Essay Maggie Character Analysis from Everyday Use

Have you ever noticed how some people just stand out from the crowd? Like the clouds in the sky and blades of grass, people are all different. â€Å"Everyday Use† by Alice Walker has a good example of an interesting, unique character. Maggie is a young girl who is not only physically but also mentally scarred. The way the burning house, her stuck-up sister, and society affects Maggie makes her different from everyone else. Maggie was so traumatized from her house burning down that she became a timid and under appreciated little girl. Maggie is so self conscious that her mom says she walks like a dog run over by a car: â€Å"chin on chest, eyes on ground, feet in shuffle, ever since the fire that burned the other house to the ground.† This†¦show more content†¦When she heard Dee’s request, she slammed the door and stormed out of the kitchen. This shows that Dee’s arrogance left a negative influence on Maggie’s personality. It’ s almost like Dee is trying to take away any happiness life throws out at Maggie. Although Maggie was deformed and neglected, it should not mitigate her need for joy in her life. Alice Walker juxtaposes Maggie with her sister, Dee, to demonstrate how society denigrates not only African-American women but women in general in the 1970s. Early on in the story, Maggie is described as nervous, hopelessly standing in the corner. Later she is described as nearly hidden from view. On a metaphorical level, Maggie is the symbol of the lack of power women held in the 1970s. She is the epitome of the silent female homemaker. On the other hand, Dee is assertive, â€Å"will look you right in the eye.† She serves as a symbol of the free, successful modern woman. However, her assertiveness might come off as cockiness, and too much pride. By contrasting Maggie and Dee, Alice Walker is expressing both sides of the female role during that time. All in all, Maggie is a very distinctive character. Her house burning to the ground, her arrogant sister, and the effect society has on her explains that. Alice Walker has a very interesting way of putting together two opposites to make one of their personalities very clear; Maggie’s persona would beShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Walker s Everyday Use863 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of Walker’s â€Å"Everyday Use† The short story â€Å"Everyday Use,† by Alice Walker, contains multiple different literary elements. History and heritage play a key role in the development and conclusion of this rather intriguing story. Although history and heritage are important, the driving factors of this story are the literary elements. In particular the elements of symbols, characterization, and point of view in this story are significant. The use of symbols in this short story provide a deeperRead MoreThe Meaning of Everyday Use with Characterization1495 Words   |  6 Pagesof Everyday Use with Characterization Analyzing characterization is the key to find fictions controlling idea and central insight--theme. Direct presentation--one character description technique--usually directly shows what characters are like by exposition, analysis, or another characters description. The other way to shape characters is to use the indirect presentation by describing their actions and leaving room for readers to develop their own ideas about the characters. Everyday UseRead More(A Critical Analysis of Alice Walker’s short story Everyday Use)700 Words   |  3 PagesAntojos de Mis Ojos (A Critical Analysis of Alice Walker’s short story Everyday Use) Albert Camus once asserted: â€Å"Men are never convinced of your reasons, of your sincerity, of the seriousness of your sufferings, except by your death. So long as you are alive, your case is doubtful; you have a right only to their skepticism.† In Everyday Use a strong willed mother tries to protect her younger daughter, Maggie, from having a quilt passed down for generations stolen from her by her materialistic olderRead MoreA Psychoanalytical Reading of Everyday Use by Alice Walker1201 Words   |  5 PagesEman Mohammed A psychoanalytical reading of Everyday Use by Alice Walker In everyday use the story is about a black family consists of two daughters and a mother. Its main idea is the attachment between each character to the past and to their family. Each character has different perspective towards the past. In my following essay I intend to look deeply in the characters mind by applying the psychoanalytical reading which can present details not only about the text but alsoRead MoreEssay on A Psychological Analysis of Alice Walkers Everyday Use883 Words   |  4 PagesA Psychological Analysis of Alice Walkers Everyday Use  Ã‚     Ã‚   The human mind is divided into three parts that make up the mind as a whole. These parts are necessary to have a complete mind, just as the members of a family are needed to make up the entire family. The use of components to equal a whole is often exercised in literature. Alice Walkers short story, Everyday Use, contains the idea of family and of the mind, therefore her work can be evaluated through psychological methods. ThroughRead MoreAn Analysis of Alice Walkers quot;everyday Usequot; Essay929 Words   |  4 Pagesp An Analysis of Alice Walkers Everyday Usep Alice Walkers novel, The Color Purple, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1982. This novel, in addition to her short story collections and other novels, continue to touch the emotions of a vast audience. This ability, according to critics, has solidified her reputation as one of the major figures in contemporary literature (Gwynn 462). Born to sharecroppers in Eatonton, Georgia, in 1944, Alice Walkers life was not always easy. Her parents strived toRead MoreEssay on The Importance of Heritage in Everyday Use829 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"Everyday Use † by Alice Walker the exact setting is never revealed and therefore, can only be guessed, but it has been guessed that the story takes place on a country side in Georgia. At one point in the story Augusta is mentioned. The time is also estimated to be during the Civil Rights Movement around the year of 1973. Mrs. Johnson, along with her two daughters, reside in a small three room house, and take pride in there small yard. As Magg ie and Dee grow older they start to realize howRead MoreAnalysis Of The Flowers, By Alice Walker1525 Words   |  7 PagesThe two short stories The Flowers and Everyday Use have a common theme of feeling comfortable, safe, and at peace when one is home. Walker uses diction, syntax, and characterization to develop this common theme in her writing. A house is a safe comfortable place where one can feel at peace and in The Flowers and Everyday Use, the author Alice Walker develops the connection of home in the two texts by using symbolism and imagery. In The Flowers, the main character Myop is having a very merry and joyfulRead MoreSame Theme, Different Development in of Virginia Woolf and Alice Walker’s The Legacy and Everyday Use690 Words   |  3 Pagesmajor literary works of Virginia Woolf and Alice Walker’s The Legacy and Everyday Use, both of them have the common that is the theme of the story carries â€Å"the heritage† issue but the focus of it is different. In The Legacy, the focus of the heritage was a relic diary of Angela for her husband. Implicitly, we can conclude that the heritage was meant to be recognition of Angela to her husband. While the focus in Everyday Use, the focus of the heritage was the quilts, and in the final story we couldRead MoreViewing Heritage And Identity Of An African American Family992 Words   |  4 Pagesthe first read, the audience sides with the narrator and Maggie against Dee/Wangero. The reader can see Dee/Wangero antagonist of the story. However, this is not the only way to interpret â€Å"Everyday Use†. Walker has cre ated a more complex story than just right and wrong. After further analysis, the reader comes to understand that Wangero view of her cultural heritage and identity as a black woman in America is different than the view that Maggie and the narrator have. Wangero values the quilts differently

MR Assessed Task Free Essays

Please remember the suggested times are only a guide and each learner will work at their own pace. However, please try not to spend 2 hours on a task which should take 30 minutes. Don’t forget you can find a breakdown of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria relating to each task in the qualification specification or in your EDI portfolio. We will write a custom essay sample on MR Assessed Task or any similar topic only for you Order Now There is just one task for this unit which should be completed at the start. Assessment for the rest of the unit, learning outcomes 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be cover as direct observations assessed in the work place and will be on-going, as reflection on practice and personal development is a large part of working with children and this qualification. Task. 1. 1 Write a job description Of your work role, this can be a list of things you do with a brief explanation. (20-30 minutes) 1. 2 Link each item on the list to the relevant standards. If you ark with under as this will be the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYES), safeguarding and welfare requirements. (45 -60 minutes) You can use a table format or a piece of writing. As you work your way through the course you should keep a personal development plan. The plan should record development objectives, how you will achieve these objectives and time scales for review. It should also show how you have agreed these objectives and with whom. A downloaded template is provided for your use. How to cite MR Assessed Task, Papers

Sneakers vs. High Heels free essay sample

For Centuries, people from cultures and countries all over the world have been wearing shoes. They are a necessity to our everyday attire, and without them our feet would be in danger of getting hurt, and very dirty. High heels and sneakers help us express our own fashion sense and some provide comfort. Although they bear some superficial similarities, the differences between sneakers and high heels are distinct. It is clear that both kinds of shoes have many similarities as well as differences. They both protect us from injuries and getting dirty. If we didnt wear shoes, our feet would be very dirty, and they would be at risk of getting hurt from sharp objects or broken glass on the ground. However these days, the main reason we wear shoes is style. Whether its a new pair of Nikes or Jimmy Choos, we wear them to express ourselves; our taste, our age, and our personality. We will write a custom essay sample on Sneakers vs. High Heels or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Sneakers for instance, are the most common type of shoe and have hundreds of thousands different styles. They are also more versatile, whereas men and women wear them as opposed to heels which only women wear. The most distinct difference between them though is that sneakers are extremely more comfortable. They are very easy to move and walk in, making it much more comfortable to play sports, hike, run, or even if your just going to the grocery store. Lastly, their casual style allows you to wear them with anything, any time of the year. High Heels on the other hand are the complete opposite. Whereas sneakers are very comfortable, high heels look pretty but are the most painful shoes a woman will ever wear in her life. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they have also been proven to cause prolonged pain and other foot problems if worn for a continuous amount of time. Although, many women only wear heels for special occasions and/or parties. Despite their discomfort, women love to wear high heels to gain sex appeal. Wearing high heels makes your legs look longer, making many women feel sexier and boosting their confidence. High Heels are also very fashionable and stylish. Sneakers and high heels not only have differences, but also similarities such as fashion and protection. Although they may differ in comfort and style, they are both just as important and are worn everyday by millions of people. So let me ask you, if you had the chance to buy shoes, which pair would you buy; comfortable sneakers, or suffer some pain for a pair of trendy heels?

William Blake Biography and Works

William Blake is one of the well-known literary figures in England who is still in the memory of most people because of his excellent skills in painting, visionary mystic, engraving, and poetry. He was born on 28 November 1757 to an underprivileged household living in London and this condition of his family made him to receive little education and privileges when he was in his early years.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on William Blake Biography and Works specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Blake was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, may be because he dropped out of school in order to work in his father’s shop. However, he is now regarded as one of the influential figures in the history of both poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age since his works talk about the supremacy of the imagination over the rationalism and materialism of that period. Blake started to embrace biblical teachings ea rly in life, and these remained his source of motivation even in his later life (Blunt; Bronowski). In his early life, he also began engraving copies of drawings of Greek antiquities given to him by his father, and these drawings gave him an early exposure to a number of classical works by various authors. Because of his love for drawing, he was enrolled in drawing classes and he also made explorations into the world of poetry during that period. At fourteen years of age, he was apprenticed for a period of seven years to the British engraver, James Basire. After the completion of this term, he became a professional engraver. On October, 1779, he was enrolled at The Royal Academy for a six-year period. While at the school, he maintained the classical precision of his previous influences. Blake was married to Catherine Boucher on 18 August, 1782, whom he taught how to read and write as well as engrave. Catherine thereafter assisted her husband in coloring his poems and giving him bene ficial suggestions. In one of his books, The Book of Thel, Blake writes about the pain he had after the demise of his first daughter and last child. Apart from the few years he spent in school, Blake was self-educated and most of his pictorial work mainly represented biblical subjects. Blake’s elaborate paintings and engravings were therefore mainly associated to literature. The interdependence of poetry and painting formed the key principle in all his work and represented his idiosyncratic views. Even though he spent most of his lifetime around the city of London, he authored a wide variety of literary works, which embraced the human imagination as â€Å"the very body of God.† Blake was seen as mad because of the peculiar views he held. On the other hand, his expressiveness and creativity has currently made him an influential figure in the poetry world. The philosophical and mystical undercurrents that are demonstrated within his work were characterized to be part of the Romantic Movement and â€Å"Pre-Romantic,† because of their huge appearance during the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century.Advertising Looking for research paper on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During this period, his country was ruled by the oppressive British Monarchy and the corrupt Church of England; therefore, this atmosphere of oppression was suffocating to the talented, intelligent Blake. These happenings made him to voice out his views in the disguise of romantic poems. The principles and aspirations of the French as well as of the American revolutions largely influenced his life and such theorists like Jacob Bohme and Emanuel Swendenborg also played a pivotal role in shaping his ideals. In spite of these known influences, the singularity of his work complicates any efforts to classify his work, for example, William Rossetti classified him as a â€Å"glorious luminary ,† while Peter Marshall classified him as one of the forerunners of modern anarchism. The development of Blake’s views can be seen in the differences that are evident between his early and late works. For that reason, Blake’s later literary work includes a private mythology with complicated use of symbols, his late work has received less preference than his earlier easily available work, for instance, the recent Vintage anthology of Blake was based on his earlier work. His earlier work has been seen by many scholars as mainly rebellious in character; therefore, it as been regarded as a form of protestation against dogmatic religion, for example, â€Å"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell† depicts Satan as the victor who rebels against an imposter authoritarian deity. In Blake’s later works, for example, â€Å"Milton† and â€Å"Jerusalem,† he portrays a distinguishing image of mankind as redeemed through self-sacrifice and forgiveness. He, h owever, maintains his previous position concerning the inflexible and gruesome authoritarianism of traditional belief system. Very few people have been able to understand the association that exists between Blake’s earlier and later works. Some scholars have suggested that his late works showed a growth of the ideas he had when writing his earlier works, for instance, the humanitarian objective of realizing personal wholeness of body and spirit was displayed in his late works. This is evident in one of his later writings, â€Å"The Unholy Bible,† which has a section that depicts the â€Å"Bible of Hell† pledged in one of his earlier works. Even though Blake criticized conservative religion, his denunciation of religiosity did not mean that he was totally against religion. His thoughts regarding orthodoxy Christianity is seen in â€Å"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,† which are series passages that emulate the Biblical prophecy wherein he lists numerous Pr overbs of Hell. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on William Blake Biography and Works specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In â€Å"The Everlasting Gospel,† he gives a well-thought description of Jesus. He describes Him as a supremely created being, which is above code of belief, logic, and even principles. However, he does not present him as philosopher or conventional messianic figure. He sees Jesus as the one who forms the important connection and union that exists between divinity and humanity. He was respectful to the word of God as given in the Bible but aggressive to the Church of England (Blake, 34). Blake formulated his own mythology that is evident in all his prophetic writings wherein he introduces some characters such as ‘Urizen,’ and ‘Bromion.’ Blake derived his mythology from the Bible and from some Greek scholars. His ideas of the everlasting gospel are mostly ba sed on this mythology. One of his major criticisms of conventional religion stems from the fact that he felt that it fostered the containment of human natural desires and depressed earthly happiness. This position that he takes is evident in â€Å"A vision of the Last Judgment† where he says that men get entrance into heaven, not because they have controlled their passions, but because they have been able to cultivate their inner understandings (Frye). In â€Å"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,† he says that he does not agree to the orthodox ideology of a distinct body from the soul, and which must be under the submission of the soul. However, he says that the body is an extension of the soul taken from the ‘discernment’ of the human five senses. Therefore, the importance traditionalism puts on the rejection of earthly joy is a dualistic error. This error is derived from misapprehension of the association that exists between the body and the soul. In anothe r place, he describes Satan as in the ‘State of error’ and as in a condition wherein he cannot come to repentance. Blake had a complicated connection with Enlightenment philosophy and because of his religious affiliation, he did not agree with the Newtonian view of the universe. This way of thinking is depicted in â€Å"Jerusalem† where he also illustrates his opposition to the ‘single-vision’ of scientific materialism. In spite of his clear disagreement to Enlightenment philosophy, he reached at a linear aesthetic. This position was somewhat the same to the neoclassical engravings of John Flaxman than to the works of the Romantics. Consequently, he has been seen as one of the enlightenment poets and artists. This is because he was in agreement with that movement’s denial of received ideas, regulations, and conventions.Advertising Looking for research paper on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Blake was viewed as being in opposition of what he thought as the elevation of reason to the level of a tyrannical regime. In his disapproval of reason, law, and uniformity, he has been seen as contradicting the enlightenment principles. However, a number of scholars have argued that, in a dialectical sense, he employed the enlightenment drive of denunciation to disapprove narrow notions of the enlightenment principles. In many of his poems and paintings, Blake talked about the concept of universal humanity, abhorrence to slavery, and strong belief in racial and sexual equality. For example, in one of his poems, â€Å"The Book of Thel,† he asked about the essence of living here in the world. This poem is thought to be a composition in honor of his dead newborn child. Until his death on 12 August, 1827, Blake maintained an active interest in the social and political happenings that were taking place during that time (De Selincourt). He presented his statements using m ystical symbolism. His position on what he perceived as intolerable extended to the Christian faith. His religious views are depicted in Songs of Experience. In this book, he differentiates between the Old Testament God, and the New Testament God. The restrictions of the former were rejected while those of the latter were accepted. In response to Blake’s Songs of Experience, D.C. Williams (1899-1983), said that Blake used the literary work to depict the suffering and loss posed by the nature of society and the world of his time. Throughout history, poets have been influenced to a large extent by the environment that they live in, and William Blake was no exception. His literary works have influential opposing views and comments concerning different social and political events during his time. In particular, he talked about important issues regarding human nature, the oppressive British monarchy, and the Christian faith. These views were safe from prosecution. This is because he skillfully masked them in symbolic language that could not be understood by many of his adversaries. Works Cited Blake, William. The complete poetry and prose of William Blake. Ed. David V. Erdman. New York: Anchor Books, 1982. Print. Blunt, Anthony. The art of William Blake. New York: Columbia University Press, 1959. Print. Bronowski, Jacob. William Blake, 1757-1827; a man without a mask. London: Secker Warburg, 1947. Print. De Selincourt, Basil. William Blake. New York: Haskell House Publishers, 1971. Print. Frye, Northrop. Blake; a collection of critical essays. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1966. Print. This research paper on William Blake Biography and Works was written and submitted by user Brown Starfish to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Mandating to wear seatbelts essays

Mandating to wear seatbelts essays Legislative Mandate to Wear Seat Belts The case study entitled Legislative Mandate to Wear Seat Belts, in which we are to respond stirred up some feelings about this issue. The issue is whether or not I believe that the government has the right to tell people that they have to wear seat belts in their own car. I have mixed emotions about this law, and not a definite opinion. I fell that we should wear seat belts because statistics show that it does help prevent injuries in accidents, on the other hand I feel that the government should not tell you what to do in your own car, and thirdly by answering the question in the last sentence of the case study I believe that children should be fastened into a car seat because they are not yet old enough to make a decision on their own. I have read in many magazines and journals that stated wearing a seat belt in accidents has saved people lives. For this I am grateful. This I is what seat belts were designed for, and why the government feels that they should be worn at all times while you are driving. I feel that the government is trying to look out for the good of the people by making a law of wearing your seat belts. The government is trying to lower the fatality rate in car accidents by making a law of wearing your seat belt. In contrast, I feel that the government should not have the power to tell people what to do in their own cars that they have bough themselves. I feel that the government has the right to educate people on the issue, but not make a law telling people that they have to wear their seat belts. In a way this is the government trying to take away what little rights people have left today. If people should choose not to wear their sea belt in their own car and have an accident, then the consequences of the accident would be their own fault. The right to choose whether or not to wear a seat belt should b up to the individual driving the car. ...

Timeline of the Directory in the French Revolution

Timeline of the Directory in the French Revolution 1795 January February February 3: The Batavian Republic proclaimed in Amsterdam. February 17: Peace of La Jaunaye: Vendà ©an rebels offered an amnesty, freedom of worship and no conscription. February 21: Freedom of worship returns, but church and state are officially separated. April April 1-2: Germinal uprising demanding the 1793 constitution. April 5: Treaty of Basle between France and Prussia. April 17: The Law of Revolutionary Government is suspended. April 20: Peace of La Prevalaye between Vendà ©an rebels and the central government with the same terms as La Jaunaye. April 26: Representatives en mission abolished. May May 4: Prisoners massacred in Lyons. May 16: Treaty of the Hague between France and the Batavian Republic (Holland). May 20-23: Uprising of Prairial demanding the 1793 constitution. May 31: The Revolutionary Tribunal closed. June June 8: Louis XVII dies. June 24: Declaration of Verona by self declared Louis XVIII; his statement that France must return to the pre-revolutionary system of privilege ends any hope of a return to monarchy. June 27: Quiberon Bay Expedition: British ships land a force of militant à ©migrà ©s, but they fail to break out. 748 are caught and executed. July July 22: Treaty of Basle between France and Spain. August August 22: Constitution of the Year III and the Two Thirds Law passed. September September 23: Year IV begins. October October 1: Belgium annexed by France. October 5: Uprising of Vendà ©miaire. October 7: Law of Suspects cancelled. October 25: Law of 3 Brumaire: à ©migrà ©s and the seditious barred from public office. October 26: Final session of the Convention. October 26-28: The Electoral Assembly of France meets; they elect the Directory. November November 3: The Directory begins. November 16: The Pantheon Club opens. December December 10: A forced loan is called. 1796 1797 1798 November 25: Rome is captured by Neopolitans. 1799 January March March 12: Austria declares war on France. April April 10: The Pope is brought to France as a captive. Elections of the Year VII. May May 9: Reubell leaves the Directory and is replaced by Sieyà ©s. June June 16: Aggravated by France losses and disputes with the Directory, the ruling Councils of France agree to sit permanently. June 17: The Councils overturn the election of Treilhard as Director and replace him with Ghier. June 18: Coup dà ©tat of 30 Prairial, Journee of the Councils: the Councils purge the Directory of Merlin de Douai and La Rà ©vellià ¨re-Là ©peaux. July July 6: Foundation of the neo-Jacobin Manà ¨ge club. July 15: Law of Hostages allows hostages to be taken among à ©migrà ©s families. August August 5: A loyalist uprising occurs near Toulouse. August 6: Forced loan decreed. August 13: Manà ¨ge club shut down. August 15: French General Joubert is killed at Novi, a French defeat. August 22: Bonaparte leaves Egypt to return to France. August 27: An Anglo-Russian expeditionary force lands in Holland. August 29: Pope Pius VI dies in French captivity at Valence. September September 13: The Country in Danger motion is rejected by the Council of 500. September 23: Start of Year VIII. October October 9: Bonaparte lands in France. October 14: Bonaparte arrives in Paris. October 18: The Anglo-Russian expeditionary force flees from Holland. October 23: Lucien Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon, is elected president of the Council of 500. November November 9-10: Napoleon Bonaparte, aided by his brother and Sieyà ¨s, overthrows the Directory. November 13: Repeal of the Law of Hostages. December December 25: Constitution of the Year VIII proclaimed, creating the Consulate. Back to Index Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Teenage Pregnancy - Essay Example But it happened again two days later. It was Sunday and Sonakshi had not even stepped out of home since morning. She had only eaten the porridge Mumta poured into her plate in the breakfast. Her exams had been over for two days and she had not even opened any book since then. Her dizziness and vomiting could not be associated with any eating disorder. Mumta was worried more than ever before. She took her to a doctor, and after a couple of tests, she was declared pregnant. That was the doom’s day for Mumta and Mithlesh. Their 15 year old daughter had been in a physical relationship with John Good, the boy next door for the last four months. They could not hurt her against the law, though they so wished they had been in India where they could ferociously beat their daughter. Mumta could not bear it and poisoned herself to death. Having lost the wife and the love for his daughter, Mithlesh got extremely depressed. What worried Mithlesh more than everything was that Sonakshi had n ot respected the cultural traditions of India, according to which, girls do not fornicate outside marriage. He thought it did not matter in USA, but it would certainly not be approved of in India. So he thought about marrying his daughter to John. He explained the whole scenario to John’s parents, Martha Good and Andrew Good who were pure Americans.

Kendy Oliver Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kendy Oliver - Article Example nistrative assistant in any field can really be considered a jack-of-all-trades because the support they provide allows them to gain knowledge of all activities in their department. Oliver says that the students are her biggest source of motivation. I get to work with them pretty extensively in the Student Academic Support Center and since I work at a small school, we all get to know each other, she explains. She goes ahead to describe the students as wonderful and she loves having even a small part in their academic success. Her greatest wish is to get more involved in advising as time goes on. For Oliver, working in the education sector has always been a lifelong dream; earlier on, her ambitions were on teaching elementary schools, but later she changed her career path into business. Before coming to Rosemont, she was working at a proprietary school as a Financial Aid Counselor and fell in love with the education process there. Several things attracted Oliver to Rosemont College; first, it is a small school with a similar atmosphere to Chestnut Hill College, where she completed her undergraduate work. Second, she wanted to get out of proprietary education and focus on other traditional avenues of education. Once she arrived at Rosemont, she grew to enjoy the familial atmosphere and was very happy with her decision to work here. Oliver grew up in Norristown, PA, about 15 minutes from Rosemont. Norristown is a place with a lot of potential and charm, but also many problems, she states. She continues to explain her love for the town because of all of the wonderful memories she had there while growing up, but moving forward, she would like to get more involved in measures to make her town better, such as bringing business back into town and improving the public education system. She attended Chestnut Hill College and graduated in 2012 with Bachelors in Business Administration. She admits to loving the experiences she had at Chestnut Hill College, stating that the

Why Are Drugs Classified in the Categories They Are Essay Example for Free

Why Are Drugs Classified in the Categories They Are Essay 1.Why are drugs classified in the categories they are? The term drug class generally refers to the area affected by a drug or its effect on the body (BIO-316V Module 2 Lecture, 2012). Many drugs can fit into more than one category, but they are usually classified by their therapeutic action. A drug’s therapeutic category refers to its purpose—the diseases or conditions it treats (Drug Classifications, 2013). Drugs can also be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient. 2.Give a description of the actions of drugs in each category. Central Nervous System: Anticonvulsants: These drugs are used to control/prevent seizures in patients who have epilepsy, seizure disorders, traumatic brain injuries, or other cerebral disorders ((BIO-316V Module 2 Lecture, 2012). Antidepressants: These drugs are used to treat neurotransmitter deficiencies (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). It can take weeks for the drug to reach the appropriate blood level to have the desired effect. Antianxiety/sedative medications: These drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines enhance the actions of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gammaaminobutyruc acid. Agents in both classes are effective sedative-hypnotics , antianxiety agents, and anticonvulsants. (Olson, J., 2012). Antipsychotics: These are medications that are used to treat psychotic episodes and serious mental disorders (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder that can be treated with an antipsychotic medication. Anti emetics: These drugs treat nausea and vomiting and help control motion sickness (Olson, J., 2012). Cardiovascular drugs: Antihypertensives: These include diuretics which reduce blood pressure and edema by increasing urine production. (Olson, J., 2012). Antiadrenergics: These medications increase blood pressure by stimulating the heart and/or constricting peripheral blood vessels. (Olson, J., 2012). Vasodilators: These drugs help lower one’s blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels (Olson, J., 2012). Vasoconstrictors: These help increase one’s blood pressure by constricting the blood vessels (Olson, J., 2012). Anti-anginals: Nitrates dilate large myocardial arteries to increase blood supply to the  heart. They also reduce cardiac preload by reducing venous tone which allows blood pooling in the periphery (Olson, J., 2012). Anti-arrhythmias: These drugs influence cardiac conduction properties and may revert an abnormal rhythm to sinus rhythm (Olson, J., 2012). Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics: Anticoagulants inhibit coagulation, antiplatelets prevent platelet aggregation and thrombolytics degrade clots that have already formed (Olson, J., 2012). All of these drugs need to be given carefully to avoid causing excessive bleeding. They should not be given to patients with ulcers, patients who are pregnant, or those who are suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Lipid Lowering Agents: These drugs help one reduce blood cholesterol when diet and exercise control fail (Olson, J., 2012). Analgesic medications: Analgesic medications are commonly known as pain relievers. Many are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Others are given to the patient by prescription for pain relief (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Narcotic medications stimulate central nervous system receptors known as opioid receptors and cause a decrease in the perception of pain. An overdose of narcotics can result in suppression of the respiratory system, leading to respiratory arrest (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate pain associated with inflammation (e.g., Aleve). They are used to relieve arthritis and other joint pain. Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever that does not cause bleeding. It is often given instead of NSAIDs (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Antihistamines and Endocrine medications: Antihistamine medications block the immune responses of itching, hives, and swelling caused by the release of histamines. These are available OTC (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Diabetes and hypothyroidism are two glandular conditions that are often observed by the health care professional. Antidiabetic medications are necessary for patients who cannot balance their blood sugar and tissue sugar. Insulin is the medication prescribed for insulin-dependent diabetes (type-1 diabetes) (BIO-316V Module  Lecture, 2012). Hypothyroidism is controlled by common hormone preparations designed to enhance thyroid function. The most common of these is thyroxin (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Hyperthyroidism is typically controlled by a medication called methimazole and it inhibits transformation of inorganic iodine to organic iodine (Olson, J., 2012). Bronchodilators help open constricted airways in patients who have respiratory constriction such as asthma and/or COPD (Olson, J., 2012). Vasopressin is a drug which promotes reabsorption of water in the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidneys and vasoconstricts blood vessels. Vasopressin and DDAVP are synthetic analogs of arginine vasopressin used to treat diabetes insipidus. (Olson, J., 2012). Desmopressin is used to treat acute epistaxis and GI hemorrhage and also used to maintain hemostasis during surgery in patients who have hemophilia A and Von Willebrand’s disease (Olson, J., 2012). Oxytocin induces contraction in the gravid uterus and promotes milk ejaculation from the post partum breast (Olson, J., 2012). Oral contraceptives hel p prevent pregnancy (Olson, J., 2012). Corticosteroids: These include Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, and Fludrocortisone. These medications are typically used for respiratory issues such as asthma, and a few of them care also used as an anti-inflammatory agent to help reduce swelling and allow the patient to breathe better. Prednisone is the drug of choice for maintenance therapy of severe asthma. Prednisone doesn’t just help reduce swelling in the lungs; however, it can be used for other inflammatory issues all over the body (Olson, J., 2012). Anti infective agents: Antibiotics are drugs used to fight infections caused by bacteria. As their name implies, antibiotics are anti-life agents as far as bacteria are concerned (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Antifungal drugs are used to combat all sorts of fungal infections, from athletes foot to histoplasmosis. They are being used more often now in the combating of AIDS-related fungal infections (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Antiviral agents fight viral disease at the cellular level. Viruses enter into cells and propagate within them. Antibiotics have no effect on a virus once it has entered a cell. Antiviral agents are designed to interfere with the  replication of viruses (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Chemotherapy Agents: Chemotherapy is typically used to treat cancer. This is achieved by using a combination of drugs that are most toxic to the particular cancer cells of an individual patient. They are very potent and could be harmful to the caregiver (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). GI Agents: Antidiarrheals: These drugs help control diarrhea amd most are sold OTC, although there are a few that can be prescribed and are more potent than the OTC drugs (Olson, J., 2012). Laxatives: These drugs are the opposite of antidiarrheals, as they help a patient who is unable to have a bowel movement (Olson, J., 2012). Antacids provide symptomatic relief of gastric acid irritation (Olson, J., 2012). Anti ulcer drugs help treat or prevent ulcers by either neutralizing gastric acid or preventing the production of acid (Olson, J., 2012). 3.What is chemotherapy and which diseases are treated this way? Chemotherapy by definition is the combination of two or more drugs used to treat a disease (BIO-316V Module Lecture, 2012). Most anticancer agents act by inhibiting cell proliferation by either damaging DNA or preventing DNA repair (Olson, J., 2012). Chemotherapeutic regimens often consist of several agents that have different mechanisms of action and minimize overlapping toxic effects (Olson, J., 2012). Most anticancer drugs cause bone marrow suppression which is why bone marrow sparing drugs are often included in combination regimens (OIson, J., 2012). Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. 4.Give examples of how contrast media are used to produce an image. Contrast studies provide some information that standard x-rays cannot. During a contrast study, you get a dose of a contrast material that outlines, highlights, or fills in parts of the body so that they show up more clearly on an x-ray. The contrast material may be given by mouth, as an enema, as an injection,or through a catheter put into various tissues of the body. For most of these tests, the images can be captured either on x-ray film or by a computer (American Cancer Society, 2013). An image is produced on a radiograph when the content of iodine in the blood is sufficient to  prevent the penetration of the photons emitted by the X-ray tube (BIO 316V Module 2 Lecture, 2012). 5.Compare ionic and non-ionic contrast media. Ionic contrast media carry the iodine to the organ that is to be visualized. In the chemical attachment of the iodine to the water molecule, positive cations are produced as a side effect. Non-ionic does not mean that the contrast media contain no iodine; rather, it means that non-ionic contrast media contain no positive cations to disrupt the balance of the blood plasma. The immune system does not recognize it as foreign matter and is usually not aroused (BIO 316V Module 2 Lecture, 2012). References: American Cancer Society, 2013. Retrieved on September 6, 2013 from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/i magingradiologytests/imaging-radiology-tests-xrays BIO-316V Module 2 Lecture, 2012. Grand Canyon University. Drug Classifications, 2013. Anthem Education. Retrieved on September 6, 2013 from http://www.anthem.edu/pharmacy-technician-school/drug-classifications/

Innocent Religion Essay -- Religion, Moses, God

Science and technology have been regarded by many people as the Moses who leads human out of the world of ignorance to the land of knowledge and wealth. Religion, in the other respect, has unfortunately been misinterpreted as the evil Pharaoh who wants to keep human under his slavery. Some people thought the "Scientific Revolution" in the 17th century as the "Exodus" of science from the tyranny of religion. For instance, they believe that if Newton did not waste his time on the search for God, he probably would have made much more contribution to science. Dong Jin, one of the writer for Digest of Science and Technology thought Newton was "controlled by a wrong philosophy and fall into the abyss of idealism and theism"[[1] Dong Jin, Digest of Science and Technology, September 2000 ][1] and considered Newton's attempts to find evidence for 'existence of God' is "so absurd and tragic."[][1] Surprisingly, quite a number of people share Dong Jin’s unfair view of religion. In their views, Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon are also victims of religious belief. However, few of these accusations are true. In the time of "Scientific Revolution", religious belief rarely acted as it's preventer. Sometimes, religion even played a positive role in the construction of new science and philosophy. Newton is a remarkable figure in the period of scientific revolution. His discovery of general binomial expansion in 1664 and publication of the concept of Calculus in "Principia" in 1687 introduced handy mathematical tools to modern science. His light decomposition experiment with prism and ground work in Classical mechanics had greatly changed people's view of nature. His work generated a large crowd of followers known as Newtonians. His thoughts an... ...s kind of conflicts in 17th century happened very often. Natural phylosophers criticisms suppressed the work of experimental scientists. As far as I am concerned, the discrepancy between natural philosophers and experimental scientists was a heavier shackle then religion on science. Although religion had some controversy with science, like their disagreement on the issue of embryonic stem cell researches, it did not create a lot of obstacles in the time of the "Scientific Revolution". During the process of unveiling the secret of nature, science and religion will surely have some argument due to their different opinion in the interpretation of phenomena. Since the wide-spread religious belief didn't kill those great figures in the "Scientific Revolution". we should claim religion's innocence in that period and criticize it's role in a more rational and complete.

Case Study: Merck & Company: the Vioxx Recall

Running head: CASE STUDY: MERCK & COMPANY: THE VIOXX RECALL Merck & Company: The Vioxx Recall Albert Balogun California Baptist University BUS 520A: Managerial Ethics Jim Bishop, PhD June 30, 2010 Merck & Company: The Vioxx Recall The issues involved in Merck, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company’s recall of one its products, Vioxx, is the effect of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drug on the society public health, the impact of it on the doctor –patient relationship and other ethical considerations.The purpose of this paper is to make an exposition of issues that the recall case entailed including the ethical issues that were involved, and the propriety of DTC advertising method. The legal implications of the recall and the effect of an enactment of a law by the Congress to prevent the use of DTC method of advertising will also be examined. The Beginning of Merck Troubles A number of reasons could be adduced for Merck’s troubles; from a ve ry reputable pharmaceutical company to one that had its major brand withdrawn from the market with considerable adverse financial implications.Apart from the role of direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising and its impact on the company’s decision-making process during the period preceding and leading to the recall of Vioxx which will be the central focus of this paper, other reasons exist as well. These include the competitiveness of very high magnitude that existed in the pharmaceutical industry in the 1990s and the dilemma that Merck faced as a result of a number of its patents that were due to expire.These patents were mostly on the company’s most profitable drug lines (Green, 2007). With declining fortune, Merck found DTC irresistible and relied on it heavily to shore up its market share and to remain competitive. This was the case particularly in the aggressive marketing of Vioxx which evidently was discovered to be dangerous to the consumers but which the company ignored as will be expatiated later in this paper.Direct-to Consumer Advertising Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs which involves direct promotion of prescription drugs to patients and physicians has continued to generate a lot of controversies with regard to its impact on the public health and on the relationships that exist between doctors and their patients. The relaxation of the rule governing the direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising in 1997 by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) paved the way for intensification of such mode of advertising by the pharmaceutical companies.The relaxed rule led to widespread use of television to advertise prescription drugs with commensurate big spending by the drug companies (Beauchamp et al, 2008). The Vioxx Recall Story Vioxx was discovered in 1994 by Merck to be among the new class of painkillers known as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors are the newest form of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (N SAIDs) and Vioxx, as one of them, was developed to overcome the stomach irritation and gastric bleeding associated with older NSAIDs with COX-1 and Cox-2 inhibitors, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen to treat people who are in need of long-term pain relief.The COX-2 medication was effective for treatment of arthritis and other pains without users being exposed to stomach damage by naproxen. But the market for it was insignificant. Merck, looking for ways to entrench its market leadership threatened by impending loss of patent, relied heavily on Vioxx to capture the painkiller drug market with which it hoped to shore up its profile and revenue. However, since Vioxx is only COX-2 inhibitors, Merck was concerned about its market strategy if patients have no benefit of cardiovascular derivable from COX-1 (Phua & Achike, 2007).The belief through trials in Merck was that while Vioxx provides guarantee against stomach damage, there is no increased risk to the heart. In 1998 wh en Merck completed the development of Vioxx and submitted application for approval to FDA and before it finally launched Vioxx in 1999, there was considerable positive change in the company’s fortune. It became the number one pharmaceutical company in the world and earned $5. 24 billion in net revenue.During this period, it was discovered by some researchers that COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx would interfere with enzymes that very likely to prevent cardiovascular disease. The researchers’ study was opposed by Merck claiming that the study lacked conclusive evidence (Beauchamp et al, 2008). In 1999 prior to the launch of Vioxx into the market, Merck commissioned Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trial with the aim of proving that its drug is less risky than the older NSAIDS.Excluding patients with high risk of heart problem, the study gave some patients high doses of Vioxx and precluded them from taking aspirin. Next to this was the approval of Vioxx for marketing to the public by FDA. As opposed to the normal two-year review period for other companies, it took only six months for FDA to review Vioxx for Merck made possible by a special relationship and money inducement. Merck used DTC to successfully market Vioxx to the public (Beauchamp et al, 2008). In 2000, Merck wanted to prove whether Vioxx can reduce colon polyps.It decided to sponsor a study code named ‘APPROVe’ which is Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx. To give effect and credibility to the study, it was controlled and it compared Vioxx with a placebo rather than another drug. It was at this time that the result of VIGOR trial was published internally. The outcome was that even though Vioxx patients showed less stomach damage, there is more blood clot problems than drugs in the naproxen group with five times higher risk of heart attack.Even when Merck’s head of research admitted in internal email confirmed the fear about cardiovascular and opting f or more data before results were made public, it would appear as Merck deliberately suppressed the results of its own study maintaining that all was well by relying only on the favorable aspects of the study. It would appear that the company caused some academics that it was funding to issue a paper based on the VIGOR study and published ‘The New England Journal of Medicine’ to highlight Vioxx benefits to the digestive system and the cardiac problems but to maintain that patients are not at risk of heart problems.The VIGOR results continue to hunt Merck as FDA would later require a label of warning of possible link to cardiovascular problems. Surprisingly, Merck would ignore the recommendation only to be forced to include a warning label that highlight the fewer stomach problems but to expressly include a warning about possibly more heart attacks and strokes (Beauchamp et al, 2008). Merck became more aggressive spending over $100 million on DTC advertising of Vioxx. By August, 2004 when an FDA researcher presented a comprehensive analysis of data collected over 1. million users of Vioxx which showed that they were more likely to suffer heart attack than other COX-2 inhibitors and older NSAIDS, Merck still maintained its stand that Vioxx was safe from cardiovascular problem. It would only take the APPROVe study which was stopped at the behest of the researchers for Merck to finally agree that, according to APPROVe finding, Vioxx exposes users to demonstrably higher incidence of heart attack after 18 months of regular use (Phua & Achike, 2007).Merck finally halted the sales of Vioxx on September 30, 2004 after it had expended over $500 million on DTC advertising of Vioxx raking in over $2. 5 billion in sales revenues in a year. The Ethical Considerations Clearly, the objective to regain and maintain leadership position in the pharmaceutical industry was paramount to Merck than getting a safe product to the market. The huge market share and profits t hat go with such position propelled Merck to overlook essential findings that would have revealed the heart attack risks associated with Vioxx at research and development stages.At introduction stage, both Merck and FDA acted unethically by speeding up the review process. In a situation whereby FDA as the regulator is on the pay of the pharmaceutical industry, it can be expected that the rules and the procedures would be compromised. A pharmaceutical company should have no control over the information that is disclosed about its products because patients rely on the expertise of the physicians to make the best choice for them. When physicians are hired as consultants by companies whose products they prescribe, then conflicts of interest exist.That is why physicians and researchers should be made to disclose their pecuniary interest in any pharmaceutical company and in its drugs. The protagonists of DTC advertising have often argued that the mode has raised the awareness for and acce ss to important new medications as well as the ability of patients to actively engage their physicians in informed discussions about their prescription drugs. The antagonists of DTC advertising however, are of the opinion that the advertising cannot provide enough or detailed information that will enable the consumers to make appropriate drug choices (Sullivan, 2002).Marketing and advertising do not discriminate between segments of the society. For this reason, it is hard to see how the elderly, children, and the less endowed who are vulnerable and susceptible to deceptive and marketing strategies can become more informed in making drug choices (Greene, 2010). The antagonists argue further that the huge amount of money that pharmaceutical companies expend on DTC advertising could make prescription drugs more expensive to the consumers.DTC advertising could also adversely affect the relationship between the doctor and the patient (Beauchamp et al, 2008). It appears that the arguments against direct-to-consumer far outweigh arguments for. Wholeheartedly, any legislation by the U. S. Congress to ban direct-to-consumer (DTC) is supported by this author. DTC advertisings offer a lot of information such that would require assistance from professionals to be properly evaluated by the consumer in order to make good choices.DTC creates knowledge gap between the consumer and the marketer when the consumer cannot properly evaluate the information being received. The possibility that the knowledge gap would exist is very high especially among the less privileged members of the society. This gap is therefore open to manipulation to the advantage of the marketer. Public health is too important to be left the whims of the pharmaceutical industry to manipulate as they have been doing over the years with their unrestrained budgets on DTC.It is pertinent to say only United States has embraced DTC advertising of prescription dugs has never been permitted legally in Europe and it is banned outright in Canada (Green, 2007). Conclusion The case of Merck and its Vioxx recall has proved that pharmaceutical manufacturing companies need to strongly take into consideration the overall interest of public good. It is hard to imagine that decision makers at all levels in Merck would ignore the disturbing information provided by their own VIGOR study.The quest for make bigger profits and control the painkiller drug market seem to becloud their sense of judgments. Many lives were exposed to the risks of heart attack and strokes when the warning signs were staring them in the face. The company itself lost $33 million in market capitalization. This case obviously calls for more and stricter regulations by strengthening the operations of FDA. Reference Beauchamp et al, (2008). Ethical Theory and Business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall Green, R. (2007). Direct-To-Consumer Advertising and Pharmaceutical Ethics.Retrieved June 9, 2010 from http://faculty. chas s. ncsu. edu/comstock Greene, J. (2010). Hidden in Plain Sight. American Journal of Public Health (2010) Vol. 100, No. 5. Retrieved June 27, 2010 from EBSCOhost Database Phua, K. & Achike, F. (2007). Vioxx and Other Pharmaceutical Product Withdrawals. Clinical Ethics. Retrieved June 27, 2010 from EBSCOhost Database Sullivan, P. (2002). No direct-to-consumer drug ads: CMA. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 11/12/2002, Vol. 167 Issue 10, p1153-1153, 1/3p. Retrieved June 28, 2010 from EBSCOhost Database [pic]

Critique of Theoretical Framework

Religion, Social Policy, and Social Work Practice Faith-based Services in Public Welfare It is generally accepted that the church has been a locus of social service and social change throughout America's history, and â€Å"that the concept of human services emerged, at least partially, from a religious base† (Ellor, Netting, ; Thibault, 1999, p. 13). Furthermore, it is recognized that the social work profession in the United States was influenced by a long history of religious traditions (Ellor et al, 1999; Hugen, 2012; Rosethal, 2006).The social welfare system that emerged in the United States, ormerly and presently, continues to be a mix of faith-based and secular organizations and groups with diversified perspectives and approaches (Ellor et al, 1999). The diverse perspectives and approaches to social welfare in the United States are rooted in an expansive array of worldviews and faith traditions. The U. S. is a pluralistic society characterized by a diversity of people, op inions, and religions (Monsma, 2012).The church is simply one of many places where social welfare ideations have manifested themselves, and the battles against social injustices have been fought. For many years a great variety of religiously affiliated organizations, colleges, hospitals, and social service agencies have received federal welfare funding. There is nothing profoundly new about the inclusion of faith-based organizations in the delivery of social welfare services to the disenfranchised and vulnerable populations (Karger et al, 2007).What is new is the prominence of postmodern, humanistic ideologies in social welfare that began in the 20th century (Hugen, 2012). The clashes between present-day humanistic and faith-based ideologies have spawned a lasting political debate over the correctness of federal government unding of faith-based social services. A major landmark for this political debate occurred in 1996 when the United States Congress passed a set of provisions unde r the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) section 104†also known as the Charitable Choice clause (Daly, 2009; Wuthnow, 2004).Charitable Choice removed many of the restrictions on integrating religious content with faith-based delivery of social services, and positioned faith-based social service agencies as equivalent to secular social service agencies (Karger et al, 2007). The ovement to incorporate faith-based social service agencies was further fueled by President George W. Bush's Faith Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) (Kennedy & Bielefeld, 2006; Daly, 2009; and Wuthnow, 2004).The Bush administration aimed to do two things based on the core Judicious principles of Charitable Choice: first, to increase the amount of federal social-welfare resources going to faith-based organizations; and second, to protect the organizational autonomy and religious identity of these groups when contracted with the government (Daly, 2007). As a result of the Bush-era FBCI, eleven faith and community-based offices were created n federal agencies, and many states began to develop programs to expand the role of faith-based social services in delivering anti-poverty assistance (Reingold, Pirog & Brady, 2007).The Bush-era faith-based initiative was strong enough that the Bush administration's proposed budget for 2002 allocated nearly $90 million to organizations that expanded or emulated models ot tai tn-based social service programs (Twombly, 2002). Today, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), there are 956,738 public charities, 97,435 private foundations, and 70,745 other types of nonprofit organizations (NCCS, 2013). According to the NCCS Core Files, public charities reported over $1. 59 trillion in total revenues, and $1. 9 trillion in total expenses in 2011. Of the public charities' revenues: 22% came from contributions, gifts and government grants; 72% came from program service revenues, which includ e government fees and contracts; and 6% came from â€Å"other† sources (NCCS, 2013). Blackwood, Roeger, & PettiJohn (2012) reveal that there was a 42. 3% growth in the number 501(c)(3) public charities from 2000 to 2010. In New York State alone, there are 1 5,362 religious or spiritually related public charities (IRS Business Master File 04/2010).Eric Twombly (2002), an affiliate of The Urban Institute, and Ira Colby (2007), a social work professor at the University of Houston, point out that many faith-based organizations, such as The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, and Lutheran Social Services have historically received government support and played a significant role in social service provisions in the United States. These groups are key players in many local areas in both direct ocial provision and setting government service priorities.The goal of this essay is to explore the political debate over Charitable Choice and the faith-based initia tive, and secondly, to uncover the implications for social work practice and social work education from this debate. It is evident that faith-based organizations play a substantial role in the delivery of social welfare services in the United States (Nagel, 2006). To begin our exploration of this issue, we will look at the relevant worldviews and belief systems that support or refute the federal government support of faith- based social service agencies.Worldview/ Belief Issues Republicans have favored the privatization of social welfare and reinforced the value of nonprofits. Conservative thinkers believe that churches can address welfare better than the government and the secular social service system (Cnaan & Boddie, 2002). Conservatives vigorously attack the belief that government should finance and deliver social services to the population (Karger et al, 2007). Conservatives argue privatization has become a paradox in social welfare because the private sector has been utilized in service provision and precedes the welfare state in many instances.David Osborne and Ted Gaebler (1992) assert in Reinventing Government that the private and public sectors have different roles. The government's role should consist primarily of establishing the objectives of social policy, and the private sector role should consist of executing the policy. David Stoesz (2007) co-author of American Social Welfare Policy argues, â€Å"nonprofit organizations have been poor competitors, often losing out to for-profit firms† (p. 193).He further asserts that the nature of nonprofits make them less competitive than commercial firms, and when for-profits nter the same market, they often take a substantial portion of the market until nonprofits adopt the same management procedures and become more efficient. A large assumption is this: if for-profits suspect that they can generate a profit by providing superior service to a clientele, they will seek to subcontract with the governme nt and provide the service.Conversely, Ira Colby (2007) the Dean and Professor of social work at the University of Houston asserts that privatization of social services as the answer to creating ettective service provisions tor the poor is a â€Å"grossly erroneous assumption† (p. 194). According to Colby (2007) the catchphrases of â€Å"compassionate conservative† or â€Å"faith-based social services† are simply resurfacing ideas from a previous welfare era where greater reliance on the private sector was emphasized.Liberal ideology asserts that the government should play a central role in the provision of services†that government is responsible for ensuring that all people, regardless of status in life, receive needed services and supports that maximize their well-being and ability to participate in society. In essence, basic social services are the business of the government (Colby, 2007). Monsma (2012) identifies 5 factors that underlie and work to mol d how liberals view the public role of faith- based organizations.The first is a strong emphasis on the free, autonomous, choosing individual. The second is a suspicion of traditional values and religion when they enter the public square. The third is seeing government as a potentially positive force for social change and improvement. Fourth is its embrace of the strict church-state separation, no-aid-to-religion standard. The fifth and final factor is the legacy of the nondiscrimination statuses of the 1960s. These factors, which can be onsidered beliefs, lead liberals to look negatively upon faith-based human service providers.The emphasis seems to be instead on freedom of choice and what the government can potentially do to improve societal conditions. Rev. Robert Owens (2001) posits that a negative correlation exists between the amount of funding received by religious organizations and the strength of religious mission. Owens, in his stance against public funding of religious or ganizations, argues that accepting government money to provide social service programs only deepens the confusion in communities about who works for whom. Accepting government money turns the state/ church relationship upside down†where the church works for the state.The solution then is to keep religious congregations independent of the influence of government. Political, Legal, Social Policy After the Great Depression, President Roosevelt's New Deal political ideations focused on the structural conditions contributing to poverty and social inequality. Because of the depression, it had become obvious that personal morality could not prevent or be the primary cause of poverty (Nagal, 2006). Therefore, the public responsibility for ocial welfare was emphasized, and the popular moral dimension was minimized in social service delivery.Following the New Deal era, the Reagan administration shifted the focus back to the inclusion of faith-based organization in social service provisi ons. President Reagan considered religious organizations to be more effective than public or secular, nonprofit social service providers (Cnaan & Boddie, 2002). Reagan went so far as to use the parable of the Good Samaritan as a metaphor for the cause of poverty. His perception of the biblical parable contrasted a bureaucratic aseworker against the Good Samaritan: The story of the Good Samaritan has always illustrated to me what God's challenge really is.He crossed the road, knelt down, bound up the wounds of the beaten traveler, the pilgrim, and carried him to the nearest town. He didn't go running into town and look tor a case-worker to tell him that there was a tellow out there that needed help. He took it upon himself. (Denton, 1982, p. 3 as cited in Cnaan & Boddie, 2002) Reagan believed in volunteerism and the increased responsibility of private organizations to meet society's social-welfare needs. The emphasis on volunteerism resulted in a decrease of government spending on so cial welfare initiatives in the 1980s.Reagan challenged the private sector to step up and meet the needs of society. He called on churches to provide for the needs of the poor within their own neighborhoods (Yancey, 2007). President Clinton took the challenge one step further and suggested that organized religion would be able to make a significant contribution to reducing the need for social welfare if each congregation in the United States would hire one person in need (Wuthnow, 2004). Here is what President Clinton said:Under this law [Charitable Choice], every state, when it becomes effective, every state in the country can say: If you will hire somebody off welfare, we'll give you the welfare checks as a supplement for the wages and the training. It means, folks, when you go back home, your church can receive a person's welfare check and add to it only a modest amount of money to make a living wage, and to take some time to train people and bring their children into the church, and make sure their children are all right and give them a home and family.I Just want every pastor in this audience to think about it. Just think about it. If every church in America hired one person off welfare, if every church in America could get some work to do that, it would set an example that would require the business community to follow, that would require the charitable and other nonprofit organizations to follow. We cannot create a government Jobs program big enough to solve the whole thing, but if everybody did it, one by one, we could do this Job. Associated Press, 1996, section A2) Throughout the later part of the 20th century, the federal government called on the Church to act as the primary safety net for people in need. History reveals that faith- ased organizations have always been a part of providing social welfare services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with the Charitable Choice clause and Bush's Faith Based and Co mmunity Initiative simply increased the collaboration between faith-based organizations and the federal government.Separation of Church and State Before the Charitable Choice provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, faith-based organizations contracting with the government had to remove all religious symbols from the room where service was rovided; accept all clients; refrain from any religious ceremonies; hire staff that reflected society, not the organization's belief system; adhere to government contract regulations; and incorporate separately as an 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations (Cnaan ; Boddie, 2002).All this changed after the PRWORA of 1996. First, faith- based services providers retain their religious autonomy; second, the government could not curtail the religious expression or practice of faith-based services; third, taitn-based service providers were exempt trom complying with employment policies andated by the Civil Ri ghts Act of 1964; finally, faith based organization contracting with the government were no longer required to establish a separate, secular 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization (Cnaan ; Boddie, 2002).There are, however, some stipulations that remain in order to contract with the government. Faith-based organizations are fiscally accountable to use government funds for the intended social services and not for religious worship or proselytization. The purpose of this section of the law is to ensure a clear separation between church and state. In order or the government to remain neutral to the religious or secular character of organizations, both are offered an opportunity to participate in social service programs.As Rosenthal (2006) states in his conclusion on Charitable Choice Programs and Title VII's Co-Religionist Exemption: By offering religious institutions the opportunity to participate in social service programs, Congress is faithfully engaging the constitutional principle of n eutrality by affording these organizations the same opportunities as non-religious organizations. On the flip side, however, the Constitution requires that this participation be both ecular and non-discriminatory, so as to ensure that religious organizations are not benefited simply by virtue of their religious character. p. 665) Implication for Social Work Practice David Stoesz (2007) in his response to Should Social Services be Privatized asserts that the social work profession traditionally sides with social welfare. This leads to the dismissal of nonprofit agencies and blatant hostility to for-profit agencies. Because of this bias, social work education is devoid of the knowledge and skills that are essential to business strategies in service provision. The implication for social work education would entail an increase of content in finance, marketing, information systems, and contracting.This would equip social workers to be more competitive in the new human-service market. Wit h access to government funding that no longer regards the religious character of the service provider as a hindrance to the separation of church and state, it is likely (if not already evident by the NCCS reports) that more faith-based organizations and churches will engage in partnership with the public sector. This significant change has influenced social service delivery.As a social work practitioner, I could easily find myself working within a faith-based organization or at least collaborating with a faith-based organization in service delivery. Social work is a value-based profession. Although more secularized than ever before, social work can provide leadership in shaping the collaborative effort between the helping professions and faith-based organizations. This is especially important in considering the integration of spirituality and religion in social work practice.With the prevalence of faith-based organizations providing social services, it ould be beneficial for social work education to increase the content on ethical social work practice within religious settings. With an increased competency in the integration of social work practice with religion and spirituality, social work practitioners can further appreciate the efforts of religious organizations to address social problems. Social work should also â€Å"proceed cautiously to outline the parameters ot ethical social work practice in religious organizations† (Sherr et al, 2009, p. 64) so that service delivery does not cross the ethical line and become an opportunity for proselytizing. The profession of social work continues to realize the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs for clients. The importance of these issues in social work education is supported by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standard, 2. 1. 4: Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity.The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration tatus, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation†¦ [Social workers] gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups†¦ (CSWE, 2008, p. 5) The NASW Code of Ethics (2008) points to the importance of recognizing religious and spiritual beliefs in order to practice in a holistic, client-centered manner.Section 1 . 05(c) of the Code of Ethics states: Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, ex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, martial status, political belief, religion, immigration status and mental or physical disability. (NASW, 2 008, p. 9) Competently addressing religious and spiritual beliefs is part of the holistic approach to working with the multi-dimensional person†bio, psycho, social, and spiritual.To ignore the value system of a client leaves the door open for social workers to taint the helping relationship with their own beliefs and values (Zellmer & Anderson-Meger, 2011). Summary populations (Karger et al, 2007). History reveals that faith-based organizations have lways been a part of providing social welfare services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with the Charitable Choice clause and Bush's Faith Based and Community Initiative simply increased the collaboration between faith-based organizations and the federal government.Conservative thinkers believe that churches can address welfare better than the government and the secular social service system (Cnaan ; Boddie, 2002). Conservatives vigorously attack the belief that government should finance and deliver social services to the population (Karger et al, 2007). Liberal ideology asserts that the government should play a central role in the provision of services†that government is responsible for ensuring that all people, regardless of status in life, receive needed services and supports that maximize their well-being and ability to participate in society (Colby, 2007).With an increased competency in the integration of social work practice with religion and spirituality, social work practitioners can turtner appreciate the etto religious organizations to address social problems. With the prevalence of faith- based organizations providing social services, it would be beneficial for social work ducation to increase the content on ethical social work practice within religious settings. The clashes between present-day humanistic and faith-based ideologies have spawned a lasting political debate over the correctness of federal government funding of faith-based social servic es.In the American pluralistic society, public funds should not be used to promote any particular religion. Therefore, the social work profession should take a leadership role in appreciating diversity, and ethically navigating social welfare and the faith-based initiative.

Habitat Loss, Fragmentation, and Destruction

Habitat Loss, Fragmentation, and Destruction Habitat loss refers to the disappearance of natural environments that are home to particular plants and animals. There are three major types of habitat loss: habitat destruction, habitat degradation, and habitat fragmentation. Habitat Destruction Habitat destruction is the process by which natural habitat is damaged or destroyed to such an extent that it no longer is capable of supporting the species and ecological communities that naturally occur there. It often results in the extinction of species and, as a result, the loss of biodiversity. Habitat can be destroyed directly by many human activities, most of which involve the clearing of land for uses such as agriculture, mining, logging, hydroelectric dams, and urbanization. Although much habitat destruction can be attributed to human activity, it is not an exclusively man-made phenomenon. Habitat loss also occurs as a result of natural events such as floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and climate fluctuations. Although habitat destruction primarily causes species extinctions, it can also open up new habitat that might provide an environment in which new species can evolve, thus demonstrating the resiliency of life on Earth. Sadly, humans are destroying natural habitats at a rate and on spatial scales that exceed what most species and communities can cope with. Habitat Degradation Habitat degradation is another consequence of human development. It is caused  indirectly by human activities such as pollution, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species, all of which reduce the quality of the environment, making it difficult for native plants and animals to thrive. Habitat degradation is fueled by a fast-growing human population. As the population increases, humans use more land for agriculture and for the development of cities and towns spread out over ever-widening areas. The effects of habitat degradation not only affect native species and communities but human populations as well. Degraded lands are frequently lost to erosion, desertification, and nutrient depletion. Habitat Fragmentation Human development also leads to habitat fragmentation, as wild areas are carved up and split into smaller pieces. Fragmentation reduces animal ranges and restricts movement, placing animals in these areas at higher risk of extinction. Breaking up habitat can also separate animal populations, reducing genetic diversity. Conservationists often seek to protect habitat in order to save individual animal species. For example, the Biodiversity Hotspot program organized by Conservation International protects fragile habitats around the world. The groups aim is to protect biodiversity hotspots that contain high concentrations of threatened species, such as Madagascar and the Guinean Forests of West Africa. These areas are home to a unique array of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Conservation International believes that saving these hotspots is key to protecting the planets biodiversity. Habitat destruction is not the only threat facing wildlife, but it is quite likely the greatest. Today, it is taking place at such a rate that species are beginning to disappear in extraordinary numbers. Scientists warn  that the planet is experiencing a sixth mass extinction that will have serious ecological, economic, and social consequences. If the loss of natural habitat around the globe does not slow, more extinctions are sure to follow.

Idioms and Expressions in Context

Idioms and Expressions in Context Its important to learn and use idioms and expressions in context. Of course, idioms are not always easy to understand. There are idiom and expression resources that can help with definitions, but reading them in short stories can also provide context that makes them come more alive. Try reading the story one time to understand the gist without using the idiom definitions. On your second reading, use the definitions to help you understand the text while learning new idioms. After you understand the story, take the quiz at the end of each reading to test your knowledge. Teachers can print out these short stories and use in class in combination with teaching ideas provided at the end of this resource list. Idioms and Expressions in Context Stories Johns Keys to SuccessA story about a man was an accomplished businessman and happily gives advice to young people he mentors. Odd Man OutA story about a man who gossiped a little too much at parties making him the odd man out anytime he joined the fun. Young and FreeA short story about what it takes to be successful in a small company. Its good preparation for young adult English learners who are college age. My Successful FriendHere is a story about a mans friend who has had a very successful career. The Road to SuccessHere is a short essay on how to succeed in todays difficult economic environment. It makes good reading for business English classes. For Teachers Use these idioms in context stories with your advanced-level classes to provide context for learning common idioms in English. Each short story of two to three paragraphs provides approximately 15 idioms. These idioms are then defined following the story followed by a short quiz testing a number of idioms from the selection. Following this introduction to the idioms in context, you can practice use of the idioms in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas: Ask students to write their own short stories using the idioms in context.Have students write dialogues using the idioms to act out in class.Group students together to create their own gap fill quizzes for other groups.Write up questions using the idioms presented and discuss as a class or in groups.Make up situations that fit each idiom on-the-fly and ask students to choose the idiom that fits best. Learning Idioms in Context   You might wonder how you can recognize an idiom when you are reading a book, online or perhaps watching TV. Here are a few tips on how you can spot an idiom: Idioms dont actually mean what they say. Thats right, the actual meaning of the words dont necessarily indicate the meaning of the idiom. Lets take a look at a few: Remember my son, the early bird catches the worm.   This idiom means that its important to get up and get to work in order to succeed in life. Of course, early birds probably catch worms as well! However, the meaning has nothing to little to do with the words.   Idioms can seem out of context. You can be sure youve spotted an idiom if you notice that the words have little to do with the context. For example, lets imagine that youre in a business meeting. Someone says: Well, itll be smooth sailing after this quarter. If youre in a business meeting, you dont expect to be talking about sailing on the open sea. This is an example of something out of context. It doesnt fit in. Thats a sure sign that it might be an idiom.   Idioms are often phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs can be literal or figurative. Literal means that the words mean exactly what they say. For example: I picked up the bag. In this case. pick up is literal. Phrasal verbs, can also be figurative pick up also means to learn: She picked up some Spanish in Madrid.   Idioms are often figurative phrasal verbs as well. Use these queues and youll start recognizing idioms in context everywhere you look and listen.

Researching the Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Researching the Market - Assignment Example The product success depends on the correct identification of the target market and, so an awareness campaign was useful in letting consumers know that the product exists in the market. The product was sampled to various consumers and the feedback we collected from consumers was helpful in identifying the target market for the new product. This segmentation divides the market of the product into groups through the year depending on the occasions that the consumer chooses to embrace. On these occasions, the consumer will consume the product more than the other regular times and so production of the product will have to cater for these occasions. Consumers are bound to identify the various benefits of the new product depending on its features or characteristics and use it for those benefits. We therefore, have to take advantage of the benefits identified by the consumer. This means dividing the market into different geographical regions like cities, countries, population densities and the like. This will enable us have a larger market area and also be at a position to bust sales by catering for the individual consumer needs in the various geographical areas. According to (Reid and Bajanic, 2009) these are age, gender, level of income and the amount of education. The target market usually always has similar such characteristics like the same age group and the same level of Education. It is fundamental to know the demographics of the target market because by understanding the target market’s demographic we will be able to create a unique and compelling selling point and also be able to package and present the product in a manner that will entice the target market. The demographic for the target market is likely to be a group of both male and female who are between the ages of 25 to 40 years. The target market’s is also likely to have a college degree and earn approximately $25,000 to $35,000 per year. The target market for the novel product is most

Existential Questions OR Achieving Perfection Essay

Existential Questions OR Achieving Perfection - Essay Example It relates to one’s inner world. Many philosophers have tried to provide answers to such a question in their own interpretation, but no final verdict has ever been given. In the philosophical literature elaborate commentaries about self-discovery are available in plenty, but the original questions relating to the multifaceted existentialism remain without tangible explanations. The generalization of their answers is impossible, and each inquisitive individual has to tread the investigation path of the inner world with their own efforts. Someone else cannot do the spiritual journey for your benefit. Practical Vision of the Divine is Possible How a lamp that remains extinguished can light another lamp? One can impart only what one possesses. That which does not exist, cannot be shared. The fox says that the grapes are sour, when it fails to reach up to the height of the bunch. The so-called present day saints and intellectuals proclaim that the practical vision of God is impossi ble, because they do not own that practical experience. Such people succeed in shifting the load of their darkness and ignorance on the inquisitive people. They repeatedly assert that it is impossible for the human beings to have the practical vision of God. ... on continues to ponder over questions like what the purpose of existence is, whether God exists, etc., applying logic to understand the issues that are beyond the scope of logic and reason. Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Existentialism The character of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s famous drama throws light on existential questions relating to the inquiry of truth. Human beings try to reach out solutions to questions that are beyond the scope of intelligence. Hamlet on encountering his father’s ghost does the same mistake. He exclaims, â€Å"Let me not burst in ignorance; but tells / Why thy canoniz'd bones, hearsed in death, / Have burst their cerements . . . Say, why is this? Wherefore? What should we do?† (Shakespeare, I.iv.46-48, 57). The sight of his father’s ghost confuses him, and he fails to decide the right course of action. Even though Hamlet is a highly logical character and anti-existentialist from the beginning of the story, his logical prowess get s diluted slowly, and he begins to understand the superior strength of destiny. His emotions and feelings take a different turn and suicidal tendencies engulf his inner world. He proclaims, â€Å"To be, or not to be: that is the question: / Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune / Or to take arms against a sea of troubles "(Shakespeare, III.i.58-61). He asks God that suicide should not have been a sin. Life and death are two fundamental existential questions, and Hamlet is confused, unable to find answers to them with the power of reason. When Hamlet Changes his Perceptions about Life Hamlet does some profound thinking and wonders why man is hailed as the crown of creation. He proclaims, â€Å"What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in

Medicine and the Law Coursework 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Medicine and the Law Coursework 2 - Essay Example aby M case, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health observed that the judgment was in accordance with the guidelines it had set out in 2004 in consultation with parents, patient groups and representatives of different religious groups.(BBC News Report, 2006). It expressed the opinion that each case was to be treated individually and rigid rules could not be imposed that would apply in every case. But as discussed below, the precedents established by the Courts have shown that in general, the guiding principle is one of favouring life although each case is considered on its own merit. The Charlotte Wyatt case1 concerned a prematurely born baby that was suffering from a number of life threatening conditions. The Court also held in this instance that life sustaining treatment to the child could not be withdrawn. The Children Act of 1989 requires that the welfare of the child be accorded top priority and this is the guiding principle in all decisions that are made in reference to children. This is also the basis whereby the Crown can intervene in order to ensure that the interests of children are protected, because they are in effect disabled to the extent that they cannot look out for their own interests. As a result, decisions to be made about their treatment may also be taken by courts, especially when a patient has entered a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The decision of the House of Lords in Airedale NHS trust v Bland2 also held that when a patient has entered the PVS stage, then it may be lawful for the Courts to order the withdrawal of life sustaining tre atment because this would be in the best interests of the patient. It would also be lawful to withhold treatment in such cases because it would be in the patient’s best interests to be allowed to die with dignity3. Where adults are concerned, the question of how far a Court can step in to make decisions about the treatment options or welfare of an incapacitated or disabled person were at

Design of Business Research Project

Design of Business Research Project The title of the event: Research workshop Questionnaire Design and Construction The date of the event: 10 /02 /2016. Description. Developing a good survey questionnaire is a helpful tool in business. Survey questionnaires are a simple method of obtaining market research data which you need in order to acquire relevant and accurate insight on your target market or responses to a particular product you introduce. Apart from knowing abstract concepts in class, I browse different sets of questionnaires and I can tell a good questionnaire from a bad one. I have had experience administering survey questionnaires for academic and professional purposes but I never had the opportunity to design or develop a questionnaire suited to my specific needs. From my point of view, the research workshop I attended provided me with the information I needed in order develop a questionnaire which will be helpful in obtaining perceptions data on what potential consumers need from a startup computer business. In a business, market research data involves a strategic process which will ensure that you know your audience and your data reflects objective reality (Webb, 2000). For this purpose, it is necessary to have the skill in developing an instrument which can inform me at the onset what the target market wants and what customers expect from an efficient computer company. In addition, it is also necessary to develop a questionnaire which can also gauge customer satisfaction so that I may be informed what makes customers happy and unhappy with the services my company intends to offer. In a way, designing a questionnaire can be used to jumpstart the communication process between the customers and the management and provide baseline data for a business relationship. Self-analysis. At first, I thought questionnaires were pro-forma documents that researchers distribute to people and that answering them was boring and tedious. I realized that the questionnaires which I have had the opportunity to answer may not have been constructed well. In my experience, some questionnaires have redundant items written and some items seem errant and off topic. Some questionnaires are really unnecessarily lengthy so that some items are left unanswered or unmarked. Some questionnaires become spoiled because the respondents ticked two answers for an item that required only one answer. Market research data is everything when you are trying to start a business. It provides you with legs to stand on by gathering data that can help you make sound business decisions (Miller Dickson, 2001). Hence, if the questionnaire does not collect the data you need to make those decisions, then the purpose is defeated (Canada Business Network, 2016). I began to appreciate that the design and constr uction of a good and reliable questionnaire must be a systematic process that requires skill and diligence in making. Analysis of learning. As a result of the research workshop and the subsequent further reading I made on design and construction of questionnaires, I gathered the important concepts on designing a good questionnaire. The design depends on what information you need. A questionnaires design depends on the research needs and specifications. If the researcher wishes to collect numerical data in order to determine the perceptions of a target market, then it will need to take the form of a standardized questionnaire (Webb, 2000). However, if the aim is also to explore in a more in-depth manner the perceptions and views of a target audience regarding a product, then a qualitative interview questionnaire will be suitable. Exploratory questionnaires will require only a brief guide with perhaps ten open-ended questions with prompts and probing questions per interview questions (Trochim, 2008). For the formal standardized questionnaire however, which is what I need, the task is lengthier and more tedious because it needs (FAO, 2012): Prescribed wording and ordering of questions in order to assure receipt of similar stimuli Variables need to be operationalized or defined clearly in order for respondents to answer consistently A prescribed response format in order to ensure fast completion of the questionnaire A good questionnaire meets research objectives. Designing a good questionnaire requires that it accomplishes the research objectives (Schonlau et al., 2001). This entails substantial preparatory work on my part. By preparatory work, this means that before I set out to design a questionnaire I need to do research on relevant literature on the topic or issue I want to solicit perceptions about. The workshop teacher reiterated that questionnaires fail due to poor understanding and research work on the issue or topic. Complete and accurate information makes a good questionnaire. If respondents do not understand the questions outlined in the questionnaire, then the more likely it will be that they do not answer or refuse to answer (Canada Business Network, 2016). The questionnaire should be simply and adequately worded so as to elicit the proper and accurate answer from the respondents. A well-arranged questionnaire is important. Questionnaires must not only be easily understood on the part of the respondents but it should be well-arranged and structured so that it will be easier to analyze and interpret (Trochim, 2008). It is also important to ensure that the questionnaire is short and it flows in a manner as to keep the respondent interested in answering. Unnecessary or irrelevant questions should be dealt away with. Response scale An important feature of a well-designed questionnaire is the selection of an appropriate response scale where respondents may rate their experience or perception on a scale of, for instance, one to five, one being lowest and five being the highest (Trochim, 2008). Ensure pre-testing of the questionnaire It is very important to pilot test your questionnaire in order to point out what changes need to be made and how the instrument can be improved. Finalization After pre-testing the questionnaire, a final version will be produced based on the feedback and evaluation. Application in context. Learning about questionnaire design and construction allowed me to make a strong connection on the importance of surveys in market research. Based on my actual circumstances, I am interested on starting up a digital marketing business and my target audience are individuals who are inclined to use the Internet and social media in their commercial transactions. When I visit social media websites, several short online questionnaires pop up and asks the user certain questions on website usage. These questions are meant to map the frequency of user engagement with a particular social media platform, in what I could hypothesize is an attempt by the company to pull out of a profile of their user base. User data will be extremely important in making market decisions and offering suitable product choices for users. I was also able to evaluate the online survey forms that some websites offer in order to get to know their customers better. Most just deal with demographic data which are actually boring and length. I was able to link the lessons I obtained from the research workshop to come up with an initial design for a questionnaire to determine user preferences in online shopping. Evaluation. Learning more about questionnaire design and construction has allowed me to appreciate the science of survey-making especially its relevance in market research (Brown, 2008). I was able to tie the connection between a good and well-design survey questionnaire to more sound decision-making process in marketing and management (Webb, 2000; Schonlau et al., 2001). Understanding the impact of surveys in ascertaining user perceptions and employee satisfaction provided better insight for me of its importance. Due to the additional insight I learned from the research workshop, I was able to evaluate with certainty and guidelines some of the previous questionnaires I had constructed in relation to my work and I was able to assess its strong and weak spots. Based on the learning outcomes of the research workshop, I can say with confidence that I now have a clear appreciation of the importance of a good questionnaire design. I now also have a newfound appreciation on how important preparatory work is in designing the questionnaire and identifying clear what your research objectives are. I am now more challenged to design future market survey questionnaires in the future for my own personal use as well as those related to the demands of my profession. Self-concept. There was a great deal of unlearning which occurred as a process of engaging in the research workshop. The difference between being a respondent in a survey questionnaire is immense compared to when you have to design the questionnaire yourself. You need to appreciate the relevance of the content in the questionnaire as well as the suitability of the design. In short, I now consider questionnaire design both a science and an art. It is a science because it needs to be systematic; on the other hand, it becomes an art because you need to be creative and innovative so that the questionnaire keeps the respondent engaged and interested. Action In light of the learning outcomes of the research workshop, I have undertaken the construction of a preliminary survey questionnaire to produce a demographic profile of the users of a website that I manage as well as to determine user satisfaction on the design, layout, and ease of use of the website. I have scheduled it to be pre-tested among a circle of my friends in order to determine what parts of the survey needs to be improved. References Brown, L. (2008). Market research and analysis. Chicago: Wildside Press. Canada Business Network. (2016). Conducting market research. Retrieved from http://canadabusiness.ca/business-planning/market-research-and-statistics/conducting-market-research/designing-a-questionnaire/ Food and Agriculture Organisation. (2012). Chapter 4: Questionnaire Design. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/docrep/w3241e/w3241e05.htm Miller, T. W. P. R. Dickson (2001). Online Market Research. International Journal of Electronic Commerce 5(3), 139-167. Schonlau, M., R. D. J. Fricher, et al. (2001). Conducting Research Surveys via E-mail and the Web. New York: RAND Publications. Trochim, W. M. K. (2008). Social research methods. Retrieved from: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/survwrit.php Webb, J. (2000). Questionnaires and their Design. The Marketing Review 1, 197-218.