Beloved Interpretation

Music, rhyme and rhythm combine together as a means to fortify the impact of words and poetry. In Beloved the poet is able to genuinely express their longing for a lover through the passing of time, and specifically that of seasons.He uses grey, white and dull imagery to portray the lack-lustre of his life in winter due to the deficiency of figurative color as a result of missing his â€Å"Beloved. † It almost seems as if the speaker’s every moment is spent waiting and hoping. Evidently, the love is reciprocated and is extremely deep.The speaker’s use of seasons is a metaphor for time spent with his lover and away from his lover. Everyday life seems monotonous and dull like winter. He has become numb, lost all physical and emotional sensation. On the other hand, being together with his lover is a â€Å"warm wind† and â€Å"no heights could keep [them] from their reach. † The poet’s image of wings, clouds and the sky is another metaphor for en dless possibilities, uncertainties and the hope to achieve unfulfilled aspirations and dreams.Being together allows both of the lovers to live up to their full potential, inspire each other as well as connect on a strong emotional and spiritual level. Time is a recurring and significant element throughout the poem. Time appears to have slowed down significantly because every second, every minute is spent in longing.The fact that â€Å"eternity awaits† indicates that even though being together and in love may be extremely difficult, it is well worth the wait. I chose this poem because it is packed with raw emotion and talks about powerful love that is able to overcome difficult boundaries and circumstances.These lyrics are relatable and invoke a sense of hope within the reader. People tend to look towards books, words, songs and even movies for emotional strength and encouragement.The speaker tells a very personal story and reaches out to not only his lover but also to the rea ders and listeners. The elusive component of time is alluring and appealing; it manages to draw you in. In a way you hope the lovers and reunited. Overall, the poem is whimsical and sincere, making it unique and pleasant to read, and probably even better when set to a tune.

Relationship between Politics and Religion

Between the fourth and eleventh centuries, the relationship between politics and religion included religion being used for military aid, papal primacy, rulers enforcing religious orthodoxy, and religion being used for legltlmlaatlon. One of the relationships between religion and politics was papal primacy (church power over ruler power) as seen in documents 3, 4, and 5, In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius told the Roman emperor it was important to deter to papal authority.He wrote this in a demanding and domineering way in order to maintain power over secular rulers Gelaslus I's letter Illustrates the Idea of papal primacy where he tated, â€Å"[P]iously bow your neck to those who have charge of divine affairs† (doc. 3). Since the pope argued that rulers should â€Å"bow† to the clergy, this Indicates the power ot the pope over secular rulers. Similarly, Pope Gregory VII asserted his power over princes and their subjects. Since the Dictatus Papae was a letter. which was candid. It probably portrays the pope's view'S accurately.In the letter the pope claimed he had the power to release people from their ruler's authority, which suggests the pope was superior to rulers In terms of their power (doc. 4), Gregory VII also railed dgdlnst Idy nvestiture (kings appointing bishops). As a pope, he would of course see matters of faith as most Important because he was head of the Church. HIS decree exemplifies papal primacy because he proclaimed, â€Å"[N]o clergyman shall receive Investiture from the hand of the emperor, or the king† (doc. ). By reserving the power to appoint bishops, the pope had more power than emperors and Another document that might further this analysis of papal primacy would be a comparison of the land holdings of kings versus the papacy. This might indicate whether or not wealth contributed to the papacys sense ot superlorlty wer secular rulers. Another relationship between politics and religion was the use of religion for mili tary support as shown In documents 2 and 8.In the late sixth century, Gregory wrote in the account of the conversion of king Clovis bringing about the history of his armys victory between the fight of the Franks and the Alemannl. In the document, It is mentioned that Clovis' passion tor Jesus Christ earned his victory with the fight between his army and the Alemanni and the address of this, suggests that Gregory as the 81shop of Tours was for the divinity of this particular faith. Clovis proclaimed, â€Å"Jesus Christ†¦ o is said to give aid to those in distress and victory to those who hope In you† (doc. 2). This gives off the Impression that religion was much valued when it came to winning a tight between armies. Charlemagne wrote to pope Leo Ill indicating that religion provided for the support of the military. As the king of the Franks, he Is dedicated to have the faith concerning of Jesus Christ whom he Is to glorify and having the authority as the head of the churc h, the belief of Christ Influenced his thoughts on the mllltdry did.The king addressed, â€Å"Cod willing and granting, the Christian people will torever achieve victory over the enemies ot His ame†, which indicates his favor towards the Invocation for military support from his Lord In relation to religion being Invoked for military aid, another document that might further this analysis would be a reference from the annals which might show an L]nblased point of view of religions towards the act of military.Relationship between Politics and Religion BY asdf0801 religious orthodoxy, and religion being used for legitimization. power over ruler power) as seen in documents 3, 4, and 5. In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I told the Roman emperor it was important to defer to papal authority. He secular rulers. Gelasius I's letter illustrates the idea of papal primacy where he Since the pope argued that rulers should â€Å"bow' to the clergy, this indicates the power of the pope ov er secular rulers.Similarly, Pope Gregory VII asserted his power over princes and their subjects. Since the Dictatus Papae was a letter, which was candid, it probably portrays the pope's views accurately. In the letter the pope claimed he had superior to rulers in terms of their power (doc. 4). Gregory VII also railed against lay faith as most important because he was head of the Church. His decree exemplifies apal primacy because he proclaimed, â€Å"[N]o clergyman shall receive investiture bishops, the pope had more power than emperors and kings.Another document that contributed to the papacy's sense of superiority over secular rulers. military support as shown in documents 2 and 8. In the late sixth century, Gregory army's victory between the fght of the Franks and the Alemanni. In the document, it is mentioned that Clovis' passion for Jesus Christ earned his victory with the fght as the Bishop of Tours was for the divinity of this particular faith. Clovis proclaimed, hope in yo u† (doc. 2). This gives off the impression that religion was much valued when it came to winning a fght between armies.Charlemagne wrote to pope Leo Ill Franks, he is dedicated to have the faith concerning of Jesus Christ whom he is to influenced his thoughts on the military aid. The king addressed, â€Å"God willing and granting, the Christian people will forever achieve victory over the enemies of His name†, which indicates his favor towards the invocation for military support from his Lord. In relation to religion being invoked for military aid, another document that an unbiased point of view of religions towards the act of military.

Ethics and Legal Issue Essay

At the time I worked as a custodian in a department store, I was faced with an ethical dilemma of whether accepting a bribe from a colleague of higher position to manipulate cash transactions in her favor. This was of course an issue for me since I knew manipulating business transactions is unethical and wrong, more so that it involves the company’s resources. However, I realized I really did not have to ‘think it through’. I instantly said no, that I absolutely could not do it because I knew it was an absolutely dishonest act. My colleague just shrugged and I thought maybe he was used to such a reaction. People decide differently. When faced with such situation, it would be just normal that two different persons would come up with different decisions, probably either going with what the ‘boss’ wants or going against it. This may be because of different beliefs, of which is the right thing to do; or different needs, probably experiencing dire need of money; or maybe even a feeling of powerlessness compared to the boss. An ethical issue such as the situation presented above may entail, for some, deep thinking of what is righteous or not; or with regards to what decision to take when faced with such a ‘choice’. Basically, we know that the society decides what is immoral or not. It is the society’s norms, which refer to what is unethical or not. But is it the person himself who determines what is right. Some people believe some things are right, others believe otherwise. It all depends on the person. Even the ‘rightfulness’ of what is right has always been a question between different cultures with different beliefs and principles. Despite the gift of intellect and rationality, sometimes humans still fail to perform a reasoned judgment of ethical issues, instead fall prey to gut reactions or immediate and ignorant decisions. This may be probably due to the person’s attitudes, how gullible he is, or not, to such ethical situations; the environment or society he grew up in; how ‘imbibed’ choosing between right and wrong is on the person; and his personal decisions as well.

Assignment 7 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

7 - Assignment Example They are therefore in any way not guilty of the accusations against them. Based on the Rowley family understanding of the FAPE, their daughter was entitled freely to have a sign language interpreter attend all her classes to aid in her learning despite the education board proving that she was fine in classes and performed above avarage with the help of the FM hearing aid kit. The accused, the education board, however, did yield to the demands of the Rowley’s because they saw it unnecessary to have the sign language interpreter assist the young girl in her education. The education Board agreed to this decision after conducting several tests to determine whether the pupil required the help of the sign language interpreter. The first reason to my conformance with the decision of the Supreme Court, based on the FAPE requirements is that the acts provide for and I quote, â€Å"we hold that the state has satisfied the FAPE requirements by providing personal instructions with sufficient support services to allow the child to benefit her education from that instruction† (Rowley p. 203-204) this means that the Education acted in the best interest of the FAPE requirements. My second conformance reason is that the Educational board were right to deny the Rowley’s daughter Amy the aid of a sign language interpreter because she was a great lip reader and her prior teachings allowed her to maximize her own capabilities resulting to her impressive above average performance in her kindergarten studies. These results indicated that she was capable of achieving good grades without the assistance of the sign language interpreter. Based on my own understanding and personal judgment, the Supreme Court rulings were correct. To begin with, the fact that the FAPE requires that a child be admitted to a public institution freely and be provided with the necessary tools to aid their education, do not promise availing of the same through thoughts

Compare and contrast the four great errors Essay

Compare and contrast the four great errors - Essay Example Incorrectly treating an event as the cause or the effect could obviously worsen a problem. It could not help someone to solve his or her dilemma in life. The proper solution to the problem could not be discovered due to this mistake. The second error refers to false causality. In this error, people tend to invent ideas to explain their actions (â€Å"The Four†). They do not want an event left unexplained or to remain a mystery. In other words, humans tend to provide reasons for their actions if possible. The third of the four great errors is the imaginary causes error. In this error, people formulate ideas which are far from the truth just to overcome their fear of the unknown (â€Å"The Four†). They always want to control a situation. As compared with the third error, this one has no basis. It is simply a product of one’s imagination. The last error is called by Nietzsche as the free will error. It is his contention that this concept is an illusion, suggested fo r the purpose of guilt imposition and punishment (â€Å"The Four†). On the other hand, Chomsky’s â€Å"necessary illusions† involve the illusionary ideas that the media offers to the public specifically in the United States. He believes that these illusions are sometimes needed to prevent an excess of democracy to happen (Chomsky 2).

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT - Essay Example 19). Subject to its wide market network, high quality of its products, and the diversity of its products, Starbucks enjoys a magnificent customer base in the coffee other blend- drinks industry. In the report, the paper identifies the stakeholders groups of the company, its key competitors, and an analysis of its current strategy. The paper will also derive some recommendations on the company’s current strategy. Findings Starbucks Stakeholder Groups Starbucks stakeholders groups refer to persons, groups, or organization that has interest or concern in the company. The company’s stakeholders fall into three categories, which include primary stakeholders, secondary stakeholders, and public stakeholders (Bruhn-Hansen, 2012, p. 19). They specifically entail the shareholders who invented in the company’s shares, customers who purchase the company’s products and employees who work for the company across the world. The stakeholders also include the suppliers who provide raw materials to the company and farmers who produce coffee and benefit from the comprehensive programs that the company initiates to help farmers. Recently, families residing within the Silver Spring, Maryland community with children aged five and under became stakeholders. Governments and government agencies in countries where the Starbucks Company operates are also stakeholders in the company (Bruhn-Hansen, 2012, p. 19). Moreover, non-governmental organizations, which partner with Starbucks Company like Conservation International and Ecologic Enterprise Ventures are also stakeholders of the company. Additionally, all the communities that benefit from the company’s corporate social responsibility are stakeholders of Starbucks Company. Ultimately, franchisees that purchase the right to use the company’s trademarks, related brands, and proprietary knowledge for purposes of opening branches across the world also form part of Starbucks stakeholders. Starbucks Key Competitors Starbucks has close competitors in specialty coffee shops, doughnut shops, and quick service restaurants. Indeed, the completion comes from different sectors across the world thus demeaning the company’s market share. Caribou Coffee, which is specialty coffeehouse with 415 stores in the US, is one of the closest competitors of Starbucks Company. Second Cup which is a Canadian franchiser dealing in coffee is also a significant competitor alongside Java Centrale. Another major competitor is the privately owned Dunkin Donuts, which has about 5,000 stores in the U.S dealing with both doughnuts and coffee. Nestle S.A, which is a Swiss multinational food and Beverage Company and the largest food company in the world in terms of revenues offers great competition to Starbucks market share. Additionally we also have Darden Restaurants, Inc., which are a multi-brand restaurant operator  and Yum! Brands, Inc., Another worthy competitor is the McDonald, which is actually t he world’s largest fast-food chain restaurant (Mourdoukoutas, 2013, p. 1). McDonalds sells its products at a relatively lower price than Starbucks Company thus offering price competition. Indeed, since its upgrade in 2006, McDonalds is becoming an emerging competitor. More so, Panera’s Bread, which offers ambiance of casual dining, is also a competitor of Starbucks Company. Starbucks Company Current Strategy Starbucks adopts various

Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 21

Journal - Assignment Example A utilitarianism approach will focus on the benefit of the larger group. Here attention will be given to the benefit of many rather than a few and the employees will be treated in a fair manner. Here the greater good of the customers will be considered and managed accordingly. Also, the resources will be used to help for the benefit of many. Finally, in terms of Care Ethics, here the focus is on relationships, vulnerability and empathy. The focus of this approach will be on the emotional aspects of the relationship with little or no attention to more serious elements which can impact the overall growth of the company or the customers. The three kinds of punishments for corporations are clearly, corrective advertising, community service order, and corporate death punishment. Corrective advertising refers to the need for the company to make a public announcement to disclose to the public the mistakes made and the possible issues that arise from the mistakes. Community service order is clearly a means to help make immoral organizations more in sync with the needs of the society and here the punishment is forced until the desired goals are not met. Finally, in terms of corporate death punishment, here the businesses are forced to go out of business by means of revocation of corporate charter. Ethics and morals are the same for every individual and corporation in society. Irrespective of what the organization feels or how the organization responds, it is clearly incorrect and unfair that individuals are treated differently than organizations, especially in the case of unethical or immoral behavior. Hence it is important that the same levels of punishment are given to both individuals as well as

Macroeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Macroeconomics - Essay Example hen the economy falls into recession or deflation, Fed normally cuts the interest rates and takes suitable policies to maintain the low interest rates. The intention is to give incentive to people and businesses to borrow and spend more and thus to sustain the economy. But when the economy shows the signs of inflation and fast economic growth, Fed will raise the interest rates and keep high interest rates. This will cause the borrowing become costlier and lead to slow spending and economic growth. Here the situation needs special attention of policy makers as the economy shows the signs of deflation in some districts and inflationary trends in other districts. The states of New York and San Francisco districts shows the trends of price deflation while all other districts believe that inflation may be at hand. The groups of policy makers as well as media who fear the future outbreak of inflation believe that the Fed’s decision to keep interest rates near zero and pump the economy with credits will lead to the spread of inflation in the near future. But among the policy makers of Fed, a substantial wing believes that the already low rate of inflation will again be slow due to the unsolved real estate problems in majority of the districts. It can be pointed out that dwindling rate of inflation is an evidence of the excess capacity and need to sustain the economy with lower interest rates. The inflation is always danger, but deflation is more danger. Hence, Fed’s decision whether to keep the lower interest rate so as to widen the spending or to increase the interest rate in order to tighten the economy, is a crucial question at this stage. Though there are some trends of inflation Fed will decide to keep the lower interest and loosen the monetary policy. Hence in this present situation it is better to keep the lower interest rate and raise the short-term interest rate whenever the situation arises. At present inflation cannot be seen as an immediate

Cross Cultural Communication Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cross Cultural Communication Exam - Essay Example harbor. However, as Mitchell unraveled her report, she clarified that such claims were exaggerated. She does not deny the violence and aggression against women existing in DRC, but not to the extent perpetuated by some media and humanitarian organizations who needed to create such negative stereotypes to justify their own presence in the DRC. The stereotype of women as victims and men as victimizers created a myopic vision that screens out more important survival issues. Mitchell contends that: â€Å"‘Peace’ for Congolese women is a straightforward concept encompassing basic services, sustainable living, and equal rights. The most touching definition of ‘peace’ was provided by Liliane as having the stability of â€Å"knowing tomorrow.† The women are aware they are depicted as victims, and find the depiction insulting and without merit.† 2 This concept may be considered a cultural metaphor3 for the women of DRC. Although stereotyped and admittedly ‘victims’, their main priority is survival, and this is what they wanted to express to the world. Despite the challenges of being victims of violence, they are actually strong women who long for equal rights with men and to be able to survive long enough to see a future for themselves and their families. Internally, the women of DRC are aware that the existence of various organizations may have hidden agendas. They express that their own efforts at contributing to the empowerment of women in their society is shunned by the grandstanding of some international organizations. Although the help extended to them by such organizations are very much welcomed and appreciated, the women of DRC also need to be given credit for taking the reins and determining their own futures. Women as well as men are victims of rape in the DRC and some women work with the rebels, thus it is a complicated situation for all parties involved. In view of Mitchell’s report, I would propose to

Geopolitics and the role of energy security in the global level and Thesis Proposal

Geopolitics and the role of energy security in the global level and its impacts and challenges withen middle east and gulf cooperation council - Thesis Proposal Example There has been a change in the world order since the break-up of the Soviet bloc: America now is the only superpower in the world and this gives the West the ability to dominate by a combination of military and economic strength (Nye, 2011). One result of this is that the term â€Å"global security† is increasingly defined by America and its allies, at least until China reaches its full economic potential (Calabrese, 1998). There is a danger that GCC countries, who hold the key to future energy supplies will be caught up in any eventual rivalry between these two great powers. Military strength cannot solve problems on its own – other forms of power such as soft power or smart power draw in political and economic negociations as well (Smith, 2006). American foreign policy directed towards aligning countries like Saudi Arabia with American objectives, in order to secure stable supply of oil and gas (Brown and Hawthorne, 2010). The very term â€Å"energy security† is defined as â€Å"the provision of reasonably priced, reliable and environmentally friendly energy† (Mà ¼ller-Kraenner, 2008) but this is from the perspective of western states who generally lack substantial energy deposits, and have renewable technology which does not meet all their needs. Economic objectives in GCC countries are increasingly towards diversification from oil, gas and other natural resources, in order to avoid the so-called â€Å"resource curse† of over-dependence on a few products. There are major implications for all GCC countries because membership of the WTO involves signing up to GATT agreements which â€Å"involves dramatic and profound changes in the way trade was conducted in these countries† (Michalopoulos, 1998). These changes include measures like the removal of export subsidies and the introduction of Western-style laws, institutions and methods of governance. Most

Alternative methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alternative methodology - Essay Example Scientific theory is usually objective, while the constructivist approach is mostly subjective. This paper aims to identify the ways in which the study would have been different if the researchers had taken the scientific theory or positivist approach as opposed to the constructivist approach used. This difference will be identified by focusing on the epistemology, ontology, methodology and the effects of the theory on the data generated and inferences used. According to Gialdino (2009), epistemology is the approach that the researcher takes to the study based on the theory being used. As already identified, scientific theory usually takes on the objective construct, while constructivist paradigms usually involve subjectivity. The objectivity or subjectivity of the researcher is the epistemology of the research. In the case of Swain and Hammond (2011), it is evident that the research took a subjective view, which means that the researchers used the constructivist approach. In this case, if the researchers had taken the scientific approach, the research would have been different. In the scientific approach, the researchers remain objective and try to eliminate bias from the research. The ontology of research is a concept that deals with the relationships between different aspects of the society, and is different in both scientific and constructionist approaches (Hein, 1991). In the constructionist approach, researchers consider that there is no true knowledge, that knowledge is interpreted differently by different individuals. Since the constructionist approach is usually qualitative, it differs from scientific research in its ontology. If the research by Swain and Hammond (2011) had taken a scientific approach, the ontology would have been differentiated. Scientific or positivist paradigms use knowledge as the goal of

Gabriel Oak Essay Example for Free

Gabriel Oak Essay Thomas Hardy wrote the characters of Bathsheba Everdene and Fanny Robin with specific attributes and details. Both women have similarities and differences that either directly influence each other or other characters. The Victorian class system in the 1870s (which is where Far from the Madding crowd is based) had four distinct classes. Two of those were the upper working class and the lower [working class]. Bathsheba would have probably become upper working or middle, when she inherited the farm. We can see that Bathsheba regards herself as being higher up in the social order, from the first time we see her in the book, by the way she treats Gabriel Oak. (QUOTE (Gabriel Oak giving her money for the gate). ) This expresses her individuality and the way she respects those in a lower class to her, or those she wishes to impress her social stature on. The nobility in the 1870s didnt mix with those lower than them, although they did have responsibility for their workers. For instance, when Fanny Robin goes missing, Bathsheba is worried and concerned about her whereabouts. (QUOTE. Bathsheba asking everyone to keep an eye out for Fanny). Bathsheba has dark hair and bold clothes which represents her personality. As she highlights herself as bold and dark throughout the book (QUOTE). This is in stark contrast to Fanny Robin, who has yellow hair and (QUOTE to describe her appearance). This attire is that of a poor woman and shows that she, aswell as not being able to afford rich clothing, does not have as much esteem as Bathsheba. I think Hardy makes this contrast to show the difference in class and the fact that women are not all the same. (As many men assumed in the 1870s) A strong contrast between Bathsheba and Fanny is highlighted at the beginning of the book. As there is a social hierarchy between the mistress (Bathsheba) and the maid (Fanny) in all households. Bathsheba and Fanny both worked hard for a living. They were both pushed into situations where they were fighting in the wrong class and the wrong sex. For instance Bathsheba inherited a farm and money and had to purport herself as a man at the farmers market. (QUOTE of Bathsheba being at the market) Fanny Robin saw herself becoming the wife of an officer therefore moving herself up in the hierarchy. The Victorian Farming industry was male dominated and therefore Bathsheba was entering a traditionally male world. This allowed her to develop her character from an unpractised girl of Norcombe to a supervising and cool woman. This was noted by Gabriel Oak, who throughout the book acts as another pair of eyes, through which we can see Bathsheba. He speaks of her truthfully and helps the audience understand her and what she is doing. Bathsheba takes on the farming duties because she doesnt want yo fail and is constantly trying to impress herself. Whereas Fanny seems to be desperate just to survive. She was picking up a living of seampstering. By saying picking up I feel that Hardy is trying to express her need to simply get by. Also in the time that this book was written, seampstering was known to be a tough trade, which was very poorly paid, and not a line of work to take up unless it was the last resort. Fannys actions contrast Bathshebas will, not to survive, but to impress. I dont think Bathsheba would have allowed herself to be in such a position to have to take up seampstering, as she had too much pride and many more resources socially. Fanny Robin fits into the 1870s conventions a great deal better than Bathsheba does. I think that this can be related to their childhood and parentage. Convention in the 1870s was very much about women being seen and not heard. It was frowned upon for a woman to converse with strange men. Bathsheba broke this rule as soon as she met sergeant Troy, as she spoke to him and interacted instead of quickly leaving after she was untangled. (QUOTE. Bathsheba meeting Troy and flirting). A woman should always have used a soft voice. Fanny Robin was portrayed as a very quiet woman, and many of the local townsfolk described her as (QUOTE. Her quietness). Bathsheba, however, was very vocal and was able to take charge. For instance, when she took over duties as the bailiff. A woman was never expected to ask anything of a man in the 1870s. Neither Fanny nor Bathsheba fitted this rule totally. In some respects Fanny did, she was very grateful to Gabriel for his help, and wrote a letter of thanks to him (QUOTE. Fannys letter). In other situations Fanny was not as respectable, for instance, she pushed Troy until he finally set a date for their wedding, instead of waiting for him to make his choice. Bathsheba also defies convention when she doesnt thank Gabriel for paying her toll. This shows that she expects Gabriel to do it anyway, and considers herself higher than him. A woman was not to get onto a carriage or a horse. (QUOTE. Of Bathsheba riding horse alone). When Bathsheba rides alone and is, unbeknown to her, seen by Gabriel, she defies all convention. Even if she was alone, a normal Victorian woman would never take the same actions as Bathsheba. Fanny fits almost all convention, and is submissive to men. She would have been a model Victorian woman. This is in contrast to Bathsheba who simply had too much character to be a Victorian woman. For instance she travelled all the way to Bath, on her own, to find Troy. Which in the 1870s would have been unheard of. Bathshebas parents were not typical of the Victorian era. The father himself was (QUOTE. To describe Bathshebas father. ) He had to pretend that he was single so that he didnt have commit adultery to his wife. From this open and modern family, Bathsheba couldnt have been expected to be typical and average. From her parentage she is bold and probably taught not to fit in. Fanny Robin, however, was looked after financially by Boldwood. She was very much closed as a child. The simple fact that she didnt have a strong upbringing implies that she may not have a strong life, or character. The two womens views on marriage are possibly one of the strongest differences between their characters. Bathsheba is quoted to have said I hate to be thought mens property in that way when Gabriel asks her to marry him. This reflects her individuality and a slight insecurity about being tied down with another man. Perhaps because she doesnt know what is round the next corner, and doesnt want to have to be with her husband forever. Fanny Robin was very keen to marry Troy and when she finally had her date set she wrote a letter to Gabriel Oak saying I am happy to say I am going to be married This simple sentence shows the little girl inside Fanny. (That is shown many times during the book). This also shows another contrast between Bathsheba and Fanny. Bathsheba appears to be very much more mature than Fanny. For instance she doesnt like to cry (QUOTE. Bathsheba holding back tears). The rustic characters in Far from the Madding crowd act as narrators throughout the book. They are the comic relief for the audience, and contrast the other characters by having a common view on people like Bathsheba and her family. The other characters such as Liddy, Bathshebas maid, see her as almighty womanish.

Rationale For Qualitative Research Management Essay

Rationale For Qualitative Research Management Essay METHODOLOGY In a multichannel environment firms interact with their customers through the design, evaluation, coordination and deployment of channels with the objective of enhancing customer value through effective customer acquisition, retention, and development. While the relative value of a multichannel customer over single channel customers is known, but several research and managerial questions like consumer behaviour, channel evaluation, allocation of resources across channels and channel coordination strategies require further study. The objective of this research is to gain further understanding of these issues. In order to meet these objectives, literature on marketing channels, channel management and channel conflict were explored. The literature review provided assistance in developing the research methodology design (refer Figure 2-1). The exploratory research provided further areas for study in the following secondary and primary research. This methodology created the building blocks for a structured iterative research process that effectively related to the literature. The process balanced theory and practise to generate a comprehensive viewpoint on the subject. In the process of creating the methodology the author consulted various journals and books. The remainder of this chapter discusses the methodology adopted to achieve the outlined objectives. Figure 2-1: Research Methodology (Source Author) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OLeary (2004:p.85) refers to Methodology as the framework associated with a particular set of paradigmatic assumptions that are issued to conduct research. For this research a qualitative approach was incorporated and the author used the inductive exploratory research methodology to unearth the issues. The research process can be best described as a cross-sectional study and involved three phases PHASE 1: RESEARCH PREPARATION This phase primarily involved setting the tone and direction of the main research by defining the parameters to the research questions and the key objectives of the research (based on Saunders et al, 2003). After the initial discussion with the mentor secondary desk based research was conducted with the help of industry journals, online resources, annual reports, industry reports. As the author wanted to expand his exposure to the relevant domain of the research a review of the literature was performed to get a better grasp of the subject. PHASE 2: REASEARCH APPROACH 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW METHODOLOGY While devising the literature review the author addressed literature on Marketing Channels, Channel Management and Channel Conflict to determine particular concepts best suited to deal with managing conflict in a channel. The literature review was an iterative process that was continuously developed. This process can be depicted as follows (Figure 2-2): Figure 2-2: The Literature Review Methodology (Source Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. (2007). Research Methods for Business Students (4, Illustrated ed.). Prentice Hall, adapted by author) The research methodology permitted the author to evaluate the relevance of existing literature in a specific real life scenario. The research methodology provided a structured guideline to a complicated enquiry. 2.2 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY This research takes the view of an interpretivism philosophy which is based on the view that the social world of business and management is far too complex to lend itself to theorising by definite laws in the same way as the physical sciences (Saunders, 2003). The author found that organisations cannot be generalised based on the challenges faced in the market place due to individuality hence it has been deemed necessary to discover the details of the situation to understand the reality working behind them (Remenyi et al 1998, cited in Saunders, 2003). The positivist view was not chosen as this type of approach adopts the philosophical stance of the natural scientist in order to produce law-like generalisations (Saunders, 2003) and was deemed inappropriate. 2.3 RESEARCH APPROACH In line with the research philosophy of interpretivism, the inductive approach is taken for the research as it focuses on theory building which follows the collection of qualitative data. Another reason why this approach was selected was due to the fact that the deductive approach tends to develop a methodology which does not allow for alternative explanations of what is happening (Saunders, 2003) which may limit explanations of why organizations experience certain challenges. Inductive approach is particularly helpful as the author was trying to understand why something is happening rather than being able to describe what is happening. Although inductive approach can be much more protracted but often the ideas, based on a much longer period of data collection and analysis, have to emerge gradually. On the flip side the author was aware that with inductive approach there is a constant apprehension that no useful data patterns and theory will emerge. 2.4 RATIONALE FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Creswell (2003) observes two research paradigms: Qualitative and Quantitative as described in Figure 2-5. Qualitative research stems from the social sciences and is utilised to understand, why people behave as they do (Denzin Lincoln, 2005) this would include knowledge, attitudes, beliefs etc. Whereas, quantitative research is more concerned with measuring things (Miles Huberman, 1994). Figure 2-5: A Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative research (Source Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches) As the purpose of the research was exploratory in nature, it was felt that the best approach was to conduct qualitative research through one to one interviews. It has been pointed out by Cooper and Schindler (1998) that the qualitative approach is best suited while undertaking exploratory research and enables the identification of emerging themes within the research process. Moreover, as has been pointed out by Saunders et al (2003), a qualitative approach allows us to understand the reasons for decisions taken by participant as well as enabling an understanding of their attitudes and opinions. Furthermore, as Saunders et al (2003) point out it also enables the discussion into areas that had not previously been considered but may be significant for understanding the issue. As observed by Henderson (2005) qualitative research by its very nature centres on perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes. Creswell (2003) further recommends the use of the Qualitative approach, for problems that are context specific with unknown variables requiring exploratory research. Moreover the research is reliable and verifiable due to the context bound specific scenario. (Creswell, 2003; Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill, 2007). Although it was planned that, wherever possible interviews would be conducted in person but considering the time limitation of the research and the nature of the retail business, the author had to resort to telephone interviews with the pre-determined point of contact. As suggested by Saunders et al (2003) telephone interviews are an appropriate medium in cases where the interviewer has been able to establish their integrity and competence. However, as pointed out by Saunders et al (2003), the lack of standardisation in these interviews may lead to concerns regarding the reliability of the data. As has been observed by Easterby-Smith et al (2002), in qualitative research, reliability is concerned with whether alternative researchers have revealed similar information. However, the data from the interviews were cross checked along with data derived from interviews conducted with the key stakeholders in the company, as well as secondary research material such as the industry specific research reports available in the public domain. Moreover, the data collected was analysed after the interviews for any inconsistencies in what was said by the interviewee. These steps allowed a multiple triangulation of the data which enabled a higher degree of consistency in the data recorded as well as greater reliability. Each interview was tape recorded as it was felt that note taking may have lead to loss of quality information. The recording enabled the author to listen to the interview any number of times to produce a transcript which facilitated a better analysis of the responses. As pointed out by Saunders et al (2003) reliability of the data could be affected if there was interviewer bias (i.e. wherein the author could have imposed his personal beliefs while interpreting the data) as well as interviewee bias (i.e. wherein interviewees may choose not to reveal information if they perceive them to be probing or sensitive in nature). These were kept in mind during the interview process. 2.5 MULTI-METHOD APPROACH Since each method has its unique strengths and weaknesses (Smith, 1975) hence the results will be affected by the method used. Thus, it makes sense to use different methods to cancel out the method effect leading to greater confidence being placed on the conclusions (Saunders et al, 2003). The author employed the case study methods which involved interviews with the key stakeholders in the Organisation, in order to get a feel for the key issues. The author then embarked on the grounded theory approach where data and observation from the semi-structured interviews with the customers was used to develop the research theory. This gave the author the confidence that certain key issues were addressed with relevance to the research. The multi-method approach also enabled triangulation to take place, such that different data collection methods within one study ensure that the data are telling you what you think they are telling you. As in this case, the semi-structured interviews with the key managers in the Organisation. 2.6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD The authors primary desk based research approach had its limitations in terms of the data collection and authenticating the validity of the data from the online resources. In order to prevent this bias in collection and interpretation, the author also resorted to qualitative research technique. The author found the Qualitative approach to be more effective due to the importance of perceptions of channel members in the problem, which needed to be revealed and understood through personal interaction. The data for the research was collected using primary data collection techniques i.e. interviews as well as secondary data sources i.e. company publications, reports, journals and the internet. Based on the analysis of the various data collecting techniques the interview method was chosen. While conducting the interviews with the stakeholders, semi-structured interviews were used wherein some basic themes relevant to the research objectives and open ended questions were developed to investigate responses and ask follow up questions. This allowed the opportunity to probe answers and where necessary the interviewees could be requested to build on and explain the reasoning behind their statements (Saunders et al, 2003). Due credence was also given to the manner in which the questions are ordered was taken into consideration as it can affect the information collected (Lubin, 2005). In order to collect the secondary information company reports, academic journals and internet were used. Textbooks were used to provide the background information on multichannel approach and other relevant areas which can be seen in the literature review. A key limitation was the accessibility to appropriate information from the net can be costly when attempting to acquire journals from website requires a fee. PHASE 3: DATA ANALYSIS 3.1 DATA COLLECTION: METHODS AND TOOLS OLeary (2004:p.85) refers to the Methods as, the techniques used to collect data and Tools as the devices that help in collecting data. For the qualitative research methodology discussed the direct research technique was used, as below: Exploratory research was conducted in the first phase for greater understanding of the situation. This was followed by an extensive in-depth study of the literature from various publications. In order to authenticate these findings in-depth interviews through an inductive technique were conducted with all respondents, to probe the conflict causing issues. The interviews were developed to encourage the respondents, to express their detailed viewpoint. A semi structured (Adams Schvaneveldt, 1991) interview format was used to incorporate parameters specific to the area of authors research. Furthermore, throughout this process the Author took into account ethical considerations to prevent respondents from being misled in anyway. In order to conduct the research activities for data collection Saunders has introduced research onion as a useful framework to illustrate the idea that there are several layers which needs peeling off before the researcher decides the choice of data collection method (Figure 2-3). The following subsections explain research sampling, philosophy, approaches, strategies, and time horizon of the research study. Figure 2-3: The Research Onion (Source Saunders, Thornhill, A and M, Lewis, P., 2003) 3.2 RESEARCH SAMPLING A conclusion can be made from the sample about the population to achieve the research objective (Saunders et al. 2003). It is, therefore, uncommon for a research to survey the entire population due to time and financial constraints, especially, when the population is very large. The research followed a five-step procedure for drawing a sample based on Churchill and Iacobuccis (2002) and Wilsons (2006) suggestions. (Figure 2-4) Figure 2-4: Procedure for drawing a sample (Source Based on Churchill and Iacobucci 2002 and Wilson 2006) In order to obtain a broad and holistic picture, certain key individuals and stakeholders were identified who could provide and in-depth and unbiased view of the challenges being faced by the organisation in multichannel environment. Stakeholders identified included company owners, retail managers and trade counter employees. 3.3 RESEARCH ANALYSIS As Saunders et al (2003) observe while conducting qualitative research it is important to use a conceptual framework for organising the data. The analysis of the data was inductive; because of the exploratory nature of the market research there was no pre-determined hypothesis to direct the analysis (Saunders et al, 2003). The author started with the use of mapping technique to organize and collate all the data gathered through primary research and to understand and analyse the issues, key themes, and patterns and question how an argument fit together. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis (Matthew Huberman, 1994). A conversation analysis was conducted, which evaluated the words, contexts and non-verbal cues in order to find emerging themes. The data was analysed and interpreted through a step by step process as depicted below (Figure 2-6): Figure 2-6: Data Analysis Methodology (Source Author) The findings were then compared to the data collected from secondary sources and the literature review after which conclusions were drawn. It thus enabled the author visualize the inter-relationships of the issues and give a sense of strategic direction while drafting the recommendations. Due to the use of in-depth and semi-structured interviews, it was felt by the author that a narrative style for discussing the findings would be the most appropriate method. As has been pointed out by Saunders et al. (2003), this approach is suitable where in-depth and semi-structured interviews have been used to collect data as it allows the interviewer to retain the integrity of the data (Coffey and Atkinson, 1996).

Essence Of Decision A Review Politics Essay

Essence Of Decision A Review Politics Essay Graham Allisons Essence of Decision offered alternative conceptual models on foreign policy decision making and a specific discussion on the Cuban missile crisis; and has been one of the influential book in history of foreign policy analysis. It gives a significant contribution to political science study, as it has been heavily cited in most international relations textbook and also discussed by foreign policy analysts. However, despite the models strong influence in foreign policy study, it has been heavily criticised by foreign policy analysts about its utility and value in decision making analysis. In Essence of Decision, Allison proposes three different lenses that offers a multi-level analysis rather than a regular solely system-level to analyse foreign policy decision making. His first model, Unitary Government Model or Rational Actor Model (RAM) explain government as a black box, thus the internal actors have the same goals and opinion on how to achieve the goal. On the other hand, model II and model III will open the black box and discuss at two different things inside the box and later known as bureaucratic politics model. Model II or Organizational Process Model looks at the key organizational or agencies with their own function, mission and structure. Lastly, Model III or Governmental Politics Model will focus on key individual decision makers and the political bargaining process among them. Nonetheless, Allisons conceptual framework has been not only highly praised by foreign policy analysts, but also has been much criticised since its first edition. Number of criticism has risen regarding Allisons conceptual framework, ranging from its originality until the problem of evidences that have been used by Allison in explaining the Cuban Missile Crises. Conford and Horelick, for example, argue that Allisons model is not wholly original work, rather than it is developed from previous study. Moreover, another group of criticism have questioned the account of the Cuban Missile Crises that explained by Allison. Despite these two criticisms, there are number of criticism that will be discussed in the following section. By looking at number of criticism about Allisons model, there is a big question about the usefulness of the model in foreign policy decision making process analysis. This essay aims to evaluate the utility of Allisons conceptual policy in foreign policy decision making. This essay will also critically discuss each of the three models by looking from some perspectives. Moreover, taking into account that this essay relies on Allisons Essence of Decision, this essay will also look at the decision making process regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Allisons Conceptual Framework Model I: The Rational Actor (RAM) Model I is the basic yet critical conceptual framework that mostly utilized in foreign policy decision making analysis. RAM is the best model in explaining and predicting of an individual behaviour, as well as purpose generalization in states action. The model reduces the organizational and governmental political complications by looking at government as unified actor.  [1]  Thus, a complete-informed government -regarded as black box- will process information to optimize rational action. The internal structure within decision making process will calculate the potential pro and con and later rank all the options by their chance to succeed.  [2]   Its feature of being easy to utilize, RAM could be useful when a state has limited or even no available information about the enemy. Therefore, since it does not require information to analyse a case, RAM would be very suits in a crisis situation. It would safe more time since a state does not necessary do a complex evaluation about their enemy. Lastly, RAM that stresses interaction among states, will immediately produce prudent decision after considering the pro and con. Its simplicity in analysing a case makes RAM one of the popular methods in foreign policy decision making process. On the other side, some foreign policy analysts argue that in the real foreign policy formation, number of external and individual interest factor will eventually give a big impact. Moreover, RAM tends to ignore a large state with complex bureaucratic nature that has various kinds of departments with their own different political and ideological perspectives.  [3]  Therefore, along with the argument that intra-national factors are very importantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦yet critical when one is concerned with planning policy, Allison has proposed so-called, Bureaucratic Politics Model.  [4]   Model II: Organizational Process Difficulties will arise when the case that are going to be examined is not the behaviour of an individual or a state with simple bureaucracy model, but the behaviour of one organization or government with complex structure inside. Therefore, Allison provides two alternative conceptual frameworks that will open up the black box to evaluate internal structure inside the government, which is later known as Model II and Model III. Model II or Organizational Process Model focuses on the existing organization and their standard operating procedures (SOP) for gaining information, defining possible option and implementing programme.  [5]  Each organization has an agreement for both its mission and function. Afterward, series of program are developed to carry out those missions. In defining feasible option, Model II argues that it is restricted based on SOP that will enhance performance and efficiency. Moreover, Model II is not optimizing rational actor, as model I does, but rather, it is satisfying decision making actors. Its account that foreign policy outcomes are derive from bureaucratic programs, routines and SOP, makes number of advantage from this model. It emphasizes the important domestic political influences on process of foreign policy decision making that sometimes missed out from RAM. Therefore, model II reminds the analysts that the policy was formed not only by a high level decision-maker, but sometimes it is formed by organization.  [6]   Nevertheless, a set of criticism has arisen in the utility of model II. Its emphasis on organisational culture may ill-serve higher level officials and finally can lead to impair the analysts understanding of organizations and their behaviour.  [7]  Even though this kind of problem does not occur for most of the time, but we can take it as a consideration of the effectiveness of the model. Model III: Governmental Politics Governmental politics model or government bargaining model focuses on key individual decision makers with their great influence in deciding on organizational actor. Moreover, the model assumes that decision makers have different perceptions, priorities, commitments and also organizational positions (where you stand depends on where you sit). Therefore, model III assumes that governmental actions are the result of a political bargaining process among key players. Furthermore, bargaining and negotiation processes will result in satisfying rather than optimizing decision making result. It obviously explained because personal ambition of key actor may diverge from public policy position and may lead to personal power considerations when making decision. Between Allisons three conceptual frameworks, model III adds important detail about domestic politics that obviously, cannot be found in model I. In addition, model III not only explains the roles of key individuals, but it also explains why individuals are working at contrary purposes to the interest of the government as a whole. Lastly, model III gives us explanation why policy sometimes appears to be irrational if we look it from a unitary government perspective. Nevertheless, model III also received many critics, especially on the complexity of the model. It is focus on individual key actor that makes it difficult to study and analyse. Moreover, it requires too many variables, some variable are unknown and it is hard to apply for other countries with unclear bureaucratic politics inside. Criticism toward Allisons conceptual framework Allisons conceptual framework has been attacked by number of criticism, varying from the originality of the model, different interpretation of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the US political system, and also methodological criticism. As Stephen D. Krasner has argued that Allisons model à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is misleading, dangerous, and compelling.  [8]  Therefore, in this section, number of criticism of Allisons model will be critically discussed and assessed. Some foreign policy analysts, such as, Cornford, Horelick, Ball and Art claimed that Allison did not present a pure brand new approach to analysing foreign policy process; but rather it just development from previous theories. Conford has claimed that organisational process mode is previously done by writers such as, Simon, March and Simon, Cyert and March.  [9]  Furthermore, Conford has claimed that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Model IIIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is pure Neustadt.  [10]  Horelick et al.  [11]  supported Confords argument by suggesting that the bureaucratic model is closely related to previous work done by Kremlinologists.  [12]  Ball and Art  [13]  also mentioned names of analyst that originally make the bureaucratic policy model, such as Huntington, Hilsman, Schilling, and Neustadt.  [14]   Nevertheless, Allison has dedicated a section in his book to acknowledge previous scholars that become his foundation in developing his methods. He is fully aware that he utilizes and developed earlier scholars work as he mentioned in his book, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this encourages much repackaging of existing theoriesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [15]  Therefore, he identifies a group of writers such as March and Simon, Barnard, Cyert and Simon and so on for foundation of model II.  [16]  Furthermore, Allison also acknowledged his intellectual debt to previous scholars that related to model III paradigm,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦model III variety have attracted increasing attention since 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the publication of Presidential Power by Richard E. Neustadt.  [17]  Hence, we could argue that Allisons originality does not lie in his model, but rather in his approach to apply his models consistently to one particular case study, the Cuban Missile Crisis.  [18]   Another criticism can be seen from methodological perspective; numbers of similarities between model II and model III have shaped ambiguity between those two models. In many occasions, some foreign analysts will combine model II and model III to analyse a case study, including Allison himself. In his article with Halperin, Allison combines those two models and become one major model the bureaucratic politics paradigm- as an alternative model to RAM.  [19]  As Conford argues that the three models is not totally incommensurable model to analyse foreign policy making process.  [20]  Therefore, even though Allison distinguishes three kinds of model in foreign policy analysis, those models is not easily separable in their actual application. In bureaucratic politics model, decision is not arise from one unitary actor, but through some bargaining between organisation structures with their own agenda. Model II and model III have identical characteristics that enable them to be grouped as bureaucratic politics model. The two models are similar in a sense that both models focus on departments and organizations inside the decision maker; however, it is slightly different, in a sense that, if model II will reach a decision through Standard Operation Program, model III will make a decision through bargaining between various players within government. Despite the insignificant difference between those models, they are usually combined as the bureaucratic politics model.  [21]   However, Caldwell has raised bureaucratic politics models major problem regarding the use of evidence and data. The model requires detailed data that hardly available in term of quantity and quality. In addition, Caldwell argued that there is huge possibility for analyst to imposing the model on the evidence rather than testing the model against it. Therefore, bureaucratic politics model has significant problem in analysing the data and evidence, since previous empirical problems show that data was made to fit the model.  [22]   Allisons alternative model has also been argued that it eliminated decision-makers responsibility toward the policy. The strong criticism has risen from Steel and Krasner, which argued that no one, even the President, holds responsibility of the policy as the outcome from bargaining process among bureaucratic groups. As Steel argued that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦where everyone is responsible for a decision, no one is responsible.  [23]  The same argument also comes from Krusnet who argued that bureaucratic politic eliminates the importance of election: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Elections are a farce not because the people suffer from false consciousness, but because public officials are impotent, enmeshed in a bureaucracy so large that the actions of government are not responsive to their will.  [24]  In contrast, Smith argues that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this criticism is only valid to the extent to which the President is unable to get his wishes carried out.  [25]  Therefore, the criticism from Ste el and Kranser is not applicable for all cases and need to be modified. Furthermore, following previous criticism, there is criticism about Allisons model utility to other countries. Even though Allison clearly points out his intention to present two additional frameworks to other countries foreign policy analysis (not only limited to the US and Soviet Unions policy making)  [26]  , a group of writers has argued the inability of the model to analyse foreign policy behaviour in other countries, to be precise, un-industrialized countries. As Hill has noted that there is a growing consensusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦over the inapplicability of the insights of Allison, et al. to foreign policy-making inside less modernised states.  [27]  Migdal has also argued that the model cannot be applied to the countries that do not have stability of organizational structure, routine, and even bargaining process.  [28]  Moreover, Brenner also argues that Allisons model is not a universal model and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦more distinctive in the United States than elsewhere.  [ 29]  Despite all criticisms regarding its utility to other countries, Weil has proved, in fact, the model could be utilised in the North Vietnamese foreign policy analysis. As Weil notes that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦examining North Vietnamese foreign policy decision making from a governmental politics perspective complements understanding gained from a rational actor analysis.  [30]   Nevertheless, analists argued that the model is not even applicable to the Soviet Union, although the Soviet Union foreign policy has been heavily discussed in Essence of Decision. It is not only because the model requires more specific information than is available, but also as Dawisha has noted that the bureaucracy in some countries (e.g. the Soviet Union) is fundamentally different from its position in the United States because the persistent influence of the Communist Party.  [31]  Therefore, there is a doubt about the utility of Allisons model in other countries, as Wagner has pointed out, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the extension of Allisons model III to other countries may be a less straightforward enterprise than he implies.  [32]   Singapores defence posture change in the early 1980s In the early 1980s, Singapore announces a major important change in its defence policy, from a defensively deterrent strategy (poisonous shrimp) to a more actively deterrent strategy (known as the porcupine). In an article done by Pak Shun Ng, he applies Allisons model to analyse Singapores domestic decision making process. Pak Shun Ng treats Singapore as unitary rational actor to utilizing model I (RAM); the military organisations as the unit of analysis for model II; lastly, the military and political party leadership (including senior military leaders and civilian leaders of Singapores ruling party, the Peoples Action Party (PAP)) as units of analysis for model III.  [33]  The article argues that model II and model III provide the most reasonable explanation of the change in Singapores defence position in the 1980s; while model I has failed to fully explain the change. Model II first reveals the appropriate development of both Singapores military capability and military planni ng ability. Furthermore, model III then prove details how the Singapore Armed Force (SAF) could announce the change convincingly to improve its stature among Singaporeans and foreigners by persuasive them that Singapore has appropriate capability to defend and survive any potential threat.  [34]  Even though the article heavily honours the utility of Allisons model, but it still proposes modification of the models in order to be able to analyse a decision making process in a small and non-western states under absence of crisis condition. Furthermore, the case study of Singapores policy making shows the evidence of model II and III complete each other and make one alternative model against RAM, namely, the bureaucratic politic model. Therefore, it supports the criticism that previously discussed that Allisons models, especially model II and III, have strong similarities and hardly separate. The utility of Allisons model also can be tested in the US foreign policy in Iran hostage crisis in 1979. The bureaucratic politics model is applicable in analysing the decision making process under President Carter administration. The key group in Carters government consisted of number individual who have important position in the executive branch, and also political outsiders that rarely well known, yet have close personal relations to the President. Within the key group that were known as the Georgia mafia, there are two closest advisors for the President; the chief of staff, Hamilton Jordan and Carters press secretary, Jody Powell. Even though these two advisors are not familiar in politic and foreign policy process, they were loyal and intelligent. When sixty American were taken hostage at the American embassy in Iran on 4 November 1979, the initial response from Carter is criticised to be quite slow. On 11 November, the US gave economy sanction by initiating embargo of Iranian oil. While the economy sanction was undertaken, there were ongoing debates about the next step dealing with the crisis. There were two major options; a commando raid to rescue hostages and outright air strikes and military blockades.  [35]  Here we can clearly see how each faction in the government has their own argument to propose to the President is clearly explained by Allisons bureaucratic politics model. A strong debate was occurred between Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance; National Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzenzinsky and Carters inner circle, Powell and Jordan. Vance was explicitly being in opposition to any military action after considering that American allies would not tolerate such behaviour. Therefore, he believed that the national security of the US could be maintained without endangering the lives of sixty American citizens.  [36]  On the other side, Brzezinsky strongly opposed military measure as the best means to protect Americas vital interests.  [37]  Moreover, the argument was supported by the director of the CIA, Stanfield Turner, after considering the CIAs best estimates that 60 percent of the hostages could be killed as a result of very complex rescue process. These two faction also argued that they are responsible for the national security, roughly 250 million Americans, and they couldnt simply compromised for the sake of sixty hostages. The final faction c ame from Carters inner circle, including Powell and Jordan, who were concern about the impact of Iran hostage crisis on upcoming election in 1981. The President concurred Vances opinion that a negotiated settlement would be the best for maintaining both national interest and national security. As the response of Carters decision, he received public support, which is important for the upcoming election. However, after considering the effectiveness of the plan, Powell and Jordan opposed the President for tough action against Iranians, again, in order to win the election. In the end, with strong pressure from some faction and absence of Vance in decision making process at the time, Carter called for an immediate military rescues on April 11. The military rescue plan ended in failure with crash of number of helicopters and planes; and killing eight US servicemen. Finally, in 1981s election, Reagan came into power and selesai lah sudah This illustrates the absence of one faction who opposes one specific argument could impact the decision making process as a whole.

Working At Starbucks Essay -- Personal Narrative Job essays

I was making a grande vanilla bean frappiccino while other customers were waiting in line to have their order taken. Business was slow that day, but heck, everyday at my job was a slow one. I would think to myself, Why the hell am I still working here? when this place gets no business at all. Of course, I work at Starbucks, not the ones that you see on the corner of the streets, but I worked at the one in Target. At my Starbucks, we would have one person working each shift. We had three shifts per day, the opening shift, the midday, and the closing shift. With all my luck I got to either open the store, or close the store. I really didn’t like opening or closing, but I said to myself, money is money, and I can’t go wrong with making money. Another thing that bothered me about my job was the money. My starting salary was only $6.50 per hour, while other Starbucks salaries started at $8.00 an hour. I didn’t apply anywhere else, so I guess I was stuck with the job I had for now. It was the first Monday of the week, and I had to open with my boss Tenesha. She was my boss at Starbucks, but had the same duties as everyone else that worked at Starbucks. On Mondays, we usually had a rush of customers, rushing to get a hot cup of coffee for the road to work, or just morning moms wanting our new brew of coffee for the week. But Tenesha had inventory that week, so I was stuck making coffee all day till Andrew, another employee came in around 1 p.m. It was around 10:00 a.m., ju...

Pragmatism in Navarre’s Heptameron :: Navarre Heptameron

Pragmatism in Navarre’s Heptameron In Navarre’s Heptameron, the tale of the princess who thwarts an attempted rape reveals the superiority of pragmatism over passion in a Europe transitioning from the medieval period to the Renaissance. Firstly, it is worth mentioning that the princess’ physical defeat of her lustful attacker would have violated traditional societal mores vis-à  -vis the male-female power dynamic. However, it is the princess’ social response that is most significant. While initially insistent on the would-be rapists ‘head’, she calms down after a discussion with her assistant. Her good judgment eventually prevails and the conclusion is favorable for her. The princess was a woman of moral uprightness; that is emphasized in the tale. Her rage emanated from her knowledge that a man, whom she, in an exercise of free will and of her honor, had rejected, would then try to take forcefully that which she had refused to give voluntarily. Clearly, the assailant (also her host) deserved to be punished. The medieval solution would be execution of the attacker; that was the surest way of preserving the family’s honor. However, in the process, the princess’ personal reputation could be destroyed. So, the princess pursues her own personal interest; she refuses to be a victim of â€Å"greater good† philosophy. Her innovative solution leads to the host being consumed with his own guilt. He can no longer bear to face the woman he loved so greatly. His bruises serve as a personal reminder of his sin. The princess, on the other hand, receives confirmation of her suspicions—which she would have been deprived of had she punished her host in a more traditional fashion—and her honor remains intact. Her scheme is also more torturesome for the host; he knows that she might know and her professional and noble behavior throughout attests to her goodness—a goodness he tried to violate.

Media Influence on Eating Disorders Essay

Women are given the message at a very young age that in order for them to be happy and successful they have to be thin and beautiful. It is also not surprising that eating disorders are on the rise because of the value society places on being thin. Most women and girls feel like being thin is the ultimate achievement and quite possibly the most important aspect of themselves. Eating disorders used to just be a way for women and young girls to keep their weight off. However, the sad truth is this isn’t just a diet, but a silent killer. In recent years, girls with low self esteem are becoming increasingly younger. According to the National Association of Eating Disorders, 47% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures (12). When young girls compare themselves to images of women who appear â€Å"perfect† their self image lessens, and in turn creating a vulnerable platform for an eating disorder to take over. The medias unrealistic portrayals of women, societies obsession with being thin, and lastly the rise in weight loss advertising are problems discussed throughout this paper as reasons for the growing epidemic of eating disorders. Women constantly ask themselves â€Å"what is the perfect body type? †. As our adolescence ages into adulthood many women struggle with trying to answer this question. Societies idea of what the perfect body type is constantly changing. However, it is always influenced by the medias perception of what the perfect body image should look like. We all idolize these images we see on television and in magazines and some of us would do anything to look just like them. When they are constantly being compared to what they see in the media, its no wonder these young girls develop self esteem issues. One study showed that 69 percent of girls stated that magazine models influenced their idea of the perfect body shape (Does the media cause eating disorders? 3). I believe the media and how they portray women unrealistically is one of the reasons for the increase in eating disorders over the years. Instead of focusing on what college they are going to attend, these girls are worried about how many calories are in an apple. Between TV, magazines, and movies, girls are constantly comparing themselves to unrealistic images that are painted everywhere. It’s almost impossible to step outside without seeing these illusory images. By 17, the average woman has received over 250,000 commercial messages through the media (Mass-Marketing of Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders: The Social Psychology of Women, 212). These advertisements are damaging to both mental and physical states to the girls and women trying to live up to the medias perception of the perfect body type and are more likely to develop one of the many body image disorders (Media and Eating Disorders 1). Trying to live up to these expectations can be detrimental to the health and well-being of these girls, all to achieve the â€Å"perfect look† they see so often. Thin models and actresses in the eye of the media are often the ones these girls are looking up to, and strive to look like, which can also pose a problem as many times these women are unhealthily thin. It’s no secret that female celebrities appearances have shifted in recent years. Celebrities and models exude a sort of power over people, partly because they are so highly visible in our society. There is a meaning behind what celebrities and models look like; it is the message that these women are powerful, they are sexy, they are beautiful; they are wanted (Ahern et al. , 2008). The influence of the stereotypical vision of a woman is taking a toll. When a girl becomes obsessed with dieting and looking better, they can easily become anorexic or bulimic. 79% of teenage girls who suffer from eating disorders are readers of women’s magazines (â€Å"Media and Eating disorders† 2). This just shows how influential images in the magazines can be, and its upsetting that these are the images young girls and women chose to compare themselves to. I’m not quite sure when the idea of beauty went from the curvy size 14 figure of Marilyn Monroe to a sickly looking size 0 model. It’s understandable that the fashion industry wants models to wear their clothes efficiently, but what’s the harm in having women look like women to model their clothing? Fashion editors and models believe they are just responding to a supply and demand, or in other words, trying to market their product efficiently despite the underlying issues it presents. If these marketers don’t realize that what they chose to display is harmful, the issue at large will continue to rise. So what can we do to change this problem? Some media influences started to realize that the media was to blame for this self-hatred amongst girls and began to do something about it. DOVE, for example, released a campaign called â€Å"The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty† in which they began airing commercials displaying women who looked like real women, not sticks. Dove has realized the medias negative effect on adolescent girls and has taken matters into their own hands by publishing a new ad with healthier looking models. This ad is one step in the right direction to building back up young girls self esteem and making them comfortable with their bodies. They also launched a self-esteem movement where they travel and do workshops with young girls who have self esteem and image issues. DOVE also released a video titled â€Å"Real Beauty Sketches† in which a trained FBI sketch artist drew the women based on their own self- perception, then based on that of a stranger. The strangers depictions of the women were more attractive and actually similar to what they looked like, while their own perception was extremely harsh and a less beautified image. This short, but powerful video enlightened these women how critical they are towards themselves and how women usually do not realize how they appear in everyone else’s eyes, just how they view oneself. If prominent brands in the media created these kind of campaigns, there would be more girls inclined to look up to an realistic image, versus something that is not attainable. Women will never stop wanting to improve themselves, but by advertisers embracing all the different beautiful attributes women have they will refrain from practicing unhealthy methods and will work towards realistic goals that will make them happy. There have been many studies about the effects media has on women and how it could eventually lead to eating disorders. One study was done examined how the viewing of fashion magazines affected middle school and high-school-aged girls. In one particular survey, this study found among middle school-aged girls that viewing fashion magazines influenced them to consider a thin body type as the â€Å"ideal† body type. This seems to be the initial effect of viewing media that continuously and predominantly displays abnormally thin women. (Field, 2000). As for the high-school-aged girls, a connection was made between idealizing and desiring the body types that were seen repeatedly in the fashion magazines to the point of development of symptoms of eating disorders (Field, 2000). The influence of these images in relation to these girls made a large impact. When they are comparing themselves to these images, in their minds they have to take measures to alter their physical appearance, and in turn leading to symptoms of eating disorders. However, fashion icons and magazines are not the only culprit for the rise of eating disorders and body image issues. Weight loss promotion is everywhere we look, and seen every time we turn on the television. Between ads like â€Å"Jenny Craig† and â€Å"Atkins†, these campaigns are telling women everywhere â€Å"you can be happy too, if you follow this plan and become thin like me! †. Women are constantly confronted with the message that they need to lose weight, and since the weight industry is booming, they are buying into the hype. Health and well-being are often mixed up with weight-loss. However, there is a difference between being healthy and being unhealthily thin. There is nothing wrong with working out and keeping active to be healthy, but when exercising begins to replace meals and self image starts to deteriorate, that’s when it becomes a problem. Being thin is portrayed to equal being strong, healthy, and powerful. The exploitation of images that display women’s bodies benefits both weight-loss companies and companies selling beauty and fashion products. Yes, it is good for the business, but can be damaging to women. If women continue to convince themselves they need to look a certain way or be a certain size, the easier it will be for consumers to sell them into â€Å"looking better† (Hesse-Biber et al, 2006). As unfortunate as it is, these marketers are benefiting in the end from the presence of eating disorders in our society. Weight loss advertising goes hand-in-hand with fashion and beauty advertising. Both display unrealistic expectations and convincing them that to be happy, they must be thin. Saying that weight-loss advertisers should cease is a stretch, but what is possible to promote change is to begin to reiterate the idea of being healthy and active, versus taking diet pills and being on diets, because often enough diets turn into serious eating disorders. I can attest this to my personal life because I understand what they going through, myself having suffered with an eating disorder for 6 years. The first time I had the idea of not eating to lose weight was when I saw Mary-Kate Olsen on the cover of a magazine for her problem with anorexia. My 12 year old brain saw the cover and thought â€Å"if that’s how she lost weight, that’s how I will†. even though I was a slender 115 pounds, I still thought I was overweight. It started by not eating lunch sometimes, or telling my mom I was full at the dinner table. The weight fell off easily, and I liked all the compliments I was receiving, It made me feel important and special in the moment, but when I would look in the mirror I didn’t see what everyone did. I felt as though everyone was lying to me to make me feel better. Little white lies about my weight started turning into bigger lies and as my disorder got worse, so did I. There was a time I didn’t eat anything but an apple for 3 days straight. It begun to affect my grades, my social life, and worse of all my health. My family all knew something was wrong with me but I never listened to anyone or wanted help. My mom noticed me weight-loss and forced me to see a therapist and a doctor. I gained the weight back almost instantly and fast. Once again I was drowning in the same negative thoughts about myself as I had for so many years, but this time I looked how I felt, and it made it even worse. I felt huge and disgusting and became severely depressed. It took all that I had in me just to get out of bed and get dressed. So many times I just wanted to slip back into the cycle of not eating, but I knew everyone had a close eye on me. Then one day I was at a friends house with a bunch of girls and one of them starting talking about bingeing and purging. It sounded like the best idea ever to me; I was able to eat, but not consume the calories. I began the cycle of bingeing and purging every day. At first it felt like an adrenaline rush and the weight was falling off fast, and that invincible feeling started up once again. But this began to take a toll on my body even worse than not eating. My mom was suspicious and confronted me one day to let me know she was worried and she knew I had a problem, but of course I was in denial and insisted I was fine. The day I threw up blood and fainted I knew this was much more serious then I had thought. My body was finally shutting down on me after all these years. I told my mom everything that had happened and she brought me to the doctor and had many tests done. The doctor said my esophageal passage was damaged and if I didn’t stop purging soon there would be permanent damaged. He also said I had anemia and my bones and organs were weak. The dentist said my enamel was destroyed. This disorder had not only permanently damaged my body, but my soul felt broken. I felt like I had no life left in me and it took a long time and a few therapists to learn how to love myself and my body the way it is. I just hope one day I can tell my story to young girls so they know that they aren’t alone and they won’t have to grow up thinking they need to destroy their bodies to feel beautiful. Eating disorders are something that will continue be a problem in this country until the media along with society decides to make an impact. We find unrealistic images of extremely thin women plastered everywhere in television, magazines, television, weight-loss promotions, and are glamorized by celebrities. These media advertisements are all contributing factors to the self-hatred these girls feel. Women who see these images firsthand try to live up to the â€Å"perfect† image of what a woman is supposed to look like, when in fact this perfect image doesn’t exist. There is the underlying idea that to be happy, powerful, and satisfied in your life, being thin will get you there. The advertisers, even though are trying to keep their business successful, should make it so the images they chose to display are representations of women who look like women. If there were images of real women, with real curves, girls might be able to not only relate, but be inspired instead of bashing and hating themselves for not achieving their own idea of what their supposed to look like. Having too have suffered from an eating disorder I understand what these girls are going through and how serious this disease is. When the media finally realizes that displaying unrealistic images of women are doing more harm then good, the cycle of these women and young girls feeling like they have to starve themselves to be beautiful will hopefully come to an end. Having women who represent women will not only provide inspiration for girls, but also give them positive influences to look up to. Hopefully one day society will learn that there isn’t just one vision of beauty or weight, and the horrible cycle of eating disorders will cease to exist forever.

Biblical Archaeology: Dating Techniques

As our civilization grows, there is also a growing passion for knowledge of the past. Archaeology is fast becoming one of the popular sciences. Most archeological finds are composed of shreds of pottery or ceramics. As archeology and modern science progress many dating techniques are being developed to be used on these fragile artefacts in order to give us a brief glimpse of our past. Many techniques are now available which allow the detailed physical and chemical characterization of ceramic artefacts.Given a suitable archaeological sample it is now possible to determine many aspects of technology, provenance, and, in some cases, its use. Several dating techniques used in archeology are superposition, artifacts of known age, stratigraphy, dendrochronology and thermoluminescence. This paper shall focus on Ceramic Analysis using three of these techniques: Dendrochronology, Radiocarbon dating and Thermoluminescence. Carbon 14 Radiocarbon dating or Carbon-14 dating is the determination o f the approximate age of an ancient object, such as an archaeological specimen, by measuring the amount of carbon 14 it contains.Radiocarbon dating was discovered by a team of scientists led by Prof. Willard Libby of the University of Chicago after World War II. Since plants and animals take up carbon-14 during their lifetime. The amount of carbon-14 in them exists in equilibrium with the C14 concentration of the atmosphere and the ratio of C-14 to C-12 remains about the same as the ratio in the atmosphere. As soon as a plant or animal dies, they cease the metabolic function of carbon uptake; there is no replenishment of radioactive carbon, only decay.This rate of decay was calculated by Libby’s team to be 5568 years per half-life, this means that half the C14 in the original sample will have decayed after 5568 years and after another 5568 years, half of that remaining material will have decayed, and so on. This rate of decay is what is now know as Libby’s half-life wh ich he measured at 5568 ±30 years. The true advantage of the radiocarbon method is its capability to be uniformly applied throughout the world , this is probably the primary reason why it is one of the most widely used and best-known absolute dating methods.However, it is not without its flaws, radiocarbon dating has the following limitations: 1. that after 10 half-lives there is a very small amount of radioactive carbon present in a sample, at about 50,000-60,000 years radiocarbon dating becomes inaccurate. 2. the ratio of C-14 to C-12 in the atmosphere is not constant. This variation is due to changes in the intensity of the cosmic radiation bombardment of the Earth, the 1950’s nuclear testing and the depletion of the Ozone layer.3. in rare cases, a â€Å"reservoir effect† will give C-14 dates that are much older than the true age of the sample because â€Å"some plants and animals live in very unusual environments whose C-14 content is much lower than normal. â⠂¬  4. Contamination of the sample also limits the accuracy of Radiocarbon dating as when porous samples contain recently living material with a full â€Å"charge† of C-14. Finally, Radiocarbon dating can only be used on living organisms. DendrochronologyDendrochronology is the science that uses tree rings dated to their exact year of formation to analyze temporal and spatial patterns of processes in the physical and cultural sciences. Its main function in archaeology is to use tree rings to date when timber was felled, transported, processed, or used for construction or wooden artefacts such as a beam or pole of an ancient structure. The principle behind using tree-rings is that â€Å"tree-ring sequences from trees that grow in a seasonal climate, i. e., with one growth increment per year, with the size of that growth dependent upon some climatic stimulus such as cold in the Polar regions, drought in the Aegean, and various combinations of the two stimuli in regions in bet ween, can be compared so that these increments, more popularly known as â€Å"rings,† can be dated to the calendar year in which they were formed. † Aside from the principle of using tree-rings, the use of Dendrochronology is governed by several other principles, these set of scientific rules must be adhered to in order for the result to be flawless.There is the Uniformitarian Principle which states that â€Å"physical and biological processes that link current environmental processes with current patterns of tree growth must have been in operation in the past,† the Principle of Limiting Factors which states that â€Å"rates of plant processes are constrained by the primary environmental variable that is most limiting,† The Principle of Aggregate Tree Growth which states that â€Å"any individual tree-growth series can be â€Å"decomposed† into an aggregate of environmental factors, both human and natural, that affected the patterns of tree growth over time,† The Principle of Ecological Amplitude stating that a specie of trees â€Å"may grow and reproduce over a certain range of habitats, referred to as its ecological amplitude,† the Principle of Sites Selection which states that â€Å"hat sites useful to dendrochronology can be identified and selected based on criteria that will produce tree-ring series sensitive to the environmental variable being examined,† the Principle of Cross-dating which states that â€Å"matching patterns in ring widths or other ring characteristics (such as ring density patterns) among several tree-ring series allow the identification of the exact year in which each tree ring was formed. † and the Principle of Replication which states â€Å"that the environmental signal being investigated can be maximized, and the amount of â€Å"noise† minimized, by sampling more than one stem radius per tree, and more than one tree per site,† the application of which is not limited to Dendrochronology only.The methodology used in Dendrochronology is cross-dating, or matching patterns of ring-growth from one tree to another and assigning rings to specific years, however, this possible only among trees growing in the same general climatic region. The good thing about dendrochronology on the other hand, is that cross-dating can sometimes be achieved in spite of human interference to ring-growth such as thinning of stands, resin-gathering, fire damage, and other traumas such as severe weather effects, pollution or lightning damage, not to mention shaping of the wood at the time of construction and decay afterward. Furthermore, visual and statistical techniques are employed to guarantee the accuracy of the matches and in addition to simple ring-width analysis, X-ray densitometric methods are used to reconstruct past environmental conditions.It is also possible that wood or charcoal samples taken from standing buildings or excavated from archaeological site s be crossdated with each other and with wood from living trees to extend the tree-ring chronology beyond the date of the oldest ring of the oldest living tree in the region. Scientists believe that the best advantage of dendrochronology is that it is the only archaeometric technique where determination of absolute dates accurate to the year is either theoretically or practically possible, but, just like any other method of dating artefacts, it suffers from several limitations. The following limits the use or accuracy of Dendrochronology: 1. in some areas of the world, particularly in the tropics, the species available do not have sufficiently distinct seasonal patterns that can be used 2.in cases where the right species are available, the wood must be well enough preserved that the rings are readable to the point that there must be at least 30 intact rings on any one sample. 3. in order to produce an accurate result, it is necessary to have samples of timber that retained their bar k, so that it is clear which ring was the outermost when it was felled. 4. it can only be used if there is an existing master strip for that area and species; if the only master chronology available for the region is oak, cross-matching with timbers of these other species cannot be relied on. 5. use of this technique is also limited on how far back in the past things can be dated with tree rings although bristle cone pine trees can live to 9,000 years, this is a very rare phenomenon. 6.â€Å"sapwood is highly susceptible to decay particularly by beetle larvae and as a â€Å"result all sapwood may have been removed from the accessible surfaces of timbers during building repairs and conservation work, making it impossible to determine when the timber was felled. † 7. it may give inaccurate results on the actual date of the structure if it so happens that the date the timber was felled is not necessarily the date that the building was constructed or that the timber used was imp orted from another area. 8. in some places, prehistoric people may have built their structures using timber however, in most of the world that did not begin to happen until about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.Thermoluminiscence Thermoluminescence dating is the determination by means of measuring the accumulated radiation dose of the time elapsed since the material containing crystalline minerals was either heated or exposed to sunlight. The application ranges from â€Å"Lower Paleolithic to Neolithic archaeological sites, with a major focus on the Middle Paleolithic, which is often beyond the range of the radiocarbon method. † The principle behind this unique dating technique is based on the â€Å"storage of information about the absorbed radiation in inorganic crystals. † It is based on structural damage and faults to the crystal lattice of minerals by ionizing radiation.The sources for this omnipresent radiation are radioactive nuclides from the surrounding sediment and f rom the sample itself, as well as secondary cosmic rays. Thus a radiation dose accumulates in the crystal in the form of electrons in excited states, of which some are metastable and thus resident over periods of time long enough to allow a dating application. During the first heating of the artefact, if the temperature is high enough (400 ° C), the drainage is sufficient to relax all electrons relevant to the luminescence method used; that is, the clock is set to zero and through the years it starts to accumulate natural radiation, upon its second heating it releases all this stored radiation in terms of thermoluminescent light.The released light is then correlated to the absorbed radiation which is then correlated to the archeological age. In practice, knowledge of the composition of the artefact is of importance since the nature or chemical composition of it, as explained above, determines the amount of natural radioisotopes present in it. These natural radioisotopes are respon sible for the greater part of the radiation that is absorbed. If the composition of the artefact is known, then the archeological age of the artefact can be computed by using the â€Å"total amount of absorbed radiation divided by the absorbed dose through internal and external radiation per year. †The greatest advantage of Thermoluminescence dating over other methods is not only the direct association of the event with past human activity on a linear time scale, but also its smaller vulnerability to unknown variation of certain parameters. However, Thermoluminescence dating is still prone to errors and inaccuracies. The evaluation and publishing of results must be done with due care and must meet with certain standards which includes the presentation of glow curves, heating- and DE-plateaus, growth curve(s) and the determination of the alpha sensitivity of each sample. Also, equal care has to be taken in the evaluation of parameters prone to variation with time. ConclusionEa ch of the three dating techniques discussed has its own peculiar way of finding the archaeological era that a sample was created or may have died: Radiocarbon depends on decay, Dendrochronology depends upon growth and thermoluminescence depends upon absorption. The three techniques however different they may be are still connected by a linear timeline, when the accuracy of one technique ends, another begins. Dendrochronology can only be used as long as there are master strips which may reach only up to a maximum of 9,000 years old, results obtained through Radiocarbon, on the other hand, can only be accurate up to 50,000-60,000 years old while Thermoluminescence dating ranges from 10,000 to 230,000 years old. The three dating techniques discussed have their own advantages and disadvantages.In the end, the scientist is the one who weighs all the pro’s and the con’s of any technique and he is given the discretion on what technique to use which he thinks is more appropria te and shall give out more accurate findings. BIBLIOGRAPHY Berger, Thomas. Thermoluminescence Dating: A Brief Overview. http://www. ati. ac. at/~vanaweb/papers/archview. pdf Fagan, Brian M. and George H. Michaels. Dating Techniques in Archaeology. http://www. mc. maricopa. edu/dept/d10/asb/anthro2003/archy/dating/datingtech. html#Dendrochronology Freestone, Ian. Ceramic Analysis. http://ads. ahds. ac. uk/catalogue/adsdata/cbaoccpap/pdf/117/11710001. pdf Grissino-Mayer, Henri D. Principles of Dendrochronology. http://web. utk. edu/~grissino/principles. htm Higham, Thomas. The Method. http://www. c14dating. com/int. html Hirst, Kris K.Radiocarbon Dating Method. http://archaeology. about. com/od/rterms/g/radiocarbon. htm Kuniholm, Peter Ian. Dendrochronology. http://www. arts. cornell. edu/dendro/ajatext. html Richter, Daniel. Advantages and Limitations of Thermoluminescence of Heated Flint from Paleolithic Sites. http://www. eva. mpg. de/evolution/staff/richter/pdf/07-RichterGeoarchae ology. pdf Robinson, B. A. How does Carbon-14 Dating (C-14) Work? Is it Accurate and Reliable?. http://www. religioustolerance. org/c14dats. htm Taylor, Jonathan. Dendrochronology in Dating Timber Framed Building and Structures. http://www. buildingconservation. com/articles/dendrochron/dendro. htm