Select one question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Select one question - Essay Example Other paintings are of aesthetic value as they express nature. Paintings also have some teachings. Some paintings according to me disclose what an artist feels about a vital object inclusive of social justice, death, religion and love. Some paintings tell history of time at which it was created (Norman, pp. 36) The paintings provide information on interests, goals and customs of past communities and people. Much of our knowledge about the past has been drawn from ancient arts and paintings as many communities did not leave behind enough records of the past. Painting discloses on tools, clothing, food and shelter of the past. It would be difficult to miss a subject that has no painting. Artists paint everything around them for instance, object, nature, animals and people. They also imagine non existing scenes and make a painting on them.an artist can flashback on the past and make a painting on a myth, religious story or a historical event. Painting is also very interesting as one can paint on a subject that expresses your idea or feeling of importance. Reaction on Painting Painting has an art may be complex as the artist tries to make his intentions be seen. The use of different colors in painting gives meaning to the art. For instance, black may be employed in a painting to bring out a somber mood. I look art as a painting as a great art as I can express what I want to put across without talking a word. The manner in which I arrange my piece of work on the surface makes the painting to be more realistic and will create an impression of creativity. The works of a painting is supposed to bring an individual to a real world where the painting looks real. In a painting there are always many shapes involved. The shapes are all blended to make a creative scene. The whole location of the painting should make meaning of the whole thing. According to me paintings brings a relief to a human emotions. For instance, tension may be cooled down through painting. This is bec ause when painting all senses are involved in thinking and painting. This makes the stress that had built up to ease with time as thoughts are diverted to the painting. For instance, at one time I had examinations just around the corner but unfortunately I was not that prepared. Therefore, I decided to walk to the woods and got an idea of painting the whole scenario. I dashed back to the class and sat down with my painting tools and started contemplating on what I wanted to paint and in what context. In my painting, I was to pass a message on the nature and its location. My thoughts and concentration were glued to the painting. I was just half way and I felt a relief and happiness. It is astonishing what an art like this can perform. Paintings can be more than blobs of pigment on work but semantics space (Norman, pp.10). They are doors into new ideas and worlds that expose our brains to new realms that we never thought existed. An inflammatory subject gives us a break to think. A ve ry young boy who was hospitalized was able to put up with his illness by indulging in art projects. The astonishing story shows both emotional and physical powerful responses, that an art can harvest (Norman, pp. 23).When an individual looks at a piece of work like a painting a lot of things cross the mind. Many may react on a piece of painting but an artist objective is for their work to be remembered. Firstly, a painting can portray emotions from the colors one

Key pieces of legislations promotion Essay Example for Free

Key pieces of legislations promotion Essay Places a duty for schools to produce a Disability Equality Scheme (DES) and an Access Plan. Schools must encourage participation in all aspects of school life and eliminate harassment and unlawful discrimination Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Ensure to develop the good relationship between organizations and people. Human Rights Act 1998 Set out the rights of the individuals and guide them how to take action against the authorities if these rights are effected Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 Makes it unlawful for educational providers to discriminate against pupils with a special educational need or a disability Children Act 1989 Sets out the duty of local authorities (including schools) to provide services according to the needs of children and to ensure their safety and welfare Education Act 1996 Sets out the school’s responsibilities towards children with special educational needs. The Act also requires schools to provide additional resources, equipment and / or additional support to meet their needs Children Act 2004 Sets out the duty to provide effective and accessible services for all children and underpins the Every Child Matters outcomes Equality Act 2010 Sets out the legal responsibilities of public bodies, including schools, to provide equality of opportunity for all citizens. This brings together nine equality laws Table B: Code of Practice about promotion of equality and valuing of diversity Code of Practice Purposes The special educational needs code of practice 2001 This code outlines the statutory guidance for policy and the procedures and responsibilities

Reflections on Shevchenkos Kateryna Essay -- Poetry Analysis

Purpose Statement The purpose of this research paper is to discover why Taras Shevchenko uses of women in his poetry. Along with the poem â€Å"Kateryna†, women are used quite heavily by the author. The women in his poetry appear to symbolize the czarist imposition of serfdom in the Ukraine. The irony was written when his own freedom was purchased by a friend. Women are usually seen as becoming impregnated by Moscals and then abandon by their impregnators. Shevchenko desire is to reveal how the czars imprison the Ukrainian people just as women are put into a prison by the seduction of the soldiers from Moscow. Problem Statement Taras Shevchenko, through his poem, "Kateryna," was addressing the issue of Petersburg imposing serfdom upon the Ukraine. He used the symbol of women who gave themselves to the Moscals soldiers. The problem Shevchenko perceived was twofold. He was concerned about how Ukraine purity was being filed by the introduction of Russian genes by these women's pregnancies. The second was Russian interference into everyday Ukrainian life as symbolized by the pregnant women being abandoned by the Moscal soldier. Introduction Not taking into account all challenges and difficulties, Taras Shevchenko, ninetieth century Ukrainian romantic national poet, wrote in Ukrainian and about Ukraine. He demonstrated that the Ukrainian language deserves literary attention and in turn rekindling a latent Ukrainian national spirit. George Luckyj writes â€Å"Shevchenko provided in his poems the raison d’à ªtre of the modern Ukrainian nation. The mythic poet became a national prophet†. Thus his first importance to Ukraine is clear: his works for the first time proved the intellectual maturity of the Ukrainian language and culture. Although... ...uel before your grief. (Shevchenko) Works Cited "Early Ukrainian Identity: The Case of Taras Shevchenko." Perspectives Student Journal of Germanic and Slavic Studies. Winter 2004. Web. 4 May 2012. Luckyj, George S.N. "The Archetype of the Bastard in Shevchenko's Poetry." Shevchenko and the critics, 1861-1980. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1980. pp. 386-394. Rudnichenko, Nataliya. Being a women in Ukraine. Welcome to Ukraine n.d. Web. 5 May 2012. Shevchenko, Taras. "If You but Knew." 1961. Shevchenko Poetry. Taras Shevchenko Museum. n.d. Web. 6 May 2012. Shevchenko, Taras. "Katerina." 1960. Electronic Library of Ukraine Literature. University of Toronto. n.d. Web. 5 May 2012. Zheleznova, Irina, John Weir and Olga Shartse. "Selected Works by Taras Shevchenko." Spring, 1984. The Modern Language Journal , Vol. 68, No. 1 (Spring, 1984), pp. 89-90.

How to Do a Jedi Mind Trick

How To Do A Jedi Mind Trick Everyone wants to be persuasive. It is the power of influence, and gives you the ability to sway one's mind. After you have learned the proven Jedi Mind Trick method, you will have increased your ability to use your persuasive powers. The Jedi Mind Trick is an ancient method used and taught by those attuned with the Force. The Force is a metaphysical power that is contained in all beings and things, and enhances mental abilities. By using the Force along with a well practiced Jedi Mind Trick, you can learn to non-violently manipulate a target's thought.The first step is confidence. When combining self confidence with fast talking, your audience will struggle in finding flaws in your argument and will be forced to agree with you. Confidence is also synonyms with expertise. Once others believe that you is actual fact, they will think that you are right and will follow you. You will achieve true confidence when you also believe what know and believe what you say. Body language is the second step of the Jedi Mind Trick.Using slight head and hand gestures to help send subtle, yet powerful, messages to your audience. These help create emphasis on the choice you want your target to make. You want the individual to feel as though they are making the suggestion or coming up with the idea themselves. Once you feel that they are catching on, reinforce the idea by telling your target what a good one it is and frame it positively. Please keep in mind that some individuals with highly developed mental facilities are resistant to the Force and Jedi Mind Tricks.Examples include mothers, nerdier older brothers, and George Lucas. George Lucas cannot by affected negatively by the Force, because he created the Force and is therefore impermeable. If you are ever caught in a failed Jedi Mind Trick, quickly abandon your attempt and continue honing your abilities on weaker targets. Do not lose hope as you will need to practice your skills and apply them to day to day interactions in order to be successful. The uses for the Jedi Mind Trick are limitless.Those who have successfully practiced this great ability have been able to reap the rewards. Applying these steps have helped many get out of traffic citations, receive phone numbers from potential dates, and have been given seats at their favorite exclusive restaurant without a reservation. These are just a couple of example that have helped so many change their lives. Once you have integrated these simple steps into your daily live, you can easily combat those slight annoyances that may be holding you back from enjoying the life that you deserve.

Supply Chain Management Metrics

Selecting the key metrics to measure performance a long the supply chain can be crucial, as clear connections have to be made between the metrics and the business goals in order for the business to achieve the results they are looking for and also to achieve growth within the market place. Management should identify the key performance indicators they need to focus on, measuring these indicators can help them in reaching the company's goals. We have identified Total Throughput Time, Right First Time and On-Time Shipment Delivery as key supply chain metrics to measure across the supply chain. Total Throughput Time The total throughput time of an organisation captures the time the customer sales order is received to the time the product is ready to ship. This time is an accumulative of all the time spent from procuring the raw material to manufacturing and releasing the finished product to ship. This KPI is key to analysing the direct impact each internal and external process has on the customer receiving the order on time. It provides management with an overall view of the critical steps and the relationship each step has on getting the finished product to the customer. This time is usually measured in minutes or in working days. Management can work with the relevant department managers to set the target needed for each of the critical processes that have a direct impact on the customer order. Each department can then manage internally their individual KPI and work to the pre-determined target. Management can then monitor the KPI's weekly or monthly. This will provide management with a clear view on how each process is performing and can highlight any issues that could have a direct impact on the customer not receiving the order on time. Monitoring the KPI's will quicken response times to resolving issues if and when they arise. The customer will also be informed of this time so they can build this into their own forecast, the customer can then use this measure as the time it will take to receive their order on time from the supplier. The customer then knowing the capacity constraints of the supplier can eliminate the risk of over ordering and not receiving the product on time. Right First Time Measuring right first time internally on the product manufactured is an important factor for the organisation, it can identify the quality of the supply chain from start to finish, and how many deviations are occurring on the product right through the supply chain process. Right first time is usually measured in percentage, this percentage is based on the number of good product manufactured against the customer demand or manufacturing plan, any deviations along the supply chain process would have a negative effect on this percentage. Management will set out a target percentage for the organisation to achieve, and this has to be met by the organisation if the customer is to receive the order on time. This can then be monitored weekly or monthly by management. Right first time can be viewed either positively or negatively by the customer. If the supplier has a high right first time percentage, this can be viewed as a positive by the customer that the suppliers supply chain is strong with little deviations to the process. If on the other hand the supplier had a low right first time percentage, the customer could be worried that the suppliers supply chain is weak, which could have negative implications on the demand in the future, or that there is an issue with the quality of the product, this could lead to product re-calls and jeopardise the suppliers long term future with the customer. On-time shipment delivery The key performance metric I have chosen to discuss is On-time shipment delivery. This is the measurement within McAfee from the time the product ships from one of our fulfilment sites to successful delivery at a customer's site. The incoterm we use is FOB Origin which means the customer is invoiced for the product upon shipment and is responsible for the products in transit. We offer a pre pay and add solution that requires Mfe to manage the delivery to agreed service levels throughout the EMEA region. Each countries service level is unique depending on the physical location in EMEA , our broad rule is we will deliver within 2 – 4 business days to all EU major cities, our contracted forwarder (TNT) are responsible to achieve these targets and report daily on exceptions, weekly on performance & quarterly on the previous 12 weeks performance during our strategic business review. This service level agreement & reported performance is more importantly the Mfe logistics promise to our customer. We manage this KPI on a weekly performance report to Mfe corporate in North America, exceptions are clearly identified & clear corrective actions implemented when non performance trends are visible. This allows Mfe to clearly identify inherent weaknesses in a partner's delivery chain & assign important resources to provide resolution. This simple key performance indicator allows me to identify where issues rest in our regional supply chain, when we include additional regions & consolidate this report it allows clear visibility in a simple to read format of where we need to assign technical expertise. This simple KPI provides enormous value to our global supply chain and is an integral part of our relationship with McAfee customers & McAfee contracted suppliers. Conclusion When an organisation sets out to select metrics to measure their supply chain the critical goal that is common across all industries is that the metrics have to be aligned with the overall business strategy, doing this will help the organisation to become profitable and competitive, if this is not the case such heights will be harder to achieve as the focus will be on the wrong areas. Achieving the pre-determined metrics across the supply chain will have an end result of satisfying the customer.

Ethics of offshoring Essay Example

Ethics of offshoring Essay Example Ethics of offshoring Paper Ethics of offshoring Paper I do not believe that doing clinical trials in India would be the best interest of the stakeholders. (Economic and Ethical aspects) From a financial perspective developing countries such as India doesnt benefit Novo Norriss and they would have to save costs, they would have to pay attention to rules and use full resources which could cost money. They would have the demographic patient poll, they would be able to do trials cheaper and have a faster pick of the patients. In order to do this In a country without the wealth they would have to clip corners and use cheaper resources and ell as cheaper products, which could harm the patients in the trials. The concern is that they have a social responsibility to making profits. This would affect the primary stakeholders which are the customers, suppliers and the shareholders concerning the ethical consequences of the policies and procedures involved in conducting trials in India. They would also have to be concerned with secondary stakeholders such as, the media or special interest groups. To be socially responsible they must weigh and balance the economic, legal and ethical consequences. So they must perform and economic analysis so they dont engage In deceptive and dangerous practices so the individuals wont get hurt. This is when we have to be careful clipping corners can be unethical. Perhaps the concern of using Placebos might affect their social responsibility. A legal analysis is required to see If an ethical problem exists. They would do this by complying by the laws of the country as well as their own. They must ask themselves several question such as is it in violation with the international agreements? Does it follow the companys ethical code? Is it consistent with the Meanys culture or with the cultural norms? Is it consistent with the personal moral beliefs? If they answer yes to all those questions then they can move forward. After the Economic and Legal analysis are done they should also consider the ethical analysis. They must determine what the right thing is to do. They must use deontological reasoning where they know and follow the written rules. The Interest and well-being of the trial subject should be first concern not the concern of the science and society. By using prescriptive ethics Novo should avoid negative uniqueness of the stakeholders. (Trial participants and India) they would have to make a contract with participants stating a fair profit, and duties that go along with that. Also they would have to enter into a contract with India following their laws. They must also make sure that they agree on the basic rules of their moral behavior. India and Novo should agree on the basic rules or moral behavior. Focusing on the Code of conduct and must include prescriptive and proscriptive rules to guide their behaviors. This would tell them what they can do and what they cannot do. The clinical trial would have concerns of a lack of regulation of private trials and the requirements for informed consent and proper ethics review. One of the most popular teleological ethical theories is utilitarianism, the greatest good for the greatest number focusing on the consequences and to select India they could do a cost-and-benefit analysis. The utilitarians basic language view says that they must maximize human welfare, exposing Indians trial participants to a placebo or a potentially dangerous testing without the proper understanding and care could harm examine the benefits if there are potentially unpleasant outcomes or consequences to be made. Perhaps if the placebo doesnt harm them and was administered without their knowledge but didnt harm them is this still ethical? They could also focus on the deontological ethical theory which focuses on the morality and the actions of the good and bad. Meaning they should know what is right because that is how an ethical person should behave. Corrupt practices would also be another concern, because of India being a OLD they may use poorer quality products which loud have serious consequences on the clinical trials and individuals involved. They may also not allocate their resources to the fullest. Principles that guide the decisions are conducting trials in developing countries like India is not beneficial for the company, therefore Novo Norriss would have to be very careful and follow the guidelines making sure that they do not ruin their reputation and the best interest of their stakeholders. Making sure they are not using Placebo clinical trials, making sure that they are scientifically and ethically Justified. Furthermore, placebo trials would only be used on healthy volunteers during first phase of the trials. Focusing on the codes of conduct on the dos and dont of what is ethically right or wrong. Making sure that the stakeholders all agree to the code of conduct. They would also have to make decisions, resolve conflicts, build teams, and manage solutions. (Emerging economies and standards) Conducting clinical trials in an emerging economy would save cost, the demographics would be much larger, and the rules would be less strict and establishing efficacy with environmental differences. They just build their reputation and trust which will make them better off in the long run, make sure that the interest and well-being of the individuals should trump the interest of science. They must still only use placebo trials when they are ethically and scientific legitimate reasons for the well-being of the individual and not Just the science of it. It would be the best interest of the stakeholders to do their trials in emerging economies. In order for this to be effective they would have to have recruitment, a site manager, and focus on the data analysis tactics. They would also be able to spend more on healthcare and attractiveness to RD would have to be plentiful. They would have to be careful of the use of bribery and corruption which could be devastating to the whole clinical trial as well as to the stakeholders. Sometimes when bribery is used they will use poorer quality of products and materials to make up for the bribe and then using these could be devastating to the individuals and unethical. Because of bribery issues this could also make the prices too high and inefficient allocations of the resources. They would have to use such standards as APPC practices, such as the Prohibited foreign trade practices. The APPC forbids United States companies form making or offering payments or gifts to foreign government officials for the sake of gaining or retaining business. A code of conduct is also in order, respecting basic human rights, maintaining high standards of local political involvement, transfer technology, consumer protection, employment practices and protect the environment. They could also have common standards and rules for those with different cultural backgrounds.

Allen Ginsberg essays

Allen Ginsberg essays Themes and Values of the Beat Generation As Expressed in Allen Ginsberg's Poetry Perhaps one of the most well known authors of the Beat Generation is a man we call Allen Ginsberg, who expresses the themes and values in his poetry. He was, in fact, the first Beat Writer to gain popular notice when he delivered a performance of his now famous poem, Æ’HowlÆ’Â °, in October of 1955. The Beat Generation is typically described as a vision, not an idea and being hard to define. It is characterized as Æ’a cultural revolution in process, made by a post-World War II generation of disaffiliated young people...without spiritual values they could honorÆ’Â ° (Charters XX). Although first condemned and criticized, it became a national phenomenon. Allen Ginsberg expressed the intangible beliefs of this generation in his poems about his childhood, curiosity, war, freedom of thought, and other people. Through Allen GinsbergÆ’Â ­s ideal individualism, he has been able to express the themes and values of the Beat Generation. Because of Allen GinsbergÆ’Â ­s tormented childhood, many of his poems were about his relationship with his mother and his own mental problems. Allen Ginsberg was born in Patterson, New Jersey to Louis and Naomi Ginsberg on June 3, 1926. His mother became insane during GinsbergÆ’Â ­s formative years. She was described as a paranoid schizophrenic, believing she was in danger from assassins and was spied on by everyone, including her own family members. For example, in the poem, Æ’HowlÆ’Â °, Ginsberg writes Æ’ I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked...Æ’Â ° (Charters 62) of his mother, Naomi. This statement employs him as a witness to the destruction. Her struggle for sanity eventually led to the deterioration of her sons sound mind. Kaddish is a poem written by Ginsberg for his mother. It is 2. a relatively confessional poem and indirectly addresses the reader, or...

The Persian Achaemenid Dynasty

The Persian Achaemenid Dynasty The Achaemenids were the ruling dynasty of Cyrus the Great and his family over the Persian empire, (550-330 BC). The first of the Persian Empire Achaemenids was Cyrus the Great (aka Cyrus II), who wrested control of the area from its Median ruler, Astyages. Its last ruler was Darius III, who lost the empire to Alexander the Great. By the time of Alexander, the Persian Empire had become the largest empire so far in history, stretching from the Indus River in the East to Libya and Egypt, from the Aral Sea to the northern coast of the Aegean Sea and the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. The Achaemenids Cyrus I (ruled at Anshan)Cambyses I, Cyrus son (ruled at Anshan) Achaemenid Empire Kings Cyrus II (the Great) [550-530 BC] (ruled from Pasargadae)Cambyses II [530-522 BC]Bardiya [522 BC] (possibly, a pretender)Darius I [522-486 BC] (ruled from Persepolis)Xerxes I (the Great) [486-465 BC]Artaxerxes I [465-424 BC]Xerxes II [424-423 BC]Darius II (Ochus) [423-404 BC]Artaxerxes II (Arsaces) [404-359 BC]Artaxerxes III (Ochus) [359-338 BC]Artaxerxes IV (Arses) [338-336 BC]Darius III [336-330 BC) The vast region conquered by Cyrus II and his descendants could not, obviously, be controlled from Cyrus administrative capital at Ecbatana or Darius center at Susa, and so each region had a regional governor/protector called a satrap (responsible to and representatives of the great king), rather than a sub-king, even if the satraps were often princes wielding kingly power. Cyrus and his son Cambyses started expanding the empire and the developing an effective administrative system, but Darius I the Great perfected it. Darius boasted of his accomplishments through multi-lingual inscriptions on a limestone cliffside at Mount Behistun, in western Iran. Architectural styles common throughout the Achaemenid empire included distinctive columned buildings called apadanas, extensive rock carvings and stone reliefs, climbing staircases and the earliest version of the Persian Garden, divided into four quadrants. Luxury items identified as Achaemenid in flavor were jewelry with polychrome inlay, animal-headed bracelets and carinated bowls of gold and silver. The Royal Road The Royal Road was a major intercontinental thoroughfare probably built by the Achaemenids to allow access to their conquered cities. The road ran from Susa to Sardis and thence to the Mediterranean coast at Ephesus. Intact sections of the road are cobble pavements atop a low embankment from 5-7 meters in width and, in places, faced with a curbing of dressed stone. Achaemenid Languages Because the Achaemenid empire was so extensive, many languages were required for the administration. Several inscriptions, such as the Behistun Inscription, were repeated in several languages. The image on this page is of a trilingual inscription on a pillar in Palace P of Pasargadae, to Cyrus II, probably added during the reign of Darius II. The primary languages used by the Achaemenids included Old Persian (what the rulers spoke), Elamite (that of the original peoples of central Iraq) and Akkadian (the ancient language of the Assyrians and Babylonians). Old Persian had its own script, developed by the Achaemenid rulers and based partly on cuneiform wedges, while Elamite and Akkadian were typically written in cuneiform. Egyptian inscriptions are also known to a lesser degree, and one translation of the Behistun inscription has been found in Aramaic. Updated by  N.S. Gill Sources Aminzadeh B, and Samani F. 2006. Identifying the boundaries of the historical site of Persepolis using remote sensing. Remote Sensing of Environment 102(1-2):52-62. Curtis JE, and Tallis N. 2005. Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia. University of California Press, Berkeley. Dutz WF and Matheson SA. 2001. Persepolis. Yassavoli Publications, Tehran. Encyclopedia Iranica Hanfmann GMA and Mierse WE. (eds) 1983. Sardis from Prehistoric to Roman Times: Results of the Archaeological Exploration of Sardis 1958-1975. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Sumner, WM. 1986 Achaemenid Settlement in the Persepolis Plain. American Journal of Archaeology 90(1):3-31.

Case study analysis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Analysis - Case Study Example For this case, the hotel ventured into launching a nationwide campaign for to go green without losing its customers. The firm had a challenge of balancing its corporate strategies with environmental management plans (Slye, 2015). The hotel needed a personnel, who could engineer the delivery of excellent and trendy hotel experiences and at the same time, reduce the hotel’s ecological footprints. The hotel chose on Business Evolution Consulting as the project manager and the latter firm helped to formulate a plan called the Kimpton EarthCare (Slye 2015). The program so far has remarkable benefits to both the hotel group’s management and customer experience. Planning the project occurred in three phases, the first of which was of remarkable success. The remaining two faces of the project are yet to be completed. They include a recycling project, and replacement of the hotel equipment including fabrics with organic materials. The two latter projects faced objection from a section of stakeholders. In ensuring proper and reasonable arguments on the returns from investing in the two projects, there is a need for a review of fundamental lessons from the first project. The first lesson for stakeholders is the fact that the firm has a desire for excellence and creation of difference in approach to balance between corporate strategies and management of the environment. For such a case, it is justified all stakeholders in the corporation should consider that there has already been past success (Silverman & Thomas, 2006). Success is because the company put the project as a part of its vision. There is a generalized ideology for the advocacy for environmental care among the business across the globe. The company already has a history of venturing into managing the environment, which makes it unique among the customers. Some people may consider that the Green initiative is no longer news to the public because the corporate headquarters has the plan

Merger between the United and US Airways Term Paper

Merger between the United and US Airways - Term Paper Example (Continental, 2012). Under the United Continental Holdings – the parent company of Continental and United, its 4th quarter 2011 revenue was increased by 5.5% with annual profit of $840 million (Omaha World-Herald, 2012). The US Airways is â€Å"the 6th largest U.S. airline by traffic and 8th largest by market value in the United States† (Nolan, 2011; Fenske, 2008). Marketed under the brand name of US Airways Express, the PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines are two of US Airways’ wholly-owned subsidiaries on top of its other four airline subsidiaries (Polek, 2008). The US Airways has 341 mainline and 319 regional aircrafts across 200 destinations around North- and South America, Europe and the Middle East. The company is operating 629 daily flights throughout its 133 non-stop destinations (Portillo, 2011). Its annual net profit excluding net special charges was $111 million as compared to $447 million in the previous year (PRNewswire, 2012). After deducting the net special charges, the company’s net profit was $0.68 million as compared to $2.34 million during the previous year (BusinessWeek, 2012). Incentives to Consolidate Although the merger plan between the United and the US Airways has not been successful ever since the United decided to merge with the Continental last July 2010 (Breaking Travel News, 2010), potential merger between the United and the US Airways never died (Portillo, 2011). In fact, Derek Kerr – the Chief Financial Officer of US Airways stated that â€Å"consolidation is one of the major ways this industry can become profitable† (Chakravorty, 2010). Aside from economies of scale, most of the existing airline companies are merging to expand or dominate a busy hub. In other words, merger enables these airline companies to have a competitive advantage by investing on geographically differentiated routes. This explains why other major airline carriers such as Delta was eager to merge with Northwest wherea s the United with Continental (Portillo, 2011). Furthermore, Portillo (2011) explained that the hub of US Airways is the key to 90% of the airport’s flights. This aspect will give the United the incentive to decide and consider consolidating with the US Airways in the near future. Analyzing Firms within the Industry Strategies made by the firms within the U.S. airline industry can be well understood by conducting an industry analyzing using the Porter’s five forces framework. Based on this framework, it makes sense that the U.S. airline industry has a low barrier due to the increasing threat of new entrants (Ramon-Rodriguez, Moreno-Izquierdo and Perles-Ribes 2011). Ever since the Airline Deregulation Act was implemented in 1978, firms within the U.S. airline industry started experiencing the business consequences of a tight market competition. Even though the U.S. government removed the political restrictions over the U.S. domestic routes, schedules and domestic fares, some of the airport regulations, limited takeoff and landing slots and airline

Islamist Extremism by Jemaah Islamiah in South Asia Research Paper

Islamist Extremism by Jemaah Islamiah in South Asia - Research Paper Example The main external influence on the psyche and perception of the South East Asian people has been from the events that have happened in the Middle East. The complex geo-politics of the Middle East and the interference of the United States in the region, had led to the South East Asians’ perceiving that that Islam is repressed and threatened. Similarly, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the massacre of Muslims in Yugoslavia, and the radical Hinduism in the neighbouring state of India, further added to the insecurity. In addition, there has been a more direct and potent influence of Saudi Arabia that provides donations and funding for setting up schools, madarsas (schools where only Quran and scriptures are taught) and for distributing religious books (Liow, 2004). This massive influx of Wahhabi Sunni ideology from the Middle East, led to the people adopting more conservative Islamic outlook towards both personal and political life. It also prepared the ground for easy acceptan ce of radical form of Islam in the region. The political environment of most of the Muslim dominated states like Indonesia and Malaysia has been of evolutionary democracy, where the government is guided by a mix of traditional Islamic and modern rules and regulations. The region does not allow radical Islam as a political ideology and hence, there is a section of the population that displays discontentment due to their political exclusion. This discontentment was further fuelled by the economic crisis of the 1990s. that led to widespread financial despair, unemployment and left the governments weak and unable to support the population (Sebastian, 2003). The economic crisis consolidated the belief that Western ideologies were exploitative and detrimental and that Muslims need to organize and do business

MNE should stop outsourcing to developing countries 2 Assignment - 1

MNE should stop outsourcing to developing countries 2 - Assignment Example It is, therefore, the nature of human beings to be curious as the people were in the story. The story is a satirical piece, which the writer uses to mock human nature in general, and the Catholic Church. Criticism is seen from the father and the letter, which he sends to his superiors in Rome (382). The superiors do not look interested in coming to view the spectacle. Father Gonzaga is asked to talk to the Old man and see if his dialect is Aramaic. The superiors also ask Father Gonzaga to see how many times would fit in the head of a pin. This is an example of Catholicism, which refers to the medieval theory that was thought to be proof of God’s omnipotence. The superiors in the Catholic Church finally make a conclusion that the old man is a Norwegian sailor who is stranded. This statement makes the church sound literal minded and not in touch with reality. The church is also seen to have a wait and see tactic, as they do not do anything about the old man with enormous wings. They just wait until the end when the man flies off. They leave the man in Pelayo’s compound while they could have taken the man in their refuge so that they could find out everything about him. Human beings in the short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez do not care about the significance of life (384). Everyone in the story is afflicted by narrowness of vision. This is seen from the church to the neighbor woman, the pilgrims, and the crowd of onlookers. Elisenda is also viewed to be narrow as she chooses to keep her living room and kitchen living free instead of deciding to consider her uninvited guest who was different from them and oddly beautiful. Regret is also considered as part of human nature by the writer of the story. When Elisenda looks at the angel at the end of the story and realizes that she would probably never have a chance of seeing him again, regret is clearly depicted. The writer points out that most people

Global Enterprise and Innovation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Global Enterprise and Innovation - Assignment Example The overall idea is to understand NIS deeply and clearly. There are many interesting features that one would notice in United Kingdom’s business environment. If we look at the latest analysis of this country, we will see that it has attracted many foreign investments. â€Å"The UK is the second largest single destination globally for US investment and in 2011 accounted for 26 percent of all the US investment stock in the European Union.† (UKTI, 2012). The economy is doing really well for the past few years and inflation is in control of the Bank of England, which is responsible for setting interest rates. Businesses are flourishing well in UK’s industrial arena because the exchange rates are relatively stable. Currency plays a significant role while operating in foreign countries. Companies operating globally have to keep an eye on the exchange rate each coming day. Imports and exports are doing well in the country. There are more exports than the imports, which is the main reason behind earning foreign income. UK is also working on lowering the corporate tax rates so that more and more businesses could be attracted into the country. Recently, UK has lowered the tax rate up to 3 percent. The employees of this country are satisfied employees because they pay less social security contributions as compared to other European countries. Entrepreneurial businesses are on the boom. Even a fresh graduate can start up a small business easily here because of the favourable market conditions. For example, running food truck is very simple in UK. On the whole, setting up a business in UK is very fast and easy. One can set up his business and get himself registered in this country within 24 hours, but it all depends on what kind of business he wants to start and in which state. There are many business advisors within the country who can guide you well about this. They can update you with the current status of businesses and the related industry,

Business ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Business ethics - Research Paper Example The alternative is a possibility of traits that are long. Various different traits from successful leaders and leadership positions are identified, and the descriptions are generalities. The focus allows for agreements on the traits with most relevance to effective leadership and theory complexity (Crane & Matten, 2007). In this case, the theory has implications on Robert Nardelli’s approach to leadership. Trait theory awards constructive information on leadership. The focus applies to people across levels from distinct forms of organizations. Management utilizes such information within the theory in evaluating their focus in the organization as well as assessing how the position could be strengthened in the firm (Brenkert & Beauchamp, 2012). Robert Nardelli’s traits include characteristics such as physical vitality and stamina as well as action-oriented and intelligence judgment. It is impactful to have eagerness in accepting responsibility and enhancing task competence. Robert Nardelli shows an understanding of the company stakeholders, followers, and respective needs (OSullivan, Smith & Esposito, 2012). Top management involves skill derived from people and necessary achievement of capacity in the motivation of people. Robert Nardelli showed courage and resolution through trustworthiness and decisiveness in outcomes. Nardelli displayed features of assertiveness, self-confidence, adaptability and flexibility (Crane & Matten, 2007). Contingency/Situational leadership theory concerns the context to which applied leadership is unaccounted for based on Behavioral and Traits theories. Robert Nardelli’s focus is to the situational variables where he modified his leadership styles to personal characteristics and context of a current situation (Baack, 2012). Proponents of the theory add that effective leadership identifies when to adapt their personal characteristics for

Global Enterprise and Innovation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Global Enterprise and Innovation - Assignment Example The overall idea is to understand NIS deeply and clearly. There are many interesting features that one would notice in United Kingdom’s business environment. If we look at the latest analysis of this country, we will see that it has attracted many foreign investments. â€Å"The UK is the second largest single destination globally for US investment and in 2011 accounted for 26 percent of all the US investment stock in the European Union.† (UKTI, 2012). The economy is doing really well for the past few years and inflation is in control of the Bank of England, which is responsible for setting interest rates. Businesses are flourishing well in UK’s industrial arena because the exchange rates are relatively stable. Currency plays a significant role while operating in foreign countries. Companies operating globally have to keep an eye on the exchange rate each coming day. Imports and exports are doing well in the country. There are more exports than the imports, which is the main reason behind earning foreign income. UK is also working on lowering the corporate tax rates so that more and more businesses could be attracted into the country. Recently, UK has lowered the tax rate up to 3 percent. The employees of this country are satisfied employees because they pay less social security contributions as compared to other European countries. Entrepreneurial businesses are on the boom. Even a fresh graduate can start up a small business easily here because of the favourable market conditions. For example, running food truck is very simple in UK. On the whole, setting up a business in UK is very fast and easy. One can set up his business and get himself registered in this country within 24 hours, but it all depends on what kind of business he wants to start and in which state. There are many business advisors within the country who can guide you well about this. They can update you with the current status of businesses and the related industry,

The Linguistics Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Linguistics Theory - Essay Example Words that relate just by meaning, form lexical relations, can take various forms: synonymy is when all the semantic components of the words are similar; antonyms are created when one component of the meanings differ, and hyponymy is the case of an extra component is added to differentiate one word from the other. The antonym is a lexical opposition. It was traditionally classified as a contrastive paradigmatic construction (meaning a complex lexical construction that unifies with other constructions, resulting in syntagmatic usage). Unlike other paradigmatic relations, antonymy is both a lexical and a semantic relationship. Unlike synonyms and hyponyms, antonyms can only exist in binary form. Some lexicologists use the term opposite to refer to the semantic relation and antonym specifically for opposites that are also lexically related. It is also thought that, unlike synonyms and hyponyms, the antonym can only be a contrast set of only two words. But, depending on the meaning, word s may have different antonyms. Besides the natural binarity of the antonym, there is also the possibility of a brighter spectrum of contrast. For instance, the antonym of happy would be: sad. But â€Å"angry† is also very different from happy and can easily be used to contradict it.Coordinated Antonymy, a discourse –functional category – it indicates exhaustiveness of the scale involved. It neutralizes the difference between normally opposed categories, by considering them and all the instances in between, as being true.

Polar Bears Essay Example for Free

Polar Bears Essay Class: Ursidae. 9bPhysical characteristics: Bears have big heads, round ears, small eyes that face forward, very short tails, and stocky legs. They are plantigrade, walking on the heels and soles of their feet like humans do. Each paw has five curved claws that are not retractable, or cannot be pulled back. Habitat: The polar bear habitats encompass the entire Arctic region. Polar bears have adapted to be able to live in the water and on land. Unlike other bear species, the polar bear are excellent swimmers, and have been spotted more than 100 miles away from land or ice. The polar bear habitat is that of the entire Arctic region. Life cycle: Female polar bears reach sexual maturity at about four to five years. Male polar bears reach sexual maturity at about six years. Breeding takes place from March to June on the sea ice, but most occurs during April and May. During the breeding season, males and females find each other by congregating in the best seal-hunting habitats. Male polar bears have been seen following the tracks of breeding female polar bears for more than 100 km Competition for females is intense. Females breed about once every three years; therefore, there are about three adult males to every breeding female. Before mating, a female polar bear may be accompanied by several males. The males fight fiercely among themselves until the strongest or largest male succeeds in chasing the others away. Dominant males may succeed in mating with several females in a season. Females have babies in the den while hibernating. Polar bears life span is about 15-18 years. Prey: The Polar bear’s main prey is the Arctic seal which is a rich source of high-fat blubber. They have a very interesting way of catching their prey. A Polar bear would make a breathing hole somewhere in the middle of a vast ice expanse. Seals would often come out of these holes to breath. The Polar bear would patiently lie on its stomach with its mouth near the hole, waiting for any unfortunate seal to appear. This wait could sometimes last for several hours before a Polar bear could have his meal. Polar bears also prey on bearded seals and harp seals. When this prey is difficult to find, Polar bears would attack young walrus, narwhal, fish, seabirds and eggs. Species status: Polar bears were added to the list of threatened species because polar bears are vulnerable to this loss of habitat. Hunting of polar bears as a food source by certain native people and trade in native handicrafts made from polar bears will also continue. However, importing polar bear products from Canada (where trophy hunting is legal) will be banned. Pollution from man-made kills polar bears also Use for humans past and present- pas was they were hunted for food and fur. Present still hunted but also hunted for trophies but that has been banned Interesting facts: Polar bear cubs learn to freeze and remain still while their mother hunts. If they move, the mother disciples them, with a whack to the head. A polar bears fur is not white!! It is hollow. The fur reflects light. The hollow fur also traps the suns heat to help keep the polar bear warm. Known as the king of the artic.

Trends of Internet Health Care

Trends of Internet Health Care What is Internet Health Care? Technology has changed forever the way consumers perceive healthcare. the internet is utilized by millions of user to perform daily life activities such as shopping, bills paying, communication with colleagues or family members, dating, and now health care (Bau, 2001). In the past, only physicians were the source and provider of health care information and services to their patients (Hesse all, 2005). Also most information pertaining to health was only accessible in libraries, through medical books. In this new age of advanced technology, the internet has become the go to tool for patients seeking health information as mild as flu symptoms to more serious and life threatening disease as cancer. As much as 72% of world-wide-web users seek health information though the internet (Pew 2012). â€Å"Health seekers† utilize this tool to learn more about their condition, seek new treatments, interact with others in the same situation, and get answers to questions at any given moment day or night. The internet is allowing its users access to a wealth of information, all that in the privacy of their homes and at less cost. The â€Å"informed consumers† are getting more and more involved in every aspect of their care and they want to participate in â€Å"shared decision-making† (Sunday, 2000). Internet health information seeking can help patients be better informed, which can lead to better health outcomes, a better utilization of health service resources, and a strong er physician-patient relationship (Kassier 2000; Murray et al 2003). But, health information on the Internet may be misleading or misinterpreted, compromising health behaviors and health outcomes, or resulting in inappropriate requests for clinical interventions (Eysenbach, Kohler, 2002; Murray et al 2003). To access the full potential of internet as a source of health information, physicians need to recognize the potentials of this technology, while being mindful of possible dangers to patients’ health (Powell all, 2003). What is the trend? Worldwide about 4.5% of all internet are health related (Morahan-Martin, 2004). In less than a quarter of century, the internet users grew from 42% to 81% (Fox Rainie 2014). Seventy two percent of U.S. adult reported looking for health or medical information online for themselves or for others at least once in the previous 12 months (Fox Duggan 2013). The internet not only is a research tool for those seeking information regarding their condition, bit is also a tool diagnosis tool for those searching for answers online. Indeed the 2012 Pew Research Center’s Internet American Life Project health survey revealed that among the health seekers, 35% were â€Å"health diagnosers† meaning people looking to find answers for specific medical conditions online themselves or relatives might have (Fox Duggan, 2013). Across studies, the general observation was that higher education levels was strongly correlated to higher rates of Internet use for health but internet use was not a function of household income (Jansen Spink 2006). Most of the online health seekers (77%) start their search from general search engine like Google or through medical web sites (13%) proving some specific health information (Fox Duggan 2013). These results are somewhat inconsistent with a more targeted study by Dickerson, Reinhart, Feeley, Bidani, Rich, Garg Hershey (2004) accessing patients internet behavior in three urban primary care clinics were the majority of the patient (73%) reported starting their search on a medical website. Half of the inquiries are on behalf of a loved one which translates to 39% of the online health seekers population (Fox Duggan, 2013). Often women (64%) would report searching the net for health information than male (53%) even though they equally access the internet (Fox Duggan, 2013). Why health seekers like the Internet? Seekers of online information always cite tree main reasons for going online. First, the Internet allows them to seek information at any hour; second, they can get a wealth of information and; finally, they can access the information anonymously (Fox Rainie, 2000). Seekers of online health information are of two kinds: those with a diagnosed chronic condition and those without (Dickerson et al., 2004). According to studies, they tend to have a different approach toward online information seeking. Indeed, multiple studies revealed that people that perceive themselves as being unhealthy tend to be more proactive at seeking online information that will help them get a better understanding of their condition, or to seek for second opinion, or seek advance treatment of their ailment (Fox Rainie,2000; Dickerson et al., 2004) . Most users actually attributed their improve understanding of health issues to the use of internet and some even went further admitting internet has impacted how they manage their health care needs and their choice of a health care professional (Jansen Spink, 2006). The internet is a powerful education tool and a great support to consumer looking to get more involved in their health care and participate in share decision making. Internet improves users understanding of their chronic condition, treatments for their chronic condition, or other symptoms, conditions, or treatments, effects decisions about health or health care or on use of the health care system. Potential benefits of online health information Online health information has the potential of improving patients’ participation in some aspects of their care and their interaction with the care giver (Baker, Wagner, Singer, Bundorf, 2003). Most users go to health sites for research and reference purposes. Physicians and patient alike use the internet for health information-seeking and communication purposes. Physicians glean the internet to keep up with the latest innovation in their field. It is also a way to connect with colleagues from all other the world as there are no borders restrictions on the World Wide Web. Few use it to communicate with their caregivers or to buy medicine. Most health seekers have been able to get the information they need without revealing personal information. Anonymity is another great benefit offered by the internet. Anyone can go online and look for any symptom or condition without revealing it identity. For extremely shy people or for embarrassing health conditions, the internet is a good alternative to understanding or treating the condition without getting exposed. According to studies Many are using the Web to gather information on behalf of family and friends. Those who are in excellent health often seek online materials to help someone else; those who are in less-than-excellent health are more likely to be hunting for information for themselves (Fox Rainie, 2000). The 2012 Pew health survey reported that about half of the internet health quests are on behalf of a loved one (Fox Duggan, 2012). In addition, Internet has been proven helpful in assisting caregivers in their ability to provide care to cope and support for the person in their care (Fox, Duggan, Purcell 2013). A Pew internet health tracking survey from August to September 2012 revealed that 24% of caregivers (adults ages 18+) surf the net for reviews on prescription drugs, 30% got information , care, and support from people with the same condition, as much as 46% went online for diagnosis, and 72% gathered health information online (Fox, Duggan, Purcell 2013) In general, health seekers use the internet to seek information on present or immediate medical condition. It is important to note that in most cases, in person visit with a physician precedes the seeking of online health information. Often, a diagnosis following a doctor visit always urges patients to seek online information in order to better understand their condition. But then again, the decision on when to meet with the physician depends on who the patient is. In general, health seekers looking for information on behalf of a loved one will go online after a doctor’s visit, while health seekers looking for self will go online before the doctor’s visit, so that they can actively participate. The Pew health survey reports that 53% of â€Å"online diagnoses† reported their online findings to their physician and 41% had their diagnosis confirmed (Pew, 2012). Those results contradict a study by Diaz et al (2002) conducted on primary internal medical private practi ce patients who reported that nearly 60% of the patient did not discuss their findings with their physicians. Second opinion seeking health seekers use the internet to get a second opinion.(develop on this) Interactive and E-connecting- (use the article on cancer) there are countless number of online support groups for nearly every disease and condition, with infinite discussion topics (Forkner-Dunn, 2003). But just as important as the information exchanged in these e-discussions is the emotional support they provide. Being able to interact with others that can relate to the seeker situation is a coping mechanism. â€Å"My coping mechanism was to learn as much as I could about my cancer and my treatment, and the most convenient avenue for this was the Internet† said Karen Parles a cancer patient. Indeed, patients reported being less stressed about their disease once they are able to communicate with others in similar condition. Karen Parles a lung cancer patient sated â€Å"because of the sheer numbers of patients online, I was able to find others just like myself, and I no longer felt like the only 38- year-old nonsmoker on the planet with lung cancer.† This wealth of per sonal experience and support can be recorded for future reference of patients, clinicians, or health care planners (Forkner-Dunn, 2003). E-monitoring –mentioned the internet is a tool that can be utilized to monitor patients conditions (Forkner-Dunn 2003). Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity can specially benefit from e-monitoring. Internet can facilitate home management of medical condition via monitoring devices. For instance, monitoring device testing blood glucose level are widely popular among diabetic patients and these devices connected to the internet can transmit real time results to patients care giver. Patients can also monitor and transmit their weight via e-scale or access their heart or respiratory rate using e-shirt (Forkner-Dunn, 2003). Internet and physician-patient relationship A study accessing the impact of the internet on physician- patient relationship by Murray et al (2003) found that most physicians agree that patient bringing information to the visit was beneficial to the physician-patient relationship, but negatively affected time efficiency. Moreover it had no effect on health the quality of care or the health outcome. Health information on the Internet may make patients better informed, leading to better health outcomes, more appropriate use of health service resources, and a stronger physician-patient relationship (Murray et al. 2003). The internet can have a positive outcome on patients and be the best support they can expect when facing life threatening condition. According to a cancer patient in one study â€Å"The Internet has impacted my relationship with my oncologists and my surgeon in a very positive way. I would say that the information I learn on the Internet enables me to ask different questions, to affect the agenda, and to feel involved in my care. Online support that I receive from other patients often relieves anxiety and resolves minor issues that I would otherwise raise with my doctors†(Penson et al 2002). Negatives and obstacles of internet health information Privacy violations Health seekers are scared of what may happen to their information online. There is the fear of having their online activities exposed. Anonymity is one of the reasons people get online. To date this is no enforced policies preventing health websites from keeping tract on online users’ activities and selling those data without users’ content. The absence of enforced policies to guarantee a safe navigation and patients’ privacy renders the internet unsafe for the most concerned patients. Based on the Pew Research Center’s Internet Project telephone survey from July 11-14, of 1,002 adults ages 18 and older, 86% of internet users have tried to use the internet in ways to minimize the visibility of their digital footprints, 55% of internet users have taken steps to hide from specific people or organizations (Rainie et al 2013). Specifically 21% of internet users have had an email or social networking account compromised or taken over by some one else without permission. 13% of internet users have experienced trouble in a relationship between them and a family member or a friend because of something the user posted online.12% of internet users have been stalked or harassed online. 11% of internet users have had important personal information stolen such as their Social Security Number, credit card, or bank account information. 6% of internet users have been the victim of an online scam and lost money. 6% of internet users have had their reputation damaged because of something that happened online. 4% of internet users have been led into physical danger because of something that happened online. 1% of internet users have lost a job opportunity or educational opportunity because of something they posted online or someone posted about them (Rainie et al 2013). Inaccurate, incredible and difficult to evaluate – few studies to date have been able to access the credibility, and accuracy of online health information. One major problem encounter by health seekers is that most of the information online is too general and outdated (Fox Rainie, 2000, Rice 2006). Based on previous studies results, internet health seekers find it hard to find what there are searching online, or could not fully comprehend the information, or the information was overwhelming or unreadable (Zeng et al. 2004; Berland et al., 2001 ). Health seekers are equally divided when it come to the credibility of the information online (Fox Rainie, 2000). The most common problems mentioned were: no new information, information too general, confusing interface/organization, and too much information to process (Rice, 2006). Another obstacle to expansion of online health is inequality. The lack of necessary technology some part of the population is very problematic. Many senior, minority, and lower-income patients will be excluded if online forms of intervention were to be implemented nationwide for lack of access. Previous studies reported (who use the internet). There is a possibility that the expansion of this technology might prove to worsen inequality in the distribution and delivery of care rather than ameliorate it (DiMaggio, Hargittai 2001). Previous works have also pointed out wide variations in the quality of information available on the Internet. Inaccurate or poorly targeted information can to poor treatment choices. An excess of extraneous, irrelevant, or invalid information can burden health care providers and lead to the provision of efficiently care (Baker, Wagner, Singer, Bundorf, 2003). An assessment of 121 websites on five common health topics to evaluate their credibility reported that only 24% of the sites met more than two-thirds of the published health guidelines for that health topic (Rice, 2006). Berland et al. (2001)also reported that Internet health information has an inadequate coverage of important medical information. Destroy physician- patient relationship – the search of information online can lead to unrealistic expectations (Penson et al. 2002). Patients scattering the internet for information or alternative treatments, getting their hopes up only to have their physician reject it for cause of inaccuracy or irrelevancy may get frustrated put tensions into the patient-physician relationship. Murray et al. (2003) find a correlation between physician refusals to approve inappropriate requests, patients’ satisfaction, and a lower index of quality; particularly in managed care. Physicians sometime feel as patients armed with online information are challenging their authority. This reaction was strongly associated with harms to the physician-patient relationship, quality of care, health outcomes, and time efficiency (Murray et al. 2003). Recommendations Suggestions include kitemarks (seals of approval) for quality Web sites, codes of conduct for development and content of Web sites, market forces, directing users to trusted Web sites, filters, rating instruments for users, and public education in evaluating the quality of online information (Murray et al. 2003) Directing users to trusted web sites – providers can proactive in identifying the best internet health source to direct their patients. Suggested trustworthy organizations by Diaz et al. (2002) are the Health on the Net Foundation (www.HON.ch),the Internet Healthcare Coalition (www.ihealthcoalition.org),and Health Internet Ethics (www.hiethics.org). Past studies show that up to 35% of the internet users do not share their results with physician (Pew, 2014). The main raison being that physician did not ask or did not give the impression of wanting to get involved. Physicians can best assist patients by inquiring about internet usage and by helping in finding reliable source of medical information (Diaz et al. 2002). Provide accurate, credible, Reliable Information– web sites aiming at providing internet information should thrive to assure accuracy, credibility, and reliability. Health information provided to patients ought to be useful, up to date, and must provide a list of sources that support the reliability of the information. Privacy– HIPPA requirement for health organization using health IT should apply to health information web sites. Patients’ privacy should be respected and should not be shared without authorization. Conclusion All major changes always face resistance before people can warm up to the idea and then follow the acceptation phase. Like the introduction to telephone in health care more than a century ago, introduction of the internet as a form of health care delivery will take time before it can be viewed as a tool that add value to medical practice.

Smoking Cigarettes Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Example Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alice Walker makes a great argument against smoking in her short essay, â€Å"My Daughter Smokes†, by sharing with the reader a personal experience that she had concerning cigarette smoking. She describes what happened to her father because he was a smoker for most of his life. Walker talks about what happened to his appearance and his health because of smoking. She also makes a point in showing how society and Hollywood make smoking out to be attractive. Walker wrote this essay against smoking for one purpose, to try to get her daughter to stop smoking so she wouldn’t have to go through what her grandfather did. I agree with Walker’s argument against smoking, there are no benefits to smoking; everything associated with smoking is harmful. While Walker does talk about a few of the health affects associated with smoking, she doesn’t go into much detail about them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Smoking is a major killer in this country. It contributes to the premature deaths of up to two million Americans each year, and chronic diseases in millions more. Tobacco is both toxic and addictive. The nicotine in tobacco is five to ten times more addictive than cocaine and a thousand times more powerful than alcohol in altering the mood and behavior. It is classified as a euphoriant drug, because of its ability to alleviate anxiety and boredom. The tar in cigarettes destroys the sacs in the lung where air exchange takes place, and causes a build up of mucus. ...

Our Responsibility in Our Life Essay

Since childhood, we have been taught about responsibility. Until there comes a time that we all have responsibilities that we must own up to. But, what we already have a sense of responsibility for all the things we have done? The answer is may be yes or may be no. So, what is the meaning of responsibility? Responsibility is the obligation/consequence to bear and do something that is given/assigned to everyone with awareness from ourselves. As a student, in order to reach my life success I must obtain certain type of responsibilities. These responsibilities consists of responsibility as a servant of God, as a student (ourself), as a child, and as a citizen. The first is responsibility as a servant of God. Have we run our duty as religious people? Many of us who are academically capable, fulfilled in terms of material but our soul is empty because it is not touched by religious values. For you, students, perform the obligation as a people, not to ask or complain but do your duty as a servant. Don’t just closer to Him when we were in pinched life conditions. Do your responsibility such as do His command and leave His prohibiton, praying, and trust Him and keep faith. The second is responsibility as a child. Many students are unaware or aware but do not want to do self-realization that their parents do not want a lot of things on them. Only one desired by parents that their child could go to school, learn well and later graduated have a better life than their parents. Did not we ever imagined, how the our parents work hard, earn much money to pay us in school. Never occurred in our minds in order to replace what they have given. Therefore, do your responsibility such as obey what they ask, care to them, and giving them your achievement. The third is responsibility as a student. Each student must plant a sense of responsibility on theirselves. Responsibility of the student as a learner is learning well, do home work that has been given to them, discipline in running the school rules. This means that each student is required to carried out absolutely the responsibilities without exception. But, the fact many students who feel overwhelmed by their obligations as students. Students go to school not for learning purposes, but used as a venue for meeting, gathering with friends, chat and etc. While the true task to learn and gain knowledge. Although this is a reality, we must prevent, change our mindset, and we must be aware that we are a student. The fourth is responsibility as a citizen. We live in the middle of society.

Sippican Corporation

Product Gross Margin Calculation vs. Product Contribution Margin Calculation Assigning the overhead costs to the products shows how profitable the products are after deducting all cost. However, it is important to find the appropriate method of overhead cost allocation. In Sippican’s case the traditional accounting method is used, which does not reflect the real resource usage of the different product lines. The correct method in this case would be to apply the time-driven ABC approach for cost allocation.Such method apart from showing the actual profitability after all cost deductions also depicts the differences in resource usage rates between the products and, thus, allows for identification of cost drivers. A contribution margin approach provides only insight into the products profitability after variable cost deduction, but it does not show whether the profit of a particular product is still profitable after all cost deductions. This could lead to a false perception of pr oduct profitability. In addition, this approach could lead to wrong decision making in terms of pricing or expansion actions.Moreover, with this approach it is not possible to identify any cost drivers. Thus, many profitability improvement opportunities might be lost. Moreover, in particular, in the Sippican’s case the overhead costs are not really fix. They are fix only in the short term but variable in the long term as with an increase in volume of the products or the number of various products more machines and labor are required. The correct term for such cost is step-fix cost. Thus, the overhead costs in this case are not really a period expense (only in the short term).Thus, the volume of each product line does indirectly drive the overhead cost in the long term. Consequently, it is important to see how each product affects the overhead costs or, to say it the other way around, what amount of resources does a product use and how does it differ from to the usage rates ot her product lines. Therefore, the executives should definitely not abandon the overhead assignment to the products, but instead use a different accounting method. Practical Capacity and Capacity Cost RatesFrom the information given in the Exhibits and in the text I have calculated the practical capacity and the capacity cost rates for the different resources. Table 1 summarizes the results. The practical capacity rates were calculated by multiplying the number of employees/machines with their respective total effective hours per month. The capacity cost rates were calculated by dividing the total monthly cost by the respective practical capacity to become the cost rate of the particular resource per hour. Table 1: Practical Capacities and Capacity Cost Rates Note: For exact calculations please see the attached excel file.Cost and Profitability Based on Time-Driven ABC Approach Table 2 shows the revised costs and profits of Sippican Corporation when calculating those according to the time-driven ABC approach. Table 2: Cost and Profitability Based on Time-driven ABC Approach Note: Total machine expenses include the expenses for machine production runs and the expenses for machine setups. For exact calculations please see the attached excel file. The expenses in each category were calculated by multiplying the actual usage of the resource (taken from Exhibit 3 and Exhibit 4) by the respective capacity cost rate.It can be inferred from the table that valves is the most profitable product line with a gross margin of 42. 8% and not of 35% as obtained by the traditional cost accounting system. The pumps have a gross margin of 19. 7% as opposed to 5% and the flow controllers have a negative gross margin of -3. 6% as opposed to a gross margin of 38% as calculated using the simple accounting method. These differences in the cost and the resulting profitability of the product lines arise from the fact that according to the time-driven ABC approach the cost are allocated to the product lines based on their real usage of the company’s resources.In the simple accounting method the manufacturing cost were allocated as a percentage of direct labor cost at a rate of 185%. This method did not account for any specific cost arising from the complexity, diversity or other production related specifics of the product line. In contrary, the time-driven ABC approach does account for all the nuances of each product line. From the table can also be inferred that the practical capacity is not totally used since at the end there is a total of $28,288 of unused resources. Table 3 summarizes the capacity utilization of various resources.Table 3: Capacity Utilization Rates Note: For exact calculations please see the attached excel file. The significant shift in cost and profitability of flow controllers can be mainly explained by the considerably higher engineering and setup expenses (machines and labor). The latter arises due to the higher component number (10) of the flow controllers (resulting in higher complexity) which leads to a higher number of production runs and, thus, raises the number of setup hours. The number of production runs is further increased by the on average small batch sizes (see Table 4).Table 4: Average Batch Sizes for Production Runs and Shipments Note: For exact calculations please see the attached excel file. The time-driven ABC approach reveals that flow controllers use disproportionally higher amount of the company’s resources per unit (see Table 5). It can be derived from Table 5 that flow controllers have much higher per unit cost than other two product lines across all cost categories. According to the time-driven ABC approach the total manufacturing overhead per unit cost amounts to $63. 4 as opposed to $24. 055 as derived by the simple accounting system.As already explained above, the high per unit cost for flow controllers across the categories are mostly due to on average small batch sizes. For th e majority of activities (setup, receiving and production control, partially packaging and shipping) the costs occur independent from the volume, but they do depend on the number of batches. For these reason the total manufacturing overhead per unit cost for valves and pumps are lower than estimated via the traditional accounting method as in these product lines the average batch sizes in production runs as well as in shipments were very high (375/188 for valves and 125/125 for pumps).Table 5: Cost per Unit Note: For exact calculations please see the attached excel file. Recommendations Flow Controllers Starting with flow controllers, there are two ways to deal with the negative gross margin. First way would be to keep on producing the flow controllers and increase the batch sizes and thereby reduce the setup- and shipping related cost. If the batch sizes for shipments and production were increased to 25 units, the gross margin would amounts to 8. 6% (see excel sheet for precise cal culations).To reach the target gross margin of 35% by only adjusting the batch sizes one would have to increase the batch sizes of both shipping and production to 190 units. In reality the increase in batch sizes can be implemented by either imposing a minimum order size or reducing the variety of the flow controllers (this would reduce the number of production runs and allow for higher batch sizes). The freed up capacity from these actions can be used to increase the overall volume of the product lines.One could also try to reengineer the flow controllers to require fewer components which also would result in fewer production runs and, thus, fewer setup hours. Moreover, as the past price increase has proven the demand for flow controllers to be quit inelastic Sippican could further raise prices for flow controllers and drive up the contribution margin. In reality the price increase should be accompanied with a promotion campaign which emphasizes the superiority of Sippican’s flow controllers to prevent the potential market share losses from the price increase.If the prices were to raise by 10% the resulting gross margin would account to 5. 8%. Moreover, one could also try to reducer the hours of engineering. Table 6 shows an example of gross margin effects of the various actions outlined above. The total effect on the gross margin when applying all these actions would amount to + 24. 2 % which results in a gross margin of 20. 6% (by deducting the current -3. 6%). This is just an example. Further margin increases could of course be realized by further improving the identified cost drivers (please see the excel file to see the gross margin effects if changing the discussed cost drivers).Table 6: Gross Margin Effects of Various Actions Note: For exact calculations please see the attached excel file. Another way to deal with the negative gross margin of flow controllers would be to abandon the production of them completely and thereby reduce the fix cost ( step-fix cost to be precise). Thus, abandoning the production of flow controllers would lead to high reduction in resources and thereby saved costs. However, such a measure could lead to negative indirect effects on the image of the company which, hitherto, could result in market share losses in other products.Therefore, this method of dealing with negative gross margin of flow controllers is highly unfavorable. However, in instead of laying off the employees and reducing the number of leased machines one could use the freed up capacity from abandoning the flow controllers production line for other purposes, such as volume increase in other production lines or taking a new production line into the portfolio. Pumps and Valves To deal with the price pressure apparent in the pumps market Sippican could attempt to further increase the batch sizes in production and shipment.In addition, by combining higher batch sizes with an increase in the volume of pumps Sippican could increase the re venues and additionally fully utilize its capacity. Similar improvements can be applied for valves. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. 2 3 Brem, Lisa (2002). Sippican Corporation (A). HBS Publishing. February. HBS Note # 9-100-055. p. 4. Exhibit 2 [ 4 ]. 5 Brem, Lisa (2002). Sippican Corporation (A). HBS Publishing. February. HBS Note # 9-100-055. p. 4. Exhibit 2

Ashoka the Great

Ashoka From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia â€Å"Asoka† redirects here. For other uses, see  Ashoka (disambiguation). |Ashoka the Great | |Mauryan  Samrat | |[pic] | |A Chakravatin (possibly Ashoka) first century BC/CE.Andhra Pradesh, | |Amaravati. Preserved at Musee Guimet | |Reign |273-232 BC | |Coronation |270 BC | |Full name |Ashoka Bindusara Maurya | |Titles |Samrat.Other titles include Devanampriya Priyadarsi, | | |Dhammarakhit, Dharmarajika, Dhammarajika, Dhammaradnya, | | |Chakravartin, Samrat, Radnyashreshtha, Magadhrajshretha, | | |Magadharajan, Bhupatin, Mauryaraja, Aryashok, Dharmashok, | | |Dhammashok, Asokvadhhan , Ashokavardhan, | | |Prajapita,Dhammanayak, Dharmanayak | |Born |304 BC | |Birthplace |Pataliputra,  Patna | |Died |232 BC (aged 72) | |Place of death |Pataliputra,  Patna | |Buried |Ashes immersed in theGanges  River, possibly | | |atVaranasi,  Cremated  232 BC, less than 24 hours after death | |Predecessor |Bindusara | |Successor |Dasa ratha Maurya | |Consort |Maharani Devi | |Wives |Rani  Tishyaraksha | | |Rani  Padmavati | | |Rani  Kaurwaki | |Offspring |Mahendra,Sanghamitra,Teevala, Kunala | |Royal House |Mauryan dynasty | |Father |Bindusara | |Mother |Rani Dharma or Shubhadrangi | |Religious |Buddhism,Humanism | |beliefs | | Ashoka  (Devanagari: ,  IAST:  Asoka,  IPA:  [a o? k? , 304–232 BC), popularly known as  Ashoka the Great, was an  Indian  emperor  of the  Maurya Dynasty  who ruled almost all of the  Indian subcontinent  from 269 BC to 232 BC. One of India's greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests. His empire stretched from present-dayPakistan,  Afghanistan  in the west, to the present-day  Bangladesh  and the Indian state of  Assam  in the east, and as far south as northern  Kerala  andAndhra. He conquered the kingdom named  Kalinga, which no one in his dynasty had conquered starting f rom  Chandragupta Maurya. His reign was headquartered in  Magadha  (present-day  Bihar, India). 1]He embraced  Buddhism  from the prevalentVedic  tradition after witnessing the mass deaths of the  war of Kalinga, which he himself had waged out of a desire for conquest. He was later dedicated to the propagation of Buddhism across  Asia  and established monuments marking several significant sites in the life of  Gautama Buddha. Ashoka was a devotee of  ahimsa  (nonviolence),  love,  truth,tolerance  and  vegetarianism. Ashoka is remembered in history as a  philanthropicadministrator. In the  history of India  Ashoka is referred to as  Samraat  Chakravartin  Ashoka- the Emperor of Emperors  Ashoka. His name â€Å"asoka† means â€Å"without sorrow† inSanskrit  (a= no/without, soka= sorrow or worry).In his  edicts, he is referred to as Devanampriya (Devanagari: )/Devana? iya  or â€Å"The Beloved Of The Gods†, an d Priyadarsin (Devanagari: )/Piyadassi  or â€Å"He who regards everyone with affection†. Another title of his is Dhamma (prakrit: ), â€Å"Lawful, Religious, Righteous†. Renowned  British  author and  social critic  H. G. Wells  in his bestselling two-volume work,  The Outline of History  (1920), wrote of emperor Ashoka: In the history of the world there have been thousands of kings and emperors who called themselves ‘their highnesses,' ‘their majesties,' and ‘their exalted majesties' and so on. They shone for a brief moment, and as quickly disappeared. But Ashoka shines and shines brightly like a bright star, even unto this day.Along with the  Edicts of Ashoka, his legend is related in the later second century  Asokavadana(â€Å"Narrative of Asoka†) and  Divyavadana  (â€Å"Divine narrative†), and in the  Sri Lankan  text  Mahavamsa(â€Å"Great Chronicle†). After two thousand years, the influence of Ashoka is seen in  Asia  and especially the  Indian subcontinent. An emblem excavated from his empire is today the national  Emblem of India. In the  History of Buddhism  Ashoka is considered just afterGautama Buddha. |Contents | |  [show] | Biography Early life |[pic] |This article  needs additional  citations  for  verification. | | |Please help  improve this article  by adding  reliable references.Unsourced | | |material may be  challenged  and  removed. (January 2009) | Ashoka was born to the  Mauryan  emperor  Bindusara  and his Queen ‘Dharma' (although she was a  Brahmin  or Shubhadrangi, she was undervalued as she wasn't of royal blood). Ashoka had several elder siblings (all half-brothers from other wives of Bindusara). He had just one younger sibling, Vitthashoka (a much loved brother from the same mother). Because of his exemplary intellect and warrior skills, he was said to have been the favorite of his grandfather  Chandragupta Maurya. As the legend goes, when Chandragupta Maurya left his empire for a  Jain  living, he threw his  sword  away. Ashoka ound the sword and kept it, in spite of his grandfather's warning. Ashoka, in his adolescence, was rude and naughty.He was a fearsome hunter. He was akshatriya  and was given all royal military trainings and other  Vedic  knowledge. According to a legend, he killed a Lion with just a wooden rod. Ashoka was very well known for his sword fighting. He was very adventurous and this made him a terrific fighter. Ashoka was a frightening warrior and a heartless general. Because of this quality he was sent to destroy the riot of  Avanti. Rise to power [pic] [pic] Maurya Empire  at the age of Ashoka. The empire stretched from  Iran  to  Bangladesh/Assam  and from  Central Asia  (Afganistan) to  Tamil Nadu/South India.Developing into an impeccable warrior general and a shrewd statesman, Ashoka went on to command several regim ents of the Mauryan army. His growing popularity across the empire made his elder brothers wary of his chances of being favored by  Bindusarato become the next emperor. The eldest of them,  Susima, the traditional heir to the throne, persuaded Bindusara to send Ashoka to quell an uprising inTaxshila, a city in the north-west District of Pakistani Punjab region, for which Prince Susima was the Governor. Taxshila was a highly volatile place because of the war-like Indo-Greek population and mismanagement by Susima himself. This had led to the formation of different militias causing unrest. Ashoka complied and left for the troubled area.As news of Ashoka's visit with his army trickled in, he was welcomed by the revolting militias and the uprising ended without a conflict. (The province revolted once more during the rule of Ashoka, but this time the uprising was crushed with an iron fist) Ashoka's success made his stepbrothers more wary of his intentions of becoming the emperor and m ore incitements from Susima led Bindusara to send Ashoka into exile. He went intoKalinga  and stayed there incognito. There he met a fisher woman named  Kaurwaki, with whom he fell in love. Recently found inscriptions indicate that she would later become either his second or third queen. Meanwhile, there was again a violent uprising in  Ujjain.Emperor Bindusara summoned Ashoka out of exile after two years. Ashoka went into Ujjain and in the ensuing battle was injured, but his generals quelled the uprising. Ashoka was treated in hiding so that loyalists of the Susima group could not harm him. He was treated by  Buddhist  monks and nuns. This is where he first learned the teachings of the  Buddha, and it is also where he met Devi, who was his personal nurse and the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. After recovering, he married her. It was quite unacceptable to Bindusara that one of his sons should marry a Buddhist, so he did not allow Ashoka to stay in  Patal iputra  but instead sent him back to Ujjain and made him the governor of Ujjain.The following year passed quite peacefully for him, and Devi was about to deliver his first child. In the meanwhile, Emperor Bindusara died. As the news of the unborn heir to the throne spread, Prince Susima planned the execution of the unborn child; however, the assassin who came to kill Devi and her child killed his mother instead. Ashoka beheads his elder brother to ascend the throne. In this phase of his life, Ashoka was known for his unquenched thirst for wars and campaigns launched to conquer the lands of other rulers and became known as Chandashok (terrible Ashoka), the Sanskrit word  chanda  meaning cruel, fierce, or rude,  Chandi-devi being associated with  Kali.Ascending the throne, Ashoka expanded his empire over the next eight years, from the present-day boundaries and regions of  Burma–Bangladesh  and the state of  Assam  in India in the east to the territory of pres ent-day  Iran  /  Persia  and  Afghanistan  in the west; from the  Pamir  Knots in the north almost to the peninsular of  southern India  (i. e. Tamilnadu  /  Andhra pradesh). Conquest of Kalinga Main article:  Kalinga War While the early part of Ashoka's reign was apparently quite bloodthirsty, he became a follower of the  Buddha's teaching after his conquest of Kalinga on the east coast of India in the present-day state of  Orissa. Kalinga was a state that prided itself on its sovereignty and democracy. With its monarchical parliamentary democracy it was quite an exception in ancient Bharata where there existed the concept of  Rajdharma. Rajdharma means the duty of the rulers, which was intrinsically entwined with the concept of bravery and  Kshatriya  dharma.The pretext for the start of the  Kalinga War  (265 BC or 263 BC) is uncertain. One of Susima's brothers might have fled to Kalinga and found official refuge there. This enraged Ashoka immensely. He was advised by his ministers to attack Kalinga for this act of treachery. Ashoka then asked Kalinga's royalty to submit before his supremacy. When they defied this diktat, Ashoka sent one of his generals to Kalinga to make them submit. The general and his forces were, however, completely routed through the skilled tact of Kalinga's commander-in-chief. Ashoka, baffled at this defeat, attacked with the greatest invasion ever recorded in Indian history until then.Kalinga put up a stiff resistance, but they were no match for Ashoka's brutal strength. The whole of Kalinga was plundered and destroyed. Ashoka's later edicts state that about 100,000 people were killed on the Kalinga side and 10,000 from Ashoka's army. Thousands of men and women were deported. Buddhist conversion |[pic] |This article  needs additional  citations  for  verification. | | |Please help  improve this article  by adding  reliable references. Unsourced | | |material may be  challengedà ‚  and  removed. (March 2009) | [pic] [pic] A similar four â€Å"Indian lion† Lion Capital of Ashoka atop an ntact  Ashoka Pillar  at Wat U Mong near Chiang Mai,  Thailandshowing another larger  Dharma Chakra  /Ashoka Chakra  atop the four lions thought to be missing in the Lion Capital of Ashoka at  Sarnath Museum  which has been adopted as the  National Emblem of India. As the legend goes, one day after the war was over, Ashoka ventured out to roam the city and all he could see were burnt houses and scattered corpses. This sight made him sick and he cried the famous monologue: What have I done? If this is a victory, what's a defeat then? Is this a victory or a defeat? Is this justice or injustice? Is it gallantry or a rout? Is it valor to kill innocent children and women? Do I do it to widen the empire and for prosperity or to destroy the other's kingdom and splendor?One has lost her husband, someone else a father, someone a child, someone an unborn infa nt†¦. What's this debris of the corpses? Are these marks of victory or defeat? Are these vultures, crows, eagles the messengers of death or evil? The brutality of the conquest led him to adopt Buddhism and he used his position to propagate the relatively new religion to new heights, as far as ancient Rome and Egypt. He made Buddhism his state religion around 260 BC, and propagated it and preached it within his domain and worldwide from about 250 BC. Emperor Ashoka undoubtedly has to be credited with the first serious attempt to develop a Buddhist policy. [pic] [pic] Ashokan Pillar at  VaishaliProminent in this cause were his son VenerableMahindra  and daughter  Sanghamitra  (whose name means â€Å"friend of the Sangha†), who established Buddhism in Ceylon (now  Sri Lanka). He built thousands of Stupas and Viharas for Buddhist followers. The Stupas of Sanchi are world famous and the stupa named  Sanchi Stupa  was built by Emperor Ashoka. During the remaining portion of Ashoka's reign, he pursued an official policy of  nonviolence  (ahimsa). Even the unnecessary slaughter or mutilation of people was immediately abolished. Everyone became protected by the king's  law  against sport hunting and branding. Limited hunting was permitted for consumption reasons but Ashoka also promoted the concept of vegetarianism.Ashoka also showed mercy to those imprisoned, allowing them leave for the outside a day of the year. He attempted to raise the professional ambition of the common man by building universities for study, and water transit and irrigation systems for trade and agriculture. He treated his subjects as equals regardless of their religion, politics and caste. The kingdoms surrounding his, so easily overthrown, were instead made to be well-respected allies. He is acclaimed for constructing hospitals for animals and renovating major roads throughout India. After this transformation, Ashoka came to be known as Dhammashoka (Sanskrit), meaning Ashoka, the follower of Dharma.Ashoka defined the main principles of dharma (dhamma) as nonviolence, tolerance of all sects and opinions, obedience to parents, respect for the Brahmans and other religious teachers and priests, liberality towards friends, humane treatment of servants, and generosity towards all. These principles suggest a general ethic of behaviour to which no religious or social group could object. Some critics say that Ashoka was afraid of more wars, but among his neighbors, including theSeleucid Empire  and the Greco-Bactrian kingdom established by  Diodotus I, none could match his strength. He was a contemporary of both  Antiochus I Soter  and his successor  Antiochus II Theos  of the Seleucid dynasty as well as  Diodotus I  and his son  Diodotus II  of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom.If his inscriptions and edicts are well studied one finds that he was familiar with the Hellenic world but never in awe of it. His edicts, which talk of frien dly relations, give the names of both Antiochus of the Seleucid empire and  Ptolemy III  of  Egypt. The fame of theMauryan  empire was widespread from the time that Ashoka's grandfather  Chandragupta Mauryadefeated  Seleucus Nicator, the founder of the Seleucid Dynasty. [pic] [pic] Stupa of  Sanchi. The source of much of our knowledge of Ashoka is the many inscriptions he had carved on pillars and rocks throughout the empire. Emperor Ashoka is known as Piyadasi (in  Pali) or Priyadarshi (in  Sanskrit) meaning â€Å"good looking† or â€Å"favored by the gods with good blessing†.All his inscriptions have the imperial touch and show compassionate loving. He addressed his people as his â€Å"children†. These inscriptions promoted Buddhist morality and encouraged nonviolence and adherence to Dharma (duty or proper behavior), and they talk of his fame and conquered lands as well as the neighboring kingdoms holding up his might. One also gets some pri mary information about the Kalinga War and Ashoka's allies plus some useful knowledge on the civil administration. The Ashoka Pillar at  Sarnath  is the most popular of the relics left by Ashoka. Made of sandstone, this pillar records the visit of the emperor to Sarnath, in the third century BC.It has a four-lion capital (four lions standing back to back) which was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. The lion symbolizes both Ashoka's imperial rule and the kingship of the  Buddha. In translating these monuments, historians learn the bulk of what is assumed to have been true fact of the Mauryan Empire. It is difficult to determine whether or not some actual events ever happened, but the stone etchings clearly depict how Ashoka wanted to be thought of and remembered. Ashoka's own words as known from his  Edicts  are: â€Å"All men are my children. I am like a father to them. As every father desires the good and the happiness of his children, I wish that all men should be happy always. Edward D'Cruz interprets the Ashokan dharma as a â€Å"religion to be used as a symbol of a new imperial unity and a cementing force to weld the diverse and heterogeneous elements of the empire†. Also, in the Edicts, Ashoka mentions Hellenistic kings of the period as converts to Buddhism, although no Hellenic historical record of this event remain: The conquest by  Dharma  has been won here, on the borders, and even six hundred  yojanas  (5,400–9,600 km) away, where the Greek king  Antiochos  rules, beyond there where the four kings named  Ptolemy,  Antigonos,  Magas  andAlexander  rule, likewise in the south among the  Cholas, the  Pandyas, and as far as  Tamraparni  (Sri Lanka). —Edicts of Ashoka,  Rock Edict  13 (S. Dhammika)Ashoka also claims that he encouraged the development of  herbal medicine, for human and nonhuman animals, in their territories: Everywhere within Beloved-of-the-Gods, King P iyadasi's [Ashoka's] domain, and among the people beyond the borders, the  Cholas, the  Pandyas, the Satiyaputras, the Keralaputras, as far as  Tamraparni  and where the Greek king  Antiochos  rules, and among the kings who are neighbors of Antiochos, everywhere has Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, made provision for two types of medical treatment: medical treatment for humans and medical treatment for animals. Wherever medical herbs suitable for humans or animals are not available, I have had them imported and grown.Wherever medical roots or fruits are not available I have had them imported and grown. Along roads I have had wells dug and trees planted for the benefit of humans and animals. —Edicts of Ashoka,  Rock Edict  2 The Greeks in India even seem to have played an active role in the propagation of Buddhism, as some of the emissaries of Ashoka, such as  Dharmaraksita, are described in  Pali  sources as leading Greek (Yona) Buddhist monks, active in spreading Buddhism (the  Mahavamsa, XII[2]). Death and legacy Ashoka ruled for an estimated forty years. After his death, the Mauryan dynasty lasted just fifty more years. Ashoka had many wives and children, but many of their names are lost to time.Mahindra  and  Sanghamitra  were twins born by his first wife, Devi, in the city of  Ujjain. He had entrusted to them the job of making his state religion, Buddhism, more popular across the known and the unknown world. Mahindra  and  Sanghamitra  went into  Sri Lanka  and converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism. They were naturally not handling state affairs after him. In his old age, he seems to have come under the spell of his youngest wife  Tishyaraksha. It is said that she had got his son  Kunala, the regent in  Takshashila, blinded by a wily  stratagem. The official executioners spared Kunala and he became a wandering singer accompanied by his favourite wife  Kanchanmala.In  Pata liputra, Ashoka hears Kunala's song, and realizes that Kunala's misfortune may have been a punishment for some past sin of the emperor himself and condemns Tishyaraksha to death, restoring Kunala to the court. Kunala was succeeded by his son,  Samprati, but his rule did not last long after Ashoka's death. The reign of Ashoka Maurya could easily have disappeared into history as the ages passed by, and would have had he not left behind a record of his trials. The testimony of this wise king was discovered in the form of magnificently sculpted pillars and boulders with a variety of actions and teachings he wished to be published etched into the stone.What Ashoka left behind was the first written language in India since the ancient city of  Harappa. The language used for inscription was the then current spoken form called  Prakrit. In the year 185 BC, about fifty years after Ashoka's death, the last Maurya ruler,  Brhadrata, was assassinated by the commander-in-chief of the Maur yan armed forces,  Pusyamitra Sunga, while he was taking the Guard of Honor of his forces. Pusyamitra Sunga founded the  Sunga dynasty(185 BC-78 BC) and ruled just a fragmented part of the Mauryan Empire. Many of the northwestern territories of the Mauryan Empire (modern-day Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) became the  Indo-Greek Kingdom.When India gained independence from the  British Empire  it adopted Ashoka's emblem for its own, placing the  Dharmachakra  (The Wheel of Righteous Duty) that crowned his many columns on the  flag  of the newly independent state. In 1992, Ashoka was ranked #53 on  Michael H. Hart's  list of the most influential figures in history. In 2001, a semi-fictionalized portrayal of Ashoka's life was produced as a motion picture under the title  Asoka. King Ashoka, the third monarch of the Indian Mauryan dynasty, has come to be regarded as one of the most exemplary rulers in world history. The British historian H. G. Wells has written: â€Å"Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history †¦ the name of Asoka shines, and shines almost alone, a star. â€Å"