Video Production - The Importance of Documentaries Essay

Video Production - The Importance of Documentaries - Essay Example To take advantage of this broad scope for creativity offered by documentary films, the filmmakers should adopt a script-free approach. Documentaries such as Fahrenheit 911 and Bowling for Columbine, which have garnered much critical acclaim are good examples of this scrip-free approach. The filmmaker needs to possess an eye for spotting key moments in the film before, during and after the production of film content. In the words of a famous cameraperson, â€Å"working creatively and seizing the moment and turning the camera on when things are happening before the rehearsal are important†. To be successful in this approach a passionate approach to work, an elevated cause behind the production and a sense of intuition are all essential qualities in the filmmaker. In the case of Fahrenheit 911, its producer/director Michael Moore excels in all the above aspects (www.documentaryfilms.net). A central unifying concept is essential to organize disparate footages and to integrate the various points of view expressed in it. While interviews and images of talking heads are important elements, there are many nuances to them. For example, â€Å"Interviews are not enough. Interviews may help define the point of view, but they are usually a terribly cumbersome way to get the documentary idea across, because they dont show the topic; they show people talking about the topic. It takes pictures† (Barnouw, 121). The first good example of the utility value of still images in documentaries is The Civil War film made by Ken Burns. By clever maneuvering of camera across each photo, the director lets the viewers know that the rest of the film will revolve around still pictures. The time span of these visuals and the background music are also equally important to make the intended impact on the audience. In The Civil War sound track the rendition of the solitary violin â€Å"spea ks† for the

In what ways did popular culture Essay Example for Free

In what ways did popular culture Essay The entertainment profiteers encouraged a fai ade of classlessness which would undermine working class solidarity 3. This was not good for socialism; for a socialist state to emerge, the workers themselves need to take control. Socialism rests on the premise that the proletariat should be aware and proud of their background, and certainly not aspire to join the middle classes, the ones who are expected to be overthrown. Its interesting that the recommended alternatives to commercial entertainment, put foreword by socialists in the late 19th century, were often related to the natural countryside. For example, the Clarion (The weekly socialist paper founded in 1891 by Robert and Montague Blatchford and influenced by the ideas of William Morris) soon became a movement with its own hiking, climbing and cycling clubs. This leisurely, back to nature approach was intended to promote a healthy life and portray its followers as energetic campaigners, who could turn their backs on the urban squalor. According to David Prynn, such groups expressed a revulsion against the ugliness and anonymity of urbanised, industrial society, and a deep reverence for nature4. Nowhere were the negative effects of capitalism more visible than in the industrial towns and Engels describes this in detail in The Condition Of The Working Class In England. British socialists were likely to have been influenced by this key Marxist text. However, despite the popularity of the Clarion clubs, the easy availability and convenience of commercial entertainment must have played a part in preventing more from joining. Why would somebody, after a hard weeks work, want to travel out of the town when the pub, theatre or football ground was just round the corner? And the energetic nature of socialist pastimes (such as choir singing, cycling, hiking) did not really lend itself to the physically demanding shifts in the factories, mines and mills. Music Music hall entertainment was another realm of commercial recreation considered by socialist thinking as unhealthy passive entertainment. The gulf between performer on the stage and paying spectator in the audience discouraged the working class from making their own music. To socialists, the commercial revolution had eradicated a viable popular musical culture5. Music halls were seen as a threat to local performers and travelling showmen. Music played an important part in socialist circles, as it was recognised as arguably the most popular form of entertainment. Alternatives to Music hall shows were group choirs (For example, the nationwide Clarion Vocal Union) and sing-along political compositions, which not only emphasised community spirit by encouraging participation, but also were seen as essential for propaganda value, the lyrics instilling in people the ideas of the socialist cause. Music hall attendance, and the nature of the entertainment there, was therefore viewed as counter-productive to the cause. The music hall acts themselves would tend to reaffirm bourgeoisie values by reflecting everyday life and the songs could hardly be considered as inflammatory. According to John Kenrick: With women and children in the audience, the material was never more than mildly risqui. The songs were mostly sentimental and/or comic takes on everyday life, as well as spoofs of the rich and famous. 6 Furthermore, the diversity and variation of music hall acts was not good for creating a common musical heritage7, which was seen as important in cementing working-class unity. Folk songs were added to the socialist repertoire, considered to be timeless songs of the people. Conclusion The rising popularity of British socialism and its accompanying clubs and associations demonstrates that the working classes were not entirely diverted away from socialism, as this essay question suggests. Socialism (which, after all, was a new idealism in the late 19th century, and was born in the midst of the fastest growing industrial nation in the world and found itself having to compete with that nations capitalist values) never went away and continued to grow in strength through the next century. However, forces existed, of which commercial entertainment was one, which prevented socialism from being as popular as it might have been. As sport and leisure became new fields of investment for entrepreneurs, capitalism became an even bigger part of life for the masses. The money they made from wages was put back into the system via paid-for entertainment. The other reasons that Socialists were unable to win over more of the masses could be linked to the types of leisure activities they put foreword. These activities were physically demanding, as I have already explained, but also they were arguably the type of leisure enjoyed by the middle classes. The unintended result of this was that movements like Blatchfords tended to attract more middle class socialists, and had less appeal to the working classes. Socialists advocated leisure time spent in the countryside; but to travel out of the city every weekend could also have been regarded as the privilege of the middle class. Perhaps socialists needed to start their campaigns from within the towns where the workers lived, not from outside them. Word count = 1560 Bibliography Waters, C: British Socialists and the Politics of Popular Culture Manchester University press, 1990 Prynn, D: The Clarion Clubs, Rambling and the Holiday Associations in Britain since the 1890s Journal of Contemporary History 11,1976 Benson, J: The Working Class in England 1875 1914 Croom Helm, 1985 Marx and Engels : The Manifesto of the Communist Party Progress, 1952 Engels, F : The Condition Of The Working Class In England Oxford University Press, 1993 John Kenrick: The British Music Hall http://www. musicals101. com/musichall. htm James Sotheran SOCHI2036 IN WHAT WAYS DID POPULAR CULTURE AND PEOPLES PASTIMES DIVERT THE WORKING CLASS AWAY FROM SOCIALISM? Module Leader: Ray Physick 1 Waters, C: British Socialists and the Politics of Popular Culture Manchester University press, 1990, (P. 23) 2 Same as 1 (P. 44-50) 3 Same as 1 (P. 40) 4 Prynn, D: The Clarion Clubs, Rambling and the Holiday Associations in Britain since the 1890s Journal of Contemporary History 11,1976 (P. 65) 5 Same as 1 (P. 103) 6 John Kenrick: The British Music Hall http://www. musicals101. com/musichall. htm 7 Same as 1 (P. 105).

Essay for Shakespeares Sonnet 73 -- essays research papers

Anthony Tseng Gloomy, dejected, depressed: These are the emotional elements that William Shakespeare implemented into the speaker of Sonnet 73. An understanding that time doesn’t last forever and we all will age with the current of time. Thus he has accepted his fate, but wants us the readers to feel what he feels and see what he sees.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Each year more time passes by. Each year we age a little more. A year also dies out, and then comes a new year. An endless cycle of life and death. Represented each year by trees with yellow leaves. This is how the speaker has aged. Aged so much that â€Å"few do hang.† Those leaves are the very strands of life a person has in this world. It’s why people hold so dearly to the people they love, so they won’t lose them. But there’s always the last fork in the road, and that is death. No matter how strong a person is or determined, death will bring one’s downfall. He will be shaken to death by the strong cold wind. How cold it is to die old while the person you love is young. How he must die before someone he loves. It's a feeling of hopelessness, but a feeling that is dispelled by the â€Å"sweet birds† songs. Songs sang by his lover. Conversations that bring the essence of life back into him. What more can one have, than fo r a person that cares.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Without friends and family, solitude will blow the â€Å"dim light,† final gasp for life. Just like the sun setting in the west, an end to the term of life....

Essay --

DESCRIBE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SOLE TRADER. AS A SOLE TRADER, EXPLAIN THE KEY STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN SETTING UP AN INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE. Sole Trader A sole trader is a self employed person running a business as an individual. As a sole trader you are responsible for: †¢ Completing a self assesment tax return every year. †¢ Any debts that your business incurs. †¢ Paying national insurance and income tax on any profit that your business makes. †¢ Keeping records of sales and expenses (bookkeeping). †¢ Putting your own name and/or business name on any official paperwork. †¢ Bills for stock and equipment for the business †¢ You must register for VAT if your business takings exceed  £79,000.00 a year. When setting up an interior design service as a sole trader the key steps to be taken are: †¢ To think about and decide what your personal and financial business aspirations are. †¢ Be prepared to do what it takes to get your business up and running , there will be long hours, financial outlay, and you should be able to handle rejection and negagtivity, when the going gets tough. †¢ Be realistic and understand the tasks involved in setting up and running your business. †¢ Create a realistic working business plan, this can be done with the help of a solicitor or accountant. Your business plan is not set in stone, infact it should be reviewed with the continued progression of your business. A business plan will map out the direction your business should take and by working through it should also hi-light any possible flaws in your business idea. Your business plan is also an essential tool if you are intending to borrow any money as any prospective lender will want to know what they are abou... ...uides Display books †¢ You will also need to budget for and make consumable purchases. The following list is a guide: Ink cartridges and paper for printer Business stationery and envelopes Pens and Pencils Eraser and putty rubber Scalpel blades Spray mount/glue Notebooks and pads Presentation materials (card etc) Staples and paperclips †¢ Set up trade accounts with relevant suppliers. †¢ Create a marketing plan to sell your products and services. †¢ Make up display books to take with you when you visit your client. This will be a way of displaying your skills and versatility. †¢ Spread the word, promote your business in everyway possible, tell all your friends, relatives, acquaintances, related businesses and sub contractors. BIBLIOGRAPHY Websites www.wikipedia.org www.bbc.co.uk www.gov.uk www.smarta.com Essay -- DESCRIBE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SOLE TRADER. AS A SOLE TRADER, EXPLAIN THE KEY STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN SETTING UP AN INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE. Sole Trader A sole trader is a self employed person running a business as an individual. As a sole trader you are responsible for: †¢ Completing a self assesment tax return every year. †¢ Any debts that your business incurs. †¢ Paying national insurance and income tax on any profit that your business makes. †¢ Keeping records of sales and expenses (bookkeeping). †¢ Putting your own name and/or business name on any official paperwork. †¢ Bills for stock and equipment for the business †¢ You must register for VAT if your business takings exceed  £79,000.00 a year. When setting up an interior design service as a sole trader the key steps to be taken are: †¢ To think about and decide what your personal and financial business aspirations are. †¢ Be prepared to do what it takes to get your business up and running , there will be long hours, financial outlay, and you should be able to handle rejection and negagtivity, when the going gets tough. †¢ Be realistic and understand the tasks involved in setting up and running your business. †¢ Create a realistic working business plan, this can be done with the help of a solicitor or accountant. Your business plan is not set in stone, infact it should be reviewed with the continued progression of your business. A business plan will map out the direction your business should take and by working through it should also hi-light any possible flaws in your business idea. Your business plan is also an essential tool if you are intending to borrow any money as any prospective lender will want to know what they are abou... ...uides Display books †¢ You will also need to budget for and make consumable purchases. The following list is a guide: Ink cartridges and paper for printer Business stationery and envelopes Pens and Pencils Eraser and putty rubber Scalpel blades Spray mount/glue Notebooks and pads Presentation materials (card etc) Staples and paperclips †¢ Set up trade accounts with relevant suppliers. †¢ Create a marketing plan to sell your products and services. †¢ Make up display books to take with you when you visit your client. This will be a way of displaying your skills and versatility. †¢ Spread the word, promote your business in everyway possible, tell all your friends, relatives, acquaintances, related businesses and sub contractors. BIBLIOGRAPHY Websites www.wikipedia.org www.bbc.co.uk www.gov.uk www.smarta.com

Anthem Essay- Comparing It to the Bible

Compare and Contrast of Adam and Eve and Equality 7-2521 In the novel Anthem, Equality 7-2521’s circumstance of rebellion create similarities and differences to the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible. Adam and Eve’s sin can be compared to Equality 7-2521’s sins. Adam and Eve break one and only rule in the Garden of Eden by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God gives Adam and Eve a permission to eat any fruit in the Garden of Eden except for the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.A serpent tempts Eve to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and she gives some to Adam who was with her. Equality 7-2521 breaks many laws in his dystopian society where it is a sin to â€Å"be alone, ever and at any time, for this is the great transgression and the root of all evil† (Rand 17). He had the courage to seek and find knowledge from the Unmentionable Times, and to love the woman of his choice. Adam and Eve and Equality 7-2521 are aware of what will happen next, but they still fall into temptation and are condemned from their societies.Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and the story of Equality 7-2521 are similar by falling into temptation, yet knowing that it is wrong. Adam and Eve’s reaction toward their sin can be contrasted by Equality 7-2521’s reaction. Adam and Eve break their one and only rule by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. â€Å"Then the eyes of [Adam and Eve] opened, and they knew that they were naked† (ESV Bible, Genesis 3:7). They made themselves loincloths from sewing fig leaves together and hid themselves from the presence of God among the trees.They were afraid of God, and they were ashamed of themselves. Equality 7-2521 is not ashamed of what he did, nor did he fear anything. Equality7-2521 â€Å"only [wishes] to be away, away from the City and from the air that touches upon the air of the city† (76). He runs away to the Uncharted Forest after his disastrous event at the World Council of Scholars knowing that there â€Å"is no road back for [him], and no redemption† (76). As his journey go deeper into the Uncharted Forest, he is both physically and spiritually walking away from collectivism and the city.Instead of being afraid and ashamed of his sin, like Adam and Eve, Equality 7-2521 does not understand the people in his society and runs away to the Uncharted Forest. While Adam and Eve are forced out from the Garden of Eden, Equality 7-2521 runs away from his society hoping to seek freedom. Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and the story of Equality 7-2521 are different by their reactions toward their sins. Adam and Eve and Equality 7-2521 wants something new, something different that will make their lives better.They risk all the circumstances that will come to them after the great sins they make. Adam and Eve fall into temptation by a serpent because they want to be as good or be better than God, their creator. Equality 7-2521 risk many days to seek and find knowledge which was not allowed. Every mankind desire to have something better than what they have, sometimes risking things knowing what circumstances are following. Every mankind is thrown with certain circumstances in their life to learn from them.

Critical Evaluation of a Marketing Concept (WCM) versus Marketing Practice (MLC)

Critical Evaluation of a Marketing Concept (WCM) versus Marketing Practice (MLC) Introduction Marketing has become an important factor in the current business world because it gives the organisation a competitive edge over its rivals. The essence of marketing is to inform consumers about the existence and value of products or services. Potential customers are also persuaded and convinced to purchase the products. Marketing is considered to be a critical function in business.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Evaluation of a Marketing Concept (WCM) versus Marketing Practice (MLC) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The marketing manager needs to understand the buying behaviour of customers to be able to choose the best strategies of marketing. The manager is able to properly analyse the market, as well as the market segmentation and choose the best market targets for the products or services (Kotler Keller, 2012). Organisational behaviour has shaped the views of researchers, academics, practi tioners, and journalists. Marketing practice and marketing concept are two terms that are used to explain this. These are two terms that are considered to be very important in organisations because they help in efficient marketing of products or services. This article is going to critically evaluate marketing concept and marketing practice. The paper will apply the two terms in a real world organisation, the Pizza Hut Company. The Pizza Hut Company is based in the United States, although it has branches internationally. Definition of Marketing practice (WLC) and Marketing concept (WCM) Marketing concept The aim of any organisation is to achieve its set goals and objectives. One of the ways the organisation can achieve its goals is through marketing. The term marketing concept can be defined as a philosophy of the organisation through which it can best achieve its goals and objectives by identifying customer needs and wants and satisfying them (Jobber, 2012). The term concept refers to a general structure of something, while the term marketing refers to the ways a product is moved through the distribution channel to reach the final consumer, or the target market. Therefore, it has to be considered that the marketing strategy should incorporate the needs of the target market when devising a marketing concept. The marketing concept includes approaches on how to deliver the required products to the market (Keegan Hollensen, 2012).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Marketing practice These include the activities that are carried out in order to make a product or a service easier to market. These are activities like branding, blending, and product development. The activities give the company a competitive edge over its rivals. The marketing concept used by the Pizza Hut Company It is important to first understand the market before coming up with a s trategy on how to market the products. This includes understanding customers’ behaviours, as well as their needs and wants (Nakata, 2002). Pizza Hut has a clear understanding of the market, thus it has been able to establish its operations in many locations in the US and around the globe. The company understands the nature of the market and the competition it is bound to face from other companies, such as McDonald’s. It, therefore, positions itself strategically to get a competitive advantage over its rivals. The next factors in marketing concept are segmentation and market selection. It is important to note that the marketing role of Pizza Hut is to make sure that it meets all the consumer needs and make money in return. Market segmentation involves dividing the market depending on the needs of consumers. People who have similar needs and wants are put into one segment. The company is able to allocate its resources efficiently through market segmentation. Pizza Hut ha s been successful in addressing the needs of consumers and segmenting the market. Other marketing concepts that are of significance are differentiation and positioning. A company should produce goods or services that are unique in their own way. The products or services should be a notch higher than those of competitors (Blythe, 2005). The company produces goods that address the specific customer needs through differentiation. The goods are also unique compared to those of competitors. Pizza Hut offers different styles of pizza, thereby addressing specific consumer needs. The pizza then comes with side dishes. The accompaniments enhance the Pizza Hut products and position the company strategically in the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Evaluation of a Marketing Concept (WCM) versus Marketing Practice (MLC) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The marketing manager needs to come up with a marketing plan that is effective in order to develop a successful marketing concept. The manager should plan how the products are developed and how they reach the customers (Silber Kearny, 2011). This involves the services offered by the company that help in attracting the customers. For instance, Pizza Hut restaurants are divided into 3 categories depending on the services offered. There is the full service restaurant where customers sit in the restaurant for service. There is also the home service restaurant where pizzas are delivered to customers in their homes. Finally, there is the restaurant based delivery that includes a full service restaurant together with deliveries, as well as take away services. The third category is a plan that is meant to reach a wide range of customers since it reaches those who are not willing to travel to the restaurants, as well as those who are willing to have their pizzas at the restaurants. Creativity and innovation are also present in the Pizza Hut Company. Creativity and innovation have made the company produce pizzas of different styles to suit the needs of a wide range of customers. Creativity and innovation have been the driving forces behind Pizza Hut Company’s success. The two factors have helped Pizza Hut become competitive and survive in the market that has competitive players such as McDonald’s. Creativity has played a part in the success of the company’s supply chain management. The company has restaurants all over the US and across the world (Chaffey Ellis-Chadwick, 2012). Its products are made in each restaurant to make its supply chain more effective. It also improves supply efficiency. Pizza Hut operates in a market structure that could be considered as monopolistic in nature since there are large players that tend to dominate a big share of the market. These are players like McDonald’s. Pizza Hut is also among the dominant restaurants considering that it has over 6,000 outlets in the US. Comp etitive organisations need to hire the best talents. This has to be done via careful recruitment, training, as well as career management (Chaffey, 2009). Top talents help the company in innovation and creativeness, thereby creating a competitive advantage for the firm.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Pizza Hut has an HR department that ensures the best talent is recruited into the organisation. The management of Pizza Hut is comprised of skilled and knowledgeable people. The employees are also effective in decision making and implementation. Marketing Practice These are practices that give the business a competitive edge. A number of the practices are similar to those of marketing concepts. Some of the concepts include market assessment, competitive positioning, planning, product development, branding, segmentation, customer understanding, management, selection, supply chain management, market role definition, and talent management. All these practices are the similarities that are common with the idea of market concept and that of market practice (Palmer Hartley, 2011). However, there are other functions that are present in market practice, but they are not available in the market concept. They include portfolio management, market communications, promotions, pricing, sales sup port, and measuring performance. Portfolio management involves diversification that entails the company investing in products that have high potential of growth (Holbrook Hulbert, 2002). Pizza Hut has managed its portfolio effectively by offering different types of pizzas and side dishes in various locations. The company needs to have an effective marketing communication strategy to enhance its promotional activities and sales support. This will help it edge out the competition it faces from its closest rivals. Pricing will also be a viable practice, especially in the current competitive market. The Pizza Hut Company should offer products at relatively low prices, but it should also ensure profitability and quality of its products are maintained. The company needs to measure its performance to determine whether it is making profits or losses after all its marketing concepts and marketing practices have been applied. The company should consider reviewing its practices if it does not set objectives. On the other hand, Pizza Hut should find ways of maintaining the good performance and possibly improving if it meets its performance objectives. Conclusion and Recommendation Marketing is a source of competitive advantage to any organisation. The Pizza Hut Company has been able to adopt successful marketing concepts and practices. The concepts and practices enable the company to open operations in various locations in the US, as well as across nations. However, the company needs to improve on its pricing strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage over McDonald’s. McDonald’s is known for its cheap and quality products, which have been its major competitive tools. Pizza Hut can overtake McDonald’s if it reviews its pricing strategies. Marketing communication and promotion should also be stepped up to popularize Pizza Hut’s products. List of References Blythe, J 2005, Principles and practice of marketing, Thomson Learning, London Ch affey, D 2009, Internet marketing: Strategy, implementation and practice, Financial Times Prentice Hall, Harlow Chaffey, D, Ellis-Chadwick, F 2012, Digital marketing: Strategy, implementation and practice, Pearson, Harlow Holbrook, MB, Hulbert, JM 2002, ‘Elegy on the death of marketing: Never send to know why we have come to bury marketing but ask what you can do for your country churchyard’, European Journal of Marketing, vol. 36, no. 5/6, pp. 706 732 Jobber, D 2012 Principles and practice of marketing, McGraw-Hill, London Keegan, WJ, Hollensen, S 2012, Global marketing management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ Kotler, P, Keller, KL 2012, Marketing management, Pearson Education, Harlow Nakata, C 2002, ‘Activating the marketing concept in a global context: An MNC country managers’ perspective’, International Marketing Review, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 39 – 64 Palmer, A, Hartley, B 2011, The business environment, McGraw-Hill Professiona l, New York, NY Silber, KH Kearny, L 2011, Organizational intelligence: A guide to understanding the business of your organization for HR, training, and performance consulting, Pfeiffer, San Francisco, CA

Free Essays on Batchen

Historians of photography generally credit Niepce, Talbot and Deguerre as the inventors of this movement and technology. Geoffrey Batchen’s essay titled, Burning With Desire: The Conception of Photography, investigates the debates that encompass these historical issues. Batchen refers to the development of photography as being, â€Å"the greatest mystery†. In uncovering the mystery surrounding the development of photography, Batchen believes that we must try first to understand the timing of this invention, the desire of the inventor, and the difference between a process and discovery. Batchen explains how an Australian historian, Josef Maria Eder, deciphers the process of â€Å"discovery† paired with that of â€Å"invention†. Eder believes that â€Å"†¦the accidental can become confused with the conscious and the chemistry necessary in making of photographs with the actual idea of photography†. Lynn White further clarifies Eder’s statement by stating, â€Å"Apples have been dropping from trees for a considerable period before Newton discovered gravity: we must distinguish cause from occasion†. Both Lynn and Eder make the valid point that the desire to photograph nature has always been there. For example, everyone taking a walk in the woods must have thought at one point in time, â€Å"I wish I could take that image home with me†. Before photography was officially invented some of its basic components can be seen in images formed by the camera obscura and the chemistry needed to produce them (Batchen). Batchen urges his readers, when tracing the development of imaging and photo chemistry thought the 18th centaury, one must look at the many discoveries and experiments with light and silver compounds. Batchen believes that these discoveries lead to some of the earliest experiments toward the photography process. In order to further understand the invention and discoveries surrounding photography Batchen believes that one must exa... Free Essays on Batchen Free Essays on Batchen Historians of photography generally credit Niepce, Talbot and Deguerre as the inventors of this movement and technology. Geoffrey Batchen’s essay titled, Burning With Desire: The Conception of Photography, investigates the debates that encompass these historical issues. Batchen refers to the development of photography as being, â€Å"the greatest mystery†. In uncovering the mystery surrounding the development of photography, Batchen believes that we must try first to understand the timing of this invention, the desire of the inventor, and the difference between a process and discovery. Batchen explains how an Australian historian, Josef Maria Eder, deciphers the process of â€Å"discovery† paired with that of â€Å"invention†. Eder believes that â€Å"†¦the accidental can become confused with the conscious and the chemistry necessary in making of photographs with the actual idea of photography†. Lynn White further clarifies Eder’s statement by stating, â€Å"Apples have been dropping from trees for a considerable period before Newton discovered gravity: we must distinguish cause from occasion†. Both Lynn and Eder make the valid point that the desire to photograph nature has always been there. For example, everyone taking a walk in the woods must have thought at one point in time, â€Å"I wish I could take that image home with me†. Before photography was officially invented some of its basic components can be seen in images formed by the camera obscura and the chemistry needed to produce them (Batchen). Batchen urges his readers, when tracing the development of imaging and photo chemistry thought the 18th centaury, one must look at the many discoveries and experiments with light and silver compounds. Batchen believes that these discoveries lead to some of the earliest experiments toward the photography process. In order to further understand the invention and discoveries surrounding photography Batchen believes that one must exa...

Serial Killers Essays - Murder, Psychopathy, Crime, Serial Killer

Serial Killers Essays - Murder, Psychopathy, Crime, Serial Killer Serial Killers I didnt want to hurt them, I only wanted to kill them. This is a quote from David Berkowitz, A.K.A., the Son of Sam. David Berkowitz and all of the other serial killers tend to think in unique ways. This paper will talk to you about characteristics, motives, different phases, and the correlation between behavior and aggression. Serial killers like everyone else have certain characteristics that set them apart. To be considered a bonafied serial killer you must murder at least three to four people with a cooling off period between each murder. These killings are usually one on one and are repetitive, occurring with greater or lesser frequency over time (Characteristics of Serial Murder). Serial killers usually dont have a connection with the victim and they very rarely if ever have a rational motive. The serial killer likes to murder people in the same pattern, usually with a high degree of overkill. This degree of overkill sets them a part from different serial killers. Serial murderers also have different motives for their murders. One of the most obvious is that they turn to murdering for a sense of power (Forwood). For this sense of power they usually attack societies weakest members and those weaker than themselves (Forwood). This includes the homeless, impaired, and usually the young of both sexes. When they kill the homeless and impaired they are usually acting on the Missionary Motive. This is when they feel that it is their responsibility to rid society of its unwanted inhabitants. There are also Visionary killers which are usually instructed to kill by the voices that are in their head (schizophrenia). The last type of these motives is the Hedonist. They kill because it brings them the pleasure to do so. This group is separated into three sub-categories which are lust killers, thrill killers and gain killers. Lust killers kill for sexual pleasure. They are usually sexually underdeveloped and they kill for sexual gratification. Thrill killers kill people because it brings them a rush. These types of hedonists usually kill a lot more because they are addicted to this rush. Gain killers always kill people for some type of gain. This is usually money but it can also be something like a job promotion. Another point of a Serial Killer is that their mind is constantly going through one of their seven phases. The first of these phases is the Aura Phase. This is the part where the killer daydreams about death and destruction. After awhile these demented fantasies usually have the urge to be acted upon. This leads into the second stage which is the Trolling Phase. In the Trolling Phase the serial killer tries to find the perfect victim for their needs. They usually tend to look in school yards or lovers lanes or even red light districts. This might go on for hours days and sometimes even months, until the perfect victim will be found . This will begin the Wooing Phase. Serial killers usually act very debonair to get their victims to trust them. After the Wooing Stage comes the Capture Stage. This is where the killer reveals what he is. He may draw you into his car where theres no door handle for you to get out. This is disturbingly fun for them and is included in their sick sadistic game. Then comes the climax, the Murder Stage. They may just decide to kill you, but sometimes, they will decide to torture you to death, try to revive you on the brink of death to torture you more (Scott). The sixth stage is the Totem Stage. This phase is where the killer will take a memoir of you. It might include your jewelry or clothes or even a piece of your body. After this, comes the seventh and final phase which is Depression. There is great emotional let down for the killer. They may even become so depressed as to attempt suicide. But sooner or later they will start day dreaming more and this whole cycle will keep repeating itself until the killer is either caught or dies (Characteristics of Serial Murder). There is also some correlation between behavior and aggression in serial killers. This means that as a child, serial killers experience the same childhood difficulties. Nearly all serial killers have gone through one of the Terrible Triad. The Terrible Triad includes bedwetting, sadistic abuse of animals and pyromania. Many serial killers as

Apollo Hospital Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Apollo Hospital - Case Study Example The conditions in the industry have been tough and Apollo has to make certain strategic decisions to expand its network. However, despite its strong leadership and financial position it does aim to increase its financial risks in expansion due to high competition and initial investment requirements. Therefore, it must adopt a different strategy through diversification, licensing, partnerships or even making it a public limited company that could bring in new capital from shareholders. Apollo Hospital is a profit generating organization and it reported profits for consecutive ten years. Despite tough competition in the Indian healthcare industry the hospital was able to generate strong demand for its services. The revenue grew almost six times from INR57.192 million to INR374.426 million in 1994. The bed occupancy of Apollo Hospital has improved from 40.4% in 1990 to 70% 1994. All other performance indicator reflected a strong business model implemented by Apollo Hospitals that allowed the organization to remain ahead of its competitors in these years. The current case study analysis combines examination of external factors with the organization’s internal analysis to form a discussion of critical success factors (CSF) of Apollo Hospitals. The reason for choosing PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, and SWOT analysis tools for this case study is that they allow a better understanding of the strategy followed by Apollo Hospital to be the first to address healthcare needs of Indian population and its ability to outperform other companies. In addition, this report includes important conclusions from the case study and set forth recommendations for the organization to deal with the growing demand of high quality healthcare in India and tough competition from other corporate hospitals that followed Apollo Hospitals by making their entry with huge investments. There is not threat of substitutes as healthcare is the basis need of humans.

Enrons Collapse and Ethical Framework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Enrons Collapse and Ethical Framework - Essay Example This essay discusses the collapse of Enron company, that presented the social scientists, media and business professionals with several other ethical issues that are prevailing in the business world. The collapse of Enron meant that many employees who were working really hard would also lose their job. The investors or the owners of the company were faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to hold on to the stock and lose their money or to support the company for the sake of hardworking employees who had nothing to do with these frauds. The increase in power of auditors was another source of concern. The Laws that were legislated in response to the corporate failure were a fair attempt to institutionalize the ethical behavior. The harsh laws were implemented for executives trying to mislead using wrong or far-fetched financial figures. It also increased the terms jail sentences for executives that were found to have been involved in any abuse of their power. Auditors can now blackma il the accountants or people working in finance and abuse their power. This will lead to further problem for the companies and create further ethical issues. Both of these issues are related to truthfulness. The employees who are being fair in their work are losing their job despite being truthful and that is something iron. Similarly, auditors require to be truthful the shareholder and the committee that oversees their work. If they are loyal to them then no ethical issues will occur from the increase in power of auditors.

Power and Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Power and Politics - Essay Example Other than being wife of Bill Clinton, Hillary had been a standing Senator for quite a few terms and had created an image of herself throughout the country through her ambitious dream of bringing each and every American under a comprehensive health scheme. Compared to that Obama was a first time Senator who had no political pedigree or lineage as such and above all, he was colored and had a Muslim sounding middle name and spent his childhood in far away Eastern countries. The odds were heavily stacked against Obama and truly nobody was prepared to give him much of a chance in the initial stages. But Obama and his clarion call â€Å"Yes, we can †¦Ã¢â‚¬  struck a chord among the masses, not only the colored ones but the entire American middle class and he created history. He derived his power essentially from referent base. Here was a man, just as ordinary as any American, has good education from Ivy League institutions, has a family just as most Americans have and above all, ha s a dream to change the sorry state of affairs. The combined charm of all these factors was too difficult for average Americans to be indifferent to. And, the fact that he is educated and articulate with a wife who is equally educated and articulate automatically vested in him an expert power that added to the huge faith that Americans reposed on him (Mind Tools 2005).

Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Marketing - Assignment Example Students of economics are, of course, aware that in traditional economic theorising, the analysis of the firm and its behaviour is built upon the assumption that firms operate in such a manner as to maximize their profits. Economists, however, do not discount the possibility that there may be other objects of desire that entrepreneurs may pursue and try to maximise, for example, power, a quiet life, prestige, social service, and may be a host of others. But, so far no theory of the firm within the framework of a 'free market' economy has been developed on any one of the above premises. So the theorem of profit maximization continues to remain central to the study of the business firm. And profits can be made by a firm only through selling its products in the market. Market and marketing are essential ingredients in a firm's search for profit. Market positioning and the strategies adopted to gain an advantageous competitive position for selling its product will determine the firm's degree of success in 'maximising' its profit. In this paper we consider a few of the market strategies that firms adopt particularly, those of 'target market' and 'differential advantages' to secure an advantageous position in the market. We shall also discuss alternative marketing strategies and relate all to the market provision of education particularly by local authorities in UK. . . The general definition of a market is a coming together of buyers and sellers to exchange products or services or both and the concept includes both non-profit as well as profit-taking enterprises. Marketing is purposeful interaction in the market by sellers and buyers through exchange. Marketing is seen as activity that is distinct from selling (Fennell, 1987). Philip Kotler (Kotler & Fox, 1995) offers the following: 'Marketing is the analysis, planning, implementation and control of carefully formulated programs designed to bring about voluntary exchanges of values with target markets to achieve institutional objectives. Marketing involves designing the institution's offerings to meet the target markets' needs and desires, and using effective pricing, communication, and distribution to inform, motivate, and service these markets.' (p. 6). Target Market A one sentence description of a target market is that it is the market segment to which a particular product is marketed. It is defined by age, gender and socio-economic grouping. 'Targeting strategy' is usually the selection of the customers the firm wishes to service. The decisions involved in targeting strategy include: which segments to target; how many products to offer; and which products to offer in which segments There are three steps to targeting: namely, market segmentation, target choice and product positioning. And targeting strategy decisions are influenced by: market maturity, diversity of buyers' needs and preferences, strength of the competition and the volume of sales required for profitability Targeting can be selective, for example, focus

Applying Open Innovation Where Your Company Needs It Most Assignment

Applying Open Innovation Where Your Company Needs It Most - Assignment Example The article goes on to further mention that innovation processes may be further classified into three main states of idea generation, idea development and commercialization. The manner in which open innovation entails managing external partnership has been detailed by providing a broad framework which may help leaders in identifying the type of open innovation which best suits the company. The article discusses specific proactive measures which must be followed by leaders while taking the path to open innovation. The article further describes the external associations including the manner in which partnering, transactions, acquisition’s benefits and risks and venture partners have to be considered prior to finalizing a decision on an open innovation project. Finally the article briefly mentions about the benefits acquired by firms with successful open innovation. It does mention that the trepidation regarding the protection of the interests of the organization are highly valid and holds good. Despite this, open innovation has helped firms to garner path breaking success. CRITIQUE Applying open innovation where your company needs it most The article on open innovation has provided us valuable insight on the manner in which correct choices should be made by leaders for embarking on the daunting project of open innovation. It has detailed the three main stages of innovation, namely, idea generation, development of idea and commercialization. However, it has failed to mention the criticality of attitudes displayed by management and leadership which may lead to decline in performance despite adapting open innovation in business frameworks. Moreover the term open innovation has just been touched upon by mentioning its proponent. It does not mention the types of open innovation and the conditions required for them to exist. It directly jumps to examine the three steps of innovation. The article again touches on the fact that open innovation is not possible to i mplement in an environment governed by negative attitudes like â€Å"not sold here† or â€Å"not invented here†. However, it never describes the significance of positive attitudes in facilitating open innovation. For the management to implement open innovation in their organization, one of the prime prerequisite is to openly engage in successful communication of open innovative plans to the employees, formulate required incentives and create an organizational culture encouraging and supporting open innovation. This will help in facilitating this context by garnering the engagement and attention of employees thereby making open innovative strategies successful. The term open innovation needs to have its people to have an open mind which facilitates creative thinking without any bias whatsoever and accordingly invite external partners to use those innovative processes of a firm which lie unused. This not only helps in optimizing unused notions but also aids in excelling in products and business processes and a plethora of areas where innovative ideas may be adequately utilized. Open innovation is basically a process which helps outsiders to join a particular process to engage in making creative inventions and discoveries. This is usually true

Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Marketing - Assignment Example Students of economics are, of course, aware that in traditional economic theorising, the analysis of the firm and its behaviour is built upon the assumption that firms operate in such a manner as to maximize their profits. Economists, however, do not discount the possibility that there may be other objects of desire that entrepreneurs may pursue and try to maximise, for example, power, a quiet life, prestige, social service, and may be a host of others. But, so far no theory of the firm within the framework of a 'free market' economy has been developed on any one of the above premises. So the theorem of profit maximization continues to remain central to the study of the business firm. And profits can be made by a firm only through selling its products in the market. Market and marketing are essential ingredients in a firm's search for profit. Market positioning and the strategies adopted to gain an advantageous competitive position for selling its product will determine the firm's degree of success in 'maximising' its profit. In this paper we consider a few of the market strategies that firms adopt particularly, those of 'target market' and 'differential advantages' to secure an advantageous position in the market. We shall also discuss alternative marketing strategies and relate all to the market provision of education particularly by local authorities in UK. . . The general definition of a market is a coming together of buyers and sellers to exchange products or services or both and the concept includes both non-profit as well as profit-taking enterprises. Marketing is purposeful interaction in the market by sellers and buyers through exchange. Marketing is seen as activity that is distinct from selling (Fennell, 1987). Philip Kotler (Kotler & Fox, 1995) offers the following: 'Marketing is the analysis, planning, implementation and control of carefully formulated programs designed to bring about voluntary exchanges of values with target markets to achieve institutional objectives. Marketing involves designing the institution's offerings to meet the target markets' needs and desires, and using effective pricing, communication, and distribution to inform, motivate, and service these markets.' (p. 6). Target Market A one sentence description of a target market is that it is the market segment to which a particular product is marketed. It is defined by age, gender and socio-economic grouping. 'Targeting strategy' is usually the selection of the customers the firm wishes to service. The decisions involved in targeting strategy include: which segments to target; how many products to offer; and which products to offer in which segments There are three steps to targeting: namely, market segmentation, target choice and product positioning. And targeting strategy decisions are influenced by: market maturity, diversity of buyers' needs and preferences, strength of the competition and the volume of sales required for profitability Targeting can be selective, for example, focus

Sound and Music in Films Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sound and Music in Films - Research Paper Example Filmmaking has transcended a challenging and colorful artistic journey. The fast pace of technological advancement profoundly influenced the growth of filmmaking from its crude origins of silent and black and white films to the intricately three dimensional movies of contemporary times. Kay, Ghent, Chumney & Lutkins presented the history of sound in films and traced its origins before the 1920s when Thomas Edison was quoted to say in 1925 that â€Å""My plan was to synchronize the camera and the phonograph so as to record sounds when the pictures were made, and reproduce the two in harmony. . . We had the first of the so-called "talking pictures" in our laboratory thirty years ago" (Kay, et.al., n.d., par. Edison’s persistent intent to invent the kinetoscope, granted patent in 1897, paved the way for the introduction of sound in films. In this regard, this essay aims to proffer relevant issues and perspectives of sound and music in movies and films. The discourse would initia lly present significant events from the origins of sounds and music, together with the people who were instrumental in making the discoveries. Likewise, the role of sound and music in films would also be discussed before presenting the characteristics of these elements in contemporary filmmaking.

Development and Social Change Essay Example for Free

Development and Social Change Essay â€Å"Although globalization made earlier appearances, the trend has unfolded with unprecedented speeds, and to unprecedented extents since the 1960s. † (SCHOLTE. 2000) This essay will explain how the forces of globalisation have shaped and will continue to shape, the financial, demographic, and political societies we see around us today. It will identify the extent to which sustained Globalization has â€Å" the crevice between poverty, comparative poverty, and luxury. † Such positive and negative attributes affect society on a number of different levels, â€Å" the individual, the household, the firm, the town, the region, the sector, the nation. † (Kaplinsky) This essay will provide and in-depth analysis and examples of how such global processes have worked to erode the fortunes of so many (Sierra Leone); whilst also being the catalyst for success in other areas (Mexico). (HELD. 2007) ‘The Race to the Bottom,’ is a term describing the intra-national contest for the most favourable environment for business trading, manufacture and investment. Following its successful application to join the World Trading Organisation (WTO) in November 2001, China has experienced a vast influx of foreign investment. This has – as expected – empowered the Chinese economy to the detriment of its former South-east Asian exporting partners. Hong Kong and Taiwan had nurtured the Chinese economy for a decade previously, and now find that their economies are being â€Å" hollowed out, as China sucks away jobs. † (CHAN. 2009) How did this happen? In the early 1990s China introduced its first minimum wage system with the intention of protecting its workforce. Due to the great versatility of China, the government came up with a formula (based upon local living costs; inflation etc. ) with which each city or region would publish and enforce its own minimum wage. The benchmark for all minimum wages set is between 40% and 60% of the average wage in that locality. Since 1993, according to a study by the Bureau of International Labour Affairs, almost all of the provincial governments have failed to maintain these standards – [see table 2]. Their desire to attract investment has forced the minimum wage : average wage percentage further down. Shenzhen, a model Chinese exports city, paid, on average, 10% less that the absolute minimum wage required by the government and international labour standards. Conversely, the city of Chongqing, which is not export-led or globally integrated, consistently achieves almost 10% more than its minimum required standards (49. 86% in 2000). Chan concludes a â€Å"worrying trend. † She suggests that; â€Å" as a region or province becomes more prosperous, it violates the national guidelines and seeks to maintain its attractiveness to foreign capital by keeping its minimum wage level low the benefits of globalisation with this competitive logic have not, and will not, trickle down to those who make the products. † (CHAN. 2009) The Human Development Report 2006-2008 uses Corrado Gini’s coefficient to highlight an increase in overall inequality from 0. 31 to 0. 45 during the initial years of reform. [Coefficient measures between 0 and 1 where 0 is complete equality]. (FACTSHEET. 2008) However, the benefits of neo-liberal economic reform in China seem to have had a positive effect on ‘Poverty. ’ Between 1990 and 2005 the influx of industry and trade bought a per capita growth averaging 8. 7%. Using the World Bank poverty line, (measured at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)) household surveys suggest that post 1981, 54% (500,000,000 people) of the population of China scrambled over the poverty line. (CHAN. 2009) In this sense, we must conclude that global economic integration in China has seen a significant reduction in poverty, but an increase in income inequality has come from overwhelming national development due to increasingly capitalist structures stemming from trade liberalization. What advocates of globalization emit is that two thirds of Chinese industry relies on coal, and just 7% of their energy sources are renewable. A report from the Financial Times found that air pollution in China caused by heavy industry and chemical production has led to the annual premature deaths of 400,000 (air quality); 300,000 (indoor air quality); and a further 60,000 due to poor water quality. (BBC. 2007) There is 1 country in the world where economic growth rate has consistently outpaced that of the Asian Tigers: Botswana (9% average annual growth). Botswana had a GDP per capita of just US$ 77 at independence from Britain (1966). It now stands at US$ 7,554 (GLOBAL PROPERTY. 2010). Kraay notes that; â€Å"A sustainable future in Africa rests on its ability to develop and maximise natural resources. Diamonds play a major role in these efforts. † Diamond extraction and production requires a large investment of initial capital. In the case of Botswana, DeBeers and the Government of Botswana invested 50:50 US$40 million in the Damtshaa mine. FDI in diamonds around Botswana accounts for 33% of GDP growth. Global trading and distribution of diamonds and other minerals accounted for 55% of total government revenues in the late 1990s. (MBENDI. 2009) â€Å"Botswana’s history of sound management, good governance [Botswana has an accountable parliament and holds regular democratic elections] and an emerging focus on enhancing regional competitiveness should serve it well as it continues efforts to diversify. † (WORLD BANK. 2009) So, to what extent can we propose Botswana as a model of how ‘Sustained Globalization’ can ‘Eliminate World Poverty? ’ Firstly it is important to note the income elasticity of diamonds and other such minerals. They are a luxury product and due to the current economic downturn, as real wages decrease, demand is likely to proportionally decrease also. Growth estimates for 2009-2010 predict a contraction of 10. 2%. It seems that over reliance on the global export market has forged vulnerabilities in an otherwise stable nation. However the non-mining private sector of Botswana has proved to have deep foundations, recording a 9. 4% market increase this year. Either way, prudent fiscal and taxation policy, and low level of public debt (3% of GDP) resulting from huge capital influx over the years, mean that national reserves are likely to hold out for the recession period. (MBENDI. 2009) Secondly, it is important to note (as was the case in China), that increase in GDP is not directly proportional to poverty decrease. The most deprived quintile share just 1% of GDP, whilst the second quintile accounts for 5. 9% (Gini coefficient 0. 6). This means that 47% of the population still live below the poverty line. Perhaps the capital gains still need more time to filter down through infrastructure development and reform? In 1966 there were just 3 miles of roads; now there are 4,000 miles, a public transportation system and a nation-wide telephone grid. (WORKMAN. 2006) Perhaps the figures are being distorted by the unstoppable force of HIV/AIDs and malaria that has hit Botswana so hard recently? It is impossible to say. What we can say, however, is that in order to reap the benefits of global trade in the long-term, Botswana must recognise the fragilities of basing their economy on an exhaustible and export-orientated resource. In 1991 the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) under Froday Sankoh, launched assaults against the Government of Sierra Leone. Their goal was to combat ‘crime and corruption. ’ The ensuing 11-year conflict was funded throughout by revenues generated by the diamond trade (an estimated initial worth of US$ 125 million). A median estimate suggests the murder of 75,000 (USA Today and The Times). A less conservative opinion from the Agence France Presse believe the figure was nearer to 200,000. (WORLD BANK. 2009) Either way, the drain on capital, natural resources, labour demographic and widespread looting was funded by the global financial market and African integration with it. Capital obtained from ‘conflict diamonds’ was notably from consumerism in the global North. Following the end of the war in 2000, the country was exposed to anarchy and complete economic collapse. Drugs and arms trafficking in cocaine and ex-soviet weaponry was rife, and corrupt feudal political structures further intensified income inequality – Gini coefficient over 0. 6. In 2004 its trade deficit totalled $US 350 million. (FACTSHEET. 2005) In the same year the UN named Sierra Leone the poorest country in the world (based on PPP/capita); and â€Å" the worlds ‘least livable’ country, based on its poverty and the poor Quality of Life its citizens must endure. † (WORKMAN. 2006) Whose fault is it? Is it the greediness of the conflicting armies? Is it the presence of such a store of wealth in a poverty-stricken country with few other natural resources? Is it the emergence of a global market that has created cosmic demand for such commodities? Time will tell. What we can see is that again, (as was the case in China and Botswana) global financial demand caused a sharp increase in GDP of the country. In 1965 GPD in Sierra Leone was US$ 246; in 2000 it was US$1,330,429 – see Table. 3. We can also say that this does not in any way correlate to an increase in living standards or reduction in poverty. It represents a huge crack in the neo-liberal ideology and Shah’s suggestion that; â€Å"Sustained economic growth is the way to human progress. Economic globalisation in the form of freer circulation of capital would be beneficial to everyone. † (SHAH. 2009) This essay suggests that however trade and political systems are constructed, without complete socialism, conflict can, has, and will continue to peak at the emergence of valuable natural resources. We can also conclude that whilst globalization could â€Å"offer the best prospects for eliminating world poverty,† African history stands in the way of such an ideology. (Table 6) It is not, however, all doom and gloom for the globalization and poverty argument. Mexico in many ways lost the ‘Race to the bottom’ to China, but neo-liberal reform has played a vital role in the successful integration of the Mexican economy into the global manufacture and export market. Prior to the 1980s (and economic downturn), Mexican economics was characterised by protectionist policies, high tariffs and quotas, and restrictions to FDI. By 1981 choking fiscal profligacy and vulnerability to external conditions (notably the 1973 oil shock) caused an imbalance of payments and massive capital flight. This caused huge inflation and the worst recession since the 1930s, forcing devaluation of the Peso on numerous occasions and further recession. (SOMMER. 2008) The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) eliminated the almost all import and export taxes and infused a gradual fade-out of the majority of tariffs between Mexico, the US and Canada. Following initial success, (Table. 4) the government then furthered economic liberalization by implementing 11 free trade agreements with the EU, Japan, and countries in South and Central America. Table. 4 shows how Mexican commodities exported to the United States increases from US$39. 9 billion in 1993; to US$ 210. 8 billion in 2007 (437% increase). Over the same period GDP grew 46%. (SOMMER. 2008) The success of the Mexican model is based largely on efficiency and proximity. Maquiladoras are large manufacturing and export plants, the majority of which are located just south of the US border. There are around one million workers employed in any of the 3,000 clothing, furniture and electronic equipment factories. Their proximity to the US gains them a significant advantage in terms of lower indirect costs (90% of production is transported ‘North’ straightaway) than those of Asian Tigers and the Pacific Ring countries. (BORRAZ. 2007) In contrast to Sierra Leone and Botswana, GDP increase seems to have direct correlation with improvements in real wages; a negative correlation with income inequality; and an overall reduction in poverty. Evidence of its success is shown by a net decrease in Gini coefficient between 1992 and 2002 (Table 5). (FACTSHEET. 2005) Borraz shows that income is less concentrated and has a lower Gini coefficient in states that are more closely linked to the global economy. He suggests that states with stronger links to the world economy might offer proportionately higher wages to the unskilled workforce – in this case (young) women. Unskilled women in Mexico earn between 7% and 16% more than their counterparts in non-globalized or exporting states. Overall, in 2002, 7 out of 9 states in Mexico have seen a decrease in income inequality. (BORRAZ. 2007) Why then, has Mexico succeeded in reducing poverty, whilst Sierra Leone has not? According to Borraz there are two main reasons for Mexican success; 1. Commitment to universal education in the 1940s realized a significant increase in skilled labour and higher overall productivity – sustained GDP growth of 3-4% from 1940. Governmental organizations like PROGRESA have hugely enhanced school attendance rates and decreased child labour. In November 1999 PROGRESA strategies accounted for 82% of the 25% of boys who left work to choose basic or higher education. Thus it was inward looking development strategies prior to neo-liberal reform meant the basic infrastructures for rapid growth were already there. 2. Luck. On the verge of complete inward economic collapse, the discovery of the Cantarell oil fields in 1976 sustained an otherwise weakened and fluctuating Mexican economy. (BORRAZ. 2007) However, it is true that NAFTA and other trade liberalization schemes in the Americas have reduced income inequalities and increased real wages in Mexico – but at what cost? ; The violation of human rights of a million of underpaid (US$ 3. 40/day); overworked (up to 60 hours/week); underage (girls often start at 12 or 13) workers with minimum knowledge of their rights. â€Å"In 1987 a worker had to work 8 hours and 47 minutes to buy the basic food basket for a family of four. Today it takes 34 hours. (CORPWATCH. 2009) The pollution of New River in Mexicali Valley [which runs into the Rio Grande] is now dumped with 130 million gallons of industrial waste each day. â€Å"According to the Texas Department of Health, since NAFTA went into effect the Hepatitis A rate for Cameron County shot up from 17. 8 per 100,000 residents to 87. 4 per 100,000 an increase of almost 400%. † (CORPWATCH. 2009) The Zapatistas have also suffered hugely from opening the agricultural market to mass produced US market-garden exports. Their anti-globalization ideology highlights that their inability to compete with mechanically harvested, artificially fertilized and genetically modified imports from the US. NAFTA also eliminated crop subsidies for Mexico while US farmers still receive them. The agrarian based society has directly suffered from a decrease in real wages and an increase in comparative poverty due to open trade. Further, â€Å"China [Page 2 Table 1] has weakened the allure of Maquiladoras in recent years and some report that more than 500 plants have been closed since the beginning of the decade. † (SOMMER. 2009) Currently, the future of the Mexican economy is unknown. Sharp decreases in PEMEX oil production and the current financial crisis in the U. S. is revealing more weaknesses in the Mexican export strategy. (RANDEWICH. 2008) Conclusion Does â€Å"Sustained globalisation offers the best prospects for eliminating world poverty. † ? Firstly there is no confirmed method of effectively measuring either ‘Globalization’ or ‘Poverty. ’ One can not accurately judge the benefits/detrimental effects of globalization without a baseline measure for poverty. QOL indicators, the Gini coefficient, and GDP are subject to variations and outside influences that cannot be measured or corrected (E. g. measuring GDP in Kerala; or measuring the Gini coefficient of China). The Neo-liberal argument that increased density of economic integration between countries will increase overall efficiency due to the specialization of resource use – is likely to be correct. The majority of trade liberalization cases show an overall increase in GDP. This cannot be taken further to suggest that it directly benefits those living in poverty. Further, in the case of Mexico and China, evidence suggests trade liberalization pits global forces against each other and with no weight divisions and no handicaps, smaller regions, towns, industries and households cannot be expected to win. â€Å"The eradication of global inequality requires much more than simply repeating the tired rhetoric of anti-imperialism, anti-capitalism or, even worse, marking globalization work for the poor. † (HELD. 2007) Claire Short’s White Paper (Title) fails to recognise this, suggesting 5 common elements to successful poverty reduction based around a neo-liberal framework: 1. Openness to trade and eagerness to attract FDI. 2. Political stability and competent governments committed to economic growth. 3. Savings and investment of at least 25% of national income. 4. Economic stability: controlled inflation and government budgeting; avoiding production collapse. 5. Market allocation of resources: minimal necessary government intervention. (DFID. 2006) Such claims can be considered naive. The DFID paper reads like a propaganda policy designed to gain electoral support. This essay suggests that there are only three conclusions that can be drawn. 1. That trade liberalization generally incurs an increase in international trade and GDP. 2. â€Å"Every international institution throughout history has been hierarchical and composed of dominant and subordinate states; there has never been, and in the future is never likely to be, an egalitarian and democratic international system. † (HELD. 2007) 3. â€Å"Globalization is in fast forward, and the world’s ability to understand and react to it is in slow motion. † (TURNER. 2003) Table 1 (WORLD BANK. 2009) (CHAN. 2009) Table 3. Estimated GDP Sierra Leone (WORLD BANK. 2009) TABLE. 4 (SOMMER. 2009) Table. 5 (CHAN. 2007) Table 6. (DFID. 2006) ABOUT. 2009. The History of Transportation [online] [Accessed 28th December 2009] Available from: http://inventors. about. com/library/inventors/bl_history_of_transportation. htm. ADELZADEH, A. 2008. Simulation Models of 5 African Economies. Designing Africa’s Poverty Strategies: Creating the Capacity for Policy Simulation. [online] [Accessed 3rd January 2010] Available from: http://models. wider. unu. edu/africa_web/input_login. php? class=bw_quickiesinstance=quickiescountry=bw

Discrimination and the Hijab: The Role of Social Workers

Discrimination and the Hijab: The Role of Social Workers Melissa Sadaka The aftermath of several political, legal, and historical events has led to the negative representations and tensions towards Islam and its practices in Western society. These depictions have impacted Muslim women who wear the hijab as they are religiously identifiable (Hyder, Parrington, Hussain, 2015). It is evident in the literature and media that discrimination towards the hijab continues to remain a social problem in the West. Discrimination is the mistreatment of an individual due to their race status or background (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2015). Not only does it result in a marginalised society, discrimination is ideologically offensive and negatively effects the individual and society as whole. As demonstrated in the literature, the hijab is discriminated against due the misinterpreted views, held by non-Muslims, that the women who wear it are oppressed and associated with terrorism (Al Wazni, 2015,). These views have proved to negatively affect the daily experie nces and identity of Muslim women as they face difficulties and acts of discrimination in settings such as school, work and the public. Social work essentially aims to focus on and draw attention to discriminatory beliefs and customs that lead to both poor public principles and mental health (Hosken, 2013). It mandatory for all social workers to participate in socially and racially proficient education and advocacy that encourages diversity while concurrently reducing fear and doubt (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010) . As an occupation and discipline, social work has come to accept the responsibility of tackling and eliminating discrimination in the lives of individuals it assists through both direct and indirect methods (Graham, Bradshaw, Trew, 2009). The current paper will analyse and critique the role of social work and its function in responding to discrimination towards Muslim women particularly in Australia. Recent and alternate social work approaches such as policy, education, research and practice in response to the social problem will also be identified. Social workers recognise the power of diversity as it is competent in characterising and shaping the human experience and is significant to the development of identity. All individuals have basic and fundamental human rights despite their position in society. Securing and ensuring that these rights are protected and believing in the value of the individual are important responsibilities in social work today (Graham, Bradshaw, Trew, 2009) Historically, social work has been criticised due its previous practices in failing to respond to present circumstances and endorsing the standards of a white middle class society(Matsuoka Thompson). Present approaches for social workers mandates them to understand the power of diversity and harness it in order to build a better human society and experience. It is a social workers responsibility to uphold any human beings right and their values and to eradicate discrimination under any basis (Ressler Hodge). The Code of ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW, 2010) provides a set of ethical principle and standards to govern social work behavior in relation to discrimination. The organizations Code of Ethics in Australia includes the principle that social workers should challenge social injustice-focusing primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other manifestations-and that their activities should promote sensitivity to and knowledge a bout oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. Further, the Code states, social workers should strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision-making for all people. (AASW, 2010, p.17). A Muslim woman in Australia who has experienced a form of discrimination has access to a range of services and programs that can assist her. The Department of Social Services (DSS), the main source of accessing social policies in Australia, is designed to support and enhance the lives of Australians (2015). The DSS promotes a Multicultural Australia and can provide those who have been discriminated against with multiple resources and support services. The DSS can assist A Muslim woman who has been discriminated against by providing her with information and referrals to programs and policies. The DSS will provide her with information on current Australian anti-discrimination laws and provide her with the option of submitting a complaint to the Australia human rights commission who will then further deliver additional assistance. The Department of human services (DHS) is the main source of access to health, payment and social support for Australians and includes a team of social worker s that can also assist those who use their service (2015). Ghumman and Ryan (2013) study determined that wearing a Hijab amplified both formal and informal discrimination when applying for work. In this example[MS1], a Muslim woman who is using DHS services can contact a DHS social worker for further support if she feels that her hijab is effecting her chances in gaining a full-time job. The DHS social work services can deliver short term counselling, referrals to a range of services and support information. Overall, to sustain both professionalism and diversity in social work it is required to understand basic human rights and reasonable practices to assist victims of discrimination. Their voices should be heard and necessary support should be provided as with every human being. The discrimination towards people based on what they wear and what religion they practice will be ongoing as the current generation and society is poisoned by the narrow thoughts and vague ideas generated from power sources such a media and politics. An individuals choice to wear a garment that represents their faith should be respected within the social work profession. Though Australia is multicultural and embraces diversity and tolerance, discrimination towards the hijab remains existent. Social workers need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of cultural and religious customs, such as the hijab, to establish a justified and enhanced interaction with clients. Social workers should challenge social inju stice by embracing diversity through advocacy. Muslim women who wear the hijab should be viewed as positive assets to work with and learn from. References Al Wazni, A. B. (2015). Muslim Women in America and Hijab: A Study of Empowerment, Feminist Identity, and Body Image. Social Work, 60(4), 325-333. doi:10.1093/sw/swv033 Australian Association of Social Workers. (2010). Code of Ethics AASW. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/code-of-ethics Australian Human Rights Commission. (2015). Complaint information. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/WEB_Info_making_unlawful_discrimination.pdf Department of Human Services. (2017). Social work services Australian Government Department of Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/social-work-services Department Social Services. (2015). What We Do | Department of Social Services, Australian Government. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/overview/what-we-do Ghumman, S., Ryan, A. M. (2013). Not welcome here: Discrimination towards women who wear the Muslim headscarf. Human Relations, 66(5), 671-698. doi:10.1177/0018726712469540 Graham, J. R., Bradshaw, C., Trew, J. L. (2009). Adapting Social Work in Working with Muslim Clients. Social Work Education, 28(5), 544-561. doi:10.1080/02615470802400729 Hosken, N. (2013). Social work supervision and discrimination. Advances in Social Work and Welfare Education, 15(1), 92-104. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=479428906488362;res=IELHSS Hyder, N., Parrington, C. A., Hussain, P. (2015). Experiences of Hijabi Women: Finding a Way Through the Looking Glass for Muslim Americans. Advancing Women in Leadership, 35, 172-177. Retrieved from http://advancingwomen.com/awl/awl_wordpress/ Matsuoka, A. K., Thompson, A. (2009). Combating Stigma and Discrimination Among Social Work Students. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 28(2), 95-98. doi:10.7870/cjcmh-2009-0025 Ressler, L. E., Hodge, D. R. (2006). Religious Discrimination in Social Work. Journal of Religion Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 24(4), 55-74. doi:10.1300/j377v24n04_05 [MS1]Not too sure if I should us this and dont know what else to use Dr Nawal El Saadawi: Memoirs of a Woman Doctor Dr Nawal El Saadawi: Memoirs of a Woman Doctor Since my childhood, I have always dreamt of producing a film or writing a book about gender inequity in the Middle Eastern society. So that I could be able to accomplish this goal, I have to obtain the adequate experience in order to hold a certificate from one of the prestigious universities in Qatar. As a matter of fact, I have the desire towards achieving my goals and proving my skills but my society, with all its restrictions and limitations, doesnt give me the chance to do so. Because I live in a Qatari society, I have to be committed to certain traditions and customs which dont provide me with the opportunity to become a decent educated woman in a community where men only have the power to dominate. Therefore, when I think about the difference between men and women and why people differentiate and discriminate between people based on their gender, I find myself attracted towards reading books about feminism in order to, at least, feel that other women suffer from what I feel and that they will do whatever it takes to gain their lost rights. Through reading these books, I have the chance to know more about the meaning of feminism as well as figuring out more about women who have experienced conflicts with their families since their childhood only because they were born as girls not boys. Therefore, I encouraged myself to read a book called Memoirs of a woman doctor. This book was written by an Egyptian female writer named Dr. Nawal El Saadawi. In fact, this book had had an impact on my life to the extent that it contributed in changing my thoughts and my ideas as well as my view towards different things. A year ago, I read this book and for the first time I felt like I have the p ower to accomplish my objectives and live a normal equal life like any other man in the whole world. Regarding the book of Memoirs of a woman doctor, it talks about a young girl who used to live in a traditional Egyptian family. Unfortunately, the family of this little young girl undervalued her skills and underestimated her talents because she wasnt a boy. Dr. Nawal wanted to attract my attention and the attention of the rest of readers towards the fact that the point of view of this family towards its daughter reflects the point of view of the whole Egyptian and Arab society towards women in general. Being brought up as a girl in such family, this woman had to face all kinds of discrimination and injustice. In other words, her family used to prefer her brother over her despite the fact that she was an amazing student at school and she was more intelligent than him. This definitely has led to many bad effects on her view towards herself. She started to feel that she was born with a disability and that there was something wrong about her. She began to hate herself, her body and ever ything that used to surround womens life. However, she didnt surrender to this cruel reality. Luckily, her family allowed her to continue her studies and she managed to enroll in one of the universities in the faculty of Medicine. After graduation, she turned to become an excellent doctor. Being a doctor provided this woman with the opportunity to start loving herself again. She felt that she had achieved one of her goals and that pushed her forward towards accomplishing more and more in her life. In addition, she started to figure out that discrimination and inequality between men and women is a result of a complicated backward point of view of a society towards women. Moreover, she began to know the fact that other women can do whatever they need if they had the desire and the inner power. Women also have all the chances to accomplish their dreams if they only tried to do so. Thats why the main character in that book believed in biological science as a field of study since studying medicine allowed her to have faith in justice and in breaking all the complicated rules she was forced to follow. On the other side, this book allowed me to believe in myself and my abilities. In other words, I started becoming more self-confidence in addition to being willing to overcome my fears. I also began to become more patient as I learned that life cant be easy all the time and that I had to try harder in order to succeed. Moreover, I have figured out that only successful people have the chance to enjoy their lives since they have faith in their skills and they never give up no matter what they face. Besides, I began to love myself more and accept the fact that I was born as woman for a certain reason as God never creates something by coincidence. Because I read this book when I had to deal with a lot of issues, it was and is still considered as a source of energy as it provided me with the needed positivity to accomplish what I had planned. As a matter of fact, when I figured out that this woman in the book of Dr. Nawal had to suffer because of complicated thoughts, I felt that she represents me and a lot of million women all over the world who have to face many problems to gain their rights. Moreover, this book let me know more about a lot of topics about which I didnt have a background. For example, I began to have ideas about different things like marriage, loyalty, human body, beauty and creativity. I also learned that I work not only to gain money but also to help people get the needed medications so that they could have healthier bodies. On the other hand, my creativity began to increase and I started to use my imagination to solve problems. Moreover, I learned that we all are humans and that we werent born as angels. T herefore, we commit mistakes and thats why we need to forgive each other. Since reading is one of the great pleasures in this world, I enjoyed reading Memoirs of a woman doctor. This book widened my thoughts about feminism and also enlightened my vision. As a matter of fact, I began to learn that feminism doesnt refer to makeup or high heels or having a great body. Instead, it indicates intelligence, beauty of the soul and having a smart brain. In other words, many people believe that feminism is a concept that involves being a lady in shape which is totally wrong. On the contrary, feminism is a term that indicates being a lady by being educated and sophisticated. Thats why I believe the Qatari society and the entire Arab society must change their point of view towards women. Therefore, instead of looking at their clothes or their bodies, they need to look through their minds. Like many families in Egypt, Qatari families adopt following the customs and traditions of the Arab society. These traditions are indicated in the fact that young girls must wear veil when they are not in their homes. Being an Arab woman living in Qatar, I was obliged to cover my head wherever I go. Furthermore, some Qatari families force their young daughters to quit school and get married to older men because they believe that women were created to achieve that purpose. Thats why I felt that this book has touched something in my heart and also because I had to experience what the writer had had to go through. Conclusion The book of Dr Nawal El Saadawi called Memoirs of a woman doctor provided me with a lot of information and thats why I began to change my thoughts and my views towards myself and the entire society. Therefore, I believe Arab societies especially the Qatari one have to change the way they view women. They also must encourage other organizations in order to offer women opportunities to improve their skills. Furthermore, women must not give up and form peaceful marches to defend their lives and their rights. By following these steps, women will be able to have equal life just as men and I will have the chance to accomplished all my plans and goals. I will also never regret because I was born as a woman. Instead, I will be proud of my femininity.

Twelve Angry Men Plot Essay -- essays research papers

Plot: â€Å"Twelve Angry Men† is an interesting and exciting jury-room confrontation in which an "open and shut case" becomes strenuous as twelve strangers scuffle for answers. The trial involves a nineteen-year-old boy, who is suspect of killing his father in a late-night altercation with an extraordinary knife. His fate now lies in the hands of 12 jurors, each with his own determination to solve the case and reveal the truth. As the session takes its course, evidence becomes scrutinised, tempers rise, and the jury room erupts in a shouting brawl because one such juror finds reasonable doubts in the two testimonies that were deemed credible enough to convict. In his fight for an acquittal, the singled out juror found that the testimonial evidence was not only unreliable, but the timely fashion in which both the man and the woman alleged to have seen and heard the defendant were by far insufficient. Upon reaction to his vote, the dubious jurors immediately began que stioning the man, not understanding how he could possibly think that way. Nevertheless, the adamant juror held his ground and the votes were: 11 guilty, and 1 not guilty, but the decision had to be unanimous. Character: First there were those that couldn't care less about the outcome, then there was Davis, the tenacious juror who held a firm grip onto the possibility of reasonable doubt in the case. He demonstrated his personal strength of mind and tried eliminating any individual prejudices for the best po...

media Essay -- essays research papers

Media Manipulation There is a very subtle, yet powerful force at work on our world today. It is trying to control what woman and young girls do say and believe, especially about their own appearances. The media portrays unrealistic images that affect the way people, particularly woman, feel about themselves. And there is no way to avoid it. The media acts as a transmitter of potentially dangerous, socially desirable values and norms. Anyone can become a victim without even realizing it. Woman are told to believe distortions, inaccuracies, and bias on a daily basis. Somehow in that all the madness thinness has become synonymous with attractiveness. It is the media's job to surround us with slogans and pictures that are able to etch themselves into brains. (Stevens 44) Television, movies, magazine ads, commercials and billboards all attribute to the growing influence the media has on women. (www.rethinkingschools.org). Young girls are the most influenced by the media and its manipulation.(www.ed.gov .ERIC...). However, society as well as the media, has put forth dangerous and concentrated images, that have a strong impact on the lives of woman of all ages. Society has always placed a great emphasis upon the importance of a woman's appearance, and through that emphasis woman have been taught to measure their self worth in terms of the image they present, even more so than their own intelligence. They have been given rigid and challenging standards to live up to, standards that are usually unrealistic, unattainable, and disheartening. Many woman spend the majority of their lives suffering just trying to reach these standards. The ideal body image in this country today seems to be the long haired 5' 7", 110 lb. female found in every fashion magazine and television show. However, many woman at Johns II 5' 7" could starve themselves their entire life and never reach the so called "ideal".( Rushkoff 27). The persuasive and intrusive ... ... dangerous role model, that may even defy their biology, and when this societal and media pressure leads to severe eating disorders among women who believe that they cannot otherwise attain this perceived "ideal" state. The media plays a major role in setting the standard as to what "beauty" is, as the About.com site notes, in finding that, "the average person sees between 400 and 600 ads per day -that is 40 million to 50 million by the time she is 60 years old. One of every 11 commercials has a direct message about beauty." There is abundant evidence that by communicating unhealthy or infeasible goals for appearance, the media can directly cause an increase in eating disorders among women. A Hofstra University research group reported that: "A study examined over 4,000 TV ads. On the average, 1 out of every 3.8 ads had an "attractive-based" message. (www.cdc.gov.nccaphp/teen.html). These results were used to estimate that women are exposed to over 5,000 of these ads a year, (www.cdc.gov.nccaphp/teen.html) and each one adds to women's body dissatisfaction and the desire to be thin and "beautiful."

Electronic books Essay

An e-book reader, sometimes also called an e-book device, is a device used to display e-books. It may be a device specifically designed for that purpose, or one intended for other purposes as well. The term is restricted to hardware devices, not software programs. The main advantages of these devices are portability, light diffusion, and long battery life. It should be noted that any Personal Data Assistant (PDA) capable of displaying text on a screen is capable of being an e-book reader. At first when the e-book devices were introduced those were supposed to be made for the elite class as the people belonging from the lower class could not afford it. But now mass productions of the e-book devices have made life easy and more convenient. You can have an e-book device fit in your pocket and read books on the move (Harold , 2001). Now you can an e-book device for as low as $10, the device may not have to be some thing sophisticated or complicated but a simple machine with a built-in screen which provides you light to read what the electronic book says. Devices with extra ordinary functions are costly and the prices start from $100-$2000, these devices are only used by people who travel a lot and have to have something that is reliable. An example of the e-book reader could be Amazon Kindle, A long thin pad electronically controlled and easy to fit in pocket cost $384 and has been ranked as the best selling e-book reader of 2008 and 2009. To conclude e-book devices have gain market share tremendously have now have become common among teachers , students and business profesionals. References Book Harold, H. (2001). Electronic books and publishing. Springer.

Accounting Capstone Essay

It appears to me that both companies have had some weaknesses and have shown some improvements. I am wary of Pepsico because its current liabilities have increased faster than its assets. However, Coca-Cola’s assets have decreased along with its liabilities. Both companies have increased inventory, though Pepsico’s increase has been much higher than Coca-Cola’s (9.86% to 0.28%). Normally, this is cause for concern, but both companies’ inventory turnover also has improved. There are several other pros and cons for both companies. One reason to be cautious about either one is that they both have weak acid test ratios. Pepsico’s fell from 0.95 to 0.87. Coca-Cola’s fell from 0.81 to 0.72). An acid-test ratio of less than 1 shows that a company will have difficulty paying its debts. My final decision is based on profitability. Pepsico’s profit margin decreased from 14.4% to 12.5%. Coca-Cola’s decreased from 22.3% to 21.1%. See more:  Manifest Destiny essay Both have decreased, but Coca-Cola’s is much higher. So, I would choose Coca-Cola. What Does Acid-Test Ratio Mean? A stringent indicator that determines whether a firm has enough short-term assets to cover its immediate liabilities without selling inventory. The acid-test ratio is far more strenuous than the working capital ratio, primarily because the working capital ratio allows for the inclusion of inventory assets. Calculated by: Investopedia explains Acid-Test Ratio Companies with ratios of less than 1 cannot pay their current liabilities and should be looked at with extreme caution. Furthermore, if the acid-test  ratio is much lower than the working capital ratio, it means current assets are highly dependent on inventory. Retail stores are examples of this type of business. The term comes from the way gold miners would test whether their findings were real gold nuggets. Unlike other metals, gold does not corrode in acid; if the nugget didn’t dissolve when submerged in acid, it was said to have passed the acid test. If a company’s financial statements pass the figurative acid test, this indicates its financial integrity