Personal Statement on International Studies

The dominant reason behind why I’ve decided to undertake an MA in International Studies is because I see that the world is ceasing to be a localised experience for the bulk of its populous and is, instead, a global municipal which requires a unique set of skills and knowledge than has previously not been needed.   My life’s goal is to try and make a difference in the world but, in order to be truly effective in this pursuit, I must first fully understand what the world needs and how best to meet those needs.   Whilst studying for my undergraduate degree, I focused my studies on race, culture, human relations and human rights and I hope to further enhance my comprehension of these through the completion of an MA in International Studies. Culture is something which, in my opinion, has taken on an entirely new meaning in the 21st Century.   To me, culture, in international terms, involves the promotion of human advancement.   This includes the acceptance of diversity and the distribution of this knowledge with a view to strengthening international relations.   In doing this, we hold the potential to cure some of the world’s ills and begin to overcome significant global concerns including: illegal immigration, global concerns (such as terrorism) and the economy.   No longer is it possible to just be a specialist in your own culture – now it is far more crucial to be well-versed in global cultures and it is my belief that an MA in International Studies would assist me in reaching this goal. Academically, I have experienced a range of educational settings.   My High School education was carried out whilst travelling around the world (most notably, North America, China and Europe) whilst performing alongside various musicians.   It was then that my interest in global culture began pique as I was exposed to a wide spectrum of cultural experiences – experiencing them first-hand.   I am proud of my education as I was able to learn a set curriculum whilst also having additional lessons from people I met on the road; this was particularly prevalent in my study of literature as I was frequently recommended to read particular books.   I grew up whilst surrounded by interesting and intelligent college graduates who placed a strong emphasis on the pleasure of learning and so I was socialised to think in much the same way and ultimately, my pursuit of further qualifications is largely due to my love of learning for the sake of learning.   My grade point average in High School was 3.6 and I actually graduated a year early – demonstrating my commitment to excellent standards and to pushing myself harder and further than before.   I am due to complete my undergraduate degree from California State University Northridge in the fall of 2011, having majored in Humanities and Liberal Studies – minoring in Cultural Anthropology.   My grade point average has been 3.3 throughout my studies here and I have been placed on the Dean’s Honours List during my senior year. I have also proven myself to be a capable member of a workforce and I have been fortunate enough to take part in three internships with the Southern California Gas Company in the sectors of public relations, business and health and safety.   During my time at university, I have worked five days a week from 5am for the last two and a half years.   I like to think that this demonstrates my commitment to hard work and that it shows me to be capable of taking on challenges and meeting them to the best of my ability.   The fact that I have been able to complete my education (thus far) to a high ability whilst still maintaining a busy working life simultaneously, I think proves me to be capable and determined. On top of this, I have also been an active member of my university’s Anthropology Club, Water Ski Team and Volunteer Program in which I helped under-privileged High School children with their studies in Maths and Science.   I enjoyed this so much that I also worked at my local YMCA with young people.   I also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity through Sempra Energy as well as Rio Vista Elementary Saturday Academy.   For fun, I was also actively involved with the gas company’s softball team.   In my spare time, I enjoy sports such as softball, swimming, golf, football and scuba diving.   I am still a busy musician and regularly record songs I have written and crafted myself as well as still actively travelling and exploring the world. My goals are to complete a PhD following my masters and in doing this, I hope to apply my knowledge and skills to seeking plausible solutions to problems which will help to make a more cohesive world.   In carrying out an MA, I would like to advance my understanding of international relations as well as being able to critically analyse fields of international interest such as politics, culture, economics, communication and law in order to better understand what is needed and how I can provide it on the global world stage.

Science Is The Pursuit And Application Of Knowledge

The question, â€Å"What is science?† has a complicated answer. Is science doing lab experiments or sifting through layers of soil to find artifacts? Is science making observations through telescopes of the movements of heavenly bodies or discovering through microscopes the processes of cell division? Is science about explaining natural phenomena or learning about the life of a coral reef? We all know that science is all of these. But, what is science? According to the Science Council (http://www.sciencecouncil.org), â€Å"Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.† This website further states: Scientific methodology includes the following: †¢ Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool) †¢ Evidence †¢ Experiment and/or observation as benchmarks for testing hypotheses †¢ Induction: reasoning to establish general rules or conclusions drawn from facts or examples †¢ Repetition †¢ Critical analysis †¢ Verification and testing: critical exposure to scrutiny, peer review and assessment I believe this is a very good definition of science. Science is the process of discovering the workings of the universe and everything in it by systematic study and experimentation. Therefore, any endeavour which fits into the scientific methodology described above could be considered science whether it is traditionally called science orShow MoreRelatedScience Is The Pursuit And Application Of Knowledge Essay1158 Words   |  5 Pagesdisciples pertaining to Science, Math, Technology and Engineering provide a broad spectrum of knowledge and opportunity for segregated sectors of discovery and interpretation. Each spectrum offers and promotes different methodology and ideology yet work together. Educators and researchers use crossed disciplinary approaches to satisfy the needs of our societal demands in this new and upcoming culture. According to the dictionary Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understandingRead MoreThe Intellectual Pursuit and Its Social Counterpart in Frankenstein1056 Words   |  5 PagesIntellectual Pursuit and Its Social Counterpart Victor Frankenstein, as a scientist, has a burning passion and an infinite curiosity for the science of reanimation. After spending years studying what is known of the subject, Victor makes a discovery that would have been considered an enormous scientific breakthrough. However, once Frankenstein applies this new science, the science becomes a detriment to society, never to be attempted again. Frankenstein ignored the social implications of the science of reanimationRead MoreMoral And Ethical Issues In Frankenstein Essay1492 Words   |  6 Pagesquestion of all science fiction can be summed up by this sentence: â€Å"‘If this goes on, where will it lead?’†(Sawyer) By asking this basic, yet perplexing question, writers extrapolate on a known scientific principle to its most extreme case, and thereby create a catalyst for the events of the stories they write. Inside this story, the innate natures and behaviors of human beings are revealed through the charactersâ₠¬â„¢ reaction to the new threat that an advance in technology or scientific knowledge presentsRead MoreA Positive Perspective On The Pursuit Of Knowledge1278 Words   |  6 Pagesis essential in the pursuit of knowledge†. The knower has to have a positive perspective in order to attempt to pursue the knowledge that the knower desires. To pursue something, there has to be a motive or drive for the knower to do so. I feel like without the positive perspective to drive the knower’s desire to gain knowledge, the pursuit of knowledge is meaningless to the knower. Even if knowledge is gained, the knowledge becomes meaningless because there is no application. Knowing means the knowerRead MoreTechnology and Morality in Shelleys Frankenstein - Is Knowledge Always Evil?952 Words   |  4 PagesFrankenstein: Is Knowledge Always Evil? nbsp; As of this writing, I have decided to regard the local TV channels The more you know... commercials as being evil. I do not understand how anyone could regard knowledge as anything but evil. The more you know... the more your mind feels the need to explorer for more knowledge and the more evil it will encounter. The more you search, the more ignorant you realize you are and the more open to pain you become. Who needs to have the knowledge possessedRead MoreStatement of Purpose962 Words   |  4 Pagesin my academic pursuits by increasing my hunger for knowledge but ensured that I was amongst the best in all my classes. What can be more interesting and fascinating than the structure of the world around us? I asked myself this question when I was deciding which course to pursue in my undergraduate studies. I knew two things at the time; the first was that the world can be thought of as a vault of data and secondly, that mathematical statistics is basically the science of extractingRead MoreApplication for Master Degree in Theory and Computational Science955 Words   |  4 Pagescomprehensive foundation in the field of Computer Science. Within this field, I have developed a deep interest in the area of Theory and Computational Science. More specifically I find algorithms and theory of computation the most appealing areas due to their application in solving many real world problems. My undergraduate course in the field of Electronics Engineering has given me a comprehensive exposure to all the core fields of computer science and mathematics. In my junior year, I participatedRead MoreIs Science Dangerous? By Lewis Wolpert955 Words   |  4 PagesIn his commentary â€Å"Is science dangerous?†, Lewis Wolpert attempts to answer the age-old question of whether knowledge (and therefore science, as the source of knowledge), poses a risk to society. In order to do so, he makes a crucial differentiation between pure science as knowledge that enhances our understanding of the world, and technology, which is the application of scientific research (Wolpert 281). If we agree that pure science is void of morality, then the real question becomes: does theRead MorePresident Park Geun Hye Of South Korea1606 Words   |  7 Pagescertain type of effects to the people’s pursuit of knowledge. Using examples from astrology/science and history, I would investigate whet her knower’s perspective is always or is not essential in the pursuit of knowledge through usage of language and emotions. In this essay, perspective is defined as a concept or opinion built upon one’s experience or background such as gender, race, religious position, historical era, education experiences, and ‘pursuit of knowledge’ as act of learning or researchingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Monster 1482 Words   |  6 PagesES 124 Book Project Question (60 points) Ms. Nguyen Winter 2017 Your answers should be typed, using MLA format A. Knowledge 1. Write the title of your book and the author’s name 2. List the characters and describe them a. Captain Robert Walton: As a failing writer, he sets out on a voyage to the North Pole in hopes of the fame in new scientific discoveries. He rescues the main character, Victor Frankenstein, and record the story as told by Frankenstein. b. Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein narrates

Stress Management Among Bank Employees Free Essays

string(191) " about how stress can affect you emotionally and physically, as well as how to identify if you are performing at your optimal stress level \(OSL\) or if you are experiencing negative stress\." INTRODUCTION: Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep one motivated. But excessive pressure can lead to stress, which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill. Stress is ubiquitous and has become an integral part of everyday living, an unavoidable consequence of modern living. We will write a custom essay sample on Stress Management Among Bank Employees or any similar topic only for you Order Now Stress is a condition of strain that has a direct bearing on emotions, thought process and physical conditions of a person. During the past decade, the banking sector had under gone rapid and striking changes like policy changes, increased competition due to the entrance of more private sector banks, introduction of new technologies, etc. Due to these changes, the employees in the banking sector are experiencing a high level of stress. Bank employees admit that stress is affecting their jobs, family life and health. Unpredictable economy, pressure to maintain profitability and increased responsibilities are main causes of stress. OBJECTIVES †¢ To analyze the origin and growth level of banking sector in Tirupur region To analyze the level of job stress among bank employees in Tirupur region. †¢ To analyze the contribution of over load, authority, conflict and Lack of Support from colic’s to the job stress among bank employees in Tirupur region. †¢ To analyze the importance of interventional strategies at organizational level to manage stress among bank employees. †¢ To analyze th e role of stress in interpersonal relationship †¢ To evaluate the progress, goals and success of stress management programme organized by the banks †¢ To give suitable suggestions to the banking sector to develop tressless working condition among the bank employees (1. 1) CONCEPT OF STRESS (1. 1. 1) INTRODUCTION TO STRESS A lot of research has been conducted into stress over the last hundred years. Some of the theories behind it are now settled and accepted; others are still being researched and debated. During this time, there seems to have been something approaching open warfare between competing theories and definitions: Views have been passionately held and aggressively defended. What complicates this is that intuitively we all feel that we know what stress is, as it is something we have all experienced. A definition should therefore be obvious†¦except that it is not. Definition: Hans Selye was one of the founding fathers of stress research. His view in 1956 was that â€Å"stress is not necessarily something bad – it all depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental. † Selye believed that the biochemical effects of stress would be experienced irrespective of whether the situation was positive or negative. Since then, a great deal of further research has been conducted, and ideas have moved on. Stress is now viewed as a â€Å"bad thing†, with a range of harmful biochemical and long-term effects. These effects have rarely been observed in positive situations. The most commonly accepted definition of stress (mainly attributed to Richard S Lazarus) is that, Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that â€Å"demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize. † In short, it’s what we feel when we think we’ve lost control of events. This is the main definition used by this section of Mind Tools, although we also recognize that there is an intertwined instinctive stress response to unexpected events. The stress response inside us is therefore part instinct and part to do with the way we think. The types of stress are as follows Mechanical †¢Stress (physics), the average amount of force exerted per unit area. †¢Yield stress, the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. †¢Compressive stress, the stress applied to materials resulting in their compaction. Biological Stress (biological), physiological or psychological stress; some types include: a) Chronic stress, persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental disorder b) Eustress, positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning c) Workplace stress, stress caused by employment Music †¢Accent (music). †¢Stress (band), an early ’80s melodic rock band from San Diego. †¢Stress (punk band), an ear ly ’80s punk rock band from Athens. †¢Stress (Neo-Psychedelic band), from the late 1980’s. †¢Stress, a song by the French band Justice on their debut album Other Stress (game), card game †¢Stress (linguistics), phonological use of prominence in language Chronic stress Chronic stress is stress that lasts a long time or occurs frequently. Chronic stress is potentially damaging. Symptoms of chronic stress can be: †¢Upset stomach †¢Headache †¢Backache †¢Insomnia †¢Anxiety †¢Depression †¢Anger is the most severe cases it can lead to panic attacks or a panic disorder. There are a variety of methods to control chronic stress, including exercise, healthy diet, stress management, relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and relaxing hobbies. 1. 1. 2) what is Stress? Stress refers to the strain from the conflict between our external environment ands, leading to emotional and physical pressure. In our fast paced world, it is impossib le to live without stress, whether you are a student or a working adult. There is both positive and negative stress, depending on each individual’s unique perception of the tension between the two forces. Not all stress is bad. For example, positive stress, also known as eustress, can help an individual to function at optimal effectiveness and efficiency. Hence, it is evident that some form of positive stress can add more color and vibrancy to our lives. The presence of a deadline, for example, can push us to make the most of our time and produce greater efficiency. It is important to keep this in mind, as stress management refers to using stress to our advantage, and not on eradicating the presence of stress in our lives. On the other hand, negative stress can result in mental and physical strain. The individual will experience symptoms such as tensions, headaches, irritability and in extreme cases, heart palpitations. Hence, whilst some stress may be seen as a motivating force, it is important to manage stress levels so that it does not have an adverse impact on your health and relationships. Part of managing your stress levels include learning about how stress can affect you emotionally and physically, as well as how to identify if you are performing at your optimal stress level (OSL) or if you are experiencing negative stress. You read "Stress Management Among Bank Employees" in category "Papers" This knowledge will help you to identify when you need to take a break, or perhaps seek professional help. It is also your first step towards developing techniques to managing your stress levels. Modern day stresses can take the form of monetary needs, or emotional frictions. Competition at work and an increased workload can also cause greater levels of stress. How do you identify if you are suffering from excessive stress? Psychological symptoms commonly experienced include insomnia, headaches and an inability to focus. Physical symptoms take the form of heart palpitations, breathlessness, excessive sweating and stomachaches. What causes stress? There are many different causes of stress, and that which causes stress is also known as a stressor. Common lifestyle stressors include performance, threat, and bereavement stressors, to name a few. Performance stressors are triggered when an individual is placed in a situation where he feels a need to excel. This could be during performance appraisals, lunch with the boss, or giving a speech. Threat stressors are usually when the current situation poses a dangerous threat, such as an economic downturn, or from an accident. Lastly, bereavement stressors occur when there is a sense of loss such as the death of a loved one, or a prized possession. Thus, there are various stressors, and even more varied methods and techniques of dealing with stress and turning it to our advantages. In order to do so, we must learn to tell when we have crossed the line from positive to negative stress. Good stress v/s Bad stress: Stress has often been misunderstood to be negative, with few people acknowledging the importance and usefulness of positive stress. In our everyday lives, stress is everywhere and definitely unavoidable; hence our mphasis should be on differentiating between what is good stress, and what is bad. This will help us to learn to cope with negative stress, and harness the power of positive stress to help us achieve more. There are 4 main categories of stress, namely eustress, distress, hyper stress and hypo stress. Negative stress can cause many physical and psychological problems, whilst positive stres s can be very helpful for us. Here’s how we differentiate between them. Eustress: This is a positive form of stress, which prepares your mind and body for the imminent challenges that it has perceived. Eustress is a natural physical reaction by your body which increases blood flow to your muscles, resulting in a higher heart rate. Athletes before a competition or perhaps a manager before a major presentation would do well with eustress, allowing them to derive the inspiration and strength that is needed. Distress: We are familiar with this word, and know that it is a negative form of stress. This occurs when the mind and body is unable to cope with changes, and usually occurs when there are deviations from the norm. They can be categorized into acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is intense, but does not last for long. On the other hand, chronic stress persists over a long period of time. Trigger events for distress can be a change in job scope or routine that the person is unable to handle or cope with. Hyper stress: This is another form of negative stress that occurs when the individual is unable to cope with the workload. Examples include highly stressful jobs, which require longer working hours than the individual can handle. If you suspect that you are suffering from hyper stress, you are likely to have sudden emotional breakdowns over insignificant issues, the proverbial straws hat broke the camel’s back. It is important for you to recognize that your body needs a break, or you may end up with severe and chronic physical and psychological reactions. Hypo stress: Lastly, hypo stress occurs when a person has nothing to do with his time and feels constantly bored and unmotivated. This is due to an insufficient amount of stress; hence so me stress is inevitable and helpful to us. Companies should avoid having workers who experience hypo stress as this will cause productivity and mindfulness to fall. If the job scope is boring and repetitive, it would be a good idea to implement some form of job rotation so that there is always something new to learn. The types of stress are named as eustress and distress. Distress is the most commonly-referred to type of stress, having negative implications; whereas eustress is a positive form of stress, usually related to desirable events in person’s life. Both can be equally taxing on the body, and are cumulative in nature, depending on a person’s way of adapting to a change that has caused it. (1. 1. ) Coping with Stress at Work place With the rapid advancement of technology, the stresses faced at work have also increased. Many people dread going to work, hence the term â€Å"Monday Blues†. What is the reason for this? There is partly the fear from being retrenched in bedtimes, leading to greater job insecurity on the part of those who remain. Undoubtedly, occupational stress is one of the most commonly cited stressors fa ced by people all over the world. Stress refers to the pressure and reactions to our environment which results in psychological and physical reactions. Whilst some stress is good for motivation and increasing efficiency, too much stress can result in negative impacts such as reduced effectiveness and efficiency. More and more people are feeling isolated and disrespected at work, and this has led to greater occupational stress. Many companies have taken to consulting experts and professionals on ways to increase connectedness and motivation of their employees. Some companies organize parties and make their employees feel valued at work. These are measures to motivate employees and help them to feel secure at their jobs, translating into greater productivity. However, not all companies have such measures in place, and some have not gotten it quite right. Hence, it is up to you to make sure that you can cope with stress at your workplace, and use it to help you work better. Here are 3 simple steps to help you with coping with stress in the workplace. Step 1: Raising Awareness Help yourself to identify when you are facing rising levels of stress, tipping the scales from positive to negative. This is important, as being able to identify signs of being stressed can help you to take steps to ensure that your overall quality of life does not drop. If left unacknowledged, the problem will only snowball, leading to disastrous consequences to your health and overall wellbeing. You can identify if you are feeling stressed by checking if you have any physical or psychological reactions, such as excessive sweating or heart palpitations, or the onset of headaches, irritability or the need to escape. If you experience any of these reactions, identify if you are feeling any overwhelming negative emotions, and if you are constantly worried. Step 2: Identify the Cause You need to be able to analyze the situation and identify what is causing the rise in stress. These stressors can be external and internal. External stressors refer to things beyond your control, such as the environment or your colleagues at work. Internal stressors refer to your own thinking and attitude. Often, we only start reacting to stress when a combination of stressors working together exceeds our ability to cope. Keep a diary or a list of events that have caused you to feel strong negative emotions, or that are likely stressors. This will help you to identify the causes of your stress. Whilst it is not always possible to eradicate them, we can change the way that we cope with it. Step 3: Coping with Stress In order to deal with the situation that is causing you stress, you need to calm your mind and body so as to stave off the reactions and cope with it in a positive way. This can be through different methods, such as taking time off. If a situation is triggering your stress and you are unable to calm down, remove yourself from it. Go outside and take a walk to calm down. Alternatively, you can try implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. If it is an internal stressor, stop your thought process until you are able to deal with it logically. The key to making these 3 steps work for you is to practice them. These are not instantaneous solutions, and you need to condition your mind and practice them so that you can implement it when you are feeling stressed. (1. 1. 4) Stress Management Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond a stress situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and plaguing us with anxiety attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion or our erring attitudes, we tend to overlook causes of stress and the conditions triggered by those. In such unsettling moments we often forget that stressors, if not escapable, are fairly manageable and treatable. Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate disorders such as dizzy spells, anxiety attacks, tension, sleeplessness, nervousness and muscle cramps can all result in chronic health problems. They may also affect our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems and lead individuals to habitual addictions, which are inter-linked ith stress. Like â€Å"stress reactions†, â€Å"relaxation responses† and stress management techniques are some of the body’s important built-in response systems. As relaxation response the body tries to get back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released during the ‘fight or flight’ situation prompt the body to replace the l ost carbohydrates and fats, and restore the energy level. The knotted nerves, tightened muscles and an exhausted mind crave for looseness. Unfortunately, today, we don’t get relaxing and soothing situations without asking. To be relaxed we have to strive to create such situations. Recognizing a stressor: It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it. Many times, even if we are under the influence of a stressful condition and our body reacts to it internally as well as externally, we fail to realize that we are reacting under stress. This also happens when the causes of stress are there long enough for us to get habituated to them. The body constantly tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation, dizzy spells, tight muscles or various body aches that something is wrong. It is important to remain attentive to such symptoms and to learn to cope with the situations. We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily. In case of relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having a baby, we tend to respond positively under stress. But, when we are compelled into such situations against our will or knowledge, more often than not, we wilt at the face of unknown and imagined threats. For instance, stress may mount when one is coerced into undertaking some work against one’s will. How to cite Stress Management Among Bank Employees, Papers

Australia and New Zealand National Bank Ltd.

Question: In your group of two maintain a portfolio of three financial news articles and critically evaluate how the financial issue in each article relates to the theory studied in class. Analyse similarities, differences between issues in the articles studied and theory learned in class and make a conclusion concerning the application of financial theory in real life for each article. You may need to do additional research to understand certain terms in the articles. Calculations are encouraged if the article contains data. Answer: Article 1 Retail Sales is nearly viewed by both the investors. Such an indicator tracks the dollar worth of stock sold inside the retail trade by taking a sample of organizations occupied with the business of providing and selling to customers especially the end products. Both settled and fixed POS businesses i.e. point of sale and non-store retailers, (for example, vending machines and mail catalogs) are utilized as a part of the data sample. On the off chance that retail sales development is slowing or stalled, this implies purchasers are not spending within the previous levels, and could flag a retreat because of the noteworthy individual consumption within the health of the economy. One of the most essential variables the investors ought to note when seeing the indicator is the manner by which far away the reported figure is from the purported agreed or street number. All in all, the stock market does not like surprises, so an assume that is higher than anticipated, actually when the econo my is murmuring along well, could trigger selling of bonds and stocks, as inflationary reasons for alarm would be esteemed higher than anticipated. Retail spending is still delicate, as the consumer confidence that is weak and fragile exceeds any kind of boost and development from falling petrol prices. The retail trade within Australia climbed 0.2% in December, which was not in accordance with the expectations of the economists yet was quite stabilized than the Novembers rise of 0.1%(AAP, 2015). The output as a result was weighed around a 0.9% decline in the spending of departmental store and a 0.4% decline in the category of household units. Rates will stay low and there will be more rate slices to come, so may lighten a percentage of the weights on household plans of the family and enhance the confidence about the standpoint. An enhancement in the confidence index of the consumers is required for retail spending so that it can leap/bound backward significantly. Retail deals sales ought to make a strong commitment to GDP development in the final quarter however if there is a reluctance for the strength extrapolation to non-retail spending given retail has been a poor manual for the recent spending of aggregate household spending. Over the December quarter, there was a rise in the retail sales by 1.5% to $69.435 billion which seemed to be seasonally balanced. Article 2 Greece lost a basic financing course as the European Central Bank confined credits to its financial system that created pressure on the 10-day-old government to yield to the austerity demands of the German to stay in the euro zone. The Euro and Greeks reduced with the explanation of ECB. The Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF of Greek stocks dove 10.4% in accordance with the trading within New York. The single cash slid 1.2 percent to $1.1345 in New York. The European Central Banks hadn't openly flagged that it should make such move as soon as possible. On Jan. 8, the national bank said it would proceed with the waiver in accordance with the supposition that there would be an audit from Greece of its bailout program that is current and at its present, which lapses on 28th Feb, and arrange another. The Greek saving money framework remains enough promoted and completely secured under Emergency Liquidity Assistance i.e. ELA. The legislature stays unfaltering on its program of social salvation and is arranging to draw up European approach "that puts an end authoritatively to the now fortifying toward self-reinforcing crisis of the Greek social economy. ELA is estimated at a yearly investment rate of 1.55% contrasted and the current refinancing rate of European Central Banks with 0.05%(Black, 2015). As Greece's lenders line up to contradict the nation's interest for an obligation rebuilding and moving back starkness, Tsipras' refusal to acknowledge more bailout advances may bring about a crunch in cash. The ECB choice "does demonstrate that the truth is going to be situated sooner or later. Tsipras and Varoufakis will have gone by seven European urban areas between them not long from now after their Syriza party's won the elections of Jan. 25 on a hostile to somberness stage. Their requests for updating the terms of Greece's bailout bundle have been met with safety and caution in Berlin and Brussels. The following move is dependent upon Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who c leared to power guaranteeing to turn around five years of spending cuts that went hand in hand with 240 billion euros ($272 billion) of bailout credits. The ECB move came hours before the Finance chief of Greek, Yanis Varoufakis, was to meet Germany's Wolfgang Schaeuble in Berlin and hours after he met ECB President Mario Draghi. Article 3 ANZ = Australia and New Zealand, NAB = National Bank Ltd. Taking after the proclamation of a 25-bps i.e. basis points cut by CBA and a 28-bps i.e. basis point cut by Westpac, NAB will bring down its standard variable home loan rate (SVR) by 25 bps focuses to 5.63%. ANZ has matched that move that left the two banks with the equivalent most minimal standard variable home loan rates among the huge four. Similarly as with CBA and Westpac, NAB's clients will need to sit tight until February 20 for the rate diminishment to take impact on their home loans. Be that as it may, ANZ clients will get lower home loan rates from Feb 12. Wholesale funding expenses have facilitated a tad bit throughout the most recent year or thereabouts and that is taken a little bit of the pressure off. The enormous four banks took 11 days overall to pass on a rate slice to variable home credit clients, yet figured out how to pass on the climb in rate in only seven days. National Australia Bank would appear to effectively have the capacity to bear the cost of the rate cu t, today reporting a $1.8 billion unaudited profit for the December quarter in its most recent update of the trade(Janda, 2015). The bank's favored measure of money income was $1.65 billion throughout the previous three months of 2014, up 6% on the former comparing period. According to NAB, income climbed 4%, but was up a more unobtrusive 2% barring different sales of the assets. Costs fell in general, yet barring one-offs, expenses expanded by around 4%. NAB is about to exit the underperforming US and UK organizations, and has recorded robust development in its key Australian market. Australian home loaning keeps on producing solid development and has now conveyed 20 back to back quarters of above development of the systems. While the change in the critical franchise of the business banking establishment will require some investment, volume development is presently around framework levels and that is decently best in class on the employing of extra business investors and bankers. Bibliography AAP, 2015. Yahoo Finance. [Online] Available at: https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/retail-spending-stays-sluggish-011922315.html Black, J., 2015. Greece Loses ECB Funds, Raising Pressure to Yield to Austerity. Bloomberg, 4 February, pp. 1-3. Janda, M., 2015. ANZ, NAB pass on 25bp rate cut; NAB announces $1.8b three-month profit. ABC Business News, 5 February, pp. 1-2.

Marketing Environment Essay Example

Marketing Environment Essay | 2012/13| | Id: 1180654 Allan raisin | [Firms can do more than simply anticipating and responding to both macro and micro environment:-]| Market research is the function that links the consumer, customer, and public to the marketer through information | â€Å"Marketing environment includes all the forces that directly or indirectly influence marketing operations by affecting an organization acquisition of inputs/creation of outputs such as human, financial and natural resources and raw material, information, goods, services or ideas. Sometimes a distinction is more between macro and micro factors of environment† The Structure of the Marketing Environment The consumer occupies the core/central position of all business activities and hence occupies the Centre of the marketing environment. The organization with its resources and having a policy and structure surrounds the consumer with its particular market offering as do its competitors, suppliers and other intermediaries. This microenvironment of marketing is again affected by the macro environment, which consists of the government, technical, political, social, economic factors. This is graphically represented by below 1. The major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organizations decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the economic factors; demographics; legal, political, and social conditions; technological changes; and natural forces. 2. Specific examples of macro environment influences include competitors, changes in interest rates, changes in cultural tastes, disastrous weather, or government regulations. PESTLE Macro Environmental Analysis PESTLE We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Environment specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The PESTLE Analysis is a framework used to scan the organization’s external macro environment. The  letters stand for Political, Economic  Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental. Some approaches will add in extra factors, such as International, or remove some to reduce it to PEST. However, these are all merely variations on a theme. The important principle is identifying the key  factors from the wider, uncontrollable external environment that might affect the organization. The PESTLE Factors We start with the Political forces. First of all, political factors refer to the stability of the political  environment and the attitudes of political parties or movements. This may manifest in government  influence on tax policies, or government involvement in trading agreements. Political factors are  inevitably entwined with Legal factors such as national employment laws, international trade  regulations and restrictions, monopolies and mergers’ rules, and consumer protection. The difference  between Political and Legal factors is that Political refers to attitudes and approaches, whereas Legal  factors are those which have become law and regulations. Legal needs to be complied with whereas  Political may represent influences, restrictions or opportunities, but they are not mandatory. Economic factors represent the wider economy so may include economic growth rates, levels of  employment and unemployment, costs of raw materials such as energy, petrol and steel, interest rates  and monetary policies, exchange rates and inflation rates. These may also vary from one country to  another. Socio-cultural factors represent the culture of the society that an organization operates within. They  may include demographics, age distribution, population growth rates, level of education, distribution of  wealth and social classes, living conditions and lifestyle. Technological factors refer to the rate of new inventions and development, changes in information and  mobile technology, changes in internet and e-commerce or even mobile commerce, and government  spending on research. There is often a tendency to focus Technological developments on digital and internet-related areas, but it should also include materials development and new methods of  manufacture, distribution and logistics. Environmental impacts can include issues such as limited natural resources, waste disposal and recycling  procedures. Additional Considerations A newer force which is gaining in importance is ethics. These can be defined by the set of moral  principles and values that govern the actions and decisions of an individual or group. Ethics and morals  serve as guidelines on how to act rightly and justly when individuals are faced with moral dilemmas. This force could include corporate social responsibility, fair trade, affiliation between corporations and  charities. A particular problem may exist with how ethical factors relates to legal forces as they may be  at different stages in development. Something may be ethical but not protected by law, whereas other activities may not be ethical, but are legal. A PESTLE analysis should feed into a SWOT analysis as it helps to determine the threats and  opportunities represented by macro-environment forces that the organization usually cannot control. On an international basis, it is best to perform the analysis on a country-by-country basis because  factors can differ greatly between countries (or even regions). Marketing Environment – Micro Marketing Environment – Micro The micro marketing environment consists of certain forces that are part of an organizations marketing process, but remain external to the organization. This micro marketing environment that surrounds organizations can be complex by nature; however the company has an element of control over how it operates within this environment. Marketing helps you to manage and make sense of this complexity. The illustration above summarizes the order of the immediate external marketing environment that businesses operate in. Current and Potential Customers Your customers are vital to the growth and sustainability of your company. In order to grow you must locate customers, understand their needs and then satisfy those needs both efficiently and profitably. Competitors Your competitors however have the same remit as you when it comes to sourcing and satisfying the needs of the customer. They will make it difficult to liaise with customer groups, as by definition they are largely pursuing the same sets of customers as you. As a marketer, you must therefore not only monitor what competitors are doing in the external marketing environment today, but to also anticipate their likely response to your campaigns and to predict what they will do tomorrow. Intermediaries (Distributors/Wholesalers/Retailers) Your business may require a network of wholesalers, distributors and/or retailer. These ‘intermediaries’ provide an invaluable service in getting your products to the customer. You must therefore think carefully about how best to distribute your goods and build relationships. This area can be fierce in competition as not everyone can get access to the channels of distribution that they want. Suppliers One other important area to consider in the external marketing environment is your suppliers. A key supplier can be an important part of your business and may even attribute to your competitive advantage. Losing important suppliers can interrupt production flow or your competitive edge and prevent you from getting your product to your customers. Choice of suppliers, negotiation of terms and relationship building all become important tasks of the marketer. The wider marketing environment, discussed in a separate knowledge sheet, covers all other influences that might provide opportunities or threats to the organization. These include technological development, legal constraints, the economic environment and sociocultural changes. This brief overview of the world in which companies operate in demonstrates that there are many relationships that matter. These need to be managed if the company is to conduct its business successfully. The main responsibility for managing these relationships lies within the marketing department. Using a SWOT SWOT is an important tool in auditing the external and internal environment of the organization. A SWOT Analysis should be more than a basic listing of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Most organizations have the same, common-sense type of threats, such as competitors, technological changes, regulation and deregulation, or weaknesses such as high price, but these are all very general, hard to control elements meaning the utility can be quite limited. As Cranfield’s Professor Malcolm McDonald puts it, real SWOTs should be more concise and specific. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS Strengths, in the SWOT analysis, are a companys capabilities and resources that allow it to engage in activities to generate economic value and perhaps competitive advantage. A companys strengths may be in its ability to create unique products, to provide high-level customer service, or to have a presence in multiple retail markets. Strengths may also be things such as the companys culture, its staffing and training, or the quality of its managers. Whatever capability a company has can be regarded as strength. A companys weaknesses are a lack of resources or capabilities that can prevent it from generating economic value or gaining a competitive advantage if used to enact the companys strategy. There are many examples of organizational weaknesses. For example, a firm may have a large, bureaucratic structure that limits its ability to compete with smaller, more dynamic companies. Another weakness may occur if a company has higher labor costs than a competitor who can have similar productivity from a lower labor cost. The characteristics of an organization that can be strength, as listed above, can also be a weakness if the company does not do them well. Opportunities provide the organization with a chance to improve its performance and its competitive advantage. Some opportunities may be anticipated, others arise unexpectedly. Opportunities may arise when there are niches for new products or services, or when these products and services can be offered at different times and in different locations. For instance, the increased use of the Internet has provided numerous opportunities for companies to expand their product sales. Threats can be an individual, group, or organization outside the company that aims to reduce the level of the companys performance. Every company faces threats in its environment. Often the more successful companies have stronger threats, because there is a desire on the part of other companies to take some of that success for their own. Threats may come from new products or services from other companies that aim to take away a companys competitive advantage. Threats may also come from government regulation or even consumer groups. A strong company strategy that shows how to gain competitive advantage should address all four elements of the SWOT analysis. It should help the organization determine how to use its strengths to take advantage of opportunities and neutralize threats. Finally, a strong strategy should help an organization avoid or fix its weaknesses. If a company can develop a strategy that makes use of the information from SWOT analysis, it is more likely to have high levels of performance. Nearly every company can benefit from SWOT analysis. Larger organizations may have strategic-planning procedures in place that incorporate SWOT analysis, but smaller firms, particularly entrepreneurial firms may have to start the analysis from scratch. Additionally, depending on the size or the degree of diversification of the company, it may be necessary to conduct more than one SWOT analysis. If the company has a wide variety of products and services, particularly if it operates in different markets, one SWOT analysis will not capture all of the relevant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that exist across the span of the companys operations. LIMITATIONS OF SWOT ANALYSIS One major problem with the SWOT analysis is that while it emphasizes the importance of the four elements associated with the organizational and environmental analysis, it does not address how the company can identify the elements for their own company. Many organizational executives may not be able to determine what these elements are, and the SWOT framework provides no guidance. For example, what if a strength identified by the company is not truly strength? While a company might believe its customer service is strong, they may be unaware of problems with employees or the capabilities of other companies to provide a higher level of customer service. Weaknesses are often easier to determine, but typically after it is too late to create a new strategy to offset them. A company may also have difficulty identifying opportunities. Depending on the organization, what may seem like an opportunity to some may appear to be a threat to others. Opportunities may be easy to overlook or may be identified long after they can be exploited. Similarly, a company may have difficulty anticipating possible threats in order to effectively avoid them. While the SWOT framework does not provide managers with the guidance to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it does tell managers what questions to ask during the strategy development process, even if it does not provide the answers. Managers know to ask and to determine a strategy that will take advantage of a companys strengths, minimize its weaknesses, exploit opportunities, or neutralize threats. Some experts argue that making strategic choices for the firm is less important than asking the right questions in choosing the strategy. A company may mistakenly solve a problem by providing the correct answer to the wrong question. USING SWOT ANALYSIS TO DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY SWOT analysis is just the first step in developing and implementing an effective organizational strategy. After a thorough SWOT analysis, the next step is to rank the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and to document the criteria for ranking. The company must then determine its strategic fit given its internal capabilities and external environment in a two-by-two grid (see Figure 1). This fit, as determined in the grid, will indicate what strategic changes need to be made. The quadrants in this grid are as follows: * Quadrant 1 —internal strengths matched with external opportunities; * Quadrant 2 —internal weaknesses relative to external opportunities; * Quadrant 3 —internal strengths matched with external threats; and * Quadrant 4 —internal weaknesses relative to external threats. Quadrant 1 lists the strategies associated with a match between the companys strengths and its perceived external opportunities. It represents the best fit between the companys resources and the options available in the external market. A strategy from this quadrant would be to protect the companys strengths by shoring up resources and extending competitive advantage. If a strategy in this quadrant can additionally bolster weaknesses in other areas, such as in Quadrant 2, this would be advantageous. Quadrant 2 lists the strategies associated with a match between the companys weaknesses with external opportunities. Strategies in this quadrant would address the choice of either improving upon weaknesses to turn them into strengths, or allowing competitors to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace. Quadrant 3 matches the companys strengths and external threats. Strategies in this quadrant may aim to transform external threats into opportunities by changing the companys competitive position through use of its resources or strengths. Another strategic option in this quadrant is for the company to maintain a defensive strategy to focus on more promising opportunities in other quadrants. Quadrant 4 matches a companys weaknesses and the threats in the environment. These are the worst possible scenarios for an organization. However, because of the competitive nature of the marketplace, any company is likely to have information in this quadrant. Strategies in this quadrant may involve using resources in other quadrants to exploit opportunities to the point that other threats are minimized. Additionally, some issues may be moved out of this quadrant by otherwise neutralizing the threat or by bolstering a perceived weakness. Once a strategy is decided on in each quadrant for the issues facing the company, these strategies require frequent monitoring and periodic updates. An organization is best served by proactively determining strategies to address issues before they become crises. An example of how a firm can develop strategies using these quadrants is as follows. Generic Corporation produces high-quality; high-priced specialty kitchen items in a catalog and in stores and is known for their excellent customer service. This strength has been able to offset its major weaknesses, which are having few stores and no current capabilities for Internet sales. Its major opportunities come from the explosion of Internet shopping, and its threats are other more high-profile competitors, operating primarily on the Internet, and the concerns of identity theft in Internet sales that many customers ha ve. Matching Generics strengths to its opportunities (Quadrant 1), the firm may choose to enhance its Internet site to allow online purchases, still providing its excellent 24-hour telephone customer service. Ideally, this strategy will offset the weakness of not having an Internet presence, which addresses the concerns of Quadrant 2. Additionally, by bolstering the strength of excellent customer service by applying it to the online shopping site, the company may be able to alleviate customer concerns about identity theft (Quadrant 3). A strategy for Quadrant 4, which matches the companys weaknesses and threats, is that Generic may consider selling its online business to a competitor. Certainly, the Quadrant 4 strategy is the least preferred, but a proactive strategy that plans for managing such a situation is favored over a crisis situation in which the company is forced to sell with no planning. A SWOT analysis is a first, but critical, step in developing an organizational strategy. By examining the companys internal capabilities—its strengths and weaknesses and its external environment—opportunities and threats, it helps to create strategies that can proactively contend with organizational challenges. The changing and uncertain marketing environment deeply affects the organization, instead of changing slowly and predictably, the environment can produce major surprises and shocks, how many managers at â€Å"Heinz† foresaw that the baby-boom numbers would fall so rapidly? How many were able to predict that the Internet will enable not only real-time personal communication but that will also provide a way for business process improvement and new industries would be formed. How many were able to predict that mobile phone SMS and MMS services would add significant value for the customers, some said ‘who would want to type text on the phone or even snap pictures , telephone are only for talking’ To conclude I would say that Marketing research is the function that links the consumer, customer, and public to the marketer through information – these information used to identify and define marketing opportunities and problems; generate, refine, and evaluate marketing actions; monitor marketing performance; and improve understanding of marketing as a process. Marketing research specifies the information required to address these issues, designs the methods for collecting information, manages and implements the data collection process, analyzes, and communicates the findings and their implications. †

Italian Excursion essays

Italian Excursion essays My initial motivation for traveling to Italy is my mother. Years ago she took a trip with her father to revisit the villages that he had fought for in World War II as a part of the 10th Mountain Division. She is always telling stories about the food, landscape and people that they encountered. The more powerful drive for my desire to tour this country is its beauty and culture. I have always loved the mountains and for this precise reason, Italy appeals strongly to me. Also, Italians have an ancient, deep-rooted culture that fascinates me. Plainly put, I am drawn to Italy through curiosity. In this fantasy trip of mine, I would want to travel with those dearest to me. For obvious reasons, I would request the company of my mom and grandma, for reminiscent purposes. In order to preserve my own enjoyment, Anna, Eleanor and Sabrinah would be my accomplices in evaluating the beauty of Italian men. Traveling in a pleasant group of six will keep things exciting without feeling burdened by too many people. Our trip will begin with our flight to Florence, as everyone already has passports and Traveler's Checks will be secure in our bags. We will depart from DIA at 6:45am, transfer in Atlanta to depart a second time at 1:30pm, and finally arrive in Florence at 2:30pm local time, 10:30pm our time. Now $1,059.00 poorer and very exhausted, we will take a taxi to our hotel, Le Cappellette, where will nap until ready to tackle the streets of Italy. After perusing the shops, we will gladly fall to the customary late and long hour of eating enormous amounts of food. The next two days will be filled with touring museums, browsing galleries and people watching. To pick up the pace, we will blaze down to the political and religious capital, Rome. The train down will cost about $57 per person, our cheapest payment yet since the rooms were $179 a night. I think that the most we will be able to take of this vivacious city is about 2 days. After the cr...

1984 By George Orwell Character Sketch Essay

1984 By George Orwell: Character Sketch Essay, Research Paper1984 by George Orwell: Character Sketchby Jeffrey Bowerman.The two chief characters in 1984 are Winston Smith and Julia. Winston has hisbeliefs. It is really difficult to do him believe in person else # 8217 ; s thoughts or prevarications.He is a small paranoid about people watching him. In the narrative 1984, people canbe watched through TVs ( telescreens ) . Because of this paranoia, he found atopographic point in his flat were he could sit without being seen. He spends much ofhis clip sitting in this corner composing in his journal. In his journal, he writesthings that could easy hold him killed. Winston is a quiet individual who has afew friends. He has a strong feeling about how the universe is and a strongerexperiencing about how it should be.Here is my illustration from the book that shows Winston # 8217 ; s character: # 8220 ; Just now I held up the fingers of my manus to you. You saw five fingers. Makeyou remembe r that? # 8221 ; # 8220 ; Yes. # 8221 ;O # 8217 ; Brien held up the fingers of his left manus, with the pollex concealed. # 8220 ; There are five fingers at that place. Make you see five fingers? # 8221 ; # 8220 ; Yes. # 8221 ;And he did see them, for a fleeting blink of an eye, before the scenery of his headchanged. He saw five fingers, and there was no malformation. Then everything wasnormal once more, and the old fright, the hate and the obfuscation came herdingback once more. But there had been a minute? he did non cognize how long, 30seconds, possibly? of aglow certainty, when each new suggestion of O # 8217 ; Brien # 8217 ; shad filled up a spot of emptiness and had become absolute truth, and when twoand two could hold been three as easy as five, if that were what was needed.It had faded out before O # 8217 ; Brien had dropped his manus ; but though he could nonrecapture it, he could retrieve it, as one remembers a graphic experience at somedistant period of one # 821 7 ; s life when 1 was in consequence a different individual.Earlier in that subdivision O # 8217 ; Brien had tortured him into believing two plus twopeers five.Julia # 8217 ; s feelings are non about every bit strong as Winston # 8217 ; s. She is slightlysneaky, and she is really good at evading The Thought Police. Julia is quiet, andshe likes to believe of the hereafter and the yesteryear instead than the present. Sheenjoys little things that are old and simple. Julia is slightly interested inthe manner the universe is turning. She enjoys nature and animate beings.Here is my illustration from the book that shows Julia # 8217 ; s character:She fell to her articulatio genuss, threw unfastened the bag and tumbled out some wrenchs and ascrewdriver that filled the top portion of it. Underneath was figure of orderly paper packages. The first package that she passed to Winston had a unusual and yetfamiliar feelings. It was filled with some sort of heavy, sand-like material whichyielded wherever you touched it. # 8220 ; It isn # 8217 ; t saccharify? # 8221 ; he said. # 8220 ; Real sugar. Not cloying, sugar. And here # 8217 ; s a loaf of staff of life? properwhite staff of life, non our bloody material? and a small pot of jam. And here # 8217 ; s a Snof milk? but look! This is the 1 I # 8217 ; m truly proud of. I had to wrap a spotof plundering unit of ammunition it, because? ? ? # 8221 ;But she did non hold to state him why she had wrapped it up. The odor wasalready make fulling the room, a rich hot odor which seemed like an emanation fromhis early childhood, but which one did on occasion run into with even now, blowingdown a passage-way before a door slammed, or spreading itself cryptically in acrowded street, sniffed for an blink of an eye and so lost once more. # 8220 ; It # 8217 ; s java, # 8221 ; she murmured, # 8220 ; existent coffee. # 8221 ;Julia had more interesting things in her bag after the java, this illustrationshows her involvement in old and simple things.If Winston had a level tyre, he would likely sit in his auto for a piece.After possibly one half hr, he would acquire out of the auto and trade with it. Whenhe was covering with it, he would non believe about the work really much. Winstonwould decidedly compose a batch about it in his journal.In 1984, all the dish lavation is done by the cooks. If Winston had to makethe dishes, he would likely non be really good at it. He would take a long clip.He likely would non interrupt really many dishes. If he had the option to utilize adishwasher, he would decidedly make it. Winston would likely hold a few dishesthat he liked utilizing and would utilize merely them. Before he met Julia, he would eatwithout much appetency and was skinny.If Winston were faced with a bully, he would respond with choler. After hisfirs t reaction, he would look the individual over. If he thought the individual werestronger, he would go afraid and huffish. Winston would get down to state theindividual that he was right, in hope of get awaying hurting. Winston does non wishproblem ; but if he has to cover with it, he does it with force.If Winston had to travel food market shopping, he would be every bit speedy as possible. Hewould likely non make the best possible occupation, and he would likely bury things.Winston would non utilize any vouchers or travel to certain shops because they werecheaper. He would non bask shopping. Winston would seek to acquire other people tomake the shopping for him.

Human Resource Reflecting Paper - on The Cane Mutiny Article Essay - 1

Human Resource Reflecting Paper - on The Cane Mutiny Article - Essay Example verage age of German population was on a steady rise, and what effect it would have on the personnel of a midsize pharmaceutical firm like Medignostics. Frank’s other proposal which was to open day care centers for the children of young employees were also met with skepticism from Erwin. Frank wanted to emphasize the need of day care centers to facilitate young parents since the options of changing schools of children would make them join rival firms. Erwin saw this proposal as increased cost that would be detrimental to the company (Geissler, 2005). I feel that Frank should have consolidated his proposal with sufficient data and facts. In order to convince the executive management about personnel matters it is necessary for HR manager to present his argument in a manner that is comprehendible for the top team. If Frank wanted his HR strategy to be considered, then he should have given a clear picture of the negative consequences if a business enterprise ignores the demographic issue. He should have clearly stated how the growing average age of population would affect hiring of personnel, their costs, performance and innovation. A problem appeared among the older employees who are near retirement age when Part-Time Statute for the Elderly was implemented which paved the way for easy retirement of older workers so that there would be job vacancy for the younger aspirants. This program was subsequently scrapped since proved to be costly to the company and this directly affected older personnel. For instance, Matthias Hausmann who was 58 years old had worked for the company for over 20 years. He regularly made himself absent in office which resulted in his unavailability during decisions to be made or when clients needed him. This was proving to be a loss to the company as clients were moving their business elsewhere thus hurting productivity. Also, the salary structure indicated that older employees receive more than the younger group, and this must be

Israeli-Iran Conflict Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Israeli-Iran Conflict - Research Paper Example A wide range of threats are evident with the current nuclear production in Iran that includes even asymmetric warfare. Iran acts strategically in this conflict and by gaining her support from Iraq and Afghanistan, she posses even a greater threat to other countries. Global economy runs at a risk if Iran would target the Gulf area, which is the main hub of all petroleum exports to global market. Thus, the Iran-Israeli conflict puts into picture other players such as the United States, Iraq and the southern gulf (Cordesman, 2011, 1). Israel has threatened to strike the nuclear energy plants in Iran for what she calls a bleach of the policy of international sanctions, in which Iran was prohibited from furthering her nuclear weapon production. This was confirmed by a report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 14 September 2012 (Racimora, 2012, 1). Unconfirmed rumors indicate that Israel might be planning a preemptive air strike to the nuclear states in Iran. Much has been speculated on a possible collaboration of Israel and the United States in the preemptive strike mission. This has been discussed in details, spilling over even to the recent presidential polls in the U.S. Speculations showed a possible erupt of a war between the two countries during this time and this was a key campaign issue over the two presidential contenders; Mitt Romney and the newly elected president Barrack Obama

Sport in Society Essay Example for Free

Sport in Society Essay In this assignment I will be introducing and explaining how sport effects the economy in the U. K and how important the sport industry is; focusing on Football and tennis. The definition of economy is: â€Å"The state of a county or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money† (Oxford dictionary) My definition of economy in sporting terms is: When I read the above definition I interpret it as; the production is the development of players both tennis and football. I also see it as the development of the club and the merchandising of all the products linked with football and tennis. I interpret consumption as the use of player, this can be the buying and selling of players in football, the amount of money that is brought in by tennis players is then put back into the development of young players. My overall understanding of economy is that clubs buy and spend the money that they gain from selling players (football). Each year the government put a certain amount of money into sport, to pay for facilities; equipment and much more. Since London won the bid to hold the 2012 Olympics the government have pumped in a lot of money into it; however the budget for the Olympics has just increased. â€Å"Culture secretary Tessa Jowell has announced an increased budget for the London 2012 games of ? 9. 3bn. The funding will now include ? 6. 75m more from the national lottery, bringing its contribution to ? 2. 2bn. The arts council England, heritage lottery fund and sports England were among groups who were disappointed at the increase. Ms Jowell said she planned to transfer 3425million from the big lottery fund and ? 250 million from other good causes after 2009. Sport England, which will lose ? 55. 9m in funding, said the decrease was a ‘real blow to community sport in England’ (BBC news). There are two types of different sporting people; professionals and amateurs. Professionals: Is an athlete that receives money for their performance, this is a set payment for the year, or however long their contract is for. In the last couple of years professional women have started getting paid the same as professional men. An example of a professional in football is David beckham who gets ? 16. 9 million a year. (Guardian 19/1/07) It was announced that â€Å"premiership footballers are to pocket a record ? 1. 1million average wage next session. † (Daily mirror, Thursday may 31st 2007). Amateurs: Is an athlete that takes part in sport out of pure passion. Amateurs get paid for winning a competition unlike a professional. An example of an amateur in tennis is Naomi Cavaday she got paid $100,000 for winning a tournament in Mumbai. (British tennis Lta) The split between professionals and amateurs happened in the Victorian period (1830- 1901) (class notes) Consumer spending: Consumer spending is a huge part to sport and advertising the club. Football is one of the biggest sellers of all time; they sell anything that you can think of. When looking on the official Liverpool F. C site, I was able to have a look at everything that you can buy for the team there is; the teams home and away kit; t-shirts/ bottoms/hoodies for men, women and babies; badges and key rings; books; flags and pennants; subscriptions; scarves; glassware; jewellery; mugs; stationary; toys and games; DVD/video/audio; footballs; caps and hats; bedroom (such as bedding, carpets, lamp shades etc); watches/clocks; bags; bathroom (towels and flannels); car accessories; pictures; baby accessories (bottles, dummies, rattles etc); gifts and misc (golf balls, dog bowl and lead, socks, phone charms, I-pod covers, and much more.) (Liverpool F. C shop. ). â€Å"For the United Kingdom as a whole in 2001, consumer spending on sport was ? 14. 98billion which represented 2. 4% of total consumer spending. † (Pch) When comparing this to consumer spending in 2006 there is a very big difference. â€Å"U. K consumers spent an estimated ? 9. 7bn on sport in 2006. This figure covers the cost of participation (including club sub-subscriptions), sports equipment, sports clothing, sports footwear and admissions to live sporting events. The ? 9. 7bn is only 1. 2% of total consumer spending. † (Market research) This consumer spending is set to rocket between 2007-2011, due to the football world cup, rugby world cup and the 2012 Olympics. Gambling: Although gambling is linked to consumer spending, as it accounts to how much each household is sending each year. There is a massive gambling market in the U. K, this accounts for mega events such as the F. A cup, the football / rugby world cup and Wimbledon. â€Å"Screen digest forecasts that U. K consumers spending online gambling will increase from the ? 660million to ? 1. 6bn in 2010. At the same time the number of active U. K clients will grow from 1. 1m in 2005 to 2. 1m in 2010. † (Screen digest. ) Sponsorship: Is a commercial deal that brings itself or a product to the attention of consumers. Advertising is the most frequent method used. It announces the availability of a product and creates a good image for a brand. It also provides information on a product, quality, characteristics, prices and performance. Sponsorship is important as not only does it give the sponsor recognition but it also provides money for the athlete and the sponsor. The Oxford mail newspaper sponsors the local boy’s league, which includes local football teams such as the Cholsey bluebirds, Didcot and Abingdon A. (Cholsey blue birds, pageys) â€Å"the total value of Premiership football shirt sponsorship[ deals is set to hit 370m a year next season, up 25% from the current season and about tenfold since the league’s inaugural season in 1992-93. † (Football economy) Andy Murray gets ? 200k in sponsorship: ?1m from David Lloyd ?1m for his left sleeve/cm2 ?250k for his racket (head) ?1m for his watch (tag hever) ?4m for his right sleeve (R. B. S)?1m for wearing Fred Perry. (Guardian Dec. 30 ’06) Private clubs: The United Kingdom’s leading health-club operators include David Lloyd, fitness first and Holmes place. (Market research) The closest David Lloyd centre is Oxford, for both tennis and football they hold regular clubs and training sessions. Tennis: world class facilities; ladder league; men’s and women’s teams; regular club nights, coaching and match play sessions. Football: on a Monday night at 7 o’clock our outdoor courts convert into excellent 5-a-side pitches for which we have weekly competitions for teams or individuals. (David Lloyd. ) Income received by participation sports activities in the private sector is ? 133 million (sport England PDF) Funding: Funding is money which is raised from various sources to help pay for new ventures such as new facilities and equipment in sport. Funding is a big part of sport, because if we didn’t have funding then we wouldn’t be able to play sports as there would be no facilities, equipment etc. â€Å"The south east receives about ? 120m in sport related grants; about ? 13 per person of this ? 106m comes from local and central government. About ? 14m is from the lottery. (Sport England 2000 PDF) Funding from the F. A is based on an 11 side team, how many teams enter the league, and is based on ? 10 per 11 aside team. The minimum grant is ? 200 and the maximum is ? 800. (The F. A) Since sport England lottery fund began in 1995, tennis has received 568 awards, totalling in excess of ? 87million towards improving tennis playing facilities in the community. (Sport England PDF). Previous funding: YearNationalCommunity 1995-1996? 0? 6,013,989 1996-1997? 0? 5,395,101 1997-1998? 0?4,441,582 1998-1999? 37,188? 12,911,549 1999-2000? 0? 30,821,126 2000-2001? 0? 4,852,807 2001-2002? 0? 14,052,789 2002-2003? 0? 8,154,732 2003-2004? 0? 2,453,348 Note: national funding is a total of Exchequer funding and the world class programme. Community funding is a total of the following programmes: Community Capital, safer sports grounds, active communities development fund, all active sports programmes, community athletics refurbishment programme, football youth development, school sport coordinators, sport action zones and awards for all. (Sport England tennis PDF) Retail and merchandising: Retail and merchandising account for everything that a household may buy each year, this can be anything from tickets, T. V fees, internet fees, the clothes industry and personal sports which go towards equipment and match fees. â€Å"In total households are estimated to have spent around ? 2. 1bn on sport related goods and services in 2000. This was some 2 ? % of total household spending. The main categories of spending are subscriptions and fees (? 560m), sportswear (? 435m) and gambling (? 375m). Only around ? 125m was spent by those in the region on admissions to spectator sports. (Sport England PDF) Media / T. V: There is a wide range of media that covers sports such as: television, radio, newspapers, magazines, adverts and much more. Sports in newspapers varies as to what paper you read, for example; in the Sunday times from May 20th 2007, there was 4 stories inside the paper about sport however also included in the paper was 32 page paper dedicated to what has gone on over the weekend, it also includes stories as to what will be happening later on in that week. In the daily mirror from June 7th 2007, there is a section on the front page about the England game against Estonia, from then on to page 59 there is nothing about sport; from page 60 which is horse racing results etc, it starts talking about sports, altogether there is 13 pages of sport in which football dominates 8 of the pages which includes the back page. There is no mention of tennis in that paper, this may be because there isn’t a tennis event happening at the moment. Along with newspapers there is also a huge amount of T. V channels that are dedicated to sports: sky sports 1 -3 sky sports news sky sports extra British Eurosports Eurosports 2 Premiership plus PPV Events 1-2 Extreme sports Manchester United TV NASN Sport At the races Racing U. K Setanta 1-2 Celtic TV Rangers TV Set golf Motors TV Chelsea TV Participation: There are so many different sports clubs to take part in, whether they are at school or at the local leisure centre each year more and more people are joining sports clubs in a bid to keep fit. â€Å"Around 863,000 people participate in organised sports clubs, which have an annual income of around ? 550 million. † (Sport England PDF) In 2005 USTA and the tennis industry association said: â€Å"24. 7m Americans are playing tennis, the most since 1992. Participation grew by 1. 1m players, up 4. 1% vs. 2004† â€Å"5. 8m new players began playing the game in 2005. † (Nrpa, tennis) In 2000 60% of males under 16 took part in football, 17% of females over 16 took part in football and 6% of all adults took part in football. (Football academy) Employment: There are so many sports related jobs in the U. K, when the class was asked how may of them worked in a sports related or non sports related job the results were: Sport related jobNon sport related jobNo-job 5101 (Table taken from class notes) There are so many different things that you can be employed for in both football and Tennis, the players themselves, officials, mangers, couches, doctors. â€Å"74,900 people are employed in sport related activities in the south east, some 2% of all employment in the region. † (Sport England PDF).

Risk Taking Behaviour in Adolescence Essay -- Adolescent Behavior

Adolescence is a venerable and unstable time of adjustment in which a child transcends into adulthood (Casey, 2008). During adolescence there are examinable changes in various areas of life. These changes occur physically as the adolescent goes through puberty, as well as psychological changes where high emotional reactivity emerges, and social development is at its height (Casey, 2008). Adolescents are more likely than adults or children to engage in risky behaviour that can subsequently lead to death or illness by drunk driving, carrying weapons, using illegal drugs, and engaging in unprotected sex, which in turn can lead to STD’s and teenage pregnancies (Eaton, 2006). The prior is proof that adolescents do engage in risky behaviour. Through this essay we will explore the various theories of why risky behaviour is at its height during adolescence. An Examination of Adolescence During adolescence emotional reactivity is heightened, and the social environment is changing as adolescents spend more time with their peers than adults (Casey, 2008). To an adolescent, the value of positive information, as well as negative information may be exaggerated which leads to greater emotional reactivity and sensitivity during this growth period (Casey, 2008). This can heighten the incidence of addiction and the onset of psychological disorders (Casey, 2008). There are various theories that attempt to explain why adolescents engage in risky behaviour. One of these theories by Yurgelun-Todd stems from human adolescent brain development, and proposes that cognitive development during the adolescent period is associated with increasingly superior efficiency of cognitive control and affective modulation (Casey, 2008). This theory also suggest... ...odel since some of the studies done may not be accurate. For example, with concern to the study Casey’s discussed concerning delay of gratification study, there was too much variability. Their hunger levels prior to the study should have been recorded, as well as their favourite cookie type because these details may influence how likely the children are to control their impulses. But, overall this model did contribute greatly to the field of adolescent risk taking. Works Cited Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., & Hare, T. (2008). The adolescent brain. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124, 111–126. Eaton Reyna, V.F. and Rivers, S.E. (2008). Current theories of risk and rational decision making. Developmental Review, 28, 1–11. Steinberg, L. (2004). Risk taking in adolescence: What changes, and Why? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1021, 51-58.

Case Closed: A short Story

Jackie dropped her blue fountain pen and relaxed her aching wrist. She had been reading and adding to the notes of her client's case for the last two hours. It was taking place the next day and she hadn't even read halfway through yet. Laying back in the comfy black office chair she let out a long yawn and stretched out her legs under the desk. Her neck and back were as stiff as a board and she let out a low moan as she turned her head from side to side. Jackie loved her job as a lawyer. Eating, sleeping and drinking her work she would often receive criticism telling her that there was more to life than just work and that you where supposed to work to live not live to work. She was so bored of hearing it. That's why she lived alone, she was able to get on with extra work and block people out. She knew that they just didn't understand how passionate she was about her job. Well for most aspects of it. She hated doing all the written work and the notes on the cases. After hours of relentless writing, her skinny arm felt as if it was about to drop off. She slowly unhinged her sore arms and stretched up towards the ceiling letting out another deep yawn. She new she would need motivation if she was going to continue with her work. She rose from her warm, moulded seat and dragged herself over to her immaculate, open plan kitchen. Although Jackie's job took up most of her life she had always been a bit of a clean freak. She couldn't bear the sight of untidiness and she always found herself putting things away and cleaning up. Her indolent arms reached up to the wooden shelf and she grabbed a wine glass. Filling the glass up to the brim Jackie took a long gulp and returned back to her study. As she sat back down in her cosy chair she was disturbed by the irritating ring of her telephone. Sighing and reluctantly getting up again, she walked across the room to the phone and clearing her sore throat she picked it up. â€Å"Hello?† No answer. â€Å"Hello?† she repeated herself rolling her exhausted eyes. Still silence. Slamming the phone down she returned back to her desk feeling annoyed that someone had disturbed her. She took another sip of her wine and unwillingly picked up her fountain pen again. Jackie sat in her warm office in deep concentration. She had no longer sat down that she was bothered again. But this time it wasn't her annoying telephone. The noise that filled her ears made her jump out of her skin. It sounded like a lost soul shrieking from the depths of hell. It was her car alarm. Jackie strided through the narrow hallway and wrenched open the front door causing a gust of icy wind to hit her and enter the house. She cautiously walked down the footpath, biting her dry lips, her once warm feet slapping against the smooth glacial pavement. Pushing her tangled curly hair out of her face she bent down and checked underneath her car. Nothing. She glanced across the drive and not wanting to catch a cold for her big day tomorrow she hopped back up the footpath and back into her heated house. Turning the heating up on the wall she returned back to her work filled desk. She picked up her glass and stopped. The glass that she had left on the desk to go and investigate her car alarm going off had been half full. Now it was empty. She stood up, heart racing and stared around the room. She looked back at the glass suspiciously and rubbed her weary eyes. â€Å"I'm going mad† she muttered to herself. Jackie tried to dismiss that somebody had drank from her glass but she couldn't stop thinking about the fact she was sure she hadn't drank it all. She glided over to the front door and pulled across the top lock. She felt slightly easier and safer now. Positioning herself in her chair she went to begin her work. Again she stopped. Her fountain pen that she always kept on top of the mountainous piles of work had gone. Puzzled, Jackie began moving her papers out of the way and searching the whole desk work top for the pen. Giving up and becoming very stressed out because of all her disturbances she furiously got up again and went in search of another pen. She stomped in to the kitchen opened the white sliding draw looking for a biro or something of that sort that she could carry on scrawling her notes with. With no look she slammed the drawer shut and spun back around to have a look in the sitting room. She froze. There was her fountain pen propped up against her porcelain vase on the corner table. The hairs on the back of Jackie's neck stood up. She was positive she hadn't even been in the sitting room all night. She attentively moved across the room towards the pen. When she got there she stopped for a moment and just looked at it, it had been balanced against the vase. She was so bewildered that her heart started to race. She heard a deep breathing sound coming behind her. She couldn't move as her legs had gone numb with terror. Slowly she turned her head but before she could catch sight of her intruder she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. Jackie fell forward knocking over the vase and hitting her face against the solid wall. She fell to the floor in a state of shock. The stranger dragged Jackie up by her long, blood-soaked hair. Without thinking she grabbed the man's thick, hairy arm and sunk her teeth deep into his flesh. His grip loosened on her hair and she stumbled across the room falling against her desk. Hitting the floor again Jackie began to crawl towards the door in hope to get away from the attacker. She lunged for the handle and tried to turn it. It didn't move. She remembered she had locked it minutes before. Frantically trying to unlock it she could hear him breathing behind her. The lock clicked open but it was too late. She felt another piercing blow to her head, then darkness. Jackie woke up with a start. The pain in her head was unbearable. She was trying to catch her breath but she couldn't, her lungs felt as if they were about to explode. She attempted to sit up, but hit her head on what seemed like a wooden surface that was inches in front of her face. She was terrified; she needed to know where she was. She hated not being in control of situations. She tried to move her arms. They were pressed tightly to her sides. She was in some sort of box. She let out a long, high pitched scream. Little did she know that there was no chance any living person would ever hear her.

Existence of God Argumentative Paper Essay

There are many different types of arguments for the existence of God. With each argument there is a conception presented of God. For each argument there are different approaches. I will be focusing on the Cosmological and Teleological Arguments. Teleological Arguments are known to be arguments from divine, arguing from order in the universe to the existence of God (1).With the ordering of the universe, created by an intelligent being, they hold that it is ordered towards a purpose or an end. The Cosmological Argument â€Å"is the argument that the existence of the world or universe is strong evidence for the existence of a God who created it. It is a first caused argument where the existence of the universe, the argument claims, stands in need of explanation, and the only adequate explanation of its existence is that it was created by God† (1). Behind this argument, it holds that though the universe still needs explanation for its existence, the existence of God Himself does not. In the article McCloskey is critical of these arguments for God’s existence supporting his stance by offering the problem of evil as reasoning to not believe. He believes the belief in the existence of God is not a source of strength and security (2). However, if we are to use the Cumulative Case approach we can have successive truths. This case cumulates the Cosmological, Teleological, as well as, the Moral Arguments together. It gives us the conclusion of a personal, moral, intelligent creator of the universe as the best explanation for the universe we experience (3). McCloskey maintains that the Teleological Argument is not satisfactory and that it can be rejected simply by rejecting its premise. The premise holds that there is in fact evidence of purpose and design. McCloskey says though, that there were many things that were considered evidence or proof, prior to evolution, but those very things are now not being considered as so. Thus, in order to be a proof, there has to be given indisputable examples. Given that the Teleological Argument, presenting disputable examples, says McCloskey, there is no proof. There can be no form of argument with evidence of an intellectual design and/or designer. I would have to argue with McCloskey by using the â€Å"fine-tuning argument.† Within the universe is nothing short of precision, not only of natural laws, but the beginning stages and state of the universe. These both are pointers to an intelligent Creator. The universe is finely-tuned maintaining physical constants of nature (5).The strength of gravity should be considered. With the occurrence of the Big Bang. The gravity had to have precision because even with a little more force used on either side, it would not have occurred as the Big Bang, but the Big Crunch. Even with the slightest change in gravity, it could change the world into something completely other than what we know. That which is being offered as evidenced cannot be questioned. If we were to give to evolution as truth, there is still no grounds for believing it is true. It does nothing but in the end support the theist position, and shows that evolution needs teleology. McCloskey’s main objection to theism is the presence of evil in the world, â€Å"No being who was perfect could have created a world in which there was unavoidable suffering or in which his creatures would(and in fact could have been created so as not to) engage in morally evil acts, acts which very often result in injury to innocent persons† (1). With this problem on McCloskey’s mind, he holds it to the theists. He still wonders how the theist does not take this to mind seeing that it goes against the perfection of the divine purpose. There can be no grounds in a belief of a perfect being. Even if all reason was thrown out, he says the theist at best could only present a pool of beings full of â€Å"concern, dismay, and anxiety, rather than comfort and security† (1). There is a logical problem of evil and there is logical inconsistency when there is both the existence of God and of evil. The atheist holds that there is severe contradiction between claiming God is good, yet evil exists. Mackie, an atheist, says â€Å"†¦the contradiction does not arise immediately; to show it we need some additional premises†¦these additional principles are that good is opposed to evil, in such a way that a good thing always eliminates evil as far as it can, and that there are no limits to what an omnipotent thing can do. From these it follows that a good omnipotent thing eliminates evil completely, and then the propositions that a good omnipotent thing exists, and that evil exists, are incompatible†(8). There exists two kinds of evil. There is â€Å"human evil,† and â€Å"natural evil† in which atheist claim are both forms of needless suffering. The logical problem of evil claims the â€Å"tension† between simultaneously having evil in the world, while also having a perfect God. This would without a doubt be a logical contradiction according to the atheist. There is also the evidential problem of evil. With this claim, there is not contradiction, but the fact that evil exists, if give grounding evidence for being able to reject that God is all-powerful. It is a weaker version of the former, and claims that it is highly unlikely that an all-perfect God exists. Plantinga responds with trying to defend that it is reasonable to believe in God, even without evidence. His positio n is known as â€Å"Reformed Epistemology†. In order for his view to hold he would have to reject the Evidentialist Credo., which he claims rests on Classical Foundationalism. This led him to his positive view, or â€Å"Reformed Epistemology.† This holds that a belief in God is â€Å"properly basic.†Some object to these claims, saying that evil is logically required for good and is needed for us to see the good. Evil is a means and will cause good. There is given the â€Å"free will† defense that is meant to try and answer the problem of evil. Either this would come about by humans free will resulting in a greater good and that evil is ascribed the humans and not God. However, those who oppose this, bring up the issue of natural evils. Mackie stands his ground that God should have given human beings free will in such a way that we always chose the good. The atheist propose God did not create men to choose between right and wrong, and that God is morally inconsistent. In response, the free will theodicy attempts to defeat the former by claiming the suffering of the innocent is justified because of the existence of free will. We as humans have misused our free will, thus what is known as ‘moral evil.’ Other sufferings from evil come from the natural evils. While McCloskey challenges the free will defense, Plantinga proposes the law of non-contradiction. He argues for there could be logically possible affairs whereby God would be unable of creating a world of both evil and autonomous humans (9). Evans puts it simply, â€Å"It does not seem to be true that a good being always eliminates evil as far as it can. What is true, perhaps, is that good being always eliminates evil as far as it can without the loss of a greater good or the allowance of a worse evil† (1). McCloskey objects to the cosmological argument claiming, â€Å"mere existence of the world constitutes no reason for believing in such a being†(1). There has been great objection to this however because of the fact of contingent objects. God is the â€Å"first cause,† the one who began it all. Because there is not explanation for contingent beings, if God is a necessary being, He is the necessary cause of the existence of creation and we as beings. God has no cause, otherwise He would not be God. It is the very existence of the world that implies the existence of God. The â€Å"laws of nature† imply the existence of a lawgiver, God. This position was held by Aristotle, holding firmly against the possibility of infinite regress. The argument from contingency suggests that it is possible the universe might not have existed, thus needing explanation of why it does in fact exist. In essence, it must have a cause. This leads to the belief in â€Å"necessary being,â⠂¬  meaning a being that needs no explanation. The temporal cosmological argument holds that the beginning of the universe was either caused or uncaused. However, objectors to this say we cannot actually claim whether the universe â€Å"had to exist.† Also, a â€Å"necessary being† comes into question. The refuters say this line of argument does not give enough explanation of why there could not be more than one cause. There is no ground for putting God as the first cause or prime mover. Time and causality as we know it cannot be grounds for explaining the beginnings of the universe. However, those objecting to McCloskey, hold if there were a being like the universe, then he would exist in time, thus he himself came into existence. But, the ultimate cause must not have come into existence. For it to be an ultimate cause, the ultimate Creator must be outside of time. (10).What McCloskey fails to realize, is that not every argument is going to capture every aspect of God. There are many different arguments that go abo ut doing that. If God does not exist, then all has no hope of immortality. Life, the world, and everything in it is meaningless. There would be no purpose or significance to anyone or anything. This leaves us with no ultimate meaning without immorality and God. Would we be able to say there was any purpose or meaning to someone who lived just to die? To be born just to pass out of existence? Lane says that it is not just each individual person that is headed towards the grave, but the universe itself is headed for extinction. This all in all is hopeless. Dying man, in a dying world. If this is the case, the small details in life do not matter, it does not make a difference. Our behaviors, our choices do not matter. Dotoyevsky said â€Å"If there is no immortality then all things are permitted† (11). Without God, there is no accountability, morality, or sense of right and wrong. Even more so, in a universe without God, good and evil do not exist (11). However, if we were to say there were no God, we would still be without purpose because we would just be accidental. We would just be accidents of chance. The only view that can save the human race from itself is a theistic view (11). The only thing going for an atheist is living with the fact of the absurdity of life. Such a view makes it impossible to live a fulfilling, happy life. For the atheist, absurdity of life and creating meaning for one’s life is a contradiction. A major disadvantage of atheism is that no one has hope or faith for reward of good or and punishment of evil. A believer’s hope is this, Christ. Ephesians 3:11 tells us that God had a purpose I mind before He created. Man within his own voluntary will would be able to love and choose God. Nature alone points to God. Humanity and the universe itself does not have to exist. Both are not self-existent but caused. There is no explanation for their existence. Within a Christian world view, life is not meaningless and pointless ending at the grave. We have hope in the resurrection and of eternal life. God and immortality are both necessary for a meaning full life (11). Bibliography 11- Craig, William Lane. â€Å"The Absurdity of Life without God.† In Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics, by William Lane Craig, 71-90. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 1-Evans, C. Stephen, and R. Zachary Manis. Philosophy of Religion: Thinking About Faith. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009. 8- Kunkle,Brett. â€Å"The Logical Problem of Evil.† Truth Never Gets Old. April 21, 2009 2- McCloskey, H. J. â€Å"On Being an Atheist.† Question (1968): 63-69. 5- Biologos. â€Å"What is the â€Å"fine-tuning† of the universe, and how does it serve as a â€Å"pointer to God?† 9- http://kevinfannystevenson.blogspot.com/2012/07/on-being-theist-response-to-h-j.html 10- http://www.existence-of-god.com/first-cause-argument.html