Why Athletes are Role Models Essay Example

Why Athletes are Role Models Essay A role model is a person who is admired and emulated by many. The term role model was for the first time used by Robert Merton after he noted that people compared themselves with others. In sports, those athletes who perform to the expectations of the fans are taken as role models and are emulated by their fans. Role models are often under heavy scrutiny of the media and so the chances that their negative aspects of life are brought to the light are very high but despite this, they still shine as role models. Because of their outstanding skills and uniqueness when it comes to sports, they are admired by people of all ages, the young and the old. This research paper will try to bring an understanding to the question, why athletes are role models despite the fact that they are highly scrutinized by the media.Most athletes shine in areas where they are even not expected to shine. For example, when a certain popular athlete is involved in scandal he/she tends to become more popular becau se of the publicity he/she receives. People focus on what they have achieved in the past but not on that one single bad event. It is not by choice that athletes become role models but it is their status, wealth and determination that makes them admirable by the public and a case in hand is of Marion Jones who despite the fact that she tested positive to performance drugs and sentenced for six months, she still is a role model to many. People cannot forget the achievements and good things that have been by the said athlete in the past but this is only different when it comes to sports where achievements are based on ones extra ordinary character traits but in other fields it is different. (Lensky, 2008, 78-80)Most of the things that are done by athletes outside the field are not publicized as much as those done in the field but the fact is that, although they are not reported people cannot fail to recognize them. It is their virtues and character in general that make them who they ar e for example their diligence, sportsmanship, perseverance and the value of training that make them to be taken as role models by many people but according to Julian Morrow, some of the character traits that make them shine such as high temperedness and dare daring behaviors make up somebody who you cannot like to stay the next door. (Schaller, T. 2004)According to Putnam, (87) athletes occupy a unique position in the pantheon of celebrities and it is for this reason that they become famous. Unlike comedians, television presenters and actors who spend much of their time on stage and televisions to be popular, the case is different when it becomes to sports because here it is their sheer ability and hard work that counts. When people realize their uniqueness, they become attracted to them and even begin to emulate what they do or what they say.The mass media plays a very vital role in informing the public on what is happening in the sports’ field. According to various surveys that have been done in the past, (Lensky, 2008, 78) the number of people who rely on the media (television and internet) to know what is going on in sports are more than those that attend the live shows. Even some people who seem to know much about sports as if they attend these shows get that information from the media. For this reason the role that media plays cannot be down played for if it does not keep us posted, then we would know very little about sports.Many athletes who are successful have admirable and extra ordinary lifestyles because they have a lot of money and this makes them to be highly envied by their fans. Due to the scrutiny that they are given by the media they are forced to act in a more responsible manner rather than how they would have behaved behind the scenes. Some people even expect athletes to become role models in matters that do not pertain what they do in the field and this gives them a hard time to meet such expectations. Some people think that this is expecting too much. â€Å"†¦It is unfair to ask athletes to serve as role models because they live their lives in a kind of moral vacuum, created by years of pampered treatment from parents, friends, fans, coaches, team officials and agents. They are ill prepared for the task.†(Putnam, 80)The irony with the media’s close scrutiny of the athletes is that it can give a person who might not have gotten a chance to become role model to become one. Not all that the media airs is taken by the public no matter how positive or negative it is, in fact the final judgment as to who should become a role model or not lies with them. According to Putnam (80), Charles Berkley became a role model not because of his outstanding skills in sports but because of the simple reason that he initiated the public debate that was featured in the media many times. He was opposed to the role that athletes are given by the public as role models.In short, though athletes are heavily scrutiniz ed by the media, they are still seen as role models. It is true that almost everything that we come to know comes from the media but it is the people who know who their role model is. Media may try to paint dark the name of an athlete but still remain a role model again; this negative publicity might work to their advantage. Another thing that favors athletes despite the fact that they are always under the eyes of the media is that they too realize that they are being watched and thus they behave more responsibly than they would do in normal circumstances.

Why Athletes are Role Models Essay Example

Why Athletes are Role Models Essay A role model is a person who is admired and emulated by many. The term role model was for the first time used by Robert Merton after he noted that people compared themselves with others. In sports, those athletes who perform to the expectations of the fans are taken as role models and are emulated by their fans. Role models are often under heavy scrutiny of the media and so the chances that their negative aspects of life are brought to the light are very high but despite this, they still shine as role models. Because of their outstanding skills and uniqueness when it comes to sports, they are admired by people of all ages, the young and the old. This research paper will try to bring an understanding to the question, why athletes are role models despite the fact that they are highly scrutinized by the media.Most athletes shine in areas where they are even not expected to shine. For example, when a certain popular athlete is involved in scandal he/she tends to become more popular becau se of the publicity he/she receives. People focus on what they have achieved in the past but not on that one single bad event. It is not by choice that athletes become role models but it is their status, wealth and determination that makes them admirable by the public and a case in hand is of Marion Jones who despite the fact that she tested positive to performance drugs and sentenced for six months, she still is a role model to many. People cannot forget the achievements and good things that have been by the said athlete in the past but this is only different when it comes to sports where achievements are based on ones extra ordinary character traits but in other fields it is different. (Lensky, 2008, 78-80)Most of the things that are done by athletes outside the field are not publicized as much as those done in the field but the fact is that, although they are not reported people cannot fail to recognize them. It is their virtues and character in general that make them who they ar e for example their diligence, sportsmanship, perseverance and the value of training that make them to be taken as role models by many people but according to Julian Morrow, some of the character traits that make them shine such as high temperedness and dare daring behaviors make up somebody who you cannot like to stay the next door. (Schaller, T. 2004)According to Putnam, (87) athletes occupy a unique position in the pantheon of celebrities and it is for this reason that they become famous. Unlike comedians, television presenters and actors who spend much of their time on stage and televisions to be popular, the case is different when it becomes to sports because here it is their sheer ability and hard work that counts. When people realize their uniqueness, they become attracted to them and even begin to emulate what they do or what they say.The mass media plays a very vital role in informing the public on what is happening in the sports’ field. According to various surveys that have been done in the past, (Lensky, 2008, 78) the number of people who rely on the media (television and internet) to know what is going on in sports are more than those that attend the live shows. Even some people who seem to know much about sports as if they attend these shows get that information from the media. For this reason the role that media plays cannot be down played for if it does not keep us posted, then we would know very little about sports.Many athletes who are successful have admirable and extra ordinary lifestyles because they have a lot of money and this makes them to be highly envied by their fans. Due to the scrutiny that they are given by the media they are forced to act in a more responsible manner rather than how they would have behaved behind the scenes. Some people even expect athletes to become role models in matters that do not pertain what they do in the field and this gives them a hard time to meet such expectations. Some people think that this is expecting too much. â€Å"†¦It is unfair to ask athletes to serve as role models because they live their lives in a kind of moral vacuum, created by years of pampered treatment from parents, friends, fans, coaches, team officials and agents. They are ill prepared for the task.†(Putnam, 80)The irony with the media’s close scrutiny of the athletes is that it can give a person who might not have gotten a chance to become role model to become one. Not all that the media airs is taken by the public no matter how positive or negative it is, in fact the final judgment as to who should become a role model or not lies with them. According to Putnam (80), Charles Berkley became a role model not because of his outstanding skills in sports but because of the simple reason that he initiated the public debate that was featured in the media many times. He was opposed to the role that athletes are given by the public as role models.In short, though athletes are heavily scrutiniz ed by the media, they are still seen as role models. It is true that almost everything that we come to know comes from the media but it is the people who know who their role model is. Media may try to paint dark the name of an athlete but still remain a role model again; this negative publicity might work to their advantage. Another thing that favors athletes despite the fact that they are always under the eyes of the media is that they too realize that they are being watched and thus they behave more responsibly than they would do in normal circumstances.

Free Essays on Surveillance

Privacy is a privilege that most people take for granted, it’s simply thought of as a sort of God-given right that we, as human beings, are entitled to, the right to have our own space, to be safe, and to be left alone. As technology advances at an alarming rate people began to worry about what adverse effects these new technologies will have on them. Are their concerns justified or just wrought from a fear of change? David Brin’s vision of city life in the near future is almost one of complete paranoia and exaggeration. The cities he outlines seem too horrible to be real, from some sci-fi movie, a city on a far off planet ruled by an evil dictator. An existence without privacy is scary to think about, always looking over our shoulders wondering who is watching and why. Brin’s theories of the future, some will argue, may not be too far off the mark, but is it realistic to think that on this vast planet we inhabit, all cities, towns, and populous areas will be under the watchful eye of the men upstairs, of course not. In the future we will have to deal with surveillance and privacy rights, there is no question, but not to the extent that Brin suggests. Technology will be instituted all over the world as an ally in crime prevention, taking the form of, cameras, microphones, satellites, and unfathomable high-tech tracking systems and devices. We are seeing the beginning of this already, but Brin takes the implementation of these technologies to extremes, which are incredibly unlikely scenarios for our own future. With so many cities and so many buildings in the U.S. alone, it’s silly to assume that everyone will have access to the happenings everywhere all at once. Some cameras positioned on street lamps in downtown New York with citizens safety in mind is one thing, but to have camera like devices capable of being everywhere and seeing everything isn’t likely ever and certainly not within the next 10 to 20 years. Yes,... Free Essays on Surveillance Free Essays on Surveillance Privacy is a privilege that most people take for granted, it’s simply thought of as a sort of God-given right that we, as human beings, are entitled to, the right to have our own space, to be safe, and to be left alone. As technology advances at an alarming rate people began to worry about what adverse effects these new technologies will have on them. Are their concerns justified or just wrought from a fear of change? David Brin’s vision of city life in the near future is almost one of complete paranoia and exaggeration. The cities he outlines seem too horrible to be real, from some sci-fi movie, a city on a far off planet ruled by an evil dictator. An existence without privacy is scary to think about, always looking over our shoulders wondering who is watching and why. Brin’s theories of the future, some will argue, may not be too far off the mark, but is it realistic to think that on this vast planet we inhabit, all cities, towns, and populous areas will be under the watchful eye of the men upstairs, of course not. In the future we will have to deal with surveillance and privacy rights, there is no question, but not to the extent that Brin suggests. Technology will be instituted all over the world as an ally in crime prevention, taking the form of, cameras, microphones, satellites, and unfathomable high-tech tracking systems and devices. We are seeing the beginning of this already, but Brin takes the implementation of these technologies to extremes, which are incredibly unlikely scenarios for our own future. With so many cities and so many buildings in the U.S. alone, it’s silly to assume that everyone will have access to the happenings everywhere all at once. Some cameras positioned on street lamps in downtown New York with citizens safety in mind is one thing, but to have camera like devices capable of being everywhere and seeing everything isn’t likely ever and certainly not within the next 10 to 20 years. Yes,...

Behavioral Finance Heuristic and Judgment, a literature review Essay

Behavioral Finance Heuristic and Judgment, a literature review - Essay Example In subsequent studies, Fama (1998; with French 1992/1993/1996) and Malkiel (1995) showed empirical evidence proving these conclusions and the observation that in efficient markets, only those that arrive first can earn above average returns. This logic that consistently beating the market is impossible (returns are so low that most will go to trading fees and commissions) led to the creation of index funds that mimic market performance. On the other side are the behavioral finance academics who claim that capital markets are inefficient, citing observable market anomalies showing that stock price behavior is predictable, that investors are irrational, and that many can earn above average returns or beat the market (Shiller 1981/1990/2000). Barberis, Shleifer and Vishny (1998) claim that in the ongoing battle between rational and irrational traders in the market the irrational ones are dominating. The systematic errors that irrational investors make when they use public information to form expectations of future cash flows overwhelm the efforts of rational traders to undo the former's market dislocating effects. Daniel, Hirshleifer, and Subrahmanyam (1998) state that irrational traders' overconfidence in interpreting private information pushes up prices above rational fundamentals and increases market inefficiency. Behavioural finance studies are backed by empirical evidence showing market inefficiency caused by limits to arbitrage (Shleifer and Vishny 1997) and behavioral psychology, both individual (Shleifer 2000) and collective (Hirshleifer and Teoh 2003), as factors that explain inefficient market behaviour. One stock anomaly cited as proof of market inefficiency is the so-called January effect that can be stated simply as "stock prices tend to go up in January" (Gultekin and Gultekin 1983). Thaler (1987) and Shiller (1997) attributed this to psychological factors as investors are influenced by their own mental compartments. Fama (1998) claims that conclusions based on market anomalies discovered by behavioral finance are due to poorly done statistical work and amateurish techniques. He cited above average returns as the result of chance, that behavioral finance models are loaded with judgmental biases making it predictably easy to justify any hypothesis proposed, and that the efficient market hypothesis can explain all forms of market behaviour to date. Nevertheless, despite the voluminous literature on the topic, both efficient markets and behavioral finance proponents agree that their models have not managed to fully explain capital markets behavior. Sharpe, a 1990 Nobel Prize winner who supports both theories said that "as a practical matter it is prudent to assume the market is pretty close to efficient in terms of pricing and risk and return On the other hand, we have learned from cognitive psychology that ordinary human beings needalternatives

History and politics of primary education Essay

History and politics of primary education - Essay Example The Butler Act, also known as the 1944 Education Act, aimed at providing education for all school going children between the ages of 5 and 14. The Act stipulated that secondary education start at 11-years-old. In addition, it created a framework by which a ministry managed school affairs but the schools themselves were managed by Local Education Authorities (LEAs). However, the duration of school days, term dates, and the syllabus stayed under local management (Freedman, Lipson & Hargreaves, 2008:29). The Butler Act also included requirements for Church Schools. The schools were to be incorporated into the state system using various arrangements, and the operating expenses of the Church Schools were to be borne by LEAs but remaining responsible for religious education in the syllabus. Although not stipulated by the Act, the consensus was that grammar schools were to be retained by the creation of a Tripartite framework in which students were to be enrolled in three variants of school s. Besides the grammar schools, there were to be secondary contemporary schools and technical schools. Grammar schools were to admit the most capable 20 percent of the students (determined using the 11-plus tests) and were better financed compared to other schools. In addition, most of the teachers held degrees (Gorard, 2009:105). Various LEAs employed different admission criteria, but majority implemented types of intelligence assessments – supposing that intelligence was uniform and estimable to the extent where an individual’s ability was known by the age of 11. However, numerous injustices soon became common. Grammar school slots were mainly fixed, implying that the challenges of admission to a grammar school deviated based on how many students were in a specific category. Comprehensive schools intended to offer education opportunities to children from all

Proposal Argument Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Proposal Argument - Research Paper Example However, the war in Iraq has resulted into suffering and distraction of lives of the citizens. Furthermore, the incarceration of Saddam Hussein meant that terrorist threats from Iraq were no longer looming. Finally, no weapons of mass destruction were found in the country as earlier stated by the US. I propose the millennial solution in ending the war in Iraq. To start with, the millennials are the individuals that have grown up in the face of war in Iraq. They grew up experiencing their peers being shipped to fight in wars and also watching ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ on the various media platforms (Schwartz 65). Millenials have been known to put up vibrant battles against the war. By the time the war finally came to an end in 2011, the millennials that were middle school when the war began has come of age to watch the US soldiers set up the war operations and understand what was going on. Iraq is back in the news again as a militia organization referred to as the Islamic State of Iraq, ISIS, al-Sham among other names has spread across the southern and northern regions of the country. Unfortunately, with all the damage that has been going on, TV interviews and the debate on the internet has been missing the important contribution of millennials who are the individuals that grew up in the face of the war (Billitteri 34). The best solution that has been proposed is by getting the millenials more involved in the peace-keeping and finding a lasting solution for the war in Iraq. It has been observed that this generation did not vote for the war that started in 2003 or even plan for it. Nevertheless, they have paid a dear price for it. To start with, the war has taken the lives of approximately 4,500 millenials and cost the nation a figure estimated between $4 to $6 trillion (Billitteri 15). The war has also taken away the lives of more than 100,000 innocent civilians. Regrettably, there are global political leaders that have served as champions for the

Social Media and Internet Marketing Essay Example for Free

Social Media and Internet Marketing Essay Social media, although a relatively recent phenomenon, is becoming an Increasingly important part of any business’s marketing and client base development platform. According to Dragon, â€Å"The perception of social media marketing has shifted quickly no longer viewed as a trendy or passing fad, having a flexible and well-managed presence in each of the â€Å"big three† (Facebook, Twitter, and Google+) has become a must for any business seeking to secure a place in both the traditional and digital marketplace† (pg. 103). What could once be accomplished by a traditional website now needs to be supplemented by a robust and responsive utilization of the tools social media offers. Finding ways in this strange new world can be quite confusing at first but these are lessons most of today’s marketing businesses have to learn. Social media is changing the ways of traditional network marketing, to increase sales, marketing businesses have to connect with customers and join their conversations on social media sites. So even though social media marketing takes time to learn and use, social media has changed the way business is done today. Social media is changing the ways of network marketing Social media is not just a powerful tool that lets friends and family communicate, it also can be used to help market a business or product. Social media marketing as it is referred to is helping and fuelling the growing online platform of buying and selling. Many network-marketing businesses think they know what their customers want, but until they do a bit of research and discover what they want, it is just guess work. The power of social media can help network marketing businesses keep in touch with their customers and determine exactly what they want, simply by reading, capturing, and using the comments the customers make on social media sites. This new approach to marketing can help to expand and explode the marketing of products to target what customers want, and exactly when they want it. Chase and Knebl (2011) opined, â€Å"The Internet is the greatest communication tool of all time. For sales people, it is also the ultimate game changer. Past technological changes have all been improvements like voice mail, which were easily adaptable to the existing landscape, whereas the Internet is not. Over the past 15 years, it has completely taken over the way in which people get and exchange information. Over the past 5 years, it has completely taken over in which people socialize with one another. And now – right now, social networking is taking over B2B communication. Like it or not, social networking sites are completely, and permanently, redefining the way sales people find new customers† (p.p. 3 4). How marketing was managed and operated for businesses before has changed with the advent of the Internet. Traditional network marketing methods versus today’s social media marketing The traditional selling (marketing) use of the telephone is increasingly becoming obsolete as a business communication tool. The majority of business- to-business (B2B) correspondence now occurs through e-mail, simply because online communication is vastly superior to telephone as a means of sharing information. According to Chase and Knebl (2011), â€Å"The Internet has created fundamental shifts in the B2B marketplace that are driving the future of the selling profession. They require all of us who wish to sell successfully in the new marketplace to accept these changes, recognize the inherent opportunities that they offer, and become educated in the new skills needed to acquire new customers† (p. 4). In order to be efficient in marketing, it is important to realize what will work and what marketing methods are not working any more. For example, if the target market is a senior market, a yellow page ad may very well still bring in customers, but if the customers are under the age of 60, it is best to put marketing resources elsewhere. We have seen many changes to the trends and methods of marketing just over the last few years and these changes are continuing. Some of the trends and methods to watch closely according to Lake (2012) are Mobile Marketing In a report done by CTIA Wireless Association it was reported that 250+ million Americans carry mobile phones thats over 80% of the nation’s population. Mobile applications will continue to be developed and smart phones and tablet PCs will remain a part of our daily lives. Social Marketing Integration In 2011 companies began to take social media marketing seriously and because of that we saw social media explode as a marketing tool. This year we will begin to see companies heavily integrate social media into their overall marketing plan, which is how it should have been done in the first place, but better late than never. We will see social media expand from a tool used primarily for customer service and brand management to being used to collect customer data and enable better target marketing of products and services that those customers are interested. Traditional Marketing Continues to Diminishes This is always a touchy subject, because there are so many that dont want to say goodbye to the traditional marketing. Interactive or real-time marketing is easy to measure, engage and gain real time statistics that allows us to change a marketing message quickly. Customers are continuing to go online to search for information and in return making their purchases online. Its important that marketers move their marketing dollars to where the consumers are and right now thats making a gigantic shift to online. Internet marketing enables us to reach targeted audiences online, advertising costs are lower and they are easier to measure. Whats not to love about interactive marketing? Overall marketing budgets will continue to shift to a higher spend online and the traditional marketing spend will continue to diminish. Relationships will Drive Loyalty and Sales Customers want to know they matter to you and your staff. They evaluate now more than ever how they are treated, whether or not your business cares about their satisfaction. Gone are the days that they just purchase out of convenience. If you can give the best customer care, you will find that you will create consumers that are loyal to you, regardless of whether or not you have the least expensive price. They realize that in tough economic times their loyalty to you could be the life or death of your business and thats often why they will go out of their way to spend their hard-earned dollars in your place of business if you have helped in creating loyalty by giving them extraordinary care. Social media helping to promote and market businesses and products Millions of people uses social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter each day to stay up-to-date with their favorite brands and businesses. More than ever, it is important for business owners to ensure that their marketing strategies include some social media activities. Social media offers new ways to connect with current and potential customers, build online presence and also help develop long-lasting relationships with other business professionals and future contacts, Lovett (2011) made some interesting findings in his book: Social media has unquestionably entered the mainstream as consumers flock to jump on every social bandwagon, buggy, and freight train that drives past. This frenzied enthusiasm has helped the largest social networks to amass hundreds of thousands of users that rival the world’s most populous countries, while new platforms and channels emerge unabated. The early sparks of social media innovations have flourished into a raging inferno of opportunity for consumers and businesses alike. These businesses include everyone from the largest global fortune 100 to the smallest mom-and-pop shop, who are winning and losing everyday with social media. The losers are detached from their customers because they are unable to hear the outpouring of ideas and feedback over the drone of their antiquated toiling. Conversely, the winners are tapping into consumers’ needs and wants and suing social media as a method to: * Increase brand exposure * Initiate dialogue with customer * Generate interaction with their own media * Facilitate customer support * Assemble legions of loyal advocates * Spur corporate innovation * Do much, much more. (p.p. 3 4) In closing, for marketing businesses in the next decade, it will become increasingly important to monitor their brands and reputations online and to be aware of what is being said as well as do any damage control and address any issues that arise in a timely if not immediate fashion. Businesses can no longer hide behind the four walls; it is not enough to broadcast anymore. To succeed with marketing, it will be necessary to interact, engage, and create relationships to grow marketing businesses and create an effective marketing strategy in the next decade. We have seen millions attracted to social media. People are interacting and engaging daily with other individuals as well as with businesses. This will not slow down. It is believed that over the next decade one will see changes in the social media marketing platforms as well as the social media networking sites that are used. It is important to realize that when using social media in your marketing strategy, it must be remembered that it is about interaction, and not just about broadcasting. You need to create a social media marketing strategy that engages and cultivates relationships as well as solves any problems or issues that come up. Reference Lake, L. (2012). MoneyMarketingMarketing MethodsMarketing Methods and Trends Whats New for 2012. Retrieved from http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingmethods/a/marketing-methods-and-trends-whats-new-for-2012 Chase, L., Knebl, K. (2011). The Social Media Sales Revolution (1st ed.). Washington, DC: McGraw-Hill. Dragon, R. (2012). Social Marketology (1st ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Lovett, J. (2011). Social Media Metrics Secrets (1st ed.).Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing, Inc..

Critical Review of Article on Financial Statements Essay example -- Ac

A Critical Review of Georgiou, G. (2010) â€Å"The IASB standard-setting process: Participation and perceptions of financial statement users†, British Accounting Review, 42 (2), pp.103-118. Dr George Georgiou is a senior lecturer in Accountancy and the director of the MSc International Accounting & Finance course at the Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. He has the following qualifications: BA, MAcc, PhD & CPA. Georgiou is also a PhD supervisor in his research interest topics which lie in accounting regulation, accounting theory, government accounting and market-based accounting. (University of Birmingham, 2010). As stated by Bruce (2010), financial statement users are often described as the primary users of financial statements. Yet, few financial statement users have the time or the preference to get involved in the IASB standard setting process. Georgiou's article sets out to show the gap in the literature of the involvement of financial statement users and the amount of control they have in the accounting standard-setting process. The author states that it is important to financial statement users to believe that their perception and participation is vital in the standard setting process. Introduction Georgiou puts forward an argument for financial statement users in that their involvement is material and frequently accounting standard-setters give an explanation for the approval of their standards by appealing to the interest of financial statement users. The author verifies the importance of the problem area by referencing Young (2003), who also puts their argument across in support of financial statement users. Young (2003) expresses that financial statement users are used in a nutshell to prov... ...or outreach. Available: http://www.ifrs.org/News/Features/Spotlight+on+investor+outreach.htm. Last accessed 9 November 2010. Duff, A, Ferguson, J & Gilmore, K. (2007). Issues concerning the employment and employability of disabled people in UK accounting firms: An analysis of the views of human resources managers as employment gatekeepers. The British Accounting Review, 39(1), 15-38. Sutton, T. G. (1984). Lobbying of accounting standard-setting bodies in the U.K. and the U.S.A: a downsian analysis. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 9(1), 81–95. University of Birmingham. (2010). Profile: Dr George Georgiou. Available: http://www.business.bham.ac.uk/staff/georgioug.shtml. Last accessed 5 Dec 2010. Young, J. J. (2003). Constructing, persuading and silencing: the rhetoric of accounting standards. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 28(6), 621–638.

Over Coming Fear

General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the five characteristics that enable Marines to overcome fear. Central Idea: There are five characteristics of the Marine Corps that help Marines overcome fears. Introduction: Many Marines do not like to admit when they are scared. Some don’t ever show emotion. But everyone gets scared at some point in their life. It could be something as simple as getting a passing grade on a test or assignment. It could be as extreme as being part of an elite squad of ground pounding Marines who are getting ready to kick in doors or go in to rescue a sniper squad that has been pinned down by enemy fire. How do you think you would feel? Scared? Maybe a little intimidated? Heart racing maybe? Today I am going to inform you about the Marine Corps Principles for overcoming fear. I will describe and identify for you, the five characteristics that enable Marines to overcome fear every day. Those virtues are discipline, motivation, Esprit de Corps, morale, and proficiency. Discipline over the years has acquired at least three different meanings: punishment, obedience, and self-control. 1 Have you ever been in a situation that you knew you were doing something wrong, but you decided to do it anyway? Did you ever hear that little voice in the back of your head asking you â€Å"What if you get caught? What will this do for your future if you do get caught? † Military discipline is no different than that of any major sport, or at a university academically. If you do something that disrupts the good order of the system, there will be repercussions. There are several forms of punishment in the U. S. Marine Corps, ranging from an informal counseling to being dishonorably discharged for your actions. Obedience among military personnel is a result of the training that they have received throughout their careers. You do not want to become blindly obedient and closed minded in the Marine Corps. Doing such may result in the carrying out of improper or illegal orders. 2 True obedience implies exercising discipline as an active thinking participant and using proper judgment to determine if a situation is justified. Self-control is doing what is right even when no one is watching. You need to be able to control your emotions in situations that may cause a normal individual to panic. Fear is the enemy of discipline. 3 Using self-control will allow you to harness your fear and channel that emotion towards accomplishing the mission at hand. * Transition: Along with discipline, proficiency as a Marine is required for any member of the Marine Corps to accomplish their specific tasks. Proficiency is defined as the technical, tactical and physical ability of the individuals in a unit to accomplish a given mission. Being proficient in your MOS is to know what to do; how to do it the right way; and knowing how to solve a situation should a problem arise. Being proficient as a Marine, involves showing that you can accomplish the basic operating procedures required. Transition: Being proficient in your job as a Marine rifleman as well as your MOS, can give you the motivation to go above and beyond what is expected of you. Motivation can be described as wanting to set and achieve the highest goals possible. Wanting to get a perfect score on a PFT is an example of wanting to uphold the high standards set by the Marine Corps. Using fear as motivation to accomplish your task is a perfect example of self-control. Transition: â€Å"They are faced with impossible odds, and I have no valid reason to substantiate it, but I have a feeling they will halt the enemy. I realize my expression of hope is unsound, but these Marines have the swagger, confidence, and hardness that must have been in Stonewall Jackson's Army of the Shenandoah. 4 Esprit de Corps is present when units show a degree of pride, vigor, and gumption. Have a strong competitive spirit with other Marines. Training with other Marines to better one another, shows competitiveness, cohesion, and helps you become more proficient as a Marine; enabling you to overcome your fear of any task or situation. Show pride in the history of the Corps and observe its many traditions. 1. Taking a walk through the National Museum of the Marine Corps and mmersing yourself in our history and learning about those that came before you can strengthen the esprit de corps within yourself. 2. Observation of traditions such as the Marine Corps birthday shows your recognition of the important role Marines have played in forming the United States of America into the country it is today. Transition: While esprit de corps shows the enthusiasm the unit expresses for the Marine Corps, morale depends on a Marines attitude towards everything that affects them. Morale is an individual’s state of mind. High morale gives the Marine a feeling of confidence and well-being that enables them to face hardship with courage, endurance, and determination. 6 Indicators of morale can be either positive or negative Personal appearance and hygiene. Motivation during training. A request for transfer. The usage and abuse of drugs and alcohol. 7 Summary: By demonstrating these five aspects which are; discipline, motivation, esprit de corps, morale, and proficiency, you are showing yourself and others how to overcome the obstacle of fear. As a Marine you need to be able to lead others while being able to control your fear. By channeling your emotions, you will find it easier to accomplish the mission at hand. Fear is not an option; it is a crutch the weak use to lean upon. We as Marines are not weak. References: 1. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. Apendix E page 15-45 Foundations of leadership. paragraph one. 2. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. Apendix E page 15-45 Foundations of leadership. paragraph two 3. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. Apendix E page 15-46 Foundations of leadership. paragraph one 4. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. this kind of war, t. r. Fehrenback page 12-37 5. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. page 21-36 paragraph two 6. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. page 15-8 subparagraph A 7. MCRP 6-11b W_CH 1 Marine Corps Values A User's Guide for discussion leaders. page 15-8 paragraph 2

Jazz Concert Reflection Essay

Jazz is a musical style that began in African American communities in the southern United States around the beginning of the twentieth century. It was a new style of music that brought together music traditions from West Africa and Europe. Some of its West African musical influences give jazz its unique sound. Jazz has many different elements, which are improvisations, swinging, using blue notes, and combining different rhythms. I attended The Bill and Helen Murray Jazz Residency Program featured Ellery Eskelin on the Saxophone with Susan Acorn on the pedal steel guitar and Michael Formanek on the acoustic bass and The Towson University Jazz Faculty Ensemble Featuring Dave Balloy on the trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet, Jim Mc falls on the trombone and baritone, Tim Murphy on the piano, Jeff Reed on the bass and last but not least, Frank Russo on the drums and cymbals. At each concert about four songs were performed. The musical elements in both performances that classify the music I heard as jazz were the swing rhythms and improvisations. The Jazz Residency Program was based on improvisations. Each player at this concert; had the ability to instantaneously compose, revise and perform their parts amazingly. As Ellery played the Sax, Susan and Michael played their instrument spontaneously creating fresh melodies. At the Jazz Faculty ensemble, the musicians played songs that were previously written. Their musical styles were mostly bebop and swing with lots of call and respond. Jim Mc falls would play his trombone and all group members would follow after him. The song â€Å"Moodly† sounded like bebop, because there were a lot of bass drum bombs and tonal clashes. â€Å"Marsch der freien Sound Fur Funf Instrumente† was also a bebop song that was played with extended harmonies and tonal clashes. Some of the non-traditional jazz elements that I heard were played at both of the Jazz Concerts. Susan Acorn played the pedal steel  guitar, which I found to be a non-traditional element. The sound was completely different from what I had ever heard before. At the Jazz Faculty Ensemble, Dave Ballou played the Piccolo Trumpet for the last piece â€Å"Conversion†. The high-pitched sound made the song slur and blend with soft melodies. Listening to each concert, gave me two totally different experiences. The Jazz Residency concert was all improvisations, so it didn’t remind me of any of the music I had heard before. The Jazz Faculty ensemble was a reminder of music styles like Art Tatum, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington. When they played Hamster in a bucket it’s reminded me of â€Å"In a Mellotone† by Duke Ellinton. Then Dave Ballou played the trumpet in the song â€Å"Cry Baby† like Miles Davis played the trumpet in the song â€Å"So What†. In conclusion, the quality of both performances was outstanding. Each performance was completely different and that’s what I loved. The jazz residency program was completely improvised, leaving me opened and surprised at every note each player chose to play. The Jazz Faculty Ensemble’s songs had a distinctive vibe. They made the sounds of their music come together and I felt the rhythm. I would defiantly pay to see each performance again. I left the concerts smiling, because I felt as if I knew exactly what they were trying to accomplish with their music. The two ensembles I attended featured some of the most talented musicians I ever heard performing at Towson University.

s Wine Indusrty

AMERICA’S WINE INDUSTRY: A GLOBAL SUCCESS J. EDWIN DIETEL After scarcely a generation, the US wine industry is challenging centuries-old European wineries America’s winemakers, most of whom are relative newcomers to the industry, are making superior wines and reaping global acclaim. In a single generation, and at a time when many US industries can no longer claim to be world leaders, the US wine industry’s global success is a fascinating story of entrepreneurial vision and savvy marketing. It remains to be seen whether the American industry has reached its peak, or if new innovations, new competition, and new markets will make the future rosy for US vintners. In terms of worldwide recognition and success, individual American wineries have made their mark only in the last 50-odd years. American experiments with wine-making for the past 200 years- including considerable efforts by Thomas Jefferson to replicate French grape-growing techniques at Monticello- had proved commercially unsuccessful. Not until the end of Prohibition in 1933 did the American wine industry take off on a large scale. America has now become the fourth largest producer in the world behind Italy, France, and Spain. US wine exports in 1999 were up almost threefold over 1990 levels, totaling 74 million gallons ($540 million). Quantity of production is but one measure of success of the industry. American wine producers also have become widely known for the quality of their products. The single event that brought global recognition to the American wine industry occurred in Paris in 1976. There, in a celebrated blind tasting by nine French wine experts, American Chardonnays were compared to their celebrated French counterparts, white Burgundies, while American Cabernet Sauvignons were compared to the prestigious French first-growth red Bordeaux. The American wi... 's Wine Indusrty Free Essays on America\'s Wine Indusrty AMERICA’S WINE INDUSTRY: A GLOBAL SUCCESS J. EDWIN DIETEL After scarcely a generation, the US wine industry is challenging centuries-old European wineries America’s winemakers, most of whom are relative newcomers to the industry, are making superior wines and reaping global acclaim. In a single generation, and at a time when many US industries can no longer claim to be world leaders, the US wine industry’s global success is a fascinating story of entrepreneurial vision and savvy marketing. It remains to be seen whether the American industry has reached its peak, or if new innovations, new competition, and new markets will make the future rosy for US vintners. In terms of worldwide recognition and success, individual American wineries have made their mark only in the last 50-odd years. American experiments with wine-making for the past 200 years- including considerable efforts by Thomas Jefferson to replicate French grape-growing techniques at Monticello- had proved commercially unsuccessful. Not until the end of Prohibition in 1933 did the American wine industry take off on a large scale. America has now become the fourth largest producer in the world behind Italy, France, and Spain. US wine exports in 1999 were up almost threefold over 1990 levels, totaling 74 million gallons ($540 million). Quantity of production is but one measure of success of the industry. American wine producers also have become widely known for the quality of their products. The single event that brought global recognition to the American wine industry occurred in Paris in 1976. There, in a celebrated blind tasting by nine French wine experts, American Chardonnays were compared to their celebrated French counterparts, white Burgundies, while American Cabernet Sauvignons were compared to the prestigious French first-growth red Bordeaux. The American wi...

Human Resources in Business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Resources in Business - Case Study Example Other rewards might be social gatherings for different departments, free access to sports clubs or events, and gift packages for vacations or weekend getaways. Both controlling costs and promoting fairness are equally important in designing a reward system. I believe the key to a successful organization is to try and balance between the controlling costs and promoting fairness. The above mentioned company for which I worked 5 years and in two different countries, the reward system, the bonuses in particular were adjusted several times. This, though, was not as a result of the modifying organizational strategies, but a change made in order to respond adequately to the extra money that employees were earning. The statistics showed that some employees are earning the same bonus as the amount of their salary and senior managers decided to change the bonus system, so that greater revenues stays with the company. Therefore, on the various new reward systems that were introduced, hard-working employees who reached their target each month received fewer bonuses. I had experience in job evaluation schemes and I think I was lucky to have a great team leader, who encouraged me to develop the skills that I lacked and gave me the confidence to relate to the job position. The positive aspects might be that although you know that you are performing well, you still need another point of view of your achievements. Employees are not able to look their work from aside so job evaluation is a good way to adjust the barometer of the performed job. A negative aspect might be that everyone has been evaluated under the same criteria, which is very general, and sometimes subjective. Therefore, people, who have different attitude, abilities, predispositions are evaluated under the same common denominator, which destroys the individuality and divides employees into already set

International Business - Intergration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Business - Intergration - Essay Example Primarily, a struggle between socialist and capitalist countries was over. the "Fall of the Wall" which was closely connected with: "the expansion into the previously closed-off countries of Eastern Europe has once again demonstrated that the company which enters a market first, achieves what are called "first mover advantages" and becomes a synonym for a whole range of products, which makes it possible for long-term market leadership to be achieved". (Lange, 2004). Another driven force was the end of the Cold War. The demise of communism as an economic and political system can be explained in a straightforward manner. Communism was not an effective economic system. The overwhelmingly superior performance of the world's market economies has given leaders in socialist countries little choice but to renounce their ideology. A key policy change in such countries has been the abandonment of futile attempts to manage national economies with a single central plan. This policy change frequently goes hand in hand with governmental efforts to foster increased public participation in matters of state by introducing democratic reforms (Dunning, 1993). From the economic perspective, the global economy becomes a dominant one while individual countries do not play a significant role in global market. If a production function exhibits increasing returns to scale then higher growth rate should generate rising real living standards for the community as a whole. The principle of territorial integrity retreats before a principle of the right of nations on self-determination ever more. The large multi-national states will be interfered by a rising problem of separatism. The small countries need to join a powerful union to protect themselves. That is why the process of division is closely connected with international business. After political recession, capital movements become possible and desirable by many third world countries. Foreign owner assets are an extensive part of the manufacturing sector and over half of mining production (Hophe, Woolf, 2003). The state control of production remained binding and governments began to see that there might be certain advantages in foreign investment and it began to be accepted that limited investment could help with some of the problems of relative underdevelopment. International trade theories place geographical factors at the heart of the development of trade flows). Impact of geographical factors on the direct foreign investment (DPI) of motional corporations has also been subject to investigation. Investments are growing more rapidly than world production and international trade, but are largely confined to investment flows within and between the triad countries. Multinational firms have traditionally preferred full ownership and control, as offered by wholly owned subsidiaries, to other forms of market entry, including equity stakes in joint ventures (Tayeb, 2000). Internet became the main technological driven force. Internet rationalizes the expensive and cumbersome proposition of large-scale customer service. Second, the system serves to reduce at least the appearance of risk associated with time-space distanciation and the opacity of the expert system. In summary, all of the websites appear to be aiming at the same goal -replacing face-to-face customer service with systemised service that