Humanity Survey Analysis Paper

The true answer lies within the actions of the beings of this world. In order to fully determine the answer of the question, one must observe each person's opinion of mankind's characteristic and behavior individually. In this essay, I will be explaining and accentuating the details on people's personal opinions on mankind's behavior and the decorum of humanities interests. In order to achieve desired data, I have conducted a survey interviewing 35 individuals with three questions; Is man essentially indifferent to the suffering of others, or no? Are humans â€Å"sheep† who allow others, or do we follow our own path in life?Are humans basically selfish and selfless? Data showed that out of 35 individuals, 54. 3% of participants state that man is not indifferent, 76. 47% saying that humans are sheep and roughly 88. 5% stating that man is selfish and gloriousness. Judging by the results, you can conclude that most people say that man is selfish and sheepskin people but is not in different. Therefore, the sun. ‘eye shows that peoples opinions are optimistic, but not to the point where survival of the fittest is kicked, to the part here 31 individuals have agreed to the selfish criteria.In this world, I believe there are two types of people: sheep or the wolf. Being the sheep, as said so in the survey, is when people follow the footsteps of others only to achieve similar goals that do not have meaning. Being the wolf is where people separate from the pack and venture off on their path which ultimately leads to loneliness. Coming from a family full Of medical majors, doctors and dentists, I sought to be the wolf of the world where I can become a part of something great. For years, eave dreamt of changing the world by giving what it sorely needs to survive, energy.In the future, I want to be the one who develops clean energy for the world. Therefore, believe that mankind is indifferent and selfish in their own ways, I individually speaking. Many people ha ve stated that humanity is cruel or selfless, indifferent or heedful. Humanity has been called many things due to its lack of consideration or crudeness such as global warming, war, animal cruelty, or domestic violence. But are we so buried deep inside our flaws that we cannot fathom that fact we can do better to change ourselves?Or are we too adamant to face reality where people are using Darning's theory of survival of the fittest keep their place in this world conquered by feudal society? History has shown us dynamic social and industrial revolutions and world wars, showing man's capability of destroying itself over a piece of land or some border skirmish half/ay around the world, TO ensure selflessness and to pave our pathway towards success, we must act immediately on our behalf to lead better lives, so we can thrive as a whole. It would not only change ourselves individually, but will the change the world forever.

Relationship of Race and Ethnicity Essay

Former President Jimmy Carter once said, â€Å"We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams† (â€Å"iCelebrateDiversity. com†). The United States has grown to be a country of immigrants filled with different beliefs, cultures, faiths, and heritages. Therefore, there is a diverse ethnic population among the people of America. Theories seek to explain why ethnic distinctions are made in the first place, why some ethnic groups discriminate against others†¦, why prejudice exists, why some ethnic groups remain identifiable, and why others melt into the dominant culture. Many different theories exist concerning ethnic relations (Aguirre and Turner 32). My racial and ethnic identity comes from what these theories or theoretical perspectives have to say. There are two theories that relate to my racial and ethnic identity. The first is called the assimilation theory. Milton Gordon (1964) emphasizes, it is to â€Å"the middle class cultural patterns of †¦ white, Anglo-Saxon† culture that immigrants to the United States have had to adapt (Aguirre and Turner 33). What he is saying was that every ethnic group that has immigrated to the United States has had to change their customs and ways to adapt to the white, Anglo-Saxon culture. There are different degrees in which the different ethnic subpopulations had to make progress in adjusting to the Anglo-Saxon culture. Cultural assimilation occurs when the values, beliefs, dogmas, ideologies, language, and other systems of symbols of the dominant culture are adopted (Aguirre and Turner 33). All the ethnic groups have been culturally assimilated to the Anglo-Saxon culture. Along with cultural assimilation comes structural assimilation. Structural assimilation occurs when migrant ethnic groups become members of the primary groups within dominant ethnic subpopulations like their families, close friends, cliques within clubs, and groups within organizations (Aguirre and Turner 33). It is harder to accomplish structural assimilation than cultural assimilation because it involves access into interacting and associating with the dominant ethnic groups. Members of ethnic groups may lack more primary and personal connections with members of dominant ethnic groups even when they enter more secondary and formal structures like schools, workplaces, and political arenas. The social identity theory, also known as the psychological theory, is the most prominent psychological approach to ethnic relations. One level of the psychological theory, called the role identity, is the identity that each human being has of themselves in certain roles like being a father, mother, worker, student, and so forth. The second level of identity is self-conception and involves emotions, cognitions, and evaluations that people make of their â€Å"whole self. † A third level, and the one most relevant to ethnic relation, is social identity and it emerges when people see themselves as members of a social category vis-a-vis other social categories (Aguirre and Turner 37). For example, one kind of social identity is being male or female or being African American or Latino. Once social identities are formed, they take on a life of their own. Individuals are born into families whose members carry these identities, with the result that the young are socialized in to the prototype of beliefs, norms, and behaviors appropriate to this identity (Aguirre and Turner 38). Socialization moves past the family to friends and organizations if they have a high rate of involvement with non-family members who hold this same identity. The race of my family is Asian and the ethnicity is Vietnamese. Since I am the first generation of my family in the United States, I would be Asian-American. These theories I have talked about explain a lot about what my racial and ethnic identity is. The assimilation theory talks about being absorbed into the middle-class Anglo-Saxon culture. I think that my family has done well into adopting and mixing the Anglo-Saxon culture with our own Vietnamese culture. I was born and raised in a middle-class rural area where the population is heavily filled with white Anglo-Saxon people. I went to grade, middle, and high school where everyone around me was white and I was the only or among a few Asian students. To get along with the society around us, my family and I had to change up some customs and beliefs in order to associate properly with the white Anglo-Saxon people. Some changes my parents have made was learning to speak and write English, learning how to cook and eat American food, and learning how to live and communicate freely since Vietnam has many restrictions. I have been very fortunate to have a wide range of diverse friends and been able to join sports teams and clubs during school. The psychological theory has created identities that make me unique from the people around me. Some role identities that make me who I am are being a student, son, brother, cousin, friend, and worker. Some self-conception roles I have attained are being grateful for what I have in front of me, being generous and considerate to others, having good manners, and standing up for myself when I’m disrespected. My social identities include being male, Asian-American, Vietnamese, Pennsylvanian, and Catholic. The psychological theory has helped me determine who I am and where I belong. It also has informed me that being Asian has made me look at both the differences and similarities between the Asian and Anglo-Saxon cultures. In conclusion, these theories have really helped me understand my racial and ethnic background spectrum. They have allowed me to recognize how my family and I transitioned to the American way of life. Since I’m Asian-American, I can have the best of both worlds: the Asian music and food and the American way of living and freedom. I am very fortunate to be living in a country with so many different people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and custom. Works Cited Aguirre, Jr. , Adalberto, and Jonathan H. Turner. American Ethnicity: The Dynamics and Consequences of Discrimination. Sixth. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. , 2009. Print. â€Å"Diversity Quotes. † iCelebrateDiversity. com. Web. 2 Oct 2009. .

Civil War (Ken Burns Review) Essay

Episode V ,†The Universe of Battle†, of The Civil War series directed by Ken Burns reflects on how the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was a major turning point in the Civil War. He details how the Union defeat at Gettysburg, the work of women, and the entry of black men into the Union army enabled the North to significantly weaken the Confederacy. The Union and Confederacy both suffered thousands of casualties in the bloody battles that took place. However, by the end of 1863, the North was led to a â€Å"new birth of freedom† while the South had to come to the realization that the â€Å"bottom rail was on top†, now. Burns begins the episode with the first of three battles that took place in the rural town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1863. The Union was led by Commander Meade who served under General Grant and the Confederacy by General Lee. Due to Lee’s commanders not delivering tactical support on the first day of battle, the North was able to hold their high ground, but did this not compare to what was going to happen in the following two days. The second day of battle the number of soldiers present in Gettysburg grew substantially, on both sides. A significant part of this battle is when the Union stopped the Confederacy form gaining position of Little Round Top. This was long day of battle, whole regiments in the Confederacy were lost this day. By third day of battle Lee was acting as if he was invincible and this was detrimental for his men. Union soldiers slaughtered the Confederacy and they never entered that far into Union territory again. Lee had failed his men and he knew it. This must have been very hard on Lee. It was shocking to hear that he tried to resign after he lost this battle. I thought it was very interesting that the Confederacy’s need for shoes is was what led them in to Gettysburg. I bet they never thought that the result of this stop would end up in 150,000 men fighting 51,000 men dying in the greatest battle ever fought in the northern hemisphere. The actual pictures, paintings, and simulated video used while describing these battles were really good and the helped me to gain a sense of what it was like to be there. I also enjoyed the irony in the fact that the North entered Gettysburg from the south and the South entered from the north. It was also interesting that the troops fighting over the Little Round Top were both from equal distances from Gettysburg in the opposite directions. Next, the importance of women supporting the war was examined. Women not only held down the farms and houses when the men were off at war, but many women also left their homes to care for the soldiers. In the north women started the Sanitary Commission and demanded better treatment and better food for the soldiers. This commission was made up of hundreds and thousands of women. In the south Sally Tompkins and a staff of six, nursed 1,333 wounded men. Unlike the North, the South did not have a Sanitary Commission and most men were treated in houses. In the north, Mary Ann Bickerdyke was a important female figure in the war. She traveled with the Union army for four years and sixteen battles. General Sherman stated, â€Å"She ranks me†. This statement by Sherman was extraordinary, especially for this era. It makes me happy that she received the credit that was due to her. Many women served as nurses, food gathers, and cooks, but I am exceptionally impressed with Mary Ann Bickerdyke’s story. I imagine she gave up a lot and the fact that she stayed strong during all of the gruesome battles she saw really says a lot about her character. Following the role of women in the Civil War, Burns details the forty-eight day siege of Vicksburg. During this battle the residents of Vicksburg were cut off from the world and were in desperate need of supplies. When Union had control over the well being of the Vicksburg residents, 31,000 Confederate soldiers under the command of General John C. Pemberton withdrew due to the concern of the health of the Vicksburg residents. The Union victory of this battle was significant because the Confederacy was now cut in two. I was surprised that Pemberton was a northern man fighting for the Confederacy. I would expect that soldiers would support their states. I also found it very interesting that after this siege, the fourth of July would not be celebrated in Vicksburg for eighty-one years. That is just crazy to me! Burns goes on to examine the first black regiment and the first federal draft call. In New York, a mostly Irish mob held an uprising over the draft. They were opposed to abolition because they feared blacks taking their jobs. It also made them angry that the draft favored the rich in that they could easily hire substitutes to take their place. Meanwhile, the uprising in New York was ended and the enlistment of the first blacks into the Union army had begun, this was a huge blow to the Confederacy. However, the blacks did not receive fair treatment, but they were key to the war. I am not surprised that black soldiers would fight without pay, but it was surprising that they declined it because it was not equal to the pay of the white soldiers. I like the pictures of the black soldiers. You could see by their facial expressions that their pride was different from that of the white men. In some of their pictures some of them were actually smiling unlike the pictures of white soldiers I have seen. I think it because they were truly happy to be fighting for their cause. Frederick Douglass put it best when he stated that blacks were, â€Å"the pivot upon which the whole rebellion turns, this war, disguise it as they may, is virtually nothing more or less then perpetual slavery against universal freedom and to this end the free states will have to come.† The 650 men of the all black 54th Massachusetts regiment proved to the Union that blacks were useful soldiers during the battle at Battery Wagner in South Carolina. Even though the Confederates were ahead in this battle, the battle ultimately ended in a protracted siege that was enabled by the 54th. It was because of their battle other black regiments were deemed worthy to fight. Finally, the episode ends with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. On November 19, 1863 Lincoln delivered one of the most memorable speeches in American history. Lincoln declared the love he had for his people and his unwavering pursuit for equality in just 269 words. I never realized that this speech was just a â€Å"side speech† at a dedication ceremony. It is almost unbelievable that Lincoln thought that this was a failed speech considering that even today most Americans know at least the first line of the Gettysburg Address. It is a shame that the photographer was not able to capture him delivering his speech, it would have been a great image to reflect upon today.

Ineffective Communication in the Business at Elite Fashion House Case Study

Ineffective Communication in the Business at Elite Fashion House - Case Study Example The questionnaire is randomly given to every fifth person off an alphabetical list including both internal and external communicators. After getting the feedback a data is prepared to highlight the different reasons that are causing ineffective communication. It turned out that in internal communication 60% role is played by language and 45% is played by the relationship in making the communication ineffective. While in external communication the causes of unsuccessful conversation are prejudgment 65% and body language 40%. It is recommended that either a series of lectures should be arranged to educate the workers about the importance of effective communication and to teach them how they can develop this skill or to hire a coordinator who will supervise all the problems generating from ineffective communication. Elite Fashion House is a small stitching unit established in 1988. It prepares branded items for the ladies and runs its own showroom. It is doing good business and growing gradually but for the past few years, there is a slow decrease in revenue. The different departments are blaming each other in this context. The initial investigation points out that the roots cause of all the problems is misunderstanding and lack of effective communication. Although this is a chronic problem and the history of communication is never praiseworthy in the past at Elite Fashion House but now the problem is coming to the surface because of the expansion in the business. In Elite Fashion House two types of communication are in vogue, internal communication, and external communication.

Medical Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Medical Anthropology - Essay Example Given these two definitions, it leads us to the assumption that some illnesses may be caused by certain diseases but these diseases are not necessarily a result of being feeling ill. An understanding of these two basic concepts is important especially when medical specialists are to diagnose patients who are from a culture that is different from their own. Social scientist have always lobbied to acknowledge the socio-historical upbringing if we are to understand a phenomenon, and the medical field should not be excluded from that. In fact, many literature like Joralemon’s â€Å"Exploring Medical Anthropology†, argues for the equal recognition of the societal context when giving diagnosis. This is because the socio-cultural aspect of a person will greatly affect his or her perception of himself in relation to the kind of illness the person is experiencing. Medical professionals may even be surprised at how much relevance these â€Å"inner thoughts† bear to help th em discover the true cause of certain diseases. Closely related to the terms disease and illness is also another controversial and contested subject in the medical science arena – the notion of â€Å"self†. ... This became the trend after the emergence of a long-standing hard and fast boundary between hard science and soft science, between real and folk medicine and both social science and natural science isolated each other when in fact, it should complement each other and should work hand in hand. The emergence of a new branch of anthropology eventually proved the abovementioned notion fallacious and insufficient; a serious claim against something that has prevailed during the majority of the scientific revolution. Medical anthropology provided a platform to bridge the gap between the social and natural sciences. After all, what the natural sciences discover or learn; it will in due course apply to social beings. Hence, it is irrelevant to create a strict dichotomy between social and natural sciences especially when we are in the pursuit of understanding cultural-specific diseases and illnesses and arriving at long-term solutions to address it. And Joralemon’s book provided an exte nsive discussion on the importance of incorporating the abovementioned socio-environmental aspect in the medical realm. The introduction of culture as an important facet in the business of health simultaneously (and perhaps unintentionally) evolved with the notion of â€Å"self†. In anthropological terms, there have been many definitions of the â€Å"self† and these include the following: (1) the self as the individual body, understood in the sense of the lived experience of the body self – hence, referring to the physical aspect. (2) The second definition of self ascertains the representational use of the body as a natural symbol with which to think about nature, society, and culture (Mary

Art History through the 19th Century (Final Compare and Contrast Term Essay

Art History through the 19th Century (Final Compare and Contrast Term Paper) - Essay Example He was born in Flanders. Rubens was raised Catholic, which was reflected in many of his paintings (Belkins, 11). The environment Rubens grew up with a Calvinist father and mother. Since Rubens father was away at King William of Orange I, his mother taught him to be a Catholic after moving to Antwerp (Belkins, 16). The anti-Protestant environment in Flanders caused this move. After studying under Titan, Rubens really came into his own. His sublime portraits dealt with the ugly subjects many would not touch. In comparison, Delacroix was a French Romantic painter. He was trained as a classical painter at the time. After visiting England, Delacroix started illustrating different works of writing. His clients included Shakespeare and Lord Byron. Both Rubens and Delacroix were affected by royal courts. Rubens was affected by William of Orange I and Delacroix was affection by the Neapolitan royal courts. Delacroix was influenced by Rubens artwork. Since Ruben was a Baroque painter, his paintings including Allegory of the Outbreak of War, is an emotional religious generated piece of art. Since being a Catholic, Ruben’s paintings had symbolism of right and wrong. Even though it might seem blasphemous to paint pictures of ancient gods, but the painting was an allegory. Since it was popular under the Catholic Medici’s to create works under the Baroque styles, Ruben fulfilled this goal with most of his work. Delacroix, on the other hand, was a painter from the Romantic era, which means Death of Sardanapalus was in that style. The painting was based on a work by Lord Byron. The sublime content of the painting was typical of the Romanticism style. The nationalism of Sardanapalus killing himself for losing in a military battle is also a factor in a Romanticism painting. Monsters, a broken lute, Mars’ feet on a book, and the women all have sorrowful looks and torn veils, all signify the horrors of war (Cooper). The allegory

HR Management, Training and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HR Management, Training and Development - Essay Example Where Mel tends to believe that the feedback generated daily, by Jennifer, should be enough to enhance the levels of productivity within the subordinate staff members, Jennifer believes that a more formal approach to identifying strengths and weaknesses would create a more positive outcome in terms of overall productivity. Using Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of Needs as an appropriate example to support Jennifers position, under this theory employees cannot reach the apex of their abilities (this being self-actualization) without the receipt of self-esteem (Morris & Maisto, 2005). In the business world, self-esteem has been known as a positive outcome of continuous reinforcement, both positive and critical (Green, 2004). Though the case study suggests that Jennifer is routinely aware of the activities of her subordinate employees and makes attempts to highlight their strengths and weaknesses, it is important to formalize these discussions so as to promise an offer of various rewards for performance. For instance, if the goal of this particular organization is to increase sales, then Jennifer (and Mel) should adopt the formal appraisal process not only to secure a more motivated and productive staff, but to ensure that the employees clearly understand their job-related expectations and receive the necessary self-confidence (esteem) to genuinely enjoy coming to the workplace. This creates a perception of fairness and balance in the management team where the employees can come to rely on truthful reporting of their competency levels and build camaraderie between the management staff and themselves. With this in mind, avoiding the formal appraisal process in exchange for other business-related issues that are considered priority, the organization is denying themselves the opportunity to create a more cohesive staff who works toward strategic objectives in exchange for a fair analysis of their function within the business. Though Mels arguments are somewhat

Staffing policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Staffing policies - Essay Example Contents Abstract †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..2 Executive Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Objectives †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Staffing Policies in the Royal Dutch Shell plc†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 International Expansion and the Staffing Approaches†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.5 E.P.R.G. Concept†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....8 Appendix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...9 Reference List†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10 Executive Summary The staffing policies, applied by the most MNEs, generally depend on the key business strategies followed by the companies. Considering the research by Howard Perlmutter, the choice among ethnocentric, polycentric, and geocentric staffing strategies can be stipulated by the company’s marketing orientation. Therefore, the key aim of the report is to review pieces of research that reference Perlmutter’s concept and analyze the scientific value, as well as the correctness of the concept itself. Introduction The staffing policies and principles applied by the international corporations are generally featured with the E.P.R.G. approach, which is developed and theorized by Howard V. Perlmutter. In fact, most multinational companies have to be multicultural and rely on the experience, knowledge, and culture of their foreign employees in order to operate successfully overseas. Therefore, in accordance with the research by Perlmutter, the choice among ethnocentric, polycentric, or geocentric approaches in staffing practices depends on the aims and plans of the company. Objectives 1. Review academic articles and research referencing H. Perlmutter’s E.P.R.G. concept. 2. Define the weaknesses and strengths of the concept and whether the other researchers agree or disagree with it. Staffing Policies in the Royal Dutch Shell plc Royal Dutch Shell plc is known for its ethnocentric approach for staffing. In accordance with the rules of the corporate policy, most financial officers working for Shell are the Dutch citizens. The key reasons of this strictness are associated with the high qualification of these experts and considerable lack of highly experienced and qualified managers in the countries where the company operates. The other reasons are: Inability (and, sometimes, unwillingness) to follow the corporate culture rules; Tight control, which causes amplified stress on the managers. Most executives can not bear such a high pressure; Ethnocentric approach is a part of the company’s corporate culture. The changes in this approach will require deep changes in the entire HRM policy while the company is facing issues that are more challenging now. However, it should be emphasized that technical personnel (engineers, technicians, exploration personnel) can be from other countries. The company had to consider the fact that German, Russian, Brazilian, and Arabic drilling and exploration engineers are of the same qualification level as the Dutch experts. International Expansion and the Staffing Approaches In fact, polycentrism and geocentrism in recruiting policies take place when the company is extending its operations to the overseas markets. In accordance wi

Discuss whether the European Monetary Union would benefit from British Essay

Discuss whether the European Monetary Union would benefit from British membership - Essay Example This would also assist in promoting reforms of the supply-side in the EU which would in turn encourage further exploitation and specialization of comparative advantage In the UK’s several sectors in the economy in the long run. Boost price transparency Any country’s membership to the EMU makes it possible for consumers to compare relative price levels across a number of member states. Britain’s membership would increase price transparency in the EU. This is more so because Britain is a big economy on its own with a wide range of markets. This would in turn encourage cross border trade and competition across a number of different markets. Allocative efficiency would be greatly improved thus improving consumers’ welfare within the EU. This is would be a great benefit to the EMU as it would encourage more and more states to join the Euro Zone. The price transparency theory can be explained; prices of different goods differ in different countries as a result o f different currencies and different Value added taxes. Although it is hard vto eliminate the differences brought about by VAT, the currency born price differences can be completely eliminated by forming a single currency. This increases transparency as there are no currency exchanges in the transactions. Common currency also increased competition kicking out of the markets firms that have inefficient production methods. If Britain joins the EU, currency differences will be a matter of past tense and price transparency will ensue. Increase in foreign investment flows Britain, being a major recipient of foreign direct investment especially in the recent periods would greatly increase the inflow of foreign investments into the Euro Zone. This would greatly facilitate the development of Multi-nationals enterprises within the EMU. Scholars have argued that apart from these foreign investment inflows benefiting the EMU if Britain joined, they would also help the economy of the Great Brit ain through the development of its multinational enterprises. Actually, it has been suggested that if Britain continues to say outside the system, these foreign investment flows may be threatened in the near future. High employment rates and wages for workers in the EU zone. A sustainable convergence between the euro zone countries and the UK would bring about potential employment benefit to all member countries. This would include potentially reduced prices and relatively higher wages. This is simply because UK has a big economy that EU would use to bring these long- term household benefits. Reduced transaction costs; If UK joins the European Monetary Union, there will be a single currency in use between the country and the countries already in the Euro zone; this means that there will be no conversion costs emanating from currency conversions. This will reduce the total transaction costs in trade. This is especially significant in Britain’s case because majority of transact ions in the EU zone are done with Britain. Therefore, by Britain joining the EU, these transaction costs will be eliminated. This is a benefit to both Britain and the European monetary union. Rival to the ‘Big Two’ The Japanese yen and the American dollar are the two strong currencies in the world today. These two countries have millions of inhabitants and strong economies. A new currency in Europe through

Duhem and the Good Sense of the Physicist Essay Example for Free

Duhem and the Good Sense of the Physicist Essay This paper will examine Duhem’s good sense of a physicist. We will also succinctly discuss his reason behind this claim. To explain Duhem’s good sense of a physicist, different experiments involving systematic procedures will be inspected, and J. J. Thomson’s experiment on cathode ray tube is one of these experiments. Two hypotheses about electricity that received worldwide acknowledgement will also be discussed. The explanation of these hypotheses will further question Duhem’s claim on the good sense of a physicist. Jean Perrin’s contradictory presentation about the effectiveness of experiments in testing hypotheses contributes to the goal of this paper. The Good Sense The good sense of Physicist examined by Pierre Maurice Marie Duhem (1861-1916) can be used to determine very confusing and contradicting experimental results. He encouraged the use of this ‘good sense’ since there are discoveries that doesn’t require extensive experiments and the ‘good sense’ of the physicist will be the guide to solve a problem. Duhem argued that this is enough to accept a good and well-explained hypothesis. He also encouraged the revision of a claim to accommodate and balance a confusing experiment. However, this method is too ambiguous and irrational especially for those tests that needed extensive experimental guidance. The use of the good sense is too risky for future purposes. One good move that we can consider to refute Duhem’s claim about the good sense of a physicist is to examine the approach used by different scientists. Sir Joseph John Thomson’s (1856-1940) experiment on the cathode rays and the cathode ray tube prompted an innovative period in the field of electricity. This experiment led to the discovery of electrons and other subatomic particles, a breakthrough that enhanced the understanding of the composition and behavior of matters. Three different experiments were performed using these cathode ray tubes. Thomson first used magnetism to see if there is a chance that the negative charge will be separated from the cathode rays (Park). Further elaboration of this experiment led him to the conclusion that the negative charge and the cathode rays are inseparable. In his second experiment, his main objective was to know if the presence of an electric field would influence the projection and behavior of rays. He constructed a nearly perfect cathode ray vacuum because he believed that previous experiments failed because of the presence of different gaseous element in the air. With his subsequent procedures, he was able to prove that the electric field could really influence the movement of rays because these rays were deflected, signifying the track of the negative charge. Thomson’s third experiment involves the measurement of the charge-to-mass ratio of the cathode rays. He measured the amount of cathode rays that were averted due to the presence of a magnetic field. He also measured the amount of energy they have. His observation led him to conclude that either the particles were very light or greatly charged because the charge to mass ratio was more than a thousand times greater compared to a hydrogen ion. Thomson’s hypotheses were proven not just because of merely theorizing. He proved it because he followed a systematic procedure. His path was guided by previously known facts. He was also guided by the failures of earlier experiments. In 1913, there were two hypotheses that had gained universal acceptance. The first one states that electricity occurs in discrete fundamental units. The second hypothesis states that the magnitude of the negative charge is three times smaller than the smallest mass associated with the fundamental unit of positive charge. The development of these hypotheses was brought about by the continuous growth of awareness in electricity. The discovery of the Avogadro’s number, mle and e of the constituents of various electrical discharges, mle and e of gaseous ions, and the total charge of a mole of monovalent ions Ne gave rise to this outcome. Duhem should give importance to the experiment conducted that supports these hypotheses. According to Jean Perrin, hypothesis, in most cases, is both essential and productive (Soshichi). He explained it in terms of examining a machine. He said that we do not just study a machine by just considering the visible and tangible parts. We will go as far as our eyes can tell us if we only consider this. Aside from these visible parts, we also seek the properties of the hidden gears that can explain its evident motions. To explain this, we must relate the visible parts to the invisible parts. If it is outside our scope of understanding, we seek retribution by studying its components part. There we formulate our hypothesis. Because we have the intuitive intelligence needed in solving such complex problem, Perrin added, we were able to give rise to the doctrine of Atoms. Perrin’s method is mainly based on experimental foundations. We can divide Perrin’s experimental inquisition into two. The first division is consisting of checking whether the result of an experiment follows a given algebraic distribution. The second step involves using approximation of the coefficient of diffusion, which is vital for gaining the Avogadro number. According to Duhem, a physicist can never test an isolated hypothesis. A physicist can never leave the theory outside the door of the laboratory since a failed prediction or experimental test cannot tell a scientist where the error lies. It can only tell him to examine further the experiment and try not to commit the same mistake. In our modern times, a hypothesis is not valid unless it is tested. In this paper, we have succinctly discussed his reason behind this claim. To explain Duhem’s good sense of a physicist, different experiments involving systematic procedures was inspected, and J. J. Thomson’s experiment on cathode ray tube is one of these experiments. Two hypotheses about electricity that received worldwide acknowledgement were discussed. Jean Perrin’s contradictory presentation about the effectiveness of experiments in testing hypotheses contributes to the goal of this paper. The good sense amounted in this case is the rational way a physicists approach a problem. They used experiments to support their claim, not just downright theory. The good sense of a physicist accounts for his sense of creativity, how he develops his own way of obtaining an answer to a hypothesis. All of this is through experiments. Works Cited â€Å"Pierre Marie Maurice Duhem. † March, 2001. JOCEFR. 12 May, 2008 http://www-groups. dcs. st-and. ac. uk/~history/Biographies/Duhem. html. Park, John L. 1996. â€Å"J. J. Thomson’s Cathode Ray Tube†. 12 May, 2008 http://dbhs. wvusd. k12. ca. us/webdocs/AtomicStructure/Disc-of-Electron-Images. html. Ariew, Roger. 13 July, 2007. â€Å"Pierre Duhem†. 12 May, 2008. http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/duhem/. Soshichi, Uchii. 9 February, 2001. â€Å"Jean Perrin’s Book on Atoms†. 12 May, 2008. http://www. bun. kyoto-u. ac. jp/~suchii/perrin. html.

Impact Of Technology In Architecture Cultural Studies Essay

Impact Of Technology In Architecture Cultural Studies Essay Technology is a kind of tools, techniques, systems and machine, in order to help people in solving problems and achieve goals. With the improvement of technology, people find it easy and convenience in doing things in their life. In addition, it also helps people to save time and cost while achieving goals and even improves the quality of works. In the twenty-first century, technology is almost everything and everywhere in the world. As long as there have been people, there has been technology. This quote hints that people use technology in almost everything they do and wherever they go. People find it hardly to avoid by using technologies, mobile phone is one of examples. Nowadays we can see most of the people are holding a mobile phone in anywhere. With the advanced technology, mobile phone can be used to take photo, web surfing, play games, watch videos and etc. other than just calls. This shows that technology has been already a part of human life. Other than that, the invention of internet by technology has directly changed the way on how the people live today compared to the previous generations. Almost everything can be done by doing it online in anywhere and anytime as long as they have a device that can access to the internet. Besides, the improvement of technology has influenced the several fields in the industry such as business, automobile industry, healthcare, film industry, architectural and etc. In the past, there were many issues that couldnt be solved but with the technology research through the years, the impossible became possible, many knowledge and information, machinery and device have been enhanced and brought into the industries. In this essay, architectural will be the range of study, the influences and impact of technology on architecture. Technology has affected architecture in several ways. Firstly, computer aided software was created to help architects in the development of design ideas in architecture project. Secondly, the construction machinery and methods were improved, in order to build any kind of form and shape to achieve the unique design of the architects. Thirdly, knowledge and information of architecture were enhanced by the invention of the new materials. Architecture has been played an important role in human life, without it human couldnt live in the earth until now. Previously, building was intended as a shelter or habitation for human, however human seems to be more concerned and demanded on the appearance of the building rather than its function in this twenty-first century. What is the reason of this issue? Does the technology affect the function of building? There are three topics to be discussed in this essay, information technology (IT) will be the first topic, the impact of information technology on architecture. The second and third topics will talk about the particular architects, Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry, how they use the technology to apply in the design process and the construction of the unique form of the buildings. Several case studies of their buildings will be done in these topics. Background Modern architecture was a revolution. It destroyed the existing Beaux-Arts regime and replaced it with a new order. The face of earth would never be the same. (John Peter, 1994) Beaux Arts is a kind of style in architecture design and it remained in the architecture industry for two-and-a-half centuries before the modern style of architecture take place. The appearance of Beaux-Arts architecture looks much more complicated compared to the modern architecture because it was depended on the sculptural decoration and modern architecture was depended on simple kind of forms. With the time passed, the Beaux Arts style of architecture was slowly replaced by the modern style of architecture. It was difficult to find the Beaux Arts style of architecture in the twentieth century. The buildings were mostly designed with modern style by the modernist architects. As the twentieth century dawned, architecture was clearly overdue for a change. The nineteenth-century Beaux-Arts style was out of joint with the times. (John Peter, 1994) In the twentieth century, the mindset of architects in the design process of architecture was changed. The appearance of the buildings were started not to design with the purpose for historical commemoration but based on the specific function of the building. Whether it be the sweeping eagle in his flight or the open apple-blossom, the toiling work-horse, the blithe swan, the branching oak, the winding stream at its base, the drifting clouds, over all the coursing sun, form ever follows function, and this is the law. Louis Henry Sullivan (Frei, 1992:32) This quote was made by one of the famous architects, Louis Henry Sullivan in his essay, The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered in 1896. With the quote that Louis Henry Sullivan made, every building has its own function which means how the way that the owner of the building used it and all the buildings should have its particular facade and form based on their specific functions. For instance, a hospital should have to be designed like a building that use to serve those people who come and seek for medical attention and people can be able to differentiate a hospital from a library that people use to borrow books and find research and resources or a school that people use to study. There were the good points and bad points in architectural by the law of Louis Henry Sullivan, form follows function. People may find it easy in finding the particular building that they want to go but it limited the design ideas from designing a building with a unique form, in order to make people have a different kind of feeling on the sense of sight. Other than just the law, the design ideas were also limited by the technology in the past. Some architects may have the design ideas with different kind of architecture style but they couldnt proceed to the construction stage by using the old technology. In the twentieth century, the technology has been improved and architects are starting to design with a phrase, function defies form which was the changing of the concept of architectural form and functions. The law of Louis Henry Sullivan, form follows function will be no longer exists in the next century. The form of the buildings were not designed according to their own function like the facade of a library may looks like a museum or people may not know what is it until they go into the building. Bernard Tschumi, a renowned architect and a transgression thinker in architectural issues, suggested that function does not follow form, form does not follow function. However form and function certainly interact, if only to produce a shock effect. (Izham Ghani, 2007) The new technology, defined as industrial or applied science, produced a multiplying array of new machines and materials. (John Peter, 1994) With the improvement of technology, several new materials were invented into the architecture industry. These new materials were inexpensive and flexible to use in construction and the invention of these enabled the architects to create different kind of unique design in architecture. Other than that, the limitations of the past in construction can be solved by using the modern technologies. The products of the new technology steel beams and cables, reinforced concrete, and plastic changed the way buildings were designed and built. Units mass-produced in factories and assembled with modern machinery on the site save both time and money. Perhaps most important of all, they save labor. All of this is still true today, despite the fact that our buildings contain sophisticated equipment for heating, cooling, lighting, communications, and security unimagined in earlier times. (John Peter, 1994) Human got a lot of benefits by the improvement of technology in the time passed. Aesthetic architectures were created to beautify the environment, in the same time people can live or work in a comfortable environment, in order to produce high quality works. Architecture with the application of new materials for the appearance of the building can produce a beautiful sense of sight to people. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the German architect Peter Behrens designed the influential Berlin Turbine Factory for the electrical firm Allgemeine Elektrizitats-Gesellshaft. With its reinforced Concrete and huge glazed side-walls, it signaled the emergence of a new architecture. Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier worked in his office. (John Peter, 1994) In the twenty-first century, many architecture styles were created and many buildings were designed and constructed with different ways to produce aesthetic and unique appearance. Irregular shape of architecture can be constructed by using the high technologies of construction. It is based on the demands of the architects, architects can design the building in any kind of shape that they want with the advanced technology today. The advanced technology allowed the architects to generate their ideas digitally which designing in a virtual space. It can be done by using the computer aided software which is another creation by the technology. With all these technologies, architects gained a lot of benefits in the designing process and even can produce a great work in architecture. Information Technology Information technology (IT) is the meaning of the use of telecommunications and computers equipment for the purpose of storage, processing, transfer and manipulating data. People normally used IT as a term of synonym for computers. However it has consist of many different kind of technologies such as computers, computer software and networks, telephones, mobile phones, printers and scanners and even fax machines. With the invention of IT, it did change the way people work other than the way people live. It helps people to save time and cost to produce even better work compared to working manually. Most of the works can be done with paperless in the electronic way. Other than that, it has the ability for people to produce mass production in a short time. Electronic mail, groupware, telecommuting and videoconferencing, have become relatively standard technologies to enhance group processes. These technical innovations have made it possible for work teams to communicate at anytime, anyplace and anywhere. (Johnson Clayton, 1998) IT brings benefits for the people who work in group, it makes people convenience in communications and allows them to have group discussions at anytime, in order to produce a better and quality result. Information technology can significantly improve work group productivity by increasing the speed and decreasing the cost of communication and coordination. (Johnson Clayton, 1998) At the same time, people are also able to transfer or exchange data and information with the internet technology by using the electronic mail or several software such as Dropbox, Virtualbox and etc. They can instantly get all kind of data and information in electronic forms from the certain person that they are communicating with. In this way, people manage to save cost and time in travelling around to get all the documents that they want. The top three organizational effects were: allowed business to be done at greater distances, shortened work cycle time, and reduced the need for clerical support staff. (Johnson Clayton, 1998) With all these advanced technologies, the way of architects think in designing a building has been changed. The design of architecture will be demanded on the conceptualization, aesthetic or functionality. It is because of the advancement of the technologies has been resulted in the lost of the basic function of a building. In the past, people have to send letters by putting them into the post-box, shopping in shopping malls, super markets and retails or do research and borrow books in the library. With the advanced technology, all these activities can be done by using email technology, online shopping and web searching for information or download e-books from the internet. Nowadays, people are too relied on using the technology to do everything, they can achieve their goal or complete their task by using the internet without leaving the chair. Architects have to design with the aim of beautify the space instead of the functionality of it because the need of built space has been reduced. As a result of this, many buildings were designed in curvilinear forms with the assist of information technology. IT has freed the architect to create heretofore unaccomplished curvaceous form, and new service areas are emerging in the information age frontier marketplace. (Larry R. Barrow, 2000) Other than that, IT has impacted architecture in the design process as well other than just the form. In the end of the twentieth century, architects are starting to design and generate ideas by using computer. Complex and unique design of architecture can be done with computerized and the invention of computer aided software such as AutoCAD, InteriCAD, Adobe software, Rhinoceros, 3D Studio Max, CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) and many more. With all this computer aided software, architects are able to save time and create unique design that cannot be done by manually. Other than that, it enabled architects to have accurate measurement for the space calculation, in order to create realistic visual of the designed building. In the twenty-first century, computerization and the improvement of design technology and practice are two of the most important technology in the architecture industry. Improving design technology means the development of new design tools that help designers spend less time and effort on data collection, computation, and preparation of design documentation, and more on problem solving. (Hugues Rivard, 2000) It is clear that computer aided software has already become one of the design tools in the designing process in the architecture field. Drawings are the main output of the design process in architectural and there are two types of drawings which are the two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional drawings. Two-dimensional drawing defined as having all elements in a flat surface and normally it comes with only two dimensions either length and width or width and height, without any depth or thickness. And, three-dimensional drawing defined as images or pictures with the objects that come with all the three dimensions which are the length, width and height. Furthermore, drawings are produced by using the computer aided software with the application of virtual reality (VR). VR is a computer-generated world involving one or more human senses and generated in real-time by the participants actions. The real-time responsiveness of the computer to the participants action distinguishes VR from other kinds of computer-generated simulations. The participant in a VR environment is perceiver and creator at the same time, in a world where the object of perception is created by actions. (Daniela Bertol, 1997) A virtual model can be created with the application of VR in the computer aided software to simulate reality for a three-dimensional image. This model enabled architects to have a detailed planning and predict any kind of technical issues, in order to achieve the demands of realism. Besides, it allows architects to visualize spaces efficiently and produce a most truthful image of a building. Moreover, the real image of the building can be seen in the computer or printed it out before it is built. Thus, architects are able to edit or change the design if there is any unpleasant feel or it looks unsightly. Virtual Reality Virtual reality (VR) is clearly introduced in the previous contents. From the research, VR applications have also been used in various fields like medicine, astronomy, entertainment, sport, art and etc. And, it has been used as a design tool in architecture design. We can easily observe how the characteristic of VR such as interaction, immersion and three-dimensionality, react in the architecture field. By the application of VR, rendering tools have been provide for perception, evaluation and the aesthetic view of an architecture environment before construction from the change of perspective. Hereby, a question will be bring up into this content How does VR use as a design tool in architecture design? Based on the investigation of design issues through the year goes, the design process has been improved and became interesting after the applied of VR in the architecture field. However, using VR as a design tool has the least potentiality among the VR application. Traditionally, the process of concept ideas input was running with hand-rendered, two-dimensional representations or sketches by writing materials such as pencil, paint or ink on paper but it can now be transformed with the immersive way to produce preliminary sketches or three-dimensional visuals with computer-assisted technology. It is all credit to the implementation of VR. During the implementation of VR in the architecture design, the three-dimensional modeler 3DM that has been developed at the University of North Carolina created the three-dimensional models by using a HMD system and hand-held pointing device. By the providing of this application, models can be transform and edit with the capabilities of copying, pasting, cutting, moving and scaling and even can be manipulated with the immersive ways. Design Process from Sketches to Models There are many stages in the design process such as mapping, diagrams, sketches, construction drawing and etc. Sketches and working drawing with the concept ideas input are important while they can be differentiates by the accuracy, detail and amount of representative information. When the input of the concept ideas on the sketches are enough to be expressive and able to develop into working drawing which mean it can be program and execute by the computer. Computer-aided design (CAD) is useful and convenience in modeling because it provides valuable tools. For an example, a unique curved wall design of a facade can be extrude with a round shape of opening while its model can be implement with exact dimensions given of the wall and the opening. And, repeating operation can be implemented in the CAD application as well. In the other hand, the immediacy of the process by translating a sketch straight into a functional model can enhance the act of creativity and the understanding of the three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional Media and Scale Models The two-dimensional media such as paper is always using in the design of architecture as the communication of concept ideas into the design development. Other than that, the presentation drawings such as the construction drawing, detailing drawing and three-dimensional perspective are representing the three-dimensional objects with two-dimensional media. Even every output of the computerized such as CAD has to be present with the two-dimensional media by displaying on the screen or printed on paper. There is another option for the design of architecture which is the scale models while it can define the understanding and fulfill the usage of the unbuilt three-dimensional space. However, the quality of the space has been reduced due to the model cannot be inhabited and user cannot experience from the inside. Virtual Environment While the running of design process takes place in a virtual environment where the designer is inside the product of his design is called immersive design and different conceptions will be bring to the act of creativity by this process. The creation of form is possible in the immersive design environment like the raising of walls, subtraction and rotation of the objects. Floors and stairs can be built and edited with the reaction by the perceptual impact. Boolean operations of addition or subtraction can be used for the design which based on volumes to allow the act of molding and carving motion. The different values have been assumed while the implementation of traditional compositional rules changed from two-dimensional representations into three-dimensional immersive environment. Proportions between various architectural elements can be verified by inhabiting the space. Though to date, immersive design should be realize with the virtual reality application which will revolutionize the design of architecture. The discussion of the traditional act of designing should be carry out for the architect to adapt to the notion of sketching in space and being inside and a direct experience of three-dimensional space. Zaha Hadid Zaha Mohammad Hadid is an Iraqi-British architect who born on 31st October 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. She is the first Muslim and female who got awarded the Prizker Architecture Prize in 2004. She also received the Stirling Prize continuously in 2010 and 2011. In Zaha Hadids education, she studied architecture course at the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture in London after she got a degree in the mathematics course at American University of Beirut. After that, she worked for her previous lecturers who are Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis. She also worked as a lecturer of AA in 1980s after she became a partner with Koolhass in 1977. She then established an architecture and design firm, Zaha Hadid Architects with over 300 employers in London, United Kingdom. Zaha Hadids buildings are always designed with the appearance of uniquely futuristic style and complex form. With the advanced technologies and new materials, she is able to produce curvilinear kind of architecture with her contemporary and innovative design. Her completed and on-going projects included Contemporary Arts Centre, Guangzhou Opera House, Vitra Fire Station, BMW Central Building, London Aquatics Centre, Galaxy Soho and etc. Other than that, she is also working on interior and designing furniture and automobile with the characteristic of fluidity. Zaha Hadid has become one of the famous contemporary architects by taking the benefits of the advanced technologies to apply on her architecture design. She is interested on the impact of technology because it helps in the possibility of the construction and affected the way of designing a building. In 2012, she won the Jane Drew Prize and from a particular interview by Architects Journal, she advised architects to invest in digital technology and travel around, it helps in the inspiration and creativity of design. (Merlin Fulcher, 2012) BMW Central Building BMW Central Building was the winning design of Zaha Hadid of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. It is located at Leipzeg, Germany and its complex built was cost about 1.55 billion dollars. It is use to manufacture the BMW 3 Series Automobile. BMW AG. Munich Germany is the owner of the building, 60 million dollars were used for the cost of construction. It was constructed by Arge Rohbau, OBAG and Wolf Mueller GmbH with the supports of structural engineer, AGP Arge Gesamtplanung, IFB Stuttgart. The original construction of the BMW factory consists of three different buildings which were designed by their own estate and management group. The three different buildings are functioning as for the manufacturing process of the production of BMW 3 Series automobiles. They are separately undertaking the making of auto bodies, painting process and the final assemblage process of parts. There is a competition held for the purpose of designing and connecting all the 3 different buildings. Connectivity was used as a concept of Zaha Hadid in the design which was the method of overlapping and interconnecting between the spaces and levels. As a result of the concept application, the separation of the three buildings was blurred and it gave a complex design in the interior. Zaha Hadid has fully utilized the advanced technology of design tool and machinery of construction and the new materials in both constructions and design process of this project. A conversation has been carried out between Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher (Partner of Zaha Hadid), Lars Teichmann (Project Architect of Zaha Hadid Architects) and Todd Gannon (Series Editor, Source Books in Architecture) about the design process and construction techniques of this project. In the conversation, Lars Teichmann said that there is always a person testing the ideas with physical models in the workshop and in the same time, few persons will be doing development of three-dimensional models and two-dimensional drawings in the computer. And, all this process allows them to develop a range of possible interpretations of their ideas. Besides, concrete was used as the material of the walls to solve the loads problem that would be carried down through the building. Concrete walls are much stronger to carry more loads and they were able to cut openings through the concrete walls with advanced technology as they needed. (Todd Gannon, 2006) London Aquatics Centre London Aquatics Centre is a centre for the use of indoor sports which are swimming and diving. It was constructed to be a venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The centre has been built at 27th July 2011 and it is located at Olympic Park, Stratford, London, United Kingdom. It is operated by the Olympic Delivery Authority, moreover, the construction has cost about 269 million pounds. Besides, the centre has been built by the contractor, Balfour Beauty with the help of structural engineer, Ove Arup Partners. Furthermore, the capacity of the centre can fit up to 17,500 seats. Evidently, from the complexity and unique design of the aquatics centre can be seen, that was under Zaha Hadids contemporary and innovative design. The aquatics centre was designed by Zaha Hadid with the concept of the fluidity of water in motion. The design of the spaces and surrounding environment has come with the inspiration from the landscape of Olympic Park. Precast-concrete has been used as the main material for the construction of this building. Other than that, the roof that looks like a wave was constructed with steel and glass was used for the facade of the building. There were wings on the both side of the building that used to provide extra seating for the audiences of the Olympic Games. However, they would not be there permanently because they were not a part of Zaha Hadids original design. Once the games are over, they will be removed and in the same time, the aquatics centre will be deconstructed and it will be open again for the public in 2014. Jacques Rogge, IOC President, described the Centre as a masterpiece. He said that he had a visual shock when he was visiting the centre last year (2011) because he felt that this centre is unique and a state of art compared to other venues that he saw. (BBC Sport, 2012) It is apparent that Zaha Hadid has applied the technology well in her architecture design. Thus, she can create many kinds of unique design and aesthetic buildings to beautify the environment and of course with her innovative mindset. Frank Gehry Frank Owen Gehry was born with the name, Frank Owen Goldberg but with the suggestion by his wife, Anita Snyder, he has changed his name to Frank O. Gehry. Frank Gehry was born on 28th February 1929 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was a winning architect of the Canadian-American Pritzker Price who based in Los Angeles and he also awarded several prize such as AIA Gold Medal, National Medal of Arts and Order of Canada. In the World Architecture Survey in 2010, his works have been quoted as the important contemporary architecture in the world because he was one of the most influenced and important architects in the twentieth century. With his reputation as a famous architect, he has considered as a modern architectural icon in the architecture industry. His buildings are well-known in designing with sculptural in form and always full of surprise with amazing architecture design. In 1954, he studied architecture course in the University of Southern California and got the Bachelor of Architecture degree. He then studied city planning in Harvard University Graduate School of Design and he worked for a few architecture firms. In 1962, he established his own company, Frank O. Gehry and Associates, Inc. and he started his architectural career. In 1989, the way of his designing process has been changed, from manual to computerized. Jim Glymph who was the computer systems expert joined Gehrys company while he wanted to design more on curves. He then wanted the more complex shape in his design and Glymph helped him by getting CATIA program from the aerospace industry. (Mild Friedman, 2002) With the help of the computer software programs, Gehry started to reject in designing with straight lines and boxy shapes in architecture. With his built up architectural career, he managed to produce designs for the public and private architecture in Europe, America and Asia. In the year 2002, Gehry Partners, LLP was established, with over 175 employers in the company and it provided full services for the residential, commercial and institutional. In the Gehry Partners company, most of the employers have the ability to produce technical drawings and construction documents and they are qualified to manage complex architecture projects. The company is working by depending on the Digital Project, a computer aided design (CAD) application based on CATIA software which was developed by one of the Frank Gehrys companies, Gehry Technologies. Within the years, Frank Gehry has produced many buildings with striking and unique design. His buildings consist of his owned residence, Guggenheim Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Experience Music project, Weisman Art Museum, Dancing Horse, Art Gallery of Ontario and etc. With the assist of the computer technology and the application of unconventional materials, Gehry was able to create deconstructed aesthetic building in deconstructivism style. CATIA CATIA is a type of computer aided design software with a full form of Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application. It was developed by a French company named Dassault Systemes with the licensed, Proprietary software. A French aircraft manufacturer, Avions Marcel Dassault started to develop CATIA in 1977 and it has been applied in several industries such as automobile, aerospace, shipbuilding and etc. It helps in the design development with conceptualization, three-dimensional modeling, visualization and etc. Complex innovative forms can be also created by using CATIA. Guggenheim Museum Guggenheim Museum is an art museum that designed in modern and contemporary arts. It was established on 18th October 1997 and located at Abando, Bilbao, Spain. This contemporary building is owned by Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and it was built by Ferrovial, S.A. with the construction cost of 89 million US dollars. Moreover, it was built along the Nervion River and mainly used to exhibit the works of international and Spanish artists. Besides, it has been one of the most famous buildings especially in the year of 1998 and 1999 because it was the famous topic among the architects in the industry. In the year of 2007, there were more than one million of people to visit the museum. In the 2010 World Architecture Survey, it has been called as one of the most important building since 1980. Other than that, it has been called by the world-famous architect, Philip Johnson, the greatest building of our time. The New York Times even said that the building is a miracle. (Frank O Gehry A Modern Architectural ICON,

Ageism :: Age Discriminationg Work Research Essays

Ageism No matter how talented or experienced one employee may be over another, workplace history has demonstrated more than just a few times that the younger candidate is often the one to win the promotion. Age discrimination has become more than a minor inconvenience throughout the twentieth century; indeed, the issue has become such a hot potato within the workplace that laws have been forced into existence as a means by which to address the problem. In order to help protect those who stand to be singled out and let go because of the unfairness of ageism, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was designed with the older employee in mind. The issue at hand is that companies are not willing to look beyond their aging workforce, choosing instead to push them out of the technological loop rather than attempting to incorporate them as valuable assets. In our culture, the general perception is that with youth comes energy, imagination, and innovation. With age comes decreasing interest, lack of innovation and imagination, and a lessening of the quality of the person (Bennett, 2001, p. 410-411). Job seekers are reporting age discrimination beginning as early as the mid-thirties. How can this be addressed? What options are there for those of us considered "old" by hiring managers and companies? The biggest issue, and one which is hard to address, is the perception that older workers are not as capable or as qualified as younger counterparts. Age discrimination continues to damage our society, reducing both the incomes and the self-confidence of millions of Americans. A Harris survey, conducted in 1989, reported that one million workers aged 50 to 64 believed that they would be forced to retire before they were ready. Most of this group, anticipating an unwanted early retirement, said they would prefer to work for years longer. Another Harris survey, conducted in 1992, found that 5.4 million older Americans--one in seven of those 55 and older who were not working at that time--were willing to work but could not find a suitable job (Administration on Aging). Age discrimination can be obvious, such as a bank hiring a pretty, inexperienced young woman as a teller instead of an older woman with a strong background in similar jobs. But it's the subtler forms of age discrimination that may have the most powerful effect on cutting short the productive years of Americans--the law partner who

Kettering :: essays research papers

Kettering Tape   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In listening to Kettering’s lecture there are five main points that I was able to pick out: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Point of view of failure – The example he gave was that a person going to grades K – 12 take several tests and if they fail just one they are out, however inventors can fail 999 times but if they succeed just once then they are a success not a failure. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are two kinds of education – Kettering claims that one kind of education is being specialized in one particular subject, and the second form of education is knowing a little bit on a wide variety of subjects. This second form is what Kettering claims to be how inventors were educated. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I.Q. Tests – Kettering claimed that I.Q. tests have nothing to do with the person taking the test, but rather, what the person administering the test wants them to be. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Teach kids the future – We are going to spend our time in the future not in the past, so why do we not study the future and study what is going to happen rather than what has already happened that we cannot change. We should educate people for the next 15 – 20 years. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The â€Å"problem† – Kettering states â€Å"The ‘Problem’ has to be the ‘boss’.† From what I get of this he means that you have to come up with a resolution from the problem. The problem has to be the main focus for a reasonable solution to be approached. What do I think of what Kettering said? Where is he right? Where is he wrong? Why?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I cannot say that I agree totally with what he says, but then again I cannot say I totally disagree. He brings up several points that are infinitely arguable. I do agree with the two kinds of education that are stated in number two above. I don’t think there is one best way to teach children wether it be specialized in one subject, or in a wide variety of subjects as each child learns differently and at their own pace.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I don’t think that we can teach children or adults the future.

Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Essay -- American History

Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki In August of 1945, both of the only two nuclear bombs ever used in warfare were dropped on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These two bombs shaped much of the world today. In 1941, The United States began an atomic bomb program called the â€Å"Manhattan Project.† The main objective of the â€Å"Manhattan Project† was to research and build an atomic bomb before Germany could create and use one against the allied forces during World War II. German scientists had started a similar research program four years before the United States began so the scientists of the â€Å"Manhattan Project† felt a sense of urgency throughout their work (Wood â€Å"Men †¦ Project†). Serious security measures were set in place to protect the information discovered throughout the life of the â€Å"Manhattan Project.† The Jemez Mountains were chosen for the site of the â€Å"Manhattan Project† due to its remote location. All citizens of the Los Alamos Ranch School area, where the â€Å"Manhattan Project† was developed, received the same address so that military personnel could monitor all mail being sent in and out of the city. Numbers replaced names on all official documents. As a final precaution, workers knew nothing of the final product they were creating. Only what was needed to complete their jobs was told to the individuals (Wood â€Å"Men †¦ Project†). Despite all of the security used by the officials in charge of the â€Å"Manhattan Project,† soviet spies managed to leak information to the Soviet Union that allowed them to create a nuclear bomb of their own. Klaus Fuchs, an important scientist to the â€Å"Manhattan Project,† managed to move throughout the project and provide crucial information to the Soviets. David Greenglass also provi... ...ear bombs, one survey showed that 53% of Americans surveyed felt that the bombs should have been used exactly the way they were and only 4.5% felt that no bombs should have been used (Batchelder 111). BIBLEOGRAPHY Batchelder, Robert C. The Irreversible Decision, 1939-1950. New York: Macmillan, 1965. Bondi, Victor ed. â€Å"Hiroshima and Nagasaki,† American Decades, 1940-1949. Detroit: Manly, Inc., 1995 Glines, C.V. â€Å"The Bomb That Ended World War II.† Aviation History Sept. 1995: 42-49. SIRS Research. SIRS Knowledge Source. Manheim Township H.S. Library, Lancaster, PA. 13 Feb. 2003. Wood, Linda K. â€Å"Men and Mission of the Manhattan Project.† World War II July 1995: 38-45. SIRS Research. SIRS Knowledge Source. Manheim Township H.S. Library, Lancaster, PA. 13 Feb. 2003. Wyden, Peter. Day One: Before Hiroshima and After. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984.

Comparison between Creon and Antigone in Oedipus the King Essay

In the Oedipus plays, two of the major characters include Creon, the brother in law of Oedipus and Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus. Although these two characters play different roles in the plays Oedipus the King and Antigone, they share a lot of similarities. Basically, one of the similarities that Creon and Antigone have is that the burdens that they carried throughout the plays were passed down to them by Oedipus following his downfall and exile. After Oedupis’s exile, Creon assumed the throne of Thebes and took control of the city. Although his intentions in ruling Thebes are pure, like Oedipus who refused to listen to the blind prophet when he told him that he was the one who murdered his father, Creon’s judgment was blinded when he initially refused to give proper burial rites to his enemy, Polynices, Oedipus son. As a result, Antigone, hanged herself, causing her lover Haemon, Creon’s son, to kill himself as well. Likewise, Antigone inherited the stubbornness of his father when she defied Creon’s order deny the corpse of Polynices, her brother, a proper burial. For her defiance, Creon had her thrown into a tomb, where she committed suicide through hanging. In short, both Creon and Antigone were affected by Oedipus’s tragic downfall as he apparently passed down his misfortunes to those who succeeded him and to his family members. Antigone herself said this in her conversation with her sister, in which she said â€Å"My own flesh and blood—dear sister, dear Ismene, how many griefs our father Oedipus handed down! Do you know one, I ask you, one grief that Zeus will not perfect for the two of us while we still live and breathe? There’s nothing, no pain—our lives are pain—no private shame, no public disgrace, nothing I haven’t seen in your grief and mine. † In other words, Antigone spoke as if tragedies are passed down in Oedipus’s family like they were family heirlooms. Moreover, both Creon and Antigone exemplified also suffered the same losses. Creon lost his son, Haemon, and his wife, Eurydice who both committed suicide while Antigone lost her father, Oedipus, and her two brothers, Polynices and Eteocles, who killed each other while fighting over who would rule over Thebes. In other words, both characters were left alone in their personal battles. However, while the two characters share several similarities, they also have various differences. For one, Antigone acknowledges the past tragedies as shown in the quote above and uses them as a motivation to move forward. Moreover, she is more bold and prudent than Creon as shown during their confrontation in which he asked her why she was defying him and she answered, â€Å"I didn’t say yes. I can say no to anything I say vile, and I don’t have to count the cost. But because you said yes, all that you can do, for all you’re crown and your trappings, and your guards—all that your can do is to have me killed. † On the other hand, Creon is a manipulative and narrow-minded person as shown in his initial refusal to believe in the blind prophet’s prediction. His personality is best shown in his description of Thebes wherein he said, â€Å"Anarchy—show me a greater crime in all the earth! She, she destroys cities, rips up houses, breaks the ranks of spearmen into headlong rout. But the ones who last it out, the great mass of them owe their lives to discipline. Therefore we must defend the men who live by law, never let some woman triumph over us. Better to fall from power, if fall we must, at the hands of a man—never be rated inferior to a woman, never. † In sum, while both characters share similarities due to their close relationship with Oedipus, they also have differences that distinguish their characters. Antigone is a realistic, decisive yet stubborn character while Creon is a person who holds himself in high esteem but later realizes he is human as well. Works Cited â€Å"Oedipus the King. † 2008. The Internet Classics Archive. 3 April 2008 . â€Å"Antigone. † 2008. 2008. The Internet Classics Archive. 3 April 2008 .

Business and Consumer Protection in Islam

Modern business is a very complex reality. Many factors influence and determine the business activity. Among other organizational factors managerial, scientific technological and socio-cultural-political, the business complexity of social activities, business with the complexities of modern society. For social events, business in many ways intertwined with the complexities of modern society. All the factors that make up the complexities of modern business has been frequently studied and analyzed through a scientific approach, especially in economics and management theory (K.  Bertens: 2000). In the myth of modern business business people are required to be professional people in his field. They have the skills and business skills beyond the average person, he should be able to show that performance is above average business performance amateur. What's interesting is not only about the performance aspects of the business, managerial, and technical organizations alone but also about the ethical aspects. Performance becomes prasarat business success also involves a moral commitment, moral integrity, discipline, loyalty, unity of moral vision, service, attitude give priority to quality, respect for rights and interests of relevant parties concerned (stakeholders), which over time will develop into a business ethics in a company. Conduct an honest Prophet transparent and generous in doing business practice is the key to success in managing the business Khodijah ra, is a concrete example of the morals and ethics in business. (Http://uika-bogor. ac. d/doc/public/etika% 20bisnis% 20islam. pdf) If we trace the history, the religion of Islam seems a favorable view of trade and economic activity. Prophet Muhammad was a merchant, and the religion of Islam spread primarily through the Muslim traders. In the Qur'an there is a warning against the misuse of wealth, but not prohibited from seeking wealth by lawful means (QS: 2; 275) â€Å"Allah has made trade and prohibits usury. † Islam puts trading activity in a very strategic position in the center of human activity seek sustenance and livelihood. This can be seen in the words of the Prophet Muhammad: â€Å"Pay attention by all your trade, real commercial world it is nine out of ten the door of sustenance. † Dawam Rahardjo precisely suspect Weber thesis on ethics of Protestantism, which cites business activities as a human responsibility to God quoting from Islamic teachings. The following business activities that are prohibited in sharia: 1. Avoiding business transaction that is forbidden in Islam. A Muslim must be committed to interact with things that are made lawful by Allah SWT. A Muslim businessman should not be doing business in the things forbidden by sharia. And a Muslim businessman claimed to always do the good business and society. Business, food is not halal or kosher not contain ingredients, liquor, drugs, prostitution or all of which relate to the world of sparkling like night clubs discotic cafe where mixing of men and women accompanied by a stomping songs, treats and drinks and the food is not kosher Other (QS: Al-A'raf; 32. QS: Al Maidah; 100) is a business activity that is forbidden. 2. Avoiding how to obtain and use property is not kosher. The practice of usury is miserable to be avoided, Islam prohibits usury with severe threats (QS: Al-Baqara, 275-279), while speculative transactions are very closely related to the business that is not transparent such as gambling, fraud, violated the trust so it will most likely harm. Hoarding of money to turn off the function to be enjoyed by others and the narrow space of business and economic activity is a disgraceful act and being rewarded to the most severe (Sura: At-Tauba: 34-35). Redundant and a waste of money for purposes that are not useful and dissipate all the excesses. All properties are prohibited because it is a trait that is not wise in the use of property and contrary to the commandment of God (Surah: Al A'raf; 31). 3. Unfair competition is denounced by God as mentioned in the Quran surat Al-Baqarah: 188: â€Å"Do not you eat some of the treasure of you in a falsehood. † Monopoly also includes unfair competition Prophet denounced the act was: â€Å"Whoever is doing then he is guilty of monopoly†, â€Å"A wholesaler was given sustenance by God as for someone who did that accursed monopoly. Monopoly done to gain market control by preventing the other players to compete in various ways, often in ways that are not laudable goal is to memahalkan price for these entrepreneurs have a huge advantage. Prophet said: â€Å"Someone who intentionally do something to memahalkan price, Allah will promise to the throne made from the Fire later in the day of Judgement. † 4. Forgery and fraud, Islam strictly prohibits falsifying and decepti ve because it can cause harm, injustice, and can lead to hostility and strife. Allah says in Surah: Al-Isra: 35: â€Å"And full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a right balance. † The Prophet said: â€Å"If you sell it you shall not deceive people with sweet words. † In the modern business at least we see in ways not commendable by some businessmen in its product offering, which is forbidden in Islam. In essence, the consumer contains a very broad sense, as expressed President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, â€Å"Consumers by definition include us all† (By definition, all of us including the consumer). (Shidarta, 2000: 2). Consumer Protection Act No. 8, 1999 Chapter I, article 1, number 2, the consumer defines as, â€Å"Every person users of goods or services that are available in the community, both for the interests of self, family, others, as well as other creatures and not for trading†. (Government of the Republic of Indonesia, 1999: 5) Consumers in the economic laws of Islam are not limited to those SAJ war, but also includes a legal entity (al-syakhshiyyat al-ma'nawawiyyah), such as endowments or foundations of certain companies and institutions. Islamic economic laws there is no difference between the end user with a medium user. Muslim jurists did not distinguish between goods kondumsi property, goods production, and intermediary goods, as contained in the general economics. This brings the influences on consumer definitions that must be protected in Islam because in Islam, including consumer goods all users, whether the goods were used directly, so exhausted, used as a tool for intermediaries to further prosuksi justice belongs to everyone, whether he is domiciled as individuals, groups or the public. Advances in technology and the development of economy and perdangangan volume demanding extra supervision of the risks that might arise from the use of certain products. Poor environmental conditions caused by business actors in general, should also get serious attention because every living being is a consumer of the environment. Muhammad, 2004: 180) In Islam there are five things that must be kept kemaslahatannya become key objective of sharia (al-necessities al-repertoire), the religion (al-din), reason (al-‘aql), descent (an-NASL), and property ( al-mal), while some Islamic jurists there is also adding to the al-‘ardh (honor), but according to honor the author is already covered in the custody of al nafs (soul). When associated with the risk caused by defective products or irresponsibility of a product, the main objectives of the fifth yag more focused on guarding the soul, mind and wealth. Muhammad, 2004: 181) However, if the risk of such usage caused by â€Å"negligence† of producers, then this should be linked also with the theory of liability contained in this kejahatab jinayah in Islamic Jurisprudence. In theory the responsibility of Islamic Jurisprudence crime, crimes and violations that occur on human rights can not be invalidated by reason of mistake, not intentional acts. Therefore, the perpetrators of these acts must bear the loss of property or life with fines that have been determined shari'ah.

Video Games as Art

Video Games as Art Dylan Armitage December 10th, 2012 100883983 Video Games Are Art Are video games art? Up until the early 21st century, the dominant ideology surrounding this topic is resounding â€Å"No†. Art critics, such as Roger Ebert that state â€Å"video games cannot be art. † (Roger Ebert's Journal), and philosophers continually dismiss the idea. This ideology is no longer an accepted truth. I will argue that video games are a form of art.Video Games have gone from simple games and concepts such as Pong (1975) to modern day, epic titles like Uncharted 3 (2011), and with that they have evolved from simple forms of entertainment to as sophisticated a form of art as any. Video games evoke great emotion from the players, much like the audience of any other form of art. Video games also should be considered a form of art because of the vast amount of tools and media that are combined to create the games that we play today.The list of games that can be considered ar t increases each year and it spans over many generations, consoles, and genres. Art is defined as â€Å"The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,†. According to this definition, if things such as paintings, film and music are considered to be art, then video games clearly fall into the category as well. Video games today are as creative as anything. Video games allow for so much creative freedom to create any setting, any character and have the ability to interact with all of those and create a new world.Games take creativity and allow you to immerse yourself within it. In games like the series of Mass Effect (2007-2012), you are able to put a certain amount of creative input into the game yourself. You dictate many facets of the game. You can customize your character, whether it be gender, race or just the general way your character looks. Secondly, your decisions affect the world of the game. You can dictate what your character says and through that change the course of events and how other characters in the game think of you. It is essentially a new world.The game includes it's own lore, deals with issues that we deal with today but in a new world and in a more lighthearted fashion that definitely makes the player think. These issues include those of race barriers and the fear of technology taking over. When it comes to actual labour going into a game, it is very similar to that of a film. They include things such as motion capture. Which is essentially capturing the real life movements of someone and that translates to a sort of acting. The second element of that acting is contributed to the voice-over acting for characters.This gives freedom of imagination to match any human with any voice you wish. The list then goes on for ages to include animators, set designers, sound designers and much more. The credits to people at the end of the games are much like that of movies and it all contributes to a fantastically entertai ning piece of art. Many people view games as simply a form of entertainment. While they are indeed entertaining, they should be considered forms of art for many different reasons. Art evokes emotion, whether it be from a beautiful orchestral medley or a gorgeous landscape painting. Video games do the same.In the modern day gaming industry, games are more than just getting from beginning to end and win the game, they involve the player in many ways. In The Walking Dead: The Game (2012), you are put in control of Lee Everett, a former university professor who is on his way to prison. The game is very unorthodox in many ways, it is much less about having action-packed gameplay or incredibly realistic graphics. It is focused on engrossing the player in the story and with the characters. It involves some point and click battles, which is necessary for the setting it takes place in, but it is heavily focused on choice.Everything you do in the game has an effect. Whether it be from not giv ing someone a portion of rations or choosing to side with someone in an argument. The game world adapts to the choices you make and it all relies on the player. With such involvement the player finds themselves greatly committed emotionally to all facets of the game. The involvement tests a lot of boundaries with human emotion. â€Å"It explores the depths of human tolerance, dissecting what it means to survive in the worst possible scenario, and what it means to keep someone you love alive in the same situation. (Joystiq) Through this, it evokes incredible emotion from the player. Video games can even mix elements of many other artistic media. Taking that into account, video games can do everything that all other artistic media can, but it can be packaged into one outlet. You get the wonderful story and script of a wonderfully written book but with you as the main character, effecting the world how you see fit. The stories of video games have become increasingly more complex and c ompelling. They even draw interest of film and novel writers and elements from other artistic works.The Walking Dead: The Game from Telltale Games is a great example of this. The video game draws from The Walking Dead television series on AMC and the television series draws from a graphic novel with the same name. This franchise is a great example of how different artistic media can draw from each other. All instances of the series are written by Robert Kirkman, the creator of the graphic novel series. The mainstream success of all these series are a testament to how the art that is The Walking Dead can be conveyed with great success whether it be the novels, the show or the game.Another great example of a writer of film getting interested in video games is John Milius, writer of Apocalypse Now (1979) and Red Dawn (1984) being a story consultant to the video game closely related to his screenplays, Homefront (2011). You get the epic landscapes and imagery of film but with the freedo m to explore and interact with it. In the game Far Cry 3 (2012) you play as Jason Brody and you are on an island called Rook Island which is inspired by a real tropical island. You are abducted along with your friends and you escape, determined to rescue all of them.The game is open-world, which gives the freedom to do almost anything within the limit of the game world. You don't even have to follow the games' story, which has received critical acclaim. You can explore the absolutely stunning scenery of the island, you can go hunt the local wildlife, you can go climbing or even sky-diving. The setting is very appealing and draws you in like any film would but also allows you to interact and do whatever you wish with the world given to you. There are also games that allow you to interact with the world without even starting to play the real game.Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) has an interactive section at the main menu of the game. If you were to mash certain buttons enough, you were able to walk around the room that the main menu is taking place in. You can even walk over to an arcade machine and play a game inside of the game. The same can be seen in the newest instalment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) a similar section can be seen where you can interact with the world to play multiple games from the original Atari gaming console. You also the get the beautiful noise of the in-game sound effects and soundtrack.The audio of video games has evolved from simple, silly sounding noises and no dialogue to complete orchestral scores throughout the game and Hollywood famous actors voicing in-game characters. Actors that have made the transition to video games include Sam Worthington of in Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2, Seth Green in the Mass Effect series and Burt Reynolds in Saints Row: The Third (2011). The sound of a video game has come from the game Pong that only has three noises, the sound of the ball hitting the paddle, the sound of the ball hitting the s idelines and then the sound of a point being scored.This can not be attributed to be art as far as audio goes. In contrast, the soundtrack for Journey (2012) has been nominated for a Grammy. Gaming soundtracks have evolved to the point of having individual tracks for certain situations or scenes that involve an entire orchestra, much like a film. The soundtrack for Journey is among the company of other artistic wonders in film as well as sound such as The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Hugo (2011), and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011).All of these media combine to form the art that is video games. Now that the ground for all the aspects of a video game being art have been established, which games fall into that category and reinforce that ideal? Many games fall under all the criteria but some stand out when it comes to the different aspects. The creativity of video games is very evident throughout almost all video games but it is much more evident in the games of Mass Effect and De ad Space 2 (2011).Mass Effect creates this vast world that includes multiple races, new planets and interesting lore that embody great creativity in video games. Creativity is also given to the players who are able to customize the character and how the character acts which dictates events and action within the story world. Dead Space 2 creates a vast world as well with great lore and the thought of where humanity would go as far as a space society. The game also talks about the issue of religion governing the state. This comes up in many ways including the game's main conflict.The game also draw on the very interesting and creative aspect of not knowing if certain things are really happening, much like the game Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (2002). The sanity of the character is never really certain and you are constantly doubting yourself as well as what is occurring. When it comes to emotional engagement, two games stand out. The Walking Dead: The Game and Heavy Rain (2010). The Walking Dead: The Game engages the player in an extravagant world with interactive environments and characters.It engages you with the characters and deals with realistic issues regarding the time and place while developing an emotional connection to the story and characters. By the time the game is complete, you are torn through all the choices you've made and with the emotionally testing relationship between Lee, the character you play as, and Clementine, the little girl you take care of throughout the game. The other game that engages the player emotionally in a great way is Heavy Rain. The game puts the the player in the shoes of Ethan and tests what the player is willing to go to to save his son.You have the ability to push the character through the trials that reveal where his son is being held but with more information being revealed the closer to death Ethan becomes. As far as including all the artistic media, many games stand out. When it comes to the great writing of novels and screenplays, games such as The Walking Dead: The Game and Homefront use the talents of credited author and screenwriters to convey a great story through rich dialogue. The interactivity of games and beautiful set pieces is shown through games such as Far Cry 3 and Red Dead Redemption (2010).In these worlds, great freedom is introduced which allows you to do really anything you desire through the many different characters, wildlife and locations the game introduces. Great strides in audio are introduced through games such as Mass Effect that include voice-actors such as Seth Green of Family Guy and Yvonne Strahovski of Dexter and the beautiful sounding and Grammy nominated soundtrack of Journey. In conclusion, the dominant ideology that video games are not art is a thing of the past.Through the emotional engagement of games today, video games evoke as much emotion as any other work of art. Through it's creativity and ability to create any universe as you see fit, much like other media. Video games also combine many different forms of media to create a brand new artistic form that is video games. They use great set pieces, beautiful audio through orchestra or voice over. Video games have evolved greatly from small beginnings and the list of examples is increasing very quickly. Through all these reasons and examples, video games are art.Clarke, Andy, Videogames and Art. Chicago: Intellect Books, 2007. Conditt, Jessica â€Å"The Walking Dead Episode 5 review: All the time in the world† Joystiq. 26 Nov 2012, 8 Dec 2012 Ebert, Roger â€Å"Video Games cannot be Art. † Roger Ebert's Journal. 16 Apr 2010, 8 Dec 2012 ;http://blogs. suntimes. com/ebert/2010/04/video_games_can_never_be_art. html; Helgeson, Matt â€Å"The Great Debate: Are Games Art? † Game Informer. 1 May. 2012, 8 Dec 2012 ;http://www. gameinformer. om/b/features/archive/2012/05/01/the-great-debate-are-games-art. aspx; Melissinos, Chris, The Art of Video Games: From Pac-ma n to Mass Effect. New York: Welcome Books, 2012. Tavinor, Grant 2005. â€Å"Videogames and Interactive Fiction,†Ã‚  Philosophy and Literature  April 2005, vol. 29, no. 1. Tavinor, Grant 2009. The Art of Videogames. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Young, Robert â€Å"Gaming's first Grammy nomination† Neoseeker. 5 Dec 2012, 8 Dec 2012