Customer satisfaction and willingness to switch Essay Example

Customer satisfaction and willingness to switch Essay Customer Satisfaction was recognized as major outcome of marketing activity which helps in explaining post purchase phenomenon such as repeat purchase and brand loyalty. Oliver (1999) defined Customer Satisfaction as the consumer s sense that consumption provides outcomes against a standard of pleasure versus displeasure. Eshghi, Roy and Ganguli (2008) suggested that relational quality, competitiveness, reliability, reputation and transmission quality are significant predictors of customer satisfaction. Aydin and Ozer(2005) defined it as customers overall (dis)satisfaction with the brand based on all encounters and experiences with that particular brand. Hence, in the study overall customer satisfaction with the service provider was evaluated instead of consumers specific transaction experiences. They also suggested that increased customer satisfaction, increased trust in the firm and switching costs are essential for customer loyalty. Customer loyalty is a relationship between relative attitude towards on entity and repeat patronage behavior (Dick and Basu, 1994. Oliver (1999) suggested that customer satisfaction and Customer Loyalty are linked inextricably. Harris and Goode (2004) suggested the satisfactions mediating role in the relation between perceived quality or value and loyalty. Anti n, Camarero, and Carrero (2007) have confirmed that the mediating effect of customer satisfaction between the predisposing (poor service quality and low firm commitment) and precipitating factors (price unfairness and anger incidents) of dissolution and the consumers switching intention. We will write a custom essay sample on Customer satisfaction and willingness to switch specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Customer satisfaction and willingness to switch specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Customer satisfaction and willingness to switch specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Also, Spiros P. Gounaris, Nektarios A. Tzempelikos, Kalliopi Chatzipanagiotou (2007) explained how customer percieved value influences, through customer satisfaction and loyalty, the buying behaviour of consumers. In our study, the term perceived price is to mean the degree of reasonability which a customer associates a given price fixed for the usage of the mobile service, value- added services charges and the monthly rental charges. This is mainly a perception factor in the consumer mind. We test for the influence of this factor, the perceived price on the construct of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction in turn encompasses the comprehensive view of the mobile service provider in the customer`s mind. While customer satisfaction is contingent on several factors, herein we explore the effect of the perceived price on the same. There has been a body of research carried out in the past, in various sectors, on the influence of this factor on the overall customer satisfaction levels. Carmen Anti n, Carmen Camarero, and Mirtha Carrero (2007) found evidence in the insurance industry that unfair pricing is a determinant to customer satisfaction. In fact, they have concluded that unfair pricing strongly impacts switching, in a direct and indirect manner via customer satisfaction. Chada and Deepa Kapoor (2009) have stated that Customer satisfaction in turn affects the price senility of a customer. Evangelia Blery, Nick Batistatos et al (2008) conclude that the perceived price is negatively affects a repeat purchase of a customer in a negative manner. Makam S Balaji (2009) examined the effects ofvarious factors, including perceived price on customer satisfaction in the Indian mobile telephony sphere and found it to be strongly associated. The findings of Muhammad Mohsin Butt and Ernest Cyril de Run(2008) show that the satisfaction levels of Pakistani mobile telephone service users satisfaction is dependent on price, among several other factors. Ristola and M. Kesti(2006) conceptualized that the service quality depends upon the above mentioned factors. The physical factors involves the physical product and supports, interactive quality refers to the interaction between the customer and the service provider, and the corporate quality is symbolic in nature and involves the perception about the company in the minds of the customers and its brand image. Service quality is defined as a global assessment that is the customers overall impression of the relative inferiority/superiority of the service provider and its services. Further, Rusk and Zahorik supported the expectation-perception gap for measuring service quality. The main antecedents to perceived service quality are the customer expectation and perceived performance (Bitner and Hubert). Further, Richard Spreng, Linda Shi,Thomas Page suggested that net Customer Satisfaction has a marginally higher impact on switching intention than total perceived service quality. Also, A. Taylor,Thomas L. Baker(1994) concluded that Consumer satisfaction moderates the relationship between the quality of service and intention to switch. Zhilin Yang, Robin T. Peterson (2004) found that switching costs moderate the relationship between satisfaction and perceived value. Next, Hsin-Hui (Sunny) Hu, Jay Kandampully and Thanika Devi Juwaheer(2009) examined the association and impact of customer satisfaction and perceived value and found that customer satisfaction is affected by perceived service quality. Das, Bhagaban Mohanty, Sangeeta(2007) carried out a study in the Indian context and found that better perceived service quality leads to increased customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction results from the comparison of expected performance with that of the perceived actual performance (Churchill, Suprenant, 1982). Parasuram et al also suggested that service quality is positively related to the customer satisfaction levels and that service quality perceptions are dependent not only on the outcomes but also on the evaluation of the service delivery process by the customers. Venetis and Ghauri (2000) viewed that the service quality is regarded as one of the few means for service differentiation and competitive advantage that attracts new customers and contributes to the market share. Further, Rakshit Negi (2009) concludes that the service quality was found to be significantly linked with the overall cellular phone user satisfaction. Also, Birgit Leisen(2006) suggests, as perceived levels of satisfaction increase, the less likely the customer is going to switch to a more conveniently located competitor and, hence, the more loyal he or she remains. Further, T. Vanniarajan, P. Gurunathan (2009) concluded that the cellular operators need to engage in improving the quality of both the value added services and the main service quality to increase their customer satisfaction which would lead to a greater customer loyalty. Hence differentiation leads to customer satisfaction.

Reflective Entry Purple Hibiscus by Chimamands Ngozi

Reflective Entry Purple Hibiscus by Chimamands Ngozi Using one or two passages from Purple Hibiscus to support your arguments, discuss how you interpret the ending of this novel? What is the message Adichie is relaying? â€Å"That night, I dreamed that I was laughing, but it did not sound like my laughter, although I was not sure what my laughter sounded like. It was cackling and throaty and enthusiastic, like Aunty Ifeoma’s† (Ngozi 299).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reflective Entry: â€Å"Purple Hibiscus† by Chimamands Ngozi specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The above excerpt was echoed by Kambili as she was heading to her aunt’s home to visit the family that was staying there. Where their father sent her together with her brother Jali, to live with their Aunt Ifeoma’s who is a professor and is living with her children who are happy and are left to do whatever they feel like. This is unlike what Kambili is used to at her home wher e her stringent, rich and staunch Christian father believes in the rule of the fist. Her father rules their home with an iron fist and her together with her brother is not allowed to do whatever they like. They grow in a tyranny home which is as much of a dictatorship just like what Nigerian as a country is facing. The passage shows how much Kambili has grown in personality and how free and bold she is becoming. Her Aunt is of a free mind and is liberal as opposed to her father. The passage therefore shows how much living under her Aunts roof (house) has changed her personality. While at her Aunt’s house, Kambili fell in love with a liberal preacher a move which is seen as a sign of shedding naivety. Kambili has grown to being admirable and is viewing herself with much more respect and able to stand for what she believes in. she is empowered by the staying with her Aunt and her children. Feeling free and able to make mistakes she is headed back to her father’s house. T hen, she is more able to make mistakes and learn from them as opposed to the life their father had put her with her brother where they were to grow as perfect kids. In this passage, Adichie is trying to bring about the themes of oppression, defiance and change. The defiance is learnt in Nsukka a place associated with hte purple Hibiscus. Hte whole book is about freedom and oppression. It features the transformation from these two themes which are exhibited by Kambili.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The book ends with Kambili returning to Nsukka to visit the new family of Ifeoma’s flat while she laughs her way to the place which she says isâ€Å"Because Nsukka could free something deep inside your belly that would rise up to your throat and come out as a freedom song. As laughter† (Ngozi 299). The ending of the novel comes with the enlightenment of Kambili, the confidence and defiance cultivated as she was living in her aunt’s house in Nsukka. It ends as she is travelling back to visit the family that is staying in her aunt’s house who had moved to America after she lost her job for defying the University, defiance which is emulated by Kambili in her characters as she returned home. She is travelling back to see experience the feeling of freedom and the place where the cycle is broken, where they moved from being voiceless to being able to air their views on concerns that affected them. Ngozi’s message in this novel is that of enlightenment: that as human beings we need to be able to air our views on matters touching on our personality and we need to allow others the space to do so too. Living an oppressed life cripples our abilities and we end up achieving less, but when we are left to be free, we discover ourselves and live a better life. Ngozi, Chimamands. Purple Hibiscus. Lagos: Harper Collins Publish ers, 2010.

What is research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is research - Essay Example Research is â€Å"something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge.† An important component of this definition is ‘systematic’, meaning research is approached logically. Research describes, explains, understands, criticizes, and analyzes a subject area. Research is important in business and management. Research must produce practical conclusions leading to better decision-making and/or profit. Managers draw on knowledge developed by other disciplines to aid their work routine, and tend to prefer to conduct research with personal or commercial advantage. In research, combining two knowledge bases sometimes creates a single large knowledge base plus a new one. ‘Basic’ research generates new knowledge and options, whereas ‘applied’ research generates new knowledge with a practical aim. New insights can help change the way business-related activities are conducted. Five research models will be examined: experimental design, cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal design, case studies, and comparative design.Good experimental design is important in producing reliable results. Independent variables should be manipulated to determine how they influence dependent variables. There are several forms of experimental res earch. Classic design is based on manipulation of independent variables, observations made before and after testing an experimental group, and relating observations to the dependent variable ... Qualitative or quantitative data is collected at a single point in time, and is examined for patterns in relation to two or more variables. Longitudinal Design Longitudinal design provides more than one time-point for analysis, and is often used to plan changes in business and management. There are two types of design. A panel study is often a randomly selected national study which collects data from various types of cases at two or more time points. A cohort study is a randomly-selected sample of people who share certain pre-determined characteristics such as birth-date or employment status. Both types are concerned with revealing trends and improving the understanding of causal influences. They also share similar problems. Good planning is essential to provide useful data. Employee and company turn-over may cause sample attrition, and the remaining people may not form a representative group. Continued participation in such studies may influence how respondents behave. Case Studies A case can be an organization, location, person, or event. Stake (1995) observes that case studies are concerned with the complexity and nature of the case in question. There are three types of case study. The critical case is carried out with a clear hypothesis in mind, the unique case is used for clinical studies with a common focus, and the revelatory case is used "when an investigator has an opportunity to observe and analyse a phenomenon previously inaccessible to scientific investigation" (Yin 1984:44) Case studies can be conducted both deductively and inductively and may be linked with qualitative research using tools such as participant observation and unstructured interviews. Comparative Design Comparative design applies similar research methods to

Analytic Report about Disaster Recovery Plans in corporations Essay

Analytic Report about Disaster Recovery Plans in corporations - Essay Example This essay aims at detailing the steps that have been taken and those that should be taken to safeguard against such eventualities. Disasters can be manmade or naturally occurring like earthquakes and those arising from technological issues (Sundar et al. 119). According to Sundar, the objectives of sustainable development are to improve the natural strengths of all agencies, including the society, in addressing disastrous situations. The attainment of this objective requires sustained initiatives, which entails economic, social, and infrastructure issues (Sundar et al. 119). Disasters involving technology are the ones that have the most direct effect on humans at a personal level. Disasters involving nuclear technology have long-lasting negative repercussions on the health of people ranging from cancer and maiming disabilities produced by mutations caused by radiation. For example, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster killed dozens of people, and its effects are still present today. Disaster management is defined as an applied science, which seeks to advance regulations regarding relating to mitigation, emergency, prevention, preparedness, recovery, and response through systematic observation and analysis of disasters (Sundar et al. 84). The corporate sector is a substantial body that includes those that produce goods and services for the sole purpose of making a profit. Disasters jeopardize this main objective, and it is paramount that corporations put up mechanisms to mitigate the impact caused by disasters. Corporations team up with insurance companies to shield their entities from losses occasioned by the occurrence of natural disasters. There is an increasing paradigm shift by corporations moving from enactment of disaster response policies to executing pro-active policies aimed at preventing disasters. They insure

Unit 1 Discussion Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Unit 1 Discussion Board - Essay Example igh the strengths and weaknesses of the basic forms and choose the one -- or the combination -- that is most congruent with the strategy (Daniels, 2004). As the twenty-first century rapidly approaches, numerous questions are being raised in an attempt to guide health care policy toward greater social harmony, to alleviate social dilemmas created by competing sets of values, and to confront the realities of current health care economics. Instability, volatility, and incredible change are forcing a reexamination of societal values along with changing consumer expectations of health care (Kozier 2004). I agree with the statement that management is both science and art because it demands creative application of traditional theories and concepts. In healthcare, those values of individualism, competition, cost containment, efficiency, and technology that are currently driving health care policy and health care systems are also influencing nursings ability to provide quality care. A look to the past demonstrates the evolution of the changing scene in nursing practice. As health care increasingly runs along business lines, competition occurs through mergers, acquisitions, and the expansion into new markets (Mckenna, 1997). What becomes clear is that quality of care is not the major focus of the competitiveness. Reduced revenues have even led to a reduction in the registered nurse workforce as unlicensed assistive personnel are hired to reduce labor costs and act as nurse extenders. It is clear that new and creative approaches to health care and nursing care are needed (Daniels, 2004). Regulations in healthcare demand flexibility and creativity, new vision of old theories and practices. On the other hand, they stipulate strict limits and rules important for healthcare professionals. Now is a time of transition for health care institutions and health care in general (Kozier 2004). The issue of allocation of scarce health-related resources has become almost paramount,

The Salem Witch Trials History Essay

The Salem Witch Trials History Essay Introduction The Salem witch trials of 1692 took place in Salem, Massachusetts. Overall, 141 people were arrested as 19 were hanged and one person crushed to death. Researchers describe the Salem witch trials as a series of court trials that were aimed at prosecuting persons who had been accused of witchcraft. The trials took place between 1692 and 1693  [1]  . Prior hearings of the Salem witch trials were carried out in several different towns. The major trial was conducted by the Court of Oyer and Terminer situated in Salem town  [2]  . Several people were rounded up and charged with witchcraft. Some of those arrested died in prison. Of the accused, 14 women and 5 men were hanged. There were fears about religious extremists as many critics perceived witchcraft as being counterproductive. Many problems within the society were attributed to the witches living in the town of Salem. At the time of their arrest, most of them were found with things believed to be used to propagate their activities. Causes of the trials There were about 600 residents in Salem town that conflicted with one group arguing that they had the right to remain in the town as farming families and the other to settle on the eastern side of the rich suburban town of Salem. The thriving economy of Salem town that was mainly a farming community made it to be perceived as being individualistic. The individualism was clashing with the communal nature of Puritanism. The Putnams felt that the large farming families were completely isolated from the rest of the town and amassed a large quantity of wealth. The Putnams were acknowledged leaders of a separatist group. This separatist group owned most of the farming land in Salem village. The Putnams felt the need to form a congregation that would indeed unite them within Salem. In 1689, the religious congregation was formed under the lead of Reverend Parris  [3]  . This religious congregation only represented a small group of the populace in Salem as most of the members were Putnams. Two factions had emerged within the religious congregation. These factions were basically divided on the basis of the contract under which Reverend Parris was employed to conduct the church affairs. Ministers in the religious groups at the time were often granted lots of fringe benefits to go along with their heavy salaries, such as free houses and use of firewood  [4]  . It is believed that Reverend Parris received this and much more, hence creating questions as to why he was being accorded such kind of treatment. Reverend Parris salary was paid by the local tax payers. Critics who did not support this, often mumbled in silence hence creating and deepening the already existing crevice with the religious organization in which Reverend Parris was the main leader. Most Puritans believed in witchcraft as the source of power to harm others. They further believed that the witchcraft was entering partnership with the devil in exchange for certain evil powers in order to propagate their evil activities. Therefore, the religious sect who lived in the same town of Salem was against witchcraft as they considered it as a sin  [5]  . It is also believed that most Puritans were against the Church of England and opposed most of their doctrines. As a result, enmity was created between the Puritans and the Church of England at the time. This culminated into frequent conflicts between the Puritans and the church members who often level accuses against each other. The puritans did not buy any of the traditions that the church was conducted. It was this religious divide that fueled the Salem witchcraft trial of 1692 that led to the killing of several witches within the town, most of who were Puritans. There was a huge political divide in Salem between the English settlers in the east and their opponents who were large farming families. They made several attacks on each other with considerable casualties being reported. In 1692 when the new Governor was elected, he had many issues to settle. He initiated the commission of special court known as the court of Oyer and Terminer which was charged with the responsibility of handling the increasing number of people who were accused at the time  [6]  . Farming was often the main cause of dispute between neighbors and families. As families grew in size, so did their farming land. Most of the farming land pushed forward into the wild, thus causing tension to the conflict that was already brewing. Drought or change in weather could easily wipe out a years crop without much consideration. This resulted in tension. Religious tension made this worse as many Puritans believed that God had advanced his wrath on man due to his sinful nature  [7]  . This belief made many people fear the actions of those who were against God. Therefore, many religious groups such as the Church of England advocated for the elimination of witches from the Salem society in order to enjoy a good bumper harvest and experience rain. Moreover, the social status that the Puritans accorded to the women did not help much as the women were believed to be devils servants. The Puritans perception about women increased the tension that had already built within the community leading to conflict in beliefs, one of the foundations that the Salem trials were based upon. Children were discouraged from playing and generally living a social life among the Puritans. They were the least valued. Similarly, girls were restricted from social groupings and activities in the belief that they would be used by the devil at a tender age. Women were generally not allowed to own land and in most cases land reverted to the previous owner if the husband died. Witch-hunting became a sport and a daily norm among the Puritans in order to acquire property. The effects of this on the society were far reaching. Preconceived ideas of witches There were several preconceived ideas about withes in the Salem village. Most people believed that witches were the main cause of crop failure and drought. This was because, witches often performed certain acts which could reverse the nature of climate change and bring about rain  [8]  . The Puritans were revered for their activities involving witch-hunting. Witches were thus believed to poses the power to ill other people and even make their lives difficult. Furthermore, there was a wide belief that the witches were often in contact with the devil and could order any kind of destruction upon their targets with impunity. In fact, most of the illness and attacks during the 17th century were attributed to the powers of the witches  [9]  . In addition, witches were believed to be anti-Christian in nature since they derived their powers from the devil and destroyed other peoples lives. The Salem society believed that witches should be killed. Therefore, the offence of witchcraft carried the death sentence automatically and without the option of appealing. Analysis of the accusers and their motivations of targeting certain people Most of the accusers of witches were mainly the religious organizations which indeed were against the activities of the witches in Salem during the 17th century. The Puritans were increasingly becoming aggressive and threatened the very existence of humanity due to their social beliefs about women and children  [10]  . Moreover, the Puritans were against the traditions practiced by the church. The witches often laid accusations upon the churchs conduct hence creating tension whenever they were illuminated within the Salem village. In addition, most of the large farming families also accused the witches of crop failure and drought. The powers of the witches were believed to cause deaths in children and livestock. Farming was the main economic activity that the people of Salem practiced  [11]  . Therefore, it farming failed then life became subsequently very difficult for them considering that they often had very large families. Reverend Parris who was a church minister was also an accuser of the witches. His daughter and niece had epileptic fits that were beyond any normal comprehension. Following this, three witches were arrested and arraigned in court to be charged with inflicting such evil upon the children. The arrested individuals were Puritans and were charged with witchcraft. On February 1692, Betty Parris, the daughter of the leader of the religious covenant organization, became strangely ill  [12]  . Critics were quick to point out that this was a result of witchcraft that had been directed towards the ministers home. What made the belief worse was the fact that Reverend Parris cousin and niece also fell strangely ill. Strange illness were often attributed to witchcraft and the accusers who were often family members could not compel with the idea that strange diseases were as a result of a combination of stress, trauma and other physiological causes. These strange diseases mainly attacked children. There was a wide belief that witches often targeted children since they were vulnerable to the witches activities  [13]  . This made witches to be accused of any strange disease like symptoms as most households ignored the diagnosis of the doctors. This was fueled by the strange disease that was exhibited by Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis and Mary Walcott all who were juveniles. The cure to the strange behavior was not understood as the children continued to wriggle on the ground suffering from this strange disease. The accusers were mainly motivated by the need to curb evil within the Salem community by stopping the witches from killing and depressing people in the society. For instance, women and children were accorded the lowest social class in the Salem community among the Puritans  [14]  . This was seen as a counter-development move and was thus fought by the greater farming community as well as the religious Christian society. When the reverends daughter and niece, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams fell ill, they were taken to hospital. Since the doctor could not establish anything physically wrong with the girls, it was concluded that they had been bewitched. Tituba, an Indian witch was accused of bewitching the two girls  [15]  . This saw a number of many other witches arrested in 1691with many people condemning witchcraft. Analysis of the accused The accused witches were predominantly Puritans. Trouble began when Cloyce and Proctor were arrested. These individuals were members of the covenanted church. After days of interrogation and investigation, more arrests were made and the suspects arraigned in court to be charged with witchcraft. Most of those who had been named went into hiding for fear of being arrested and charged in court. The prosecutor found the presentation of evidence to be most challenging since evidence in such cases was merely imaginary. The Court of Oyer and Terminer was responsible for prosecuting and charging the witches. The court convened on June 2, 1692 where Bridget Bishops case was heard first  [16]  . The grand jury indeed acknowledged all the charges made against her. Several other witches who were arrested and totaled 150 were charged before the Court of Oyer and Terminer with witchcraft. Only one accused who refused to enter a plea was crushed to death using stones  [17]  . The Court of Oyer and Terminer handled all formal prosecutions of witchcraft. About 36 people were arrested on July 2, 1692 following the convening of the new Governor, Chief Magistrate and Crowns attorney. Local magistrate presided over the cases where they arrested, examined and charged the witches according to the law. The accused were often individuals who maintained a high social status within the Salem setting. They were individuals who were revered and feared for their evil powers  [18]  . Most of them lived in eastern Salem. The witches of Salem had amassed massive wealth due to witch-hunting. They had been accused at one time of killing innocent people for the benefit of their wealth. Conclusion The Salem witch trials were hence as a result of the beliefs that the witches held within the Salem society. The witches were also accused of causing strange diseases among children. Many of the Salem witches were often wealthy people who enjoyed a high social status within the community. Moreover, they were located on the eastern side of the Salem village just next to the farming communities in the Salem town. The Salem trials led to the arrest and imprisonment of over 150 people, 19 of whom were hanged and one crushed to death. These trials were the most controversial in the history of Salem. The trials were done in such haste in order to clear the large backlog of cases concerning witches in the Court of Oyer and Terminer  [19]  . Concerns about witchcraft were often muffled under the pillow until when Elizabeth Parris became strangely ill. She was the daughter of the Reverend Parris, leader of the religious church. Abigail Williams, a niece to the reverend also fell strangely ill. Tituba, the Indian witch was accused of bewitching the girls. Critics of the trial of Salem suggest that witchcraft should be death with witchcraft instead of convicting of witchcraft and sentenced to death. References Blumberg Jess. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Accessed from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/brief-salem.html Giles Cory and the Salem Witch Craft Trials. Salem Witchcraft Trials. Accessed from http://coryfamsoc.com/resources/articles/witch.htm Poole William Frederick. Cotton Mather and Salem witchcraft. Harvard: University press, 1869, p.61. accessed from http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=5DT0mK6JxO4Cpg=PA61dq=The+Salem+Witch+Trialshl=enei=s9nCS6qPEp3AmgPdhbj-Bgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=7ved=0CFUQ6AEwBg#v=onepageq=The%20Salem%20Witch%20Trialsf=false Salem Witch Trials. Accessed from http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/salem-witch-trials-67616.html Salem Witch Trials. Accessed from http://www.42explore2.com/salemwitch.htm The Salem Witch Trials, 1692, Eyewitness to History. Accessed from http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/salem.htm The Salem witch hunts. Accessed from http://www.essortment.com/all/salemwitchhunt_rkto.htm The Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Accessed from http://www.kidzworld.com/article/2536-the-salem-witch-trials-of-1692 Upham Charles Wentworth. Salem witchcraft and Cotton Mather: a reply. New York: Historical magazine, 1869, p.16. accessed from http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=qdmvN-fB5xYCpg=PA10dq=The+Salem+Witch+Trialshl=enei=s9nCS6qPEp3AmgPdhbj-Bgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CEEQ6AEwAg#v=onepageq=The%20Salem%20Witch%20Trialsf=false What Were the Salem Witch Trials? accessed from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-were-the-salem-witch-trials.htm

Bridging The Gap Between Cross Essay example -- essays research papers

Building effective communication skills and relationships within a single culture is often challenging. Bridging the gap between different cultures makes building communication skills and relationships even more difficult. I will discuss some of the challenges of cross-cultural communication and the pieces necessary to build effective working relationships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Typically, some of the basic assumptions we make when communicating with people from our own culture must be questioned and modified when communicating with people of another culture. First on the list of items for review is verbal communication. Parts of verbal communication, such as, tonality, tense, gender generalities and structure vary greatly from culture to culture. A majority of these differences are based on core values and perceptions in different cultures; therefore, such differences must be acknowledged if effective communication and relationships are to occur.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A principle rule of mutual respect is the basis for success in communication and relationships. Mutual respect should be based on the following criteria: „h always allow for and assume differences, until similarity is proved „h emphasize description, rather than definition or judgment „h practice empathy „h treat your interpretation as a unproved theory until further understanding proves certainty   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Often, cultural differences are easily identified and therefore, ea...

To What Extent Was Nationalism the Main Cause of British Decolonisation

To what extent was nationalism the main cause of British decolonisation Decolonisation is the process by which empires disintegrated and colonies achieved in dependence. Britain decolonised between the years 1947 and 1964, nationalist movements was considered the main reason for decolonisation of the British Empire, but where other factors just as significant? Britain had flourished during the war with a victory however; this left them with severe financial and economical set-backs.The Second World War weakened the British economy this in turn reduced their imperial power to maintain control of their colonies, Britain often used emergencies; which allowed them to buy time from nationalists which would weaken their interest. They needed to ‘cling’ to their empire, as it was the only source of support for their economy, they were able to sell cheap goods for more and paying their workers a low wage added to their economy. Although some would argue that due to the low wage paid to the workers this caused them to not be able to buy thing as they were too expensive.Britain was shadowed by the United States and the Soviet Union, Britain’s status was way down the hierarchy, these two superpowers created an international climate which the reservation of the empire was rapidly difficult. However, the empire provided resistance from the US and USSR. Britain was also increasing the spending on nuclear weapons, rather than on weapons and soldiers in the cold war therefore, Britain couldn’t police the war. They needed army defence clearly nuclear dependence wasn’t needed.During the war time Japanese, Burma etc were revealing the weakness of the British imperial power, this gave hope to other territories starting with India. The nationalist’s movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian nationalist’s congress to free India, India eventually through a lot of hardship gained independence this surely accounted as significant, it shows Britain’s weakness. This inspired other colonies to be freed and use Gandhi’s non-violent tactics, also made Britain powerless, no longer influential and loses their main sour of resources for trade etc.Due to the increased contact with African soldiers’ during the war, the Indians spread the word and soon African colonies wanted freedom, a self government and independence. Increasing colonial development which created an African middle class this helped with the nationalising of African colonies, as they had more knowledge, educated and now understand that they deserve freedom. By 1945 there was an increase in nationalist groups within Africa.Britain had loss India therefore they needed a much more productive Africa, Britain modernised them, they spent up to 120 million pounds, the money was mainly spent on a groundnuts investment in Tanzania the investment which failed caused a huge turnover in debt for Britain. Also creating the sterling area coloni es had to use pounds an attempt to make Britain much more economically productive, to improve their way of living this however, back-fired instead it encouraged nationalism activists to start really fighting for what they wanted as they thought if we have been educated we might as well use this to run our county on our own.Some people would argue that the Asian and African nationalist movements were chances for Britain to show that they really are powerful and can control these movements, also it made Britain more determined to keep their empire intact even if this meant violence. For example in India there were peaceful movement used although turned into violence as Britain wasn’t planning to lose, the famous day of the Amritsar Massacre, when people were protesting and were brutally shot down etc. Eventually Britain lost India and they gained their independence. On the other hand, Britain also failed to keep control in Palestine.Palestine gained independence in 1948 and bec ame known as Israel. However, it doesn’t end there, the Arabs and Jews conflict was increasing rapidly; the UK couldn’t keep control mainly because they didn’t have enough financial support needed to police the country, so they decided to leave and the conflict increased. Some people would argue this made Britain seem like cowards as they couldn’t finish what they’ve started. There were clear consequences outstanding to this slip-up, it made Britain appear weak and this inspired other colonies to protest.In 1956 the Suez crisis was a strong turning point for the world as it revealed Britain’s limitation from the beginning showing they couldn’t go any further both military and financially wise. This was obviously very humiliating for Britain, and Eden the prime minister at the time who decided this unintelligent action resigned soon after: under embarrassment, illegal invasion, rejection from the USA, the Frances trust in Britain vanis hed. The USA and USSR became the most dominant powers and left Britain behind.Britain lost whatever influence it had left on the Middle East, and some of Europe. Britain’s relationship with the USA was seriously damaged this caused a run on the pound the value of the dollar increased, also Britain lost its sovereignty as it was under the control of the Usa in terms of nuclear power as they had dual key which Britain needs the USA to do anything with it. Egypt was the first non- white country to challenge Britain and defeat them this, this dilemma caused far worst issues. Britain lost it influence nearly worldwide, as the world lost trust in them.That setback caused them to lose colonies because of nationalist movements such as the Gold coast in 1957, Nigeria in1961, Malaysia in 1962 etc. Britain needed to have European power but France no longer trusted in Britain. Britain’s problems at home weren’t any better; Eden just resigned after embarrassing the country. The public’s attitude at the time was that they were apathetic, they wanted and needed their own welfare: post-war recovery. Due to the increase in immigration the racism from the British increased too, for example a well known race riot in Notting hill.However Mc Milan becomes prime minister, he accepts the need of decolonisation and believes ‘the day of the empire is gone, modern days are arising’, the fact that most empires were decolonising such as France, Belgium, Portugal took the longest but eventually let go, this shows that there was no real benefit in keeping a colony. Mc Milan changes the foreign policy and restores the relationship with the USA as they agree with being anti-colonial anyway. He decides to focus on Europe were their chances of success was much greater.However, British conservative white settlers were reluctant to let go and believed that independence given to colonies were rushed without preparation. Mc Milan government concluded that t hey would leave as soon as possible. In conclusion, although nationalism appears to be the main cause of decolonisation, other factors were just as significant and more such as, post war financial issues, the Suez crisis Eden’s failure, etc. It looks to me that success usually comes through money and if the UK had financial support then they would still have their empire or have a huge status in the world.

The Tiger by William Blake.Poem analysis.

The Tiger by William Blake.Poem analysis. Are things always what they seem? Is our first impression always right? In "The Tiger" William Blake uses tone, theme, and rhyme to make the point that there are two sides to everything.If you came face-to-face with a tiger you would probably be afraid. But if you put your fear aside and took a closer look you would probably notice how beautiful the tiger is. Blake uses particular words to make the tone of fear and awe in this poem. Almost like you were looking at the tiger yourself. He uses the word "dare" four times. I think this is because dare means "to have the courage needed to do something", suggesting overcoming fear with courage. He describes the tiger as having "fearful symmetry." Symmetry means "harmony or beauty of form that results from balanced proportions." Blake is then describing the tiger as fearful and beautiful.BLAKE LAZARUSWhen he says "What dread grasp dare its deadly terror clasp?" he inspires fear by using the words "dare", "deadly", "terror", and "dread." Tog ether all these thinks make the poem come to life as you read it, inspiring fear and awe.The poem seems to pull you into its grasp as your read. This is because of the rhyme in this poem. It is an ABAB pattern. In lines 1 and 2 "bright" and "night" rhyme. Then in lines 5 and 6 "skies" and "eyes" rhyme. This pattern also made me think of the pit-pat of the paws of a tiger walking. Each line follows neatly into the following line."What immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?" Blake states the theme here. He is asking what godly hand made the tiger's beautiful symmetry. I think that he says, "could" to imply work or a...

Dave the Potter - Enslaved African-American Ceramic Artist

Dave the Potter - Enslaved African-American Ceramic Artist David Drake [1800-1874] was an influential African-American ceramic artist, born into slavery under the pottery-making families of Edgefield, South Carolina. Also known as Dave the Potter, Dave Pottery, Dave the Slave or Dave of the Hive, he is known to have had several different owners during his lifetime, including Harvey Drake, Reuben Drake, Jasper Gibbs, and Lewis Miles. All of these men were in some way related to the ceramic entrepreneurs and slave holders, brothers Reverend John Landrum and Dr. Abner Landrum. In 1815, the Landrums established the Edgefield pottery-making district in west-central South Carolina, and by the mid-19th century, the district had grown to include 12 very large, innovative and influential ceramic stoneware factories. There, the Landrums and their families blended English, European, African, Native American and Chinese ceramic styles, forms and techniques to make durable, non-toxic alternatives to lead-based stonewares. It was in this environment that Dave became an important potter, or turner, eventually working in several of these factories. What We Know About Dave Not much is known about Dave; much of what we do know, scholars derived from census records and news stories. Born in 1800, Dave probably began working in the potteries in his late teens, learning his trade from the European-American potters. The earliest pottery vessels which bear attributes of Daves later pots date to the 1820s and were made in the Pottersville workshop. He apparently worked for Abner Landrums newspaper The Edgefield Hive (sometimes listed as The Columbia Hive), where some scholars believe he learned to read and write. Others believe it is more likely he learned from his owner Reuben Drake. Daves literacy had to have occurred before 1837, when it became illegal in South Carolina to teach slaves to read and write. Dave was owned for a time by Lewis Miles, Abners son-in-law, and he produced at least 100 pots for Miles between July 1834 and January 1864. Dave may well have produced many more, but only about 100 signed pots have survived from that period. He lived through the Civil War, and after the Emancipation, continued to work for the pottery, as David Drake, his new surname taken from one of his past masters. While that doesnt seem like very much information, Dave was one of 76 known enslaved African or African Americans who worked in the Edgefield District. We know far more about Dave the Potter than we do for the others who worked in the ceramic workshops of the Landrums, because he signed and dated some of his ceramics, sometimes incising poetry, proverbs and dedications into the clay surfaces. Writing and Pottery Potters typically use makers marks to identify the potter, the pottery, the prospective owner, or manufacturing details: Dave added quatrains from the bible or his own eccentric poetry. One of the earliest of the poems attributed to Dave is from 1836, a large jar made for the Pottersville foundry, on which he wrote horses, mules and hogs / all our cows is in the bogs / there they shall ever stay / till the buzzards take them away. Burrison (2012) has interpreted this poem to refer to Daves owners selling of several of his co-workers to Louisiana. Chaney (2011) has connected decorative and symbolic markings on slave-produced forms of colonoware to some marks made by Dave. Whether Daves poetry was intended as subversive, humorous or insightful is open to question: probably all three. See Koverman 2005 for a compiled list of all Daves known poems. Style and Form Dave specialized in large storage jars with horizontal slab handles, used for large-scale plantation food preservation, and his pots are among the largest made during the period. In Edgefield, only Dave and Thomas Chandler made pots with such a large capacity. Some hold up to 40 gallons: and they were in high demand. Daves pots, like those of most of the Edgefield potters, were alkaline stonewares, but Daves had a rich streaky brown and green glaze, idiosyncratic to the potter. His inscriptions are the only ones known from American potters at the time, at Edgefield or away from it. Interpretations A considerable amount of scholarship on Daves inscriptions has been amassed over the past couple of decades. Chaney (2011) discusses the politically mute but commercially hypervisible status of Daves writings, and focuses his attention on the poetic inscriptions, the somewhat subversive elements in Daves writing. DeGrofts 1988 article describes the protest contexts of Daves inscriptions; and Burrison (2012) discusses the topics of Daves poetry, as part of a broader discussion of the Edgefield potteries. Perhaps the most focused research into Daves ceramics is by Koverman (2005, 2007, 2009), who, as part of her extensive work on Edgefield pottery works has cataloged and photographed well over 100 vessels marked by Dave or attributed to him. Kovermans nuanced discussion includes Daves artistic influences and training. Sources Burrison JA. 2012. South Carolinas Edgefield district: An early international crossroads of clay. American Studies Journal 56. Chaney MA. 2011. The Concatenate Poetics of Slavery and the Articulate Material of Dave the Potter. African American Review 44(4):607-618. De Groft A. 1998. Eloquent Vessels/Poetics of Power: The Heroic Stoneware of Dave the Potter. Winterthur Portfolio 33(4):249-260. Koverman JB. 2005. The Ceramic Works of David Drake, aka, Dave the Potter or Dave the Slave of Edgefield, South Carolina. American Ceramic Circle Journal 13:83. Koverman JB. 2007. Communities of Heritage: Southern contributions. In: Potter C, editor. Craft in America: Celebrating Two Centuries of Artists and Objects: Random House. p 120-140. Koverman JB. 2009. Clay Connections: A Thousand-Mile Journey from South Carolina to Texas. American Material Culture and the Texas Experience: The David B Warren Symposium. Houston: Museum of Fine Arts. p 118-145.

Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Accounting - Essay Example The information contained in financial reporting must be both relevant and reliable to the user – relevant data must be recent enough to be useful and be confirmed in the future as well as confirm older data, and reliable in that different users are able to use the same information to come to similar, if not the same, conclusions about the company’s economic status, and unaffected by our own concerns within the business. (36) The latter means that no one is permitted to skew information’s presentation to better our image, so that the data is dependable for any user, whether internal or external. The information in financial reporting must also be comparable to other companies in our industry – if a practice is normally used, we should use it also so that it is easier for investors to read our reports – and consistent. (37) Should an accounting practice change, it needs to be very clearly stated and if necessary, we should adjust former periods’ information so that the impact of the change is easily discerned. Consistency is a critical attribute for us to demonstrate, so that users are able to watch the trends of our company’s success without worrying that we adjust accounting practices to improve the bottom line when having difficulties, and comparability is so that users are able to compare us to our other industry members. A last feature of the above information is the ‘matching principle’ that is required by U.S. GAAP. The matching principle is a simple rule – any expenses incurred in the current period must be matched to any revenues incurred in the current period. (45) This is a component of when we recognize revenue, and has a direct impact on the balance sheet. The above information should be helpful in understanding how our accounting practices work, and why they are so important for our investors and creditors. If

Executive Memo on Accounting for Pensions and Elimination of Segments Essay

Executive Memo on Accounting for Pensions and Elimination of Segments - Essay Example As stated in paragraph 25 of IAS 19, there are two kinds of pensions: defined contribution and defined benefit plans. In defined contribution plans, the company’s actual obligation is just the amount it agreed to place in the fund. With this plan, the employee bears the risk if the total contribution is not enough to cover the expected benefits. In defined benefit plans, the risk is borne by the employer because they have to pay the amount of the agreed upon benefits and adjust their contributions accordingly to finance these benefits. For defined contribution plans, the accounting and reporting requirements are simple. The company merely recognizes the required amount to be contributed as an expense. A liability will be recognized if the actual payment to the fund is less than the required contribution and a prepaid expense will be recognized if the actual payment to the fund is more than the required contribution. For disclosure or reporting purposes, the company is only req uired to disclose the expense amount and the contributions pertaining to key management personnel. For defined benefit plans, the accounting processes are much more complex. If the company utilizes defined benefit plans, its expense will be based on calculations using actuarial techniques. This is because there are various assumptions that go into the calculation process. In addition, the company’s legal obligation is not the only factor for calculating the pension expense amount, there are also constructive obligations resulting from the company’s informal practices, those that could not be changed without incurring severe damage in the relationship between the employer and the employee. The reporting for defined benefit plans is more rigorous. In general, the company will need to make adequate disclosures that will provide enough information to the financial statement users about the nature of the pension plan and any impact on the financial statements if there are c hanges in the plan. Specifically, the company is required to disclose its accounting policy for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses. It also needs to give a general description of the plan. It also needs to show three (3) reconciliations, as applicable, for the opening and closing balances of the present value of the obligatio