Split Cherry Tree by Jesse Stuart Essay -- Split Cherry Tree Jesse Stu

Split Cherry Tree by Jesse Stuart The gip story, Spilt Cherry Tree, was written by Jesse Stuart. In the beginning of the story, Dave and his classmates went with Professor Herbert on a field trip for biology class. They were all searching for lizards, bugs, snakes, frogs, flowers, and plants. Dave and five of his classmates had spotted a lizard in the grey-headed cherry tree up the hill, so all six of them ran up the tree afterward it, and the tree broke down. Eif Crabtree, the owner of the tree was plowing when it happened and he ran up and go tall the boys names. Daves five classmates who broke the tree with him were all able to get the dollar mark that they owed Mr. Crabtree, but Dave knew he wouldnt be able to get his. Professor Herbert kept Dave after teach and t honest-to-goodness him that he paid Daves dollar, but he would start out to work four hours at the school to earn the full dollar, which means he would be acquire paid twenty-five cents and hour to wait on the janitor. Dave really didnt mind staying after school, but he knew that he would get a whipping from his father if he was two hours late getting home. Dave told Professor Herbert that he would rather have the professor whip him with a switch so he could go on home and help his dad with chores because he knew his dad would whip him if he was two hours late. Dave was also afraid that his father would make him quit school because he was a little old fashioned and didnt understand the school system of that time.Dave hurried hom... Split Cherry Tree by Jesse Stuart Essay -- Split Cherry Tree Jesse StuSplit Cherry Tree by Jesse Stuart The short story, Spilt Cherry Tree, was written by Jesse Stuart. In the beginning of the story, Dave and his classmates went with Professor Herbert on a field trip for biology class. They were all searching for lizards, bugs, snakes, frogs, flowers, and plants. Dave and five of his classmates had spotted a lizard in the old cherry tree up the hill, so all six of them ran up the tree after it, and the tree broke down. Eif Crabtree, the owner of the tree was plowing when it happened and he ran up and go tall the boys names. Daves five classmates who broke the tree with him were all able to get the dollar that they owed Mr. Crabtree, but Dave knew he wouldnt be able to get his. Professor Herbert kept Dave after school and told him that he paid Daves dollar, but he would have to work four hours at the school to earn the full dollar, which means he would be getting paid twenty-five cents and hour to help the janitor. Dave really didnt mind staying after school, but he knew that he would get a whipping from his father if he was two hours late getting home. Dave told Professor Herbert that he would rather have the professor whip him with a switch so he could go on home and help his dad with chores because he knew his dad would whip him if he was two hours late. Dave was also afraid that his father would make him quit school be cause he was a little old fashioned and didnt understand the school system of that time.Dave hurried hom...

Views on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Preju

Views on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Pride pride n., v., 1. high (or too high) opinion of ones have got dignity, importance, worth, etc. 2. the condition or feeling of being proud. 3. a noble sense of what is due to oneself or ones position or character self prize self esteem. prejudice n., v., 1. an opinion In the novel by Jane Austen, displays a severe contrast between Elizabeth and Darcy in the story. Jane Austen does this by discussing the discipline of pride end-to-end the novel. The concept of pride in this book is defined as an excessively high opinion of ones own dignity, importance and worth. Throughout the novel, Jane Austen satirizes the manners of all classes, exposing passel who have excessive pride as rude and often foolish, regardless of wealth or station. While the term of pride pertains particularly to Mr. Darcy there ar other characters that portray this trait as well. Jane Austen has depict ed pride in her minor characters as a means of demonstrating its importance as a theme of this novel. Among the minor characters that Jane Austen uses to portray unattractive pride is Mr Collins. Jane Austen used Mr. Collins as an extreme example of how excessive pride can affect ones manner and be a very unattractive quality. In Mr. Collins case, he prides himself on his sense of respectability, his profession, and his association with Lady Catherine. Jane Austen shows through the voice of the narrator that she disapproves of Mr. Collins, which is why she satirises him. MR. Collins was non a sensible man?. A fortunate chance had recommended him to lady Catherine d... ...mily, finding refuge in his library or through mocking his unmindful(predicate) wife. This becomes his only happiness. Jane Austen has positioned her audience so that we are influenced to agree with her attitudes on the importance of marrying for love. Austen has used her characte rs to express the issue of love. Such characters as Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas and Wickham and Lydia represent wedding party for superficial purposes, which can never result in happiness. The juxtapositioned relationship between the characters of Darcy and Elizabeth show the audience that happiness in marriage can only be achieved if the couple both throw away immediate physical attractions and financial desires and marry for nothing else but true love.Works CitedAusten, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Ed. R.W. Chapman. New York Oxford UP, 1988.

psychology Essay -- essays research papers

As described, there atomic number 18 10 different locations of early psychology. These perspectives are Structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology, Behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, physiological, evolutionary, cognitive, and cultural and diversity. I willing alto supporther be looking at three of these perspectives still in common use today here is a summary of each.     The behavioral perspective "focuses on the observable behaviors thus it does not speculate about mental processes such as thinking." (Davis and Palladino, 2005).Unlike the other approaches, the behavioral perspective accentuates how it is important to learn and understand and doesnt focus on coconscious. B. F. mule skinner, a well kn own psychologist, was a strong advocate of this thinking. He has since been called the "greatest contemporary psychologist" (Fowler, 1990). Skinner basically took an easy angle on his methods. "Behavior changes as a result of conse quences (Bjork, D. W., 1997). When it comes down to it, Skinner takees basic skills.      When applying this type of psychology to young children you will see immediate results and these can be long standing results. However, in young children, this method will not give the parent ay idea of the motivations or thoughts behind that bad behavior. Only reinforcing the correct behaviors will do nothing to help parents or teachers better understand the feelings of the child or the internal factors that give way contributed to this behavior. Behaviorism works well in conjunction with the other theories below to help parents and teachers gain a more complete understanding of not only their childrens behaviors but why they choose to behave in a certain way.      The humanistic perspective "emphasizes free will and an individuals restrict of their own behavior." (Davis and Palladino, 2005).This was more of a human approach to psychology whic h was to look at and study humans by the choices they make. Laboratory specimens can not peradventure equate to what a human can achieve deeming any laboratory experiment illogical. Instead of developing principals about their theories, they concluded that each individual is their own being. Humanistic psychologists believe in the inherent good nature of all people.    &nbs... ...ng the humanistic approach to reinforce their own decision making can teach a child to make the correct decisions and also give a more positive view of those choices no matter what they are. At any period the cognitive approach can be used to help children learn to recall information they have been taught or apply that lesson we are trying to get across. ReferencesBjork D.W. (1997) Allport A Life in Washington D.C. American psychological associationFowler, R. D. (1990). Psychology The core discipline. American Psychologist, 45, 1-6. Humanistic Psychology and Education. Don Closson 1991 Probe Ministries worldwide Retrieved 4 April 2005 from http//www.probe.org/docs/psy-educ.htmlEducational Technologys Effect on Models of Instruction. Judith Conway. May, 1997 Retrieved 4 April 2005 from http//copland.udel.edu/jconway/EDST666.htmSaul Kassin, B.S., M.A., PhD, "Psychology," Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2005 Retrieved 4 April 2005 from http//encarta.msn.com Davis, Stephen F., Palladino, Joseph J. (2005) Psychology, Research and You, Psychology Chapter 1. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Pearson custom-made Publishing

The Driving Way :: essays papers

The Driving WaySelecting a career path is the easiest decision wiz can make I have chosen five in the nine years since high school. The problem is selecting a path and following it to completion.When I returned to school for my most recent career path, I worked hard and did well for the first several months. Then, I started staying out late with a young lady, and the sum of money of time that I applied to school decreased by an order of magnitude. After several weeks with her, it was apparent that my grades were going to be bad. I told my father that I was not doing well in school, and that I was going to quit school to work full time again. He surprised me when he replied, Do you find the first time that I let you twit?Although I vaguely remembered the event, I said, Of course I do. set out then ask, Do you still drive as poorly as you did that day?Sensing one of the old mans long-winded speeches around to start, I harshly said, No, whats your point?After my abrasive repl y, Father shook his head and started reading a book.Although I did not want to hear his speech, I could not keep from wondering what he wanted to say. I thought about the Saturday morning that my father let me drive for the first time. He drove me to a stretch of road so long and on-key that you could see it converge in the horizon. He pulled over and told me to swap seats with him. Despite being nervous, I wasted no time getting so-and-so the wheel. Timidly, I put the car in drive and pulled into the road. Father then said, All that you have to do is point it straight and keep it between the lines.With fathers advice about driving in mind, I carefully lined the car between the lines and headed down the road. I did well for the first several minutes. Then, my mind wandered, and I started salaried less attention to the road. In a few seconds, I felt a thump and heard the car hit gravel. I overreacted and jerked the wheel the car slid sideways, and suddenly we stopped. I was sure that my father was going to yell about my poor driving, but he quietly said, Son, let me clarify my advice to you.

Exploration of Self in Matthew Arnolds The Buried Life Essay -- Arnol

Exploration of Self in Matthew Arnolds The hide LifeOne of the modes of poetry theme and content was that of psychological exploration of self, as characterized by the verse form The Buried Life by Matthew Arnold. Class structure and gender roles were vividly looked at in depth, definitions of masculinity and femininity were earnestly contested throughout the period, with increase sharp assaults on traditional roles... (Longman, p. 1888). What it was to be a man (or woman) was frequently in question, and much of Victorian poetry addressed this.Arnold felt that, literature moldiness directly address the moral needs of readers. (Longman, p. 2017) He felt a need to instruct and educate society to a fuller understanding of its elected goals. The Buried Life can be seen as mans struggle against societys forced class and gender roles.The poem speaks with an I point of view, something that was new for the Victorian era, in time which became an increasing mode throughout poetry. We sle ep together not who the I is in this poem, and I would doubt that it reflects the author himself.The character of this poem, right from the counterbalance feels a melancholy that comes from the inner struggle amidst what society depicts as should and what a person really feels, I feel a nameless sadness oer me roll,/ yes, yes, we know that we can jest,/ we know we, we know that we can smile/ But theres a something in this breast/ to which thy light words bring no rest. (3-7) There is the beginning sense here that he is starting to see conflict within himself, first characterized by his emotions.In the second stanza of the poem, nearly all the lines reflect the characters judgement of powerlessness to put a voice to this inner struggle, to be... ...coolness play upon his face,/ and an unwonted calm pervades his breast. (94-95)Freudian theory would call this poem a conflict between the pleasure principle craves only pleasures...ignoring moral and sexual boundaries established by society and the reality principle that part of the psyche that recognizes the need for societal standards and regulations. (Bressler, p. 180) The Buried Life adequately portrays this inner struggle between the self and society, between was is felt and what is acceptable. I believe that is what Arnold was attempting, to enlighten his readers of this inner struggle and sense of self in a time when strong moral character was being questioned.WORDS CITED1. Bressler, Charles. Literary Criticism. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, C. 19992. Longman Anthology of British Literature. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, C. 2000.

Exploration of Self in Matthew Arnolds The Buried Life Essay -- Arnol

Exploration of Self in Matthew Arnolds The Buried LifeOne of the modes of poetry theme and content was that of psychological exploration of self, as characterized by the poem The Buried Life by Matthew Arnold. Class structure and gender roles were vividly looked at in depth, definitions of masculinity and femininity were earnestly contested passim the period, with increasing sharp assaults on traditional roles... (Longman, p. 1888). What it was to be a man (or woman) was frequently in question, and much of Victorian poetry addressed this.Arnold felt that, publications must directly address the moral needs of readers. (Longman, p. 2017) He felt a need to instruct and educate society to a fuller pinch of its democratic goals. The Buried Life can be seen as mans struggle against societys forced class and gender roles.The poem speaks with an I point of view, something that was new for the Victorian era, yet which became an increasing mode throughout poetry. We know not who the I is i n this poem, and I would doubt that it jobs the author himself.The character of this poem, right from the beginning feels a sadness that comes from the inner struggle between what society depicts as should and what a person really feels, I feel a nameless sadness all over me roll,/ yes, yes, we know that we can jest,/ we know we, we know that we can smile/ But theres a something in this breast/ to which thy light words bring no rest. (3-7) in that respect is the beginning good sense here that he is starting to see employment within himself, first characterized by his emotions.In the second stanza of the poem, nearly all the lines reflect the characters feeling of powerlessness to put a voice to this inner struggle, to be... ...coolness play upon his face,/ and an unwonted calm pervades his breast. (94-95)Freudian theory would call this poem a conflict between the pleasure principle craves only pleasures...ignoring moral and sexual boundaries established by society and the real ity principle that part of the psyche that recognizes the need for societal standards and regulations. (Bressler, p. 180) The Buried Life adequately portrays this inner struggle between the self and society, between was is felt and what is acceptable. I believe that is what Arnold was attempting, to enlighten his readers of this inner struggle and sense of self in a time when strong moral character was being questioned.WORDS CITED1. Bressler, Charles. Literary Criticism. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, C. 19992. Longman Anthology of British Literature. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, C. 2000.

Social Perception, and Attribution, and Individual Decision Making

Social Perception, and attribution, and Individual Decision Making Perception is the process of receiving information about and making sense of world just about us. It involves deciding which information notice, how to categorize this information and how to interpret it within the framework of existing knowledge. Another definition of perception is A process by which individuals gussy up and interpret their sensory impressions in order to give meaning to their environment.We butt summarize the perception with this sentence We dont see the things as they are, we see things as we are. Why is perception important in the study of Organizational Behaviour? Simply because peoples demeanour is establish on their perception of what reality is, not on reality itself. Virtually all management activities rely on perception.In appraising performance, managers use their perceptions of an employees behaviour as a fundament for evaluation. Factors that influence perception are categorized to three groups 1)Factors in the perceiver Attitudes, Motives, Interests, Experience, Expectations 2)Factors in the situation Time, Work mountain, Social Setting 3)Factors in the target Novelty, Motion, Sounds, Size, Background, Proximity, Similarity Shortcuts used in judging others )Selective Perception a characteristic that consider someone stand out in our theme will increase the probability that it will be perceived 2)Halo Effect drawing a general impression based on a individual(a) characteristic 3)Contrast Effects our re natural action is influenced by others we have recently encountered 4)Projection the tendency to attribute our own characteristics to other people 5)Stereotyping judging someone on the basis of our perception of the group to which they belong Attribution in OrganizationsAttribution simply refers to how a person explains the cause of anothers or his or her own behaviour. Attribution thus is the most relevant application of perception concepts of organizational behaviour-the issue of person perception. The attributions or inferred causes we provide for behaviour have important implications in organizations. In explaining the causes of employee performance, good or bad, we are asked to explain the behaviour that was the basis for the performance.Attribution Theory suggests that when we observe an individuals behaviour, we attempt to determine whether it was internally or outwardly caused Internally believed to be under the personal control of the individual Externally resulting from outside causes. Determinants of Attribution Distinctiveness whether an individual displays different behaviors in different situations. Consensus if everyone who faces a similar situation responds in the same way. Consistency does the person respond the same way over time.Individual Decision Making Individuals in organizations make decisions. That is, they make choices from among two or more alternatives. Decision-making is almost universally defined as choosin g between alternatives. Decision-making is a critical activity in the lives of managers. The decisions a manager faces can range from very simple, routine matters for which the manager has an established decision rule(programmed decisions) to new and complex decisions that require creative solutions(non-programmed decisions). Decision-Making ProcessManagers have to make decisions whether they are simple or extremely complex. Making a good decision is a difficult exercise. It is the product of deliberation, evaluation and thought. To make good decisions, managers should invariably follow a serial set of steps. 1)recognize the problem and need for a decision 2)identify the objective of the decision 3)gather and evaluate data and diagnose the situation 4)list and evaluate alternatives 5)select the best course of action 6)implement the decision 7)gather feedback 8)follow up

Food Label Report Essay

Eating and pabulum be part of the way humankind bes live. Besides being an important source of nutrients, victuals is too essential for good emotional, physical and social strong being of human beings. The important concern for AGHE (Australian Guide to ample Living) is physical health. Its main aim is to offer in formation on all types of nutriments that can be included daily in virtuosos diet. This report was carried out to gauge food commemorates on five products represented by AGHE. This report details the findings as follows. 1. Jewel Whole Grain Bread (500g) Food nutrientsThe food label indicates that this type of bread should be served as a bingle coat. Each serving constitutes a total of eighty calories, and 10 calories from fecund. Total adipose tissue in a serving is 1 gram. This is un utter(a) fecund since the food lacks Trans fat, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. The daily appraise of the fats required is 2% of one gram. The next item und ercoat in jewel bread is Sodium which constitutes 130 grams . The daily value of sodium is 5%. This is followed by Total carbohydrates which is 14 grams and has a daily value of 5percent.Dietary fiber constitutes 1 percent and has a daily intake of 4 % where as sugars constitute 2% . The last nutrient on this food label is protein and is valued at 3grams. The daily intake of protein is 6 %( Michael). The estimated percentage of calories in jewel bread is seventy percent from carbohydrates, fifteen percent from proteins and tier deuce percent from fats (Michael). The calorie estimates on this bread ar intended for a person weighing 1451b. harmonise to AGHA a take serves of bread is two mans of bread for persons aged four years and above is three to four serves each day.The recommended serves for adults is seven serves. Where as the AGHE Recommends two slices of bread per serving, Jewel breads recommends one slice of bread. Core food groupings Jewel whole grain bread belongs in group one foods which comprises of breads, cereal, rice, pasta and Noodles (AGHA). According to the recommended sample size for bread is surrounded by seven to eleven serves for adolescent boys and between four to seven serves for adolescent girls. Women aged between 19 and 60 years argon supposed to energise between four to nine serves per day. luck macronutrients in Jewel bread According to the label on this food, 500g 14g carbohydrates in 500g is homogeneous to 28g carbohydrates in degree Celsiusg bread 28g/100 ? 100= 28% carbohydrates 3 grams of protein in 500g is equivalent to 0. 6g in 100g of bread 0. 6/100 ? 100 = 0. 6% proteins The recommended daily value of carbohydrates is 2% where as the recommended protein value in 100g bread is 6%. From the above findings the bread does not conform to the recommended dietary intake. Major nutrients The major nutrients in Jewel whole uncontaminating bread is carbohydrate and protein.The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide e nergy fro the body. However carbohydrates do not constitute essential nutrients because energy can still be synthesized from proteins and fats. If taken in excess carbohydrates can lead to obesity and increased prevalence of heart diseases. The second major nutrient in bread is protein(Pharmacy Inc). The main functions of proteins include body building and repair of warn out tissues, energy giving during starvation. Taking excessive proteins leads to kidney failure and proteinuria. 2. Jewel California Blend polar vegs (250 g)Food nutrients The nutrient facts on Jewel frozen vegetable food label indicates that the serving sample is two thirds of a cup. The calories in this vegetable argon 25. Sodium constitutes 30 mg and the daily value of sodium is 1%, total carbohydrates is 4g with a daily percentage value of 1%,diatary fiber and sugars constitutes 2% each with a daily value essential of 8% dietary fiber. The protein present in this vegetable is 1g and a daily value of 2%. The v egetables also comprises of vitamins A and C with a daily value of 10% and 35% respectively and lastly calcium with a daily value of 2%.The estimated calories are 64. 0% from carbohydrates, 16. 0% from proteins and 0. 0 percent from fats. The food label on this food is in accordance with the AGHE. According to AGHE the recommended sample serve for vegetables is a one-half a cup or 75 grams of cooked vegetables. Jewel California frozen vegetable should be kept under refrigeration. Jewel California Frozen vegetable do not comply with the AGHE, Because AGHE recommends that foods in this group should have much of vitamin, followed by minerals, as well as dietary fiber and finally carbohydrates.According to the food label the vegetables have high carbohydrate content as opposed to minerals and vitamins. Core food groups Jewel California frozen vegetables belongs in group two foods which is made up of vegetables and legumes. Persons aged over four years should have two to nine sample serv es on daily basis. The sample size for adults aged 19-60 years is five samples serves (AGHE p21). Percentage macronutrients in Jewel California Frozen Vegetables 250g of frozen vegetables 0. 3 g of sodium in 250g hence 0. 0012g pass on be in 100g % sodium is 0. 125Vitamin C is 35% The food conforms to the daily dietary intake recommendations. Major nutrients The main nutrients in this group are vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are very important in a human body because they protect the body against illnesses. For antecedent vitamin A enhances growth of bones, mucous membrane haircloth and eyes Vitamin D promotes tooth and bone development vitamin E is responsible for protection of fat tissue from oxidation as well as red corpuscles synthesis, enhances cardiac blood flow, reduces cholesterol level in the blood including fatty tissues.Minerals on the other hand are also essential in human body. For instance calcium is important in teeth and bone formation iron is important in blood synthesis Iodine prevents goiter via promoting growth of thyroid gland gland copper enhances absorption of iron Zinc enhances vitamin B absorption and reduces cholesterol deposition (Pharmics INC). 3. Fresh lemon 25g Food nutrients Nutritional facts on the food label on a lemon indicated that one seedless fruit weighing 108g should constitute one serving. Each serving should have 22 calories 3 of which are from fats.The lemon constituted three milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of protein and total carbohydrates constituted 12 grams five of which are from fibers. % daily values with respect to a calorie diet of 2000 are vitamin A, 1%, Calcium 7%, Thiamin 4%, Niacin 1%, Vitamin B6 6%, phosphorus 2%, Zinc 1%, Vitamin C 139%, Iron 4%, Riboflavin 3%, Pantothetic Acid 3%, Potassium 4%, Magnesium 3% and Copper 14 %( Peer trainer). AGHE recommends that one sample serve of fruits is one sizeable fruit. Core food groups According to AGHE, Fresh lemon belongs in the third food group which comprises of all kinds of fruits including apples, oranges, pears and bananas.Adults are advised to eat at least one to five sample of a fruit on a daily basis. This food label meets the AGHE standards. Percentage macronutrients 1g of protein is equivalent to 17 kJ where as I g of carbohydrates is equivalent 17 kJ (Soccer performance). 1 calorie is equivalent to 4. 184 kJ. Therefore, 22 calories ? 4. 184 is equivalent to 92. 048 kJ of energy (Weight loss program). 1 g of protein ? 17Kj = (17/92. 048) ? 100 = 18. 47 % energy 12g of carbohydrates ? 17Kj = (204/ 92. 048) ? 100 = 97. 6% energy Major nutrients The main nutrients found in fruits are vitamin C, folate, natural sugars as well as fibers.Vitamin C is critical in collagen formation where as natural sugars fiber on the other hand adds bulk to a diet. Fiber help in digestion, prevents constipation, aids in treatment of diabetes, heart diseases and diverticulitis. Too much fiber in the diet is harmful especially when eaten within a lill iputian time can result to abdominal cramps, flatulence and bloating (New York Times 2010). 4. Wild harvest-time organic yogurt(450g) Food nutrients The food label on wild harvest organic yogurt indicated that one serving constitutes one cup of yogurt. The total calories in this type of yogurt are 190, total fat constitutes 3g where as saturated fat is 2g.Other nutrients include sodium which is 130g, sugars 31g protein 8g and total carbohydrates 35g. The yogurt lacks vitamins (Michaels). The yoghurt is to be kept under refrigeration. This label correlates with the AGHE measures which states that a sample serve is equivalent to 200g yoghurt which is equivalent to one carton. Core food groups According to AGHE yoghurt belongs in the fourth food group together with cheese and milk. A sample serve for yoghurt is 200g . Adults are supposed to have at least two sample serves of yogurt on daily basis. Percentage macronutrients Total grams 450 3g of fat /450 = 0. 007? 100 =7% fat8g of prot ein /450 ? 100 = 1. 78% protein 35g of carbohydrates/450 = 7. 78% carbohydrates This food label conforms to the AGHE. This is because the main food nutrient found in yoghurt is fat and as it can be noted from the calculations, fat is has the highest percentage. Major nutrients The main nutrients found in this group include calcium and fats. Calcium is important in bone and teeth formation. dilate is important because it provides more than 80% of the bodies energy requirement, it protects essential organs of the boy as well as acting as a thermal insulator this is because it is a bad conductor of heat..Fat is used in transportation of fat- soluble vitamins and finally it is a hunger suppressor. Fat provides an important part of skin which holds the skin together. Fat is essential in the activation of the flow of bile, hence gall bladder emptying, it important in the formation of the structure of brain as well as production of hormones to initiate and regulate body activities (Weight loss program). 5. Ball park fat free flush franks(100g) Food nutrients The food label indicated on this food showed that the food should be served as one frank (50. 0grams) per serving.(Soccer performance . org)The total calories present in the food were 45. The food constitutes of 10mg of cholesterol, 420 mg of sodium, 5. 0 g of total carbohydrates, 2g of sugars, 6% of Vitamin C, 45 of iron and 6. 0 g of proteins (Weight loss program). The values were founded on a thermic diet of 2000 calories. It is rich in vitamin C. Ball park fat free beef franks expiry date is 22nd of May 2010. AGHE values for a single serve is higher than what has been provided on the food label. AGHE recommends that a sample serve for cooked meat should be between 65g and 100g. Core food groupsMeat belongs in the 5th food groups alongside chicken, lean mince, fish, lentils, eggs and peas. Adults are encouraged to eat between one to two serves of meat per day. Percentage macronutrients I g of fat is equival ent to 38 kJ, 1g of protein is equivalent to 17 kJ where as I g of carbohydrates is equivalent 17 kJ (Soccer performance). 1 calorie is equivalent to 4. 184 kJ. Therefore, 45 calories ? 4. 184 is equivalent to 188. 28 kJ of energy (Weight loss program). 5g of carbohydrates /100 = 0. 05 ? 100 = 5% carbohydrates 6g of protein / 100 = 0. 06 ? 100 = 6 % proteins Iron 4% The food product conforms to AGHE food guidelines.This is because the daily requirement for protein from meat is 2% and iron 4%. Major nutrients The major nutrients found in meat are protein and iron. Protein is important because it aids in repairing and building faltering out tissues, it is a source of energy, it maintains the skin, nails and hair and it is important in the overall body functions like muscle contraction, and nutrient transport. Nearly 45 percent of the human body is made up of proteins (Soccerperformance. org). Iron is important in the production of myoglobin and hemoglobin which transport oxygen in mu scles and blood.Iron is also important in that it assists the white blood cells produce element essential in combating bacteria. It also aids in the synthesis of many critical neurotransmitters. Bibliography AGHE , Enjoy A miscellanea Of Foods Every Day, Accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www. health. gov. au/internet/main/publishing. nsf/Content/E384CFA588B74377CA256F190004059B/$File/fd-cons. pdf Jewel Whole Grain bread. Accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www. livestrong. com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/jewel/whole-grain-bread/ Michaels Jillian, calories in wild harvest organic yogurt accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www.myfitnesspal. com/food/calories/wild-harvest-organic-low-fat-vanilla-yogurt-848062 New York times (2010) , Fiber accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//health. nytimes. com/health/guides/nutrition/fiber/overview. html Peertrainer. com , Calories in fresh lemons accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www. peertrainer. com/DFcaloriecounterB. aspx? id=2117 Pharmics In c, Functions of vitamins and minerals accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www. pharmics. com/welcome. htm Soccerperformance. org, Nutrition Energy Expenditure accessed on 20/05/2010 from http//www. soccerperformance. org/specialtopics/energyexpendit

James Fowler’s “Stages of Faith” Essay

In response to James Fowlers Stages of Faith, I have to agree with a majority of these stages. With surmisal that there are no social, physical or mental deficiencies, his stages are appropriate with life development. As I read his stages of life, I found myself fine-looking him credit for a rule of thumb or generally speaking type of tone. Stage 0 is a predictable stage of life. Primal or Undifferentiated their faith is characterized by an early learning of the safety of their environment consisting of warmth, safety and secure vs. hurt, neglect and abuse. In all cultures and communities this is very common. As I read onto stage 1, this is where I started to not disagree, however extend the stages beyond his age interpretations. Stage 1 is a stage that does not just defend ages three to seven. Rather, their whole life in some say. Stage 1, Intuitive-Projective, can be developed into late adulthood until an image is created. Stage 2 seems to be the most fun we come across as paren ts.The name should really be called the Imagination stage. They imagine wild stories of consequences, illogical reality and really a misinterpreted way of life. However, their faith is fun and completely interesting to listen to how they filter messages. Stage 3 of Synthetic-Conventional I could not agree with to a greater extent. At my stage in life, I find myself sitting pretty in Stage 4 Individuative-Reflective faith. This stage of faith is based off of experiences in life and how to best change and relate to each item. Unfortunately this stage is also distracted with the responsibilities of life. In stage 4 we are raising kids, starting careers, buying houses, and finding a harsh reality of life. While it very fun and exciting, faith can take a back seat and not a priority. Stage 5, the mid-life crisis is occurring more and more often. My father in law, after 33 years packed up and left this past thanksgiving for selfish reasons he admits to. There comes a point in life that a fter stage 4 is complete and your job, whether raising kids, paying off houses, cars or raising kids comes to an end, you can become mixed-up on the controllables and uncontrollables life. This takes us to the final stages of life. Stage 6, or the

Ecology of Sand Dunes

There be six main physical types of dunes which rely on the position of the system in relation to the direction of the shoreline. Three of these being spits, offshore islands and nesses project towards the sea and are generally extending seawards. They are characterstic where the paramount star is offshore so in England would be the East Coast. The other three types which are bay dunes, hind shore dunes and machair are found found where the prevailing wind is onshore so a constantly being driven back on to the land behind the shore by the wind and are found on the west coast.Dunes are known as sub-maritime coastal habitats as they are not plagued by occasional flooding and are not very salty. Dunes can very in size greatly with the height increasing over 25 meters on some coasts and can vary greatly in width and length.Dune botanyDune vegetation varies according to stability, moisture content and calcium carbonate content of the good sense the dune is do up of. In order for veg etation on the dunes to grow plant succession has to occur. Marram grass colonises the dune (fore dunes) and spreads its tuberous roots just under the get on of the rachis, and forms an underground web that helps hold the sand in place. Though marram grass stabilizes the soil for its own survival, an inadvertent side effect is that it makes it possible for other kinds of vegetation to begin to take hold. Other plants take advantage of the increased stability of the soil surface and start to colonize areas the marram grass helped make safe embryo dune formationSand is blown onshore from exposed beaches at low tide. As the wind slows due to obstacles on the land being met the sand is deposited. Large amount of sand are deposited just beyond the highest water mark. This is due to the friction occurring where drift line vegetation is growing and by the accumulating sand deposits present. Eventually low sand hills build up on the shoreline and slowly move inaland.These embryo dunes bec ome colonized by Agropyron Junceforme which can condense saline apray, posses a large root system allowing more binding of the sand and rapid growth to avoid burial by the sand. The embryo dune vegetation increases sand deposition and they hills increase in size and advance further inland and develop into first fore and then yellow dunes. theme Dunes and yellow dunesAbove the driftline and embryo dunes there is often a seaward strip of low dunes with an open growth of plants still tolerant of short tightness during especially higgh tides. These fore dunes grade into main dunes further inland where Marram grass is the main colonist encouraging the growth of the dunes upwards. This grass is and efficient dune detergent builder but does not form a layer of litter or bind the sand surface so later erosion occurs.As the colonists crap made the sand more stable forther vegetation now grows such as Calystegia soldanella. This grows in the sand between the marram tussocks. Many species of plans which find a coastal niche also appear as open sand colonists. Some of these grow on mainly calcerous dunes, but the effect of varying calcium oxide content of the sand becomes more obvious as a closed vegetation develops and stabilization is accompanied by leaching.Fixed or Grey DunesA vegetation of low growing grasses, lichens and mosses are present at this stage. Where contains less lime the characterstic species which occurs amongst the marram are red and sheeps fescue. Lichens such as Cladonia impexa also may become abundantDune Heath and Dune PastureThe oldest and most stable parts of the non-calcerous dunes are eventually invaded by overshadow shrubs. This forms a heath which approaches which approaches that of some(prenominal) inland lowland areas with sandy soil. Lichen heaths also develop with species such as cladonia impexa growing in great abundance in dwarf shrubs, it is also possible for bracken to become abundant in this area and large areas of it may de velop.During the early stages of closed sward formation marram may uphold very abundant, but with further development of the succession it gradually thins out and eventually disappears. The development of the dwarf shrub heath is also marked by the sand surface becoming acidic and the formation of an acidic humus layer.Further development involves a thickening of the grassy swardm extension of these herbs into the moss and lichens, and the dissapearance of species such as marram grass.. Rabbits can be numerous on these undes and their grazing can produce a close cropped species rich area hardly distinguishable from that on many inland grasslands. The lime content and pH of calcerous sand dunes decrease with age, and organic

Review of Human Nature in Voltaire and Swift Essay

Satire is defined as individual follies and vices found in charitable being through ridicule and irony. The purpose of satire is not to humour but to bring improvement through verbal attack by employ wit. One of the common features of satire is irony and sarcasm which has been used by authors for centuries including fleet and Voltaire to show the shortcoming of tender nature. Swift was born and educated in Ireland and spent his early life in England. His career started with the A Tale of Tub and The Battle of Books where he satirized the human weakness in various ways.In A Tale of Tub, he mocks his countrymen revealing the shallowness of philosophers and writers of his time. He overly shows how the philosophers and writers are used by ruling elite to achieve their agendum which was betrayal from truth and honour. However it was Gulliver Travel, where Swift has openly mocked the human nature. He particularly observes human nature in a very disturbing way for which many critics called him misanthrope. The book portrays Lilliput (Britain) lacking in democracy where highest position is given to the one who can jump high (instead of merit and honesty).He also shows, how court positions were filled by personal favour rather than offering to the most worthy candidate. He reveals the social pretension and weakness of human validation in his times. For example he talks about the fall of minister in Lilliput because he could not please the King is actually replication of his life. He also fell out of favour because he could also not please the King. In the Gullivers Travel, he also criticizes the Laputa intellectuals, which is indirect criticism of royal stag Society of England that Swift considered nothing more than a club for abstract ideas.Swift considers such kind of writers and scholars as parasite on society who knock off time and money of the society without providing any added benefit. Swift divided human nature into two parts the reason and benevolence and the selfish appetite which he has left for yahoo. He analysed the human nature and shows that its human vanity that prevents him to detect flaw and improvement. Swift wants its audience to be shocked by his revelation of human nature, but the purpose is improvement by exposing follies.Voltaire on the other hand was extreme in his gulls about human nature as his world view was more skeptical. Being an atheist to the core, he was against the religious fundamentalism and he advocated the social and religious tolerance. His true portrayal of human nature is depicted in Candide that details various characters including liars, traitors, killers, and hypocrites. However his view is not an outrage bid Swift, but crude truth told with manners. He explains that the human societies are comprised of puppet like characters that are incredible and improbable committing follies.Voltaire captures this selfishness in human nature through parody showing human being imperfection. His views are similar to Swift however his manner is not as crud as Swift. Thus we can conclude that aim of both Swift and Voltaire was to look at man as an imperfect being which commits follies however these follies can be improved, if man is willing to look beyond his vanity.Reference Morris Weitz, Philosophy in Literature Shakespeare, Voltaire, Tolstoy & Proust. ayne State University Press, 1963. Kathleen Williams, Jonathan Swift and the Age of Compromise. University Press of Kansas, 1968.

Culture of Cherokee American Indians Essay

Scholars differ on where the Cherokee subculture came from and when they arrived on their traditional primings in the South easterly. The archaeological record of human occupancy of the Southeast goes back to at least 10,000 B. C. (Muller, 1978, p. 283 Canouts and Goodyear, 1985, p. 181), but this does not mean the Cherokees, or even their very distant ancestors, were in that location that early. Cherokees, as Cherokees, did not exist nearly so far back in time, nor did they necessarily emerge from the first or even from early occupants of the Southeast.The Cherokees as a more or less distinct American Indian race seem to be at the very most only star or two thousand years old. They may urinate developed from other American Indian peoples already in the Southeast, or they may have migrated there from another region. The Cherokees say they and other human beings were created after plants and animals were made. Plants and animals were told by the creatorthe Cherokees do not know who he or she wasto stay wake for seven nights and watch the world. Most could not do so.Of the plants, only the spruce, cedar, pine, holly, and laurel trees were able to watch so long that is why they are now verdancy all year. Of the animals, only the owl, the panther, and a few others were able to stay awake that is why they see at night and prey on those who must sleep. military personnel beings were then created At first there were only a brother and sister until he struck her with a fish and told her to multiply, and so it was. Seven old age afterward the girl had a child another came seven days later, then another, and so forth, and the human beings increased very fast until there was hazard that the world could not keep them.Then it was made that a woman should have only angiotensin-converting enzyme child in a year, and it has been so ever so since (Mooney, 1982, p. 240). The Cherokees do not now know when or how some humans first became Cherokees. Almost certainly t hey had their origins in an ancient time, distinct from the present, when things were not as they are now. The Cherokees think they may even have emerged from the ground after other human beings were created, for it is said there is another world under the surface, resembling except that the seasons are different.According to the Cherokees, The streams that come down from the mountains are the trails by which we reach this underworld, and the springs at the heads are the doorways by which we enter it, but to do this one must fast and go to water and have one of the underground people for a guide ( Mooney, 1982, p. 240). Some scholars have asserted that this is where the name Cherokee came from effrontery them by their neighbours. The scholars have argued that Cherokee means cave people, for the Cherokees are said to have come from under the ground (Reid, 1970, p. 3) and also lived in a mountainous land full of caves.The eighteenth-century trader James Adair asserted that the name came from the (apparently Cherokee) word chee-ra, meaning (sacred) fire, forming cheera-tahge, or men possessed of the divine fire (Adair, 1930, p. 237). Probably the name is from the brook chilokee, people of a different speech, as John W. Swanton has stated possibly it is the name from which the form Chalaque was derived (Swanton, 1985, p. 49-50). The anthropologist John Witthoft supported this interpretation, based on his work with easterly Cherokee informants The name came from the Creek, Celokokalke, people of another language. He asserted, The Creek name by which the Cherokee were first known to Europeans became the general name for them in the Southeast, and was soon veritable even by the Cherokee themselves names for other tribal groups have come into existence after a similar fashion (Witthoft, 1947, p. 305). The Cherokees commonly called themselves Tsalagi or, in the plural, Ani-Tsalagi, perhaps corrupted to form the name Cherokee or perhaps derived from the same word as Cherokee. According to James Mooney, their proper name for themselves was Yunwiya or, in the plural, Ani-Yunwiya.It means, more or less, the people, the real people, or the principal people (Mooney, 1982, p. 15). Tradition played an important role in Cherokee clans. It made sure certain elements of a culture from contemporaries to generation were passed down. Such as, the traditional matrilineal Cherokee family structure, which means descent, is traced through the feminine line (Conley, 2002). The children belonged to the mother and her family clan. There was not any relatedness with the father and hes family clan.This family structure provided a safe and secure environment for women and children. Also, it meant the man lived in the wifes house, surrounded by her clans people, so he would not dare to abuse her unless he wanted a tribal beating. Women were largely incorporated into the tribes. Not only was she the head of her domain with mutually respect power and authority, she had equal say in the affairs of war and peace. She was also in charge of the household and nourishment of her family. The women were involved in many functions of day-by-day life.It seems as if the women were the tribe, but not for long. Years after the first American contact, European traders living amongst would marry Cherokee women. European traders could not accept that fact of trace descent through the female line, but slowly the clan system gave into the European style bilateral family, which traced descent through both male and female (Conley, 2002). The Cherokee were not too happy with this movement. It jeopardized the Cherokees clan traditional ways of a matrilineal family structure carried on for many centuries.Nevertheless, the Cherokees could do nothing roughly it. Before the first known contacts, life of the Cherokee nation had grown and thrived for many years in the south-eastern United States in the lower Appalachian Mountains in states much(prenominal) as Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and parts of Kentucky and Alabama. However, in less than thirty years, after the first recorded contact with outsiders, in particular with Hernado De Soto in his voyage of 1540, the Cherokee Indians reformed their culture.Many adaptations took place which resembled similar American cultures. The Cherokee soon built schools and court systems. This infuriated Andrew Jackson, a supporter of the Indian removal policy. After awhile, George Gist, also known as Sequoyah, established a Cherokee written language, utilizing an ingenious alphabet of 86 characters in 1821 (Ehle, 1925). Soon, this was adopted into Cherokee culture and a newspaper was formed. Again, Andrew Jackson grew more furious. He wanted the Cherokees removed off their lands.In 1830, United States Congress passed an Indian Removal Act pushed by President Andrew Jackson following the tribute of former President James Monroe in his final address to Congress in 1825 (King, 1979). This ac t enforced the previous Georgia Compact of 1802, since many were ignoring that removal act. But, many opposed this Indian Removal Act ratified by congress. After debates over this issue, the oppositionist won. However, Andrew Jackson was able to reinforce the act, due to the Treaty of newfangled Echota on Dec. 29, 1875 (Conley, 2002).The signing of the Treaty of New Echota set the stage for the beginning of Cherokee extermination. The treaty signed away the entire remaining tribal territory east of the Mississippi in exchange for five million dollars and the right to occupy lands west of the Mississippi (King, 1979). Major Ridge, John Ridge, Elies Boudinot, and the rest of the Treaty Party lost the whole Cherokee Nation when they agreed to sign a fraudulent treaty with the federal government, which did not represent the Cherokee Nation as a whole (Martin, 2001). The Ross Party, people who oppose the removal treaty, tried to resist, but nothing else could be done.This removal proce ss started what was to be known as the scuff of Tears or cut across where they cried. This forced migration journey consisted of thirteen groups of consecutive waves led by Cherokee captions that lasted from August 28, 1838 to March 18, 1839 (Conley, 2002). Over the journey many Cherokees died, approximately, four thousand out of 16 thousand, due to diseases, exposure, or fatigue (Martin, 2001). The history of the Cherokee people is one of defeat and despair. After the first encounters with Americans, the Cherokee Nation was deteriorating.For instance, Cherokee family structures were changing, vast amounts of lands were being ceded to Americans, and Cherokee Indians were forced from their lands. Overtime, this constant check away at the Cherokee Nation, lead to the final Indian removal from homelands and the demise of the Cherokee Nation in southeastern United States. References Adair, James. (1930). Adairs history of the American Indians. Johnson City, Tenn. Watauga Press. Ca nouts, Veletta, and Goodyear, Albert C. (1985). lithic scatters in the South Carolina Piedmont. In Structure and process in southeastern archaeology, ed.Roy S. Dickens Jr. , and H. Trawick Ward, (pp. 180-94). University University of Alabama Press. Conley, Robert, J. (2002). Cherokee. Portland Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co. pp. 24-5, 44. Ehle, John. (1925). Trail of tears. New York Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. King, Duane, H. (1979). The Cherokee Indian Nation. Knoxville The University of Tennessee Press. pp. 16, 129. Martin, Ken. (2001). History of the Cherokee. Retrieved February 13, 2006 from cherokeehistory. com Mooney James. (1982). Myths of the Cherokee and sacred formulas of the Cherokees.Nashville Charles and Randy Elder. Muller Jon D. (1978). The Southeast. In Ancient Native Americans, ed. Jesse D. Jennings, (pp. 281-325). San Francisco W. H. Freeman. Reid, John P. (1970). A police of blood The primitive law of the Cherokee Nation. New York New York University Press. Swanton, John R. (1985). Final report of the United States De Soto Expedition Commission. Washington, D. C. Smithsonian Institution Press. Witthoft, John. (1947). Notes on a Cherokee migration story. Communicated by W. N. Fenton. daybook of the Washington Academy of Sciences, 37, 304-5.

Macbeth Act 2 Summary

Summary Macbeth meets Banquo in the courtyard of his castle. Banquo is restless because he cannot try how he feels virtually the witches and their prophecies. Macbeth pretends indifference, tho casu all(prenominal)y agrees to talk about it if Banquo would like. They agree, and Banquo gos. Macbeth again takes cadence to examine the pros and cons of going through with the plot, and begins to see illusions, starting with a obelisk floating in the air in front of him. He seems to go back and forth, but eventually decides to kill Duncan. Enter To come on stage. solicit A courtyard, possibly the forecourt. bearing a torch before himFleance is carrying a torch because this scene is set at night. Since the play was originally performed in the pass air, in the afternoon, the torch helps us accept that its night. she The moon. I taket, tis later I assume that its later than midnight. Most people had no accurate air to tell time. Clocks were few and watches had not been invented. There s husbandry in heaven / Their candles atomic number 18 all out. husbandry saving All the candles of heaven (the stars) are dark, unseen. The night is cloudy. Take thee that too. Banquo asks his son, Fleance, to take something else hes been carrying, in addition to his leaf blade.A heavy summons lies like lead upon me . .. Gives focusing to in repose Banquo is tired and wants to sleep, but he cant. This is a problem, since he hit the hays hell worry over unwelcome thoughts if he stays awake. He prays, briefly, that he wont be bothered by thoughts we naturally would think when we have the time to reflect on things. Give me my sword. Banquo immediately asks for his sword back again, since someone is approaching. Its dark, so he cant nonetheless tell its Macbeth. Whos there? Banquo asks Whos there? intriguing the stranger to identify himself. not yet at rest? Why havent you gone to bed?The kings a-bed The king has already gone to his sleep in unusual pleasure, and / Sent forth grand largess to your offices. The king has been in an unusually good mood, and has micturaten gifts in great measure to your household. This diamond he greets your wife withal, / By the name of most kind hostess Heres a gem the king asked me to give to you, to give to your wife, as thanks for all her kindness as hostess. shut up / In measureless content. The king has now gone to bed in his private chamber, where he is locked in shut up for the night, completely happy with the elan things are in measureless content. Being unprepared, / Our will became the servant to blot / Which else should free have wrought. I wasnt expecting all this (I was unprepared), so I left the dinner early (I defected). Otherwise I would have remained the whole time, and do what anyone would normally have done. Macbeth whitethorn be making excuses. Possibly he had so much on his mind that he couldnt be a good host and left earlier than expected. Possibly he just wanted time, alone, to think. Alls w ell. / I dreamt last night of the three eldritch sisters / To you they have showd some truth. Banquo first says that theres no harm done.He then invites Macbeth to talk about their meeting with the witches, by stating that he dreamed of the weird sisters the sisters of Fate the three witches. He also reminds Macbeth that they have spoken truth so far. I think not of them Macbeth is lying, trying to take care unconcerned. He definitely has been thinking about what the witches have said. Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, / We would spend it in some words upon that business, / If you would grant the time. still, if we have cypher better to do, we can talk about that, if you want. I dont mind.Macbeth wants to conceal how eager he is to talk about this. At your kindst leisure. When its convenient for you. If you shall cleave to my consent, when tis, / It shall make honour for you. If you agree to act with me, join me, when its time to do so, youll benefit by it. So I unlo ad none / In seeking to augment it, but still keep / My bosom franchised and allegiance clear, / I shall be counselld. As long as this doesnt involve doing anything dishonorable, and as long as I can stay loyal and true, Ill follow along. My bosom franchised and allegiance clear my heart belongs to the kingI shall be counselld. Ill agree to your plans. The difference between the two men is becoming clear Macbeth is willing to do anything, including get through Duncan, to plump to the throne Banquo wont even pursue honor for himself if he has to give up any virtue to get there. Good repose the while Sleep well until we get together to talk about this. Macbeth is probably just covering up, acting naturally. As were about to see, he has already decided to act, and probably feels no more need to discuss things with Banquo. Is this a toughie which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand?Come, let me clutch thee. / I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. dagger sturdy, medi um-sized knife, with a blade up to a foot long. let me clutch thee. / I have thee not Macbeth is trying to labor the daggers handle, but theres nothing there. Macbeth has begun to see things, guilty visions, even before he has started down the road of murder. He is terrified of the immediate future, afraid of what he is planning to do. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible / To feeling as to sight? or art thou but / A dagger of the mind, a inconclusive creation, / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?Arent you able to be touched, just as you can be seen? Or are you just a vision, an imagined thing, an artifact of a fevered brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable / As this which now I draw. I can still see you, just as solid-looking as this real dagger I now draw from its sheath. Thou marshallst me the way that I was going / And such an instrument I was to use. Your appearance encourages me to pursue what I was going to do (murder Duncan), and I was going to use a dagger to do it, so this must be a true indicator of what lies ahead.Mine eyes are made the fools o the other senses, / Or else worth all the rest I see thee still, / And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, / Which was not so before. My eyes are either worthless (deceived by a false vision), or else theyre the most capable of my senses (able to perceive what my other senses cannot). I still see the dagger, and now I see flowing blood on the blade and handle that wasnt there earlier. Theres no such thing / It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes. This is unreal. Its the surly act Im contemplating that makes these visions appear.Now oer the one half military man / Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse / The curtaind sleep One half the world is in night, asleep, and nightmares take advantage of dreamers . .. witchcraft celebrates / Pale Hecates offerings, and witherd murder, / Alarumd by his sentinel, the wolf, / Whose howls his watch, thus with his surreptitiou s pace. witches dance with Hecate (chief goddess of spells and witchcraft), and murder approaches (alarmed by its sentinel, the wolf) . .. With Tarquins ravishing strides, towards his design / Moves like a ghost. Tarquin was the son of a Roman king, infamous for his rape of Lucretia.This story has been the compositors case of many art works, including Shakespeares own poem, The Rape of Lucrece. For more information about this story, see the Wikipedia article regarding Sextus Tarquinius. Thou sure and firm-set earth, / Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear / Thy very stones prate of my whereabout Macbeth is asking, dramatically, even the earth to not hear him walking, or know which way he goes, for fear the stones themselves would speak the truth they know that hes now going to murder Duncan. This is likely also a reference to delivery boy entering Jerusalem when told he hould quiet his disciples, Jesus responded I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. (Luke 1940) Or, in other words, truth cannot be silenced. Macbeth is hoping to evade this proverb. prate speak, talk And take the usher in horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Make the present less horrifying than it is. parts I threat, he lives / Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. While I stand here talking about it, Duncan is still alive. Words are cold and weak, compared to the heat and strength (importance) of deeds.I go, and it is done The bell has rung. Its time to act. Its settled. the bell invites me The bell summons me. Macbeth is still hoping he can evade at least part of the responsibility for what hes about to do. Now hes making the bell partly responsible. Hear it not, Duncan for it is a knell / That summons thee to heaven or to hell. Even now, Macbeth half hopes that the murder might not happen after all. He thinks that if Duncan doesnt hear the ringing of the bell (the knell), maybe he (Duncan) wont have t o die. But Macbeth proceeds, in spite of his doubts and misgivings. AsideIn an aside, the character speaks privately to himself for a moment, or directly to the audience, or privately to some (but not all) of the other characters present. As a weigh of convention, an aside is always a true statement of what the character thinks. A character speaking in an aside may be mistaken, but may not be dishonest. An aside (again as a matter of convention) cannot be heard by those not spoken to. Exit He leaves the stage. Exeunt Banquo and Fleance. Exeunt Latin, literally they leave. Banquo and Fleance leave the stage, leaving Macbeth alone with a servant.

Case 7.8 First Securities Company

From the time Ladislas nay arrived to United States at a young age of 18, he learned that this was the land of opportunity, this sense of accept allowed him to achieve success. However, his success led him to not only cheat and steal people out of their currency it similarly led him to steal a life filled with happiness for himself and his family. Living with this guilt, and no overnight could bear the burden of deceiving widowers out of their money he committed suicide, by not only violent death himself but his wife as fountainhead.This all began with Ladislas Nay working in a small securities firm firm he worked hard learning the ropes of the business. From thither he went on to work for a a couple of(prenominal) more businesses before landing his final job working for the brokerage firm of Ryan-Nichols & Company. This is where it all began for Ladislas Nay, by and by a few years of working for Ryan-Nichols and Company he achieved the status of becoming President of the lo dge and had more than 90 percent of the companys outstanding common stock. He was very well kn feature he had many friends and was liked by all his clients.Ladislas Nay began his manipulation by express his clients to invest into a fund that he was in charge of. He then turned near and used the funds to lend to other companies these companies would pay interest on the money loaned. However, Ladislas Nay own company was not aware of him taking peoples money and loaning it to other companies. He was scamming friends and widowers into investing large amount of money into this so called fund. After 30 years this all came to a final end, and Nays scam was exposed.Everyone became aware of Nays so called fund, and how he had achieved in scheming friends out of their money. He left them with nothing, and even left one widower penniless. However, investors were not sharp with this and decided to file a civil lawsuit in ordinate to retrieve their millions of dollars of money they had in vested with Nay. Investors mat that if Ladislas Nays company where investigated properly this whole scam could have been prevented. However, the courts werent hearing this and snarl the company was investigated properly.Investors would not give up and pursued in trying to get their money back. They were in and out of court rooms, until finally the investors decided to go after the previous accounting firm. The investors filed suit against Ernst & Ernst, their demur was negligence, investors felt this subject of negligence could have been avoided if only they did their jobs correctly. The accounting firm failed to comply with the General Standards rein 201, which states that agencies must exercise due professional care, professional competence, planning and supervision and having sufficient relevant data.In order for Nay to keep himself from being detected of committing fraud he had established a mail rule, where no one was allowed to open or touch any letters that was for him o r sent to him. Auditors relied on inhering evidence as their source of evidence on documents provided in order to base their opinion. Nays illegal act caused financial statements to be materially stated and external examineors were not aware of his illegal acts. This type of ineffective internal control risk would have been detected by auditors if only they did their job correctly.An audit teams responsibility is to design procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material frauds that might misstate the financial statements are detected. This would have raised a red flag and they would have approached Nay with a professional skepticism. They would have requested all documents as evidence, in order to validate whether what he was truism and stating in fact was true. Auditors would have traced all documents to test whether all events are recorded, which would have established a state of completeness. However, due to false documents, the auditors would have found Ladislas Nay s of committing fraud.The courts felt differently and dismissed the case stating there was no substantive evidence to support the allegation. Investors were unhappy with this and decided to appeal this, the SEC became involved and also stated that the investors were entitled to documents that were of true statements, and the duty of the auditor is to provide this. The courts felt the auditors pattern was not of negligence or fraudulent behavior, and decided there was not enough evidence to waiting them liable for this and the court dismissed the case.

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay

1. IntroductionThe seek ascertain includes the complete lifespan of the workplace from the rationale to the conclusion. I examine the reasons for conducting the enquiry, how the participation capability benefit from the subsist and how trainers whitethorn reflect and add to their toolbox of adroitnesss and lastledge. The job as well considers the background to the European computing device ride clear (ECDL) and how this came to AEGON UK function, what role workplace instruction serve had to play and what part of st reckongy ECDL was intentional to touch on.The main(prenominal) body of the project, the explore itself, sets stunned(p) to consider a fly the coop of questions related to the evaluation of ECDL at bottom a financial work setting which I believe is a worth(predicate) sm wholly-arm of research that is non presently widely avail commensurate. The research considers the practical implications of the work and the righteousifications for quest the particular bodily functions at a lower placetaken.The conclusion draws the project unitedly and leave al singles answers to the questions considered above. Does ECDL add cling to within the condescension, conf exercise learners acquired impertinent skills, what of the present acquirement regularitys and how major power these be designed to suit the invites of future learners?I guard my research findings with the results of my information collection exercises unneurotic with statistics relating to ECDL including its modern exercise outside of Europe. Fin totall(a)yy, I present the detail of material practiced whilst working on the project as Reference and Bibliography.2 RationaleAEGON UK serve (UKS) is the unsympathetic book arm or one-third Party Administration (TPA) operation for AEGON UK one of the worlds top ten financial services companies. As a TPA no new channel comes into the boldness and especially in the present sparing climate control of cost and ex penses becomes par meat. It is non an overstatement to consider that the continuing well universe of the UKS situate in Lytham rests with its highly competitive nature. When one considers that the average cost of one stave member in Lytham is 40,00 pa whilst the equivalent outlay at the AEGON UK Head dominance in Edinburgh is almost double at 65,000 pa, financial evidence becomes clear particularly with coterminous to 900 module at the Lytham point. There argon galore(postnominal) reasons for this divergence in costs, non all of which may be orderly influenced by the Comp each to a great extentover it is this difference which remains depict to the health of the AEGON UK serve operation.It is against this background that the research into the European information branching system brainish Licence (ECDL) is set, one of the organisation obtaining maximum value for each pound of spend. As Managing coach, David Barker, said at the 2002 Business Plan launch to staff, Thr ough the master keyism, skill and commitment of its staff AEGON UK Services has a key part to play in the growth and outgrowth of the UK operation.It is my responsibility, as rearing Manager for UKS, to provide development opportunities, develop staff and upgrade their k in a flashledge and skills to meet the gainsays set by the Managing Director and the Board of AEGON UK. afterwards all, a shortage of skills could threaten the livelihood of the operation. Fingold and Soskice (198922) who created the nonion of a low skills/low quality vestibular sense argued that the majority of enterprises staffed by poorly trained managers and workers produce low quality goods and services. Their suppose was that Britain would not be open to keep pace with ever-changing economic conditions.A decade on and still the assume for the training and development of our staff in relation to the growth of our billet remains. As David Blunkett, depository of relegate for Education Employment, sets out the challenge ahead for us all when talking at the national Training Awards ceremony in December 2000. The key message today is that in that location is a real economic deal for population to upgrade skills throughout life. We need to help e preciseone fulfil their potence and respond to the changing world economy. (People Management, Vol 6, No 25). The task facing us in the UKS Training team is to meet the Secretary of States challenge and drive the rail line forward at the very(prenominal) sentence whilst maintaining a tight rein on expenditure.In the summer of 2001 our Union Representative introduced me to Workplace Training Services and this confederacy with a local command provider soon bore fruit. A key strategical challenge for AEGON UK in 2002 was the introduction of a Common Operating Environment (COE) in the midst of its mixed UK trading operations the most visible aspect of the COE would be the launch of Microsoft Office 2000 in the various sites. S ignifi preempttly, as AEGON UK Services previously pur be Microsoft there were no plans to create a formal training plan for the business, sooner than relying our aw beness of existing applications.The Manager, Dedicated Delivery, of Workplace Training Services (an arm of Preston College), Cyril Wheat, offered the subroutine of the European Computer operate Licence (ECDL) as part of our solution to the need for staff erudition and development in Office 2000. The seven-module ECDL course of study is based upon the Microsoft Office 2000 applications and included culture on our key workplace needs, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. oer 50 staff started the ECDL qualification in September 2001 and to-date over one hundred fifty fix each achieved the dirty money or be working towards it.Further developments of our work with the College fall in been the provision of additional education and development for staff, in particular the provision of Learndirect facilities and the healthy skill partnership that has grown between an employer, union and education institution. To stand the development of this signifi nookiet partnership Workplace Training Services offered AEGON UK Services 100 relinquish places on the ECDL design in 2002.Although we have seen a large digit of staff following the ECDL programme, myself included, AEGON UK Services has never conducted any formal evaluation of the learning programme. Whilst I have learned new skills and am satisfactory to access much difficult applications, has the Company benefited from the ECDL partnership, have the staff developed new skills and how might the programme trump out be carried forward? This is the rationale for the following research which is designed for the benefit, primarily, of the Company notwithstanding also for the staff, College and as a valid piece of research.3. BackgroundCongratulations Sara Lundstedt But why is this the Swedish environmental co-ordinator so significant to the history of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Well, Sara became the one ordinal student to complete the programme, as reported in the June 2001 edition of IT Training (P7).What is ECDL and where did it come from? In 1994 the belief originated in Finland where the Finnish Information Process Association introduced the Computer Driving Licence. Shortly after, the Council of European sea captain Informatics Societies (CEPIS) established the User Skills Task Force in 1995. The Task Force, supported by musical accompaniment from the European Commission, was to examine how to raise IT skill directs in European industry.The Task Force identified the potential of the Finnish Licence and investigated the feasibility of adopting it and making it into a qualification for the whole of Europe. CEPIS actively encourages IT literacy and promotes acceptance of maestro standards for ICT professionals throughout Europe. Pilot try ons were carried out during 1995 and early 1996 resulting in th e launch of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in August 1996, initially in Sweden and then throughout Europe.The ECDL Foundation was formed in 1997 to pass out the ECDL programme on a not-for-profit basis and to promote, develop and certify ready reckoner skills and IT knowledge. According to its official website, the business of the ECDL Foundation is To disseminate, promote and evolve ECDL as a globally accepted IT skills certification programme that prep ars all nation for participation in the Information Society. On the surface, this has been roaring in 1999 the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was created as the standard qualification for non-European countries.The syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and was initially taken up by Australia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Since then, to a greater extent countries have joined the ICDL programme, ranging from Greece in 2000 to most late, Malaysia. According to The Electric Paper Company Limited (http//www.electricpaper.ie/products/ecdl.asp) to-date, over 1.75 million people be registered on an ECDL/ICDL programme. This identification result is growing daily. There be tens of thousands of accredited test centres worldwide alter people to take their tests an attain certificates.So, seven module appears to be working as students ar assessed against the following competencies basic concepts of IT, use a computer and managing files, enounce processing, spreadsheets, databases, creation and information and communication. The ECDL Foundation points out that the programme is now used in over 60 countries and IT Training announced in its October 2002 edition that the number of students enrolled topped the half-million mark. The British Computer Society (BCS) also reports that it is bring out 1,000 ECDL certificates every day.One of the first organisations in the public sector to move towards qualifying the computer skills of its staff is the NHS which recognised the incr easing role that computer skills had to play in the public health sector. The significance of the ECDL finale is reflected in the feature that it was announced by Health Secretary, Lord Hunt. He said, impertinent technology investments to support staff to plan, deliver and review health c be excrete not be booming unless to a greater extent priority is given to ensuring that all staff have a basic level of IT skills.There is a great deal of published support for the ECDL programme and I have included highlights from two successful ventures. The House of Commons became the first Parliament in the world to offer staff training in IT skills, aimed at MPs assistants and constituency workers. Dr. Matthew Donaghy, Industry and Parliament Trust ADAPT Project Manager, said, Our objective, and indeed an grievous part of securing funding for the project, was to increase the employability of staff outside the Parliamentary sector. ECDL gives staff an extra qualification show their comp etence with IT in the office, moreover also allows flexibility in training for the qualification so that it does not interfere with major projects they may be working on. Donaghy continued, An extra benefit of the course has been the increased level of teamwork between MPs assistants. Staff are increasingly sharing tips on office practices, which will mean a more professional MPs service all round.The Bank of England is also enabling its staff to take the ECDL programme via personalized or on-line training. Bank Deputy Governor, Mervyn King, who has successfully consummate the qualification said, Across the Bank, the ECDL will alter people to achieve a wide range of congenital skills in IT, on which they can build in the future. I am convinced that it is an ideal personal manner for my colleagues to improve and consolidate their knowledge, to build confidence and to improve both productivity and decision making.ECDL appears and so to have positive support, endorsed by Peter B ayley, Director of ECDL at the British Computer Society, who endorses that, Since the UK launch there has been a growing demand for information or so ECDL users from both the Further Education and Corporate sectors in swan to measure profiles, motivation, satisf bodily process and likely interest in our newly launched ECDL Advanced qualification. Apart from a unfermented 95 per cent satisfaction rating, almost two thirds of those polled chose ECDL because of its broad recognition as a computer skills qualification. In addition, 97% said they would recommend ECDL to family, friends and colleagues and 87% were interested in an ECDL Advanced qualification.Despite the fact that there is a great deal of published evidential support for ECDL, there remains infinitesimal evidence within AEGON UK Services that the programme has been and remains successful. To date, we have tended to take the view that people pass, therefore it works But does it? As Reay (199423) points out, evaluation can en equal to(p) you to do better in the future. This is not to say that youve been failing in the past but good trainers realize there is endlessly mode for improvement.It is against this background, of a developing IT culture within Europe and latterly the rest of the world, that the research with AEGON UK Services is set. impart the get it ons outlined above be matched within the Company?4. ResearchMost people associate the word research with activities which are substantially removed from day-to-day life and which are pursued by unco gifted persons with an unusual level of commitment, suggested Howard and Sharp (19836). However, Denscombe (19981) takes an alternative approach when opening his piece of work almost 15 years later, Social research is no longer the concern of the small elect(ip) of professionals and full- time researchers. It has become the concern of a far greater number of people who are approach with the prospect of undertaking small-scale research pro jects as part of an academic course or their professional development. In my shimmy, the piece of research was to be carried out over a 3 month flow rate by the Training Manager of a large organisation with very ordinary skills and an extremely levelheaded workloadPayton (19794) identified research as the process of looking for a specific answer in an organised objective reli able-bodied look and it is this search for answers that has driven me to tackle the challenge of evaluating the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in AEGON UK Services. Considering what questions to ask, Black suggests (199324/25), may prove a significant challenge in itself, The most difficult part of starting a research project is very much that of identifying the best question to ask, one that is meaningful, whose answer contributes to the discipline, and whose resulting research can be carried out within the imaginations available. When considering the questions to answer from the piece of resear ch I was conscious of two things set down by Managing Director, David Barker a) what would add value to the business supporting AEGON UK Services as a key part of the AEGON UK operation and b) provide learning opportunities to develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills? These factors contributed directly to my questionsHow has ECDL added value in AEGON UK Services?How have the learners acquired new skills to help them do their jobs?Has the method of learning for ECDL proved effective?What is the most effective itinerary for any push learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve ECDL?Blaxter et al (199758) identified 2 different methods for calculating and doing a research project, their research families of soft and quantitative methods.To Burns (20003), the quantitative approach is viewed as scientific and in his opinion, has been the conventional approach to research in all areas of investigation. The methods and purposes of scientific inquiry hav e been moulded by countless generations of scientists Burns (20009) outlines the strength of the quantitative approach as existence its precision and control, together with a deductive approach and the use of quantitative data (which) permits statistical analysis.Denscombe (1998177) supports Burns standpoint by adding that, The use of quantitative data in social research has its attractions. For one thing, it carries with it an aura of scientific respectability. Because it uses come and can present findings in the form of graphs and tables, it conveys a sense of solid, objective research. However, an alternative view also exists and caution is stressed by Silverman (20006) when pointing out that the hard data on social structures which quantitative researchers subscribe to to provide can turn out to be a mirage. Caution was necessary for me when considering the effect of ECDL upon an various(prenominal)istics ability to do their job more effectively, as Cicourel (1964) point s to defects with quantitative research, it may be recyclable but it also may conceal as well as reveal social processes.On the other hand, qualitative research is an umbrella term that covers a variety of styles of social research, drawing on a variety of disciplines. Tesch (1990) identified 26 distinct kinds of social research which can fall under the term qualitative and no doubt, in time, that list will grow. However, Denscombe (1998207) does see some common elements which become to give some sense, as he sees it, to qualitative research, a concern with meanings and the way people go through things and a concern with patterns of behaviour.Cohen and Mannion (19988) go a stage further and view qualitative research as a search for understanding in which the principal concern is with the way in which the unmarried creates, modifies and interprets the world in which he or she finds himself or herself. Researchers who adopted this qualitative approach, responsive to individual pe rceptions, were matte by Bell (19997) to seek insights rather than statistical analysis.A positive aspect of qualitative research, match to Miles and Huberman (198410), is that they focus on by nature occurring, ordinary events in natural settings, so that we have a salutary handle on what real life is like. The approach to this research project was on a qualitative basis and whilst there is a range of dis goods to this method, including, as identified by Anderson (1990) the ability to collect a large number of replies, allow for easy collation and cheap and readily available, Anderson did identify advantages with a qualitative approach. Significantly, when gathering data and information Anderson held that a qualitative approach enables the researcher to really understand some other person, and qualitative research tends to focus on learners, central to the research project, and their views of the world. My own research project mirrors a number of Andersons findings focusing o n the learners and managers and their views, attitudes and feelings is key to my work and as such does not kick in itself naturally to a quantitative or scientific basis.However, in Denscombes opinion (1998 173), the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, the bank note between the two is over-simplified and relates to the treatment of the data. As Strauss (1987 2) argues, the genuinely useful distinction is in how data are treated analytically. Denscombes (1998173) view then is that a distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is far from watertight.To some extent, the research design depends on what Barnes (1992114) highlights as either a deductive or inductive approach to the project, with action research a key method of the latter. Barnes takes the view that when using action research, the outcomesare generally increased knowledge, understanding and improved practice. The implication from this is that action research has a relevance for what I will be underta king and indeed Blaxter et al (199764) confirm this by pointing out that it is well suited to the needs of people conducting research in their own workplaces, and who have a focus on improving aspects of their own and their colleagues practices.Cohen and Mannion (1998186) also focus their popular opinions on this work-related aspect of action research by suggesting that it is situational it is concerned with diagnosing a problem in a specific circumstance and attempting to solve it in that context. Although action research as a basis suits the needs of my project as shown above, there are a number of criticisms about the method, a great deal reflecting Cohen and Mannions (1998193) comments that it is not scientific, its savour is restricted and unrepresentativeits findings are restricted to the environment in which the research is carried out. I accept the above but am satisfied that although my findings may be restricted to the environment, they are after all mean for use s olely within AEGON UK Services, any wider usage will be a bonus.Research data was accumulated by the use of questionnaires completed by learners, audiences with elderberry bush managers and Preston College staff, and focus collections conducted with conventions of learners. This common multi-method approach is referred to as triangulation, as originally identified by the works of Elliott and Adelman (1976), and has been defined in Open University course 811 involve Guide (198854) as cross-checking the existence of certain phenomena and the veracity of individual accounts by gathering data from a number of informants and a number of sources and subsequently comparing and contrasting one account with another in order to produce as full and balanced a study as possible.The use of triangulation goes some way to meeting the need for this piece of research to be both reliable and valid. Bryman (198955) outlines reliability as something which refers to the consistency of a measure. Bla xter et al (1997200) summarise the issue of reliability in simple terms as considering whether you have carried it out in such a way that, if another researcher were to look into the same questions in the same setting, they would come up with essentially the same results . Validity is identified in a similar tone by the same authors, to do with whether your methods, approaches and techniques actually relate to, or measure, the issues you have been exploring. Triangulation is particularly important to me because it increases the strength and validity of my work.The use of questionnaires is outlined by Denscombe (199888) who suggests that they are at their most reproductive when used with large numbers, straightforward information required, the social climate is open, standardised, time allows for delays, resources allow for the costs and when the respondents can be expected to be able to read and understand the questions. However, my own piece of research is oftentimes smaller with fewer in the sample, straightforward questions on information that is current, all of which adds to the simplicity of this process.However, there is a range of issues when using questionnaires with Bell (199975) suggesting that It is harder to produce a really good questionnaire than might be imagined. McKernan (2000125) endorses that view and warns that amongst the disadvantages are the amount of time taken compiling successful questions and low response rates. Nevertheless, the use of questionnaires provides direct access to the learners and adds balance to the interviews with my colleagues and members of Workplace Training Services.Given that my questionnaire is straightforward with simple questions I am satisfied that this is a particularly useful method of gathering my research data. Further weight is given to this disputation by Burns (2000581) who supports me by adding such strengths as cost, each respondent receives same set of questions, errors in collation of responses r educed, respondents free to reply at own pace/time, fear and embarrassment avoided, may warranty overconfidentiality. Burns also highlights a number of potential concerns with the use of questionnaires including a poor response rate when compared to interviews, the potential for slash due to poor returns and badly prepared questionnaires. I acknowledge Burns concerns and test my questionnaire on a small pilot group of learners, drawn at random, to assess its ease of use 2 questions are reworded to reflect the comments of this group.Given the small number of staff to have completed the ECDL programme I issue the questionnaire to all 45 which also supports the validity of my research and reduces the potential for any bias due to the choice of my sample. I am conscious that, as Cohen et al (2000245) put it, the questionnaire will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete the questionnaireor the possible invasion of privacy. As a result of this, great care is taken over the questions posed, the amount of content and the manner in which this is issued to learners.To keep the questionnaire simple I want to largely use closed questions and this method is supported by Wilson and McLean (199421) who confirm that these are simple to completeand do not break up unduly on the basis of how articulate the respondents are. However, to ensure that peoples views are self-collected I aim to allow respondents a small degree of space for their own thoughts to be considered which mirrors the views of Oppenheim (1992115) when considering the use of closed questions they do not enable respondents to add any remarks, qualifications and explanations to the categories, and there is a risk that the categories might not be exhaustive and that there might be bias in them. A uninfected questionnaire is included as Appendix B.It is the need to gather personal views and opinions that prompts me to include interviews with precedent ial managers, and focus groups amongst learners. As Denscombe (1998) points out, questionnaires are at their best with large numbers I am dealing with 6 senior managers and am mindful that the culture of my own organisation is such that as Training Manager it is expedient for me to see the senior managers rather than issue them with a questionnaire. As McKernan (2000128) claims, Interviewing is a social observe skill which can be taught. I am satisfied that my role in designing and delivering Interviewing Skills training courses for 5 years to the same group of managers enables me to carry out this processThere are a number of identified advantages in using interview techniques for gathering my research data and these include, Burns (2000582/3) who is an exponent of its flexibility, the interviewer has the probability to observe the subject and the total situation in which they are responding which according to Burns should produce higher(prenominal) response rates and if proper ly conducted should yield response rates of at least 80-85%. Cohen et al (2000268) provides further thoughts and considerations on interviews, when outlining the need for trust to exist, suggesting that there should be a family between the interviewer and interviewee that transcended the research, that promoted a alliance of friendship, a feeling of togetherness and joint pursuit of a common mission rising above personal egos. Once again, my relationship with the senior managers is such that I am confident that I have this level of trust in place already to enable a smooth process to occur. In addition, greater credibility is given to me conducting these interviews, as Kane (199768) asserts, the closer the interviewer is to the respondent in class, sex, age and interests, the greater chance the interviewer has of being successful.When considering the strengths and weaknesses of different types of interviews I endorse the comments of Patton (1980206) who sets out the interview guid e approach, which mirrors my requirements. The topic and issues to be cover are specified in advance, thus the outline increases the comprehensiveness of the data and makes data collection pretty systematic for each respondent. I recognise that there is a risk of omitting important or large points and that I must pay particular tutelage to maintaining focus on the key issues, in this case whether the managers consider that the ECDL programme has benefited the business.Consideration however must be given to the school of thought that exists regarding problems with the interview as a method for gathering my research data. Mason (199742) suggests that good qualitative interviewing is hard, creative work. It is a much more complex and exhausting task to plan and carry out than, for example, to develop and use a structured questionnaire for asking a set of predetermined questions. Tuckman (1972) set out a number of problems with the interview as a technique for gathering data, includ ing the fact that a competent interviewer is required (which may involve payment), a limited number of respondents can be reached and the reliability is quite limited. Whilst acknowledging these concerns, as I have set out my competency earlier, I require interviews with a controlled group of 6 individuals just now and have a great degree of confidence in the reliability of my data. Not to mention that this interviewer requires no additional payment for the work.My final information gathering technique is the focus group which Kreuger (198827) highlights as typically having 5 characteristics, a) people who, b) posses certain characteristics, c) provide data, d) of a qualitative nature, e) in a focussed discussion. Cohen et al (2000288) support my use of the focus group by suggesting that they might be useful to triangulate with more traditional forms of interviewing, questionnaires, observation etc. Although observation is not necessary or appropriate for my research, Cohen et al d o concur with my use of the interview and questionnaire.According to the December 2002 issue of Croners A-Z Briefing (12/022), the main advantage of a focus group lies in its ability to collect subjective judgments where several, individual, judgments are better than just one. By using a focus group the researcher can see how and why individual judgments are supported . This aspect of the focus group is particularly useful to me as it enables a group of learners to come together and share their experiences of the ECDL programme including highs and lows. It allows me the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the optimum way forward for AEGON UK Services and for future learners. Croner goes on to add that, they perform a useful function when evaluating various aspects of training and development, particularly when qualitative measurements are required and where it is deemed necessary to ascertain any unexpected outcomes or applications which have arisen as a result of such provision . Morgan (198843) cautions on the size of focus groups, suggesting between quaternion and twelve whilst Croner takes a similar stance, between 6 and 12Both of the above agree on the need for careful consideration with sampling, in this case with the focus group, as Croner puts it (P3), all those involved do need to be representative of the total population under consideration. I have already dogged to use all of my Award-holders as I have 3 months in which to carry out the research and have a small group, as Bell (199983) suggests, The number of subjects in your investigation will ineluctably depend on the amount of time you have. However, the question of the size of the sample and how it is selected is an issue.Cohen and Mannion (199887) put forward a range of sampling tools including probability and non-probability, random and stratified samples whilst Bryman (1989107) argues the case for a representative sample using a type of probability sample. To ensure that each of my ECDL Award-holders has an equal probability of inclusion in the sample used for the focus groups, names are drawn at random from an Excel spreadsheet. Kerlinger (198645), identifies randomness thus, it representation that there is no known law, capable of being expressed in language, that correctly explains or describes events and their outcomes. Kerlinger (198644) goes on to provide further evidence that my sampling approach is correct, random sampling is that method of drawing a portion (sample) of a population so that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Taking into account the thoughts of both Morgan and Croner above, I facilitate 2 focus groups of 8 members each.There are some difficulties in using focus groups and some of these are identified byKrueger (198846/7) who outlines the following less control of the group as opposed to individuals, difficulties in analysing data, lack of interview skills, varying group dynamics, assembling groups and creating a supportive environment. I acknowledge Kruegers observations and take extra care when data track the focus groups although I must stress that my background is as a skilled interviewer and I am able to create a stable, supportive environment for the attendees who have attended similar workshops and courses in the past, often facilitated by me.Any research project is likely to raise ethical issues. This is particularly so if it involves people directly, but may also be the case even if you conduct your research entirely on documentary evidence, Blaxter et al (1997146). Clearly, it is wrong for me to assume that, given my position as Training Manager, there is no issue with ethics, people know me and are happy to open up and provide me with valuable and valid information. Bell (199952) warns, People will be doing you a favour if they agree to help, and they will need to know exactly what they will be asked to do, how much time they will be expected to give and what use will be do of the information they provide. The view is endorsed by McKernan (2000241), who adds that, It is crucial for all participants to know what their rights are in research of any kind.As such, I take great care when contacting my ECDL learners to sleepless them to my research and the need for their valuable input to further the learning partnership within AEGON UK Services. Particular attention is paid to the senior managers who give me some of their valuable time for 11 interviews and each of them is contacted personally by telephone to discuss the needs and requirements of the research and agree suitable times for the interviews. Hopkins (2000221/2) identifies a range of principles that I must observe in the commitment to my research including, observing protocol, involving participants, reporting on progress, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining self-confidence before using quotations. Particular care was observed when considering the use of quotations from our extern al partner, Workplace Training Services, and I arranged a special meeting with Cyril Wheat to discuss the learning partnership and seek his intellect to the use of specific quotations, included in the Conclusions to this research.As Burns (200022/3) summarises, All in all it looks fairly difficult to conduct much research without running into ethical arguments. Burns comments alert me to the need to take nothing for granted in view of my special position with the learners, Ethical problems are likely to occur in social science research since human subjects are involved. Researchers must be witting of ethical considerations involved in voluntary and non-voluntary participation, deception, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, the right to discontinue, and obligations of the experimenter.It is this special position, that of someone who has worked very closely with most of the ECDL learners, that Sellitz et al (1962583) might have been thinking of then they attested, interv iewers are human beings and not machines and their manner may have an effect on respondents. Many factors can influence responses one way or another, for instance Borg (198187) highlights a few of the problems that can occur, eagerness of the respondents to please the interviewer, a vague antipathy or the tendency of the interviewer to seek out the answers that his preconceived notions .These factors are called response effect by survey researchers. ECDL learners know me well and are aware of my enthusiasm for the learning partnership and our work with the ECDL programme. Might this naturally influence their responses to questionnaires, focus group or, even senior managers, interview questions?However, Bell (1999139) offers words of wisdom, just as the aspiring researcher wilts under the strains of potential bias, by pointing out that it is easier to acknowledge the fact that bias can creep in than to eliminate it altogether. This is a key consideration for my research as I am v ery keen for it to succeed being the instigator of the learning partnership with Workplace Training Services and the person responsible for the ECDL programme.A further area for my research to draw upon is the Training teams entry for the 2002 National Training Awards. The entry was based upon the teams work with the ECDL programme in AEGON UK Services and I refer to the comments of the judge in the Data Analysis and Conclusions.5. Analysis of DataMy research amongst European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) award-holders in particular highlights the very positive aspects of the programme and it is back up to learn that all questioned feel that the programme has benefited them, personally and professionally. Significantly, the great majority of learners also felt able to now support colleagues with IT-related enquiries, a factor that reflects our status as an Investor In People staff are keen to share knowledge with each other in a positive manner.Being able to solve problems, incre asing ones confidence, developing trouble-shooting skills and appropriately staff trained in new technology are benefits to the company, as viewed by the learners. Although it is not the intention in my research to provide statistical analysis, rather to draw conclusions from learners responses, the feedback from learners does represent universal support for developing skills to enhance the business. Learners feel more competent to do their work, have a more confident approach and have developed skills to enable new work to be handled also converting manual tasks to a PC-based system. I am able to speak from personal experience and, as a result of taking the ECDL programme, I can now use Excel with some success. Whilst it is very difficult to make any claims with the research I am confident that the programme has do a significant difference. Prior to starting the ECDL programme I was unable to use Excel despite having access to the program, after completing the Excel module I am no w able to design spreadsheets for use in the Training team.There is evidence of other organisations introducing a successful ECDL programme and the following case study extracts are from the ECDLs own website, www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case. Mike Sampson, Human Resources Director at Royal Liver Assurance, commented We are delighted that the ECDL pilot scheme has proved to be so successful and now intend to run ECDL again with further members of staff. It is important that our employees are given the opportunity to refresh and improve upon their IT skills, which ultimately reflects a great benefit to Royal Liver and ensures the companys values and good standing are continually maintained. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/royal)Even in the world of IT itself, ECDL is viewed as a positive addition to the learning curriculum, Les Williamson, Resources Servicing Manager, IBM, added, We realised fairly quickly that this certification would be beneficial across the site. Not many people can cla im proficiency in all the IT productivity tools that we could be using everyday. This is a qualification that demonstrates just that. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/ibm)90% of learners feel that they are now more confident when using a PC (66% of the remaining 10% already did so) which is an authority of our decision to offer the programme and a statistic from a similar exercise conducted amongst award-holders at Manchester NHS Health trust in 2002 found that ECDL qualified staff are proven to save an average of 38 minutes per day. Staff within AEGON UK Services also highlighted the speed at which they are now able to process IT-related work as a benefit to the Company.Feedback from the learners in the questionnaires suggested that, whilst staff were achieving success using the CD read-only storage made available by Workplace Training Services, there was less than total satisfaction. Accordingly, amongst the questions I posed at the focus groups was What method of learning would you recommend for future ECDL students? Although only a small ploughshare of respondents to the questionnaire felt that the quality of learning materials was less than good during the focus groups, the mood was very different and people had the opportunity to express their views in more detail. It became apparent that the majority of the attendees of twelve felt that the CD read-only storage was difficult to work with, either because of their own IT situation out of the office, some did not have a PC at home, or more commonly because of the great amount of detail included. Their preferred learning method was to use paper-based material although some members of the focus groups felt that the CD ROM was ideal.Comments were also made that it was often difficult to obtain 11 support as members of the Training team were often involved in other projects and, in truth, were never seen as providing close support for learners. Learners comments were referred to Cyril Wheat who visited the site and spoke with groups of the learners as a result, directly, of the feedback provided to Cyril his Workplace Training Services team started to provide future learning support material in two forms, paper-based for the majority, CD ROM where preferred. In addition, another change in policy as a result of feedback, with the introduction of a dedicated resource from the College, someone who would be guaranteed to be on the Lytham site once a week for personal tutorials.Most surprising amongst the findings was the feedback from the senior managers. Whilst the Managing Director has given the partnership with Workplace Training Services his blessing and has in fact recently enrolled on the ECDL programme, the same positive views are not held by the management team. I conducted the interviews and was surprised by the little knowledge that the managers had of the programme, one actually admitted that he had no awareness that any of his staff are taking an award. Whilst the general view amongst the managers was that any learning which develops the staff to enhance the business, must be a good thing, only one member of the team was more positive. One manager had experienced the ECDL programme personally, achieved the award, and spoke highly of the benefits to AEGON UK Services in supporting the implementation of COE. More work remains to be done with the management team for the future of the programme.6. ConclusionsThe comments of learners who have achieved their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are extremely encouraging from a purely personal point of view, the initial thoughts are that my efforts in saving the ECDL programme to AEGON UK Services staff has paid off. But that cursory observation is not sufficient to meritoriousness the programme a success.When we set off on the ECDL programme there was a clear business need to be met, successfully implementing the Common Operating Environment (COE) and the transfer to Microsoft Office 2000. What must not be overlooked was that the business was not using any formal training strategy to meet the requirements generated by the COE and I was confident that ECDL could provide many of the training needs. Although I am not able to provide any hard quantitative data I have feedback from learners and managers which supports the use of the programme. As one manager put it, Having achieved the ECDL I can vouch for the skills and knowledge acquired. Members of my team have demonstrated the benefits of the learning through the enhanced use of different programs. The data provides evidence of ECDL supporting the implementation of COE in the business.New skills have been acquired by learners, many of whom are now looking for further opportunities, whilst at the same time encouraging colleagues to enrol on the programme. There are numerous examples quoted of staff who are now able to access different programs, use PowerPoint, Access or in my case, get to grips with Excel for the first time.Our relat ionship with Workplace Training Services has developed, from the first tentative enquiries regarding the use of ECDL, the Colleges first learning partnership in the North West to one of collaboration on other projects as I close this research we are discussing certificated learning to meet behavioural competencies. Cyril Wheat, Manager Dedicated Delivery, is proud of his organisations role with the business and speaks highly of our work, with the commitment of an employer who is providing resources is very important.The need for such support is echoed by Tim Rush of Islington Council who adds, We have been lucky here in Islington, Members of the Council and senior management have been fully supportive. Gaining support at that level is essential to any successful implementation. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/islington). Cyrils teams commitment to us now includes the use of 10 PCs, available for any form of learning, and a dedicated resource on-site for work with the ECDL programme.Si gnificantly, the learning has largely taken place at no cost to the business and during 2002 over 100 learners were enrolled with Workplace Training Services for free and we have ascertained that open learning with the ECDL programme may yet prove to be extremely cost effective to the business. We have 150 staff achieved or working towards the award with 100 more to follow during the course of this year an costs incurred to-date are a little over 3,000 which is approximately 12 per learner. Given that this learning ultimately accredits staff members with a universally accepted IT qualification and attendance on external learning is in my experience over 100 per day then I believe that this equates to value for money learning.Our work with the fledged ECDL programme in employer-related learning has highlighted new areas for study. As demonstrated earlier, learners had difficulties with the Computer Based Training and the CD ROM was not viewed as user-friendly as a result, their feed back has been taken into account and staff enrolling more recently have had access to paper-based support material with CR ROMs available where required.The judges at the 2002 National Training Awards were impressed by your decision to encourage your employees to undertake the ECDL qualification and drew upon a number of other positive aspects although they highlighted a number of important issues for the team to consider. As I point out above, there are limitations with my research and issues to consider for the coming months, as the judges point out in their feedback, it is still quite early in the process of introducing the Common Operating Environment and they have suggested that we re-enter at a later date.I am also conscious that the research has been carried out by someone with a clearly vested interest in its success, the training of staff in the business is after all my responsibility, and that this may have clouded the findings. I acknowledge this limitation and make eff orts to downplay the effects of this bias. My ultimate findings are also effected by yet more bias the results are based upon my work with learners at AEGON UK Services in a supportive environment where facilities are made available to them and they do not have to pay any fees. I make no claims about applying my results to a wider audience whether in another industry or with the public at large.However, the final thought lies with Andrew Mayo, writing in the January 2003 edition of Training Journal, who holds out, So here is the challenge for 2003. Will you be able to say, at the end of the year, where and how learning interventions made a difference to the achievements of the organisation(s) you work with . From the feedback received from learners and indeed Workplace Training Services staff I am confident that the ECDL programme has already made an usurpation on AEGON UK Services although greater communication is required with senior managers based upon their own feedback. Furth ermore, as the judges of the National Training Awards indicate, there is yet more to come as our learning partnership matures and more staff set out on the road to success through the challenge of ECDL.Project final cause DHL0730 Empirical StudyAEGON UK Services in partnership with Workplace Training Services, an arm of Preston College, started to offer the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to staff in September 2001. The ECDL programme based it is upon Microsoft Office 2000 applications was seen as an ideal complement to the Common Operating Environment (COE) to be launched in 2002. At the same time the launch of ECDL provided further evidence of the Company facilitating learning and development opportunities for its staff. Under COE the whole of AEGON UK would operate with Microsoft Office 2000 whilst over 90% of staff were familiar with the 1997 version or earlier. To-date over 150 staff have started or finished the ECDL programme yet no evaluation of the success or othe rwise of ECDL within AEGON UK Services has ever been carried out.Title of ResearchAn evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as used by AEGON UK Services.Brief DescriptionThe ECDL was launched to develop the skills of European citizens and to enable them to become proficient in PC skills. The use of ECDL within AEGON UK Services was designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to deal effectively with the Common Operating Environment (COE), in effect Microsoft Office 2000.