Film Theory and Criticism Essay

Maya Deren is known as one of those in Hollywood who spoke to everything that was not Hollywood. A film scholar and producer, in addition to other things, Maya Deren was conceived as Eleanora Derenkowsky in Kiev, Ukraine. She was naturally introduced to the film making industry, named after an Italian on-screen character. Subsequent to moving to Syracuse, New York, it was here where she started her enthusiasm for the communist development. It was additionally this move which impacted quite a bit of her life and her bearing in motion pictures. Maya Deren started her conventional instruction at Syracuse University where she was a functioning individual from the Trotskyist Young People’s Socialist League. She in the long run proceeded to work with Katherine Dunham where she got her opportunity to work in Hollywood. Utilizing the legacy she got from her dad, Maya Deren bought a second hand 16mm Bolex camera with which she made what is maybe considered as one of best movies, Meshes of the Afternoon. This was perceived as one of the main fundamental American vanguard films during the time. It was initially a quiet film that included no exchange, in any case, in 1957 a soundtrack was included by Teiji Ito. By 1943, she changed her name to Maya Deren. This was a direct result of her convictions around then and mirrored her political philosophies also. At this point, she had just extended her group of friends inside Hollywood to incorporate such others like Andre Breton, Marcel Duchamp, John Cage and Anais Nin. After a year, she began her subsequent film, At Land, and different movies, for example, A Study in Choreography for the Camera in 1945 and Ritual in Transfigured Time, which was made in 1946, which investigated the dread of dismissal and the opportunity of articulation in surrendering custom. Her endeavors didn't go unrecognized as in 1946 she was granted with the Guggenheim Fellowship for â€Å"Creative Work in the Field of Motion Pictures. † While not the best of her honors, she was additionally given the Grand Prix Internationale for her trial film Meshes of the Afternoon at the Cannes Film Festival. Her other incredible works remember Meditation for Violence, which was made in 1948. This film depicted the qualification among viciousness and excellence and is acted in by Chao Li Chi. Beside her profession in the film business, Deren additionally conveyed her movies and gave limited time visits everywhere throughout the world. During her vocation, she not just highlighted screenings in the United States, Canada and Cuba yet she additionally addressed broadly in video form hypothesis and vodoun. This, in any case, didn't prevent her from working up her movie profession and she proceeded to compose, immediate and even star in the majority of her movies. This was showed during her time making â€Å"New American Cinema† which gave proper respect to the trial underground film of the United States. The inheritance that Maya Deren left was something other than through the works that she made for the cinema. In 1986, the American Film Institute regarded her accomplishments by making the Maya Deren Award for free film making. There have likewise been various records of reverence being paid to her accomplishments, for example, the visit by the Horse and Bamboo Theater of the United Kingdom which made the Dance of White Darkness which is the tale of Deren’s visits to Haiti. The latest motion pictures made in her respect incorporate the film by Martina Kudlacek entitled In the Mirror of Maya Deren which highlighted the music of John Zorn. There was additionally a commemoration that was composed by Robert Stone to commend the accomplishments that Maya Deren had on the music business as well as to human expressions. While the impact of Maya Deren will without a doubt be recollected in her works, there is no other clear demonstration of her effect on the business as is appeared by the reverence that she is persistently allowed right up 'til today. Book reference: Deren, M(Orig. distributed 1963) Cinema: The Creative Use of Actuality in Mast, G and Cohen. M eds. (1985) Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings Oxford University Press, Oxford. Supplicate, M(2007) Avant-Garde Film: Forms, Themes and Passions Wallflower, London. Sitney, A(1979) Visionary Film: The American Avant-Garde 1943-78 second Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford

World Religion Essay Topics

World Religion Essay TopicsWorld Religion Essay Topics are ones that most high school students are curious about. These are topics that involve the study of a particular religion or religious affiliations.For example, if a student wishes to write an essay on American Religious History they would want to choose from topics that included; Founding Fathers of our country, Protestant's first steps in America, or Fundamentalists in the New Testament. As you can see there are many options to choose from. Essay topics that are discussed in high school class as well as college subjects that are used as source material for your writing assignment.Another way that high school students can learn about the World Religion Essay Topics is through discussions with a teacher. Many times you can ask your teacher about religious matters and he/she will be able to provide you with the information that you need to know about these subjects. There are many good writers who have written on these topics.Th e best way to learn about World Religion Essay Topics is to gain knowledge from teachers and other professionals. Once you have gained knowledge, you can then use that knowledge to inform your own writings. The World Religion Essay Topics will be making more interesting if the theme you are using has many different subject matter.You can also research on the Internet for ideas. You can find many websites that will offer you ways to write about topics for the World Religion Essay Topics. Theses websites will give you ideas as well as methods to write about the topic.To write World Religion Essay Topics it is very important that you understand the subject that you are writing about. Many times the World Religion Essay Topics can help you get a basic understanding of what the topic is all about. You should also be able to understand the background of the topic so that you can make better statements and arguments for your argumentative essays.World Religion Essay Topics is not something that is hard to write about. It is just about understanding the theme of the essay and the background information that are present. Knowing what the topic is about can make your essays more interesting and enjoyable to read.Before writing World Religion Essay Topics you should be able to identify the topic. Then you can start researching to see what you can find about that topic.

Types of Military Institutions in the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Kinds of Military Institutions in the U.S - Essay Example I likewise realized that we would be sneaking around Howard on the off chance that we needed to dispose of anything or he would probably have a coronary without further ado. I guess Marley and Howard were my closest companions, met when my significant other and I purchased the property over the road however we never truly turned out to be close until Tom moved out. Marley most established girl had died before I moved in however theirs a child in Pennsylvania who comes a couple of times each year when his wellbeing is acceptable. Marley and Howard both will reveal to you that their life has been honored as they’ve known and carried on with a delightful life, however it was hard for quite a while when Ariel passed on. Marley will get up certain mornings and state soon, little Ariel, soon enough. Early today Howards going to cut the grass as he despite everything calls it however everybody in the local knows he’s in the swing under the walnut tree and Mat from over the roa d cuts, happy to get 20 bucks and not somewhat shy about not telling Ms. Marley about it. Similarly also since for 5 or 6 years Marley has never referenced it, rather murmuring softly that shouldn’t be out cutting the grass at this age, to which he generally answers you take care women’s work, let me deal with the men’s work. What's more, that would end the contention, Marley just half contending in any case to perceive what Howard would state and it might be similarly as likely that Howard does likewise, figuring Marley’s’ seen him in the shade under the walnut tree at this point with Mat cutting the yard. It’s continued for a considerable length of time that way, no damage done. At long last when Howard was outside the house puttering with the yard we could get serious. Dark sacks for those we needed to give, little boxes for those we needed to have an evaluated, white packs for those the women at the congregation may peruse, and a clothin g bushel for magazines that we should save for specialties and we were prepared beginning. Marley began pulling them off the lower shelf’s while I, being taller, fired up top. We’d hold up until we had a decent size stack before experiencing them. At the point when we had bit to work with we plunked down and began pillaging. I was excited to discover more than 30 Little Golden Books for kids in flawless condition! Marley, you can’t hurl these out! Gee golly, the congregation nursery will locate an extraordinary use for them and I realize they will be very much valued, other than no more children expected, ya know. I was to some degree pitiless on the grounds that I realized they should at one time been perused to her kids. Might I keep one Marley? She looked amazed and said well yes obviously you can your greeting to anything here. I figured you may, don’t let me begin crying. We set everything except one in the congregation sack. At that point was Poor R ichards Almanac of 1898! Shouldn't something be said about the congregation? Clearly not worth assessing and they’d love to show it off. I concur and off it went. Next we went to a little arrangement of four marked Frederick Douglas books from 1934; these were energizing and took care of them option to be assessed. Still increasingly normal book, purchased as of late, Stephen King, Danielle Steele, Opera’

Artificiality and Fallibility in Northanger Abbey - Literature Essay Samples

Jane Austen, through the development of socially conscious female characters, is able to render a remarkably accurate depiction of the social structure present during the late 18th century. Her social commentary, however, highlights certain unbecoming qualities in both her protagonists and antagonists, particularly their artificiality. This feature of her writing is especially evident in her satiric novel Northanger Abbey. While Austen is clear in her criticism of characters such as Isabella and John Thorpe, neither of whom is in Catherine’s favor at the end of the novel, the author appears to be far more accepting of the affectedness of General Tilney, who is portrayed as a severe but fair man. Through the artificiality of her characters and the claims she makes about them, Austen weakens the motifs she intends to exemplify, making her an unreliable author. General Tilney is consistently illustrated as a strange man with a somewhat severe manner. Despite this, the text never truly suggests that he is a bad man. He is kind enough to invite Catherine to stay with the Tilneys at Northanger Abbey and, although he is concerned with superficial things such as the grandeur of his home and the wealth of his childrens’ spouses, the text suggests that he wants only the best for his children. Near the end of the novel, Catherine even admits that General Tilney’s interference in their marriage may have actually strengthened the bond between her and Henry, for which she thanks the general: â€Å"†¦the General’s unjust interference, so far from being really injurious to the their felicity, was perhaps conducive to it, by improving their knowledge of each other, and adding strength to their attachment, I leave it to be settled by whomever it may concern, whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental t yranny, or reward filial disobedience† (Austen 235). Despite Catherine’s fairly positive opinion of him at the end of the novel, the general still proves to be quite artificial early on when, after trying so ardently to impress her in hopes of securing a wealthy wife for Henry, he rudely casts her out of his home without explanation upon hearing from John Thorpe that Catherine’s family is poor. Austen tries to forgive General Tilney’s bad behavior by stating that his conduct may have strengthened the bond between Henry and Catherine, yet his actions were undeniably callous, regardless of the end product. His superficial treatment of Catherine is based entirely off of his focus on money, and this quality makes it difficult to accept the positive light that Austen attempts to shine on him at the end of the story, causing her to appear unreliable as an author. The most artificial character of Northanger Abbey is arguably Isabella Thorpe. Although she initially appears to be perfectly friendly and immediately forms a close bond with Catherine, the text makes it clear that she is somewhat superficial and would be content gossiping the day away. On several occasions, she gloats her apathy toward financial status, claiming that â€Å"[her] wishes are so moderate that the smallest income in nature would be enough for [her]. Where people are really attached, poverty itself is wealth; grandeur [she] detest[s]† (112), as well as that â€Å"a [small] income would satisfy [her]†¦ [She] hate[s] money† (128). The reader, however, later finds that upon learning of her fiancà © James Morland’s modest income, she immediately begins to flirt with Fredrick Tilney and eventually calls off the wedding. The reader even catches Isabella contradicting her earlier quotes when speaking to Catherine of her undesired gentleman caller, Joh n Thorpe: â€Å"You have both of you something, to be sure, but it is not a trifle that will support a family nowadays; and after all that romancers may say, there is no doing without money† (135). Even though Isabella claims on multiple occasions that finances do not concern her and that wealth even creates a deficit in relationships, she completely flips her argument in both her actions and opinions when she abandons James and tells Catherine that romance is not enough to support a family with modest income. Although Isabella is portrayed in an increasingly negative light as the plot progresses, she commits actions that are rather similar to those of General Tilney, but it is the products of their activities that appear to decide the author’s view of them. The characters’ actions are similar in that they both send away their respective Morlands upon finding that they are not wealthy, but their rewards differ: General Tilney is somewhat respected for the sternn ess that strengthened Henry and Catherine’s marriage, while Isabella is scorned by the narrator and essentially forgotten by the end. The narrator’s unequal judgment of each character again suggests that Jane Austen is unreliable in her portrayal of the morals she wishes to convey. In addition to the artificiality of Austen’s characters and the inconsistencies that they produce, the narrator also illustrates the same trait in her description of Catherine. Throughout Northanger Abbey, Austen repeatedly refers to Catherine as the story’s heroine. As early as the first pages of the novel, Austen builds Catherine up as the unsuspecting hero: â€Å"No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born a heroine† (13). Naturally, because of frequent recurrence of this description, the reader spends the entirety of the story waiting for Catherine to prove herself worthy of the title. Spoiler alert: she doesn’t. A heroine is admired for her courage and noble qualities, and although Catherine is consistently portrayed as having good nature and fair judgment, at no point does she truly verify that she is a great person herself. By failing to show what she repeatedly tells the audience to be true, Austen again i llustrates her unreliability as a narrator. Jane Austen is an author of critical acclaim within the literary world, but, like any other author, her writings exhibit many flaws. Her account of Northanger Abbey creates a social commentary in which she attempts to criticize the superficial foci of the era’s social scene. Her success in conducting an efficacious critique, however, is hindered by inconsistencies in the artificiality of her characters and their descriptions. Through the artificiality of her characters and the claims she makes about them, Austen weakens the motifs she intends to exemplify, making her an unreliable author in her account of Northanger Abbey. Bibliography Austen, Jane. Northanger Abbey. New York: Penguin Books, 1995. Print.

Institutional Profile and Types of Entrepreneurship Role of National Innovation System Components - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 14 Words: 4242 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/06/24 Category Management Essay Level High school Tags: Profile Essay Did you like this example? ABSTRACT This study advances scholarship on the institutions-entrepreneurship relationship. Previous studies propose that the dimensions of a country’s institutional profile (Kostova, 1997) directly impact entrepreneurial activities in general and regardless of the type (Valdez and Richardson, 2013; Stenholm, Acs and Wuebker, 2013). Furthermore, while there are several studies indicating that personal characteristics such as age, gender, employment status, household size, marital status may influence the type of entrepreneurship (Robichaud, LeBrasseur, Nagarajan, 2010; Block Wagner, 2010; Verheul Van Mil, 2011? Ashourizadeh, Chavoushi Schà ¸tt, 2014? Jensen, Rezaei, Wherry, 2014), there is a limited knowledge about the role of institutional structures. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Institutional Profile and Types of Entrepreneurship: Role of National Innovation System Components" essay for you Create order To address this gap, in this study, we cross level analyze 10776 individuals from 55 diverse countries to find out how countries institutional factors (e.g. countries’ institutional profile and national innovation system) encourage people to choose specific type of entrepreneurship. Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling, the findings indicate that neither institutional profile nor national innovation system factors solely determine the choice between opportunity motivated entrepreneurship (OME) and necessity motivated entrepreneurship (NME); however, OME tends to be higher in instances when supportive institutional arrangements (cognitive, normative and regulatory) get coupled with national innovation system factors. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of embedded agency within the institutional logics perspective. It bridges the literatures on individual entrepreneurship and the institutional logics perspective. Furthermore, the study provides context and evide nce on the impact of entrepreneurial education, access to the latest technology and support from venture capitalists on individuals’ entrepreneurial choice. Keywords: Entrepreneurship; National Innovation System; Country Institutional Profile INTRODCTION Do institutions have equal impact on everyone in the society? Under what circumstances individuals will may act differently in terms of choosing entrepreneurial activity? Which individuals are more likely to start a business to exploit un-exploited or under-exploited opportunity rather than starting a business merely out of necessity? These are key issues in examining how social, economic, cultural, and technological change occur? Yet, the literature is yet to fully address them. Though some scholars have examined the role of institutions (e.g. cognitive, normative and regulatory) on the rate of entrepreneurship (Valdez and Richardson, 2013) no one has explored which institutional factors are responsible for individuals choosing specific type of entrepreneurship. Under the institutional logics perspective, such questions can begin to be answered. The main focus of the institutional logics perspective (e.g. Thornton Ocasio, 1999? Thornton, 2002? Seo Creed, 2002? Thornton, Ocasio, Lounsberry, 2012? Pache Santos, 2012? Friedland, 2013) is in the way broader belief systems may shape the cognition, behavior, identity, and goals of economic actors. Under this view, entrepreneurs demonstrate individual agency subject to complex systems of institutional forces. While, usually individuals comply and agree with dominant institutional forces which shape their willingness and ability to act? Under specific circumstances and within certain contexts, individuals may contrast from each other in terms of engaging in business activities (Battilana D’Aunno, 2009? Lawrence, Suddaby, Leca, 2009). This situation of limited freedom due to institutions is known as embedded agency (Granovetter, 1985? Seo Creed, 2002? Garud Karnoe, 2003? Greenwood Suddaby, 2006? Green, Li, Nohria, 2009). To help address issues relating to embedded agency under the growing institutional logics perspective literature’s view of individuals’ future goals, we examine individuals’ choice in new venture activity. It seems plausible that regulative, cognitive, and normative institutions will affect the types of opportunities people see, the decision to start up a venture, the types of organizations they form, the financing arrangements, the management methods they employ, and the growth they achieve (Valdez and Richardson, 2013; Stenholm, Acs and Wuebker, 2013). The institutional context provides the tools, models, and constraints that shape the entrepreneur’s choices about each of these (Valdez and Richardson, 2013). In this study, we address the role that institutional factors play in shaping individuals’ behavior to engage in specific type of entrepreneurship. we do so by examining whether innovation level moderates the relationship between nation’s institutional profile and entrepreneurial choice. Entrepreneurial choice was selected as the appropriate outcome variable because not all types of entrepreneurship have equal impact on countries’ economic development (Acs and Varga, 2005). Results indicate that in countries where the innovation level is higher, supportive and facilitative cognitive, normative and regulatory may encourage potential entrepreneurs to get more engaged with opportunity entrepreneurial activities rather than necessity motivated ones. This study has several implications for the understanding of institutions, entrepreneurship, and opportunity recognition. First, it further demonstrates the value of the institutional logics perspective in explaining the nature of how institutions impact individuals. By highlighting a situation in which agents differ in their responses to institutional forces, the importance of one of the institutional logics perspective’s defining features, embedded agency, is further validated. Second, this study advances understanding about the entrepreneurial opportunity (Shane, 2000). Entrepreneurship scholars have increasingly grappled with whether personal or contextual characteristics matter most for successful entrepreneurship. Third, this study has important implications for the study of nations’ economic development. It does so by highlighting conditions in which national innovation system factors seem to have a stronger impact on potential entrepreneurs’ entrepreneuri al choice. Specifically, supportive institutional profile components coupled with higher levels of entrepreneurial education, access to the latest technology and support from venture capitalists, increase the likelihood of individuals getting engaged in opportunity motivated entrepreneurship rather than necessity motivated ones. THEORY DEVELOPMENT Institutional Logics, Embedded Agency, and Entrepreneurship The institutional logics perspective considers institutions as the outcomes of systems of interconnected and logically cohesive ideologies that have taken root within societies over long periods of time. These systems of institutional logics are socially constructed, historical outlines of material practices, conventions, values, beliefs, and rules by which individuals produce and reproduce their material subsistence, organize time and space, and provide meaning to their social reality (Thornton Ocasio, 1999). In sum, institutional logics are the underlying thought patterns and worldviews that support and shape human behavior. Each institutional logic includes several practices, beliefs, values, and rules. By participating with these institutions, agents gain identity, legitimacy, a basis of attention, a basis for strategy, and goals for the future (Ocasio, 1997). Relying on these insights, the notion of embedded agency is supported arguing that individuals are embedded agents using individual discretion within a complex institutional environment (Thornton, Ocasio, Lounsbury, 2012). In other words, people have freedom, but it’s limited. All the time, individuals’ activities are formed based on the logics they are surrounded with. Individuals end up choosing which goals to pursue based on the institutional logic that shapes their focus of attention (Thornton et al., 2012). Individuals’ focus of attention is shaped by: (a) the degree to which a particular institutional logic has been historically institutionalized within a given society (b) the degree to which agents are embedded in fields consisting of conflicting logics and (c) the situational context(s) (i.e. the immediate time and place) in which individuals find themselves (Thornton, et al., 2012). Institutional arrangements and entrepreneurial activity There have been quite a few studies of the relationship between entrepreneurial activity and what we are calling institutional variables, such as culture, government regulations, and economic policies. These are described later. There have also been a few studies examining the three pillars of institutions around entrepreneurship. Since it is difficult to develop and operationalize measures of institutional pillars, not many studies have investigated the role of institutional arrangements on entrepreneurship. While some of them viewed the Scott’s (1999) three institutional pillars as dependent constructs (e.g., Hirsch, 1997), other studies treated them as separate constructs that have different impacts on entrepreneurial activities (Busenitz, Gomez, Spencer, 2000). This is in line with previous research and arguments by Kostova (1997) and Scott (1995, 1998). Even accepting the argument that the three pillars have considerable conceptual overlap in the institutional literature, the argument by these scholars is that the constructs can be defined to focus on three distinct dimensions of institutions. The notion of a â€Å"country institutional profile† was introduced by Kostova (1997). Kostova believed that nation business behavior could be explained through the understanding of government policies, common shared knowledge by a society or culture, and the societal values and norms. However, this profile must be directed toward a specific sphere of activity or field and cannot be generalized across multiple domains. Busenitz et al. (2000) used Kostova’s approach using college business students to develop and validate measures of the regulative, cognitive, and normative dimensions of a nation’s institutional profile particularly around entrepreneurship activity. Cultural-Cognitive Components The cognitive institutional pillar refers to the people’s collective understandings of the social reality that is used as a reference of meaning within a society. This pillar states that society’s cognitions form the individuals’ interpretations and beliefs (DiMaggio Powell, 1983; Meyer Rowan, 1977; Scott, 1995). â€Å"Traits† research stream literature is an example of cognitive research in entrepreneurship, which goes back to Weber (1904) and McClelland (1961), who used the Protestant work ethic and the need for achievement to explain the apparent differences in entrepreneurship among societies. Thereafter, there has been an extensive body of entrepreneurship research investigating the relationship between different aspects of entrepreneurship and cognitive factors (particularly from entrepreneurial trait perceptive) such as innovativeness (McClelland, 1987; Schumpeter, 1949), risk-propensity (Sexton Bowman, 1983; Shaver Scott, 1991), persistence (Ne ider, 1987), internal locus of control (Shapiro, 1975; Shaver Scott, 1991), desire for personal control (Greenberger Sexton, 1988), need for achievement (McClelland, 1987; Shaver Scott, 1991), self-efficacy (Chen, Greene, Crick, 1998), and energy level ( Sexton Bowman-Upton, 1986). While some studies revealed that some traits may be universal to entrepreneurship activity (e.g., Baum et al., 1993; McGrath, MacMillan, Scheinberg, 1992), others believed that culture plays a significant role in entrepreneurial activity (Thomas Mueller, 2000). Due to the limitations of the individual traits approach, entrepreneurship scholars have shifted their focus toward national level cognitive factors, mostly the elements of national culture. While this approach avoids the issue that intrinsic personal traits can completely predict the individual behavior, the major limitations of studies adopting this approach (e.g., Baum et al., 1993; McGrath et al., 1992; Shane, 1992), are that they are mostly concentrated on the United States and Western Europe (Thomas Mueller, 2000), and are focused on Hofstede’s (1980:25) definition of national culture which is â€Å"the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another . . . [an d] includes systems of values† (Hayton, George, Zahra, 2002). Addressing these limitations, some recent studies (e.g., Valdez and Richardson, 2013; Stenholm, Acs and Wuebker, 2013), have attempted to incorporate measures of cognitive attributes into a broader set of institutional measures. Additionally, using available cross-national data on differences among entrepreneurs’ knowledge, beliefs, and understanding as indicators of differences in country-level cognitive institutions, these recent studies, have tried to lessen the limitations of the existing measures of cultural dimensions. The results acknowledge the notion that the variance of entrepreneurial cognitions across countries will result in different rates of entrepreneurship. However, they do not provide the full picture since they mostly miss other measures of institutional constructs including normative and regulative (Kostova, 1997; Busenitz et al., 2000). Normative Components Social norms, values, and beliefs related to human behavior form the normative institutional pillar (Scott, 1995; Busenitz et al., 2000). Within a society, perspectives are shared socially, embedded and transmitted by people (Kostova, 1997) and they gain legitimacy based on the extent to which the related action is getting accepted (Veciana Urbano, 2008). Translating these insights into entrepreneurship language, norms and values can define the desirability of entrepreneurship as a career within a society. In other words, individuals entrepreneurial intentions are influenced by the attitudes, beliefs and expectations of a social reference group which ca be family, relatives, and also a larger set of social references (national-level) (Krueger, Reilly, Carsrud, 2000; Stenholm, Acs Wuebker, 2013). Indeed, prior studies have found a positive correlation between the rate of new venture creation and a positive view toward entrepreneurs, and a negative correlation between undesirable so cietal view toward those who previously failed and the founding rates within a country. For instance, Lounsbury and Glynn (2001) found that the extent to which successful entrepreneurs are introduced publicly is significantly associated with entrepreneurial activity in a society. In fact, a favorable impression of entrepreneurial activity by educational system and the media can make access to necessary resources easier for entrepreneurs (Verheul, Wennekers, Audretsch, Thurik, 2002; Stenholm, Acs Wuebker, 2013). What makes the normative pillar distinct from the cognitive pillar is that the normative pillar is concerned with what people consider legitimate, acceptable ways of gaining something that has broad societal approval, while the cognitive pillar reflects principles that are believed and internalized by individuals (DiMaggio Powell, 1983). In other words, the normative elements are broader and more collective social pulses of what is legitimate in the view of the society; while the cognitive elements are aggregates of every single individual’s concepts and beliefs that drive individuals (Valdez Richardson, 2013). Regulatory Components The regulatory pillar refers to policies, rules and laws that shape individual behaviors (Scott, 1995; Veciana Urbano, 2008). This dimension of institutional arrangement can either promote or hinder entrepreneurship through defining the extent of risk involved in the formation and start of a new business (Baumol Strom, 2007). Further, regulatory institutions influence entrepreneurship by influencing the access to the resources required by individuals to create new businesses (Busenitz et al., 2000) or even the ease of starting a new business (Verheul et al., 2002). In general, entrepreneurial opportunities are higher in nations with less regulation, free markets and few barriers to entry (El-Namaki, 1998) and small-business sector is larger where business start-up costs are lower (Ayyagari, Beck, Demirguc-Kunt,2007). In countries with unstable regulatory settings and lack of intellectual property rights, respectively, entrepreneurship opportunity cost may increase significantly a nd individuals may be discouraged to specialize or exploit their capabilities to the fullest (Aidis, 2005; Autio Acs, 2010). Further, weak support from regulatory institutions may result in unproductive country-level entrepreneurship (Webb, Tihanyi, Ireland, Sirmon, 2009) and excessive bureaucracy, taxation and other types of regulations have negative effects on entrepreneurial activities and new venture creation (Webb et al. 2009). Fiscal incentives, tax rates, subsidies, labor market regulation, and bankruptcy legislation are other examples of how regulations can directly impact entrepreneurship in a society through determining the rewards and the risks of the various occupational opportunities (Wennekers, Uhlaner, Thurik, 2002). In fact, laws and regulations that restrict economic freedom result in enhancement of the transaction cost for entrepreneurially-oriented individuals who want to launch a new venture. Thus, regulatory arrangements can be set in a way to manipulate this equation to make â€Å"new venture creation† easier for entrepreneurs (McMullen, Bagby Palich, 2008). Types of Entrepreneurial Activity In the previous sections, it was mentioned that countries institutional profile components (cognitive, normative and regulatory) have positive impacts on the rate of entrepreneurship in general. Entrepreneurial activity can be conceptualized as either opportunity or necessity motivated. Opportunity motivated entrepreneurship activities are embarked upon in the spirit of innovation (Wennekers Thurik, 1999) and profit and growth (Carland, Hoy, Boulton, Carland, 1984) or may entail the leveraging of existing information in a new way (Kirzner, 1973, 1985, 1997). On the other hand, a necessity-motivated venture may be undertaken to provide employment and meet financial obligations out of economic necessity (Reynolds et al., 2002). An opportunity-motivated entrepreneur might create a new company and establish a new venture even he or she may have other occupations to satisfy their financial needs. On the other side, a necessity-motivated entrepreneur would generally start a new business to provide self-employment. Based on these insights, it could be argued that opportunity-motivated entrepreneurship has the potential to advance a country’s economy, while necessity entrep reneurship mainly sustains it. Previous research has indicated that necessity- and opportunity-motivated entrepreneurship should be considered separately when attempting to understand how context relates to the level of entrepreneurial activity (Valdez Richardson, 2013). Institutions appear to shape both the type and the level of entrepreneurial activity. In a study using 2001 GEM data, two elements of the culture-cognitive pillar were significantly related to these two branches of entrepreneurship (Morales-Gualdrà ³n Roig, 2005). Specifically, when respondents felt that they had the skills, knowledge, and experience to start a business, they were more likely to engage in both opportunity- and necessity-motivated entrepreneurship. When respondents were fearful of starting a business, they were less likely to engage in either type of entrepreneurship. The environmental context of countries may support one type of entrepreneurship more than the other (Valdez and Richardson, 2013). Opportunity motivated entreprene urship is more consistent with the Schumpeterian innovations which contribute significantly to economic growth through providing greater job growth, exports, and exploitation of new market niches (McMullen, Bagby Palich, 2008). While previous studies believe that opportunity entrepreneurship has a positive significant effect on economic development, Acs and Varga (2005) go beyond that and argue that necessity motivated entrepreneurship has no effect (Acs and Varga, 2005). Accordingly, it would be critical for countries to encourage their potential entrepreneurs to choose opportunity motivated entrepreneurship over necessity motivated ones. The environmental context of countries may support one type of entrepreneurship more than the other (Valdez and Richardson, 2013), so it can be assumed that set of institutional structures that provide an opportune environment for innovations and knowledge-driven economic growth would increase the probability of people being engaged more in opportunity motivated entrepreneurship. Necessity/Opportunity entrepreneurship and country-level innovation As it was described earlier, necessity entrepreneurship comprises of individuals who decide on entrepreneurship without considering any entrepreneurial opportunity, because they do not have a better employment alternative, and opportunity entrepreneurship, which constitutes the voluntary decision to enter the entrepreneurial career in order to exploit an unexploited or underexploited entrepreneurial opportunity, either imitative (Kirznerian) or innovative (Schumpeterian), even if other employment alternatives are available (Reynolds et al., 2002) Accordingly, it can be expected that the necessity entrepreneurship and opportunity entrepreneurship may have different relationships with level of innovation, since the two activities are fundamentally different (cf. Reynolds et al. 2002). In the case of necessity entrepreneurship, it is highly likely that the entrepreneurial action is related to a negligible extent of innovation, and therefore, that necessity entrepreneurship either has no significant relationship or even a negative relationship with innovation, when the aggregated national level is taken into consideration (Mro?ewski Kratzer, 2016). This tendency is a result of the fact that necessity entrepreneurs, e.g. unemployed persons, tend to have less human capital and entrepreneurial talent (Lucas 1978; Thurik et al. 2008) and are less likely to sustain growth-oriented firms (Wong et al. 2005; Shane 2009). Necessity entrepreneurship may therefore be better classified as self-employment rather than as growth entrepreneurship (Anokhin and Wincent 2012). If a country’s entrepreneurship structure is dominated by this kind of unproductive entrepreneurship, growth-oriented entrepreneurial strategies (e.g. innovation) are not likely to be prevalent among ent repreneurs, which results in less innovation on the national level. Consequently, the relationship between innovation and necessity entrepreneurship is either insignificant or negative (Mrozewski, Kratzer, 2016) On the other side, opportunity entrepreneurs have the motivations to advance their economic, social or mental status through the pursuit of a certain entrepreneurial opportunity. It is very common for opportunity entrepreneurs to give up employment alternatives and in effect face high opportunity costs. This is why opportunity motivated entrepreneurship is characterized by high levels of risk. This situation translates into a high degree of motivation, a strong goal orientation as well as a more sophisticated business strategy (e.g. innovation), which guarantees satisfying returns in order to level opportunity costs (Mrozewski, Kratzer, 2016). At an aggregated level, therefore, it is expected that countries with lower innovation levels will have relatively high necessity-driven entrepreneurial activity and countries with higher innovation levels will have relatively high opportunity-driven entrepreneurial activity. National innovation system The theoretical framework that allows scholars to identify the distinctive aspects of a nations innovation environment that provides people with more opportunities is reflected in National Innovation Systems which refers to the flow of knowledge, technology and information among people, enterprises and institutions which is key to the innovative process at the national level (OECD, 1996, Bartholomew, 1997). Country-specific general and structural components of society (such as political and educational systems) influence the accumulation and diffusion of knowledge required for innovation. Institutional perspectives mention two ways in which national institutional arrangements impact country patterns of innovation. First, the societal institutions which support industrial innovation vary substantially country by country. For example, in many countries, the policies and practices of a nations universities and government research institutes are shaped by the nations singular historical development. In other words, since technology-driven industries are often supplied by universities and research institutes for knowledge and human capital, the technological performance of a countrys firms is influenced by the features of these institutions (Ergas, 1987; Nelson, 1993; Porter, 1990). Second, national context influences the institutional arrangements and behavioral patterns of firms and indivi duals. For example, the organization of work and patterns of communication within and between firms, or between firms and universities reflect broader societal characteristics that have been imprinted on firms and institutionalized over time (Kogut 1991; Powell and DiMaggio 1991). A country’s innovative performance extremely relies on the way these elements work with each other to create and diffuse knowledge and technology. For example, public research institutes, academia and industry serve as research producers carrying out RD activities. On the other hand, governments either central or regional play the role of coordinator among research producers in terms of their policy instruments, visions and perspectives for the future (Bartholomew, 1997). Furthermore, in order to enhance innovation level in a country, innovative actors must get coupled with each other and the government has to promote and activate trust among the different innovation actors (Chung, 2002). These corporations could take place in forms of joint research, personnel exchanges, cross patenting, and purchase of equipment (OECD, 1997). NIS has been captured in different ways in previous studies (Bartholomew, 1997, Godin, 2009). Examples include capital market actors like venture capitalists; a skilled labor force, laws related to the use of information technology as well as the availability of the latest technologies; and the proximity of universities (Bruno and Tyebjee, 1982; Lee, Florida Acs, 2004; van De Ven, 1993). In following section, I am going to see how the components that shape a nation’s innovation performance, affect the likelihood of potential entrepreneurs getting involved in opportunity motivated entrepreneurship, which is significantly related to the level of innovation in a country. Entrepreneurship Education and Training There are several arguments for why individuals differences in terms of education play an important role in explaining the discovery of and opportunities. There is a network argument that relates education to opportunity recognition. Whereas prior research has often focused on how access to resources is important after opportunities for business creation have been recognized (Steven- son and Jarillo, 2007), Arenius Clercq (2005) argue that opportunities are recognized by some individuals and not by others based on their differential access to resources. More specifically, they reason that individuals education may enhance opportunity recognition through the facilitation of access to knowledge, e.g., connections to other knowledgeable others such as alumni network contacts (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990; Burt, 1992). It can be also argued that individuals educational level will positively affect the likelihood to perceive opportunities because highly-educated individuals have a broader knowledge base to draw from and thus a higher likelihood that they can relate this knowledge to potential entrepreneurial opportunities (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990). training and education specifically in the field of entrepreneurship, in one hand, enhances populations ability to recognize and pursue entrepreneurial economic opportunities and on the other hand provides people with the necessary technical skills and competencies required to launch new start-up firms (Hynes, 1996; Henry, Hill Leitch, 2005). Based on the arguments above, it can be hypothesized that: Hypothesis 1: Countries’ institutional profile will be more significantly positively associated with OME in countries with higher levels of Entrepreneurship Training and Education. University–Industry Collaboration The collaboration between universities and the industry is increasingly perceived as a vehicle to enhance innovation through knowledge exchange. The collaboration between industries and universities is defined as interaction between any parts of the higher educational system such as universities and industry aiming mainly to encourage knowledge and technology exchange (Stenholm, Acs and Wuebker, 2013). Countries vary in the extent to which firms collaborate with research institutions and higher educational system, reflecting differences in the commercial orientation of academia (Kenney, 1986; Ergas, 1987). Promoting university–industry collaborations results in improvemnets in innovation and economic competitiveness at institutional levels (e.g. countries and sectors) through knowledge exchange between academic and commercial domains (Perkmann et al., 2013). Additionally, linkage between universities and industries has been accepted as a determining tool for enhancing organizational capacity in open innovation — where an organization employs external networks in developing innovation and knowledge (Dess Shaw, 2001), as a complementary option to traditional internal RD (Harvey Tether, 2003). Summarizing these arguments, it can be stated that, collaboration between universities and industry is largely seen as one approach to improve innovation in the economy by facilitating the flow and utilization of technology-related knowledge and experience across sectors (Inzelt, 2004; Perkmann, Neely Walsh, 2011). Since, opportunity motivated entrepreneurship is characterized by innovation level, it can be assumed that higher levels of university–industry collaborations, may induce higher opportunity motivated entrepreneurial activities. This leads to the second hypothesis: Hypothesis 2: Countries’ institutional profile will be more significantly positively associated with OME in countries with higher levels of University–Industry Collaboration. Availability of Latest Technology The most traditional way that comes to our minds in terms of knowledge flow in the innovation system may be the diffusion of technology as new equipment and machinery. Nations vary substantially in manner in which technology is diffused within the society (Bartholomew, 1997). In some nations technology diffusion is considered to be an explicit part of the governments mandate; diffusion-oriented innovation policies†. Accordingly, programs, institutions and structural linkages are established by government expressly for this purpose of facilitating industrys appropriation of new scientific developments (Ergas, 1987; Ostry, 1990). Most studies show that technology diffusion at country level has positive impacts on productivity and innovation. The dissemination of technology is also shown to be as important as RD investments to innovative performance in many cases (Lundvall, 2007)

An Influential Period Of Christian History - 1256 Words

One of the most influential periods of Christian History began in 1096, after Pope Urban II officially launched the First Crusade in an attempt to regain Jerusalem from its Muslim occupants. As with any other significant historical event, many people rallied in support of the war, while others demanded peace. Hadewijch of Brabant, a renowned thirteenth-century mystic and Beguine stood in opposition to the Crusades as a whole. Her status as a highly respected mystic, coupled with a unique voice and perspective, all gave Hadewijch a substantial platform on which to preach peace over war, love over violence, and forgiveness instead of revenge. Unlike her contemporary, Bernard of Clairvaux, Hadewijch used her opportunity to teach accurate†¦show more content†¦Bernard’s rhetoric relies heavily on persuasion though justification, especially in his calls to action for the Second Crusade. Though the official papal bull came from Pope Eugenius III, ultimate motivations to figh t came from the Cistercian (Allen and Amt 125). Bernard’s rallying speeches, known to be in the library at Brabant, urged crowds of would-be mercenaries and sympathetic laymen to turn their attention to the Latin East. As a literate Beguine with unlimited access to the library, Hadewijch would have read and understood the rhetorical strategies employed by Bernard in his messages urging Christianity to action. While Jerusalem teetered on the brink of collapse, Edessa and Antioch remained prisoners in the hands of heretical Muslims. Bernard’s words echoed through Europe, as he commanded those soldiers of God into a call to action: And now, for our sins, the enemies of the cross have raised blaspheming heads, ravaging with the edge of the sword the land of promise. For they are almost on the point, if there be not one to withstand them, of bursting into the very city of the living God, of overturning the sanctuaries of our redemption, of polluting the holy places of the spotless Lamb with purple blood. (Bernard of Clairvaux 126) Clearly, the rhetoric of the Cistercian rang true with Crusading soldiers, as thousands marched to the Holy Cities to defend and reconquer. As Joel Regnard points out in his

Health and Safety at Work Method and Results

Question: Discuss about theHealth and Safety at Work for Method and Results. Answer: Article to be critically analyzed: Zhuang, Z., Coffey, C.C., Jensen, P.A., Campbell, D.L., Lawrence, R.B. and Myers, W.R., 2003. Correlation between quantitative fit factors and workplace protection factors measured in actual workplace environments at a steel foundry. AIHA Journal, 64(6), pp.730-738. Title The title succinctly portrays the pivotal theme off the research (Zhuang et al. 2003). Abstract The abstract has comprehensively and in a precise manner summarized the key structure of the research encompassing the objective, method, results and conclusion. Background of the Study The main article does not contain any separate heading of introduction or background. However at the beginning of the article several findings pertaining to past research works have been provided to give an insight and overview on the topic of research. Information acquired from sources like that of published journal articles have been used to find out extensive evidences from previous findings and furthermore the gaps identified in those researches paved the way for the scopes and potentials pertinent to the study undertaken. The central idea for the research has been reported of generating out of the idea that quantitative fit factors (FFs) are reliable indicators of performance of the respirators in the context of a definite workplace. Various fit testing methods were examined by means of appropriate procedures to examine the efficacy of the protocols through comparative analysis (Coffey et al. 2002). The protection conferred by these respirators in the definite workplace setting has also been verified and cross-checked through several experiments. The extent of alignment to the guidelines as lay down by authorities like NIOSH and other have also been dealt with in these works to assess the level of respiratory protection contributed (Johnston et al. 1992). Moreover, research also have highlighted on simulated workplace protection factor (WPFs) for various class of respirators and the relative effectiveness of their use (Cohen et al. 2001). However, no concrete proof of research having focused on assessing the correlation between WPF and FF has been reported. Therefore the present study aimed to explore the impacts of good and poor fitting half face piece, air purifying respirators on protection in actual workplace setting in the context of a steel foundry apart from identifying the correlation between WPF and quantitative FF. Alongside these objectives, the factors influencing the correlation of two variables has also been recognized and discussed explicitl y. Thus the background for the study has been adequately addressed. Overview of Research Design The protocol set for the present study in keeping with the materials and methods are found to be amenable to the research methodology referred to in previous studies that satisfactorily catered to the research problems. The detailed description of the facility selection, worker selection, instruction and monitoring along with other detailed approaches such as that of measurements carried out with respect to the workers facial dimensions, respirator selection, further inspection and ultimate utilization of the tool have all been mentioned with enough clarity and fair explanations. Additionally the fit test procedures used to conduct the research has also been highlighted thereby making it easier for comprehension and reproducing the methods for future research purpose. Therefore the methodology adopted in undertaking the research study has been found to be valid, ethical, reliable and satisfactory. Rationale for the incorporation of definite study protocol has also been mentioned as w ell that rendered transparency and reliability to the work that was pursued (Kothari 2004). Sampling The sample size of the projected study was found to incorporate 15 participants in the study who were accustomed to doing diverse activities such as that of burning, welding and chipping. A total of six fit tests have been reportedly performed on the participants with two respirator models each with three sizes. The frequency of usage of the respirator by the subjects were also streamlined and regulated. The WPF sampling consisting of the ambient sampling, in-facepiece sampling and usage of personal sampling pumps, working blank and manufacturers blank have been sufficiently followed and stringently regulated throughout the entire duration of the study. The study protocol and the sampling procedure were compliant with the existing guidelines for procuring optimal outcomes out of the study. Thus the sampling is found to be convenient to carry out the study in a satisfactory fashion (Mugo 2002). Data Collection All the data that has been procured in the study has no clear-cut information regarding whether they have been collected in a manner that conforms to the ethical and legal frameworks as promulgated by appropriate authorities. Nothing has been mentioned regarding the ethical and legal considerations. Therefore it is not very much clear whether this study has adequately abided by the guidelines as proposed by the governing authorities and has the right to approve and formally direct the study (O'Leary 2013). Data Analysis The collected data from the study were analyzed and appraised by means of following the most suitable and rigorous statistical tools. Correlation analysis with WPF as the dependent variable and FF as the independent variable was done to infer about the strength of relationship between the two variables. Regression analyses were done by virtue of utilizing the log transformed table. The statistical Analyses System Software (SAS) was applied throughout for undertaking the robust and rigorous statistical calculations. Further novel techniques concerning the use of microcomputer spreadsheet technique was used for conducting the study for getting the picture about the relative distribution for fitting in a smooth curve (Kraemer and Blasey 2015). Evidence Utilization The results in connection to the research undertaken have been presented in a very elaborate and comprehensive way throughout the article. Findings have also been reported in the form of tables and statistical data and illustrations through regression and scatter plot to allow the readers to get a glimpse of the findings in a pictorial manner. The important finding of the study suggests that at instances of donning similar respirator, significant correlation exists between WPFs and FFs. Further the efficacy of performing the fit tests for the sake of identifying the workers who have poor respiratory fit is a vital revelation. Support for laboratory tests as surrogate tests for workplace tests in identifying the respiratory fits for the vulnerable individuals. The limitations of the study have also been suggested thereby adding to the reliability and authenticity of the research conducted. Therefore careful analysis and evaluation of the outcomes mentioned in course of the study rende r enough scope for future implications and investigations in the research of occupational health and safety. References Coffey, C.C., Lawrence, R.B., Zhuang, Z., Campbell, D.L., Jensen, P.A. and Myers, W.R., 2002. Comparison of five methods for fit-testing N95 filtering-facepiece respirators. Applied occupational and environmental hygiene, 17(10), pp.723-730. Cohen, H.J., Hecker, L.H., Mattheis, D.K., Johnson, J.S., Biermann, A.H. and Foote, K.L., 2001. Simulated workplace protection factor study of powered air-purifying and supplied air respirators. AIHAJ-American Industrial Hygiene Association, 62(5), pp.595-604. Johnston, A.R., Myers, W.R., Colton, C.E., Birkner, J.S. and Campbell, C.E., 1992. Review of respirator performance testing in the workplace: issues and concerns. The American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 53(11), pp.705-712. Kothari, C.R., 2004. Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Age International. Kraemer, H.C. and Blasey, C., 2015. How many subjects?: Statistical power analysis in research. Sage Publications. Mugo, F.W., 2002. Sampling in research. O'Leary, Z., 2013. The essential guide to doing your research project. Sage. Zhuang, Z., Coffey, C.C., Jensen, P.A., Campbell, D.L., Lawrence, R.B. and Myers, W.R., 2003. Correlation between quantitative fit factors and workplace protection factors measured in actual workplace environments at a steel foundry. AIHA Journal, 64(6), pp.730-738.

What Is An Earthquake (682 words) Essay Example For Students

What Is An Earthquake? (682 words) Essay What Is An Earthquake?EarthquakesWhat is an Earthquake? An Earthquake is the shaking of the earths surface caused by rapid movement of the earths rocky outer layer. The sudden shaking of the ground that occurs when masses of rock change position below the Earths surface is called an earthquake. The shifting masses send out shock waves that may be powerful enough to alter the surface of the Earth, thrusting up cliffs and opening great cracks in the ground. Earthquakes, called temblors by scientists, occur almost continuously. Fortunately, most of them can be detected only by sensitive instruments called seismographs. Others are felt as small tremors. Some of the rest, however, cause major catastrophes. They produce such tragic and dramatic effects as destroyed cities, broken dams, earth slides, giant sea waves called tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. A very great earthquake usually occurs at least once a year in some part of the world. On the average about 10,000 people die each year as a result of earthquakes. According to a study carried out by the United Nations and covering the years 1926 to 1950, there were 350,000 deaths, and property damage losses exceeded 10 billion dollars. As cities expand to shelter a rapidly increasing world population, it is likely that there will be even greater losses of life and property in spite of improved methods of detection and better warning systems. Mankind has long been concerned about earthquake hazards. The oldest chronicle comes from the Chinese as early as the Shang Dynasty more than 3,000 years ago. Although it is certain that violent Earth tremors in themselves are destructive, there are often other kinds of Earth movements that are triggered by earthquake shock waves. Thus, the violent shaking that accompanies many earthquakes often causes rockslides, snow avalanches, and landslides. In some areas these events are frequently more devastating than the Earth tremor itself. Floods and fires are also caused by earthqua kes. Floods arise from tsunamis along coast lines, from large-scale seiches in enclosed bodies of water such as lakes and canals, and from the failure of dams. Fire produced the greatest property loss following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when 521 blocks in the city center burned uncontrollably for three days. Fire also followed the 1923 Tokyo earthquake, causing much damage and hardship for the citizens. Causes Most of the worst earthquakes are associated with changes in the shape of the Earths outermost shell, particularly the crust. These so called tectonic earthquakes are generated by the rapid release of strain energy that is stored within the rocks of the crust, which on continents is about 22 miles thick. A small proportion of earthquakes are associated with human activity. Dynamite or atomic explosions, for example, can sometimes cause mild quakes. The injection of liquid wastes deep into the Earth and the pressures resulting from holding vast amounts of water in rese rvoirs behind large dams can also trigger minor earthquakes. The strongest and most destructive quakes, however, are associated with ruptures of the Earths crust, which are known as faults. Although faults are present in most regions of the world, earthquakes are not associated with all of them. Pressures from within the Earth strain the great rock masses beneath the Earths surface. The strain builds until suddenly the masses move along faults, thereby releasing energy. The masses slip and slide in opposite directions along this fracture in the rock, shaking the ground above. The masses may move up and down, sideways, or vertically and horizontally. On the Earths surface displacement of the ground may vary from several centimeters to many meters. Some fault lines appear on the surface of the Earth. Shock Waves The shifting rock in an earthquake causes shock waves called seismic waves to spread through the rock in all directions. In a great earthquake shocks may be felt by people tho usands of kilometers away from the center . Detection and recording devices calleBibliographyThe shifting rock in an earthquake causes shock waves called seismic waves to spread through the rock in all directions. In a great earthquake shocks Music Essays .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .postImageUrl , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:hover , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:visited , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:active { border:0!important; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:active , .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22 .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufdca06dcf6c1c50c1bf6a3cb8d8ead22:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Does Sex Education Work Essay We will write a custom essay on What Is An Earthquake? (682 words) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now

How To Write A Research Proposal Guidelines And Advices - Paperell.com

How To Write A Research Proposal Guidelines And Advices How To Write A Research Proposal: Guidelines And Advices When students begin to work on a research proposal, they often do not understand what it exactly means. And sometimes, some of them cannot realize the importance of this paper. A research proposal is like a characterization of a study that is created to explore a given problem. Students usually write it to convince others that they have a big and relevant project and they also have enough knowledge and work-plan to finish it. What is its purpose? In most cases, this proposal has to be addressed the following questions: what do you plan to commit, why do you want to do it, and the way you are going to do it. You must answer these questions in your proposal regardless of what you are studying or chosen methodology. The main aim of this work is to show essential concepts.The Structure of The Research Proposal What Do You Need to KnowA general structure of such paper consists of seven sections and below we will give you a short description of each to help you see how your whole work sho uld look. Title. A title should be definitive and descriptive, and it also should give enough information about your article. You need to revisit the title after you have done the article to make sure that it is related to the topic you have chosen. Abstract. It is a short brief that is about 300 words long. It usually includes the main question of your research, the hypothesis, the background and the method of your study. You can describe the procedures, design and the instruments you are going to use and you can give some samples if you want to. Introduction. In the introduction, you need to give the background information and make a kind of framework for your investigation. With the help of it, your readers should understand the relationship between it and your research. Here you write about the purpose of your research, at this stage it can seem that it is quite similar to that in the research paper outline but keep in mind that it has some different features. While writing an i ntroduction, you need to begin with a statement. It is an essential of the construction of your proposal. You need to figure out your question or problem systematically, show the importance of your study, and you can also say something about the priority of this research in your country or a region if this problem needs to be solved. Here you provide the context for your research. Objectives. The objectives of your proposal are the main aims you need to achieve during your study, these objectives can be general and specific. A general objective is what you need to commit to your project and a specific objective usually relates to specific questions which you need to answer in your study. Variables. Now you should identify the key variables of your investigation. There can be independent, dependent, confounding, and background variables: independent variables are something like risk factor, input, characteristic or attribute. Dependent variables are the variables, which can change a result of a level of the independent variables, they are like an effect or an outcome. Confounding variables can mix the effect of the independent variables. And the background variables are about the investigations of particular groups or populations. The characteristics you use must be always clearly figured out for the main aim of your study. Questions and hypotheses. If you have enough information about the main topic you study, you can formulate the hypotheses – they can be described as a prediction or explanation about the relationship between the variables. What about a hypothesis? A hypothesis shows the prediction of the expected outcome and the depth of your knowledge, experience, and creativity. You can use a hypothesis or not use it – this matter depends on different factors like the main aim of your study, your methodology, and your audience. Methodology. The methodology is always important because it will inform the research Committee about your original p lan to handle the problem you work within your research. Like in a dissertation proposal, you should give the clear and concise information for understanding by the reader which methodology you have chosen. Thus, methodology is an important section of your work.These Tips Can Help You To Make Your Research Proposal SuccessfulHow to handle this task excellently? It won’t be simple. However, writing a brilliant proposal will not be a big problem if you follow these tips:Provide a proper context to figure out a study question;Limit the borders of your study to avoid giving excess information;Give some landmark studies examples;Present both theoretical and empirical additions by other scholars and their studies;Don’t forget to be focused on the main question of your research;Give a clear argument for your investigation;Do not give too much details, especially when you write about some minor issues and, on the contrary, give enough details about some major issues;Do not giv e too many citations and incorrect notes;Control the lengths of your article. It should not be too long or too short;Always follow the APA style.We hope these tips will be helpful for you when you prepare your research article. It is not easy, but quite real if you follow a proper structure and remember the main aim of your study.

Why My Brother Is My Best Friend Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why My Brother Is My Best Friend - Essay Example I told him that Aljendro was there. The teacher called Aljendro in the classroom and showed him my blank page of class work. The teacher also showed Aljendro that I had been missing the classes on the attendance register. Alejandro told the teacher that he would take care of that. The teacher also placed confidence in Aljendro because Aljendro had been holding the first position throughout his education. Alejandro left the class. I was terrified that Aljendro would tell mom and dad, and they would be furious with me to know that I had been missing the classes as well as class work. I was very upset until I realized that Aljendro did not say a word to mom and dad. It so happened that he came to me in my room to talk to me about the teacher’s complaint. I had a beautiful and comfortable relationship with him, so I thought not to lie to him. I told him that I was having trouble gaining certain concepts. Aljendro identified those areas and personally taught me them with such detai l that I grasped those concepts. Aljendro also helped me organize my work by designing a schedule for me. As I had full confidence in Aljendro and wanted to be a position holder for him, I tried my best to follow his schedule, and it did work for me. A few days later, the teacher again called Aljendro in the classroom, but this time, it was not for a complaint, but for a reward. The teacher thanked Aljendro for helping me focus on the studies and told the class to clap and appreciate the efforts of an elder brother for a younger brother.... Aljendro also helped me organize my work by designing a schedule for me. As I had full confidence in Aljendro and wanted to be a position holder like him, I tried my best to follow his schedule, and it did work for me. Few days later, the teacher again called Aljendro in the classroom, but this time, it was not for a complaint, but for a reward. The teacher thanked Aljendro for helping me focus on the studies and told the class to clap and appreciate the efforts of an elder brother for a younger brother. Aljendro really helped me improve my academic performance. Had he told mom and dad all that the teacher had confided in him, that would have shattered my confidence as well as my trust upon him, but he kept that from happening. I believe that elder brother is always much more responsible for the type of relationship between two brothers, because he is wiser and is looked up to by the younger brother in all aspects. Younger brothers imitate elder brothers, so they naturally display ru de or nice behavior when they see elder brothers doing either of the two. Also, since elder brother has got more resources and authority than younger brother at any point in time, he is more able to affect the relationship for better or worse. For example, I remember my friend Bob whose elder brother would not let him touch his computer and that made Bob dislike him. My brother was never like that. Whatever he got, he shared it with me with a view to teaching me new things and inculcating new skills in me. From the books to his clothes, Aljendro has shared his every belonging with me, and has really fulfilled all responsibilities of an elder brother. Today, I fundamentally attribute my sense of

Drinking Water and Sanitation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Drinking Water and Sanitation - Research Paper Example The lack of safe drinking water has led to a number of diseases and deaths, especially among infants. A number of goals have been set over the years with various ten year milestones. These milestones have been beset with various challenges. However, there has been some amount of success. Various strategies including the promotion of breast-feeding to reduce mortality in infants have been used as a means of dealing with the effects of the problem. Introduction Drinking water and sanitation are two important factors in the lives of human beings. Water is required not only to drink but also for personal hygiene, the preparation of meals and to ensure that our surroundings are clean. Some people do not have access to piped water and therefore depend on other sources such as rivers and streams. This water is not treated and in a number of cases is exposed to various factors in the environment. Among these factors are the way we carry out various activities including disposal of industrial and household wastes. In addition to that, there is the problem of inadequate and improper sanitary conveniences which also have implications for the supply of safe water. Over the years a number of goals have been set. However, they have not been fully realized due to various challenges that affect these efforts. Previous Goals and Achievements The period 1981 – 1990 was designated as ‘The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade’ by the United Nations (Cairncross 1992). During that period the aim was to increase the supply of water and hygienic toilets so that more people especially the poor could have access to these necessities (Cairncross 1992). A number of organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank were involved in this effort. Since then the drive for the improvement in the quality of life has continued as some of the targets were not achieved. In fact, Cairncross (1992) points out that a lot more needs to be done in order to facilitate efforts to make safe water and proper sanitation available to all people. Risk of Inadequate Drinking Water and Sanitation The problems that arise from inadequate drinking water and poor sanitation are far greater than the problems of war, terrorist attack and weapons of mass destruction but they receive less attention (Bartram et al, p. 810). The lack of proper sanitation and waste disposal facilities can lead to waterborne diseases including malaria, schistosomiasis and legionellosis (WHO). This is a serious problem as it results in the death of approximately 3900 children everyday and therefore threatens the achievement of the millennium development goals (MDGs) (Bartram et al 2005). The developing countries are more at risk as microbial organisms which cause diseases are normally found in drinking water in these areas (Ashbolt 2004). The situation is worst in places like Africa and Asia where a substantial portion of their people live in condit ions of extreme poverty. Sequelae and mortality are the result as the body becomes less capable of providing immunity against diseases that are endemic (Pond 2005). Diseases associated with the intestines are generally more severe because of the high levels of mal-nutrition as well as the non-existence of strategies in these countries to deal with these types of problems. The traditional methods of filtration and chlorination continue to be used. However, these are not 100% effective as there are some chlorine resistant pathogens (Ashbolt 2004). The Millennium Development Goals According to Bartram et al (2005) 40% of the world population does not have access to a pit latrine and almost 20% do not have access to

Enlightenment virtue Essay Example for Free

Enlightenment virtue Essay The advances in robotics have also been staggering. Todays robots, in addition to doing the menial tasks once performed by unskilled laborers, are considered vital contributing participants in such diverse environments as hospitals, factories, universities, offices, and banking institutions. The level of artificial intelligence attained is not quite at human levels, but is approaching those levels at an unprecedented pace. Machines already are in charge of making complicated decisions for the government and military; its only a matter of time before these types of robots are also helping direct the economy and aspects of private life. Despite fears that robotic technology would displace their human counterpart workers and cause massive unemployment, that has not yet been the case, with the employment rate actually increasing, albeit in areas that require highly skilled personnel. The mass-production of household robotic technology has made it possible for many consumers to purchase machines that take care of domestic tasks like preparing food and cleaning, allowing parents to have more leisure time, or to spend time with their children. In fact, the amount of newly available leisure time has been a dominant factor in the recent recreational activity and entertainment industry boom. (Last Name) 4 There is still a large measure of economic disparity between society in the post-industrial West verses the industrializing countries of Africa, Asia, and South America. While the AIDS virus was pronounced curable by doctors at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine two years ago, there are still people who are dying of the disease in the world simply because the medicine needed to cure people is being given to wealthy countries very disproportionately. Biotechnology has impacted both of our lives in a very significant way. The Human Genome Project, made it possible to unravel hereditary genetic disorders like Alzheimers and Huntingtons disease which have devastated families like ours for centuries. Despite your acquisition of Huntingtons at birth, scientists were able to identify the damaged genes in your DNA and correct them accordingly. Similarly, other diseases once thought incurable (e. g. AIDS, cancer) have been remedied by biotechnology and reputable scientists are seriously proposing that practical immortality could be possible. Progress in biotechnology has also come to help economically disadvantaged countries cultivate previously barren regions with genetically enhanced crops that thrive despite hostile conditions. War among nations still exists. Ian Buruma said that â€Å"Koran itself was the source violent abuse†. (p. 5) I agree with this statement. While it is undoubtedly true that Muslims like Bouyeri with their fundamentalist, misogynistic and murderous interpretation of religious text surely represent a threat to the Enlightenment virtues of freedom and reason, do public personas like Theo Van Gogh indeed represent a personification of those same Enlightenment virtues. This persistent refrain that echoes through the book forces the reader to question the illiberal and often intolerant practices of the Dutch Muslims amid whom Bouyeri was reared as well as the Dutch (Last Name) 5 who have managed to delude themselves into believing that hatred is somehow an Enlightenment virtue. Our global impact is finally receiving the scientific attention it deserves. The outcome will largely determine the future course of evolution. Human-modified ecosystems are shaped by our activities and their side effects. They share a common set of traits including simplified food webs, landscape homogenization, and high nutrient and energy inputs. Ecosystem simplification is the ecological hallmark of humanity and the reason for our evolutionary success. However, the side effects of our profligacy and poor resource practices are now so pervasive as to threaten our future no less than that of biological diversity itself. This looks at human impact on ecosystems and the consequences for evolution. It concludes that future evolution will be shaped by our awareness of the global threats, our willingness to take action, and our ability to do so. Our ability is presently hampered by several factors, including the poor state of ecosystem and planetary knowledge, ignorance of human impact, lack of guidelines for sustainability, and a paucity of good policies, practices, and incentives for adopting those guidelines in daily life. Conservation philosophy, science, and practice must be framed against the reality of human-dominated ecosystems, rather than the separation of humanity and nature underlying the modern conservation movement. The steps scientists can take to imbed science in conservation and conservation in the societal process affecting the future of ecosystems and human well-being are discussed. Assessing the implications for our own future is no simpler than it is for ecosystems. The future can be gauged from several points of view from human carrying capacity, capacity for a given standard of living, or for the diversity of future options, for example. Should (Last Name) 6 our horizon be measured in ecological or evolutionary time in decades and centuries, or in millennia and millions of years? One could well argue that our very success evolutionarily is proof of our ability to modify ecosystems to our advantage and that we can take care of the environment in due course, when we can afford it. The challenge for ecology and environmental studies is to gauge the outcome of human action on ecosystem processes and on our own future. If there is no link between biodiversity and human well-being, then the future may be bleak for diversity but not necessarily for humanity. If that is the case, the fate of diversity will depend on human compassion, esthetics, and emotions rather than on human welfare. How do I see myself fit into it? Because of my knowledge and faith in God, I am well fit to the future. Future means reality and reality is not independently given but is contingent upon our decisions. (George Soros p. 4) Future is just like today that if we neglect and forget will just become nonsense past. â€Å"To see the earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the earth together†¦, written by Archibald Macleish. (Al Gore p. 12) The earth is truly a masterpiece so let’s protect our endangered environment. (Last Name) Bibliography Buruma, Ian. Murder in Amsterdam: The Death of Theo Van Gogh and the Limits of Tolerance. New York: Penguin Press, 2006 Gore, Al. An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It . Rodale, 2006 Soros, George. The Age of Fallibility: Consequences of the War on Terror. Public Affairs, 2006.

Tennessee Williams and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof :: Biography Biographies Essays

Tennessee Williams and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof      Ã‚  Ã‚   Tennessee Williams has been described as the most literary of the major dramatists and one of America's best playwrights (Bloom, p.2). He has been praised by critics for his compassionate understanding of the spiritually downtrodden (Gale Databases, p. 8). One of his most famous plays, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, has been described as his most powerful, and deals with the then taboo subject of homosexuality (Becker, p. 2).    Tennessee Williams, whose real name is Thomas Lanier Williams, was born on March 26, 1911 in Columbus Mississippi. His father was a traveling shoe salesman and his mother was the daughter of an Episcopalian clergyman. He had an older sister, Rose, and a younger brother, Walter Dakin. In 1918 the family moved to St. Louis. Tennessee had a very difficult childhood in St. Louis and was the butt of his classmates' jokes because of his small size and lack of athletic ability (Encyclopedia of World Drama, p. 410).    In 1929, he attended the University of Missouri, and won prizes for writing. He failed ROTC because of weakness in his legs caused by childhood diphtheria. His father removed him from the university just before his senior year because of financial reasons and disappointment in his son. His father got him a job in a warehouse of the International Shoe Company. Tennessee worked by day and wrote by night. He suffered a nervous collapse and spent a month in the hospital. He went to his grandparent's home in Memphis, Tennessee to recuperate. In 1935 he attended Washington University with his grandparent's help. There he wrote plays for the Mummers Theatre Group. In 1937 he attended the University of Iowa, studied under Professor E.C. Mabie, and received his B.A. degree. After graduation, he went to New Orleans after learning of his sister's lobotomy (Encyclopedia of World Drama, p. 410).    In 1939, Story Magazine published his play A Field of Blue Children. In that year Tennessee also compiled four one act plays under the title American Blues that included Candles in the Sun, The Fugitive King, Spring Storm, and Not About Nightingales. He submitted them to the Group Theatre's American play contest and won a $100 prize which aroused the interest of New York agent Audrey Wood. She obtained a $1000 grant for him to finish Battle of Angels which was produced in 1940.

Importance of Sales Promotion Essay

Sales promotion is one of the seven aspects of the promotional mix, which are advertising personal selling, direct marketing publicity/ public relations, corporate image and exhibitions. Sales promotions are short-term incentives that are done to encourage the purchase or sale of a product or service [P.DALOK 200]. Sales promotion can be used to inform, persuade, and remind target customers about the business and its market mix. Some common types of sale promotion include: Samples, Coupons, Sweepstakes, Contest, In-store display, Tradeshows, Price off deals, Premium and rebates. There are many reasons why companies opt for sales promotions other than advertising. Some of the reasons include increasing competition and products becoming more standardized, build brand awareness, create interest, provide information, stimulate demand and also reinforce the brand. In this essay I have briefly described sales promotion, and comprehensively discussed the reasons for sales promotion. Definit ion of sales promotion Sales promotions are short-term incentives to encourage the purchase or sale of a product or service. C. Mitchell 1999 defines sales promotion as a process of persuading a potential customer to buy the product And it includes several communications activities that attempt to provide added value or incentives to consumers, wholesalers, retailers, or other organizational customers to stimulate immediate sales. These efforts can attempt to stimulate product interest, trial, or purchase. Below are reasons for sales promotion. Reasons for sales promotion 1. Increasing Competition The air of change is gaining momentum after the introduction of economic liberalization. Due to increase in competition, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to compete on quality. They are therefore resorting to more innovative methods of sales promotion (Du Toit and Erasmes 2008:347). 2. Customers Have Become More Price Sensitive This increased price sensitivity is a direct result of existing inflation. Economic recession is likely to fuel this trend further, as consumers and dealers become more sensitive towards prices. If the customers get branded jeans at half the actual price, then they are definitely going to make huge purchases of Spykar Jeans because they want value for their money, as they are price sensitive. 3. Sales Promotions Generally Create an Immediate Positive Impact on Sales Advertising, personal selling and other methods of promotion produce slower sales response compared to sales promotion. Sales promotions are mostly for short duration, for a specified period, leading to a sense of urgency in consumers to buy now. This creates an immediate positive impact on sales. 4. Products have become more standardized In many product categories, there is a proliferation of brands; many of them are line extensions and me-too brands. Most brands are being perceived by consumers to be more or less similar within a given price range because of the inability of manufacturers to develop truly differentiated products. Under these circumstances, advertising messages are unable to strongly influence the consumers’ perceptions and create brand franchise. As a result of these perceptions of similarity among brands, marketers have no way but to compete on the basis of extra benefit offered through sales promotion. Competing companies struggle to capture market share by using every tool likely to bring sales success. There are many unbranded jeans sold at shopping malls and places like Mr Price, bandra which are bought at half the price of actual branded jeans. People who are money conscious buy such jeans. Therefore, Spykar Jeans comes up with such discounts, which helps them in increasing their sales and also in stock clearance. 5. Consumer Acceptance As competition intensifies and promotions proliferate, consumers have learnt to earn the rewards of being smart shoppers. Over a period of time, they have also learnt that brands on promotion are not necessarily of lower quality. 6. Advertising Has Become More Expensive And Less Effective All the advertising media have become quite expensive. Audio-visual medium, which is considered as the most effective for short-duration ads, may cost in excess of K5000 for a 10 second exposure during prime time (Kambwir 2013). In many cases, consumers have reached a point of boredom due to excessive advertising on TV. Some consumers even consider advertising as an intrusion into their privacy, leading to zapping (surfing channels). Firms with small budgets cannot compete with big companies, which spend huge sums of money on advertising. For these small budget firms, sales promotion is a more cost-effective promotion method to produce sales results. 7.Trade Has Become More Powerful Retailers and wholesalers have become powerful and find themselves in a position to demand extra facilities from the companies. They Channel members demand more incentives to get the desired results. Manufacturers do not seem to have any alternatives but to concede to their demands, keeping in view the competitive market conditions. In shopping malls like Globus and Lifestyle, decent margins have to be paid to them in order to have shelf visibility for your brand. 8. Emphasis On Sales Volumes Towards achieving the long-term profit goals, manufacturers try to attain high sales volume. Brand managers and product managers find themselves under pressure to achieve short-term sales results for the sake of their careers. Compared to any other promotional method, sales promotion is a more effective method to generate short-term sales volume. 9. Sales Promotions Maximise Profits A number of economic theories conclude that a company can maximise profits by using sales promotion. Such promotions can permit price discrimination by allowing the brand to compete in 2 or more different market segments. Sales promotion may allow a premium brand to compete with a lower tier brand among price sensitive consumers. For example, a premium brand of toilet soap may be on promotion in some price sensitive markets, while in the remaining markets it is sold at its normal price. 10. Introducing An Element Of Interest: There are a number of promotions, which are often called interest promotions. Some of the more popular interest promotion techniques are samples, contests, and sweepstakes, free premiums and mail-in premiums. These promotions create an element of interest and excitement, and consumers enjoy these and response enthusiastically to such contests and sweepstakes, etc. 11. Build Brand awareness No company can survey without building awareness for itself and its brands. Companies may use all forms of advertising be it on Television, radio, direct marketing and on line to build awareness. The specific promotional objective may be to gain additional market share or to make a roads into a specific market segment. Another objective may be to replace the market leader in top-of-mind. 12. Sales Promotion Specialists Are Available As a result of economic liberalization, the number of management institutions has increased. This has lead to the availability of specialists, who are not only well paid but can handle this specialized work more efficiently in the current market conditions, where sales promotion has become more important. 13. Excess Stocks Because of increasing number of brands, it is difficult for manufacturers and dealers to anticipate future sales. This, at times, leads to excessive inventories, and the quickest way to clear that is to go for sales promotion.

A Guide to Halloween Customs in Germany

Halloween, as we celebrate it commonly today, is not originally German. Yet many Germans embrace it. Others, especially those of the older generation, believe that Halloween is just American hype. Though the commercialism of Halloween does indeed stem from North America, the tradition and celebration itself had its origins in Europe.   Halloween has gained much popularity over the past few decades. In fact, this celebration now brings in an astounding 200 million euros a year, according to the Stuttgarter Zeitung, and it is the third most commercialized tradition after Christmas and Easter. The evidence is all there. Walk in some of the larger German department stores and easily find Halloween themed decorations to match your gruesome tastes. Or go to a costumed Halloween party offered by many nightclubs. Have children? Then read through some popular German family magazine on how to throw a terrific, ghoulish party for your kids, complete with bat and ghost treats. Why Germans Celebrate Halloween So how did Germans get so excited about Halloween? Naturally, the influence of American commercialism and media is key. Furthermore, the presence of American soldiers in the post-war WWII era helped bring about a familiarity of this tradition. Also, because of the cancellation of Fasching in Germany during the Gulf War, the push for Halloween and its associated commercial potential was an attempt to make up for Fasching’s financial loss, according to Fachgruppe Karneval  im  Deutschen Verband der Spielwarenindustrie. How You Trick-or-Treat in Germany Trick-or-treating is the aspect of Halloween that is the least observed in Germany and Austria. Only in large,  metropolitan cities of Germany will you see groups of children actually go door-to-door. They say, either Sà ¼ÃƒÅ¸es oder Saures or Sà ¼ÃƒÅ¸es, sonst gibts Saure as they collect treats from their neighbors. This is partly because just eleven days later, children traditionally to go door-to-door on St. Martinstag with their lanterns. They sing a song and then they are rewarded with baked goods and sweets.   What Costumes Germans Wear on Halloween Halloween specialty stores are increasingly popular in Germany. One interesting difference between Germany and North America with regard to costumes  is that the Germans tend to indulge in more scary outfits than Americans do. Even kids. Perhaps this is due to the many other opportunities throughout the year that children and adults get to dress up for different celebrations, such as Fasching and St. Martinstag that is just around the corner. Other Spooky Traditions in Germany October is also the time for other spooky happenings in Germany.   Haunted Castle: One of the largest and most popular Halloween venues in Germany is the 1,000-year-old fortress ruins in Darmstadt. Since the 1970s, it has been known as Burg Frankenstein and is a popular destination for gore aficionados.  Pumpkin Festival: By mid-October, you’ll see some carved out pumpkins on people’s doorsteps in the streets of Germany and Austria, though not as much as in North America. But what you will see and hear about is the famous pumpkin festival in Retz, Austria, near Vienna. It’s an entire weekend of fun, family-friendly entertainment, complete with an elaborate Halloween parade that includes floats.Reformationstag: Germany and Austria have another tradition on Oct. 31 that is actually centuries-long: Reformationstag. This a special day for Protestants to commemorate Martin Luther’s launch of the Reformation when he nailed those ninety-five theses to the Catholic castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. In celebration of Reforma tionstag and so that its not completely overshadowed by Halloween, Luther-Bonbons (candies) were created.