Nations people and the main health service providers which outcomes in varying views relating

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Evaluation essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluation - Essay Example For the potential buyers of these cars, this price difference should not be a consideration, provided they are satisfied with other features of the car. A clear advantage with the Camry range is that there are five different variant models on offer, with Hybrid varieties too made available to the customer, although this could cost an additional $5,000 on the basic model. The Honda Accord on the other hand Honda Accords comes in just two models. Moving on to other features of the cars, the Toyota Camry models score more points for their superior aesthetics and visual appeal. For example, the Camry has a rounded exterior, with a clean, tidy look which would appeal to buyers from the professional classes. Honda Accord, in contrast, has elements of a sports car, with sleeker and pointed exteriors, suggesting that the car would appeal to young car enthusiasts rather than older, higher income demographic groups. The Honda Accord Coupe has a 268-horsepower engine (V-6), takes lesser time to go from 0 to 60 and offers better fuel efficiency system, along with a lower center of gravity structure and â€Å"independent multi-link rear suspension†, which is supposed to provide greater control over the car. The Camry models too offer V-6 engines and greater car stability features, not by default but as additional options, which translates into more expenses for the customer. Both cars offer deluxe and comfortable leather interiors. As for safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, etc, both cars are similar. In other words, the safety and performance features of both cars meet standard expectations. Hence, neither car is overall better than the other. The final choice of a customer will depend on his/her age, location (urban, rural, etc), income, marital status, etc. Young men, who are not yet married, will more likely go for the Honda Accord Coupe, for its

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Creating Methodology Essay Example for Free

Creating Methodology Essay 1. Discuss factors about the corporate culture that were at play, and suggest central reasons why the executive staff waited as long as they had to consider the development of an enterprise project management methodology (EPM). 2. Recommend to both the senior executives (i.e., the company) and John Compton (i.e., the president) whether the project management office (PMO) should report to the chief information officer (CIO) or to someone else. Justify the response. 3. Use at least three (3) quality references.Note: Wikipedia and (3). Difference Quotient A classmate states that the difference quotient of any linear function f(x) = mx + b is always m. Explain if you agree or disagree with this statement, and state why. I disagree because he is using the wrong formula. f(x) = mx + b is the slope-intercept form of a linear function and m represents the slope.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

“Shane” by Jack Schaefer Essay -- Character Analysis

In the novel â€Å"Shane†, by Jack Schaefer, Marian, the wife of Joe and the mother of Bob is initially played out to be a very simple character. She cooks and cleans and cares for her family. She starts to develop a more complex character as Shane arrives. You can tell from the beginning that Marian wants to impress her guest with her cooking and her curiosity of the latest fashions. But as the novel progresses you begin to see that Marian may want more from Shane than originally shown. In the beginning of the story, Marian just thinks of Shane as a guest, she cooks and cleans for him and makes sure he is at home. However, from the start she was drawn to him. He was as she said â€Å" dangerous†, and she liked that. Marian liked that Shane was different and unfamiliar, and was impressed by his ...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Psychological Assessment Essay

Organisations worldwide are currently facing increasing competition, price pressures and slowergrowth rates and in order to be successful, for many organisations, this prompts the need to constantly change to survive. Having the right employee fit-for-purpose is imperative to the success of an organisation faced with such challenges. The use of psychological assessment is a key enabler for the appropriate selection and development of employees in the workplace to meet the constant changes in the internal and external economic and social environment (Bartram, 2004; Paterson &Uys, 2005). However, the nature and value of current day psychological assessment needs to be assessed as it faces many challenges, particularly in a South African context that is influenced by political injustices of the past. Psychological test use in South Africa currently faces many challenges including the adaptation of tests in a multicultural context, language, age and gender barriers and other measurement challenges (Foxcroft, 2004; Foxcroft, 2006). These challenges introduce criticism of the fairness and ethical practices of psychological assessment and highlight the need  for enhancing fairness in assessment and developing equitable and unbiased psychological tests (Foxcroft, 2011; Paterson & Uys, 2005). In order to respond to these challenges, it is important to gain an understanding of how psychological assessments have developed over the years so that meaningful changes can be made ((Foxcroft, Roodt & Abrahams, 2005). It is important to reflect on the history and development of psychological assessment as it helps explain how and why it is currently practiced, it allows for critical analysis of psychological assessment, identifying the strengths and weaknesses  of tests used today and provides lessons to be learned from the weaknesses and injustices of past assessment practices so that psychologists can develop new assessment tools and techniques and ensure fair and ethical social practices of psychological assessment (Gregory, 2000; Moerdyk, 2009). The perceptions of psychological assessment being unfair and biased are slowly changing as improvements are made in the development of tests and in South Africa this is closely linked to the developments and changes in legislation and the professional bodies that govern the control and use of  psychological assessments (Mauer, 2000; Paterson & Uys, 2005). The objective of this discussion is to evaluate the nature and value of psychological assessment practices in the South African work context by critically reflecting on the historical developments that have shaped and influenced current psychological assessment, focusing onhow test use have been transformed by legislation, government and society and the challenges that exist for fair and unbiased psychological assessment in South Africa. Finally, the ways in which fairness and bias in testing is currently being addressed and the steps in developing further ethical practices of  psychological assessment will be discussed. This discussion will also include an overview of psychological assessment STUDENT NO: 44674481 4 and clarification of central concepts such as psychometrics, testing, measurement and evaluation, fairness and bias. 1. WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT? 1. 1. DEFINING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Foxcroft & Roodt (2005, p. 4), define psychological assessment as a â€Å"†¦ process-oriented activity aimed at gathering a wide array of information by using assessment measures (tests) and information from many other sources.. † in order to make inferences about human behaviour. Shepard & Spalding (as cited in Setshedi, 2008) note that psychological assessments make use of standardised instruments, which, combined with other sources of information, are evaluated to inform some intervention. 1. 2. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND RELATED TERMS Psychological assessment refers to the overall multidimensional process that uses tools (tests) and techniques for measurement and evaluation of human behaviour (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005). Psychological assessment can be distinguished from some related terms commonly used, such as, psychometrics, testing, psychometric testing,  measurement and evaluation. 1. 2. 1. Measurement and Assessment Measurement refers to the ‘how much’ in an assessment. When doing an assessment, psychologists use measurement to ascribe values or numbers to a phenomenon against certain criteria or standardized norms, following predefined rules (Moerdyk, 2009). Measurement therefore helps in gathering information to add to the holistic assessment of a phenomenon. 1. 2. 2. Evaluation and Assessment Evaluation refers to â€Å"†¦interpreting or attaching a judgemental value to an assessment†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Moerdyk, 2009, p. 4). In other  words, evaluation refers to reaching conclusions about the measurement outcomes (Moerdyk, 2009). Thus evaluation forms part of the process of the overall assessment. STUDENT NO: 44674481 5 1. 2. 3. Psychometrics and Assessment Psychometrics is the subfield of psychology that refers to the use of scientific methods, theory and techniques used in psychological measurement (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005). Psychologists base their assessments on these scientific ways of measurement in an attempt to learn more about or predict behaviour. Thus psychological assessment is informed by the study of Psychometrics (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005). 1. 2. 4. Testing and Assessment Testing refers to the use of a tool (for example, psychometric tests, scales, or instruments) to inform decision making (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005; Moerdyk, 2009; Patterson & Uys, 2005). Tests are not used in isolation but as part of the bigger process of assessment in order to make fair and informed decisions. Patterson & Uys (2005) argue that assessment is the overall process which includes testing, but more than testing, it implies the holistic evaluation based on test results and other information from other assessment methods. 1. 2. 5. Psychometric Testing and Assessment. Psychometric testing refers to testing based on psychometric theory and practices and is mainly used in industries for recruitment, selection and counselling purposes (Gregory, 2000). According to van der Merwe (2002), psychometric testing can be a useful tool in making decisions about management of employees and if used appropriately with insight and sensitivity it can become one of the most effective ways in predicting behavior that is not surfaced during screening interviews. In South Africa psychometric testing is regulated by the Employee Equity Act of 1998 which prohibits the use  of psychometric tests or assessments unless it proves to be scientifically valid and reliable, is fair and free from bias (Foxcroft et al, 2005). 1. 3. THE USE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Psychologists use techniques and tools in assessment in attempts to gain a better understanding of human behaviour, to describe certain phenomenon, as well as topredict future behaviour. Psychological assessments are also used to identify and plan interventions to change behaviour and in decision making (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005; Moerdyk, 2009). Some of the main areas of assessment are cognitive, behavioural and personality assessment (Moerdyk, 2009). 1. 4. THE VALUE OF PSYCHOLIGICAL ASSESSMENT IN INDUSTRY Organisations benefit from psychological assessments as it aids in making clear and informed decisions in managing STUDENT NO: 44674481 6 human resources. Bartram (2004, p. 238) highlights the value of assessments in personnel selection enabling â€Å"†¦organisations to act both tactically and strategically to increase their effectiveness†. Psychometric tests make it possible for organisations to measure attributes that can’t easily be assessed at face value but that may be crucial in job performance, such as personality and leadership assessments (Moerdyk, 2009). Assessments are also used to measure work performance to identify training needs (Moerdyk, 2009), management and leadership assessments to inform development plans (Bartram, 2004), as well as assessments to improve employee wellness (Moerdyk, 2009). Assessments can also inform career counselling needs, career and organisational development plans, and research (Moerdyk, 2009). 2. FAIRNESS AND BIAS IN SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT From the above it is clear that there is a need for psychological assessments in the workplace for organisations and individuals to benefit from human resource management. However psychological assessment practices over the years have drawn attention to bias in testing and fairness and ethical issues in assessment. The developments of psychological testing and assessment practices in South Africa will be further discussed to show how historically assessments have been unfair and bias and how this has been addressed in current practices. First it is important to clarify what is meant by fairness and bias in testing and assessment. 2. 1. THE CONCEPT OF FAIRNESS AND BIAS Bias can be defined as the â€Å"systemic error in measurement or research that affects one group (e. g. race, age, and  gender) more than another† (Moerdyk, p. 261). In the work context this means that the psychometric tests that are administered to people need to measure what it’s supposed to measure and it needs to be consistent and systematic in measurement across different groups. Bias in testing can be controlled through the use of statistical procedures or other objective measures (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005; Moerdyk, 2009). Fairness refers to the equitable nature of the psychological assessment processes and procedures and the lack of bias in testing methods and interpretation. Fairness is both subjective and contextual as can be seen in South Africa where  the use of affirmative action is used in human resource practices to address discrimination in past assessment practices. To be fair to previously disadvantaged groups it has become necessary to select and develop employees that score lower on tests. This raises the debate of whether the previously advantaged groups are now being unfairly treated. There is the option of treating both groups fairly, however it does not resolve the unfair, bias and discriminatory practices of the past (Moerdyk, 2009). STUDENT NO: 44674481 7 Both fairness and bias are important in psychological assessment in South Africa and are governed and regulated at the  individual (practitioner) level, through professional bodies as well as through legislation. Fairness and bias in assessment has been a challenge in South Africa and has been shaped and influenced particularly by the political ideologies through time. These challenges in fair and unbiased testing and the development of psychological test methods inSouth Africa will now be further explored. 2. 2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2. 2. 1. Early Use (Pre-Apartheid Era) of Psychological Assessments The early developments of psychological assessments in South Africa were introduced in the twentieth century and  followed closely with the developments internationally (Painter & Terre Blanche, 2004). The psychological tests that were introduced at the time in the country were largely influenced by the political context (Foxcroft et al, 2005). South Africa was a British colony and thus the psychological tests used were influenced by the political ideologies of the British rule and focused on assisting in the regulation of differential treatment (Louw, 2002). Most of the tests that were administered were for whites only and were based on either adaptations of international tests (e. g. Stanford-Binet adaptation) or were  developed specifically for use in South Africa (e. g. South African Group Test). Other examples include the study by Fick, who measured intellectual abilities across different race groups using tests that was standardized for whites and concluded that whites had superior intellect. This study influenced the Bantu Education system but the limitations of the study were also highly criticised (Foxcroft et al, 2005). Thus in this era of British colonial rule, tests in South Africa were biased, discriminatory against other races and psychological assessments ignored the influence of other social factors on  test performance such as poverty, language, culture, etc. (Claassen, 1997; Foxcroft et al, 2005; Louw, 2002). 2. 2. 2. Development of Tests During the Apartheid Era In the early 1900s the political rule in South Africa was based on laws of segregation (apartheid) which believed that blacks and whites were different and should be treated differently (Claassen, 1997; Louw & van Hoorn,1997). Thus, most of the tests that were used supported the regulation of legislature that encouraged such thinking (Foxcroft et al, 2005; Louw & van Hoorn, 1997). Between the two world wars, research started to focus on understanding the â€Å"Native† and psychology aimed to support the government and apartheid rule (Louw & van Hoorn, 1997). After the Second World War, assessments focused on suitable placements of blacks in the workplace, and tests such as the General Adaptability STUDENT NO: 44674481 8 Battery (GAB) were used. In this era, tests were used without adapting to South African norms, on whites, such as the Otis Mental Ability Test (Foxcroft et al, 2005). Between the 1960’s and 1990’s institutes were formed (National Institute for Personnel Research, Institute for Psychological and Edumetric Research) as well as changes in legislation were made to regulate the administration of  psychological assessments. The Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 regulated that only psychologists were allowed to administer psychological assessments. Radical changes in the socio-political situation started in the 1980’s and apartheid rules started to soften. Different races started to compete for positions in the workplace and this raised concerns about the test measures that were being used. Tests such as the General Scholastic Aptitude Test (GSAT), the Ability Processing of Information and Learning Battery (APIL-B) and the Pencil and Paper Games were introduced to address these concerns. The Pencil and PaperGames was made available in all 11 languages in South Africa to address bias and application in a multicultural context. These tests however we criticised as it was based on inappropriate norms. As the apartheid regime came to an end, psychological assessment was held under much scepticism and negative perceptions were developed because of the discriminatory nature and use of tests at that time (Foxcroft et al, 2005; Van de Vijver & Rothman, 2004). 2. 2. 3. Development of Tests in Post Apartheid Era After the abolition of the apartheid era, South Africa became a country based on democracy and radical changes were  made in political policy and legislation to address the wrongs of the past (Foxcroft et al, 2005). Psychological assessment was held under much criticism and the changes in constitution and legislation lead to a major shift in the approach of testing in South Africa. Some of the issues that were highlighted in the practices of testing during the apartheid era were the discriminatory use of tests, the lack of applicability in a multicultural context creating bias, as well as other ethical issues such as the use of inappropriate norms and standards (Foxcroft et al, 2005). The changes in politics will now be  further discussed to show how it addressed the above issues and regulates fair, ethical and unbiased assessments in current society. 2. 3. ENHANCING FAIRNESS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA 2. 3. 1. Changes in Constitution Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution addresses the Bill of Rights, which calls for democracy based on dignity, equality and freedom. Furthermore, Section 9 of the Bill of Rights states that no persons may be subject to unfair STUDENT NO: 44674481 9 discrimination or unfairly discriminate unto others (Mauer, 2000). This means that no tests may be used to discriminate  against any individual, group or institution and called for fair assessment approaches. Psychological assessments therefore are required to aim to eliminate any bias in testing. Thus a dynamic and multicultural assessment approach is necessary which encourages the development of culture-specific and culture-informed psychological practices for the various cultural groups in South Africa (Van de Vijver & Rothman, 2004). 2. 3. 2. The Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) The Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) (LRA) protects individuals against unfair labour practices and discrimination in the  workplace (Mauer, 2000). This has an impact on the ethical considerations of organisations when employing psychological assessments. Joiner (2000) provides guidelines for fair and ethical practices in psychological assessment which ensures that psychologists take responsibility in assessments protecting the rights of individuals, treating individuals fairly, and not misusing the information from test results. Both the constitution and LRA address unfair discrimination and allow for fair discrimination if it can be proven that the discrimination is fair. 2. 3. 3. The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) The Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998) (EEA) enforces fair, unbiased and equitable practices in psychological testing by regulating the requirements of tests. The Act clearly states that psychological testing and other forms of assessment is prohibited unless it can be scientifically proven to be valid and reliable, can be applied fairly and is unbiased to any employee or group. The impacts of this act means that psychological tests need to be cross-culturally applicable (Foxcroft et al, 2005). Foxcroft (2004) highlights the need for more tests to be developed in South Africa that can be used  in a multicultural context. Organisations need to take cognisance of the above legislation that regulates fair and unbiased practices of assessment and should aim to practice testing ethically by ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected, the processes of assessment is fair, confidentiality of individuals is protected, individuals are given feedback to assessments, and the outcomes of assessment is not harmful to the individuals (Moerdyk, 2009). In line with the LRA the EEA also allows for fair discrimination in employment, specifically affirmative action if used in  accordance with the Act. It also allows for fair discrimination in employment based on criteria that are inherent to the job which means that the assessment tools used to assess individuals need to assess evidence of these criteria. 2. 3. 4. Professional Bodies Other bodies such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the Professional Board of Psychology STUDENT NO: 44674481 10 and the Board for Personnel Practitioners govern the practice of psychological assessment in South Africa to ensure fair and ethical approaches in psychology (Moerdyk, 2009; Wassenaar, 1998). Psychological tests can only be administered by individuals professionally registered with the HPCSA, which provides professional guidance and advice for the use of psychological assessments (form 208). The HPCSA regulates the training of professionals, the development of psychological tests and the use of psychological tests. 2. 4. ENHANCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAIR AND UNBIASED ASSESSMENT MEASURES 2. 4. 1. Steps in Test Development To address some of the issues in fairness and bias in testing, Foxcroft (2004) has identified some critical steps in developing tests, particularly for a multicultural context. These include: (a) Defining the purpose of the test and the intended target population This involves outlining what is being tested, how the outcomes of the tests will be used and specifying that the test can be used in a multicultural setting. This implies that the test developer needs to identify aspects of the constructs that are common and unique across the groups being tested. The test developer should also identify the characteristics of the target population (such as educational status) and also identify the characteristics that may impact on test performance  (such as language) (Foxcroft, 2004). One of the major challenges in assessment in South Africa at the moment is language. In South Africa there are eleven official languages, and although English is the commonly accepted business language, psychologists need to ensure that in administering tests language is not a barrier in test performance. Translation of tests into different language is complex and makes the validity of constructs vulnerable (Foxcroft, 2006). (b) Defining the construct and creating a set of test specifications to guide item writing  This step refers to identifying the specific observable measures that will be tested. This can be derived from a job analysis which highlights the key knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes required to perform a job successfully. It is important in a multicultural test that the norms and values across the different cultural groups for a specific construct are identified upfront so as to eliminate the construct bias. The constructs being measured need to also be of value and have meaning to the test user. Language is often a barrier in the meaning of a construct across multicultural groups and  research also indicates that in South Africa some groups attach political meanings to some constructs which can impact on test performance. Developing the content and specifications of the test is dependent on the methods used to develop the test, which can be theory-based (this means that the theory used needs to be applicable in a multicultural context), empirical (this implies that for a multicultural context the criterion being measured need to only discriminate on the specific criterion and not on other variables) or criterion-referenced (this implies that the development of the cross  STUDENT NO: 44674481 11 cultural criterion need to be developed by a panel representing the different cultural groups). The different specifications and dimensions of tests should then be tabulated (Foxcroft, 2004). (c) Choosing the test format and item format, specifying the administration and scoring methods In choosing the best method to present a test it is important that the tools (paper vs. computer), the format in which it is presented (multiple choice, diagrams, etc) and the response methods (verbal, written, etc) take into account the capability and familiarity across the different cultural groups. The administration and the scoring methods should also be fair across cultural groups (Foxcroft, 2004). Moerdyk (2009) identifies seven key steps in test development. The first step conceptualising involves identifying what phenomenon is trying to be understood. The second step is identifying the observable measures of the phenomenon (operationalising). The third step involves quantifying the observable measures. This requires content validity, distracters and a response set. The next step involves a pilot session of the test. By administering the test to a pilot group that is a  representation of the final test group, the opportunities for improving the test can be identified. Once the test is administered to the pilot group the next step is to conduct an item analysis and the correlation of items identified. The item analysis can then be used to revise the test and compile the final test (what is known as validity shrinking). The last step is to develop a set of norms that can be used to measure the responses against for interpretation (Moerdyk, 2009). Lastly, the test needs to be published and the HPCSA provides guidelines for test development to ensure fair and ethical  standards are met. De beer (2006), research findings indicate that for a South African multicultural and multilingual context the need for dynamic assessment is important as it accounts for differences across cultural groups as well as identify opportunities for further development. Other issues that are challenging to psychologists are the influence of other factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, environment and cultural differences on test performance (Moerdyk, 2009). Some considerations for the future of assessment in South Africa are the use of technology advances in testing (artificialintelligence), the need to develop more culture specific tests, and the need for fair and ethical practices of psychometric testing (Moerdyk, 2009). 2. 4. 2. Core Characteristics of psychometric test Some of the core characteristics that psychometric tests should adhere to can be summarized as follows: ? It is based on standardized procedures and methods of assessment; ? It makes use of norms, comparing individuals performance against a category or norm group; ? It is scientifically proven to be valid (i. e. , it measures what it says), and reliable (the consistency and accuracy of  STUDENT NO: 44674481 12 measuring instruments); ? It can be applied in various institutions (health, education, occupation, etc. ) and the measures can be cross- culturally adapted with minimal test bias; ? It can be fairly administered to all individuals groups and organisations (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2005). In South Africa psychometric testing is regulated by the Employee Equity Act of 1998 which prohibits the use of psychometric tests or assessments unless it proves to be scientifically valid and reliable, is fair and free from bias (Foxcroft et al, 2005). 3. CONCLUSION From the above discussion it can be concluded that an understanding of the developments of psychological assessment is imperative to understanding the value in current society and in highlighting aspects to focus on change. In the past, psychological tests developed were used internationally in psychological assessments despite the differences in culture and language. This produced issues of bias and unfairness, as can be seen in misuse of assessments in the apartheid era in South Africa (Foxcroft et al, 2005). For a long time psychological tests in South Africa were perceived as unfair and  unjust (Sehlapelo & Terre Blanche, 1996). However, with the political changes in government and legislature ( such as the Employment Equity Act 1998) , the introduction of governing bodies (such as HPCSA) and the changes in ideologies (a move toward a dynamic approach in assessment), psychological assessment has progressed toward a more fair and ethical practice that is slowly changing these perceptions (Mauer, 2000). Challenges still do exist, however, in producing tests that can be applied in such a diverse country that has 11 official languages, and a vast number of cultural groups as  well as moving toward testing using the advances in technology. STUDENT NO: 44674481 13 4. REFERENCES Bartram, D. (2004). Assessment in organisations. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 53(2), 237-259. Claassen, N. C. W. (1997). Cultural differences, politics and test bias in South Africa. European Review of Applied Psychology, 4th trimester, 47(4), 297-307. De Beer, M. (2006). Dynamic testing: practical solutions to some concerns. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 32(4), 8- 14. Foxcroft, C. D. (2004). Planning a psychological test in the multicultural South African context. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 32 (4), 8-14. Foxcroft, C. D. (2006). Critically examining language bias in the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III. South African Journal of Industrial Psychology, 32, p. 97-102. Foxcroft, C. D. (2011). Ethical issues related to psychological testing in Africa: What I have learned (so far). Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(2). Retrieved 10 April 2014 from the World Wide Web: http://dx. doi. org/10. 9707/2307-0919. 1022 Foxcroft, C. , Roodt, G. & Abrahams, F. (2005). Psychological assessment: a brief retrospective overview. In Foxcroft, C. & Roodt, G. (Eds.), An introduction to psychological assessment in the South African context (2nd ed. , pp. 8-23). Cape Town: Oxford University Press. Foxcroft, C. , & Roodt, G. (2005). An overview of assessment: definition and scope. In Foxcroft, C. & Roodt, G. (Eds. ), An introduction to psychological assessment in the South African context (2nd ed. , pp. 3-7). Cape Town: Oxford University Press. Gregory, R. J. (2000). Psychological testing: History, principles and application (3rd ed. ). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Joiner, D. A. (2000). Guidelines and ethical considerations for assessment center operations. Public Personnel  Management, 29(3), 315-331. STUDENT NO: 44674481 14 Louw, J. (2002). Psychology, history and society. South African Journal of Psychology, 32(1), 1-8. Louw, J. & van Hoorn, W. (1997). Psychology, conflict, and peace in South Africa: Historical notes. Journal of Peace Psychology, 3(3), 233-243. Mauer, K. F. (2000). Psychological test use in South Africa. Retrieved November 24, 2003 from the World Wide Web : http. //sunsite. wits. ac. za/conference/psychology/pai1 Moerdyk, A. (2009). The principles and practices of psychological assessment. Pretoria: Van Schaik. Painter, D. & Terre Blanche, M. (2004). Critical psychology in South Africa: Looking back and looking forwards. Draft of a paper written for the Greek journal Utopia, 24 February. Retrieved on 15 May, 2014, from http://www. criticalmethods. org/collab/critpsy. htm Patterson, H & Uys, K. (2005). Critical issues in psychological test use in the South African workplace. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 31(3), 12-22. Sehlapelo, M. & Terre Blanche, M. (1996). Psychometric testing in South Africa: Views from above and below. Psychology in Society, 21, 49-59. Setshedi, M. J. (2008). Investigating the use of psychological assessment in South African schools. Unpublished Masters Dissertation. Johannesburg: University of Witwatersrand. Retrieved 10 April 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://wiredspace. wits. ac. za/handle/10539/5927. Van de Vijver, A. J. R. & Rothmann, I. (2004). Assessment in multicultural groups: the South African case. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 30(4), 1-7. Van der Merwe, R. P. (2002). Psychometric testing and human resource management. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 28(2), 77-86. Wassenaar, D. R. (1998). A history of ethical codes in South African psychology: an insider‘s view. South African Journal  of Psychology, 28(3), 135-145. STUDENT NO: 44674481 15 5. SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS 5. 1 70%. I feel I have understood the question and logic to the assignment. I have best understood the value of psychological assessment and the developments in South Africa and I feel I need to improve on how fairness can be enhanced in testing. 5. 2 Foxcraft & Roodt (2009) was most useful. I have used other journal articles for reference and examples such as other studies by by Foxcroft, as well as some internet references (example dissertation on the use of psychological assessment). 5. 3. 2 months, approximately 1-2 hours daily 5. 4. It is relevant in the working context as it provides an appreciation and understanding of the value of psychological assessment as well as creates awareness of the challenges and opportunities for fairness and ethical practices in assessment 5. 5. Yes. It provides guidelines on how tests should be used, where it should be used, what aspects to consider in test development, what are the governance systems in place for fair and ethical testing, what challenges and opportunities exist for further development. 5. 6. I would like to improve my knowledge in referencing techniques, logical and systematic application of work. I would like to improve on my knowledge of dynamic testing by reading more literature. 5. 7. The quality of material is very good, it provides clear guidelines; gives one the opportunity to reflect on overall concepts and to assess quality of work. 5. 8. Yes the learning outcomes and assessment criteria was helpful in planning the assignment 5. 9. Yes the lecturer provided timeous guidelines and support on how to answer the questions as well as the important aspects to be covered in this learning outcome.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Enrollment Process Essay

INTRODUCTION Enrollment is the process of entering and verifying data of students and faculty to register on a certain school. Different interconnected processes build up enrollment procedures called enrollment system. Enrollment system is used particularly in recording and retrieving students’ information. Tracking students’ information is also one feature of enrollment system, in which the school can trace the standing of a student. Verifying payments is also added to update or browse students’ billings. Enrollment system is a good example of a computer generated process. This can diminish the workload and provide accurate information needed of the school. Enrollment and Accounting System must be used in schools. It will provide and store the needed information faster and more convenient. Moreover, it allows the retrieval of information of student enrollees and faculties in a computer system that will lessen their time and effort of faculty staff in storing files of each student and faculty every now and then. The information here can be viewed in just a second without becoming anxious that a single file is lost. The idea behind an enrollment and accounting system is not a new concept since some schools are already using electronic enrollment system. In this study, the researchers concentrated on the developed of Enrollment and Accounting System for St. Andrew Academy to provide solution to the problem that they encounter in operating its manual enrollment and accounting system. The directress of the said school uses manual system in recording and retrieving students’ information. In fact, she does all the record keeping just by using ball pen and columnar sheet. On the other hand, the registrar also uses manual system in recording and retrieving student information. In connection to this, the researchers conclude that they are capable of creating a system to address the problem based on their background and knowledge they learned in their Database Management System 2. PROJECT CONTEXT (IPO) The system design project is Enrollment and Accounting System that will provide and store the needed information in a faster, more convenient way by  storing file of the student enrollees and payroll of the faculties in a computer system. This will also be exclusively used for the irregular students, freshmen, transferee, and professor/instructor in able to get access in course, subject, professor, and student enrollees. This will also be a big help to all the enrollment staff especially under the management information system because they are the ones who are entitled to touch and read the information. It will help the institution to have a system that will enhance the enrollment processes so as to meet the quality that the institutions are trying to meet. Input Process Output FEEDBACK Figure 1: Research Paradigm The paradigm of this research consists of three parts. First is Input wherein the researchers will identify the problems encounter of the existing of Enrollment and Accounting System of St. Andrew Academy, the Functional and Non-Functional requirements of the system, the Hardware and Software requirements, and last is the level of acceptability of the proposed system. This will enable the developers to work on the features of the system that will help alleviate, if not totally solve, the problems identified on the first phase of the study. The next phase of the study is the Process wherein the researchers will use the Unified Process (UP) in IPO is specifically from Inception to Transition. This is considered the most costly and laborious phase of the study as the developers will guarantee that the system addresses the problems determined in the first phase of the study. Last is the Output which will be the outcome of the concentrated system. The system will undergo intensive testing to evaluate the accuracy, efficiency, usefulness, responsiveness, and maintainability of the software. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION The main purpose of this study is to develop a software to improve the old and manual enrollment and accounting system of St. Andrew Academy. Hence, it helps allow the school to gain the optimum benefits that the user would get  once the new enrollment scheme is implemented. Moreover, it also aims to design an effective and efficient system in terms of speed, reliability and accuracy, and to ease the enrollment system for computer-based system effectively to benefit both the faculty and student community. This study is also meant to help the school manage various operations including data storage, administration, and operations. Students may inquire on matters related to admission and enrollment requirements. The faculty will also be allowed to inquire on matters related to their payrolls. This system assists the students and faculty in their educational and personal need. The enrollment and accounting system will support the student enrollment, admission, and registration process. The database includes the record of students’ personal data, academic information, and related fees. In connection to this, the information of the faculty of the school is required in this system. It focuses on storing and processing (insertion and updating) by using graphical user interface. It generates student information in formatted tables, fees invoice, subjects enrolled, student’s academic detail report, student’s personal detail report, and student’s fee deposition status report. New enrollees will be the only ones to fill up their personal information since they do not have existing records on the system yet. Returning students will only present their report card for the update of their academic record which is already stored in the system. Enrollment and Accounting System is a system in which the computer plays a major role. This is the best way of storing and retrieving data on a server or hard disk rather than using papers and file cabinets. This will help the institution to store the data they need efficiently. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The researchers aim to design and develop an Enrollment and Accounting System for the students and the teachers of St. Andrew Academy to improve their old and manual system. In accordance with this study, the researchers aimed to provide answers to the following questions: 1. To determine the problems encountered with the existing system of St. Andrew Academy. 2. To identify functional and non-functional requirements. 3. To identify hardware and software requirements. 4. To test the level of the acceptability of the proposed system. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The scope of this study is to determine the management practices of the said school. It will look into features of the office and its daily tasks operation. The respondents will be limited to the registrar, cashier, administrator, faculty and employees and the student to ascertain and identify the actual problems existing within the school. It will be used to avoid duplication in encoding and tracing the student information as well as the teachers/faculty information with payrolls when it comes to enrollment processing and payments. With regard to the accounting aspect, it is concerned in getting the time record and attendance of teachers. In the same time the computation of hours work and monitoring of over time, under time, late and outdoor work are included. In addition to this, the proposed Enrollment and Accounting System of St. Andrew Academy supports the network topology implementation within the campus. DEFINITION OF TERMS Operational Terms The definitions of terms are based on observable characteristics and how it is used in the study. Users They are the individuals who use the system for its problem solving assistance. Administrator It refers to a person in charge to manage a system. Record It is a document that contains an account particularly in terms of collection. Conceptual Terms The definitions of terms are based on concepts or hypothetic ones, which are usually taken from the dictionary. Computer System It is the configuration that includes all functional components of computer and its associated hardware or software. Database It is an integrated collection of data which provides a more efficient way of storage and retrieval of data and is capable of processing large portions of data immediately. Information is the data that has been changed into a  useful form of output. Process It refers to a series of actions, changes, of functions that bring about an end result. Software It is a computer terminology used to describe the unseen programming codes and running application inside the computer system. System It is a set of related a component that produces specific results.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Multicom Case Essay Example

Multicom Case Essay Example Multicom Case Essay Multicom Case Essay THE MULTI COM CASE Multicom is a small firm employing 150 people in the public rela-tions field. It was started by Jim Walsh, a marketing specialist, and Wendy Bridges, a public relations expert. They had worked together for several years at a medium-sized communications firm and decided to branch out on their own to realize their own ideas as to what a good PR firm could and should be. They felt that their combined expertise and extensive contacts provided an excellent base on which to do this. Before submitting their resignations at their old firm, they persuaded two colleagues, Marie Beaumont and Frank Rossi, to join them as minor-ity shareholders. Walsh and Bridges each held 40 percent of the equity in the new venture; Beaumont and Rossi were each given 10 percent. Rossi was an editor and writer with an excellent reputation, and Beaumont was a well-regarded film and video expert. At first, business was difficult, and they were glad of the corporate clients that they had taken with them from their old firm. Competition was keen, and their old firm seemed subtly to be doing everything it could to block their progress. However, they worked hard, and their reputation steadily grew along with the size of their staff and their earnings. By the end of their second year, the four partners were each earning almost double their previous salaries and building a significant capital investment as well. They felt that they were well on the way to achieving the kind of top-notch com-pany on which they had set their sights. These early years were exciting ones. When they established Multicom, the four partners adopted a client- centered mode of organization. Each partner had certain clients for whom he or she felt a special responsibility, and in effect each became a project manager for these clients. Each developed a reasonable competence in all aspects of the agencys work so that one could substitute for another when necessary. New staff were encouraged to develop the same all-around skills and capacities in addition to their specializations. While this was often time-consuming and expensive, it created great flexibility. The search for new business and continuing contacts with clients took a significant pro-portion of staff away from the office most of the time, so the existence of a number of good all arounders was a real asset. Besides that, it often made work more interesting and enjoyable and added to the general team spirit of the office. The staff at Multicom worked hard, often starting early in the morn-ing and working late at night. They also played hard, throwing regular par-ties to celebrate the completion of major projects or the acquisition of new clients. These parties helped keep morale high and project Multicoms image as an excellent and exciting place to work. The firms clients often attended these parties and were usually impressed by the vitality and qual-ity of interpersonal relations. During the companys third year, however, things began to change. The long hours and pace of life at Multicom were getting to Walsh and Bridges. Both had heavy family commitments and wanted more leisure time. They increasingly talked about the need to get more organized so that they could exercise a closer control over staff and office activities, which, in their view, at times verged on the chaotic. Beaumont and Rossi, however, both of whom were single and at thirty and thirty-one, respec-tively, almost ten years younger than the senior partners, relished the lifestyle and were keen to maintain the firms present character. They would have been happy to shoulder a greater share of the work and responsibility in return for a greater equity in the company, but Walsh and Bridges were reluctant to hand them this sort of control. As time went on, it became clear that there were important philo-sophical differences about the way the office should be run. Whereas Walsh and Bridges regarded the ad hoc style of organization that had developed during the first two years as temporary-necessary until weve sorted out our ideas as to how we want to put this organization together -Beaumont and Rossi saw it as a desirable way of doing business in the longer term. Whereas Walsh and Bridges complained about the frequent absence of staff from the office and the lack of clear systems of responsibility and office pro-tocol, Beaumont and Rossi relished what they often described as their cre-ative chaos. To them, the firm was producing excellent results, clients were happy and knocking at the door, and this was all that mattered. By the fourth year, tensions were close to the breaking point. The four principals frequently found themselves in long meetings about office organ-ization, and the differences were as deep as ever. Walsh and Bridges argued for more system, and Beaumont and Rossi argued for the status quo. The differences were straining personal relations and were having an unfavor-able impact on life in the office generally. Many staff felt that Multicom was in danger of losing its special character and was no longer quite the same fun place at which to work. All four principals sensed this change, and they talked about it fre-quently. However, there was simply no consensus as to what should be done. As a result of general frustration, they began to break an unwritten but golden rule set in the early days of Multi com: that all four would always be involved in major policy decisions. Walsh and Bridges began to meet together and resolved that the only way forward was for them to exercise their authority and to insist that a reorganization of the office be initiated. They agreed to propose this at a meeting with Beaumont and Rossi the fol-lowing day. Walsh and Bridges were surprised. The idea produced little resistance from their two colleagues. It was almost as if it was expected. Beaumont and Rossi insisted that the decision should not be taken without a lot of thought because it represented a major departure. They reiterated their view that no change in office organization was necessary other than a streamlin-ing of a few financial procedures. They were by no means happy with the proposal, but it was clear that they werent going to fight it. The following week Walsh and Bridges called a meeting of all staff to outline their plans. In operational terms, these involved a clearer definition of job responsibilities, a more formalized procedure governing the exchange of staff between projects, and a closer control over the conditions under which staff were to be away from the office during business hours. A num-ber of other office procedures were also introduced. The meeting was unique in Multicoms history in tone and nature. For weeks there was talk about a rift among the four principals and about how winds of change were blowing through the firm. Some members of the staff welcomed the greater degree of structure; others resented the new developments. Staff continued to work hard at their jobs with the profes-sionalism they knew Multicom demanded, but everyone knew that things were not quiet the same. Multicom was no longer working-or playing- the Multicom way. Walsh and Bridges, however, were well pleased. They felt a lot more secure with the way things stood and could see time ahead when they would be able to take a lot of pressure off themselves and let the office run itself within the framework they had begun to develop. Beaumont and Rossi continued to work hard as usual, and their project teams were least affected by the new developments. Within a year, however, they had left Multicom and set up a new company of their own, taking a number of key staff and clients with them. Thanks to a large number of faithful clients, Multicom continued to produce sound financial results, but it gradually lost its reputation as a leading-edge agency. It could be relied on to produce good solid work but was, in the eyes of a number of disaffected clients, â€Å"uninspiring†. Beaumont and Rossi’s new firm, Media 2000, picked up many of these clients and, adopting the new organizational style pioneered at Multicom, re-created a fun business† employing eighty people The firm quickly established itself aa a talented and innovative agency. Beaumont and Rossi take satisfaction in the firm’s reputation and financial success and look back on their days with Multicom as â€Å"a great learning experience†. In retrospect, they view their differences with Walsh and Bridges as a part of a â€Å"Lucky break† that spurred them to find an even more lucrative and satisfying work situation.