Exams Taking Strategy for College Students Research Paper

Exams Taking Strategy for College Students - Research Paper Example Daily review of notes and finding relevant questions and assignments is crucial. One has to prepare a timetable for every day and weekly study sessions. Looking for an ample place without any disturbance and ensuring one has all the necessary tools and equipment is another major step. Regular study prior to the exam will ease the final preparations for tests. Assigning every subject a time like an hour will ensure that one gives adequate time to all the subjects. Short breaks in between such as stretching and moving around increases absorption rate. Short period study foster retention of information and reduces fatigue and stress (Durham, 94). Making a study group also becomes handy so that students/learners can exchange ideas. Preparing of revision tools is very crucial towards performing in tests. Learning to take good notes is useful for learning as well as taking the notes. Review notes after class, daily and on weekly basis. Notes review before exam acts as a reminder of the broader knowledge one has gained. Some lecturers give notes at a fast rate and a student may not be able to listen and write. One can record the notes using means such as tape recorder and listen to them later as he writes in a notebook. To widen the scope of knowledge of the subject, other reliable sources such as textbooks and internet can be utilized. To ensure adequate coverage and understanding of a subject, the student should make a list of all topics he is supposed to cover and allocate time to each (Scruggs, Thomas & Margo, 93). Index cards can also be the best review tool. They help one review easily without having to use books and notes, concentrate on specific details and ease memorization (Kesselman-Turkel, Judi & Frank lynn, 52). The main word is written on one side and facts on the other side. One can also take short notes after reading a chapter and writing down main points.

Customer Service Excellence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Customer Service Excellence - Essay Example Further theoretical insights would be rendered in terms of understanding potential service strategies that needs to be developed or followed in by organisations to gain an enhanced space in the target market for its products and services. The Case of Google The level of consumer trust for the online services rendered by Google in terms of operating as an effective search engine and faster networking site has countered problems owing to the failure of the company to sustain the parameter of privacy. Google is found to have entered with a contract with another online advertising firm DoubleClick thereby servicing the same with encrypted information relating to the Internet Protocol or IP Addresses of the users through their clicking on the search engine to retrieve results. This activity of the concern is taken as a breach of trust for the user base spread around the world in that the company failed to inform the same about the reason for their merger with DoubleClick. Moreover the org anisation looking after elements concerning electronic privacy also mentioned about the same as a case of deception in trade practices for the online company. This case strongly reflects in how the deceptive practices of Google in terms of its merging with the online advertising company happens to potentially disturb the privacy of users in terms of conducting online surfing. Thus the level of trust for Google actively declines in the online user sphere (Pasquale, 2010, p.405). The Case of Starbucks The case of Starbucks also reflects a reduction in the level of consumer satisfaction and trust in savouring coffee preparations from its different outlets owing to reduction of focus on customer servicing standards. Starbucks is found to focus on moving over to an opening spree where it focuses on opening a large number of different outlets spread along a small region. These large number of outlets created in a closed network tends to increase the level of competition between the differ ent outlets thereby cannibalising its own sales and consumer force. Moreover the company is also found to focus on diversifying into sales of compact discs such that the initial focus of the company on developing its coffee brand goes for a toss. Thus other small coffee brands operating in the same sector are found to gain the lead over Starbucks to help gain over cultivating a larger market share. It is also found that the brand identity of Starbucks in the coffee market is easily copied over by other firms like McDonald’s and similarly by Dunkin Donuts in terms of enhancing their product and service portfolio. This fact adds to the problem of the company in failing to sustain the consumer trust and loyalty (Smale, 2008). The Case of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) The case of Royal Bank of Scotland reflects that how the banking corporation happened to strike on a low customer servicing event owing to the emergence of a software problem. The software of the bank was held for up gradation matters that in turn created a problem for the bank executives in servicing the needs of its customers pertaining to banking transactions. The

Analysis Of Farewell My Concubine English Literature Essay

Analysis Of Farewell My Concubine English Literature Essay The film farewell my concubine is a Chinese film which has received much attention from the world. It explores the impact of the Chinese political turmoil on its citizens during the middle 20th century. The movie illustrates this by using two stars in a form of traditional Chinese theatre maybe with some music playing along, and in this movie there is a woman who comes between the two stars. This movie uses two stars in a Peking opera troupe and a woman as an object to illustrate the predicament and frustrations of the Chinese people which was brought about by its political turmoil. This film was adopted from Lilian Lee novel entitled farewell my concubine. This film is centered on a love triangle which involves two opera singers and a former prostitute, this provides emotionally charged lens through which one is enabled to view and visualize the major chinas historical events of the mid 20th century and also brings clearly out the oppressive communist rule of Chairman Mao. The plays structure is provided by the historical context of the time period then. This play explores a number of themes for instance sex, survival and love. Cheng Dieyi who is a man effeminate, as a boy and through opera trainings he is trained to act like a woman to symbolize the limitations of art and also to demonstrate power in the real world. Dieyi is used as an object to demonstrate power and limitations of art being faced in the actual real world. In this play we also notice that many of the younger characters are being referred to as Xiao meaning small and an indication of childhood. This film starts with an introduction where the audience is introduced to the two stage characters namely YuJi who was effeminate therefore the woman and the man General Xiang Yu, it is important to keep in mind, that the two actors are men. At the beginning of the film we see that when the little boy, Xiao Douzi is taken for training to the Peking opera instructor, Master Guan refuses to take him until Yanhong(his mother) chops off Douzis extra finger, a birth defect with a clever and the contract is signed with a thumb print in blood. This symbolizes the hardships to be endured by the little boy, Douzi in order for him to be trained; it also reflected the numerous challenges awaiting him on this journey which he had to follow. This is also seen in the following proceedings where a ten year contract is signed between the Peking opera trainer and Yanhong during which Douzis life and his earnings goes to the trainer in exchange for the training. At the beginning we said that this film was done to illustrate the frustrations of the Chinese people in the mid 20th century after the political turmoil and this is reflected here in that, this training is not comfortable and the conditions being met for the student to be trained are tough. His extra finger has to be chopped off and this is accompanied with a lot of pain, Douzi has to work for ten years without ever seeing his salary or not even touching it, on addition to already existing tough rules his life belongs to this man meaning he can use him for anything and in any way that he wants. Douzi because of his craving for freedom tries to escape and only returns after seeing a performance that makes him to weep and also enquire on how much they had to endure in order to become stars. Shitou is brutally beaten for allowing Douzi to escape who also after returning receives his share of punishment. It appears like the boy has been sold completely in exchange for the opera training yet life and freedom is important than all this. As away to consol himself he befriends Xiao Shitou who is the informal apprentices leader and due to the long days of practice they both distinguish themselves as the most talented. When the play starts Douzi is chosen dan, or female lead while Shitou is chosen sheng or in other words a male lead (Silbergeld 96-97). As adults having graduated they are employed by an opera company and given new names and Douzi becomes Cheng Dieyi while Shitou becomes Duan Xiaolou the characters we are introduced to at the beginning of the play. In this play theres a lot of weeping as a result of the beatings received which symbolizes the anguish and pain of this people and that is why Douzi yearns for freedom from this imprisonment. During the training Douzi dreams of the outside world to the extend that instead of saying I am a girl by nature, not a boy he says I am in nature a boy. The future of the troupe is brought at risk because of Douzis problem of identifying himself with his new gender and there arises a need for quick remedy in order to secure the troupe. The solution to this is very frightening as his friend Shitou twists a tobacco pipe into his throat until Douzi gargles blood in the pipe which in turn forces him to softly whisper I am in nature a girlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦not a boy. The pipe is used as an object to symbolize the kind of enforcement they applied to force its victims to subject to the world that was created for them. With such kind of punishment and torture one has no other option but to obey. This is the second time we are coming a cross blood and since life is in the blood whenever you come across blood theres fear since it posses threats to life and it also brings about uncertainty its like venturing in the unknown, in the dark. After the performance Douzi is summoned to meet eunuch Zhagy alone who during there meeting looks at him lustfully and in the process molests him. From the act of the eunuch its clear that those in power and with resources care less about other people and that is why they exercise this power in unspeakable disgusting way that lowers other peoples dignity to the point that it becomes hard to the people victimized to share the predicament that befall them even to there best friends. This is seen by the fact that his frien d whom he really longed for to be near him so that he could tell him what he was feelings fails to get him to say a word about the proceedings at the eunuchs place and maybe even the purpose for the invitation or more to that why he had to go alone. Also when Douzi notices an abandoned baby on the street and expresses his concerns to take him but he is urged by his master not to do so because even each one of them knows not there fate. People seem to care only for themselves and do not think about the need people around them or even the innocent like that baby who can not speak for themselves or rather struggle to survive as many would do if life became hard or when faced with difficulty circumstances. The form of training given to do this kind of a job is one that hardens and excludes you from the normal life and society norms or culture. On stage the adult Dieyi is in love with Xiaolou though sexually his affection is not being met. Though the two are courting, Xiaolou starts to like Juxian who is allegedly said of as being a prostitute. When Xiaolou intervenes in Juxians attack she proposes marriage to him which is followed by an engagement in order to free her from prostitution and as a result wrangles emerges between the two famous actors who were in love and they fall out. Dieyi after accepting Yuan Siyes invitation due to his frustrations of being left by his love falls in another trouble since he is raped after being made drunk and in the morning ashe lives he takes the sword that they had early seen in the market place which he had wanted to give to Xiaolou as a wedding gift. Dieyi starts to use opium in order for him to get over his frustrations and this symbolizes the crimes and wrong decisions made by the people in order to rid there pain and humiliation. We also see the Japanese soldiers beating up the Chi nese patrons which makes Xiaolou angry to the extend that he refuses to perform the opera farewell my concubine again, this leads to his imprisonment and his freedom is bought by Dieyi thou they fail to keep the terms of that agreement. During the play betrayal is seen and a lot of insincerity as the people fail to keep the promises made and as a result they hurt the other parties in the agreement. Theres fighting for power and this is witnessed when Xiao Si usurps Douzis position as a reflection of the turmoil in the Chinese economy brought about by the fightings for position and power after the withdrawal of the Japanese government. The maliciousness of the leaders is seen and this brings the chinas economy down. The aspect of bribery comes out when Dieyi is released after performing for the government when he had been arrested for treason. Also in the drive and the urge to protect one another Juxian is hit in the stomach and she looses her baby. The baby was as a simple of a new birth, hope, a new beginning but because of strive amongst them its lost through a miscarriage. This sudden death brings about Chinas fall since its surged and put under the control of the liberation army of the communist people. This complex relationship between the three involved parties is an illustration of the political issues affecting china as a nation since its second mid 20th century war. The three actors have been used as a simple to illustrate the underlying issues for instance betrayal emerges when Xiaolou who is in love and also courting Dieyi engages Juxian. This enormous war that frustrated the Chinese citizens was caused by imperialist policy aimed at securing raw material reserves in particularly food and labor and also to cause its domination in politics and military at the expense of its people. There is a few happenings after the airing of the film like for instance the theater troupe is turned to the government and the abandoned baby whom Dieyi trained and was given the name little brother, Xiao Si. In this film we are told that little forth brother has the same sound as little death this is very symbolic as its followed by the burning of the film in china (Zhu 127-130). It can also symbolize an end to the freedom that was there for this people. The limitations in the peoples freedom of speech is seen also when Shitou is questioned by the communist party about the words he uttered many years back which they consider them to be unpatriotic. Theres unknown fate for Xiao Si for usurping Douzis position and Juxian hangs herself when she is rejected by her husband and as a result the reunion of the first relationship between Douzi and Shitou occurs. These deaths are not just for fun but they symbolize dead or an ending. Throughout we are seeing a frustrated people, people that are oppressed and weeping because of the many things that are happening to them and around them. The Chinese people who have been frustrated by war until they lost all the hope and that is why there are children who are very innocent but they have been abandoned by there loved ones, the only people they knew and trusted, people responsible of taking good care of them and giving them brighter future. All this symbolizes the cry of the people who have been abandoned by there government and subjected to a lot of pain and suffering. Hopes only revive in china after the death of the chairman Mao which is followed by his political sect being overthrown and consequently there arrest for the crimes they have committed against the people of China. Finally when Xiaolou and Dieyi met a few important things happened which symbolized a re-birth of a better life for the Chinese people, since they had lost most of there former school boys as a result of the numerous chinas political campaigns. These two main actors forgive each other for the ugly things they had spoken and done to each other. Where theres forgiveness theres growth and incomparable peace meaning that the citizens of china have an obligation to forgive each other in order to live in harmony, peace, unity and in love with one another. And once this is done it will pave way for development and on addition it will be easy for everyone to move on with there own lives. Work cited Jerome, Silbergeld. China Into Film. London, UK: Reaktion Books, 1999. Ying, Zhu. Chinese Cinema during the Era of Reforms. Westport,CT: Greenwood publishing group, 2003.

Anne Conway’s Critique of Cartesian Dualism :: Dualism Essays

Anne Conway’s Critique of Cartesian Dualism ABSTRACT: I describe and analyze Anne Conway’s critique of Cartesian dualism. After a brief biographical introduction to Conway, I sketch some of the influences on her philosophy. I then describe her non-Cartesian view of substance. According to Conway, there is only one substance in created reality. This substance contains both matter and spirit. A purely material or spiritual substance is, she argues, an impossibility. Next, I discuss several of Conway’s arguments against Cartesian dualism. Firstly, dualism is inconsistent because dualists, while denying that concepts such as divisibility and extension are applicable to spiritual substance, nevertheless use such terms when describing the soul or spirit. They assume that soul or spirit is something particular which can be located somewhere. Secondly, she argues that dualism results in mechanism because it makes too sharp a distinction between body and soul, thus regarding the body as a mechanical machine and the soul a s something which is not integrally related to the body. Thirdly, dualism cannot account for the interaction between mind and body. The two substances of which a dualist speaks are defined on the basis of the exclusion of characteristics. But the two things which have nothing in common cannot influence each other causally. 1. Introduction During his lifetime and in the centuries following, the dualism and mechanism of Descartes' philosophy gave rise to a great number of objections and discussions. In this article, I would like to consider a response to Descartes' views which is somewhat less well-known than others, that of Anne Conway. Conway's reaction to Descartes is interesting because she speaks from out of a metaphysical tradition different from those of many other philosophers who discussed his ideas. (1) In addition, she makes use of a pre-modern, non-abstract idea of spirit, a conceptualisation of spirit which has been lost or sidelined in the philosophical tradition after Descartes. On the basis of an entirely different ontology of matter and spirit from that of Descartes, Conway questions the presuppositions of dualism as well as its abstract view of spiritual substance. In this paper, I will begin with a short biographical sketch of Conway and a survey of some of the main influences on her thought. I will then briefly describe her philosophical system. I will then discuss her critique of Descartes' dualism. Finally, I will consider the question of how her views can be of value to us today.

Hamlet and the Man in the Iron Mask Essay

The Man in the Iron Mask, by Alexandre Dumas, and Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, both follow similar plot lines and relate to each other through their themes. Shakespeare and Dumas both discuss themes of family, justice and judgement, lies and deceit, loyalty and the consequences of revenge. These major themes blend seamlessly in the stories of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and The Man in the Iron Mask. The themes are consistent throughout the play and the book, ultimately addressing the search for truth and justice in each of the protagonist’s situations. Although a number of similarities exist between the two stories, they approach the subject of loyalty differently. What Shakespeare and Dumas have discussed in their stories demonstrates a similar challenge, the search for the truth behind the lies. Hamlet and Philippe suffer mentally as they consider the consequences of their actions and inaction. As other characters become tied to their reactions, they too pay a price for their involvement. First, in both books there are themes about the consequences of revenge. The main theme is that revenge leads to destruction instead of solving the problem, ultimately escalating the primary problem further. Both forms show justice and judgement in the revenge displayed towards the kings. In the play of Hamlet, the main character is confronted with the ghost of his father who reveals that his death was not an accident but a murder. As Hamlet takes revenge, other people become involved and a cycle of revenge for death takes place. In order to accomplish what he knows as justice, Hamlet uses sound judgement as he takes revenge, both physically and emotionally, on those around him. In the Man in the Iron Mask, the musketeers want to take their own revenge on the king for the lack of food for the starving people in the village and his cruelty in general toward his people. Vengeance in this book turns into a cycle as the three musketeers take revenge on the king; the king later takes revenge onto his people. The son of the recently deceased king is known to us as a young man named Hamlet. The truth of the death of his father becomes known to Hamlet when his father’s ghost appears to him, explaining that he was murdered with poison at the hand of his own brother, Hamlets uncle. This method of death by poisoning foreshadows the death of the main characters later in the play. Prince Hamlet then devotes himself to avenging his father’s death, but delays the physical death of his uncle in order to torture him psychologically. The people involved enter into a deep melancholy and madness as Hamlet lets go of his closest relationships, judging family and friends for their disrespect toward his dead father. Hamlet psychologically tortures his uncle by arranging for a play named â€Å"Mouse Trap. † Hamlet plans it so that it parallels his father’s death, in an effort to witness Claudius’, Hamlet’s uncle’s, reaction. Claudius goes through physiological distress as he begins to wonder if Hamlet knows the truth behind the death of his father. Claudius then runs out of the theatre in order to pray for forgiveness. Hamlet follows and begins to draw his sword as this becomes the ideal moment to enact justice onto his uncle. However, Hamlet takes notice that Claudius killed his father while his father’s sins were unforgiven. King Hamlet had no time to repent due to the fact of his murder and was left to the divine to judge him. Hamlet decided to kill Claudius another time, perhaps when the king is drunk, angry or in the middle of an immoral act. This way, there would be no uncertainty about whether Claudius would go to Hell or not. Hamlet admires his father to the extent that he is determined not only to kill Claudius but also to make him suffer the wrath and judgement, sending him to a similar afterlife in Hell. (Shakespeare pg. 85 Act III, Scene 3). As Hamlet goes to his mother in anger, he is determined to inflict pain on her emotionally, using his own judgement again to enact justice. â€Å"Nay, but to live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stewed in corruption, honeying and making love Over the nasty sty. † (Shakespeare pg. 89. Act III, Scene 4). As the queen cries out for help, Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, Claudius’ adviser, as he thrashes his sword into the curtain in hopes that it is Claudius. This causes Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter, great distress as she quickly becomes psychologically distressed and senseless. â€Å"And will ‘a not come again? And will ‘a not come again? No, no he is dead, Go to thy deathbed, He never will come again. † (Shakespeare pg. 109. Act IV, Scene 5). In this state of mind, she dances to the river and falls in, drowning to her death. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother and Polonius’ son, arrives from his travels. He is enraged and takes revenge for the death in his family. King Claudius takes this opportunity to turn Laertes against Hamlet as he devises a plan with Laertes so that they both can take their revenge on him. Again poison is used for the death. Poison is placed in a cup of water that is offered to Hamlet during a sword fight. Furthermore, Laertes places poison on his sword before the duel. This scheme radically backfires on the King as his new wife, Gertrude, drinks out of the cup, and Laertes and Hamlet get stabbed with the poison. In the end Claudius is forced by Hamlet to drink the poison and all four major characters die to poison. Shakespeare pg. 140 Act X, Scene 2). Fortunately, before his death, Hamlet was finally successful in his revenge as the details surrounding the death of Hamlet’s father become revealed to the crowd of people watching the dual. Therefore, by taking revenge, it leads the avengers to their own destruction as they took justice and judgement into their own hands and accomplished what they had promised. In The Man in the Iron Mask the theme on the consequences of revenge in justice and judgement are similar to that in Hamlet, as it begins a cycle of death. In this novel, justice is whatever King Louis XIV says it is. This explains how the system of government worked in France during the 16th and 17th century. At the beginning of the novel, Paris is starving but King Louis XIV is more interested in economic gain and seducing women. Madame de la Valliere becomes the woman after whom the king is lusting and sends Raoul, her finance to war. As Raoul begins to become depressed from his broken heart, he is sent off to battle. According to the king’s orders, he is sent to the front lines and all men are to abandon him. Raoul inevitably dies in battle. When Athos, Raoul’s father, hears about the death of his son, he becomes enraged at the king. Athos forcefully criticized the King for his behaviour regarding La Valliere and the death of his son. Aramis, Athos and Porthos band together with a plan to replace the king (Alexandre Dumas, chapter 10. pg. 79). This plan involves the replacement of King Louis XIV with his twin brother. The three musketeers free the imprisoned Philippe who has been behind prison doors for six years and placed in an iron mask. In the end, all three musketeers die and Philippe is placed back in prison hidden, forever beneath the mask of iron. Although all of the characters in the novel seek out revenge, their efforts fall short of being truly successful. The Man in the Iron Mask and Hamlet show the consequences of revenge depicted in each of the characters’ struggles to take justice into their own hands. Their revenge ultimately results in a cycle of death. The main difference between the play Hamlet and the novel The Man in the Iron Mask is the theme of loyalty. In the play, loyalty remains consistent as Hamlet is loyal to his father and his vengeance. However, in The Man in the Iron Mask, loyalties are continually being changed as the characters are pitted against each other. The characters in the novel are expected to always be loyal to King Louis XIV; however, this requirement in the king’s subjects conflicts with loyalties between friends, family, and the self-interest of the musketeers. This main theme demonstrates that the search for the revelation of truth comes at the price of either breaking loyalties or staying true to loyalties, and facing death in the process. In Hamlet, there are several different characters that portray loyalty continuously throughout the novel. The main character, Hamlet, shows his loyalty to his father, growing angry at the fact that he was murdered by his uncle. When his father asks Hamlet to take revenge on Claudius, Hamlet becomes enraged and his willingness to take revenge becomes revealed. â€Å"Ghost: Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Hamlet: Murder? Ghost: Murder most foul, as in the best it is But this most foul strange and unnatural. Hamlet: Haste me to know’t, that I, with wings as swift, As meditation or the thoughts of love, May sweep to my revenge. † (Shakespeare pg. 29 Act I, Scene 5). Hamlet stays loyal to his father’s memory through the whole novel, seeking revenge on Claudius until he is able to kill him, accomplishing this task as he dies alongside Claudius. Loyalty is also shown by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, courtiers and former friends of Hamlet from Wittenberg. They are summoned by the new king, Claudius, to discover the cause of Hamlet’s strange, negative and morbid behaviour. Their loyalty to the king causes them to lose Hamlet’s friendship and respect. As Hamlet discovers this, he arranges their death, making them pay for their betrayal to him with their lives. Loyalty is also shown in Act I, when Horatio, Marcellus and Bernardo reveal to Hamlet what they see of ghost of his father. They also swear to keep silent about the event, which remains kept secret throughout the novel. Again, Horatio shows loyalty to Hamlet as he watches the reaction of the king during the play â€Å"Mouse Trap† performed by the players. He later tells Hamlet about the facial reactions of the king as he watched the performer kill the fake king, revealing his guilt in the murder of Hamlet’s father. However, in The Man in the Iron Mask, loyalties change continuously, most notably demonstrated in the ending of the famous friendship of the three musketeers. The broken loyalties within the kingdom break the trust of all characters through scandals and lies. For xample, the queen gives her loyalty to Philippe but sacrifices Philippe for her political stability. Also, Aramis demonstrates betrayal in his disloyalty to the new prince Philippe. At the beginning of the novel, Aramis praises Philippe through his love, respect and service; however, he leaves Philippe to fend for himself without a backward glance. Aramis chooses his career advancement over his friendships and loyal ties. This is revealed to us by his treatment of Porthos and Philippe, when he suggests Porthos be killed to preserve the secret of Philippe. Another example of disloyalty is when Aramis, one of the main three musketeers shows true and loyal feelings to Philippe, but chooses political stability gain over faithfulness to Philippe. â€Å"A friend’s word is the truth itself. If I think of touching, even with one finger, the son of Anne of Austria, the true King of this realm of France; if I have not the firm intention of prostrating myself before his throne; if, according to my wishes, to-morrow here at Vaux will not be the most glorious day my King ever enjoyed, – may Heaven’s lightning blast me where I stand! Aramis had pronounced these words with his face turned towards the alcove of his bedroom, where d’Artagnan, seated with his back towards the alcove, could not suspect that any one was lying concealed. The earnestness of his words, the studied slowness with which he pronounced them, the solemnity of his oath, gave the Musketeer the most complete satisfaction. (Alexandre Dumas, chapter 14. pg . 104) Later on in the novel it is clear that Aramis no longer feels any real loyalty to Prince Philippe. â€Å"Warn the Prince, and then- do what? Take him with me? Carry this accusing witness about with me everywhere? War, too, would follow,- civil war, implacable in its nature! And without any resource- alas, it is impossible! What will he do without me? Without me he will be utterly destroyed! Yet who knows? let destiny be fulfilled! Condemned he was, let him remain so, then! (Dumas, chapter 21 pg. 231) By the end of the novel, King Louis XIV has obtained absolute power, where his word is law, accepting no disagreement to what he says. Aramis desires to have influence and power alongside of King Louis XIV. Soldier, priest, and diplomat; gallant, greedy, and cunning; Aramis took the good things in this life as steppingstones to rise to bad ones. Generous in mind, if not noble in heart, he never did ill but for the sake of shining a little more brilliantly. † (Alexandre Dumas chapter 6. pg. 34). In order to live and have power, loyalty needed to be kept to the king. Philippe’s friends chose loyalty to Philippe; and they were killed as a result. In the end, after the death of his friends, Aramis retreats to a Spanish estate in his glorious riches. The Queen, however, wants the kingdom to succeed and she sees that the only way to do so is to listen to the people. The people beg for food and help from the king. However, King Louis XIV shows no compassion towards his people and is only interested in personal pleasure. For the sake of the country, Anne of Austria, the Queen and mother of Philippe, chooses to help her son, but as her power begins to decline she sacrifices Philippe for her political stability. In Hamlet and The Man in the Iron Mask loyalty is portrayed differently. Both stories show that being loyal exacts a high price. The death of all those who are loyal in these stories is an example of the high price that must be paid. In Hamlet, loyalty is continuous throughout the play, but in The Man in the Iron Mask, there is no loyalty when power begins to corrupt the characters. Therefore, all these examples show that the portrayals of the themes of loyalty in Hamlet and The Man in the Iron Mask are very different. In Hamlet, the truth is found through the loyal bonds of Horatio as he tells the story of the death of the true king. In The Man in the Iron Mask the truth of Philippe is revealed to the kingdom through the courageous acts of the three musketeers.

History of Black Nurses Essay

Trained schools for students who wanted to pursue a career in nursing came about in the 1800s when Florence Nightingale advocated the idea. The only students that were accepted into these programs where white students, blacks were not allowed any education during this time. Blacks were not given equal rights as the white people, and were denied the right to have an education. There were many black young women who were very interested in nursing, and were dedicated to pursue their dream, and wouldn’t stop trying until they were given equal rights and accepted into these nursing programs. Some black women would follow along with the black soldiers in the Civil War and provide care to these wounded soldiers, as well as provide food, and also teach them to read and right. The first school of nursing was formed after two black men in Chicago, Illinois won the support of their community, and made a hospital out of a small brick building. The black people also came together to form the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, an organization formed to protect the black nursing profession, and to stop discrimination towards them. History of Black Nurses During the early 1800s nursing was mainly caring for the sick by family members or slaves. Nurses provided care in homes, and when World War I and II came about, nurses were sent off to provide care to the wounded soldiers. There was not a trained system for nurses to learn and gain experience in the profession, so all of the care that the sick were provided was by untrained nurses. It wasn’t until Florence Nightingale recognized the idea of providing a trained, organized system for nurses to learn before they worked as a professional nurse. Many schools arose out of her idea, however white students were only accepted into these nursing schools, blacks were not accepted. Black people were not given equal rights as the whites, and were denied the right for education and were therefore, denied acceptance into these nursing programs. Mary Eliza Mahoney was born to Charles and Mary Jane Mahoney in 1845, in Boston, Massachusetts. She began to show an interest in nursing when she was a teenager, and worked at the New England Hospital for Women and Children as an unofficial nurse aid, a cook, janitor, and washerwoman. When she was thirty-three years old, she was accepted to a nursing program. as one of forty-two, being the only black student, (Hines, 2004). Although she had to deal with racial discrimination and long hours of lectures and patient care, she made it to the end of the program as one of four. In 1879, she graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston, making her the first black professional nurse in the United States. After Mary Mahoney graduated from nursing school, she worked mainly as a private duty nurse for the next thirty years. Her work became widespread as a private duty nurse. Her patient’s loved her calmness, and professionalism, and she began receiving requests from different states, (Haltey, 2010). After working for private duty for thirty years, Mahoney opened a director of an orphanage in Long Island, New York, and remained there for the next ten years. In 1908, she became a cofounder to the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, (Hines, 2004). Mary Mahoney became an inspiration to many black women wanting to pursue a career in nursing. She fought through discrimination, as well as the pressures of nursing school, and graduated with a nursing degree. She helped to open the door for the black population that wanted to become a professional nurse and put an end to the discrimination. Susie King Taylor was born a slave in 1848 on the Grest family farm in Georgia. When Susie was seven years old her owner, Mr. Grest, allowed her to move to Savannah with her Grandmother who had been previously freed by him, (MacLean, 2007). Susie was denied education because she was black , however, her Grandmother would not let this stop her from becoming educated. Susie was sent next door to the neighbor who taught her how to read and write for the next two years, and after she learned this, she was sent to a few other people to become educated. At 14 years old, Susie was taken by boat by Union Soldiers to St. Simon’s Island. Here she met her future husband, Edward King, an army sergeant. She worked with the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, which was made up of slaves, who had been freed by the Union Army. Susie was asked to start a school for children on St. Simon’s Island, and she willingly agreed. Susie taught about forty children, and she also taught adults at night. (MacLean, 2007). In 1863, Susie traveled with her husband’s regiment. She became the first black nurse during the Civil War, and helped to care for wounded soldiers. During her off hours she taught the soldiers how to read and write, and also cooked and laundered for them. She wrote in her diary about the nursing shortages during the war, and was happy to provide nursing care to the sick soldiers. She continued to serve as a nurse until the war ended in 1865. (MacLean, 2007). When the war was over, her and her husband moved to Savannah, Georgie. In 1866 she opened a school for freed black children. Shortly after the school opened, and Susie gave birth to her son, her husband Edward King passed away. In the 1870s, Susie moved to Boston and remarried nine years later. She also joined and became president of the Women’s Relief Corps, which was an association for the Veterans of the Civil War. After being asked by the Women’s Relief Corps, as well as the Army, she agreed to write an autobiography about her experiences during the war. In 1902, Susie King Taylor published her autobiography, Reminiscneces of my Life in Camp: A Black Woman’s Civil War Memoirs, (MacLean, 2007). In 1902, Susie received a letter from the commanding officer in the First South Carolina volunteers stating, â€Å"I most sincerely regret that through a technicality you are barred from having your name placed on the roll of pensioners, as an Army nurse; for among all the number of heroic women whom the government is now rewarding, I know of no one more deserving than yourself,† (MacLean, 2007). Adah Thoms was born in 1870 in Richmond, Virginia. Before she pursued a nursing career, she attended school studying elocution and speech at Cooper Union. Shorty after, she attended the Women’s Infirmary and School of Therapeutic Massage and graduated in 1900. She was the only black woman of thirty students, (White, 2010). She also attended the Lincoln Hospital and Home School of Nursing. After graduating she became assistant superintendent of nurses at the Lincoln Hospital and Home School of Nursing for eighteen years. During her years there, she added another course to the nursing curriculum, public health, and made public health a recognized field of nursing, (White, 2010). Adah Thoms helped with Martha Franklin, and Mary Mahoney to organize the National Association for Colored Graduate Nurses, and was appointed as its first treasurer, and was later president of the organization for seven years. She was also very dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for black nurses, and worked hard to try and achieve these rights. Thoms worked with the chairmen of the American Red Cross to convince the Surgeon General to allow black nurses to enroll in the Army Nurse Corps, (White, 2010). Black women would enlist to try and serve as nurses during World War I, however the Surgeon General refused to let any black nurses serve. Eighteen black women were eventually accepted to serve as nurses during WWI due to the nursing shortages, and were only allowed to provide care to black soldiers. (White, 2010). Thoms was recognized for her dedication to obtaining equal rights for black nurses. She added to the nursing curriculum, served in the NAGCN as treasurer and president, worked with the Red Cross to campaign for equal rights of black nurses, and opened the door for nurses to serve in the military. For her bravery and commitment, she was the first to receive the Mary Mahoney award when it was established in 1936, and was also inducted into the American Nursing Hall of Fame in 1976, (White, 2010) Mabel Keaton Staupers was born in 1890, in Barbados. In 1903 she moved with her family to the United States, and made a home in Harlem. She graduated from Freedman’s Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, DC in 1917, and began her nursing career as a private duty nurse. In 1920, she collaborated with Dr. Louis T. Wright, and Dr. James Wilson, to organize the Booker T. Washington Sanatorium, which was the first facility in Harlem where black doctors could treat black patients, (American Nurses Association, 2010). In 1922 she was assigned to create a survey for the Harlem area for the health needs of the community. With the results of this survey, the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association was organized, and Mabel Staupers was the first Executive Secretary, and kept this position for the next twelve years, (American Nurses Association, 2010). In 1934, Mabel was appointed as the first nurse executive of the NACGN. During this time she began a campaign for nurses to gain integration into the Armed Forces Nurses Corps, and by 1941 black nurses were allowed into the Army, but not with full integration, and the US navy continued to prevent black nurses from enrolling. Staupers gained the help of Eleanor Roosevelt, who was first lady at the time, and wrote a letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt to recognize black nurses. With support from the public, the Army and Navy both accepted black nurses by January, 1945, (American Nurses Association, 2010). Mabel Staupers is recognized for ending the discrimination of colored nurses, and allowing the colored nurses full integration into the Armed Forces Nurses Corps. She was appointed president of the NACGN in 1949, and the association voted itself out in 1951, and merged with the American Nurses Association after their goal of full professional integration had been met. In 1951, Staupers was given the award for the Spingarn Medal from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and published an autobiography in 1961 called, No Time for Prejudice: A Story of the Integration of Negroes in Nursing in the United States, (American Nurses Association, 2010). The first school of nursing for blacks was formed in 1891 in Chicago Illinois, (Provident Hospital History, 2010). Emma Reynolds was a young black women trying to gain an education to pursue a career in nursing. She applied to nursing schools in Chicago, and had been denied by everyone, for the simple fact that she was a black woman. Her brother was Reverend Louis Reynolds, who felt that something should be done so that black women could be educated in nursing. He sought help from a respected black surgeon in Chicago, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. The two of them gained support from their community, many blacks, and a few white citizens. They were given donations of supplies, equipment, and financial support. The Armour Meat Packing Company had secured a down payment on a three story brick house with twelve beds, that they turned into the first school of nursing for blacks, Provident Hospital, (Provident Hospital History, 2010). Many black nurses have made history as they were struggling for equal rights for their profession. During this struggle, the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses was formed in 1908, (Massey, 1993). The founder of this association was Martha Franklin, with cofounders Mary Eliza Mahoney, and Adah Thoms. This association was founded to fight discrimination towards black people who wanted an education in nursing, as well as being a part of the American Nurses Association. The association fought long and hard for their rights as equals, and led campaigns across the United States. One of its biggest achievements was successfully fighting for full integration of black nurses into the Armed Forces Nurses Corps. After black nurses were allowed to serve in the US Army and Navy, they were also allowed full integration into the ANA. After this association gained their right to become educated in nursing, be a part of the nurses in the US Army and Navy, and join the ANA, they voted their selves out and merged with the American Nurses Association in 1951, (Massey, 1993). The black population in the 1800s were not given equal rights as the white population. They were denied many rights, and education was one of them. Many brave women struggled to fight to put an end to discrimination, and to be able to pursue a career in the field that they loved, nursing. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, however they made it happened. These women opened the doors for other black people who wanted to become a professional nurse, and because of them all minorities are now welcome into the field of nursing.

Analysis of Dubais Aviation Model

Analysis of Dubais Aviation Model Introduction Dubai’s aviation sector is one of the most successful in the world and the most important in Dubai’s economy. The sector is made up of the fast-growing Emirates Airline and other foreign carriers, Dubai Airports Company and the Ground Handling Company. Currently, the sector supports 125,000 jobs which are related to the aviation industry.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Analysis of Dubai’s Aviation Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It also supports another 134,000 jobs which are mainly related to the country’s tourism industry. This accounts for 22% of Dubai’s total employment. The aviation sector also contributes 28% of Dubai’s GDP. Generally, the sector plays an important role in stimulating economic growth in Dubai through various linkages and multiplier effects. This paper not only sheds light on the factors contributing to the success of the sector but also analyzes the contributions of the aviation sector to Dubai’s economy. The future of the industry in the next decade will also be discussed alongside recommendations for maintaining the current high growth rate. Success Factors The Role of the Government in Dubai’s Economic Development The government’s commitment to economic development is explained in â€Å"Dubai’s strategic plan to 2015†. The plan prioritizes the development of world-class infrastructure that suits the needs of all its users. The plan also aims at promoting a free market economy, innovation in taking initiatives, execution of projects within the shortest time possible and effective partnerships with the private sector. The aviation industry has particularly benefited from its partnership with the government. The partnership is consensus-based, thus enabling the authorities to make important decisions quickly and effectively. Consequently, the number of passengers travelling through Dubai in the last decade has increased by almost four-fold. The success of the partnership is attributed to the government’s realization of the importance of the sector to its economy. The small number of stakeholders also facilitates quick decision making. Dubai Airports Ownership and the Emirates The government owns various aviation organizations indirectly through the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Several other aviation-related businesses are owned by the Emirates Group. These include the Emirates Airline, the Ground Handling Company and hotels.Advertising Looking for report on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The aviation industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE. Even though the government owns the Emirates Airline through the ICD, the Airline independently publishes its audited financial resul ts. The company does not receive any direct support from the government either in the form of subsidies or capital injection. This has enabled the company to focus on efficiency and high profitability. The company has been able to pay dividends consistently to ICD since 2002. Openness Dubai pursues liberal aviation policies. The government promotes fair competition among airlines. Consequently, there are as many as 150 airlines operating from Dubai International Airport. These airlines benefit from the country’s infrastructure as well as the competitive landing fees. The Emirates airline operates as a profitable commercial firm despite being owned by the government. While ‘open sky’ policy promotes a high threat of new entrants, it also promotes efficiency among the airlines. Besides, the industry benefits from the revenue generated from the landing fees charged to foreign airlines. In most countries, competition in the aviation industry is restricted through reg ulation and high taxation. The regulators of the industry also promote freedom among airlines. Thus airlines are able to operate without any interference in their commercial decisions. In order to reinforce the performance of the airlines, the government of Dubai regularly negotiates with other governments on air access rights. The overall effect of a liberal policy and free competition has been increased growth and profitability in the industry. Consensus-Based Investment Approach In many countries the national airlines and airports are owned and supported by the governments. In Dubai, the government owns the Emirates Airline and most of the country’s airports. Unlike other countries, the government of Dubai recognizes the importance of its aviation sector to its overall economic growth.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Analysis of Dubai’s Aviation Model specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consequently, the government has formed partnerships with the aviation sector in order to enhance effective result-oriented decision making. Few officials are engaged in the partnership thus allowing them to maintain close contacts and make quick decisions. Focus on Underserved Markets The Emirate’s fleet has been expanded four-fold in the last decade. Consequently, the number of its passengers has doubled in the last decade. As the company expanded, it targeted destinations or routes that have long been neglected by other players in the industry. This has enabled the Emirates to increase its profits by taking advantage of the untapped markets. The Dubai airports have also been expanded inline with the Emirates expansion plans. As the airports expand, the Emirates Airline has been able to comfortably increase its fleet and passengers. Finally, the success of Dubai’s aviation industry is attributed to Dubai’s strategic geographical location in the world. Dubai can be reached i n just eight hours of flight from various parts of the world. Besides, Dubai is a major center for tourism and trade. This has led to the high number of passengers travelling to and from it. Thus the country’s aviation industry remains attractive to most airlines and investors. Benefits Created by Dubai’s Aviation Sector to the Economy Direct Benefits These refer to the contributions made to GDP growth and employment as a result of the activities undertaken in the aviation sector. By 2010, the sector had employed 58,200 people. The sector contributed 6.2 billion US dollars to Dubai’s GDP in 2010. The individuals employed in the sector received a value added of 93,700 US dollars per person which was above the average labor productivity by about 60%. The high level of productivity is attributed to the presence of highly skilled employees in the labor force. Indirect Benefits The aviation sector depends on goods and services produced by other sectors of the economy . By creating demand for goods and services from other sectors, the aviation sector indirectly supports jobs and economic activities in other industries.Advertising Looking for report on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The indirect benefits are measured in terms of the value added. The added value is normally embodied in the products purchased by the aviation industry from other sectors. In 2010, the aviation sector supported 43,000 jobs in other sectors of the economy. Induced Effect The induced effect refers to the contributions made to the GDP and employment as a result of the consumption or expenditure of the individuals employed in the aviation industry. The main beneficiaries of such expenditure include retailers, restaurants and leisure service companies. In 2010, the induced benefits of the aviation industry contributed to GDP growth to the tune of two billion US dollars. Besides, 23,900 jobs were supported by the induced benefits. Catalytic Benefits The catalytic benefits can be quantified in terms of the impact of the aviation industry in the tourism sector and the benefits associated with international airline connections through Dubai. Dubai is a major tourism destination and most visi tors arrive by air. In 2010, the aviation sector promoted growth in the tourism sector to the tune of 7.9 billion US dollars. Besides, 133,000 jobs were supported in the country. Connectivity on the other hand contributed 2.5 billion US dollars in value added terms to Dubai’s economy. The other benefits of improved connectivity include access to international markets by Dubai-based companies. This has enabled the companies to access cheap raw materials and access to large markets. In conclusion, the benefits generated by the aviation sector in 2010 totaled 22.1 billion US dollars which is equal to 28% of the country’s GDP. Likely Impact by 2020 The impact of the aviation industry is likely to be as good as it is currently, based on the projections of air passenger growth and the industry’s strengths. The profitability of the industry is expected to increase as the airports and the Emirates Group expand. Consequently, the sector is expected to support 373,000 job s in the country by 2020. The sector’s contribution to GDP growth is expected to increase to US $ 45.4 billion. Thus it will account for 22% of Dubai’s employment and 32% of its GDP by 2020. The two catalytic effects, tourism and connectivity, are expected to generate more benefits than they do currently. They are expected to account for â€Å"over 60% of the total benefits generated by the industry by 2020†. Recommendations for Achieving Greater Benefits by 2020 To begin with, operating costs are of great significance in determining the profitability of airlines. Most airlines are focusing on strategies of ensuring cost efficiency. It will thus be in the interest of the government of Dubai to pursue a cost leadership strategy in its aviation industry. This means that the government should focus on operating the cheapest airports and airlines in the global aviation industry. Such a strategy will not only increase demand but will also increase profits and benefit s associated with the industry. Second, the government should improve the performance of sectors that support the aviation sector. For instance, developing the tourism industry will lead to an increase in tourists arriving by air. Finally, promoting a stable macroeconomic environment such as reducing inflation will stimulate growth in the aviation sector thereby increasing the sector’s benefits. Conclusion The aviation sector in Dubai remains the most significant contributor to economic growth. The success of the sector is attributed to the commitment by the government to promote economic growth by supporting the aviation industry. The main factors leading to the sector’s success include partnership between the industry and the government, open competition, tapping underserved markets, deregulation of the industry and Dubai’s strategic location. The benefits associated with the sector include creation of job opportunities, contribution to GDP growth and stimulat ing growth in other sectors of the economy through various linkages and multiplier effects. Due to the positive outlook of the industry, its benefits are expected to double by 2020. Dubai Airports. Connecting the World Today and Tomorrow: Strategic Plan 2020. Business. Dubai: Dubai Airports, 2010. Print. Emirates and Dubai Airports. Explaining Dubais Aviation Model. Business. Dubai: Oxforfd Economics, 2011. Print. Gudmundsson, Sveinn. Management Emphasis and Performance in the Airline Industry: an Exploratory Multilevel Analysis. Logistics and Transportation Review 40.6(2004): 443-463. Print. Hsu, Yuch-Ling, Wen-Chin Li and Kuang-Wei Chen. structuring Critical Success factors of Airline Safety Management System Using a Hybrid Model. Logiostics and Transportation Review 46.1(2010): 222-235. Print. Jones, Peter. The Airline Industry: facing the Challanges of the 21st Century. Logistic and Transport Review 4.1(2004): 45-49. Print. Joyce, Paul and Adrian Woods. Strategic Management. Ne w York: Kogan Page, 2001. Print. Malighelti, Paulo, Michele Meoli and Stefano Paleori. Value Determinants in the aviation Industry. Logistics and Transportation Review 47.3(2011): 359-370. Print. Sadler, Philip and Jones Craig. Strategic Management. New York: Kogan Page, 2003. Print. Sull, Donald and Sumantra Ghoshal. The Hub of the World. Business Strategy Review 2.1(2005): 37-39. Print. Sullivan, Ursula and Anne Coughlan. Alliance Structure and Success in the Global Airline Industry: an Emperical Investigation. Logistics and Transportation Review 21.3(2010): 356-370.Print.

Using the French Expletive Connard in Conversation

Using the French Expletive Connard in Conversation The French noun connard  (pronounced kuh-nar) is an informal term commonly used as an expletive. Loosely translated, it means idiot or jerk, although most people understand it to mean something more obscene. As with all slang, its important to understand what youre saying before you go using it in everyday conversation. You and your friends may toss around expletives like connard  knowing that youre joking. But you probably wouldnt want to use such language in a formal situation or in front of strangers. Translation and Usage A more direct translation of  connard  would be ahole or any number of variations on the f-word. A French person searching for a synonym might choose imbà ©cile  or  crà ©tin.  There is also  a feminine version:  une connarde / une connasse  for cow. Examples of Usage Here are a few examples for context. To be clear, we are not recommending using this term. But it will be useful to understand it because it can be overheard on the streets of any French city or town. Cest un vrai connard ! Hes a real jerk!Tu es le  connard  de lautre nuit.  Casse-toi ! Youre the [expletive] from the other night. Get away!Et je suppose que le sale  connard  veut quelque chose en à ©change.  Ã‚  And I assume the dirty  [expletive] wants something in return.Ecoute, tu devenais un incroyable  connard.   Listen, you were becoming/being an unbelievable jerk.Babe Ruth à ©tait un  connard, mais le baseball reste gà ©nial.  Ã‚  Babe Ruth was  [expletive], but baseballs still  beautiful.Tu peux pas me parler, espà ¨ce de  connard.   You cant talk to me, you son of an  [expletive].Cest pas toi qui pose  la question,  connard.  Ã‚  Youre not asking the question,  [expletive].Vandalisme, arme blanche : Ten prends pour six mois,  connard.   Vandalism, deadly weapon. You get six months in lockup,  [expletive].Ouai, ben, soul ou sobre, tes toujours un  connard.  Ã‚  Yeah, well, drunk or sober, youre still an [expletive].

An Essay On Metacognition

Humans are naturally curious beings. This curiosity occasionally generates interest into why we think a certain way. What compels us to value one thing over another? Why are some of us naturally better at a certain subject than others? All of these questions are topics that metacognitive research has strived to answer. Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes, or, in other words, what we think about thinking. Metacognition has been a topic that has not generated much study until the 1970s, but at that point most of the research was geared towards the memory aspects of metacognition instead of applied use (Sieck 2013). Over the last forty years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of studies conducted on metacognition, but that number is nowhere near the amount that it should be. There are so many ways in which increased study on metacognition can improve our day-to-day lives, as John Flavell said, the ideas brewing in the area of metacognition could someday be used to teach â€Å"children (and adults) to make wise and thoughtful life decisions as well as to comprehend and learn better in formal educational settings† (Sieck 2013). To this end is why it is crucial for the Department of Neuroscience to allocate more funds towards increased research on metacognition, specifically towards how metacognition can assist depressed people in getting rid of unwanted thoughts. The practical applications of metacognitive research are still being discovered. In a study conducted by German scientist Markus Paulus, he and his team discovered that older subjects were more prone to display significant developmental effects in recalling information, compared to a younger age group (Paulus 2014). Paulus shows us how as people grow older, their rate of learning grows as well. Human curiosity is a part of this too, while children can display signs of wondering about oneself, these signs are far more prominent in older people. It has long been thought that the education of our youth should be one of humanity’s foremost priorities, and methods to improve said education should be at the forefront of our minds. What hope do we as a species have if our youth do not surpass us in many ways? This thinking is what caused researcher Bennett Schwartz to conduct a study to discover the implications of metacognition for student learning. Schwartz decided to focus his research on how metacognition can â€Å"influence decisions about studying and how we might use [metacognition] to improve our learning efficiency† (Schwartz 2012). Schwartz discovered that the preconceptions students have towards whether or not something deserves to be studied are usually overconfident, and in many cases â€Å"fail to reflect variables† that could improve efficiency. His findings on how metacognition can affect the education of the youth, mainly the efficiency with which to study, will help said youth become more we ll-organized and disciplined in the future. We do not yet know the full extent to how metacognition affects our moods, but with further study this knowledge can be easily attained. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that one in eight children are affected with some form of anxiety. They also found that Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million American adults (Anxiety and Depression†¦). If the Department of Neuroscience would allocate more funds towards research on metacognition, we could study more the application of using metacognition to change the way we think. This would further allow us to better treat all the people with some form of depression or anxiety, maybe even going so far as to completely eradicating the disorder from human life. Without further research, we will never know the extent to which metacognition can help people. There is much that is yet to be known about metacognition, because, we still do not understand much about the science behind our thinking. The age-old argument of nurture vs. nature continues to go on, and increased research towards metacognition would go a long way towards possibly settling that argument for good. As you can see, allocating the grant money towards amplified metacognition research would be one of the best choices the Department of Neuroscience could do as improved knowledge of metacognition would allow there to be no limit to what humans could do. Once we learn how we learn, we will be able to learn even more efficiently. References Sieck W. 2013 Feb 13. Metacognition is Knowing Your Mind [Internet]. Global Cognition; [2013 Feb 13, cited 2014 Sep 18]. Available from: http://www.globalcognition.org/head-smart/metacognition-is-knowing-your-mind/ Paulus M, Tsalas N, Proust J, Sodian B. 2014. Metacognitive monitoring of oneself and others: Developmental changes during childhood and adolescence. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology [Internet] [2014 Jun 1, cited 2014 Sep 5] 122:153-165. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022096513002749 Schwartz B, Efklides A. 2012. Metamemory and memory efficiency: Implications for student learning. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition [Internet]. [2012 Sep 6, cited 2014 Sep 6] 1(3):145-151. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211368112000617 Anxiety and Depression Association of America [Internet]. Silver Spring(MD):Anxiety and Depression Association of America; [cited 2014 Sep 28] . Available from: http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

Workplace Communication between principal and a teacher Essay

Workplace Communication between principal and a teacher - Essay Example There are many superior-subordinate interactions that provide insight into workplace communication and there is none that exemplifies this interaction better than a principal-teacher work relationship. This paper focuses on a previously observed principal-teacher interaction, primarily taking note of significant elements including patterns of verbal communication, power influence in the communication approach, and an examination of whether the interaction constitutes an intercultural communiquà ©. In the course of evaluating workplace interaction between the said principal and a teacher, several observations were drawn. Key among the aspects denoted was the principal’s role as a coordinator of virtually all administrative duties, while striving to ensure efficient operation of the entire institution (watching a child interact with classmate). The principal was also responsible for ensuring that subordinates including teachers and other staff members worked towards achieving s chool goals. Overall, it was apparent that the principal’s role revolved around efficient leadership and management of school matters. On the other hand, the observed tutor bore the responsibility of teaching students, evaluating their performance and reporting assessment outcomes to the principal for formulation of learning improvement strategies. In terms of communication, the principal simply communicated tutorial guidelines and school policies to instructors, including the one under scrutiny.

Motivation theories for drug use and addiction Research Paper

Motivation theories for drug use and addiction - Research Paper Example These early views on the reasons for continued drug use have been replaced by recent research which have contrasting perspectives that suggest that negative reinforcement is not a strong influence on drug motivation. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivation theories for drug/ alcohol use and addiction. Motivations for Drug Use Contemporary theory of the motivation for drug addiction makes paradoxical claims about the psychological basis for seeking drugs. Drug-seeking is considered to result from subjective craving for the positive effects of the drug, which suggests that this behavior is intentional. On the other hand, a key factor in the clinical diagnosis of drug dependence is that drug-seeking is resistant to the intention to quit, which means that drug-seeking is habitual or automatic. This is paradoxical, because drug seeking cannot be concurrently intentional and automatic (Hogarth & Chase, 2011). There are several reasons for people to take drugs. These include â€Å"peer pressure, relief of stress, to have increased energy, to relax, to relieve pain, to escape reality, to feel more self-esteem, and for recreation† (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2009, p.14591). Individuals resort to taking stimulants to keep alert, or cocaine for the feeling of excitement it produces. Similarly, athletes and bodybuilders may take anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass. There are numerous stressors which increase the risk of alcohol use disorders in humans. In alcohol and other drug dependent (AOD) people, drug craving is increased by internal and external forms of stress, which can also trigger relapse (Wand, 2008). Stress is generally defined as â€Å"any stimulus that challenges physiological homeostasis – that is, which alters the balance or equilibrium of the normal physiological state of the organism† (Wand, 2008, p.119). However, various forms of stress have different physiological consequences, stimulating different combinations of signaling molecules. These molecules aid in cell-to-cell communication, such as neurohormones, and produce distinctive outcomes on physiological processes. Therefore, the type and duration of stress have to be specified, for planning the treatment. Further, individuals respond differently to a particular type of stress, â€Å"and physiological and behavioral responses tend to be associated with dis tinct coping styles† (Wand, 2008, p.120). An interaction of environmental and genetic factors play a part in both susceptibility to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use disorders, and in people’s responses to stress. Prenatal and early life stress can have impacts on the body systems involved in the stress response, for the entire life span, thereby predisposing an individual to certain diseases. This early programming effect is partly affected by â€Å"epigenetic mechanisms that alter heritable traits without manifesting as changes in the DNA sequence, and which also can aid in the development of AOD disorders† (Wand, 2008, p.120). Motivation Theories for the Use and Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol An Affective Processing Model of Negative Reinforcement Baker, Piper and McCarthy (2004) reformulate the negative reinforcement model of drug addiction. They propose that the escape and avoidance of negative affect is the prepotent motive for

Other topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Other topic - Essay Example There are a small number of qualitative researchers who will argue against this objectivity theory. Many academic disciplines contain qualitative research including sociology, psychology, anthropology and biology. Some disciplines had sulk behind in using qualitative research such disciplines are psychology and education but have been accepted recently as a genuine research method (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). A qualitative study can helps define what is important a good example being the field of medicine. I learnt something new from this chapter. I came to understand that during the initial stage of conducting a research scientist Look at the nature of the research problem and planning in qualitative research developing general research problems and only ask general questions about the problem in study. However, as the study continues it provides more understanding of the phenomena under study and makes it easy to ask more specific questions (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). The difficulty of finding out what methods will be used in the study is brought by the use of open ended questions at the start of an investigation. This means that a qualitative researcher should select general approach suitable for their purpose. Here the methodology may continue to evolve over the course of the study, despite this change considerable preparation and planning is required. A qualitative researcher must be well trained in interview strategies, observation techniques and any other data collection methods. Qu alitative research is not the best approach if you are looking to collect quick results and simple answers because it is time consuming. I also learnt that when choosing the method of study to be used is quantitative or qualitative depending on the nature of the data to be collected. I also leant depending on the method chosen, one can decide on the most appropriate method of analyzing and evaluating data to get the best results. After studying the five potential research projects

Juvenile Justice Authority Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Juvenile Justice Authority - Essay Example They have their own courts and their own rehabilitation centres (Fisher 2000). Gies (2001) notes that, the juvenile courts work according to the premise that the children are different from the adults in terms of responsibilities and rehabilitation. Treatment and successful reintegration of the youths in to the society are the main aim of the juvenile justice authority. Under federal law, all children between the age of ten and eighteen are considered as juvenile. Though, each state determine who is to taken to the juvenile court. Cases can be transferred from criminal courts to juvenile court, depending on the offence committed. When a child is tried in a criminal court he or she is still considered a child, and he may be treated as a youth offender. This makes the process a closed hearing unlike an adult who will be given a public hearing. All the states, do allow children to be tried as adults in a criminal court depending with the crime committed, Some states exclude serious, committed crime from juvenile courts regardless of the childs age. The prosecutors decide on whether to find a criminal offence in a criminal court or taken to the juvenile system. On the other hand, the juvenile court may order the child to criminal court. In the juvenile justice, the juvenile is provided with safeguards, just like the adult criminal. This includes the right to trial, the right against self defence and the right to call a witness. In most states the juvenile there are no juries, and they not demand a bail. The juvenile court has been seen by the youth who passed through it as a guardian that models individual characters and the court aimed at providing for the child’s individual interests when making decisions on the crime committed (Ryan 2001). The process by which a chid goes through after a period of confinement has many names like after care services, reintegration services, transitional care and juvenile services. The process of

Financial Decision Making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Decision Making - Assignment Example 3. The fundamental role of the financial market is to enable companies to raise money. a) The money markets deal with bonds, while the capital markets deal with stocks. b) The primary market occurs when a company issues a stock for the first time in an initial public offering (IPO). The selling and buying of stocks on Wall Street by investors represents the secondary market c) A spot market is a market in which commodities and securities are sold for cash and are delivered immediately, while a future market deals with contracts that give the buyer the right to a buy a predetermined amount of stocks or bonds at a future point in time (Altiusdirectory, 2011). 4. Capital budgeting deals with the financing of company projects. For example if a company wants to open a second manufacturing facility the financing for such a venture would be consider a capital budgeting project. 5. One of the goals of a company’s governance system is to maximize shareholder wealth. The particular fina ncial incentives offered by a firm are not consider a part of its governance system. Usually all financial incentives are known by the employees, but at times companies pay the employees special bonuses which are not a part of the traditional incentive system. This occurs when a company has a very good accounting period. 6.

Other topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Other topic - Essay Example There are a small number of qualitative researchers who will argue against this objectivity theory. Many academic disciplines contain qualitative research including sociology, psychology, anthropology and biology. Some disciplines had sulk behind in using qualitative research such disciplines are psychology and education but have been accepted recently as a genuine research method (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). A qualitative study can helps define what is important a good example being the field of medicine. I learnt something new from this chapter. I came to understand that during the initial stage of conducting a research scientist Look at the nature of the research problem and planning in qualitative research developing general research problems and only ask general questions about the problem in study. However, as the study continues it provides more understanding of the phenomena under study and makes it easy to ask more specific questions (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). The difficulty of finding out what methods will be used in the study is brought by the use of open ended questions at the start of an investigation. This means that a qualitative researcher should select general approach suitable for their purpose. Here the methodology may continue to evolve over the course of the study, despite this change considerable preparation and planning is required. A qualitative researcher must be well trained in interview strategies, observation techniques and any other data collection methods. Qu alitative research is not the best approach if you are looking to collect quick results and simple answers because it is time consuming. I also learnt that when choosing the method of study to be used is quantitative or qualitative depending on the nature of the data to be collected. I also leant depending on the method chosen, one can decide on the most appropriate method of analyzing and evaluating data to get the best results. After studying the five potential research projects

Financial Decision Making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Decision Making - Assignment Example 3. The fundamental role of the financial market is to enable companies to raise money. a) The money markets deal with bonds, while the capital markets deal with stocks. b) The primary market occurs when a company issues a stock for the first time in an initial public offering (IPO). The selling and buying of stocks on Wall Street by investors represents the secondary market c) A spot market is a market in which commodities and securities are sold for cash and are delivered immediately, while a future market deals with contracts that give the buyer the right to a buy a predetermined amount of stocks or bonds at a future point in time (Altiusdirectory, 2011). 4. Capital budgeting deals with the financing of company projects. For example if a company wants to open a second manufacturing facility the financing for such a venture would be consider a capital budgeting project. 5. One of the goals of a company’s governance system is to maximize shareholder wealth. The particular fina ncial incentives offered by a firm are not consider a part of its governance system. Usually all financial incentives are known by the employees, but at times companies pay the employees special bonuses which are not a part of the traditional incentive system. This occurs when a company has a very good accounting period. 6.

Identifying Barriers to Diversity in Law Enforcement Essay Example for Free

Identifying Barriers to Diversity in Law Enforcement Essay Our country, America is a melting pot of many different races, ethnic groups, and cultures, which occurred because of immigration. That is why our communities are known as multicultural communities. Our communities may consist of African Americans, Whites, Latinos, Chinese, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Indians. These multicultural communities experience prejudice actions from law enforcement. Prejudice means a judgment or opinion formed before facts are known, usually involving negative or unfavorable thoughts about groups of people (Shusta and Levine, 2010). Law enforcement tends to discriminate against individuals because of their race, culture, or ethnic background. Law enforcement is now trying to figure out methods that they can use to improve their relationship with multicultural communities. Shusta and Levine (2010) offered some methods that can improve law enforcement in multicultural communities: (1) †¢ Make positive contact with community group members from diverse backgrounds, don’t let them see you only when something negative has happened, and allow the public to see you as much as possible in a nonenforcement role, (2) Take responsibility for patiently educating citizens and the public about the role of the officer and about standard operating procedures in law enforcement and remember that citizens often do not understand â€Å"police culture,† (3) Don’t be afraid to be a change agent in your organization when it comes to improving cross-cultural and interracial relations within your department and between police and community, it may not be a popular thing to do, but it is the right thing to do, (4) Donâ₠¬â„¢t appear uncomfortable with or avoid discussing racial and ethnic issues with other officers and citizens, and (5) Make a conscious effort in your mind, en route to every situation, to treat all people objectively and fairly. In my community they are only Blacks and Puerto Ricans races, but they are a diverse cultures, such as the locals called Cruzan’s, Kittians, St. Lucians, Dominicans, Haitians, Antiguans, Nevisians, and many other Caribbean islands. In my community law enforcement is prejudice against the stereotypes of the individuals, such as members in gangs. For example if law enforcement is called to the community for a theft, they would suspect a gang member of committing the before they suspect a regular guy walking down  the street. If they take time out to socialize with these so called gang members they would see a different side of them. Also getting to know the different cultures would allow having better communication skills with the citizens, and maybe the citizens would feel safer in open up to them and help them in the community. In a scenario in which a method would work would be: A patrol unit is patrolling the community a see a group of young boys sitting under a tree cooli ng out, they decide to stop and have a talk to the young boys, about what they’re doing and how is their life, and officers even tell them about their days when they was the same age as them, the boys know see that these officers are no different than them, and their just doing their duty. That shows that the boys and law enforcement is communicating and gaining trust within each other.

The factors that influence dividend policy

The factors that influence dividend policy According to Maury and Pajuste (2002) this kind of factor is important that may affect companys dividend policy. Each company big or small has different structure of owners who have different preference of dividends. The relationship between managers and stockholders in family companies is monitored by agency theory. As there is no separation between ownership and control, the agency problems will be reduced in family companies according the paper of Yoshikawa and Rasheed (2010). But, in big companies which have a huge government ownership will affect by agency problem. This may happen in corporations because of a double principal-agent problem as Gugler (2003) pointed out. For these companies there a solution to mitigate the agency problems which is by paying dividends. There is a huge separation between ownership and management in new companies. This may make inconsistent relation between managers and the owners of the company. Jensen and Meckling (1976) pointed out this problem in their research paper. If the managers have the decision in their hand, they will make it for their interest rather than of the company. This issue was discussed by La Porta et al. (2000). They argue that managers who have the authority on the company may advantage themselves in the form of stealing, increasing the salaries for themselves or selling the assets of the firm. In Oman, there is no big difference in the ownership structure of listed firms. Although the government in Oman is not an active investor in the Muscat Securities Market, it holds a large amount of shares in Oman Telecommunication Company which is about 70% of the shares. In the other hand, Omani government holds a little amount of shares in some large listed companies. There are a number of papers examined the relationship between ownership structure and dividend policy such as Desmetz, (1983); Desmetz and Lehn, (1985); Shleifer and Vishny, (1986); Morck et al., (1988); Schooley and Barney,(1994). They found that the ownership structure in large firms could affect dividend policy. In a recent study in emerging markets, Jayesh Kumar (2003) found that ownership structure does not influence dividend pay out policy uniformally. Ramli in his study of Malaysia suggests that controlling shareholders does influence the dividend policy of Malaysian listed companies. He also found that large shareholders have effects on Malaysian dividend policy. Mondher Kouki (2009) examined the Tunisian firms and found that the ownership structure is affected by institutional investors. They suggest that ownership structure approach is highly relevant to an understanding of corporate dividends policy in Tunisia. Al-Yahyaee (2008) in his study of dividend policy of Omani firms found that government which controls the company tends to have large payout ratios. In addition, Al-Kuwari (2009) pointed out that companies which the government owed a proportion of shares pay dividend more than companies owned by private sector. . Al-Yahyaee results also shows that there is a positive association between dividend yield and government ownership. This finding is in consistent with the results suggested by Gugler (2003). According to Al-Yahyaee (2008), Government ownership has a strong influence on the dividend policy of the non financial firms. Company Size: Firm Size is considered as one of the variables that have the ability to affect the dividend policy of the company. Lloyd et al. (1985) in their study to examine the influence of the firm size on the dividend policy add firm size as an important variable of dividend behaviour. Aivazian, and Booth (2003) found in their study about dividend policy in both US companies and emerging markets companies that there is evidence that firm size influence dividends. There are two types of companies, large and small. Many researchers such as Jensen et al. (1992), Fama and French (2000) on their study about dividend policy found that big firms pay high dividend to their shareholder than small firms. This occurs because of the fact that small firms have high chance of bankruptcy than large firms. Moreover, the research paper of Lloyd, Jahera, and Page (1985) argued that the variable firm size can be used to illustrate the dividend pay ratio of the company. Their findings discussed that big companie s are more mature than small firms. This feature makes them enter the capital market easily and let to pay higher dividends. According to Marsh, (1982); Baskin, (1989), Chang and Rhee, (1990); Bennets and Donnelly, (1993); Charitou and Vafeas, (1998), big companies have better evaluation debt. The size of the company has a positive correlation with dividend payment. This positive relationship is studied by a lot of financial economists for example, Lloyd and Jahera (1985), Rhee (1990), Smith and Watts (1992), Gaver and Gaver (1993), Vogt (1994), Redding (1997), Adedeji (1998), Bradley, Capozza, and Seguin (1998), Holder et al. (1998), Fama and French (2001). Ho, H. (2003) study the dividend policy of Japan firms and Australia firms. Their result show that the firms size have a positive sign with dividend policy in Australia and liquidity has a positive sign with dividend policy in Japan. Recently, there are some papers in emerging markets investigate the factors affecting dividend policy. For instance, Al-Kuwari study the determinant of dividend policy in GCC, and his result reveal that companies pay more dividends when firma size is high. On the other hand, Naceur, Goaied, and Belanes (2006) in their study of study the dividend policy of 48 firms listed on the Tunisian Stock Exchange found that the firm size has a negative sign with dividend policy, Business risk: Business risk is a risk that affects the company when it has no enough cash flow to cover its obligations such as operating expenses. It is considered as one of the determinant of companies dividend policy and can play an important role to influence dividend payment. According to the results of Pruitt and Gitman (1991) risk is one of the factors that determine the dividend policy of the company. Furthermore, there is evidence of that risk can impact the dividend policy of the firms. This is provided by the study of Lintner (1956), Brav et al. (2005). When the business risk is high, the relationship between current and expected future profit will be uncertain. As a result, firms will avoid the obligation to pay high dividend. There are many studies reveal that companies which have high risk will pay low dividends to their shareholders because of the volatility of earnings. Some of these studies are conducted by Rozeff (1982), Lloyd et. al. (1985), 1993; Mohd et al., 1995, and Colins et. al. (1996). They apply in their study beta value of the firm as a proxy of the company business risk. This beta is expected to be negative with dividend payment. DSouza (1999) argues that there is a negative relationship between beta and dividend policy. In recent studies, Ling, Mutalip, Shahrin, and Othman (2007) test the dividend policy of Malaysian companies and they found that business risk has negative relationship with dividend yield and dividend payout ratio. Their result also show that firm risk influence the dividend policy of the firms. Al-Kuwari in his study of non financial firms of GCC argues that business risk is insignificant variable. In the case of Oman, Al-Yahyaee (2008) gave the same results as the above discussions and his result reveal that there is negative relationship between dividend payout and business risk. Profitability: This kind of variables that can affect dividend policy of the firm is considered as a primary factor of dividend payment because when firms have high profits, they tend to pay high dividend to their shareholder. Many financial economists such as Lintner (1956),Jensen et al (1992); Han et al (1999), Fama and French (2000), Adaoglu (2000), Pandey (2003) suggest that the companys profitability is an important indicator that affect dividend policy of the firm. Some of these papers argue that there is a positive relationship between profitability of the company and the dividend policy. This positive relationship is considered as an important prediction of the signaling theory of dividend policy. The positive sign means firms which have profits will pay dividend. In addition, Fama and French (2001) in his research pointed out that the positive relationship between the firms profitability and dividend payment is consistent with the pecking order theory. There are many studies reveal that in emerging market, the dividend payment is higher than that in developed markets. For example, the results of Glen et al. (1995) reveal that dividend payment is higher in developing countries. Furthermore, Aivazian, booth, and cleary (2003) found that in their study about emerging market and US firms, profitability in emerging markets has higher influence on dividend payout than in US companies. As discussed above similar findings were reported by Al-Kuwari (2007) for GCC firms, Al-Yahyaee (2008) for Omani firms, and Al- Najjar (2009) for Jordanian firms. To test the profitability of the dividend policy of the firm, the (ROE) measure was used. According to the above results, I expect to find a positive sign for the relationship between dividend payment and profitability. Leverage: Financial leverage is one of the main explanatory variables of firms dividend policy. The definition of this variable is that the long term debt to total asset. Firms that are highly leveraged and cannot make a payment on their debt will be faced risk of bankrupt. This fact may explain that firms with high debt may pay low dividend to their shareholders because they need to utilize their cash flow to pay their obligations. . On the other hand, Aivazian et al (2003) said that companies with low debt can pay and maintain their dividends. Financial leverage has a negative relationship with dividend payment. There are many studies appear to support this negative relationship. Rozeff (1982) results revealed that companies with high leverage prefer to pay low amount of dividends. Moreover, Crutchley and Hansen (1989) Jensen et al. (1992), Bradley et al. (1998), Faccio, Lang, and Young (2001) pointed out that financial leverage influence dividend payment in negative way. The recent studies also are in line with these findings. For instance, Kouki, Guizani (2009) in their study of the dividend policy of the Tunisian firms found that firms with high debt prefer to pay a little amount of dividend. the results of Al-Najjar (2009) shows that there is a negative relationship between leverage and dividend policy. Growth opportunities: The growth opportunity of the company is an important indicator that influences the operation of the distribution of dividends. When firms expect to have huge growth opportunities in their business, they will utilize the firms funds to finance the expansion. This may make the firms to pay lower amount of dividend to the shareholders. On the other hand, if companies know that the growth opportunities are low and the projects investment is small, they will distribute high cash dividend. These analyses propose that growth opportunities have a negative relationship with dividend payout. a lot of studies appeared to support this negative relationship such as, Higgins (1972), Rozeff(1982), Lloyd et al.(1985) and Collins et al (1996), Fama and French (2001), Ho, Lam, and Sami (2004), and Aivazian et al. (2006). They argue that firms with high growth opportunities are more likely to pay low dividends. However, LaPorta et al. (2000) show different results. He found that there is a positive relationship between growth opportunities and dividend payment in countries that have high shareholder protection, but negative relationship in countries that have low shareholder protection. Based on the above assumptions I expect to find a negative association between dividends growth opportunities. Sample Description and Data: The sample data of this dissertation includes 5 large non financial companies listed in the Muscat Securities Market. The annual reports of the firms were taken also from the website of the Muscat Securities Market to get information about shareholders. There are 125 listed companies in Muscat Securities Market as at 31 September 2010. The main listed companies in MSM are banking and investment, services and insurance, and industry. The sample in this research come from industry and service sectors such as telecommunications, oil, and manufacturing companies. The data is obtained by Share-Holding Guide of Muscat Securities Market companies. The data are cross sectional and time series which are collected from 2005 to 2009. As discussed in the previous section, the dividend payout ratio is the model of the dependent variable of the dividend policy. the explanatory variables of the suggested dividend policy are ownership structure, firm size, profitability, business risk, leverage, and growth opportunities. The primary idea was to test the dividend policy and the six hypotheses related to dividend policy of the 6 companies listed on Muscat Securities Market. I chose to use non financial firms rather than financial because the information is limited and the data is missed on financial firms. The dividend paying firms are those companies that paid dividend at least one time over the five years period of the study 2005 to 2009. This means that all the five companies I selected are dividend payment firms. Measurement of Variables: This section is based on the previous discussions to test the six hypotheses on dividend payout ratios of Omani firms. The study of the variables is based on average for the 2005 to 2009 periods to examine the influence on companys dividend policy. Moreover, the predicted sign for the variables are positive with dividend policy for ownership structure, profitability, and firms size, but negative for business risk, leverage, and growth opportunities. The estimations of the models are as follows: DIV = f (GOV, SIZE, GROW, LEV, BETA, PROF) Where DIV is the dividend payout ratio which is measured by: Dividends per Share / EPS. The dividend payout ratio show the percentage amount of dividend the company will tend to distribute to their shareholders. This ratio indicates that the earnings of the company support the dividend payout. If the dividend payout is high, the share will be attractive to the shareholders. It differs among firms and the fact that the majority of mature firms have higher dividend payout ratio. The model utilizes the percentage number of shares that owned by corporations investors especially the proportion of the government shares (GOV) in the firm to test the ownership structure to know if it can affect the dividend policy. This is used by many studies for example, Gugler (2003), and some recent studies like Al-Kuwari (2007) in her study about GCC countries. Profitability (PROF) ratio can be measured as return on asset and return on shareholder equity. Return on asset is calculated by net profit over total asset. PROF = net profit/total asset Return on equity (ROE) which I have used in this study is measured by net profit divided by shareholder equity. PROF = net profit/shareholder equity Many existing studies have used return on equity (ROE) as a proxy of profitability more than using return on asset. For example, Aivazian, booth, and cleary (2003), Al-Yahyaee (2008), and Al- Najjar (2009) utilize return on equity in their study about dividend policy. Firm size (SIZE) is measured by the natural log of the total assets. Total revenue is also used as a proxy of firm size for example, Holder et al. (1998) has been used the same proxy for this variable. The proxy of the business risk (BETA) is beta. This has been used by Rozeff (1982), Lloyd et. al. (1985), 1993; Mohd et al., 1995, Colins et. al. (1996), and DSouza (1999). Growth opportunities (GROW) is measured by market to book ratio. Market to book ratio is calculated by dividing book value over market value of the firm. This ratio is used to find identify the value of the firm. Market to book ratio = book value/ market value Leverage (LEV) ratio is defined as total debt over total equity. This ratio is used to test how can debt affect the dividend payment of the firm. LEV = total debt/ total equity The Tobit and random effects models: The liner regression model includes, fixed and random effect tobit model. It has been used by several studies to test dividend policy. It is a statistical technique that tries to determine the link between two or more variables: dependent and explanatory variables. The dependent variable selected is dividend payout ratio. The explanatory or independent variables that used in this research are ownership structure, profitability, firm size, leverage, business risk, and growth opportunities. In this study of Omani firms I have used tobit models to investigate the factors of the dividend paid. In addition, to get the results I utilize the random effect tobit model which is suitable for nonfinancial firms.