Long Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Long Proposal - Essay Example Since we are going to apply our project to find the solutions of the RTD parking for people who are in trouble due to mismanagement and due to parking issues at RTD, we will be working all the community workers who are responsible to manage RTD parking, all people who are using RTD space as parking lots and all customers who are influenced by TRD parking shortage. The audience includes community staff, fellow students, passersby, customers. We will also be utilizing blue print documents and maps of the RTD parking areas. Our proposal is interlinked with what we have studied at university level. It is related because it deals with our problems as we are regular passengers of RTD, we are directly influenced by RTD parking problem, among many who are directly or indirectly influenced by these problems. RTD parking lots unavailability has direct influence on all students who require to purchase pass through school and being not able to utilize this pass have repercussions like it portray s financial burden on schools to provide transportation services to the students who are in need. Students studying business communication are worse hit by RTD problems because they are dependent on the RTD parking to attend their classes.

Strategic management Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Strategic management - Article Example Issues such as higher volume of patients catered through limited capacity in the emergency room as well as the lack of adapting new technologies have made it relatively difficult for the hospital to keep pace with the larger hospitals. Recruiting and retaining skilled physicians as well as nursing staff at relatively affordable cost was another operational issue faced by hospital. Due to the structural changes in the healthcare industry overall availability of the physicians declined due to reduction in their wages. It is also important to note that the increasing influence of the managed care organizations is also sited as one of the operational issues faced by EMC. The overall influence of the managed care therefore is forcing the hospitals to offer services at reduced costs. Strategic Options Available One of the key elements to be explored before EMC can make any strategic move is the understanding of the external environment of hospital. Over the period of time the changes which have taken place largely were regulated as well as driven by competition. A closer analysis of the competitive environment suggests that most of the players were non-profit organizations with focus on developing extensive network to gain the competitive edge in the market. The essential nature of the competition therefore may force EMC to look for the options which can allow it to exploit the established network of different direct as well as indirect players in the market influencing the overall outcome in the market. One of the most important strategic actions which EMC can take is to merge with any competing HMO in order to take advantage of the core competencies of other organization. Since most of the organizations are non-profit organizations therefore hospital can also achieve the required level of synergy with relative ease. Further, the utilization of the existing technology of the bigger player would enable it to overcome its traditional weakness of adapting to the new te chnology in slow manner. This would further allow the hospital to become better equipped to reduce the number of complains also. It is also important to note that the merger with any other HMO will also provide an opportunity to gain access to the larger base of medical and health care services providers such as physicians and nurses. This would therefore can allow broadening the overall scope of services offered under one roof. Another important strategic option which may be considered is to maintain the status quo and initiate a program of change. President Moeen however, would require drastic changes in the way hospital is managed. This would require taking a holistic view of the operational challenges faced by the hospital and than taken on a systematic strategic approach to utilize the core competencies of the hospital to gain the required momentum to achieve the growth. Recommendations In order to overcome the operational challenges as well as to make EMC a competitive force w ithin the area, President Moeen can take on the drastic changes to further rationalize the cost while at the same time maintaining the status quo. This would involve looking for new ways and methods to further rationalize the cost while at the same time ensuring that the hospital continues to expand. In order to achieve this, it would be better if the hospital look for more financing

Organizational Output of Pfizer

Organizational Output of Pfizer Organizational Output Introduction Output generally refers to the things produced. output, in terms of the production unit means total number of products generated for a given duration and the various cost associated with the production. Outputs also refer to the number of customers visited in a given time. The organization needs to become accustomed, if there is a decline in the output of the organization due to alteration in the external or internal environment. Key outputs Key outputs of the Pfizer include opening of Manufacturing facilities, New innovative products And financial outcome (Pfizer Inc Third-Quarter 2004 Performance Report, 2008). Manufacturing facilities: Pfizer Inc, the giant in Healthcare opened its manufacturing facility in Singapore of about $600. This investment will support the extensive plans of the companys operations. In Asia, this investment has made the Pfizer important active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing plant. It is an entirely automatic facility. This facility in Singapore will prove to be an important link in manufacturing and developing dynamic ingredients that will be used in Neurontin. For tablets and capsules production, these ingredients are used and are transported to the drug product plants. The output obtained by the manufacturing plant will promote the global sales of about many billion US dollars. Pfizer selected this particular place because of well established corporate information technology unit (Kotler, 2002). From an American-intensive chemical manufacturing company, Pfizer has shifted to a global research based pharmaceutical business. As a result, it has become the worlds biggest healthcare company based on research. Products: In 2007, the company performed extremely well and made such changes that have enhanced its future performance. Lyrica, Sutent and Chantix played a Key role and performed extremely well. Currently Pfizer has ten dissimilar divisions and encourages thirty-one diverse main products. Within each groups, the divisions and major products are: Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, which includes Lipitor, Caduet, Norvasc, Diabetes, Arthritis and Pain, Central Nervous System Disorders, Infectious and Respiratory Diseases. Apart from this, Pfizer have six products that are into the pipeline of RD. Financial outcome: In 2007, the company reflected strong financial performance. The company focused on constructing the value by attaining the financial goals, restricting spending, and maintaining the cost structure. In order to deliver the vast shareholder return, new program is approved by Board of Directors. Apart from this, the company announced an increase of 10% in the first-quarter of 2008. This has increased the share holder wealth. In the fourth-quarter of 2007, Pfizer showed revenue of $13.1 billion and in the year-ago quarter; it reflected an increase of 4%. Foreign exchange has a great impact on revenue of Fourth-quarter 2007. Apart from this, there is an increase in the second quarter revenues. In 2005, Pfizer showed a net income of $8,085 million, this reflected a decline of 29% in 2004. The company has the huge budget allocated for RD. It has strong predictable cash flow in the next thirty months. Last but not the least, Pfizer shows a stable EPS growth (Organizationa l Culture and Product Innovation, 2004). Relevance of these outcomes in my study These outputs play an important role in estimating the company’s strength and achieving its long term objectives. Apart from this, these also support the extensive plans of the companys operations and increase the shareholders’ wealth. Innovative products can bring huge profits for the company, since they will attract the consumers. New product development is the strong capability of the Pfizer due to its determination, focus and dedication to research. Pfizer is becoming financially secure because of the company’s strong endeavor for developing the new innovative products. Hence, these form the important part of the study. Interrelation between the outcomes All these outputs can not operate independently; they are interlinked to each other. To develop innovative services and products is a critical issue for any company and it determines the level of financial outcome that the company will receive. If the company plans to open the manufacturing facilities, it has to see the scope for the new innovative products. Company will try to find out the success rate it will obtain by opening the new facilities. Financial measures are taken as the lagging indicators that derive the outcomes from precedent actions. Restricted reliance on financial indicators will lead to the behavior that forgoes long-term creation of value for short-term performance. Hence, proper estimation of the financial constraints is important. To expand the company business the company needs to be sound in its financial policies. Greater the financial outcome greater will be the company’s strength. Innovative products have the capability to secure the company financially. In the pharmaceutical industry, product market is getting saturated and forcing the company to spend a huge portion of budgets on differentiation of product and in the marketing activities among the competitors. Synergies created by the output Positive synergy is created by these outputs. If they are properly aligned, they can yield to a huge profit. The proper investment in any field is precious because the firm gets the opportunity to take the advantage of new opportunities, which can derive the continuing development for the company. The total budget assigned for the development of new products by the company is the highest in the industry and can not be imitated by the competitors. Hence, development of new product development is exclusive and valuable to the organization. For this, the company uses the patent and license. New product helps in acquiring strong product portfolio. Proper financial investment in sales force plays a critical role as it determines the company’s strength in terms of profits and revenue. This example was found in the products such as Stutent and Lurica. The company’s internal process should be in line with the Pfizer external functions and must focus on the reorganizing procedur es and processes so as to develop the efficiency in the operational activities to achieve a competitive advantage by spending fewer amounts. On the other hand, huge problems can arise if there is lack of proper coordination between these outcomes. All the outcomes are interlinked, so if they are not managed properly, they can put the company in trouble. Therefore, development of facilities requires huge research. And for this, company is required to properly allocate the resources to all the departments. Major chunk of revenue is used in the research and the development. If any wrong decision is taken related to the development of new product without undergoing through analysis, the company can incur the huge financial losses, which will ultimately hamper the trust of the various stake holders of the company. If any strategy is missed out, it will lead to the space for the substitute products; for this, the company has to incur heavy loss. Therefore company should take the proactive steps in order to defend the competitors. For this, the in depth analysis is required by the company. Therefore, efforts of all the departments in a coordinated manner are required (Kotler, 2002). References Kotler, P. (2002). Marketing Management: Strategies of Pfizer (11th Edition). New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India. Organizational Culture and Product Innovation. (2004). International Business Review 13(6): 685-703. Pfizer Inc Third-Quarter 2004 Performance Report. (2008). Retrieved April 28, 2008 from http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104STORY=/www/story/10-20-2004/0002289038EDATE= Pfizer: A healthy business vision. (2004). Retrieved April 29, 2008 from http://www.edb.gov.sg/edb/sg/en_uk/index/news_room/publications/singapore_investment04/singapore_investment10/pfizer_a_healthy.html

Macbeth: Power Is The Paradox :: essays research papers

Macbeth: Power Is The Paradox People have a hard time getting what they want; in fact, the things they want can be incompatible with each other. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the protagonist is lured to murder the king, Duncan, by the desire for power, an appetite honed by witch's prophecies and his wife's encouragement. But when he reaches the kingship, he finds himself insecure. He attempts to remove threats that decrease his security, including his companion Banquo and his son Fleance, predicted to be king. His lords grow angry and revolt successfully, after witches lure Macbeth into a false sense of security by further foretelling. In Macbeth, we see that, despite appearances of contradiction, man's goals of comfort and power are forever opposed in increment, though the two may decline together. The power from knowledge causes discomfort. As often has been said, ignorance is bliss. After Macbeth is promised the throne, Banquo asks why Macbeth is less than ecstatic. "Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?" (Act I, Scene 3) Macbeth's new knowledge makes him uncomfortable, as he realizes the implications. His first thoughts considering murdering Duncan appear, and he is scared. After he commits the murder, Macbeth says, "To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself." (Act II, Scene 2) Knowing that has committed such a vile act makes him uncomfortable. It will be difficult to act innocent and to deal with his guilt. When he later decides to murder Banquo and Fleance, he tells his wife, "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed." (Act III, Scene 2) Hecate sets Macbeth up for his final fall. The security provided by the second set of predictions is only short-lived. Feeling there is no threat to his power, Macbeth acts wildly, bringing his downfall and loss of both comfort and security. The problem with knowledge was that it was power resulting in a decline in comfort. Those most comfortable have the least power. The enjoyment of security prevents strength. The Porter delivers an ironic speech on the evils of drink, explaining, "Lechery, sir, it provokes and unprovokes: it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance: therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery: it makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him and disheartens him; makes him stand to and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a sleep, and giving him the lie, leaves him." (Act II, Scene 3) While drink may cause comfort, this is

Communication: Death and Life Essay

Describe ethical dilemmas that may arise in own area of responsibility when balancing individual rights and duty of care. Nurses and other medical personnel normally confront ethical dilemmas when caring for terminally ill patients. Correct understanding of the fundamental ethical principles aids the nurses to examine major dilemmas in the delivery of healthcare to the very sick patients or terminally ill patients. Due to a boost in medical knowledge and expertise, so are alternatives for healthcare. These alternatives present intricate moral dilemmas when decisions arise regarding the treatment of dying patients. Majority of the medical personnel are faced with the decisions related to the treatment of dying patients to ease a patient’s final misery. Conceivably, a decision will need to be made about whether to allow a patient to continue living or to end his or her life by terminating treatment when all’s said and done. Often, these decisions concerning the care of a dying loved one confront people from all walks of life (Butts and Rich, 2005) End of life is a concept that is often ignored despite the fact that everyone will die some day. It is because death is a part of life that people are familiar with palliative care given at the end of life. Yet, the end of life concept is generally thought to be something equated with human life. At least, that is what people tend to think of when the phrase â€Å"end of life† is uttered. Today, palliative care is offered when someone is dying, and when the end is predictable. Some people die a slow death from issues like cancer or heart disease, but others die abruptly from an accident or heart attack when life ends. In the latter case, the end of life is only known in retrospect. How is the end of life defined? Death is very difficult to define. Yet, doctors have determined some criteria to at least allow someone into a hospice program. Still, the end of life can be looked at philosophically, and examined in regard to a number of different domains. For everyone, death is inevitable, and each loss is personally felt by those close to the one who has died. It is very important that nurses, the medical staff and or love ones understand the end of life process of the being in order to care for them. The dying person should be allowed to have a peaceful, pain free, and dignified death. The World Health Organization (2009) has defined palliative care as: â€Å"an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems such as physical, psychosocial and spiritual.†Caring for those receiving palliative care in the community during the end stages of life requires an extraordinary commitment from the nursing team, not only human resource but also competence, compassion and focus in anticipating the needs of the patient and family. It is a complex activity involving a holistic approach, building relationships together with expert professional skills and decision making processes (Melvin 2003). Similarly, in caring for older people the Gerontologists and ethicists argue that nursing home residents would receive more humane care at the end of life if they remained in nursing homes rather than were transferred to hospitals. Yet, there are legitimate concerns when advocating that nursing homes care for dying residents. Nursing homes recognize the need to earn society’s confidence in their ability to provide the dying the highest standard of care. Many homes do, in fact, deliver principled and compassionate are. Yet, even those homes that adhere to high standards point to the lack of industry guidelines on what constitutes quality end-of-life care as a barrier to their ability to assure that care to dying residents conforms to the highest quality. Nursing homes need public policy that supports their efforts to explore the use of palliative care models. Explain the principle of informed choices People approaching the end of life should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, in partnership with health and social care professionals and with their families and carers. Good communication between health and social care professionals and people approaching the end of life and their families and carers is essential and should be sensitive to personal preferences. Treatment and care, and the information given about it, should be culturally appropriate. It should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, cognitive, sensory or learning disabilities, and to people who do not speak or read English. People approaching the end of life should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed. Workforces involved in end of life care should adopt an agreed, consistent approach and attitude to end of life care that encourages and accepts patient choice, regardless of their own background, culture and views. (Www diversity, equality and language, NHS, NICE guidelines) These principles should include: 1. The choices and priorities of the individual are at the centre of all End of Life care planning and delivery. 2. Effective, straightforward, sensitive and open communication between individuals, families, friends and staff underpins all planning and activity. Communication reflects an understanding of the significance of each individual’s beliefs and needs. 3. High quality End of Life Care is delivered via the process of close multi disciplinary and inter-agency working. Collaborative working ensures that the needs of the individual are articulated, shared, understood and reviewed. By developing and utilising networks the right resources and support are identified and provided. 4. Individuals, their families and friends are well informed about the range of options and resources available to them to enable them to be involved in the planning, developing and evaluating of End of Life Care plans and services. 5. Care is delivered in a sensitive, person-centred way that takes account of the circumstances, wishes and priorities of the individual, their family and friends 6. Care and support are available to, and continue for, anyone affected by the end life, and death, of the individual 7. Workers are supported to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to initiate and deliver high quality End of Life Care, or where appropriate to seek advice and guidance from other colleagues Workers recognise the importance of their continuing professional development, and take responsibility for it

Which customers should HubSpot target Essay

Which customers should HubSpot target: Owner Ollies or Marketer Marys? Or perhaps only a portion of one of the segments? Give the positives-and-negatives of your choice. I personally believe that Hubspot should target Owner Ollies. Owner Allies are already a major segment of their business. With 73% of the customers belonging to this category, they have a sound understanding of selling to this segment. It takes them less money to attract customers in this segment and the selling time is much faster. It also takes a smaller time period to recover the costs invested in acquiring these customers. The needs of the OO market segment was also fairly easy to service. Owner Ollies is a bigger market segment with huge potential to service with the existing solution whereas Marketer marys’s market needs to be developed further with a comprehensive solution. Within the market, Hubspot should target the B2B segment as the churn rate in this segment is lesser compared to the B2C segment. Positives Negatives Easier to sell, Lower sales complexity Higher Churn rates as compared to MMs. Lower cost to acquire B2B needed more help, as not well worse in marketing strategies Average churn rate of B2B is 8.7% as compared to B2C’s 11.9% MMs pay more money for monthly usage Not established businesses, could go out of businesses in a recession Well-funded and had the money to pay Hubspot’s products. Lower customer loyalty, as the needs of the customer is satisfied in a few months and then they discontinue the service. Missing out on opportunity to develop more sophisticated tools that will help expand the business in the long run. Higher Support costs MMs are likely to use inbound marketing products often. Does HubSpot have the right set of products for the target customers you selected? If not, what product changes and/or enhancements should they make? Yes, Hubspot has the right set of products for the Owner Ollie market segment. Currently, Owner Ollie consists of 73% of hubspot’s market and this  signifies a good deal about the product offering’s meeting customer needs. Hubspot offers content design solutions that makes creating and editing online content easy. It has predefined templates and can be used non-tech savvy users. SEO is important to this customer segment and Hubspot has a Link grader analyzer product that satisfies this need. Hubspot software has marketing intelligence analytics for tracking the interactions with the firm’s content and enabled firms to analyze which of the inbound marketing programs were working to generate quality Leads. The key business need of this customer segment is a quick simple solution to generate more leads and convert those leads into sales. Hubspot can focus a little more on their Lead Grader and Lead Visit Alert solutions to enhance the impact on this customer segment and try and retain customers over time. Overall I believe, Hubspot, Offers a competitively priced product that is easy to use as well as does not require substantial technical expertise to use. Hence meeting the needs of the targeted customer segment. Market Size: Owners 1,676,130 *3K/year = 5.03B Marketers 612,938 *6K/year = 3.68B Customer Lifetime value – monthly profit *lifetime – acquisition cost OO CLV= 250*23-1,000 = 4750 MM CLV = 500*31-5,000 = 10,500 Profit potential of segment = # of cutoemrs in segment * probability of attracting them * average retention time * profit potential per customer

Music Unit 2 Text Essay Example

Music Unit 2 Text Essay Example Music Unit 2 Text Essay Music Unit 2 Text Essay Music Appreciation Text Questions Please complete the following questions. It is important that you use full sentences and present the questions and answers when you submit your work. Submit the work as a file attachment. This means you complete all work in a word processing document (e. g. , Microsoft Word) and attach the file using the dropbox tool. Use the Unit 2: Text Questions dropbox basket. The answers to the Review Critical Thinking questions are worth 10 points. Review Questions 1. What is popular music? 2. What theme does pop music typically use in the lyrics? Describe one pop song that uses this theme. Why is this theme such a popular one? 3. What is disco? What are the characteristics of this music? 4. What was the British Invasion? Which famous group was a part of this movement? What impact did the group have on pop music? 5. What is a boy band? What are some characteristics of a boy band? Critical Thinking Questions 1. Some of the music in the 1960s was used to protest social and political issues. Is music still used as a form of protest? Why or why not? 2. One of the changes in the music industry during the twentieth century was the increasing commercialization of music. Has music become too commercial? Why or why not? Do you think that artists are creating music for money or for other reasons today? 3. How has technology impacted pop music? Describe at least three technological changes that impacted and shaped pop music today or in the past. 4. Pop music has often been seen as youth music. Why do you think pop music appeals to younger individuals? How has the industry promoted this idea? 5. What is one popular pop artist or group (from today or from the past)? Why does this person/group’s music fit into the pop genre? Why do you think the person/group was successful with their music?

Tibetans Essays - Tibet, Dream, Psychotherapy, Symbols, Free Essays

Tibetans Essays - Tibet, Dream, Psychotherapy, Symbols, Free Essays Tibetans PSY101 Instructor: Paula Frioli Peter, PH.D Assignment: Abstract 1 Yin, F., Shen, H., He, Y., Wei, y., & Cao, W. (2013). Typical dreams of being chased. INTRODUCTION The majority of people experience couple of dreams in their life time. Falling, being chased or threatened are typical dreams that people experience. These dreams can be traced back to recollections of experiences and desired experienced during early childhood (Freud). Researchers have shown that being chased has the highest occurrence rate. METHOD University students from Tibet and south china were selected for participates. The research uses a stratified sampling principle for data collection (Ying Wei ). There were 600 questionnaires that were distributed. A total of 569 valid questionnaires were returned: 278 Tibetan (66 male and 22 female) and 291 Han chines (196 male and 95 female). The participants ages ranges The Han Chinese (102) and the Tibetans (106) a total of 208 were interviewed to collect basic information on being chased dream. The interviewers focused on the key elements that were emotions, the chasing agents, and the reaction when the dreamer was being chased. RESULTS Tibetan participants have a lower percentage (89.2%) than Han Chinese (97.31%) for those being chased in their dreams. Han Chinese and Tibetan both experience negative emotion (fear) when theyre being chased in their dreams; 79.8% in Tibetan undergraduates and 79.2% in Han Chinese. When the dreamer was being chased during their dream their reaction was to runaway. 72.4% of Han undergraduates would runaway, whereas Tibetans was 59.7%. DISCUSSION Running away is the most basic pattern behavior, its the most natural and main reaction to escape danger. Its best to confront the situation then to run away from it.

Behistun Inscription - Message to the Persian Empire

Behistun Inscription - Message to the Persian Empire The Behistun inscription (also spelled Bisitun or Bisotun and typically abbreviated as DB for Darius Bisitun) is a 6th century BCE Persian Empire carving. The ancient billboard includes four panels of cuneiform writing around a set of three-dimensional figures, cut deep into a limestone cliff. The figures are carved 300 feet (90 meters) above the Royal Road of the Achaemenids, known today as the Kermanshah-Tehran highway in Iran. Fast Facts: Behistun Steel Name of Work:  Behistun InscriptionArtist or Architect: Darius the Great, ruled 522–486 BCEStyle/Movement: Parallel CuneiformTextPeriod: Persian EmpireHeight: 120 feetWidth: 125 feetType of Work: Carved inscriptionCreated/Built: 520–518 BCEMedium: Carved Limestone BedrockLocation: Near Bisotun, IranOffbeat Fact: The earliest known example of political propagandaLanguages: Old Persian, Elamite, Akkadian The carving is located near the town of Bisotun, Iran, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) from Tehran and about 18 mi (30 km) from Kermanshah. The figures show the crowned Persian king Darius I stepping on Guatama (his predecessor and rival) and nine rebel leaders standing before him connected by ropes around their necks. The figures measures some 60x10.5 ft (18x3.2 m) and the four panels of text more than double the overall size, creating an irregular rectangle of approximately 200x120 ft (60x35 m), with the lowest part of the carving some 125 ft (38 m) above the road. Behistun Text The writing on the Behistun inscription, like the Rosetta Stone, is a parallel text, a type of linguistic text that consists of two or more strings of written language placed alongside each other so they can be easily compared. The Behistun inscription is recorded in three different languages: in this case, cuneiform versions of Old Persian, Elamite, and a form of Neo-Babylonian called Akkadian. Like the Rosetta Stone, the Behistun text greatly assisted in the decipherment of those ancient languages: the inscription includes the earliest known use of Old Persian, a sub-branch of Indo-Iranian. A version of the Behistun inscription written in Aramaic (the same language of the Dead Sea Scrolls) was discovered on a papyrus scroll in Egypt, probably written during the early years of the reign of Darius II, about a century after the DB was carved into the rocks. See Tavernier (2001) for more specifics about the Aramaic script. Royal Propaganda The text of the Behistun inscription describes the early military campaigns of the Achaemenid rule King Darius I (522–486 BCE). The inscription, carved shortly after Dariuss accession to the throne between 520 and 518 BCE, give autobiographical, historical, royal and religious information about Darius: the Behistun text is one of several pieces of propaganda establishing Dariuss right to rule. The text also includes Dariuss genealogy, a list of the ethnic groups subject to him, how his accession occurred, several failed revolts against him, a list of his royal virtues, instructions to future generations and how the text was created.   So, What Does it Mean? Most scholars agree that the Behistun inscription is a bit of political bragging. Dariuss main purpose was to establish the legitimacy of his claim to Cyrus the Greats throne, to which he had no blood connection. Other bits of Dariuss braggadocio are found in others of these trilingual passages, as well as big architectural projects at Persepolis and Susa, and the burial places of Cyrus at Pasargadae and his own at Naqsh-i-Rustam. Historian Jennifer Finn (2011) noted that the location of the cuneiform is too far above the road to be read, and few people were likely literate in any language anyway when the inscription was made. She suggests that the written portion was meant not only for public consumption but that there was likely a ritual component, that the text was a message to the cosmos about the king. Translations and Interpretations Henry Rawlinson is credited with the first successful translation in English, scrambling up the cliff in 1835, and publishing his text in 1851. The 19th-century Persian scholar Mohammad Hasan Khan Etemad al-Saltaneh (1843–96) published the first Persian translation of the Behistun translation. He noted but disputed the then-current idea that Darius or Dara might have been matched to King Lohrasp of the Zoroastrian religious and Persian epic traditions.   Israeli historian Nadav Naaman has suggested (2015) that the Behistun inscription may have been a source for the Old Testament story of Abrahams victory over the four powerful Near Eastern kings. Sources Alibaigi, Sajjad, Kamal Aldin Niknami, and Shokouh Khosravi. The Location of the Parthian City of Bagistana in Bistoun, Kermanshah: A Proposal. Iranica Antiqua 47 (2011): 117–31. Print.Briant, Pierre. History of the Persian Empire (550–330 BC). Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia. Eds. Curtis, John E., and Nigel Tallis. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2005. 12–17. Print.Daryaee, Touraj. Persianate Contribution to the Study of Antiquity: Etemad Al-Saltanehs Nativisation of the Qajars. Iran 54.1 (2016): 39–45. Print.Ebeling, Signe Oksefjell, and Jarie Ebeling. From Babylon to Bergen: On the Usefulness of Aligned Texts. Bergen Language and Linguistics Studies 3.1 (2013): 23–42. Print.Finn, Jennifer. Gods, Kings, Men: Trilingual Inscriptions and Symbolic Visualizations in the Achaemenid Empire. Ars Orientalis 41 (2011): 219–75. Print.Naaman, Nadav. Abrahams Victory over the Kings of the Four Quadrants in Light of Darius Is Bis itun Inscription. Tel Aviv 42.1 (2015): 72–88. Print. Olmstead, A. T. Darius and His Behistun Inscription. The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures 55.4 (1938): 392–416. Print.Rawlinson, H. C. Memoir on the Babylonian and Assyrian Inscriptions. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland 14 (1851): i–16. Print.Tavernier, Jan. An Achaemenid Royal Inscription: The Text of Paragraph 13 of the Aramaic Version of the Bisitun Inscription. Journal of Near Eastern Studies 60.3 (2001): 61–176. Print.Wilson-Wright, Aren. From Persepolis to Jerusalem: A Reevaluation of Old Persian-Hebrew Contact in the Achaemenid Period. Vetus Testamentum 65.1 (2015): 152–67. Print.

Identification of Relevant and Irrelevant Cost - Coca Cola Flavored Essay

Identification of Relevant and Irrelevant Cost - Coca Cola Flavored Milk - Essay Example In the mid of 2007, the company underwent some serious planning regarding the extension of current product lines. Carbonated drinks, mineral water, fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages were already there in company’s product portfolio, yet the company realized the importance of adding a new product in the form of flavored milks. The launch of this new product under the name of Coca-Cola’s brand name is one of the most challenging tasks for the product managers as well as the project managers of the company. The research and development department of the company undertook rigorous workings on the proposed launch of flavored milk. The whole research process followed the different stages including planning, development of the new product, testing, commercial viability, branding, initial launch of the new product and many other activities. Each of these activities had its own cost estimates which are considered as either relevant or non-relevant. Planning Stage Th e planning stage is the general stage for all those products that are intended to be launched. The costs arising due to this activity are always considered as irrelevant because the planning process always keeps going on irrespective of the fact whether a new product is launched or not in the current timeframe. The general expenditure of Coca-Cola on account of its planning activity amounts to around $1 million annually. However, this cost is the general expense of the company and cannot be allocated to the product cost of flavored milk. Development Stage Once a basic formula is identified for one or more products, then development stage is commenced in order to create a better product. However, this activity is carried out for every product that can be produced by the company irrespective of the fact whether it would be launched by the company or not. As a result, the expenditures pertaining to this particular stage are considered to be irrelevant and assumed to be accounted for as the general research and development expenditures of the company. The rough estimates of Coca-Cola under this activity, ranges between $1 and $3 million depending upon the level of estimates. Testing Stage After the products are developed, there comes the next stage in which the products are gone through rigorous testing activities such that the products are tested in a real environment and timeframe. The taste, quality, odor, and other characteristics of the product are tested by the consumers as how they rate those products as per their own taste preferences. Since this process also occurs on uniform basis for every developed product, therefore the cost pertaining to testing is considered as irrelevant. Roughly estimates of this cost ranges around $0.5 million to$2 million a year and is expensed out on general basis. Commercial Viability Testing stage leads to the stage where the products are checked for their viability as to whether a particular product would be liked and accept ed by the consumers, concerns of distributers regarding the effective transportation of the product as the product is at its birth stage and with many other issues. This cost is the piercing cost among the relevant and irrelevant cost. It depends upon the policy of the company whether to account for this cost as a relevant or irrelevant cost. Branding After it is decided as to which product is going to be launched in the market, effective marketing strategies are formulated

Multinational enterprises from the Asia Pacific in the global economy Essay

Multinational enterprises from the Asia Pacific in the global economy - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that multinational corporations are enterprises that a base in a particular country, but with a number of subsidiaries abroad. Most of these multinational enterprises are state owned organizations and receive numerous supports from the government. In the recent past, there has been a rise and growing role of multinational enterprises, particularly in the Asia Pacific region in the global economy. In the past few decades, multinational enterprises from the Asia Pacific were not as dominant and buoyant in the global economy as those in Europe and America. Today, the dynamics have changed and the focus has been shifted to the Multinational enterprises in the Asia Pacific. Research has shown that 29% of multinational enterprises from the globe come from the Pacific Asia. This is out of the over five hundred listed multinationals. In essence, it means that of the 500 listed companies, 145 are from the Pacific Asia region. In the recent past, Chi na alone has added close to about 9 multinationals. This to a large extent sensational in the sense that the global index of companies did not previously indicate a surge in the multinational enterprise. Countries like Japan, China, India, and South Korea continue to dominate the markets in unprecedented rates. The growing influence of these multinationals and their role in the global economy is an interesting phenomenon that warrants some keen interest.

Greece And Rome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Greece And Rome - Essay Example The Gods’ presences affected the minds of every individual who lived in Rome among other regions. How is what someone does or does not do pertain to the Gods? Does it affect their lifestyle? Do certain Gods meet specific criteria for the citizens of Rome? All of these questions affect the anxiety of how life is lived based on how each God is viewed. Fortunately, these worries are often put to rest for most people when guidelines are implemented and stories are told that predict the aftermath of worshipping one God vs. another. Quintus Horatius Flaccus, or Horace as current society knows him by, is no exception to helping create and foster the ideas of life in the presence of Gods (Horace, par. 1). Horace describes his occupation as: â€Å"Ye worthy trio! we poor sons of song/ Oft find ‘tis fancied right that leads us wrong† (Flaccus, par. 3, ll. 33-34). We poor sons of song refers to other lyrical poets. The next line oft find ‘tis fancied right that leads u s wrong means their talent of repeating history, remarking on ideas and sharing them should not be an ego boost. In other words, their ability in performing odes is a good deed if it is done correctly and not interpreted the way the poet believes it should be to gain favoritism. Horace remarks on how poets, or artists, are not gods and that it is vital to remember that in lines 45-46: By sense of art, creates a new defect/ Fix on some casual sculpture; he shall know/ How to give nails their sharpness, hair its flow;/ Yet he shall fail, because he lacks the soul/ To comprehend and reproduce the whole. (Flaccus, par. 3) The key words mentioned first are art and defect because it indicates that citizens need to keep a level head. He lacks the soul furthers Horace’s argument in that soul is defined as the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal. Horace is saying that people may understand how worldly things work, but they do not attain the ca pacity to create it based on the fact that he wrote reproduce the whole. Whole, in this case, meaning containing all its natural constituents, components, or elements states that humans cannot recreate life in its exact entirety the way Gods can when it is paired with the action of reproduction. Therefore, the Gods are viewed as being above the Romans, and they are entities that should be respected and worshipped in order to lead successful lives. Horace’s ode continues to discuss the theme of the Gods and how they impact Roman life. He says, â€Å"To Vesta’s temple and King Numa’s palace/†¦ Wild, love-lorn river god! He saw himself as/ Avenger of his long-lamenting llia† (Horace, tr Michie, 5, ll. 15, 17-18). The Gods are a part of Roman life. Here, Vesta is mentioned for she is the goddess of the hearth, and the first goddess to scorn if an outsider trespasses on a home. Also, the river God too, but what is most evident about this passage is that h uman emotion is personified on the Gods through words like love-lorn, which means being without love; forsaken by one’s lover, and avenger that is defined as to take vengeance on behalf of. The Romans did this in order to relate to the Gods and generate understanding. The Gods were viewed as having extensive influence in shaping the lives of the citizens of Rome. When some thing important happened, especially if it was a turn for the worse, people turned to the Gods. Horace says, â€Å"Which of the gods now shall the people summon/ To prop Rome’

Out-of Control Interview Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Out-of Control Interview - Assignment Example By Maria being able to take a job as a waitress in a hotel yet she’s such an intelligent person just shows how non-selective she is when it comes to doing anything to survive. She’s therefore depicted as one who is driven by her goals and will do anything to achieve her goals. He can be useful to the organization in case Maria was employed there since she will ensure she does what it takes in order to achieve what they want. On the part of the carelessness of the firm’s management with their questions, it actually reflected a well-thought interview, most interviews are known for just touching on what they people expect out of the interview such as questions about one’s career, skills, and experience. A person is always prepared fully to even tell a lie when it comes to testing them on the usual aspect they expected out of an interview. Therefore, for the management to really realize your real character, thought and skills of critical thinking, it is very i mportant that they make the interview appear like they are not even serious with it or have careless questions in between. In this way, one will be taken out of their already thought answers that might not be true, to give exactly what you are to the panel. As you try to respond to the careless questions they throw at you, they also get the chance to study your reaction that gives them a chance to make their informed decision about you. Maria must have regarded the carelessness of the management seriously and decided to be herself in responding to such questions.

Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Blog - Essay Example There are still many people who are white supremacists and are racist against people of all different nationalities. Whether it be a group of African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Arabs, or Native Americans, people still racially oppress these groups. It is a system of hierarchy and allows for white people who primarily came from Europe into the American mixing pot to claim what they thought was theirs, no matter who they had to take from. Many whites still express racism in many different forms. Individuals may have no reason to hate or be prejudice against others but based on stereotypes that they have heard in the media, it is still present. The only thing that the arrogant white people have against these individuals is the color of their skin. Though many whites this far into the future may have ties to other cultures by having an American Indian great-great-grandparent or an ancestor of a different race. The whites turn a blind eye. It is evident in songs, films, text and even in sporting teams. White people do not always take into consideration that the fact that their team might be the Atlanta Braves could be offensive to the American Indian cultures. It is common for people in power to have a sense of oppression. There have been instances of individual violence and economic power. It creates an unequal distribution of power. For example, Barack Obama was the first black President and for many there have been situations where they have acted out and been prejudiced toward black people just because a person of their race has a place in power. But why has there not been a President that is a Native American? The Native Americans are given a different type of rights. Many still live together in order to share their heritage on reserves. Other Native Americans may feel that they are not good enough. They may not teach their children the stories of their past or instill their cultural beliefs. The generations may

Analytic source review and evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Analytic source review and evaluation - Essay Example The methodical studies conducted over the last decades regarding the addiction of drugs among the young people, revealed that after a certain period an individual cannot afford the price and gradually gets involved in criminal activities to increase their affordability. In majority instances, such consequences were found to be led by the negligence of parents, guardians or the other members of the society towards the young people. These activities not only hinder the healthy growth of the society, but also restrict social progress in terms of economic divergences, education prospects and governance systems. The objective of the paper will thereby be focused on analysing and evaluating the criminal activities associated with illegal drugs as well as sexual assaults in the modern day context. Discussion Illicit Drugs Illicit drugs habit is often regarded as the major cause of interpersonal violence as well as public health challenges in the modern society. With this concern, the Nation al Drug Intelligence Centre (NDIC) along with many other non-profit organizations have taken initiative and organized a yearly National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA) that tends to assess the impact of threats related to illicit drug related crimes on the society as well as on the nation at large. Recent reports in this regard revealed that the total cost incurred in relation to illicit drug use was approximated in excess of $193 billion in the year 2007. The cost was estimated focusing on three major principal areas i.e. crime, health and aggregate productivity of the state or region. The component of crime cost is fundamentally based on three major factors that include criminal justice system costs, crime victim costs as well as other crime costs. In addition, health related issues and costs include four major components i.e. emergency departmental costs in the hospitals for homicide and non-homicide cases, speciality treatment and medicine costs, insurance administration costs and other health related costs. Nonetheless, the productivity costs and issues are also associated with some direct and indirect components such as labour participation costs, pre-mature mortality costs and the costs incurred due to harm of education as well as lack of societal growth (U.S. Department of Justice, 2011). When considering the global trend, people addicted by illegal drugs and related crimes in England and Wales were reported to constitute around three million adults in the year 2011-2012. This proportionate was further affirmed to account for around 8.9% of the total population in England. Another significant attribute of the trend exhibited that in majority cases, the offenders were young where minors aged 16 years to old aged people of 59 years were also identified involved in such crimes (The Independent, 2012). According to the research study of Payne-James & et. al. (2005), it was found that the drug addiction is especially notices among the unemployed persons. Cons equentially, 80% drug habituates have been reported to be spending their life suffering from several mental as well as physical health issues. At the onset, mental and financial problems can be identified as the main causes of such offences which might be caused due to social complexities or monetary troubles often faced by young generation people (Payne-James & et. al., 2005). Besides, as exhibited by Payne-James & et.

Blog Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Blog - Essay Example There are still many people who are white supremacists and are racist against people of all different nationalities. Whether it be a group of African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Arabs, or Native Americans, people still racially oppress these groups. It is a system of hierarchy and allows for white people who primarily came from Europe into the American mixing pot to claim what they thought was theirs, no matter who they had to take from. Many whites still express racism in many different forms. Individuals may have no reason to hate or be prejudice against others but based on stereotypes that they have heard in the media, it is still present. The only thing that the arrogant white people have against these individuals is the color of their skin. Though many whites this far into the future may have ties to other cultures by having an American Indian great-great-grandparent or an ancestor of a different race. The whites turn a blind eye. It is evident in songs, films, text and even in sporting teams. White people do not always take into consideration that the fact that their team might be the Atlanta Braves could be offensive to the American Indian cultures. It is common for people in power to have a sense of oppression. There have been instances of individual violence and economic power. It creates an unequal distribution of power. For example, Barack Obama was the first black President and for many there have been situations where they have acted out and been prejudiced toward black people just because a person of their race has a place in power. But why has there not been a President that is a Native American? The Native Americans are given a different type of rights. Many still live together in order to share their heritage on reserves. Other Native Americans may feel that they are not good enough. They may not teach their children the stories of their past or instill their cultural beliefs. The generations may

Online Grading System Essay Example for Free

Online Grading System Essay Introduction Grading System is an exercise in professional judgment on thepart of the teachers. It involves the collection and evaluation of evidence on students’ achievement or performance over a specified period of time. Through this process various types of descriptive information and measures of students’ performance are converted into grades that summarize students’ accomplishments. Online Grading System is a web-based application that can be used to create report cards, class grade list and roll sheet attendance report. It posts the grades of the students online. The students have an account to access their report card. Parents can view and be updated on the performance of their children. While teachers work load can be lessen through computing the grades automatically. Background of the Study Teachers all over the nation have discovered that when they utilize an online grading system, they are able to quickly and easy update, track, and grade student performance in much less time than they ever thought possible. Parents and students also enjoy being able to take part in an online grading system. This is because students and parents can access an online grading system with a password and can track grades and assignments whenever they need to. This helps students become more aware of their grades and also helps parents get involved in their child’s schooling. And as any teacher will tell you, when parents and teachers can work together to help a child succeed, that child has a much better chance of getting the most out of his or her schooling. The other great thing about an online grading system is that it can also be used to create report cards, assignment reports, class grade lists, student GPA, seating charts, roll sheets, attendance reports, and more.

Thesis On The Population Of Canada History Essay

Thesis On The Population Of Canada History Essay Thesis: Immigration into Canada has made the country the most diversified cultural hub but remain uninterfered with by foreign cultural Introduction: The Canadian population is a mixed race Many of immigrants originated from Europe Canada continued to allow foreigners without restrictions until the end of Second World Rallies erupted for Canadianization effort Body: Immigration and Canadian Diversity History of immigration in Canada Immigrants at the onset of 19th century Reasons contributing to immigration Areas occupied by immigrants Issues arising from mixed ethnic communities Brought in cultural practices Faith and believes Individual rights How Canadas government resolved the issues Establishment of multi-unilateral cultural organ rallies Diversity amongst Canadas nationals Nationalism national symbols social and cultural practices Conclusion: Immigration and diversity in Canada is a serialized process tracking back in the 19th century. Various factors contributed to the emergence of the immigration and subsequent settling. Some conflicts arose amidst mixed ethnic communities Government has not left any stone unturned to level this to a point of general acceptance amongst all. Patriotic measures such as nationalism, coherent national symbols; social and cultural practices used to embrace all as Canadians Part II: ESSAY Introduction The Canadian population is a mixed race whom have crossed to its boarders for the last century and made it their permanent resident. Canada initially welcomed these people since it had a great deficit for laborers who were needed to work in the farms in Prairies, forests factories and mines to build the country (Schiffer- Graham 72). Many of these immigrants originated from Europe while the rest comprises of economic migrants and people who ran away from their countries facing different crisis. Canada continued to allow foreigners without restrictions until the end of Second World War when the public raised concerns over job competition and overstretching of other opportunities by the foreigners (95). Rallies erupted with many sectors including schools, churches, media and social services behind the Canadianization effort. As a result, many adopted English or French language and got accustomed in the surrounding social and economic practices. Immigration in Canada took place in phases with regard to various transitions that were happening globally (Young 66). In this regard, this paper shall seek to examine how immigration into Canada has made the country the most diversified cultural hub but remain uninterfered with by foreign cultural. Immigration and Canadian Diversity Towards the end of the 20th century, a big number migrated from the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and South America. During mid 1990s, 58% of the immigrants had Asia as their country of birth, 20% from Europe, a joint 22% from Central and South America, Africa and USA most of them settling in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver (Canada Year Book 11). By the year 2010, Canadas population was estimated at 33,930,800, with more than 18.4 percent born outside Canada. More than 13 million immigrants have come to Canada in the past century including over 9 million in the last fifty years (Global Perspective).Rural areas, small towns, Quebec and Atlantic Canada hosts the few foreign born population than the rest of Canada while the greatest of the population have dwellings in the fifteen largest towns of Canada Canada has a wide cultural diversity. It accepts multiculturalism and the related social rights in its constitution. In fact Canadas department of heritage has stretched further to consult Canada Policy Research Networks (CPRN) to come up with modalities that enrich its diversity by establishing a policy development process. According to Jenson and Papillon (2001), the government of Canada has promoted multiculturalism since 1971 insisting on cultural diversity in a liberal society (Schiffer- Graham 59). It recognizes its citizens cultural rights allowing individuals freedom to live according to their cultural heritage. Karygiannis, an immigrant was quoted in Global Perspective Magazine As immigrants, whether our ancestors came with the early explorers, landed at Pier 21 in Halifax in 1928-1971 or arrived today at terminal 1 at Lester B Pearson International Airport, we brought our traditions, cultures, faith, good and bad habit (Global Perspective). This policy is accommodative to a nti-racist activities and access to public institutions for individual members of minority groups. There is however the opinion that Canadas embrace on multiculturalism undermines its national values. The use of national minorities for instance has involved French-Canadians and Quebecers, leading to a centurys old political debate on the place of French and English-speaking Canadians in the country, their rights, responsibilities and attachment to the country (Jane and Papillon 41). This controversy has recently affected Aboriginal peoples seeking recognition, certain privileges and rights not accorded to other Canadian citizens. These demands were granted on limited sovereignty over a certain territory creating room for Aboriginals social and cultural developments. This brought about constitutional conflicts: Members from Nisga as nation for example were the only to benefit from the rights (Nisgaa citizenship) with different voting rights, what many termed as racist arrangement, departing from neutral equality. The initiative was however as an effort to address issues of cultural exclusion of Aboriginal people living in Canada based on a mind that differentiation is crucial in achieving equality (Jane and Papillon 74). The government has so far developed strategies responding to the new ethnic and social reality focusing on institutional change, race relations and citizen integration and participation which costs Canadians an average of a dollar a day (Multiculturalism in Canada). Recent election studies are indicating that Canadas immigrants have greatly acquainted themselves in the regional political behaviors in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Colombia. Those that originated non-tradition source countries have more likelihood to be of the opinions that are more federal oriented than the local populations in their provinces (Metropolis policy priorities). This is evident in Quebec where groups of immigrants from both traditional and non-traditional source countries internalize political grievances and norms less powerfully than their counterparts in other provinces (Multiculturalism in Canada). Canadians have embraced nationalism and protection of Canadian sovereignty placing them in the civic nationalist category. They have indeed been referred as anti-pro Americans who associate their independence linked to their own (Schiffer- Graham 106). Over the transitions that have taken years to realize a harmonized community, it has become an individuals obligation to promote Canadians culture and limit the affluence of foreign countries. Many of Canadian national symbols have been changed to conform to its national idealism retracting from those of the UK. The country has refined its social outlook in diverse fields of literature, arts, music and the media to promote its culturarism and nationalism of its people. Conclusion In conclusion, Canada remains one of the most diversified countries in the world that embrace positive cultural diversification, inclusion and democracy. Immigration and diversity in Canada is a serialized process tracking back in the 19th century. Various factors contributed to the emergence of the immigration and subsequent settling. Some conflicts arose amidst mixed ethnic communities of different origin but the government has not left any stone unturned to level this to a point of general acceptance amongst all. Patriotic measures of nationalism, coherent national symbols; social and cultural practices have been embraced to raise the Canadian flag and its people higher and unique.

Carpe Diem in Poetry :: Poem Poetry

The Latin term carpe diem is a descriptive word for literature that presses readers to "seize the moment." It mainly tries to pursue a woman or women that they have true physical beauty and should take advantage of their good looks now before time will take a toll on them. The word carpe diem puts impact on examples of both poems of, "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick, and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell. Herrick's poem, "To The Virgins, to Make Much of Time," portrays carpe diem by citing the shortness of life and persuading young women to marry and enjoy the life of youth at its advantage before death takes its turn. In the poem "To His Coy Mistress", Marvell consist more traits of carpe diem by persuading a certain woman in being his wife. He uses examples of time and age diminishing her beauty and youth and will leave her with nothing left. They both compare to each other by making the most of each moment before old age and beauty disappears. Herrick's "To The Virgins, to Make Much of Time" fits the meaning of carpe diem by encouraging the beauty of youth and life itself. His calm and moralizing detachment from the personal environment pursues his own view of time and life. Then not be coy but use your time, And, while ye may, go marry: For having lost but once your prime You may forever tarry.

Review of Portrait of America :: essays research papers

Review of Portrait of America During the process of reading this compilation of works, Portrait of America, many different point of views were aired. The opinion or attitude on the subject was too tainted. The authors were very biased to their perception of the "story". This book could have been much more beneficial if the facts would have stayed to the straight and narrow. Only the detrimental facts needed to be applied to these chapters. For a history class, as broad as this, this book opened too many doors that could not be explained in as much detail as would be liked. Many of the authors enjoyed mentioning the most scandalous moments of the people's lives then dropped the fact without much support or follow through as to what happened to cause or end these events. Brief summaries only tease the mind, and with the course load of most students, there is hardly extra time to investigate the matter further in detail. For a class such as History 152, biographies and/or documentary style books are m ore worth the while of the student. For instance make a list of a selection of novels that could be read for the class, so that every student can then explore in depth what that student thinks is interesting. Although the book was teasing in nature the chapters did flow well and were easy to read. The procession of the chapters had wonderful transition as to not loose the student. While proceeding through this book there were several different reoccurring topics that appeared. This paper will discuss these two reoccurring topics: the civil rights movement and former presidents. The civil rights movement, by many people, is though to have happened during the 1950's and 1960's. The truth of the matter is that civil right has and always will be an ongoing issue for anyone who is not of color. The civil rights movement started when the black slave started arriving in America centuries ago. The civil rights movement is one of the most known about issues in American history. Everyone at some point in their life has studied this movement. This movement is particularly interesting due to the massive amounts of different stories and occurrences through the course of the movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a vital figurehead to this movement. He inspired many people who had lived their whole lives in the shadow of fear of change.

Good Education

Advantages of a Good Education What is a good education? Some say a good education consists of going to a good school, and getting a degree. Yes, acquiring a degree is important, but what good is it if it does not leads to good morals. A person can be the smartest person in the world, but if the person’s behavior is bad, the â€Å"good education† never existed. For an education to be deemed â€Å"good†, it has to promote good morals. The good morals are gotten from God’s instructions. A good education is also an education that teaches responsibility.It makes one accountable for the things that happen in their life. It gives one a mindset that he/she does not have to rely on anybody. A good education involves getting a degree and at the same time learning what is morally right in God’s eyes. Advantages of good education include one being able to take care of his family, being able to communicate effectively and respectively, and also it reduces the n umber of birth rates. A good education gives someone the ability to take care of their family.Due to the fact that getting a degree increases the chance for someone to get a high paying job, people do it for the wrong motives. Some people get a good education so that they can be selfish with the money they get with their degree. On the other hand, someone educated to behave morally right would care to take care of the family that they have, and not just him. Even if the job is not high paying, a good education teaches one to show generosity at all time. Another advantage of a good education is that it also gives one the ability to talk effectively and respectively.To have a degree one must have taken English and communication courses that are helpful in improving one’s grammar and communication skills. What good is one’s grammar he cannot hold a conversation with others? A good education makes one able to convey his opinion in an understandable manner. Most people who get their degrees still act disrespectful. These people graduate from colleges that are said to be good, and still use foul language. Is this kind of education â€Å"good†? A good education teaches people to talk to people around them with respect.People with good educations learn of the dangers in using abusive languages at people. A God that is perfectly righteous would not support disrespect in any form. His (God’s) word says in Ephesians 4::29,†Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear†. Since a good education involves teaching what is morally right in God’s eyes, a person with a good education would not try his best to control his language from being abusive.The final advantage of a good education is that it reduces the number of birth rates. Uneducated men and women are one of the main causes the high numbers in birth rate. These unedu cated people cause unwanted births because they are not aware of the danger of sex. Sex is not morally bad, but if it is not with a spouse it is a sin. A good education, since it goes according to the word of God, gives people the awareness that sex before marriage is a sin. The bible tells us that God will judge those who are sexually immoral.A good education therefore In conclusion, all these advantages to a good education can all be taught through the word of God (Bible). In addition, knowing all these actions mean nothing if they are not practiced. A person can know that they should take care of their families, talk respectively, and abstain from sexual immorality, but it does not mean the person will do these things. Someone might want to do this, but human nature makes the person do otherwise. A good education gives knowledge, but one is in charge of being practically wise.

Communication Skill Essay

International Conference Conferences, Symposia and Campus Events 2006 The Integration of Professional Communication Skills into Engineering Education Dorthy Missingham University of Adelaide Originally published in the Proceedings of the EDU-COM 2006 International Conference. Engagement and Empowerment: New Opportunities for Growth in Higher Education, Edith Cowan University, Perth Western Australia, 22-24 November 2006. This Conference Proceeding is posted at Research Online. http://ro. ecu. edu. au/ceducom/91 Missingham, D. The Universtiy of Adelaide, Australia. The Integration of Professional Communication Skills into Engineering Education Dr Dorthy Missingham School of Mechanical Engineering The University of Adelaide. Australia dorothy. missingham@adelaide. edu. au ABSTRACT Conventional Engineering curriculum is strongly focused on the development in students of technical knowledge and skills. However, in recent years, employers have increasingly acknowledged that this traditional preparation of Engineering students‘ is inadequate, as graduates lack the wide range of written and spoken communication skills required to engage with members of other professional groups and with the broader community. Recognition of the important role that communicative competence plays in professional success within the engineering industry has, as a result, led to a number of tertiary institutions developing curricula to address these needs. This paper presents a successful integrative Engineering Communication curriculum, developed for both local and international Engineering students in an Australian university, which aims to develop both communicative ability and community engagement. The courses that form the Engineering Communication Program provide for critical awareness-raising of community issues such as ethics, sustainability and gender, English for academic and professional Engineering purposes for both English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English background students and advanced research communication for postgraduate students. All courses are strongly informed by scaffolded learning techniques, systemic functional linguistics and genre theory, and most are run collaboratively by Engineering, Education and Applied Linguistics lecturers. The aims of the Program are to raise awareness in Engineering students about, and to equip them with skills for, their future roles and responsibilities, and to provide the community with engineers whose strong technical knowledge is balanced by an appreciation of the broader social contexts with which they will engage in their professional lives. INTRODUCTION The need for engineering students to acquire professional skills, in addition to technical skills, in order to enhance both community engagement and career success has been increasingly articulated by educators and industry professionals alike. Professional skills mentioned variously include teamwork, conflict resolution, and an awareness of social justice, sustainability and ethics. However, as highlighted by Adams and Missingham (2006) the need for improved communicative competence in engineering graduates has been the professional skills area most widely discussed in research and the engineering profession. Increasingly, engineers work in knowledge-intensive fields that require both high level communication and problem-solving skills (Alvesson 2004). In the Australian setting this need is recognised in the National Generic Competence Standards formulated by Engineers Australia, which extensively refers to communicative abilities throughout its descriptors of competencies required by engineers (IE Aust 1999). However, research on employer satisfaction with engineering graduates‘ communication skills indicates they are below desired requirements, both in Australia (DEETYA 2000) and abroad (Lee 2003). This paper discusses a successful integrative Engineering Communication curriculum, developed for both local and international Engineering students in The University of Adelaide, which aims to develop both communicative ability, and an understanding of the need and ability for community engagement. The paper begins with a brief comparative examination of engineering communication education in other universities, both in Australia and overseas. 346 COMPARATIVE APPROACHES The critical role that communicative competence plays in both academic and professional success has, over the past decade, been recognised nationally and internationally in a number of tertiary institutions involved in engineering education (Najar 2001, Riemer 2002, Einstein 2002). A review of literature, relating to engineering communication education, reveals several significant trends common both within Australia and overseas. These trends identify three major areas of academic and professional engineering communication recognised by educators as important skills needed by graduating engineers. The teaching of oral communication, written communication and teamwork skills have been introduced as part of the undergraduate engineering curricula in various Universities world wide (Einstein 2002, Schowm & Hirsch 1999). Whilst the combination of communication skills taught and the methodologies used may vary between institutions one particular theme or approach frequently emerges. An interdisciplinary approach to the teaching and learning of engineering communication (Artemeva, Logie &St-Martin 1999, Jennings & Ferguson 1995) is being practiced by a small but increasing number of engineering faculties and colleges. Examination of interdisciplinary approaches is important in relation to the integrative approach used by engineering and communication educators within the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide. In this respect, learning and teaching of oral and written communication skills in engineering communication curricula have been examined whereas team work skills have not been specifically examined for this particular discussion, as it is considered as worthy of separate dedicated research . Studies undertaken within Australian universities attest the need for high level communication skills. According to Najar (2001) communicative competence, including teamwork and professional writing skills for example, the ability to ? research, write and format basic research reports‘ as well as developing formal oral presentation skills is important to prepare students for both ?academic success and the workplace‘. Similarly Riemer (2002) claims that whilst engineering knowledge and technical expertise are important attributes the graduate engineer must be able to present this knowledge ? ith an excellent standard of communication skills‘. However, where Najar emphasises written and teamwork communication skills, Riemer (2002) claims that emphasis on oral communication skills is highly valued by employers. Riemer further elabourates that oral communication and presentation skills are ? career enhancers‘ which may be considered as ? the biggest single factor in determining a student‘s career success or failure‘ (Beder 2000 cited in Riemer 2002). Despite the apparent emphasis that Riemer places on oral communication skills he also acknowledges that there are a number of areas of communication skills which are necessary for engineers, including written communication skills, technical terminology and professional jargon. The later two areas are probably best described in linguistic terms such as genre and discourse, which are indicative that for each specific discipline there is an accompanying language culture. Internationally, universities are also engaged in the teaching and learning of engineering communication skills. Einstein in his 2002 overview of changes in engineering education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) describes a new approach implemented in the School of Civil Engineering which was developed in response to the view that what was being taught in universities was increasingly divorced from practice. As a result twelve courses were either created or developed in most of which ? regular oral, written and illustrated presentations‘ were required. Similarly Carlton University in Canada also recognised that the engineering discipline had specific needs in the teaching and learning of communication skills (Artemeva et al 1999). These needs related directly to the transition of engineering students from an ? academic to a workplace environment‘. In the case of Carlton University engineering communication studies emphasise written communication skills. The Carlton University approach described by Artemeva et al (1999) is in contrast to Riemers (2002) theoretical proposition on the prominence required in developing oral communication skills for the workplace. One other key difference in Riemers (2002) paper to the approaches suggested by Artemeva et al (1999) as well as Najar (2001) and Einstein (2002), is that Artemeva et al, Najar and Einstein are all overviewing programs of engineering communication already in existence. A common theme emergent in the literature is that many institutions recommend an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching and learning of engineering communication. Various researchers and educators claim that linking acquisition of academic communication skills to authentic engineering tasks 347 both challenges students negative attitudes, towards what they term ? earning English‘, as well as promotes student motivation. Shwom and Hirsch (1999) claim that shared agenda between disciplines recognises the equal status of engineering and communication, or the ? equal place at centre stage of the course‘. This view is also reinforced by Jennnings and Ferguson in their 2002 study, of communication engineering skills in Queen‘s University, Belfast, which states that through linking the study of communication skills to the exploration of engineering issues that communication skills become a key element in the educational process. Furthermore, ? here is a greater likelihood that students will develop a better overall perspective on their (engineering) subject‘. Significantly, many courses which have implemented an interdisciplinary approach have combined the teaching of communication skills with engineering design subjects. In an approach similar to that of the School of Mechanical Engineering, at The University of Adelaide, engineering schools at Northwestern University, USA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard and Flinders University, South Australia advocate an interdisciplinary approach that combines engineering communication with engineering design. In reference to the program at Northwestern University, Shwom & Hirsch (1999), claim that design and communication are ? ideal partners‘ and that students ? combined knowledge of both fields will make them both better designers and better communicators‘. Additionally students are convinced of the importance of communication in engineering. Of the interdisciplinary approach taken at MIT, Einstein (2002) describes design as a synthesising process which requires various visual, written and problem solving skills inferring therefore that it is the natural setting for teaching and learning communication skills. He goes on to state that ? design (synthesis), coordination and communication‘ are regarded as the major features of the MIT , Civil and Environmental approach to engineering education. Najar (2001) discusses the Language in Use (LIU) modules linked directly to engineering design project work at Flinders University. A notable similarity with the approach of Adelaide University‘s School of Mechanical Engineering approach is that the development of students engineering knowledge is supported in an integrated way by the acquisition of professional and academic communication skills. Skills common to both universities include; how to communicate orally, how to research, and how to write and format research reports. Similarly the interdisciplinary approach employed in the Civil Engineering Department at Queens University, Belfast covers related communication issues in use of the library (how to research), English composition and technical report writing (written communication) and Public speaking (oral communication). Additionally Queens University covers poster presentation (visual communication) an area that the Adelaide University program covers in fourth year but which is not mentioned in the Flinders University program. It is apparent from the literature therefore, that the need for communicative competence in engineering education has been recognised in a number of places worldwide. In particular, an interdisciplinary education approach in engineering communication has been introduced in a range of Universities which offer engineering studies. Despite some differences in the methodologies, curricula and elements of communication addressed by different universities, including the University of Adelaide, these studies indicate that the synthesis of engineering design, which is inherently practical in nature, with the need to communicate the design process and outcomes is both an ideal setting and an important factor for positively influencing student motivation and skills in the study of professional communication. By promoting a shared agenda between disciplines the literature also suggests that this may also promote student recognition of the importance of communication in engineering. Regardless of the similarities and differences of engineering communication education taken by the programs discussed here the literature agrees that increased levels of communicative competence relate directly to employability and success in the engineering industry. THE ADELAIDE APPROACH Background The teaching of professional communication skills within the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide has evolved over a number of years since the mid 1990s. This evolution has experienced different iterations with the current approach developing more directly from a combination of initiatives taken both within the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering, and by the then Advisory Centre for University Education (ACUE), now the Centre for Learning and 348 Professional Development (CLPD). These initiatives led to the creation of various courses in Engineering Communication including courses for International Students. The Faculty wide Engineering Communication (EAL) course was traditionally managed by the School of Mechanical Engineering. In Semester 2, 2006 this course was transferred to management by the Faculty Academic Registrar in order to reflect the Faculty wide nature of the need for dedicated engineering communication course for international undergraduates. Within the School other initiatives led to the teaching of Engineering Communication to 3rd year students. Initially taught as a separate subject this course was combined with the Level III Design in 2004. In the same year the School of Mechanical Engineering also created a new course, Engineering Planning Design and Communication (EPD&C), for entry level students. The Mechanical Engineering Communication approach consists of a fully integrated, nested curriculum of courses, designed to; explicitly link communication learning to learning in engineering at all year levels, ? develop students‘ ability to construct and present logical argument discursively, ? oster language development from sentence level skills to large document written and oral communication, ? encourage active participation through class discussion and response to formative feedback, ? foster the ability to communicate problem identification, formulation and solution to diverse audiences and ? use development in communicative ability as a vehicle for fostering students‘ insight into and perspective on engineer ing practice in the community, including the social, cultural, political, international and environmental context of professional engineering practice. Each course in the program, illustrated below in Figure 1, addresses these aims while embedded within either broader Engineering course curricula or, in the case of Engineering Communication EAL, within a curriculum that employs specific strategies that address the needs of EAL Engineering students (Adams & Missingham 2006). 349 EPD&C Level I 2 Engineer Communication EAL 1 Design Practice Level I I 2 Engineering and the Environment Level III 2 Design & Commun. Level III 2 Research Communication Program 1 Design Project Level IV 2 (Postgraduate) Figure 1: Mechanical Engineering Communication courses showing their relationships to each other and the broader Engineering curriculum. 1 for students enrolled in all Engineering disciplines 2 for students enrolled in Mechanical Engineering Theory The theoretical underpinning of the first year Engineering Planning Design and Communication course and the third year Design and Communication course is based on the notion of ? ocial constuctivism‘ as advanced by Vygotsky. In particular, Bruners‘ concept of ? scaffolded‘ learning (Wood, Bruner & Rose 1975) informs the student based approach that is centred on active participatory curricula which aims at assisting students to develop increasingly skilled levels of academic and professional communication. Social constructivism grew from a view that educational methods needed to be base concepts of learning beyond rote memorisation, ? egurgitationâ⠂¬Ëœ of facts and the division of knowledge into different subjects. Early approaches sought to provide appropriate learning situations where teachers allowed students to develop their own knowledge, meaning and truth in a context which would enable them to use the learning throughout their life. Vygotsky developed this philosophy, noting that ? the central fact about our psychology is the fact of mediation‘ (Vygotsky 1978 p. 166). Social constructivists consider that the dynamic interaction between instructors, learners and tasks provides the opportunity for learners to create their own understanding through the interaction with others and is the most optimal learning environment. The constructivist approach, guiding the Mechanical Engineering communication courses is further reinforced in the application of Brunerian notions of the ? spiral curriculum‘. Bruner postulated that ? A curriculum as it develops should revisit the basic ideas repeatedly, building on them until the student has grasped the full formal apparatus that goes with them‘ (Bruner 1960) p. 3). 350 In the School of Mechanical Engineering these theories guide the designing of courses which are aimed at developing generic language skills which can be used as the basis for current and future application within the engineering industry, rather than a language course focussed solely on communicating engineering terms. The learning and t eaching of communication skills across all levels of the undergraduate program enables scaffolding of knowledge to be integrated rather than focussing on a short d of student teacher interaction. Through this approach skills acquired in first year communication are reinforced in second year Design Practice, extended and elaborated on in the level III course and then reinforced again through workshops and practice in the fourth year Design Project. Borrowing from neuroscience research into learning. the 2006 Level III and semester 2 EAL students have informed the idea of a concept of developing an habitual intellectual framework. Whilst relying on heavily on scaffolded learning, this concept also aims to redress some of the negative perceptions that engineering student have about ? earning English‘ by encouraging students to acquire higher cognition learning in communication skills which they can then apply as habit. PRACTICE AND PERCEPTION Three dedicated communication courses are provided at undergraduate level, Engineering Communication EAL (English as an Additional Language), Engineering Design Planning and Communication (Level I) and Design and Communication (Level III). The overall aim of the three courses is to provide students with an nderstanding of the importance of communication to the professional engineer and to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, flexibility and confidence to be good engineering communicators. Through the application of Student Experience of Teaching and Learning (SELT) surveys students are able to comment on and assess the effectiveness of the courses to their needs. At the same time instructors are able to monitor student needs and make appropriate changes to the curriculum and methodology if required. Engineering Communication EAL Engineering Communication EAL was designed specifically to meet the particular needs of international students and to be complementary to the technical engineering courses students undertake to complete their degrees. Through a variety of formal and informal learning strategies students are introduced to and practice basic research techniques. These techniques include ? locating, critically reading and interpreting academically acceptable sources ? presenting their analysis in the form of evidenced based propositions with sources integrated appropriately ? resenting the argument in both a written and an oral form suitable for an academic audience. The strategies used emphasise participation and practice as key elements to becoming effective communicators. Therefore, classes are very active, sometimes rowdy and frequently fun with group discussions and impromptu presentations of issues, group and individual exercises integrated with peer teaching/learning through guided presentation of answers to the class, and open class discussion inviting students to academically critique their own and others responses. Student Experience of Teaching and Learning (SELT) surveys consistently indicate that learning outcomes for students are enhanced by ? full participation on (sic) the aims of the course‘, ? giving feedback to students about their participation‘, adjusting the teaching ? of various topics accordingly (sic) to the class – enabling faster, more effective learning‘, ? very dynamic lessons‘ and being ? able to stimulate my learning‘. Formal assessment strategies involve a series of formative assessments which involve students applying feedback provided to a subsequent assignment. Student comments indicate that this approach is highly effective. Design and Communication courses The Engineering Design Planning and Communication (Level I) and Design and Communication (Level III) courses are provided for all students undertaking degree programs in the School of Mechanical Engineering. The integration of communication and engineering design was devised specifically to emphasise the importance of professional engineering communication and to ensure that communication is not seen by students as a stand alone subject that can be completed and then forgotten about. The effectiveness of this approach in highlighting the importance of communication has been recognised by students who report that the course(s) ? improves your speaking and writing skills‘, 351 ?helps with the written work in other subjects‘, they have ? learnt how to write for university assignments‘, and ? learning academic writing (is) useful to further years of study‘. A number of students have explicitly stated that the course taught them ? to communicate effectively and should be compulsory for all engineer‘?. These comments are also consistent with graduate attributes specified as important not only by the Faculty but also by the engineering industry, including ? the ? ability to communicate effectively‘, ? the ? ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution‘ ? the acquisition of skills to enable the ? pursuit of life long learning‘. Course material is also designed to be complementary to the Engineering Communication EAL course by providing reinforcement of and extension to the skills learnt. For example, the Level I course provides students with the additional educational framework and the opportunity to apply skills learnt in ESL to the needs of report writing and the oral presentation of progress reports on a Planning and Design project. Student feedback through SELT surveys consistently evidence the importance of these skills, for example, ? It was great knowing how to structure a report properly‘ and the ? introduction to engineering report writing is very comprehensive‘. A further integrative approach that has been taken in the Level I and Level III courses is reflected in the establishment of the relationships with prior learning and future learning. For example, Level III examines structure, cohesion, critical thinking and analysis, the use of evidence, presenting arguments both in written and oral form and report writing at a more advanced level than the Level I course. The Level III communication course is also an important prerequisite to level the IV Design Project, where all students must write an extensive design report and present a professional seminar on their project. Challenges and Outcomes Empirical and anecdotal evidence indicates that engineers are poor communicators and that one of the factors which influences student choice in undertaking engineering studies is the belief they will not need ? English?. Therefore, discussions and exercises are designed to encourage students to participate and practice skills, to be flexible in their approach to language and its uses, to contribute their ideas, to build on their strengths and to develop confidence. The value placed on practical evidencing of communication is reflected in a participation mark, worth 20% of the total assessment. As a result classes are noisy and dynamic. Students also find that effective communication can be both useful and enjoyable. For example, SELT comments show ? I like the idea of students presenting ideas on overheads (transparencies) in class activities‘, the course ? keeps people interested in tasks that could be very boring‘, ? A good environment for learning is provided‘ and ? interactivity of the class in tasks helps us to gain a better understanding of the subject‘. Similar strategies of regular class and group discussions as well as workshop exercises are used throughout the courses to ensure students regularly practice the skills of communication. Student response indicates that group learning and discussion ? stimulates learning without placing student under pressure‘ and that all students‘are able to learn something regardless of language ability‘. Individual students and groups are invited to present analyses and answers to the whole class and then to call for comments from their peers. The importance to student learning of this approach is exemplified in the following SELT comment ? Doing exercises and presentations in class forced me to do the work which I otherwise would not have touched if it had been set as homework. I appreciate that. Students are encouraged to form cross cultural groups during classes, so that a greater understanding of diversity and its value in engineering is promoted. At the same time students must undertake practical work in developing effective team work skills in order to be able to complete tasks and class based exercises. Students frequently comment that the group work is th e best aspect of the course as it provides opportunity to improve interpersonal communication skills and to gain a real sense of diversity through their interaction with students of different socio-cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Student comments indicate that working in cross cultural groups encourages ? acceptance of all ideas‘. Students discuss and at times challenge the characteristics of English for academic and professional purposes as presented in these courses. In doing so, students become increasingly aware of how purpose and socio-cultural factors shape the kind of language used in different contexts rather than 352 viewing language as simply correct or incorrect, or based predominantly on the rules of grammar. Issues of ethics and social responsibility arise naturally in relation to topics and lecturers encourage students to discuss these in class. Similarly communication and management themes highlight the nontechnical role aspects of engineering. Students have reflected that ? This (allows you to) practice skills you actually need‘ and there is a ? good balance for a broad variety of skills‘ development. Links to industry expectations are also reinforced through guest presentations from graduate engineers, Engineers Australia and industry leaders. In these way students are encouraged to broaden their perception of the engineering industry as a technical culture to include the understanding that engineering is also a communicative culture. Formal Assessment of Student Work A series of formal assessments, both oral and written are also undertaken to ensure that students can also apply research and analytical skills in a ? planned and timely manner‘ as highlighted by engineering graduate attributes. Formative feedback is given on all assignments in order that students may take full advantage of self directed learning. Students who apply the feedback to subsequent assignments are rewarded for both the attempt and the quality of the improvements made. Students report that this approach provides ? constructive criticism‘ which ? helps each student‘ to ? check their drafts carefully‘. Assessment criteria and their relationship to graduate attributes are fully discussed in both the course notes and in conjunction with exercises, and students have expressed this helps them to place learning in the context of professional and industry expectations, ? hen it‘s explained, it makes sense that engineers spend so much time writing reports, talking to clients and presenting project ideas to meetings‘. RESEARCH TOPICS AND TOPICAL RESEARCH To broaden student awareness of their professional responsibilities as engineers within society, in addition to operating within a company framework, research topics are carefully chosen to reflect community and industry concerns. In particular th e topics chosen provide for critical awareness-raising of community issues such as ethics, sustainability and social justice. For example, the research topic for the current semesters Engineering Communication EAL course is the Role of Engineers, through which students are exploring issues such as personal and interpersonal skills, engineering education and life long learning, ethical responsibilities, social and environmental factors, holistic thinking, entrepreneurship as well as technical skills. Previous topics have included an examination of gender issues in engineering education and the profession, forensic engineering, and the effects of teamwork on the outcomes of engineering projects. The imbedded nature of the Engineering Communications courses within the engineering curriculum ensures that the research topics are relevant to engineering practice, topical and frequently devised in collaboration with engineering lecturers. Level III Design and Communication research topics, for example, are devised together with the design lecturer and sometimes also with reference to other departmental members. The current semesters‘ research topic was directly linked to the Design Project topics. These topics and the communication research topic specifically designed to be co-related. Through this collaborative approach aspect of sustainability in engineering practice are reinforced and student skills in critical thinking, analysis and evaluation of research information are further developed. In Design the projects are to design a Formula SAE Car, Bio-Oil Trike, Biodiesel Bike, 1. 0 litre Biodiesel Taxi – Tuk-Tuk, Hybrid Solar Electric Vehicle, Biodiesel Boat, Formula SAE Aircraft, Alternative Energy 2-Seater Aircraft, Hybrid Solar/Biofuel Generator, Fossil-Fuel-Free irrigation system or a Nano-satellite. The topic for the Communication assignments is ? ustainability‘, applied to the chosen design project. , as outlined below. Topic The broad objective of sustainable development is ? to achieve social justice, sustainable economies, and environmental sustainability? ( European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, 1994). Australia has a National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development which aims to ? meet the needs of Australians today, while conserving our ecosystems for the benefit of future generations? (Office of Sustainability, Department of Environment and Heritage, 2006). 53 Task Environmental sustainability is a fundamental aspect of sustainability. For your Communication assignments you should identify how environmentally sustainable features can be incorporated in the design of your project, for example a bio-diesel boat, or alternative energy 2-seater aircraft. In addition, you should compare the effects of these features to a traditionally designed version of your project. You are not expected to justify sustainability. Your research must focus on the specific features of sustainable transport. Yong & Missingham, 2006) Previous research topics have included the following: Investigate an ethical dilemma in an engineering project, and critically evaluate the response of the engineering company or companies involved, in terms of relevant tenets of the IEAust Code of Ethics. (Yong & Missingham, 2005) Select an example of technological development that is prominent in industrialised society and analyse the benefits as well as the adverse effects of this technology to individuals, society and the environment. Yong & Missingham, 2004) A high level of both professional communication skills and an appreciation of community concerns required to be developed by the Level III Mechanical Engineering students. The topic descriptions have also been carefully devised to illustrate to students the inter-relationship of effective communication and an understanding of the social, cultural, political, international and environmental impacts implicit in the professional practice of engineering. These expectations are detailed in the Research Topic paper given below. ?Your research is to be based on a topic which has social, cultural, economic, and/or political implications. Engineers work in every sphere of life. As a professional engineer you will be working in an array of industries, in various contexts, and making contact with many people about professional organisations, government departments and agencies, allied industries and organisations, academics, and others. As an effective communicator and decision maker, you will need to be able to present your interpretation and findings on a range of issues, as will occur in the negotiation and management of projects, the submission of tenders, and the advising of clients. The topic for your research in this subject aims to provide you will strategies to both write and talk about your interpretation and findings about diverse issues. Your writing and your presentations will be an attempt to convince a nonspecialist audience of your point of view. You may choose one of the following areas of research for your project. Topic A – the impact of engineering projects on local communities The projects you may work on as an engineer could have significant social, cultural, economic, and/or political implications for people and communities who are not directly involved in the implementation of the project. Your research task is to: Discuss an engineering project which has, or has had, a significant impact/s on local communities Your research is to examine the impacts and outcomes of a specific engineering project on a community or communities. Examples of engineering projects could be dams or hydro-electric projects, weapons testing, mining, the building and operation of chemical or other industrial plants, building roads and railways, and others. The size of the project is unimportant, rather it is its impact on the local community which will be the focus of your research. The impacts could be one of the following scenarios, or a combination of scenarios: ? Well recognised and integrated into the planning of the engineering project, yet have provided, or are providing, difficulties in the implementation and outcomes of the project ? Recognised by the local communities or interest groups, but rejected or ignored by project planners and workers ? Unrealised in past projects, with the long-term consequences now the subject of community and/or legal dispute. 354 Your discussion needs to be an examination, that is, an analysis of the impacts arising from the project. Avoid lengthy descriptions of the history of the project, the engineering technicalities, or merely describing the impacts. You need to read as widely as possible about the project you have chosen, and from your interpretation of the source information provide a discussion of the (perhaps disputed) impact/s of the project. Limit your scope so that you have a specialised focus, that is, analyse only two or three impacts of the project. The word limit set for your assignments means you will not be able to cover all aspects of the project. Your focus needs to be an in-depth examination rather than a broad sweep of issues. Topic B – the impact of seemingly simple technology on the existence of communities. This topic also aims to examine the impact of (seemingly simple) technology on the existence and quality of life for those who use or used the technology. Your task is to: Discuss the impact of a seemingly simple technology on the existence of a community This research topic involves examining the design logic underpinning the technology and importantly the effectiveness of its use. Examples of apparently simple technology could be the boomerang, other hunting implements, for example, harpoons and poison arrows, a specific type of irrigation system, terracing for the cultivation of crops, and others. Your research needs to take account of: ? The design logic underpinning the technology ? The quality of life and survival provided for those who used the technology ? Any evidence which debates the effectiveness of technology, particularly its long term use. The technology you are examining may have been beneficial for a community in the short term, but in the longer term, further developments, modifications, abandonment of the technology, may have ensured a better quality of life, even survival, of a community. Long term environmental impacts could be important in your study. Your discussion needs to be an analysis of the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the technology. Avoid lengthy descriptions of the history or the form of the technology. This information needs to be only brief background information. You need to read as widely as possible about the technology you have chosen, and from your interpretation of the source information provide a discussion of the (perhaps disputed) effects of its use. Limit your scope so that you have a specialised focus, that is, on the analysis of two or three aspects of effectiveness of the technology. The technology could be from any era, past or even present day. If you are examining past technology, your focus needs to be on the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the technology itself for its intended purpose regardless of other influencing factors such as the introduction of other technology as a result of invasion, colonisation, or economic factors. Alternatively, the technology could be in current use or development, such as reversions to more environmentally sustainable technologies, for example, wind power. (Wake, 2002) CONCLUSION By promoting a shared agenda between language and engineering disciplines it is suggested that this may also promote student recognition of the importance of communication in engineering. Regardless of the similarities and differences of engineering communication education taken by various programs discussed here, increased levels of communicative competence relate directly to employability and success in the engineering industry. The program developed by School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide represents a successful integrative Engineering Communication curriculum, developed for both local and international Engineering students in an Australian university, which aims to develop communicative ability, community engagement and an awareness of the social, cultural, political, international, environmental and ethical contexts in which professional engineers practice. 55 ACKNOWLEDEMENTS Thanks go to many colleagues and friends, and to staff and students of the School of Mechanical Engineering who provided input (often unwittingly) to this research proposal. Thank you to Karen Adams for the stimulating and frequent discussions on many things educational and philosophical and Colin Kestell engineering lecturer extraordinaire who can always be relied on to stimulate teaching enthusiasm and creativity. Many thanks go to wonderful colleagues Elizabeth Yong and Kristin Munday whose considerable work is also represented here, and to Catherine Irving and Patricia Zoltan whose support, intellectual contributions and hard work have also contributed to this program. Thank you also to Barbara Wake whose commitment to and knowledge of academic communication which, together with the vision of Colin Hansen, Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering have enabled the development of such a successful program of professional and academic engineering communication. Special thanks to Roxanne Missingham for the editing and encouragement. REFERENCE Adams, K & D Missingham (2006) Contributions to Student Learning: An overview of Engineering Communication courses in Mechanical Engineering education, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide, unpublished (internal) report. Alvesson, M (2004) Knowledge Work and Knowledge-intensive Firms, Oxford University Press, Oxford. 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