Scope - Definition for the Java Term

Scope refers to the lifetime and accessibility of a variable. How large the scope is depends on where a variable is declared. For example, if a variable is declared at the top of a class then it will accessible to all of the class methods. If it’s declared in a method then it can only be used in that method. For more information, have a look at the Understanding Variable Scope and Using Modifiers With Variables. Examples: For example, the scope of the variableNUMBER_OF_HOURS_IN_A_DAY is the whole class. Whereas the scope of NUMBER_OF_DAYS_IN_A_WEEK is just the calculateHoursInWeeks method: public class AllAboutHours{ private final int NUMBER_OF_HOURS_IN_A_DAY 24; public int calculateHoursInDays(int days) { return days * NUMBER_OF_HOURS_IN_A_DAY; } public int calculateHoursInWeeks(int weeks) { final int NUMBER_OF_DAYS_IN_A_WEEK 7; return weeks * NUMBER_OF_DAYS_IN_A_WEEK * NUMBER_OF_HOURS_IN_A_DAY; }}

Loris Malaguzzi was Born in Corregio, Italy in 1920. He...

Loris Malaguzzi was Born in Corregio, Italy in 1920. He lived in a city called Reggioi Emmilia in Italy, which is recognized worldwide for its approach to education. After years past he then developed preschool and primary education in Italy after World War2. In 1976, the parents and the community confirmed their support for the guiding principles of the Reggio Approach to early childhood education. After his unexpected death, the community of Reggio Emilia carried on, implemented his dreams, and fulfilled the Reggio mission, which enhanced the potential of all children. Soon A foundation was named â€Å"The Reggio mission† and was established as the â€Å"International Centre for the Defense and Promotion of the Rights and Potential of all†¦show more content†¦In the late 1960’s the schools were transferred to the city government for financing and operations. During the 1980’s Lori’s method was known by many educators and especially thanks to th e first exhibit that was opened in Sweden at the Modern Museet in Stockholm. In 2003 the municipality of Reggio Emilia chose to manage the network and the system of school services and toddler centers by forming an association. By forming an association, the municipal schools and preschools could have their own independent programs and activities, they were still supported by the public sector of the government though. February 2006, the â€Å"Loris Malaguzzi International Centre† had opened, which was very successful and very important to the people that helped open the â€Å"Loris Malaguzzi International Centre.† I believe that Malaguzzi has a different and unique way to think because of the fact that he thought that children were powerful and full of desire and ability to construct their own knowledge. I also think that way because if we weren’t powerful and able to construct our own knowledge then how would we have progressed through life and be where we are now. For example Malaguzzi must have been real powerful in order for him to have had that knowledge and ability to open a new international Centre and schools throughout the world! He also thought that family and friends areShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Blood By Suzan Lori Parks1600 Words   |  7 Pagesstories (confessions). Each of character has had an involvement with Hester s struggling predicament and yet eac h character only ruminates at helping themselves instead of the woman that’s helped them all. The modern-day play In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks exposes the hypocrisy and prejudice of the privileged members of society toward the less privileged. The play shows that the richest and most respected people in society are not always worthy of the status they are accorded. 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My Journey Essay Example For Students

My Journey Essay Enter into a darkness Where coldness meets with your feet, You walk forward, still the fog consumes your dull senses. Pitch black surrounds you, But now the sound of a thousand harmonies enters your ears, While the fickle hairs on your back rise to the freezing atmosphere. You see a light. Dimly but surely, a color enters your deftly aroused circumspectrum, And a spring morning arrives; you feel glad. As the sun rises, Fresh, green pine trees enter into your vision, and far off you can see a flower. As the blurriness leaves, the sun rays glisten on your face while you trod along. You leave a forest, And a carpet of fresh, thin blades of grass drops into a steep and wide valley. Now the horizon is overcast with bright, vivid colors; you then pick up the lily, and hold it close to you. As the wind blows, Your hair is gently swayed, back and forth as you begin to run. The rich valleys are now beginning to fade away, and the hills are becoming dunes of sand. The time is noon, Heat brings drops of sweat to your pores while you doubtingley continue, So hunger is kindled, but only death and heat consumes the land. There is a mountain, looking impossible to climb, and your feet are burning in the hot, grainlike sand. But you remember the the flower in your condescent hand, so you struggle, but manage to overcome the mountain. At last an oasis, Full grown, ripe fruit trees are as far as your eye can see, and abundant pools of flowing water run down the newly discovered reservoir. You take an apple, And sink your teeth into juicy goodness and extinguish all hunger, then you longingly jump into a sky blue lake of water so your body is indulged in an aquatic depth. Weightless and so free, Now you swim deeper into this canyon of clean, clear liquid. Gold, Jade, and Topaz are implanted into the watery cave walls; you go back up for breath, and remember your flower. Once more you dive, This time searching for the next phase in your quest, A pitch black hole is to the north, so you head in that direction while the bubbles surround your shivering body. Your breath is short, So hoping for some oxygen you swim faster, and more rapidly while your mind is in a state of apprehension At last, the pitch black hole has led to an opening. The light is gone, And you can feel that the blistering air is thin; you have left the waters. On the ground you feel a soft cotton blanket, perfectly folded. So you take it. A sense of comfort, Is what you feel in this moment, and think of how everything went by so quickly. You take out the lily and remember your struggle up the mountain, and trials through the sand. Everything is fading away, Darkness now surrounds all things, and the night has finally come. After a long day of traveling, and most of your journey completed, you lift your eyes to the heavens above. As you look up, You see billions of white shimmering stars overshadowed by an endless sky of violet in the night sky. Once again the sound of trumpets and voices enters your mind. So comes midnight, Just as when you started, all creation sleeps, And the Maker smiles at all He has done even through a flower.

Strategic Management of Woolworth-Free-Samples-Myassignmentshelp

Question: Discuss about the Strategic Management of Woolworths. Answer: Introduction Strategic management refers to the formulation and the development of specific objectives that are carried out by an organization in order to achieve the competitive advantages. Strategic management is based on the resources of an organization and the assessment of the external and internal environment of an organization (Wheelen Hunger). This study deals with the different aspects of strategic management such as strength, competitive advantages, leadership, organizational structure and resources in the context of Woolworths. Moreover, the strategic position and current strength of this organization will be addressed through Porter five forces, model, value chain analysis and 7 s framework in this present study. Company Background of Woolworths Woolworths is a well known Australian supermarket offers a verity in the grocery. They offer online grocery and food service to the customers. The vision of such organization is to make their business financially strong and secure. However, Woolworths provide financial security to their employees and their immediate families. The mission is to provide value to their customers and to provide quality service, which can satisfy their consumers. They aim to build customer oriented service and store-led culture. Apart from these developing sustainable sales in their business is also a part of their mission (Wecu.com.au, 2017). Internal Strength Analysis in context of Woolworths Internal strength of an organization refers to the internal components such as capabilities of an organization, competitive advantages, structure, resources, and system of an organization (Ibscdc.org, (2017). In the context of Woolworths, they have strong resources includes 180000 employees, 3000 stores, and well-designed logistics and innovation skills. Therefore, this organization has started their business from 1924, which ensures that they are capable to incorporate right person in their business and they are able to utilize their resources properly. They use their strength to gain competitive advantages. The competitive advantages of Woolworth have developed through their supply chain. The main focus of Woolworths is to cut the cost in order to mitigate the unnecessary expense and to maximize the efficiency of staffs. Development of the slogan The fresh food people by Woolworth has improved their brand image as it ensures the consumers of providing healthy food with reasonable p rice. The innovative idea of Woolworth as for example, the "re-fresh" is another internal strength of their organization to compete in the global market. Vertical integration of Woolworths with its supplier through the development of own input increases their market power. In order to get success from the competitive strategies, it is necessary for the business organization to make their strategy based on the sources of competitive advantages (Rees Smith, 2017). One of the distinct competitive strategies of Woolworths is to provide assurance about the quality and freshness of their products through the excellent management of their supply chain. This strategy of Woolworths makes them unique from the other retailers in the Australian supermarket. This strategy of the competitive advantages makes Woolworths different, which enables them to obtain the unique market position in the Australian supermarket chain. Generic Strategy Porter competitive strategies are used to evaluate the generic strategies regarding an organization. In the recent year, Woolworths has been facing the threat of new rivalry in the supermarket such as Aldi and German retailer Lidl. In order to mitigate the power of such rivalry, Woolworths needs to obtain competitive strategies. Porter competitive strategies The current position of an organization highlights on its profitability whether it is below or above of the industry average (Simes Sebastiani, 2017). Porter competitive strategies include cost leadership, cost focus, differentiation, and differentiation focus. However, by using cost leadership strategy Woolworths will be able to become a low-cost producer in the retail industry. Through this strategy, this organization will be able to get all the sources of cost advantages, which enable them to gain sustainable development in the cost leadership. The differentiation strategy allows the organization to be different from the other organizations by providing unique product or service (Patel, Guedes Pearce, 2017). However, Woolworths makes itself more competent through its unique product quality freshness of their product. Hence, by applying such strategy this organization will be able to ensure their significant characteristics for which the buyers are interested to pay for their products. Focus strategy is another component of Porters competitive strategy, which enables the organization to concentrate in particular component such as particular product or particular market segment (Rowlands Iles, 2017). In order to gain competitive advantages, Woolworths needs to give their concern towards their product or market or technology. Woolworths is famous for their product quality. Hence, by following this strategy they will be able to understand the demand of the current market and the evolving technology that are essential to obtain competitive advantages. However, the focus strategy is categorized into cost focus and differentiation focus. Cost focus will allow the firm to get cost advantages in its target market while differentiation focus allows Woolworths to make the differentiation in its target market. Figure 1: Porter Generic strategies (Source: Rowlands Iles, 2017) Value chain analysis Porter value chain analysis model is useful to understand the value chain of Woolworths Porter value chain analysis model Primary activities Inbound logistic Inbound logistic refers to the relationship between the suppliers and the organization consists of the activities from receiving to disseminate the product (Chan, Ngai Moon, 2017). Woolworths use own distribution center and take products in bulk in order to get the discount from the supplier and to reduce the cost price. Operation method Operation process involves the transformation of input to output, which is delivered to the consumers (Johansson Kask, 2017). Woolworths have their own farmers, as a result, they can supply fresh foods to their customers with reasonable rate. Sales and marketing Sales and marketing include the process through which an organization is able to motivate their clients towards their service by establishing effective communication with them (Peppard Ward, 2016). This allows them to resists their clients from going to their competitors. Woolworths expands huge amount in their marketing, which increases their brand awareness in the customer domain. Outbound logistic Outbound logistics deliver the products towards the customers through the collection, storage and distribution procedures (Flax, Bick Abratt 2016).Woolworths uses in store process of vendor management to deliver their products as it keeps the products fresh. Nature of service Service includes the process to maintain the value of the products after it is purchased by the consumer (Kim Gray, 2017). Woolworths follows refined policy and trolley mounted scanner that reduces the waiting time of their customers while purchasing the products. Support Activities Woolworths has strong human resources in their Australian sector, which includes a large team in their organization. Firm structure is another aspect of support activities that ensure the strength of an organization (Dapiran Kam, 2017). Woolworths follows hybrid framework in their organization that enables them to share their mission with their employees in order to take the proper decision regarding the service. Apart from this, it is crucial for Woolworths to cope up with the changing technology to compete and mitigate the power of rivalry in the global market as technology is vital to develop the existing system and improvement of service. Figure 2: Porter value chain analysis (Source: Dapiran Kam, 2017) 7s framework The 7's framework describes the way through which an organization is able to organize their firm. There are seven elements in this model which focus on the appropriate designing in an organization. Demographic segment The demographic segment focuses on the characteristics of the population and the general environment (Dapiran Kam, 2017). However, in the context of Woolworths, the characteristics focus on its system of such organization that includes a hybrid structure. On the other hand, the geographic distribution and income distribution is also undertaken under this segment. Woolworths has a huge number of brands worldwide that ensures its geographic distribution. Economic segment Economic segment refers to the economic condition of an organization in which the organization is able to compete in its near future (Chan, Ngai Moon, 2017). However, the economy of the Australia is not good as rising cost of the fuel is a big factor that affects its economy. Hence, inflammation, interest rate, trade deficit, budget deficit and the investment rate are undertaken in this segment. However, due to rising cost the investment rate is high in context of Woolworths in the Australian market. Political and legal segment Political and legal segment the interest group and the organization compete to get attention of the individuals (Dapiran Kam, 2017). However, the operation of Woolworths in the Australian market is influenced by the government regulation and the government is also influenced by the business regulation of certain organization. Hence, it is important for such organization to follow the government rules to carry out their business operation without any legal issue in the Australia. Socio-cultural segment Socio-cultural segment focuses on the attitudes of people from the different societies and the cultural values of them (Kim Gray, 2017). However, Woolworth has established their business in the different segments of Australia. Hence, the changing style of consumers and the behavior of the consumers from different classes is a big factor, which influences their business strategy and the product diversification. Technological segment Technology focuses on the rapid enhancement of the technology that introduces new features in the product out to improve the quality of product (Rowlands Iles, 2017). However, Woolworths has adopted new technology to improve their system and operation process as well as the quality of the product. Woolworths has faced issues in their IT system after that they have implemented leaner operating model in their IT system that is an effective approach of such organization as this model makes the system stable. Global segment Global segment highlights on the global market and the existing competitors (Simes Sebastiani, 2017). This segment identifies that Woolworths is able to survive in the competitive market where the customers and the competitors are global. Competitors are no longer be domestic and the customers have changing demand as awareness has been increasing among them regarding the global product. Hence, utilization of the rapid technology is an effective approach to cope up with global challenges. Physical environmental segment This segment refers to the environmental sustainability (Rowlands Iles, 2017). Changes requires in the business practice in order mitigate the issues regarding global warming, and energy consumption. Hence, Woolworths needs to change their existing business practice to decrease such physical issues. Industry Analysis in context of Woolworths PESTLE analysis is beneficial to carry out the industry analysis in the context of Woolworths. Political environment The political environment is based on the stability of the government within a country (Price, 2016). However, the Australian government has a great impact on the supermarket regarding legislating the trading hours. Therefore, Woolworths has to maintain the rule of Trade Practice Act and Australian Competition and Consumer Act in order to avoid any legal issue in their business otherwise the company will be forced to change their operational process in this country. Economic environment The slow growth in the Australian economy is a big threat for the retail sectors in the recent years (Dapiran Kam, 2017). However, if this situation prevails for a long time then it may prohibit the growth of the retailers in the Australian market. On the other hand, the rapid unemployment and the rising price of fuel will bring another threat for Woolworths in the Australian market. Social environment Changing lifestyle and attitudes of the consumers leaves a great impact on the Australian supermarket (Ahsan Rahman, 2016). People are too much health conscious in the current years and they want healthy food, which is easy to cook. Keeping this mind Woolworths and other retailers try to innovate new features in their products to attract the customers. Technological environment Technology has been changing rapidly in the Australian market, which needs to be adopted by the retailers to obtain the competitive advantages (Pandey, Singh Pathak, 2016). Woolworths has adopted new technology as for example, Global Electronic Marketing and Merchandising Network (GEMM net) has been obtained first by Woolworths. This technology enables Woolworths to develop their online marketing through website and it also a cost saving process. Legal environment Legal requirements are crucial for the organization that they have to maintain (Li Luo, 2016). In Australia, Woolworths has to follow the rules of the Commonwealth Government in order to carry out their operation without any legal issue. Environmental norms An environmental norm means the maintenance of the sustainability of the environment (Reimers Scheepers, 2016). Woolworth needs to adopt the CSR activities in their business to keep the sustainability of the environment as it is a prime area to enhance the business by maintaining the hygienic requirements. Porters Five Force analysis Porter five force model is vital in order to understand the structure of an industry and its competitive strength in the global market (Simes Sebastiani, 2017). In the context of Woolworths Porter's five force model will be beneficial to understand the competitiveness of such organization in the Australian supermarket. Bargaining power of the consumer Supermarket of the Australia offers similar products with the low price that increases the bargaining power o the consumers (Burke, van Thurik, 2016). Hence, the bargaining power of the customers in the Australian market is high that often forces the organization to change their product price. However, keeping this in mind Woolworths offers the quality product with reasonable rate to resist the bargaining power of the customers. On the other hand, such bargaining power of the buyer often affects the profitability of the business as the organization has to decrease their product price in order to compete in the market. Bargaining capacity of the Supplier Bargaining capability of the supplier leads the organization to face high cost during the input process of their production (Pandey, Singh Pathak, 2016). However, in the Australian market, the bargaining capacity of the supplier is based on the brand and the size of the Australian supermarket. Hence, Woolworths has to face high bargaining power of the suppliers, which may increase the operation cost of such business. Threat of new entrants Entry of the new player in the existing market is a big challenge for the retailers (Ahsan Rahman, 2016). However, in the Australian supermarket, the price is low and the government has strict regulation, thus it is difficult for the new organization to get the quick entry in the Australian supermarket segment. This leads Woolworth to get the competitive advantages in Australian retail industry. On the other hand, in order to establish own distribution center by the retailers needs the partnership working with the new entrants that may bring a threat for such retailers. Apart from this, the threat of the new entrants in the Australian retail industry is moderate in nature. Rivalry between the existing competitors A strategy that is taken by the existing competitors is a concerned thing for the retailers in the Australian supermarket segment (Price, 2016). However, Aldi and Lidl are the main competitors of Woolworths. Hence, such rising organizations may bring new challenges for Woolworths in their business operation. Threat of the substitutes Consumers prefer to pay the high price based on the availability of the products (Ahsan Rahman, 2016). However, in the Australian supermarket, people buy products with the high price if they get it from the nearest store of their residence. On the other hand, sometimes online marketers offer similar products with the low price that have resemblance with the product of a well-known organization. That brings the threat for the Woolworths in the Australian supermarket. Many small stores offer alternative products with the very low price that affects the business of the popular organization. Figure 3: Porter Five force model (Source: Ahsan Rahman, 2016) Implication of the Analysis The entire analysis of the above-taken model will enable people to understand the structure, system, operation process, external environment and the competitive advantages in the context of Woolworths. However, the value chain analysis model highlights on the operation and the logistic process of the organization (Price, 2016). This model will enable Woolworths to identify the issues in their logistic process and the operation process thus they can take necessary steps to resolve the issues. On the other hand, the 7's model includes the demographic segment, technological segment, physical segment and son on to analyze the organizational environment of the Woolworths. Analysis of such model focuses on the external factors that influences the business of such organization. Therefore, the PESTLE analysis reveals the industry analysis, which highlights the macro elements of Woolworths. Hence, analysis of the external environment will allow the organization to carry out a proper market re search before launching new products in the market. This also enables them to understand the present market demand and the government rules regarding any service through this analysis Woolworths will able to carry out a safe business operation in the Australian market. Apart from this analysis of the Porter Five force model reveals the threats of the Woolworths in the Australian supermarket. Evaluation of such model enables Woolworths to understand the ways through which they can gain competitive advantages in the Australian supermarket segment. This model is also beneficial for such organization to identify the present challenges, which is essential to develop the new strategy to cope up with such challenges. Recommendations To offer reliable and consistent customer service Achieving competitive advantage is the major issue for the retailers in the global market. Hence, providing reliable and consistent service to the customers will be effective for Woolworths to enhance the customer loyalty for a long time. Keeping the cost down Rising cost of the operation cost and the customer service cost affects the business. Hence, it will be beneficial for Woolworths to use human capital analytics to cut the cost of their operation to achieve sustainable growth in business. Reduction the high turnover Rising price of fuel and huge turnover of the employees are the big factors that affect the business of the retailers in the Australian supermarket. Hence, by enhancing the employee engagement and providing job security Woolworths will be able to retain their employees for long period. Comply with the government law and proper market research Compliance with the legal requirements can be effective for Woolworths to operate easily in the Australian market. Therefore, proper market research will enable them to keep updated information regarding the new entrants and the strategic position of the competitors. Conclusion The above study reveals the strategic position of the Woolworths in the Australian supermarket segments. Hence, PESTLE, Porter five force analysis, 7s model and value chain analysis focuses on the strength, weakness of the current organization system and emerging threat in the market in the context of Woolworths. However, more employee engagement and the market research will enable such organization to achieve competitive advantages and sustainable growth References Ahsan, K., Rahman, S. (2016). An investigation into critical service determinants of customer to business (C2B) type product returns in retail firms.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management,46(6/7), 606-633. Burke, A., van Stel, A., Thurik, R. (2016). Testing the Validity of Blue Ocean Strategy versus Competitive Strategy: An Analysis of the Retail Industry.International Review of Entrepreneurship,14(2). Chan, A. T., Ngai, E. W., Moon, K. K. (2017). The effects of strategic and manufacturing flexibilities and supply chain agility on firm performance in the fashion industry.European Journal of Operational Research,259(2), 486-499. Dapiran, G. P., Kam, B. (2017). Value creation and appropriation in product returns management.International Journal of Logistics Management, 67-234. Dapiran, G. P., Kam, B. (2017). Value creation and appropriation in product returns management.International Journal of Logistics Management, 50-100. Flax, J., Bick, G., Abratt, R. (2016). The perceptions of supplier-buyer relations and its affect on the corporate brand.Journal of Brand Management,23(1), 22-37. Ibscdc.org. (2017).Woolworths' Growth Strategies. Retrieved 16 August 2017, from https://www.ibscdc.org/Case_Studies/Strategy/Growth%20Strategies/GRS0004.htm Johansson, T., Kask, J. (2017). Configurations of business strategy and marketing channels for e-commerce and traditional retail formats: A Qualitative Comparison Analysis (QCA) in sporting goods retailing.Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,34, 326-333. Kim, Y., Gray, S. J. (2017). Internationalization strategy and the home-regionalization hypothesis: The case of Australian multinational enterprises.Australian Journal of Management, 215. Li, S., Luo, X. (2016). Strategy Analysis of Reverse Logistics of Retail Enterprises Facing Green Marketing in the Pearl River Delta.Management Engineering, (23), 193. Pandey, P., Singh, S., Pathak, P. (2016). Devising retention strategy for front-end employees in retail: an application of analytic hierarchy process.International Journal of Services, Economics and Management,7(2-4), 222-245. Patel, P. C., Guedes, M. J., Pearce, J. A. (2017). The Role of Service Operations Management in New Retail Venture Survival.Journal of Retailing,93(2), 241-251. Peppard, J., Ward, J. (2016).The strategic management of information systems: Building a digital strategy. John Wiley Sons. Price, R. (2016). Controlling routine front line service workers: an Australian retail supermarket case.Work, employment and society,30(6), 915-931. Rees, G., Smith, P. (Eds.). (2017).Strategic human resource management: An international perspective. Sage. Reimers, C., Scheepers, C. B. (2016). Exploring the role of non-financial risk management in strategy processes of large retail banks.South African Journal of Business Management,47(3), 1-12. Rowlands, K. E., Iles, P. (2017). MANAGING IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT.Strategic Human Resource Management: An International Perspective, 466. Simes, C., Sebastiani, R. (2017). The nature of the relationship between corporate identity and corporate sustainability: Evidence from the retail industry.Business Ethics Quarterly,27(3), 423-453. Wecu.com.au. (2017). Our history. Retrieved 14 August 2017, from https://www.wecu.com.au/about-us/our-history/ Wheelen, T. L., Hunger, J. D. (2017).Strategic management and business policy. pearson

COMBATING OSTEOPOROSIS Essays - Medicine, Health, Clinical Medicine

COMBATING OSTEOPOROSIS Twenty years ago osteoporosis was a word used mainly by researchers and physicians. Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of information about this condition that can cause severe pain and crippling. No cure is known yet, but ways to lessen your potential for osteoporosis have been identified. Today, one in three Americans are 50 or older. The baby boom generation will begin to enter their retirement shortly after the turn of the century that is rapidly approaching. Thanks in part to medical advances and the emphasis on exercise and healthy diets, vast numbers of these baby boomers can expect to reach their eighties, nineties, and beyond. Yet, if present day trends unhealthy eating and lack of exercise continues, osteoporosis threatens to be one of the biggest public health dangers of modern times. Osteoporosis, literally meaning "porous bone", is a disease of the skeleton in which the amount of calcium present slowly decreases to the point where the bones become extremely brittle and subject to fractures. The skeleton serves two functions. It provides structural support for organs and muscles and also serves as a depository for the body's calcium and other minerals, manly phosphorous and magnesium. The bone holds 99% of the body's calcium. The other 1-% of remaining calcium is freed to circulate in the blood and is essential for crucial functions in the body such as blood clotting, muscle, contractions and nerve functions. Bones have two main sections. The outer section of the bone is the cortical bone. It is composed of a hard shell that serves to protect the other section of the bone, called the trabecular bone. This part of the bone is an inner lacy, structural matrix of calcium that helps support the bone structure. Bone tissue is constantly being broken down and reformed to help the body cope with everyday stress and for maintaining a properly functioning body. The breakdown of the bones is called resorption and is performed by cells known as osteoclasts that did holes into the bone allowing calcium to be released into the body. Then, cells produced by the bone called osteoblasts help rebuild the bone. The osteoblasts first fill in these holes left by the osteoclasts with collagen and then by laying down crystals of calcium and phosphorous. A complex mix of hormones and chemical factors controls this osteoclast-osteoblast balance. The trabecular and cortical parts of the bone both give off calcium to the body when it is needed, but as aging progresses the amount slowly declines. The rebuilding of bones makes them denser until about the age of 35 and peak period of bone mass building is somewhere between the ages of 25 to 35. After the age of 35, the body becomes slower and slower in replenishing bone as time goes on. Osteoporosis develops when bone resorption occurs too quickly or if formation occurs too slowly. Because weakened bones, an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip characterize osteoporosis, spine, and wrist are prevalent. Doctors have identified two types of osteoporosis that correlate with specific types of fractures. Type I osteoporosis, often referred to, as post enopausal osteoporosis, is most associated with wrist and spine fractures. Type II osteoporosis, also called senile osteoporosis, is generally attributed to reduced calcium by old age and causes mainly hip fractures. There are more than 300,000 hip fractures, 300,000 wrist fractures, and over 700,000 spinal fractures in the US each year (Peck and Avioli 19). Osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures each year and the cost to the healthcare system for these fractures is over 13.8 billion dollars per year, greater than the cost for congestive heart failure and asthma. Of the individuals who fractured a h ip, one-half will be permanently disabled, 20% will require long-term nursing care, and 20% of hip fracture victims die within a year, usually from complications caused by surgery. Hip fractures are responsible for about 65,000 deaths per year in the United States. Hence, osteoporosis represents a major public health problem. There is no single cause of osteoporosis, and it seems that there are many factors that contribute to the disease. Some people are more prone to develop osteoporosis than others are. Factors that increase

Response to students writings Essays

Response to students writings Essays Response to students writings Essay Response to students writings Essay STUDENT 1: The proposal for the research in NURSING SHORTAGE is certainly inline with the health problems that the country is facing at present. Moreover, the situation is much serious that studying it shall certainly be a great way of contributing to the development of the health industries in the country. The process or methodology that has been presented is actually suffice to answer the issues that the study itself presents to those who are primarily involved within the issue. It could also be helpful to add in several statistical rates that could prove the problem, thus making the study more valid. (Reference: Robert K. Yin. 2002. Applications of Case Study Research Second Edition (Applied Social Research Methods Series Volume 34). Sage Publications, Inc; Second Edition) STUDENT 2: The proposal for studying the causes and effects as well as the treatments needed to deal with obesity is certainly timely, thus the study itself raises the attention of several readers. The approach is also effective. However, being bias could at some point be helpful for the completion of the study, as it would naturally help the readers be argumentative in terms of the facts that are presented to them through the research. (Reference: Robert K. Yin. 2002. Applications of Case Study Research Second Edition (Applied Social Research Methods Series Volume 34). Sage Publications, Inc; Second Edition) STUDENT 3: Obesity is a fine topic. The process of gathering the needed data for the research is also viewed in a positive perspective on the part of the instructor. However, it is also helpful to use statistical data as to how the therapies are given a high regard by experts as they are used to treat obese patients who come in therapeutic appointments to actually ask assistance from the experts on the said field of specialty in health issues. (Reference: Geoffrey R. Marczyk. 2005. Essentials of Research Design and Methodology (Essentials of Behavioral Science). Wiley Publications) STUDENT 4: Present the research in a more in-depth reasoning as to how the topic actually affects the regular activities that are supposed to be dealt with by the individuals involved in the issue. Moreover. A comprehensive explanation of the different phases of obesity and how it affects personal development of individuals is also helpful for the completion of the proposed research issue to be discussed. (Reference: Commission on Health Research for Development. 1990. Health Research: Essential Link to Equity in Development. Oxford University Press, USA) STUDENT 5: The guide questions are good. To add up to a more in-depth discussion of the issue, it is then recommended that the questions still be furnished further so as to address to a more focused situation in smoking and its effects on the society and the individuals involved in smoking themselves. Moreover, it could also be helpful to incite the different issues that are connected with smoking and how it particularly delineates the situation of the already unhealthy individuals. (Reference: Geoffrey R. Marczyk. 2005. Essentials of Research Design and Methodology (Essentials of Behavioral Science). Wiley Publications) STUDENT 6: The competency of nurses as part of the healthcare industry’s growth is indeed an important factor to consider in research. The structure of the questions as major defining factors of the research however needs to be refurnished so as to be more focused and centralized. Statistical measures of the present novice nurses as reported by health institutions around the country could also be helpful in completing this research. (Reference: Commission on Health Research for Development. 1990. Health Research: Essential Link to Equity in Development. Oxford University Press, USA) STUDENT 7: True, the topic may be narrow, however, researching on the in depth analysis of why people are homeless and how they could be helped by government as well as non-government institutions is a fine way of extending the research topic. Being focused is a good way of preparing a research, this would naturally help the student be less cluttered in presenting the factors needed for the validation of the said study. (Reference: Commission on Health Research for Development. 1990. Health Research: Essential Link to Equity in Development. Oxford University Press, USA)

DYNAMICS OF THE ARAB- ISREALI CONFLICT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

DYNAMICS OF THE ARAB- ISREALI CONFLICT - Essay Example For example, Waltz (9) explains that human behavior is among the top causes of war. The author noted that wars occur because of human stupidity and selfishness. Elimination of wars is simple only after knowing the causes. For example, the article identifies human behavior as among the primary causes of war. As a result of that, elimination of war can be done by dealing with the behavior of men. This can be done through education or having the right policies. The article presents one narrative of Beverly Nicholas, who pointed out that making Norman Angell as an educational dictator would eliminate all the wars. Based on this narrative, it is clear that wars are closely related to the behavior of a person that is determined by his or her knowledge. It is not easy to explain to some individuals that war is human related because some do not agree. As noted from the article, some individuals think that wars cannot be controlled because they occur naturally. Zionist identity emerged as a result of various treatments of Jewish the land in which both Israel and Palestine claims. Zionism is viewed as an ideology that calls all the Jews to gather together in a single homeland. Arab aggression towards the Israelites is the cause of the formation of Zionist identity. According to Rogan and Shlaim (79), the Israelites had to confront the Arabs in 1948. Arabs thought that the Jews should be faced out from the map, and this led to Arab-Israel conflict in 1948. Jews emerged as the winners because of various reasons cited by the authors. The failure of Arabs during the Israel-Arab conflict is attributed to the division that existed between the coalitions of Arabs. Additionally, Arabs engaged the Israelites without considering the main aim of the war. The Authors also pointed out the failure by the Arabs to coordinate the military and diplomatic efforts as among the top contributors of their failure. Studies show that Palestine identity despite formation

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 33

Assignment Example Furthermore, the health department of Northern Carolina would always seek to ensure that the vaccination record of a child is checked once the child under consideration enrolls in a school, or a child care facility. It is important to provide an explanation that a child is not allowed to enroll in a school, whether it is private, religious, or even public without the same child receiving all immunizations that are appropriate and useful for their age. This policy is aimed at reducing the chances of a child to acquire diseases that are preventable through vaccination, as well as reducing the chances of such a disease spreading to vulnerable children. It is the following ailments that the state of North Carolina actively vaccinates its citizens against, HPV, Hepatitis A, and B, Diphtheria, Anthrax, Influenza, Mumps, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid, etc (Department of Health, 2014). Furthermore, for purposes of turning this vaccination policy into a success, the Government of North Carolina has developed a vaccination schedule that all health care agencies must follow while vaccinating children under the ages of 18 years. This schedule contains the identification of the ages in which children are supposed to be given certain doses of the vaccine, and identifies the type of vaccine to be administered. These vaccination schedules do not only identify the vaccination programs of children, but they also identify the vaccination programs of adults. In the medical field, a cohort study is always used to obtain evidence for purposes of disapproving the existence of an association between the causes and effects of a disease or medical condition. It is important to provide an explanation that by failing to disapprove an hypothesis, then chances are high people will start having confidence in it. It is important to understand that the cohort study can be a useful method in reporting on HPV, and tracking the disease. This is because scientists will identify a

Learning Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Learning Journal - Essay Example In order to fully achieve inclusiveness, most companies have been encouraged to adopt policies that reflect affirmative action and those that are in line with anti discrimination laws and regulations. The companies should also have various practices that embody different approaches to managing diversity dimension. Various studies I came across in human resource have focused on the question of diversity management and how firms can incorporate policies to ensure a more diverse workforce and how this will benefit the organizations. A common understanding is that managing diversity in the workforce can help an organization become more innovative and adaptable to the ever changing business environment as well as helping the organizations meet their performance objectives (Verspaandonk, Holand & Horne, 2010). I found out that in some jurisdictions, the issue of workforce diversity has been backed with a legal foundation. Companies are expected to comply with set out legislations concernin g employment procedures so as to avoid discrimination. In some cases, it’s mandatory for organizations to have guidelines and policies to ensure inclusiveness in terms of gender, race and disability (Dickens, 2000). The other relevant fact I came across in my study is that in order to achieve equality in employment, organizations have to take in to account both affirmative action and anti discrimination legislation as well as other approaches to managing diversity dimension. Affirmative action refers to the various policies that are used to ensure inclusiveness in areas of business, education and employment in terms of race, religion, sex or age. Diversity in the workforce refers to the policies and practices that aim at including people with certain qualities in the workforce, which the current staff does not have. This could either be on the basis of age, disability, experience, gender or special talents. In our country Australia, the idea of workforce diversity has been we lcomed by organizations both in the public and private sector (Strachan et al, 2010). Our Department of Immigration and Citizenship has been at the forefront at ensuring diversity at all levels of the department. This has enabled the department to be among the best performers in the public sector (Strachan et al, 2010). Diversity involves a wide range of issues in an organization. These issues are both internal and external to the organization but influence to a large extent the business operations (Dickens, L. 2000). Among the issues that affect diversity dimension in an organization include the organizational culture, ethnicity, religion and political power, disability, sexual and gender issues employee representation among others (Verspaandonk, Holand & Horne, 2010). In my opinion, in order to effectively manage diversity, businesses have to employ various strategies as well as following guidelines as well as working within the various laws and regulations from the state that aim at ensuring inclusion of marginalized individuals in the workforce. I also understand that diversity management is a key issue in human resource and has been the center of focus in recent studies and research in human resources, especially the business case

Authenticity For Investigating The Theory Of Musical Cultures Media Essay

Authenticity For Investigating The Theory Of Musical Cultures Media Essay For years authenticity has been an intriguing issue for journalists and academics investigating the theory of musical cultures. The early investigations concerned the comparison between the integral, honest and authentic folk music deriving from traditional culture against artificial, manufactured and inauthentic products of mass mediated and marketed business (Gardner, 2005). Alongside the popularisation of mass culture and the industries behind it, music fans developed the perception on traditional music, reflecting lives, practices and folklore of people by means that pop music was not. In order to differentiate themselves from the masses, people started to look for authenticity in music as identification with their culture, experiences, feelings and views (Moore, 2002). Also the ways in which the textual content has been delivered, as well as the means of instrumental expression were significantly related to the culture of music listeners (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). With the technological progress new instruments (for example synthesisers) were introduced by the increasing number of music performers, who at first were rejected as inauthentic, not associated with traditional artists craft. However, technology soon started to form new musical cultures, effectively mixing with the existing, long-established ones (Moore, 2002). Not only the instruments were subject to technical changes; the ways of documentation of artists performances also transformed over the years, supporting better quality recordings as well as more advanced and precise techniques of producing and editing recorded music (Persson, 2006). The use of digital music production has become more popular in recent years, allowing fixes and changes to the recorded performance. This study shall examine the relationship between authenticity of an artists craft and digital music production techniques. Background of the problem Many artists, even those who derive from the cultures they claim to represent, tend to work on improving their studio recordings to the point of even mechanical perfection. This can be the pitch excellence of every note played or sung, as well as beats and bars precision. Also the musical arrangements offer broader opportunities that can be acquired much easier than by traditional means, for example with digital synthesiser imitating the sound of violin or brass (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Such an attitude stands in opposition to the traditional meaning of craft as a profession based on particular set of skills. Thus, by denying the conventions of honesty, truth and genuineness, being authentic as an artist can be rejected by some of the fans. By identifying the correlation between such operations and perception on the artists craft in terms of its authenticity, another field in the music culture theory shall be acknowledged. In other words, understanding how the creation of recordings influence authenticity will update the subject data by one of the most recent issues. Statement of the problem By increasing ease of access to digital sound recording and editing tools, a number of music fans become more aware of how music is being made. This has influence on perceiving artists authenticity, especially referring to their craft, which can lead to interpreting them as well as producers as inauthentic manufacturers of music, whose main factor is no longer self-expression, but commercial success only. Statement of purpose The value terms of authenticity, honesty, integrity and realness are probably the most loaded (Moore, 2002). In an effort to identify possible correlations between those related to an artists craft and digital studio production techniques, the study will examine the perception on recorded music and how contemporary technologies can change it. In doing so, the study will uncover the key determinants of such changes. Rationale Digital recording and editing of music is relatively new subject. Therefore, the availability of academic articles on its impact on authenticity of an artists skills is very limited. Most of the bibliographic sources pertinent to the concept of authenticity, dating back to the late 1960s, investigate the subject area from different angles (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Although the majority of research has been conducted since the early 1990s, which is the time when Digital Audio Workstations were gaining popularity, very little of the studies focused on the relationship between authenticity and digital studio production techniques. A number of studies investigated authenticity as an ideological notion motivated culturally and industrially, included mostly in lyrics, interviews and artists image itself (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Drawing from the fields of history and music cultures evolvement, several studies looked at areas such as development of folk music, which primarily celebrated provincial culture, as well as rock genre, originally belonging to the entertainment music domain (Moore, 2002). Even more recent research does not cover the music production angle of the problem, only mentioning it occasionally in different sources. This study is guided by the rationale of exploring these determinants. Aims and objectives of the study The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between modern music production techniques and the craft of an artist. As influenced by the aim of the study, the primary objective of this dissertation is to examine and analyse the impact that digital retuning, elastic audio and general fixing of recorded sound and the impact of these changes on authenticity of an artists profession. In this context the main objectives of the research study could be stated as: To identify the correlation between contemporary music production techniques and the craft of an artist To evaluate the influence that digital changes, made to the recorded sound, have on authenticity of the artists profession Research question Is applying any digital changes or fixes to recorded sound influence authenticity of an artists craft? Definitions of terms The following definitions are supplied to guarantee a common understanding of the primary terms used in this study. Mass culture is the whole of the culture shared by all, except for infrequent individuals who still appreciate the traditional high culture, which stands to the opposite to the term. It is argued that the mass, meaning the people, enthusiastically accepts whatever manipulative elites provide it with (DiMaggio, 2004). Craft is any object or output that is the development of practical and aesthetic skills and of the vision through the formation and creation of personal work, sold for profit (Houghton, 2005). Although it must have high degree of hand-made input, it does not have to consist of traditional materials or ways of production. The design of craft may be culturally set in the geographical place of creation (McAuley and Fillis, 2005). Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a digitally based platform that is designed mainly for recording and editing sound. It replaces the traditional tape-based recording techniques, which were complex and time consuming, with fast, precise and convenient digital ones, providing wider choice of tools to process recorded sound (Dye, 2008). Research method The study was both desk-based and ethnographic. Books and articles on authenticity and different angles of defining the concept, as well as on modern audio production techniques were reviewed. In addition, primary data on perceiving authenticity by artists, producers and fans of music was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study also examined transformations in interpreting authenticity of an artists skill in relation to changes applied to the sound. Assumptions and limitations This study was affected by several assumptions and limitations. First, it used a multiple choice survey, which means that the respondents were not entirely free to specify their views on the questions. This could imply some of the answers not to be accurately representative in terms of the respondents point of view, but only closely related to it. The second limitation of this study is the sample size, which was small and limited to the High Wycombe based population and online respondents only. In fact, there is no indication that the sample in this study is representative of the broader population. The third limitation of this research is the fact that the collection of data took place at particular period of time. Thus, there is no guarantee that the received responses would be indicative of responses requested and given at other time. There is also a possibility that other issues, remaining outside of the researchers control (time of day, recent conflicts, setting, or tiredness of the respondents) might influence the answers (Laurel, 2003). Description of thesis organisation The research consists of five chapters. The first one shapes the area of interest and delineates the examined problem. The research questions are introduced, the studys limitations are characterised and the selected methodology is generally and briefly discussed. The second chapter reviews literature on authenticity and modern music production techniques, particularly relating to those basing on digital sound changing. The third chapter discusses the studys methodology, the strategies used for collection of primary and secondary data, as well as concludes with a rationalization of the defined selections, recognising some inherent boundaries. The fourth chapter presents the studys discoveries as updated by the primary and secondary data collection and answers the research questions described in the first chapter. Responses to the research questions evaluated in the first chapter and an investigation on the accuracy of the research assumptions are presented in the findings. The fifth chapter concluded the research and defines the studys recommendations. Conclusion As described in this chapter, the studys subject shall be the relationship between digitally based music production techniques and authenticity of an artists craft. The next chapter presents the literature reviewed for this study. CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction This chapter reviews the literature on authenticity and contemporary music production techniques. Although there is a wealth of literature on the subject of authenticity, very few focuses on the process of the formation of recorded music, while none exploits the correlation between an artists craft authenticity and modern audio production. Instead, and as will be seen throughout this review, the majority of studies consider the socio-cultural aspect of perceiving artists authenticity by fans and theorists of music, as well as the historical one. 2.2 Authenticity in the history of popular music The early theorists of popular music warned against the expanding mass consuming culture that offered artificial art, considered to be inauthentic. For example, Walter Benjamin stated his predictions concerning the world of art and music as uniformed by mass production and with no perspectives for any heterogeneity (1935). Before the growth of the culture oriented industry, musical styles and practices were less influenced by what is considered entertaining and instead they were developing independently, aiming for pure expression of the art. Then, the rise of the business, led to the standardisation of popular culture, which was influenced by its modernisation and industrialisation (Adorno, 1991). In other words, the industry started to apply fixed formulas to the music, considering them to make it more entertaining and therefore more likely to be consumed by more people. Such an approach from the industrys side, led the fans to start missing more honest and integral cultural expressions, and thus, to seek for more genuine, traditional alternative. This was often found in folk music, as by the specifications of it, folk has been developed traditionally as an expression of peoples lives and experiences in different manner than popular culture (Gardner, 2005). Because people were searching for identity and integrity, that would distinguish themselves from the masses, the industry started to adopt different genres, marketing them as more soulful and real options (Sloop and Herman, 1998). It was not only the industry standards that influenced perceiving music as inauthentic. Together with the technological development, people started using amplified electric guitars or electronic instruments, such as synthesisers, which led to a division of music listeners (Moore, 2002). This was quickly adopted by the industry, which appeared to separate music clubs between traditional and contemporary ones. The situation was as serious as the traditionally oriented venues tended to refuse to accept a performer who used modern technology as part of the performance (Boyes, 1993). 2.3 What is authenticity Although the concept of authenticity is explained differently in variety of sources, most of them present similar view that the definition if very subjective. Allan Moore for example, presents a set of value terms that are identified with authenticity: real, honest, truthful, with integrity, actual, genuine, essential and sincere (2002). Also Gilbert and Pearson specify the requirements of authentic rock of the 1980s, wherein the fundamental role of artists was to represent the culture from which they come, speaking the truth of their situations and using particular type of instrumentation (1999). In other words, these theorists claim that authenticity is not any fixed combination of musical sounds or set of lyrical content, but it refers to the artist or the whole of their performance as a matter of interpretation, which should be made from cultural and therefore historical position (Rubidge, 1996). Thus, it is not the integral part of a performance, but something that can be assign ed to one, meaning that the choice whether it is authentic or not, depends on who the one is. Moore considers the rock discourse to be the one frequently referring to authenticity in the textual and musical spheres. He argued that it is the style of writing and performing that made the audience decide of its authenticity, and that it particularly referred to the singer (2002). What also should be noted is the attributes of an artists intimacy and immediacy, that indicate authenticity, meaning that one should uncover their feelings and experiences in unmediated shape and with the purity of sound production (Moore, 2002). Grossberg goes further by stating that the difference between the authentic and the inauthentic lies within the purpose that an artist has in the musical expression. Whether it is the art itself, the public or the income driven by this, defines the authentic as the opposite of commercial (1992). Thus, in order to classify the integrate, the performers realism and lack of pretence have to be examined (Moore, 2002). 2.3.1 First person authenticity The fundamental form of authenticity that was introduced by Charles Taylor (1997) as an expression that can be outlined in an initiatory instance, which Moore later describes as immediacy of expression (2002). This concept has also been reviewed by Bohlman, who identifies the authentic as the constant demonstration of the stylistic genesis, which means the purity of practice (1988). In other words, he presents his idea of an authentic artist as the one whose musical style remains loyal to the origins of the genre. On the other hand, Grossberg (1992) indicates the honesty of experience as the main determinant of authenticity, meaning the lyrical content of the song expressing real experiences of an artist. Both Bohlmans and Grossbergs views are supported by Redhead, who claims that real instruments (referring to the purity of practice) should go along real feelings; the artistic transparency and loyalty to the roots of music in conjunction with a genuine message (1990). Walser argues that even technological mediation, for example use of signal modifiers or amplification, is synonymous to pretence, pointing at artificiality and thus inauthenticity of an act (1993). Such an approach is related to Taylors authenticity of positionality, which describes the authenticity of musicians who reject to get influenced by the commercial music, for example by implementing the style of Western musicians by non-Western ones (1997). Wiseman-Trowse underlines another aspect of the immediate performance, which is the stage one, where an artist has actual opportunity to engage the audience, as opposed to the recorded performance (2008). On stage it is possible for a listener to compare both recorded and live ones, as well as for an artist to convert the listeners perception on authenticity of the performance. On this basis one can decide whether it is the genuine artistic skill that is present on a recording, or rather a result of the work of a skilful producer (Auslander, 1999). As Moore underlines the concept of the first person authenticity, all of the above understandings of the term are connected by the direction towards they lead. This entails the perception on authenticity that is implemented by the personal interpretation made by an entity being a part of the audience (2002). In other words, the first person authenticity occurs when a performer is received by an individual as an integral one who expresses their art in an unmediated way. 2.3.2 Third person authenticity Fornà ¤s distinguishes three types of authenticity: social, subjective and meta ones. They differ with regard to the act of judgement: first is made by a particular community, second depends on the individual, while the last one is evidenced by the consideration of the performer or the author of lyrics (1995). Although meta-authenticity is described as an act of validation made by the author, this side of the subject is also present in the other two types. According to Grossberg, the authentic performer needs to express their own feelings, which are simultaneously shared with the public (1992). This type of authenticity is pictured by adopting the original blues music style, deriving from the economically poor Mississippi delta, to the 1960s movement represented by artists like Cream. The band used to play a cover song of Robert Johnson, Crossroads. Even though Cream did not grow neither over the Mississippi area, nor in the 1930s, they found themselves identifying with the song (Coleman, 1994). This allowed them to express themselves through reproducing Johnsons art and remaining authentic (at least in their own opinion). The third person authenticity is supported by Vaughan Williams, who claims that the artist can never create from the state of entire independence, without any influence of earlier musical acts. Thus, the musician needs predecessors in order to base the artistic experience on them (1987). Thus, the third person authenticity occurs if a performing artist successfully represents the ideas, experiences and feelings of another. 2.3.3 Second person authenticity Grossberg specifies another type of authenticity that, as opposed to the first and third person ones, is being justified by the artists capability to successfully express the experiences of the listeners (1992). Thus, it is the audience that recognises the authentic by basing on their own feelings and thoughts that are presented by an artist. Moore exemplifies this approach by mentioning the 1980s rock scene, which was dominated by synthesisers. The dedication to traditional rock was therefore exposed by the focus on the guitar based instrumentation used by the bands like U2, Big Country, Simple Minds, The Alarm or Bruce Springsteen, who derive from socially disadvantaged areas. By using the guitar, that was easily reachable, they tried to metaphorically escape from their reality (2002). This means, that it is culturally constructed process of artists authentication made by the audience that seeks for the validation of their own experiences in art. 2.3.4 Authenticity as a renewable resource Richard Peterson (1997) introduced the concept of authenticity as a renewable resource, claiming that it is renovated with every era and expansion of popular music with its production. He states that the shifting conditions are reflected by the meaning of authenticity, which is defined by a collective argumentation of fans, performers and producers. It is argued that authenticity is not inseparable in the recording, or a performance, which intend to be authentic by design. In popular culture, the particulars of the words meaning are not controlled by specialists and authorities; it aims to be credible qualified to a explicit model and simultaneously remain original. In other words, it has to fit within fixed framework, not being an imitation of it at the same time. Thus, what is authentic, varies continuously renewing all the time and never remaining static. However, Robert Gardner (2005) disagrees with the generalisation of authenticity as renewable resource. He points out that even the genre on which Peterson has based his research, should not be considered authentic in the contemporary state of it, having been deprived of its integral roots, which displays for example on ABCs Monday Night Football, which uses Hank Williams Jrs theme song. 2.4 Digital audio Todays recording systems, like Pro Tools, Cuebase or Logic, are using the digital way of sound capturing. It is then saved as samples, which are small bits that recorded sound consists of. Frank D. Cook describes sound samples as analogical to pixels in digitally saved images (2009). In order to understand digital audio, it is important to present what sound essentially is. When a human ear hears a sound, it in fact experiences variations of the air pressure around it. These are result of vibrations of objects, that are moving in cycles. If the object is vibrating at a frequency that falls within the range of human hearing, we perceive it as a sound (Cook, 2009, p 21). The actual character of the sound depends on the waveform, frequency and the vibrations amplitude. 2.4.1 Waveform The waveform is the very thing that creates the humans perception on the shape of the sound. This means that one can find out what is the source of the sound, as every object vibrates differently, giving the waveform the distinctive nature and tone (Cook, 2009). 2.4.2 Frequency Human hearing has the range of approximately 20 and 20000 cycles (the whole back-and-forth vibrations) per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). This determines the pitch of the sound, where lower frequencies generate lower sounds; while higher frequencies produce higher pitches (Cook, 2009). For example, the frequency of 130 Hz is assigned to the musical note C3, whereas the semitone lower B2 names the frequency of 123 Hz. 2.4.3 Amplitude The loudness perceived by the human ear depends on the pressure or intensity of the sound variations and is measured in decibels (dB). Thus, the sound becomes louder as the amplitude of vibrations increases. For example, the loudness of a regular conversation is 60 dB. In order to double the loudness, the amplitude would have to be increased to 70 dB (Cook, 2009). 2.5 Modern studio production techniques Dan Daley suggests that listening to the recorded vocals on the radio nowadays brings to mind the increasing popularity of guitar effects in the 1970s, when fuzz, distortion, flanging and wah-wah processors overwhelmed traditional sounding guitars (2003). As it was argued then, whether the non-purist approach is inauthentic or rather an artistic expression of modernity, it is arguable if changing recorded vocals or instruments digitally can be perceived as genuine representation of art (Daley, 2003). The turning point of pitch correction technique came along Chers single Believe in 1998, on which digital vocal processing has been not only used, but made very noticeable. Since then, the number of artists using these features is continuously increasing, as well as there are more and more ways of using them, even to the point of intentional distortion of recorded sound (Daley, 2003). 2.5.1 Pitch correction The pitch correction feature, available by both DAW plug-ins as well as standalone programs allows automatic or manual change of recorded sounds pitch. The most common use of pitch correction is fixing a vocal performance; if a singer sings a false note, the digital technology allows the producer to fix it quickly, without another take. There are two ways of correcting pitch. Automatic mode usually lets the user to choose a musical scale according to which both flat and sharp notes should be corrected. Manual mode provides a graph of the notes that allows the producer to change the pitch of separate sounds manually, by moving the graphical representation of them up and down (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2009). 2.5.2 Elastic audio Huber and Runstein point out another feature that provided by digital technology. Elastic audio allows the change of the timing of recorded sound (2009), for example fixing a guitarists performance, who might have recorded a solo slower than the actual song and then speed it up. This tool does not only generate a change of a tracks speed, but also each sound can be stretched or shrunk separately and manually by the producer (Huber and Runstein, 2009). Such a tool can repair a poor performance that is out of time and make it sound technically perfect. 2.6 Contemporary production techniques and authenticity An American singer and songwriter, Neko Case, expressed her views on auto-tune in the interview for Pitchfork. She claims that singing is not important anymore, as instead bad singing is fixed by the producer (2006). Case also argues that an artist who uses shift correction on vocals cannot be taken seriously, losing all the integrity. Moreover, the singer clearly points out that an artists craft needs more work and thus, those who do not spend this extra hour in the studio trying to hit the note are not valid (Case, 2006). Allison Moore, a singer from Nashville, goes one step further in her proclaiming about using modern production tools on records. She put a sticker on the front cover of her LP release, Miss Fortune, which states Absolutely no vocal tuning or pitch-correction was used in the making of this record (2002). She is a keen supporter of the view that albums should be recorded and mixed in the old way, that is becoming progressively rare (Daley, 2003). On the other hand, the guitarist of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, Jack White argues that pop artists, like Britney Spears can be more authentic than Tom Waits or Bob Dylan (2009). His rationale for such a controversial opinion was that he finds more authentic an artist whose musical expression is made the way they best know and feel. In other words, White points out that in the modern music world somebody who has grown listening mainly to pop (thus commercial, manufactured and by definition inauthentic) music, knows it as their primary way of articulating feelings and experiences and therefore is not pretentious, which leads to perceiving them as authentic (2009). Some genres can be more focused on the authentic side of studio recording. An example of such an approach is Pearl Jam, representing grunge music. The bands drummer, Matt Cameron called their album Riot Act is an anti-Pro Tools record: Its more interesting hearing musicians in a room playing hard, with the tempo fluctuating slightly as the band heats up. Perfection is boring (2009). He pointed out a significant thing about the modern technology by recalling one of the most popular DAWs as a synonym of commercial and unreal music. Josh Binder argues that the features of pitch/timing of a recorded track does not have to be used only as a tool for fixing a bad performance. This young producer, who has been learning his profession in the world that has already accepted the existence of digital retuning, claims that he uses Auto-Tune (one of the leading digital tools used for pitch correction) to enrich the vocal sound of even a perfectly sung track (2009). An engineer, Michael Brauer, applies no limitations in terms of using available technologies to make a good-sounding record. He states that he is employed for the purpose of helping to make songs that can be sold, regardless of the artists abilities (2009). Nevertheless, he still believes that one needs talent to be an artist and if they cannot sing or play at all, no technology can help them (2009). 2.7 Conclusion The subject of authenticity alone has generated vast amount of theoretical angles of consideration. This has been motivated by the very nature of it, assuming that perception of what is honest, genuine or integral depends on the actual perceiver. Moreover, three basic ways of interpreting the authentic have been specified, which determined further research direction. Furthermore, the digital music production techniques have been described, clarifying how recorded sound can be changed or fixed by contemporary recording and mixing tools. The chapter also presented different perceptions on the relationship between digital production techniques and authenticity of an artists craft. Chapter III describes the methodology used for this study. A review of the studys purpose and investigated questions was presented. This is followed by an outline of the research design and the survey instrument used for it, along with the procedures for data collection and analysis. CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter reflects the studys selected research methodology. As will be seen, the methodology is the subject of the purpose of this study and is supported by the evaluation of the most beneficial approach responding to the research questions. As such, this chapter presents the purpose of the study, the research questions and hypothesis, as well as discusses the data collection and data analysis procedures and the limitations of the research. 3.1 Purpose of the study The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of authenticity with specific focus on its perception as influenced by applying digital studio production techniques. The reason for doing so is determining what impact changing the recorded sound has on authenticity of an artists craft. To fulfil this purpose, it was significant to review literature on authenticity, as well as on contemporary music production techniques. This necessitated an exploration of the nature of perceiving authenticity by music fans, producers (record manufacturers), as well as artists themselves. At the same time it was important to explore the ways in which recorded sound, being the performance can be edited, fixed and generally changed. All of this was done in order to fulfil the primary purpose of the study, which was the identification of the influence modern production practices can have on authenticity of an artists skill. As it can be presumed from the above, the current research has an explanatory purpose. According to Silverman, the aim for explanatory research is needed to define an occurrence or make a complex subject comprehensible (2006). This can be done by clarifying the correlations between variables. The purpose of the study aims to explain th

Private School Vouchers Essay -- essays research papers

Proposals to use private school vouchers, a marketplace strategy, as a mechanism by which to improve the general quality of public education have produced a lively debate. Frequently, that debate has degenerated into a disagreement about whether public schools are as good as private schools or whether a given private school is better than a certain neighborhood public school. Other issues raised in these discussions include the appropriate use of public funds, the role of competition in improving public education, and the right of parents to choose a school for their children. Although these issues are of interest, they are not the fundamental questions which must be raised about the future of public schools in a democracy.Two Core Issues In their rush to the marketplace, the proponents of private school choice supported by public funds have chosen to ignore two core issues. First, the advocates of private school choice studiously avoid any discussion of the relationship between pub lic schools and the common or public good in a democracy. As an example, the Governor of Wisconsin asserts that "any school that serves the public is a public school" and should therefore receive public funds through a voucher system. There is no recognition in this proposal of the distinct and unique purpose of public education in serving the public good. This rhetorical sleight-of-hand does not mean that a private school of choice becomes a public school in purpose simply by so defining it. The claim is merely a device to divert public funds for private purposes.The failure to recognize that public schools have a central responsibility in a democratic society is further evidenced by the work of John Chubb and Terry Moe, who argue that improving the efficiency and quality of public education will require the replacement of democratic governance by market mechanisms. The authors state, "The most basic cause of ineffective performance among the nation's public schools is their subordination to public authority. ... The school's most fundamental problems are rooted in the institutions of democratic control by which they are governed".Chubb and Moe deny the historic purposes of public schools when they reject the idea that educational policy should be directed by a common vision or purpose. They assert, "It should be apparent that schools have no immutab... ...t serve them simply cannot endure and thrive in a climate of economic abandonment. Private school choice is a diversion sponsored by those whose collective economic decisions have made life in our urban community a daily struggle for survival. ReferencesChubb, John E. and Moe, Terry M. Politics, Markets, and America's Schools. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institution, 1990.Elam, Stanley, M., Rose, Lowell C., and Gallup, Alec M. "The 26th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools." Phi Delta Kappan (September 1994): 41-56.Henig, Jeffrey R. Rethinking School Choice: The Limits of the Market Metaphor. Princeton:Princeton University Press, 1994.Kelly, Elizabeth A. Education, Democracy, and Public Knowledge. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1995.Kozol, Jonathan. Savage Inequalities. New York: Crown Press, 1991.Plank, David N. and Boyd, William Lowe. "Antipolitics, Education, and Institutional Choice: The Flight From Democracy." American Educational Research Journal (Summer 1994): 263-281.Witte, John. Third Year Report: Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. Madison, WI: Robert La Follette Institute of Public Affairs, 1993.

Herman Miller Inc Case Study Essay

Until 2003, HMI offered lifelong employment. How did this practice affect the company’s ability to staff the organization with managers and employees capable of executing the strategy? How did this practice build the organizational capabilities required for successful strategy execution? Lifelong employment is known as permanent employees work for a single employer and are paid directly by that employer. In addition to their wages, they often receive benefits like subsidized health care, paid vacations, holidays, sick time, or contributions to a retirement plan. Permanent employees are often eligible to switch job positions within their companies. Even when employment is â€Å"at will†, permanent employees of large companies are generally protected from abrupt job termination by severance policies, like advance notice in case of layoffs, or formal discipline procedures. They may be eligible to join a union, and may enjoy both social and financial benefits of their employment. Lifelong employment facilitates long-term growth for employees, companies and industries. It develops seasoned personnel and allows company and projects to build on lessons learned. Project in particular, benefit from this information transfer, as teams and individual are poised to take the expertise and knowledge of one experience to the next challenge, building continuity for the entire industry. This experience results in better asset management and improved life-of-field systems that are safe and efficient to operate. Lifelong employment facilitate: improved engineering designs; longer lead times for manufacturing and sourcing of equipment; improved constructability; lower cost for operations and maintenance; opportunities for expanded development; stronger knowledge base to tackle tough technical issues. Organization provides lifelong employees a much better benefit package such as paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Most importantly, those employees normally can expect career advancement and the opportunity to be part of a larger team and the pursuit of long-term goals. Organization takes a long-term focus on employees with regard to training, benefits, retention and involvement in industry activities. Most importantly, organization focused on improvement through lessons learned, translating knowledge gained  with each project into innovative opportunities for projects worldwide. Experienced, lifelong employment makes this challenge a reality, capturing lessons, observations and new ideas for ongoing and future applications. (Bruce Crager, World Energy, Vol.9, No. 1, P88-90) Do non-monetary incentives facilitate strategy execution at HMI? Explain. Yes, non-monetary incentives facilitate strategy execution at HMI. Justifiability Tangible incentives offer features that recipients often see as luxuries. In other words, a trip or item that a sales person may not be able to justify purchasing themselves, even if they had sufficient funds, is now attainable through their performance. The need to justify the consumption of the tangible reward is eliminated by the hard work put forth to create the opportunity. The value increases in the participant’s mind with the increased difficulty to obtain it. This lack of need to justify the use of the reward increases the motivational impact of working to obtain it. ( Jeffrey, Scott A., Shaffer, V. The Motivational Properties of Tangible Incentives. Compensation and Benefits Review. May/June 2007) Social Reinforcement The high level of visibility of this reward increases the ability for family, friends and colleagues to recognize and acknowledge the tangible incentive. The ‘trophy value’ is high hence reinforcing the performance to obtain it. Tangible Tangible non-cash incentive rewards offer an immediate visual imagery and associated experience. The ability to see oneself sitting on the beach in Hawaii or watching the 60† plasma television has an immediate motivating response to individuals over the monetary value that would be equal to these items. Separate Impact A tangible non-cash award is immediately separated from the sales person’s income and therefore typically not ‘lumped’ with other funds. This  separation from regular income has positive association back to the awarding firm and provides more motivational impact for sales people or employees. Promotability/Communication Value Companies get extended value from offering tangible non-cash awards because the recipients often will share their rewards or experiences with others. They also are proud to communicate their accomplishment with others, spreading the word about the company in the process. Discretionary Reward Because tangible non-cash rewards are not designed to be used for regular bill paying, recipients feel good about using them for aspirational, memorable items or experiences. These good feelings extend toward the company whenever they use the items or look at the trip pictures. Success Creation in Program Design The incentive non-cash program should include the following key components building on the motivating factors to insure its success during implementation, acceptance and rollout. (Jeffrey, Scott, 2004, University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business, The Benefits of Tangible Non-Monetary Incentculture as ives) Describe the culture at HMI. Would you characterize HMI’s culture as healthy and largely supportive of good strategy execution? Explain. Teams were often cross-functional. Membership on a team was based on the employee’s ability to contribute to that team. Teams were often based on product development. When the product had been developed, the members of that team were redistributed to new projects. New projects could come from any level in the organization. Workers at all levels were encouraged to put forth new ideas. Because Herman Miller workers felt empowered, a new manager could run into some startling behavior. All Herman Miller employees could work 16 paid hours a year with a charitable organization of their choice. The company set goals for the number of employee volunteer hours contributed  annually to its communities. Progress toward meeting those goals was reported to the CEO. The environmental Affairs Team had responsibility for such activities as recycling solid waste and designing products from sustainable resources. Herman Miller’s beliefs carried over to the family and the community. For example, one employee chose more costly fiber cement board over PVC siding when in restoring their home, because Herman Miller had a policy â€Å"to avoid PVC wherever possible†. Another employee was involved in a youth soccer association that raised money to buy uniforms by collecting newspapers and aluminum cans. The company’s beliefs carried over to all functional areas of the business. Some of them were obviously beneficial, and some were simply the way Herman Miller chose to conduct its business. But we cannot deny HMI’s culture as healthy and largely supportive of good strategy execution. To sum up, the overall business goals of any organization are both bottom-line-oriented and employee satisfaction-oriented. In the development of an incentive reward system it is important to implement a program that will help an organization reach its organizational objectives while enhancing employee/customer satisfaction, retention and performance. The implementation of non-monetary tangible rewards in an organization’s incentive program will be the best decision for all employee/customer influencing managers to implement when working to reach sales quota, revenue numbers and overall goals for the firm. The motivating factors behind performance can be far reaching. (Jeffrey, Scott A., Shaffer, V. The Motivational Properties of Tangible Incentives. Compensation and Benefits Review. May/June 2007)

Political Parties and the Facebook Founder

Political Parties and the Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg says hes neither a Democrat nor a Republican. But his social media network, Facebook, has played a huge role in American politics, particularly the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Zuckerberg Isnt Affiliated With a Major Party Zuckerberg is registered to vote in Santa Clara County, California, but does not identify himself as being affiliated with the Republican, Democrat or any other party, according to a 2013 report in the Wall Street Journal. I think its hard to affiliate as being either a Democrat or a Republican. Im pro knowledge economy, Zuckerberg said in September 2016. Facebook Political Action Committee The Facebook cofounder  and his companys  political action committee  have  given tens of  thousands of dollars to political candidates of both parties in recent years, a relatively small amount relative to the vast sums of money flowing through the election process. Yet the billionaire’s spending on campaigns does not tell us much  about his political affiliation, a topic of much speculation. Zuckerberg is a major contributor to Facebook’s political-action committee, called Facebook Inc. PAC. He’s given $25,000 to the PAC since 2011, according to federal records. The Facebook PAC raised nearly $350,000 in the 2012 election cycle. It spent $277,675 supporting federal candidates; Facebook spent more on Republicans ($144,000) than it did on Democrats ($125,000).   In the 2016 elections, Facebook PAC spent $517,000 supporting federal candidates. In all, 56 percent went to Republicans and 44 percent went to Democrats. In the 2018 election cycle, Facebook PAC spent $278,000 supporting candidates for federal office, mostly on Republicans, records show. Zuckerberg did, however, give his largest one-time donation to the Democratic Party in San Francisco in 2015 when he cut a check for $10,000, according to Federal Election Commission records. He has sharply criticized President Trumps Republican immigration policies, saying he was concerned about the impact of the presidents first executive orders. We need to keep this country safe, but we should do that by focusing on people who actually pose a threat, Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page. Expanding the focus of law enforcement beyond people who are real threats would make all Americans less safe by diverting resources, while millions of undocumented folks who dont pose a threat will live in fear of deportation. Zuckerbergs large donation to Democrats and his criticism of Trump have led some to the conclusion that the Facebook CEO is a Democrat. But Zuckerberg did not contribute to anyone in the 2016 congressional or presidential races, not even Democrat Hillary Clinton. He also stayed out of the 2018 midterm elections, records show. But Zuckerberg and Facebook have  nonetheless come under intense scrutiny for the social networks outsized influence on American political discourse, in particular its role in the 2016 election. Campaign Contributions to Republicans and Democrats Zuckerberg himself has contributed to:   Sean Eldridge: Zuckerberg contributed the maximum $5,200 to the Republican House candidate’s campaign committee in 2013. Eldridge is husband of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, according to the National Journal.Orrin G. Hatch: Zuckerberg contributed the maximum $5,200 to the Republican senator from Utah’s campaign committee in 2013.Marco Rubio: Zuckerberg contributed the maximum $5,200 to the Republican senator from Florida’s campaign committee in 2013.Paul D. Ryan: Zuckerberg contributed $2,600 to the failed 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee and House member in 2014.Charles E. Schumer: Zuckerberg contributed the maximum $5,200 to the Democratic senator from New York’s campaign committee in 2013.Cory Booker:  Zuckerberg also contributed $7,800 in 2013 to the  prominent member of the Democratic Party and senator  who is widely believed to be a leading candidate for president as soon as 2020. But  Zuckerberg  sought and received a full ref und for unexplained reasons. Facebooks Role in the 2016 Election Facebook has drawn fire not for its or its founders campaign contributions, however, but for its business practices. The company has been criticized for allowing partisan third parties (one of which had ties to the Trump campaign) to collect data about users, and for allowing its platform to serve as a tool for Russian groups seeking to sow discord among the American electorate. Zuckerberg was called to testify in his own defense before members of Congress who had express concern for user privacy. The companys largest controversy to date has been the disclosure, first reported by The New York Times, that a political consulting firm harvested the data of tens of millions of Facebook users, information that was later used to build psychological profiles of potential voters in 2016. The firm, Cambridge Analytica, worked for the Trump campaign in 2016. Its misuse of the data prompted internal investigations by Facebook and the suspension of about 200 apps. Facebook was also hammered by policymakers for allowing the  proliferation of misinformation, often called fake news, across its platform- misinformation that was designed to disrupt the election process, government officials have said. A  Kremlin-backed firm called the  Internet Research Agency purchased thousands of derogatory Facebook ads as part of its operations to interfere in elections and political processes,† federal prosecutors allege. Facebook did little, if anything, to discourage the spread of misinformation before and during the campaign. Zuckerberg and Facebook launched efforts to take down fake accounts and misinformation. The social media cofounder told members of Congress the company previously didnt take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. It was my mistake, and Im sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and Im responsible for what happens here. Political Advocacy Zuckerberg is among the tech leaders behind FWD.us, or Forward U.S. The group is organized as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization under Internal Revenue Service code. That means it can spend money on electioneering or make contributions to super PACs without naming individual donors. FWD.us spent $600,000 on lobbying for immigration reform in 2013, according to the Center For Responsive Politics in Washington. The group’s primary mission is to get policy makers to pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes, among other tenets, a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States who do not have legal status. Zuckerberg and many tech leaders are lobbying Congress to pass measures that would allow for more temporary visas to be issued to high-skilled workers. The contributions to individual members of congress or candidates listed above are examples of his support for those who back immigration reform. Zuckerberg, though he personally has contributed to Republican political campaigns, has said the FWD.us is nonpartisan. â€Å"We will work with members of Congress from both parties, the administration and state and local officials,† Zuckerberg wrote in The Washington Post. â€Å"We will use online and offline advocacy tools to build support for policy changes, and we will strongly support those willing to take the tough stands necessary to promote these policies in Washington.†