Marine and Lacustrine Soil Types free essay sample

The origins of soil deposits on the earth’s crust can reveal significant findings in the chemical and mechanical characteristics of the soils themselves. It is important to uncover such origins to find how and where such deposits may have formed over tens of thousands of years ago.Marine and Lacustrine deposits are two soil types that are commonly encountered during soil exploration, both of which are primarily traced back to either glacial o r more broadly, alluvial origins (Hunt 2005 ). They are somewhat alike in there fine sedimentary composition and similarly can be prone to presenting engineers with problematic conditions such as h igh secondary consolidation characteristics and subsidence, potential acid sulfate soils and quick clay landslides (Das 2007). The occurrences of marine soils are found in offshore and coastal plain deposits.It is important to note however the time scale of which marine deposition has occurred, such soils have become exposed from residing sea levels, glacial withdrawal (isostasy) and continental/tectonic plate shifts, meaning previous offshore deposits from past glaciation periods, h ave risen and are now exposed to human activity and land use. We will write a custom essay sample on Marine and Lacustrine Soil Types or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The origin of marine soils can be traced back to glacial or alluvial transportation from land runoff through river outlets (Hunt 2005). Marine deposition also occurs due to aeolian transportation through wind relocation of fine grained sediments.One of the most iconic and well documented occurred in Rissa, Norway 1978, where a small excavation caused the disturbance and displacement of up to 5-6 million cubic meters of gently sloping farm and coastal land. The cause was due to the mechanical properties of the marine clay b eing altered after the soil was remolded, or in the case of Rissa, d isturbed by a shallow excavation. The changes in the ground conditions caused the collapse of the soil structure, p roducing an almost complete loss of shear strength , allowing the soil to form a liquid mass.

Financial Revolution in Australia in the 2004

Financial Revolution in Australia in the 2004 Fiscal Scenario in Australia Three different examinations have already been instated by the Government this year. These studies are expected to bring significant changes to the financial structure of Australia after a very long time. The last financial revolution in the country is dated back to the Financial Services Reform Act in 2004.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Revolution in Australia in the 2004 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ripoll Review Different views are coming in from different sections of the financial industry. The PJC chairman has summarized the precedence for the investigational inquiry. Ripoll thinks that the financial services licensing sector needs immense attention to draw out some conclusive results. Although the industry stakeholders agree that some kinds of reforms are important, they fear that the reforms might just make the system complex and imposes more constraints. Ripoll is confident; he says they’re planning to not only introduce reforms in the system, but to make it simpler and clearer. There are numerous issues prevailing in the industry that the PJC is concerned about. Some of these include understanding of PI and financial advice and tax deductions. Many people are hoping that these issues will be addressed in PJC’s report on November 23rd  (Papandrea, n.d). Henry Review The Henry Review conducted under the Secretary of Treasury is also on its way. Superannuation guarantees and the superannuation preservation of age caught a lot of attention of stakeholders. The Henry Report was released on 2nd May entitled â€Å"Australia’s Future Tax System†, includes 138 suggestions for long term reforms in tax and transfer system. At present, 125 taxes are obligatory by all levels of government in Australia. 90% of tax proceeds are attained from only 10 of these taxes. This has led to a conclusion in the taxation circles to bring in any reforms in taxation the best thing would be to increase these 10 taxes and eliminate all the 115 other taxes. A number of recommendations have been given in the report. Let’s take an overview of the major highlights of the report; Business taxation suggestions An overall reduction in company tax rate to 25%, reduction of compliance cost for small businesses, enhancement of capital allowance allowed for write off of income producing assets, updating of taxation rules regarding trusts, revision of small business capital gains tax rules and increase lifetime limit of retirement exemption.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consumption taxes The report excludes consideration of GST but provides a few points which if implemented could be effective for the operation of GST. Land Natural Resources Taxes The highest attention gaining reform suggested by Henry r eport is the introduction of Resource Rent Tax RRT. It proposes replacing all current resource charging arrangements at both feederal and state levels and impose a uniform RRT imposed and administered by the federal government (Thompson, 2010). Government’s Response to Henry’s Report The government has announced that it will adopt a limited number of recommendations and some suggestions have been pointed out as potential misinterpretations of the recommendations which the government says it will not implement at any stage. Overall NO CHANGES have been intended to be made. The government has agreed to take up these changes immediately; company tax rate deduction from 30 to 29% in 2013-14 and 28% from onwards, tax off set for exploration companies where exploration expenditure results in tax loss. Offset will extend to geothermal exploration, improved downgrading for small businesses with an instant write off for assets worth $5000, increase in employer contribution from 9 to 12% by 2019-20. A new resource SUPER PROFITS TAX RSPT for mining projects at 40% from 1st July 2012 will be deductible against the company income tax. Some critics have raised fingers on the government considering only a few tax reforms suggested in the report. Cooper Review Most of the stakeholders are expecting this year’s investigation of the Coopers Review to outline a major breakthrough in the superannuation systems. The first phase of the review gathered 100 entries from the business sector. Some have argued that the current system is effective and should not be amended. Some are of the view that trustee model should not be changed, but major areas for its improvement have already been identified.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Revolution in Australia in the 2004 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Other issues majorly addressed are the superannuation funds’ prudential requirements. A lot of debates have come up on this. Some groups think that the current liquidity and capital requirements are not enough. Preliminary results of the inquiry are expected to be shared soon. On the other hand, phase two of the inquiry has already begun. Overall View Some people are of the view that to live in Australia equities should be overweighed in the emerging markets. In the recent years, maximum equity funds have been entering the market from Asia. Addressing the insecurities of the stakeholders, and the suggestions coming up from the reviews should be addressed with the highest priorities. The Australian financial institutions seem to be undergoing a major change. Although all the suggested changes cannot be implemented it’s important that the stakeholders’ interests are safeguarded and that decisions are taken with full guidance to them. References Papandrea, V., n.d. Inquiries Galore. Inquiries and Reviews, IFA 483. Thompson, W.D., 2010. A long-term plan fo r Australian tax reform-the Henry report and the governments response. Professional Updates Taxation Law, 62(5), pp.305-08.

Pompeii Discoveries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pompeii Discoveries - Essay Example Following the discovery of the ruins, archaeologists have worked on the site to discover a city stopped in time, completely untouched by the progress of the preceding centuries and thus providing a slightly clouded impression of what life must have been like for this thriving society. Information gathered from eyewitness accounts of the incident as well as archaeological excavations have enabled us in the modern age to pinpoint just what happened on that day in 79 AD and discover a great deal of information regarding the daily life of people in the city at the time of the eruption. The eruption that buried Pompeii was not confined to Pompeii alone, although this is the most famous of the cities that were buried. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, spilling tons of poisonous gasses, molten rock, ash and pumice into the air, this material â€Å"engulfed the surrounding area suffocating the inhabitants of the neighboring Roman resort cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae.†1 While there remains some debate about the exact date of the eruption as it compares with the archaeological evidence2, history has been provided with a first-hand account of the eruption thanks to Pliny the Younger, who had been living at his uncle’s house in Misenum when the eruption occurred and who lost his beloved uncle, Pliny the Elder, to the mountain when he stayed too long trying to rescue survivors. According to Pliny’s account, from where he sat across the Bay of Naples, he and his family could see in the distance a great cloud forming. â€Å"Its general appearanc e can best be expressed as being like an umbrella pine, for it rose to a great height on a sort of trunk and then split off into branches, I imagine because it was thrust upwards by the first blast and then left unsupported as the pressure subsided, or else it was borne down by its own weight

Structure and Characteristics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Structure and Characteristics - Research Paper Example The Chinese population during 1980s was around 1 billion. The slow growth rate o the population can be attributed to ‘one child policy’. In the next few decades, the population of china is expected to increase. Reasons for this expected increase are a decline in infant mortality rate and also a sudden decrease in death rate due to the improvement in national health. Though the population is expected to rise even more, however, around 2030s, it is anticipated to reach its peak level and then decline gradually. Another such country that I have taken up is Germany. Germany along with few other European countries have a substantially low growth rate of population. The German population has crossed 82 million long before. Since 1990s, population of Germany has increased considerably. The main reason behind this increase was immigration, i.e. entry of individuals in the country. Infact, it is also assumed that if Germany did not witness immigration, its population would have b een shrinking much like that of Czech Republic. However, in the near future, the total expected population of Germany is expected to decline. According to destatis.de, in the coming decades, the population will decline due to decline in birth rates and increase in birth rates. Life expectancy will increase and birth rate will continue to fall in future.

Comparison of Israeli and Iraqi Coalition Parliamentary Governments Research Paper

Comparison of Israeli and Iraqi Coalition Parliamentary Governments - Research Paper Example Under such circumstances, in order to avoid political stalemate, small parties may support larger parties to get majority in the parliament and to form the government. Instead of a government led by a single party as in the case of United Sates, a government led by multiple parties (Coalition government) may take charge in countries like India, Israel, Iraq etc. Unlike governments led by single party system, coalition governments cannot function independently because of the different views, opinions, ideologies and policies of the members of the different political parties in the coalition government. This paper compares the influence of ethnic groups or culture upon Israeli and Iraqi coalition governments. Analysis Methodology Iraq and Israel are the two prominent countries in Middle East which have coalition governments at present. However, Israel and Iraq are entirely different countries as far as culture is concerned; Arabs or Muslims dominate the population in Iraq whereas Israe l is the Jews’ state. It should be noted that these two countries have different ethnic groups. Each ethnic group and each region in these two countries have separate political parties which argue for the interest of the particular community or region. Israel is a Jewish country whereas Iraq is a Muslim country. However, clashes in Iraq between different ethnic groups are more than that in Israel even though both the countries have coalition governments at present. I would like to compare the functioning of these coalition governments in order to learn more about the influence of cultural differences upon the functioning of coalition governments. Influence of ethnic groups or culture upon Israeli coalition government Political parties in Israel can be classified into two broad categories; Zionist parties and non-Zionist parties. non-Zionist parties are negligible in number and strength. Labor Zionism (social democrat), Revisionist Zionism (conservative) and Religious Zionism are the major political thoughts among Zionist parties. Out of these three political philosophies, Religious Zionism is comparatively weaker than the other two which is the major reason why the influence of religion upon Israeli politics is comparatively lesser than that in Iraq. Israel’s new coalition government (created in January 2011) has become more conservative in its domestic policy position and more hawkish in its foreign policy stance. A series of events in recent months highlights this trend, including disagreements between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama regarding an appropriate basis for peace negotiations with Palestinians, Israel’s response to the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation deal, and its response to clashes with Palestinians along its borders in recent months. In addition, the country’s changing demographic profile signals that conservative political groups are likely to exert more influence over the medium-t o-long term as well1. As in the case of many other countries in the world, conservative parties and liberal and democratic parties are more in Israel also. Conservatives normally may not give up their traditional beliefs and tougher stands on global issues easily. On the other hand liberal and democratic parties usually keep a space for accommodating changes in line with the political and economic developments in the world. One of the major curses facing by Israeli politics is the excessive number of political parties which keep extremely different views on

Democracy in Africa: Botswana, Morocco and Ghana

Democracy in Africa: Botswana, Morocco and Ghana Contents (Jump to) INTRODUCTION Categories of democracy Direct democracy Indirect/ representative democracy Characteristics of democracy Elected representative; Free and fair elections Civil liberties/ Fundamental human rights Rule of law Separation of powers Democracy in Africa Botswana Uninterrupted Free Elections Accountability and Transparency Anticorruption Powers Fundamental human rights Morocco Authoritarian Monarchy Reforming Monarchs Reconciliation and Justice Freedom of Expression Ghana Conclusion Bibliography INTRODUCTION Democracy is a term conversant to most people, but it is misunderstood and misused at a time when authoritarians and coup leaders assert popular support by claiming the mantle of democracy especially in Africa. Democracy has prevailed through a long and turbulent history, and democratic governments in Europe and America, notwithstanding continuing challenges, continues to progress and flourish throughout the world. Democracy derives from a Greek word demos, or people, it is defined as government in which the supreme power is vested in the people. A democracy is a system of government in which leaders are elected in competitive elections, where many parties and candidates take part and where opposition parties can attain power if they gain widespread support (deth Van Deth, 2005). Democracy has different forms, in some cases it can be exercised directly by the people, in large societies or by the people through their elected representatives. According to the memorable phrase of Abraham Lincoln, â€Å"democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people.† Categories of democracy Democracy has two categories, direct and representative. Direct democracy Citizens partake in making public decisions without the intermediary of elected representatives. This system is practical with rather a small number of people in a community, tribe council, for example in the UK, New England Town Meeting residents of the town attend debates and vote directly on town policies. Some U.S. states, practice direct democracy by placing propositions and referenda to change laws. In Switzerland, vital political decisions on matters, including health, employment, are put to vote by the citizens. Indirect/ representative democracy Indirect democracy is a system of government in which the public controls the government through elected representatives. The voted agents represent the people as opposed to the direct democracy whereby citizens make public policy decisions directly through polls or initiatives. An example of this type of democracy is in Kenya. The public votes in people to represent them in government institutions. The elected officials make laws, political enactments and administer public programs. Characteristics of democracy Democracies are different in every part of the world; people’s democratic ideals are influenced by their culture and society. It is more than a set of precise government institutions (Gupta, 2013). Most democracies rest upon a well unstated set of values, attitudes, and practices which may have diverse forms and expressions among cultures and societies around the world. However, the fundamental characteristics and principles of a democracy remain consistent (Cincotta, 2004). A true form of democracy should include: Elected representative; Free and fair elections All democracies should hold regular elections and allow adults or people of a certain age to take part in voting. The elections should be free and fair so as to encourage political competition for the good of the public. A democracy must have officials elected by the people to make laws and frame policies of the government. Civil liberties/ Fundamental human rights A vital characteristic of democracy is that it gives or ensures its citizens have top civil rights or fundamental rights. Democracies allow their citizens freedom of speech and press, freedom of religion and conscience, freedom of assembly and association, right to equal protection by the law, right to due process of law and fair trial, and property rights to land goods and money. Rule of law Rule of law is another characteristic of democracy. Democratic governments should ensure that there is rule of law whereby no individual is above the law and there is due process of law. This ensures emphasizes that the Law is supreme and citizens are all equal in the eyes of law. Separation of powers A democracy should ensure that all institutions of the government have equal power. This ensures accountability by encouraging checks and balances between the government institutions. Democracies with separated powers ensure provisions for effective checks and balances between the executive, judiciary and the parliament are made. This makes sure that all levels of government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible. Democracy in Africa Democracy started sweeping across Africa in the early 1990s after the end of cold war. A wave of democratization was propagated all over Africa by the West. Claude Ake argues that the reforms in Eastern Europe contributed to the west advocating for democracy in Africa. Ake claims that Eastern Europe provided the West with a dramatic vindication of its own values and a sense of the historical inevitability of the triumph of democracy (Ake, 1991), a mission widely believed, would consolidate the domination of Western ideals all over the world. Authoritarians and single party states were forced by western powers to democratize their states. Undemocratic states were expected to launch democratic reforms so that they could get international support and donors themselves started to provide democracy assistance. Activists during the time of democratization of Africa wished for more political freedoms and strong institutions hoping that democracy would lead to more government accountability and more effective development. Africans themselves have also struggled for democracy, an example of this is the Saba Saba movement whereby Kenyan political activities fighting for multiparty democracy had a violent confrontation with authorities. Ake gives examples of the popular rejection of military rule in Nigeria and also the struggle for multiparty in Cameroon (Ake, 1991). Thomas C. Mountain argues that Western style â€Å"democracy† is destroying Africa. Thomas insists Africans should have been allowed to practice their traditional form of democracy which was more of most arriving at a consensus where everyone got something after persuasion by council of elders (Mountain, 2012). Democracy in Africa continues to face many challenges such as poverty, coup d’à ©tats, corruption and many other problems. However there are countries that have overcome these problems and challenges. Some of these states have enjoyed long periods of political stability but their level of democracy can be argued according to ones definition of democracy. A case study of three African states would be used to analyse democracy in Africa. Botswana In November 2008, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the former president of Botswana received an award from (Sarkin Cook, 2008)Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The reason why Botswana’s president won was because [Botswana‘s] democracy was strong, stable and rooted in the rule of law. Botswana was widely regarded as one of the more effective countries in the world in combating corruption. President Mogae‘s outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana‘s continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people. The Prize Committee believed that good governance requires an environment conducive to peace, security and development, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. Botswana has had to address the challenge of advancing each in a balanced way. This has been helped by the independence and integrity of its institutions which bodes well for further progress towards sprea ding wealth and opportunity across all sectors of Botswana society. Botswana’s democracy has been characterized by: Uninterrupted Free Elections Botswana is one of a few African countries that have enjoyed free and uninterrupted elections in Africa since it gained independence from Britain. Having held free elections since it gained independence, Botswana portrays an ideal democracy in Africa. Civilian rule has been uninterrupted by the military or any autocratic governments. Accountability and Transparency Botswana has had a reputation for accountability and transparency. Accountability and transparency have been formalized through mechanisms such as the constitution and legislation requiring open government, accountability, and transparency. Presidents of Botswana have insisted on governments accountability mechanism and limiting corruption Anticorruption Powers Botswana’s government enacted a bill in 1994 that set up an anticorruption body. The anti-corruption body was vested with the powers to conduct investigations and make arrests. (Sarkin Cook, 2008) In Botswana, there are laws that establish civilian supervision over the police and a process, through a supervisory body, for civilians to lodge complaints against police abuses and other human rights violations. Fundamental human rights The constitution of Botswana guarantees the freedoms of speech and the press, association, religion and right to equal protection by the law. The right of the citizens is protected by the constitution which is the supreme law of Botswana. There are many reasons for Botswana‘s democratic success. Some reasons are due to Botswana‘s unique history and context, a few are coincidental, but several are as a result of efforts put in by the country‘s leaders (Sarkin Cook, 2008). (Hazan, 2006)Scholars have debated these achievements, resulting in many assessments applauding Botswana and a handful that note Botswana‘s success story is not without significant flaws. Some of these flaws include oppression of the minority San tribe, expulsion of foreign reports and scholars, and limitations on access to information. Morocco Authoritarian Monarchy The kingdom of Morocco is an example of an authoritarian state. After its independence, Mohammed V assumed the title of king after imposing a constitutional monarchy and establishing a one-party state. Morocco has been characterized by oppression of opposition, forced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, and imprisonment of political opponents. (Hazan, 2006) Reforming Monarchs Remarkably for an authoritarian leader, King Hassan IIs last, initiated a reform and reconciliation process, in which he freed political prisoners, enacted constitutional amendments in 1996, which established a bicameral parliament with extended powers, and launched an independent commission of inquiry to start investigative human rights abuses. Hassan invited exiled political opposition to return and after the 1997 legislative elections, which despite irregularities brought many previously banned parties and opposition members to the Chamber of Representatives. Unusually for an authoritarian leader, Hassan 2 initiated a reform and reconciliation process. When Mohammed VI, the son of Hassan 2 assumed the throne in 1999, he continued with his fathers political reforms. The King gave out two amnesties, resulting in the release of thousands of political prisoners. By the election in 2002, the elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. In 2004, a new law was passed and it placed restrictions on polygamy, divorce and improved women’s right. Reconciliation and Justice Mohammed VIs established the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) in 2004 with a mandate to examine human rights abuses that occurred from 1956 to 1999. Driss Benzekri, a former political prisoner was appointed as its head. The nature of the commission assessment of compensation brought about changes in government’s support for international human rights agreements previously unsupported. (Hazan, 2006) Although Hassan II and Mohammed VI introduced reforms, they were outwardly impressive. They made sure that no real changes to the constitutional monarchy were made to date. . Freedom of Expression Morocco is extensively condemned for its lack of freedom of expression. The government exercises control over the media and punishes a few independent newspapers that exist. Most broadcast media in Morocco are entirely or partially owned by the state. Self-censorship is common due to punishment for coverage that is deemed inappropriate by the government. Newspapers such as Le Journal have been shut down or penalized, and editors arrested. Le Journal came under government condemnation for its political coverage, and also coverage of corruption of government officials. The Moroccan government has failed to respect human rights since independence, and its constitutional monarchy does not tolerate any serious checks and balances on the kings powers or actions. No democracy movement has been able to press for the resignation of the king or to fight for reforms. (Hazan, 2006) The recent resolutions have failed to create a genuine accountability or justice for the victims or their families. Due process and rights expression and association remain curtailed. Ghana Ghana is rated highly on most of basic measures of democracies. This includes protection of fundamental civil liberties and human rights. Ghana has been successful in holding free and fair elections over the past two decades, and reducing poverty. Ghanaian democracy has not been as much successful in participation of most political actors in the country’s governance processes and institutions beyond elections. (Anebo, 2001) Actual participation drafting and implementation of public policy has been restricted to a number of political elite who have succeeded in capturing the presidency although through fairly competitive elections. The president has more powers than the other branches of government. He enjoys vast political and economic resources that he can use to get political support. Elections are the only real check and balance on the executive. Although major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have accepted the legitimacy of the guidelines that govern politics in Ghana, these guidelines have serious flaws. (Bratton, Michael, Lewis, Boadi., 2001)The elite accord among partisan parties is an agreement to uphold the status quo, regardless of its negative impact on good governance and democratic practice. Ghanaians expect economic and social benefits (Anebo, 2001) of democracy than the government appears to produce through existing institutional arrangements. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees the Human Rights of all individuals found within the territorial boundaries of the Republic of Ghana. Chapter 5 of 1992 Constitution, Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms ensures rights such as right to life, economic rights and womens right are adhered to. The entire chapter 5 can only be amended by the people of Ghana through voting at a referendum. Ghanaians enjoy freedom of press and information thus making it one of the countries in Africa that does not oppress the media. (Arthur, 2010) Conclusion Africa has a long way to go to attain full democratic status with them being welfare states. There a lot of limitations those hinder the full initiation of democracy in many African countries. Ethnicity, poor leadership, poverty, corruption have been significant in preventing democratization in Africa. I strongly agree with Akes arguments that the trail of democracy would not feed or shelter the needy. (Ake, 1991) If Africa is to achieve democracy, people must first be enlightened and kick out the anti-democracy forces. Some African countries are still under authoritative and corrupt rulers. These leaders pretend to be practicing democracy; they hold elections full of deceit and thus cling on to power. Democracy must be considered African context most pressing needs and people must first be educated to accept and appreciate democracy as Ake argues. (Ake, 1991) Bibliography Ake, C. (1991). Rethinking African Democracy. Journal of Democracy, 33-44. Anebo, F. (2001). The Ghana 2000 Elections. Journal of African Political Science, 69-88. Arthur, P. (2010). Democratic Consolidation in Ghana:The Role and Contribution of the Media, Civil Society and State Institutions . Comparative and Commonwealth Studies, 203-226. Arthur, Peter. 2010. Democratic Consolidation in Ghana: The Role and Contribution of the Media, Civil Society and State Institutions.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬- Comparative and Commonwealth Studies 48(2): . (n.d.). 203-226. Bratton, Michael, Lewis, P., Boadi., E. G. (2001). Constituencies for Reform in Ghana. Journal of Modern African Studies, 231-259. Cincotta, H. (2004). Democracy in brief. Washington DC: division of US studies. Deth, k. n., Van Deth, J. W. (2005). The Democratic State. In Foundations of Comparative politics (p. 22). New York: Cambridge University. Gupta, T. (2013, 12 4). preserve articles. Retrieved from preservearticles.com: http://www.preservearticles.com/2012051632235/what-are-the-five-features-of-democracy.html Hazan, P. (2006). Morocco: Betting on a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. United States Institute of Peace Special Report 165 . Mountain, T. C. (2012). Destroying Africa With Western â€Å"Democracy†. Foreign policy journal, 72-96. Sarkin, j., Cook, A. (2008). Is Botswana the Miracle of Africa? Democracy, the Rule. TRANSNATIONAL LAW CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS, 453-457. Individual Differences: Trait Theory and Personal Constructs Individual Differences: Trait Theory and Personal Constructs Miss Emma Elizabeth Dorothy Meredith How well does trait theory help us understand individual differences? Discuss this question with reference to personal construct theory. This essay will explore trait theory and how it helps us to understand individual differences in comparison with personal construct theory. The basis of each approach is; trait theory describes a reasonably solid characteristic which differentiates one individual from another, whereas personal construct theory argues that individuals create their own way of making sense of the world through creating their own private structures. The essay will begin by outlining the main notions of the theories, to gain an insight of how individual differences are perceived by each approach. This essay will aim to identify strengths and limitations in each approach and will conclude by evaluating the extent to which each theory can account for and explain individual differences. Trait theory is based in the social cognitive perspective and developed from the experimental tradition to individual differences and which are seen as fixed ways in which individuals can vary from each other (Butt, 2012). The aim of trait theory is to find commonplace dimensions from a broad variety of individuals, which would then help theorists to predict the behaviour of an individual in certain situations. Individual differences are defined by using questionnaires as a measurement of personality. This fits in well with the social cognitive approach which sees individuals as information processing beings in the social world (Hollway, 2012). Eysenck and Rachman (1965, cited Butt 2012) argued genetic and biological factors were responsible for personality traits. By using psychometric tests, designed to assess traits of individuals, they sought to explore personality causality. Eysenck’s theory suggests personality can be characterised by three specific traits (extraversion/ introversion, neuroticism and psychoticism) suggesting each of these traits are characterised by particular behavioural attributes. From the data gained from Eysenck’s personality inventories (Eysenck and Eysenck, 1963, cited Butt 2012) they argued these traits are behavioural expressions of biologically based differences, similar to the â€Å"four temperaments† of Hippocrates and Galen from Ancient Greece. Eysenck and Rachman’s (1965, cited Butt 2012) research claims there are two main dimensions of personality which are unrelated. These are extraversion and neuroticism and are behavioural definitions of differences in temperament. They argue these dimensions are grounded in autonomic and cortisol arousal and suggest the relationship between behavioural patterns and inherent brain structure is similar to phenotype and genotype in biology (Butt 2012). It was argued by Eysenck there could be a clinical application if main dimensions were found and linked to disti nctive types of neurotic behaviour and may explain the some of the psychological disorders some individuals acquire, which would allow for future treatment and interventions. Trait theories of personality describe personality in terms of characteristics such as, reliable – unreliable, or group traits, which have been recognised through factor analysis to form clusters into personality dimensions, for example, extraversion includes traits such as ‘risk taking’ and ‘sociability’(Stevens 2007). Personal construct theory was developed by George Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012; Stevens 2007), he focussed his work on individual differences and viewed personality as an individual experience (Stevens, 2007). It promotes constructs which Kelly used to describe the bipolar dimensions (e.g. Friendly/cold, interesting/boring) which underlie the ways in which a person makes sense of their world (Stevens 2007). Based in the phenomenological perspective, which focuses is on how things (especially other people) appear different to each individual, personal construct theory aims to understand how an individual uses their subjective experiences to create a set of personal constructs which in turn help them to make sense of the world and to take account of the distinctiveness of each individuals personality (Butt 2012). Personal construct theory considers individual differences as taking account of and recognising each individual’s view of the world and how this helps to create their p ersonality and who they become as an individual (Butt 2012; Stevens 2007). Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012; Stevens 2007) argued it is peoples own experiences which build their set of constructs and these are used to evaluate situations. Two people assessing the same scenario will therefore see things differently, and this is where individual differences occur. Constructs are seen as being fluid and looking at oneself through another’s eyes, individuals can make conscious choices in order to change their view of the world and their personality (Butt 2012). However, as individuals put a lot of effort into building these constructions, Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012) argued the individual may not wish to change them. Personal construct theory is grounded in subjective methodology. Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012) developed the Repertory Grid to investigate the sets of personal constructs used by individuals. This works through the process of individuals designating constructs to all persons considered to be a part of their life. This enables the bipolar dimensions to be determined. When analysed it reveals the differences found in each individual’s experiences and how they will assess the same person or situation in completely differing ways. If a person is rigid in their constructs they may believe an individual who is aloof would also be a cold person. Having this rigidity in a personality could lead to relationship problems as opposed to someone with a more fluid personality. Constructs are created subconsciously, so by using the grid, individuals are able to gain insight and relate their own particular meaning to their surrounding environment which would not usually be available (Butt, 20 12). A strength of personal construct theory is it adds a holistic understanding of individual differences. It also transcends both the individual-society dualism and agency-structure dualism, the individual is considered from their own experiences and also by being part of the social world (Hollway, 2012). Personal construct theory accepts people change and society can help in promoting this change. Personal construct theory does have limitations. The findings cannot be compared across a wider population. It is also a relatively new theory and as a result has not been researched or tested to the same extent as trait theory. Trait theory is an older theory and has been thoroughly researched and tested extensively. The methodology is objective and the ontology views humans as information processing entities and by using personality measurements such as Eysenck’s personality inventory, larger groups of individuals can be compared. The aim is the objective measurement of individual differences. A biological reductionist attitude to individual differences was adopted by Eysenck suggesting traits are biologically determined, making them consistent and giving predictive value. This reductionist approach means problems with dualism are avoided as the behaviour is reduced to physiological levels. This enables behaviour to be better understood. The objectivity and consistency allows trait theory a broader range for application and its findings can be used to pinpoint trends within organisations. Being grounded in the experimental tradition the knowledge production is limited to the data with no reference t o the influence of social environments and individual experiences (Hollway 2012). Trait theory does have other limitations, it only describes personality and identifies trends it does not explain it; neither does it explain behaviour (Skinner 1974, cited Butt 2012). It is designed to measure reactions and consistency in the reactions of individuals in certain situations. Mischel (1968, cited Butt 2012) argued that trait theory methods reduced the complexity of human behaviour to become more general. He also argued that there is very little evidence supporting the consistency in behaviour that is claimed by trait theorists assuming that behaviour is fixed over time, compared to the considerable amount of substantial evidence to support behaviours changing in time and in different situations. Compared with personal construct theory, trait theory is seen to be an apt way of considering personality resembling lay theories used by individuals when gauging others. Individuals are able to predict future behaviour assuming that these traits are consistent (Butt 2012). Personality traits are seen as biological and rigid within trait theory and unlikely to change. As a result has it has a less practical use, compared with personal construct theory, in assisting changes in personality. Unlike personal constructs, how the individual’s social life influences the individuals personality is not taken in to account within trait theory. As personal construct theory is subjective, in comparison to the objectivity of trait theory, it is situated in time and place whereas the situated knowledge displayed in the trait theory data from the questionnaires are specific to the current situation and are not necessarily generalised therefore could be ecologically invalid when taken out of context. Individual personalities are considered to be rich with differences and largely taken in to account within personal constructs, which is not seen in trait theory (Butt 2012). As personal construct theory uses a qualitative interview method, any power that the therapist has would be in drafting the questions needed to gain details of the personal experiences of the client. The client can then interpret these and place onto the repertory grid. The power relations found in personal construct theory are by no means to the same degree as those found within trait theory. The repertory grid method stops the researcher having much influence over the research findings and is a large strength of personal construct theory (Salmon 2003 cited Butt 2012). Trait theorists have more power over the individual, coming from the experimental tradition, it is argued that rather than totally showing an individual’s personality traits accurately, the outcomes are heavily influenced by the personality and experience of the researcher as they have influence over the design of the questions and can manipulate this design. Therefore, trait theory findings have the potential to be inaccurate as individuals are judged against what is treated as normal by people who they believe are the authority on the subject (Mischel 1968, cited Butt 2012). Psychometric measures are used in education in such a way the result is pupils are only taught how to pass tests by their teachers. It was argued by Salmon (2003, cited Butt 2012) by teaching and testing students in this way, the ability level becomes rigid and the learning becomes generalised. Students are then grouped according to how they have performed in the test and their individual personalities are ignored. Personal construct theory in contrast to trait theory, do not see students abilities as fixed but are somewhat fluid. Salmon (2003, cited Butt 2012) applied essential parts of personal construct theory to education and argued the way that trait theorists suggests children learn is false and children do not leave their own personal worlds at the door when they enter the classroom. Instead meanings are derived from a personal system of understandings. In the way each student’s individuality brings with it their own world and their own personality within world. This me ans they will have different views on learning styles to others, a type one pupil loves another may hate and Salmon argued to promote personal development and growth, schools need to take account of the current personal constructs held by each student. The Salmon Line was later developed as a qualitative tool, where personal meanings are plotted on a line. These represent the student’s current abilities and their desired goals. This allows students to see how they are progressing and what they need to do to change and grow using their own meanings and sense of progression, and giving them an active part in their learning (Salmon 2003, cited Butt 2012). Trait theorists see traits as fixed, determined by biological factors and unchanging through the environment which would suggest individuals have no part in changing their personality traits and social structures to not have any bearing on personality traits at all. However, the methodology used in trait theory means that it has a wide scope to be used across larger populations. In contrast, personal construct theory accepts people change and society facilitates that change, allowing for a better understanding as to why change happens in different situations, when this happens and how this happens. Variations of personal construct theory allows insight to change in the future, for example the ‘Salmon Line’ helps to promote learning by allowing students to set their own objectives to their learning and be aware of what they need to change in their personality to achieve it. This doesn’t make either of the theories right when it comes to explaining individuals diffe rence, as demonstrated they both contribute to our understanding of individual differences in very contrasting ways, and both have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses. Word Count: 2053 References: Butt. T, (2012) ‘Individual Differences’ in D. Langdridge, K. Mahnedran, S. Taylor (2nd ed) Critical Readings in Social Psychology, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Hollway, W. (2012), ‘Social psychology: past and present’ in W. Hollway, H. Lucey, and A. Phoenix, (eds) Social Psychology Matters, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Hollway, W. (2012), ‘Methods and knowledge in social psychology’ in W. Hollway, H. Lucey, and A. Phoenix, (eds) Social Psychology Matters, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Stevens, R. (2007), ‘Person Psychology: psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives’. In D. Miell, A. Phoenix, K. Thomas (Eds), Mapping Psychology (2nd ed). Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Oedipus the King- Metaphors Essay

â€Å" «Light versus Darkness Knowledge is characterized as a burst of light which contrasts the darkness of ignorance. At the beginning of the play, and towards the fourth episode, we notice the â€Å"darkness†, the lack of knowledge that Oedipus has toward mostly everything that is surrounding him. When Oedipus learns the truth, it â€Å"bursts† into light. The metaphor of light represents truth and knowledge. â€Å" «Sight versus Blindness A reference to this metaphor occurs early in the play, when Oedipus falsely accuses Tiresias and Creon of conspiracy. â€Å"So this is what he wants, Creon the loyal, Creon so long my friend! Stealing up to overthrow and snatch!† (page 22). â€Å"XTiresias responds by using the same metaphor: â€Å"I’m blind you say; you mock at that! I say you see and still are blind – appallingly: Blind to your origins and to a union in your house.† (pg 23) Thus the idea of sight is critical in Oedipus the King. Though Tiresias is physically blind, he sees the truth from the beginning, while Oedipus, who has physical eyesight, is blind to his fate. â€Å" «Ã¢â‚¬ Oh, look upon the city, see the storm that batters down this city’s prow in waves of blood† (pg 5) The priest is comparing the bad situation of Thebes to a storm that attacks at any moment and leaves behind severe damages. â€Å" «Ã¢â‚¬ Now smiled upon by all, saluted now, now drawn aside by suitors to the King, my ear their door to hope† What Creon is comparing here, is his ears to the citizens’ door to hope, meaning that he has the kind of power that makes people hope to achieve something from their request that they submitted to Creon. â€Å" «Ã¢â‚¬ You called me here, I never would have come† Tiresias is actually trying to let him understand that Oedipus is the one who is pushing himself to the truth even though it’s not favorable!!

Proper Procedures for Production Schedules and Risk Management Essay

In the United States Army Food Program there are specific ways to fill out and prepare documents according to AR 30-22, The Army Food Program. These procedures are outlined in the Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 30-22, Operating Procedures for the Army Food Program. This paper will advise the proper way to document the required items on a Production Schedule as well as completing a Risk Management Data Log – Cooking and Serving as summarized from DA PAM 30-22. DA Form 3034, Production Schedule is a document used to outline the specific products to prepare for a meal. Each meal for the day will have a separate completed Production schedule and set of Risk Data Management Logs. A Production Schedule will be prepared despite the size, or environment, weather that be in garrison or in a field environment. When filling out a DA 3034, it should be clearly understood by any cook personnel. Within the DA Form 3034, Production Schedule are 16 data categories or columns. Columns 1 through 6 pertain to the location and meal, the columns include the date and hours of the meal as well as the unit and projected headcount for that meal. Columns 7 through 14 informs the reader of the product including the person assigned to that product and when he or she should start, how many portion to prepare, and the recipe number in witch to follow when preparing that product. After the meal the shift leader would then fill in columns 12 and 13 regarding how many portions were actually prepared during the meal and how many portion discarded or leftover for a following meal. There is also a column to specify all if any special instructions, for example any added ingredients or specific details on how the manager wants that product to be prepared. Leftovers or discards should be entered immediately after the meal is completed. These items should be filled out in pen weather blue or black and highlighted with a read through fluorescent marker. These items should also reflect on the subsequent menu. Any menu changes including but not limited to; portion size, ingredients used, or serving instructions will be annotated. On the AFMIS generated Production Schedule it also list the products that have Critical Control Points or CCP’s. These points represent the potential for bacterial growth if the product reaches above or below a specified temperature. Reference TB MED 530 for more information regarding those temperatures. For products noted with a CCP you must check the product throughout the meal to make sure that foods stay at the right temperature. IE: Hot foods need to stay at or above 140 degrees for 15 seconds or longer. Cold foods need to stay at or below 40 degrees for 15 seconds or longer. On the production schedule you should annotate the readings as the temperature/15 seconds followed by your initials. For example 145/15 sec. JS. Annotating CCP’s on a DA 3034 Production Schedule along with completing a DA Form 7458 Risk Management Data Log Cooking and DA Form 7459 Risk Management Data Log Serving is required to maintain food safety and health measures. Risk Management Data Logs are used to document appropriate safety monitoring measures of the cooking and serving process according to TB MED 530. The shift leader will fill out the DA Form 7458 with the appropriate date and meal as well as who is monitoring the products to be checked. On the Cooking Data Log the products to check for breakfast should include 2 meat items and 2 other hot items. For lunch and dinner, 3 entree items should be checked as well as any leftovers intended to be used for that meal. You should monitor the internal temperature for the specified product throughout the cooking process until the internal cooking temperature is reached (specified in TB MED 530). On the DA Form 7459 Risk Management Data Log Serving you should check three menu items that are cold served focusing on items like pasta, diced meats, fruit and vegetable cut ups, and creams found most commonly in desserts. For hot serving during breakfast check 2 meats to make sure they are holding an internal temperature of 140 degrees or higher for at least 15 seconds or longer. Be sure to include one self-service item as well. It is required that you check the same items 2 to 3 times during the serving period. For the lunch and dinner periods check at least one meat and 3 other hot menu items. When filling out the information onto the 7458 and 7459 Data Logs you have different CAT’s or categories. On the 7458 you have CAT’s 1, 2, and, 3 respectively they correspond with the cooking temperature required 1, >145 2, >155 3, >165 these temperatures are concurrent with the internal temperatures needed for the different meats used in the products (reference TB MED 530 for the different meat internal temperatures). For each product enter the CAT and the piece of equipment you used to cook or heat the product. Then annotate the times and temperature each time you checked the product throughout the process. If the required temperature is not reached when you check the product continue cooking and mark the corrective action. On a 7459 Serving Data Log annotate each products CAT and location of the product and the times and temperature of the product when you check it as well as any corrective action for products in non-compliance. For each day and meal period a separate 7458 and 7459 Risk Management Data Log must be completed. By following these simple steps when filling out a DA Form 3034 and DA Forms 7458 and 7459 you are ensuring that the proper procedures are maintained in the Army Food Program.

Concord

Concord Although watching a movie may be entertaining, reading the story may sometimes be more enjoyable. The Black Cat, by Edgar Allan Poe, is a good example of how reading a story might be more interesting, rather than watching the movie. Things such as the author's language and his detailed description of every scene enhance the entertainment you get from reading the story.Although watching a movie may be entertaining, reading the story may sometimes be more enjoyable. The Black Cat, by Edgar Allan Poe, is a good example of how reading a story might be more interesting, rather than watching the movie. Things such as the author's language and his detailed description of every scene enhance the entertainment you get from reading the story.Although watching a movie may be entertaining, reading the story may sometimes be more enjoyable. The Black Cat, by Edgar Allan Poe, is a good example of how reading a story might be more interesting, rather than watching the movie.English: Illustration of the short story "The Myst...

Free Essays on Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis â€Å"Jerry Lee Lewis was known as a rebellious, rowdy piano player that would pound the keys and shock audiences. Nobody ever saw behavior like his in the 50's. He was the first to perform on stage and then set his piano on fire.† Jerry Lee was born on September 29th, 1935 at Turtle Lake on The Calhoun Plantation. He grew up on his parent's farm in the small town Ferriday, Louisiana. Jerry Lee is the second son to Elmo and Mary Ethel (Mamie) Lewis. His older brother, Elmo Jr., died when Jerry Lee was four years old. He has two sisters, Linda Gail and Frankie Jean, who also are musically talented. Jerry Lee ´s parents were both people of strong religion and musical backgrounds. Jerry ´s father actually signed with Sun Records in the fifties, although that was said to probably be Sam Phillips` last desperate attempt to keep Jerry Lee with his record company. His Mother Mamie was later a backup singer for a gospel song he performed known as â€Å"In Loving Memories†. Both of Jerry Lee`s sisters have recorded in the Sun Studios. Linda still has an ongoing career in the music industry. Frankie Jean runs the Ferriday family museum, and is also a competent singer. Elmo was a farmer, but a wild man who spent time in jail more than once. His corn harvests failed several years in a row, and he found comfort in his collection of Jimmie Rodgers records. Mamie was a gospel fan and a very religious woman. Gospel and country were Jerry Lee ´s basic influences. However he enjoyed rock and roll so much that he incorporated it into his own music. It was at his aunt ´s home that he first started to develop his own style. Not only him, but also his well-known cousins Jimmy Lee Swaggart and Mickey Gilley. His Father Elmo and mother Mamie quickly realized that Jerry Lee could be really good on the piano, so they mortgaged their farm, to buy Jerry Lee his first piano which was a Stark upright. Soon Jerry Lee... Free Essays on Jerry Lee Lewis Free Essays on Jerry Lee Lewis Jerry Lee Lewis â€Å"Jerry Lee Lewis was known as a rebellious, rowdy piano player that would pound the keys and shock audiences. Nobody ever saw behavior like his in the 50's. He was the first to perform on stage and then set his piano on fire.† Jerry Lee was born on September 29th, 1935 at Turtle Lake on The Calhoun Plantation. He grew up on his parent's farm in the small town Ferriday, Louisiana. Jerry Lee is the second son to Elmo and Mary Ethel (Mamie) Lewis. His older brother, Elmo Jr., died when Jerry Lee was four years old. He has two sisters, Linda Gail and Frankie Jean, who also are musically talented. Jerry Lee ´s parents were both people of strong religion and musical backgrounds. Jerry ´s father actually signed with Sun Records in the fifties, although that was said to probably be Sam Phillips` last desperate attempt to keep Jerry Lee with his record company. His Mother Mamie was later a backup singer for a gospel song he performed known as â€Å"In Loving Memories†. Both of Jerry Lee`s sisters have recorded in the Sun Studios. Linda still has an ongoing career in the music industry. Frankie Jean runs the Ferriday family museum, and is also a competent singer. Elmo was a farmer, but a wild man who spent time in jail more than once. His corn harvests failed several years in a row, and he found comfort in his collection of Jimmie Rodgers records. Mamie was a gospel fan and a very religious woman. Gospel and country were Jerry Lee ´s basic influences. However he enjoyed rock and roll so much that he incorporated it into his own music. It was at his aunt ´s home that he first started to develop his own style. Not only him, but also his well-known cousins Jimmy Lee Swaggart and Mickey Gilley. His Father Elmo and mother Mamie quickly realized that Jerry Lee could be really good on the piano, so they mortgaged their farm, to buy Jerry Lee his first piano which was a Stark upright. Soon Jerry Lee...

PORTFOLIO PROJECT Part 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

PORTFOLIO PROJECT Part 7 - Essay Example In stakeholders’ opinion, it is the benefit given to employees in exchange of the effort they have made for the organization. One complete definition for compensation is that it is a method to deal with all kinds of rewards of employees in the work system (Bomkamp, 2013). Compensation management as a HR function is significantly valued in organizations. Managers believe that it is a function that engages employees to their work system. They consider it as a function to ensure employees’ motivation in the work place. From a strategic point of view, compensation management is a planning stage for retaining employees. It is a planning process to organize qualified workers in the work system. It is a system that integrates workers with organizational culture and values. According to the contemporary literature, compensation is of two major types - financial and non-financial compensation. Financial compensation includes direct wages and performance based salaries while non- financial compensation may include job rotation, job expansion, hierarchy promotions and other resourceful benefits such as health insurance, medical facility, house or transport facility. In organizational practice, financial compensations are designed in accordance to market trends, while non-financial compensations are flexible, as they can be changed or amended depending upon the financial position of the organization. Furthermore, the literature asserts that compensation can be for the short term and long term. For example, Google Inc. offers work time entertainment facilities to employees as short term compensation, and the other company - Scientific Games Corporation offers $9.1 million golden parachute to the chairman of the office as long term compensation (Bomkamp, 2013, p. 2). The core objective of any reward or compensation is to retain employees and for that reason it has been noted that organizations actually determine compensations using flexible methods to ensure emp loyee retention. Definitely, if compensations are successful to retain employees, the employee turnover will be lower and as a result the organizational performance will be improved. This is what any organization would like to achieve from its compensation policy that is to increase employee performance. When high levels of employee performances are achieved then the company can expect higher efficiency and performance. The Challenge According to Joe (2011), accountants are in-charge of most of the technical work in an organization system (Martocchio & Joe, 2011). They have to conduct market research, prepare financial reports and bring revenue forecast, which is all a managerial level of task and operation (Martocchio & Joe, 2011). An effective compensation for accountants is one, which can justify with the accountant’s nature of work which involves high responsibility, major skill and effort (Singh, 2007). Definitely, if an accountant gives his full effort, the knowledge an d skill to his organization so the organization should acknowledge it by returning him back in the form of effective compensation. This is the challenge which most of the firms face while designing compensation for accountants, as they miss out the elements of fairness and equity at the time of compensating accountants (Martocchio & Joe, 2011, p. 20). Proposed Procedures for Accountants’ Compensation Management Market Assessment For designing effective

DQ 1SD and KW DQ2 Responses W10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DQ 1SD and KW DQ2 Responses W10 - Essay Example I agree with you that the use of leverage is advantageous for the person holding the leverage. Leverage can also be used by individual investors in the stock market to increase their purchasing power through the use of a margin account (Sec, 2009). When companies are able to reduce taxes and depreciation as they use leverage firms gain an advantage that allows them to achieve better operating results. For example two companies have the same pretax income. One firm uses leverage and has interest tax deductions, while the second company does not use leverage. The company that uses leverage will have a higher net income due to lower taxes. As you mentioned in your response leverage is often used by corporations in order to achieve growth. Successful multinational corporations such as McDonald’s and Starbucks would not have been able to achieve their tremendous level of growth and success without the use of leverage. I agree with you that the value of a project is highly dependent on the present value of the cash flows the project is supposed to generate during its