Reflection Paper Essay

Ever since I can remember people have been asking me this question. A question that is so simple to ask, yet so hard to answer. A question that you may have an answer to at one point, but lose it the next. A question that when really thought about, can spell your future. That question is â€Å"what do you want to be? † This question has always given me a hard time, because honestly I never really wanted to give an answer to it. Maybe it’s because I never wanted to limit myself to an answer or maybe I was just never sure of anything and I’m afraid to give a straightforward answer. This is my attempt on trying to word out my â€Å"vision† of who and what I want to be. Owning a very profitable and stable business has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I had always envisioned myself as someone who owns a business, yet I don’t know what business I want to venture in as of the moment. I want my own business because I want to leave something for my family and leave a legacy behind before I pass away. I also want to own a business because I’m not the type to be a slave to another business owner my whole life. I want to experience leading the way and making a business that will be of great success. A family is also very important in my future. I cannot see myself grow old without a family, especially since I come from a big family. I guess I want to have at least 3 children because what good is it to have money when you don’t even have anyone to share it with or enjoy it with. I’ve been taught my whole life to put my family first above anything else. I of course do not intend to have a family that I cannot provide for financially. I also want a family because I want to be surrounded with people I love especially when I grow old and I have no one else but my children to take care of me. Another thing that I see in my future is that I see myself travelling the world. I don’t want to limit myself to my home country because I see other places as an opportunity to create great memories that I will forever cherish. I envision myself travelling because up to now I haven’t been out of the country, so it has always been in my bucket list to leave the country and explore other countries, try their food, and experience another culture apart from mine. I see myself going to the States, Europe, and other Asian countries. I believe that a life in a world so big when not explored is a life not spent well. I see myself in the future as someone who stays healthy. One of my greatest wants in life is to stay healthy. I’ve always pushed myself to go to the gym and stay fit as much as possible. In the future I see myself continuing this habit of staying in shape and not gaining too much weight, because it is one of my greatest fear is to have a beer belly. I see myself as a man who keeps his priorities in tact while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Wherein I stay fit and have a balanced diet. Love is another issue that is always so hard to predict. Whenever I think of who will my future wife be. I always see a girl who is loyal, a girl that will accept my mistakes, a girl that no matter how hard times get will always be there by my side. I see my future wife as someone that can be there for the good times and even at the worse times of my life. I will get married once I reach 30, and once I become financially secure. Lastly my most important yet the most simple vision that I have for myself is that I’m going to be happy. I’ll be happy even if none of my visions come true. I’ll be happy even if I experience many problems. I’ll be happy even when people around me are not. It is not the fact that I am optimistic, yet it is only because I can only imagine a future for myself that I am happy. I simply cannot concoct a vision of myself being miserable. If there is one vision that I have it is sure that I know I’ll be happy in the future, cause whatever I get, I will accept, and whatever life throws my way, I’ll take it, and whatever problems I may have, I will smile while I’m fixing it.

Symbolism in Janus

4 Jonathan Whidden English 1900B Ian McAdam September 29th,2012 Symbolism in Janus â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl†. (Beattie 455) In the short story â€Å"Janus† writer Anne Beattie uses a simple bowl to be the central focus of symbolism in the story. The bowl can be interpreted to mean or symbolize many different things. The bowl belongs to the protagonist of the story Andrea, a successful real estate agent who is married to her husband of many years. It has been argued that the bowl symbolizes everything from the life that Andrea lives or the world that Andrea lives in.Though there are strong arguments for these arguments among many others, I believe the strongest evidence of what the bowl symbolizes is a personality or traits of a character that repeats itself throughout the story. This character is not so coincidentally the title of the short story â€Å"Janus†. In the following essay I will argue that the bowl symbolizes an ancient god by the name of â€Å" Janus† and all of his traits powers or attributes. Beattie uses the bowl to symbolize all of the traits of the ancient god thru the life of our protagonist Andrea.To begin we must examine who this god was believed to be so we can relate it to the story. â€Å"Janus is the Roman god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings, and hence represented with a double-faced head, each looking in opposite directions. He was worshipped at the beginning of the harvest time, planting, marriage, birth, and other types of beginnings, especially the beginnings of important events in a person's life. Janus also represents the transition between primitive life and civilization, between the countryside and the city, peace and war, and the growing-up of young people. †(Janus) 4As mentioned above, it is no coincidence that Beattie chose this title. The two faces Janus the god has is a symbolism in itself, it symbolizes deceit as I interpret two-facedness as being deceitful or as Beattie wr ites â€Å"tricked†. We will learn that Andrea herself, proves to be deceitful and deceived, she is tricked herself. Andrea also is also stuck between two different life's as we come to learn. She is stuck in the middle of new beginnings and endings in her relationships. Andrea seems unsure or lacks he courage to decide which path she would like to take. Andrea's life had many doorways she could ave opened, unfortunately for Andrea, she stays on the doorstep. There are two important factors of Andrea's life that the bowl plays a major part in, her social life and her professional life. Let's begin with Andrea's social life. Andrea is married to her husband of several years. Though Andrea and her husband have been together for a few years, they have no children together. Andrea and her husband both have their own successful careers as Andrea is a real estate agent and her husband a stock broker. For all the financial success they enjoy, their marriage was far from perfect.Both Andrea and her husband are a lot alike yet distant from each other. â€Å"They were both quiet people- reflective, slow to make value judgments. † (Beattie 455) Their relationship is where the symbolism of bowl comes into play, the bowl was a gift from a former lover of Andrea's. The bowl was actually a gift from a former lover. â€Å"She had first seen the bowl several years earlier, at a crafts fair she had visited half in secret, with her lover. † (Beattie 456) Andrea hid the origins of the bowl from her husband which is evidence of her two-facedness, â€Å"There were times where she wanted to talk to her usband about the bowl. † (Beattie 455)The fact that Andrea has kept the origins of bowl rom her husband is an example of her deception. It also shows an unwillingness to let go of the past. If Andrea wanted to rid herself of the memories of this former relationship, would she not rid herself of all gifts or memories from the relationship? Instead she grows an unhealthy attachment to the bowl over time, valuing it over her relationship with her husband. Communications issues are just the start of the 4 problem with Andrea. Andrea is not without guilt, she does show an urge to talk to her husband about he bowl, however her fear and the consequences that could come from it were stronger. Doors would be opened and closed, perhaps she would have to let go of the bowl, something she seems unwilling to do. Her relationship ended with her lover because of her indecision, her unwillingness to start something new and close the door on her marriage. â€Å" Her lover said that she was always too slow too know what she really loved.Why continue with her life the way it was? Why be two-faced, he asked her. He had made the first move toward her. When she would not decide in his favour, would not hange her life and come to him, he asked her what made her think she could have it both ways. † (Bettie 456) Beattie gives us strong evidence of the symbolism of the bowl. Andrea's career is the other important aspect of her life where the bowl greatly influences her decisions and contains more strong evidence of its symbolism. As mentioned, Andrea is a successful real estate agent. â€Å"(She had a very profitable year selling real estate.Word spread, and she had more clients than she felt comfortable with. † (Beattie 455) Andrea used the bowl as well as other â€Å"tricks† to help her in her career, or so she thought. When she thought that some prospective buyers might be dog lovers, she would drop off her dog at the same time she would place the bowl in the house that was up for sale. † It can be argued that there is nothing morally wrong with these â€Å"tricks† that Andrea used to sell houses, I would agree. Yet the real deception comes from the bowl itself. Andrea has allowed the bowl to take credit for work she has done, allowing the bowl to deceive her.â€Å"She was sure that the bowl brought her luck†. (Beattie 455 Bids were often put in on houses where she had displayed the bowl. There is no evidence at all to suggest that the bowl influences the sale of the house. There is no question that customers like the look of the bowl, some even inquiring on where the bowl came from. â€Å"Once Andrea got a call from a woman who had not put in an offer on a house she had shown her. That bowl, she said- would it be possible to find out where the owners had bought that 4 beautiful bowl. Andrea pretended that she did not know what the woman was referring to. † (Beattie 454)This is more evidence of Andrea's two-facedness or deceit, ill will intended or not, Andrea is not ompletely honest with her clients. Unfortunately for Andrea, she allows the bowl to deceive her, convincing her that it is the reason she closes so many houses. How could a bowl do this, â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl. † (Beattie 455) I do believe Beattie shifts the meaning of the bowl throughou t the story. At times the bowl represents Andrea's life, how material things are the only things she values, it shows a dependency on material things because of her passionless marriage. Other times the bowl represents her inability to make a decision or to let go of her past relationship.It symbolizes her fear of choosing a path, choosing a door, closing relationships and starting new. Andrea instead allows the bowl to dictate her decisions. As mentioned above, arguments can and have be made for many different meanings . the bowl always returns to its roots. It came from a hidden relationship, it is used to â€Å"trick† home buyers. The bowl is a representation of a past relationship, one she had an opportunity to start a new life with, yet she didn't. She is stuck in the middle of two doors, two paths. There is no beginning or end for Andrea because she evidently lacks the courage or .The bowl represents the two-faced nature of Andrea, her trickery her two relationships. It deceives Andrea in convincing her that it is the reason for her success. â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl†. (Beattie 455) All these examples directly symbolize the traits or attributes of the ancient god â€Å"Janus† Works Cited 1. Beattie, Ann. â€Å"Janus. † The Norton Introduction to Literature. Ed. Allison Booth, Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. 453-456. 2. â€Å"Janus. † Encyclopedia Mythica. 2012. Encyclopedia Mythica Online. 01 Oct. 2012 ;www. pantheon. org/articles/j/janus. html;.

Choosing the Right College

Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a person will make in his or her life. It will mold the future for the individual and open numerous windows of opportunity for careers. Being such a huge decision it requires a lot of thought and research. Many questions need to be asked in order to make a decision, as well as visitation to many schools in order to know which one will work best for the student. The student should ask his or herself if they would like to attend a larger school or smaller school, private or public, and take into consideration the money he or she would like to spend in order to get a quality education.These main questions can narrow down the choices and make the process less stressful on the student. In this paper I will be comparing and contrasting the benefits and downfalls of two completely different schools; a private Christian school in Tennessee, Freed- Hardeman University, and a public state school in California, UCLA. Would a student be looking for a bigger college? Would he or she feel more accustomed to a â€Å"city-life† type of atmosphere? If so, UCLA would be the college of preference.UCLA is located in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. In simpler terms, this college is right in the heart of one of the biggest cities in all of America (â€Å"UCLA† – College Crunch). Current enrollment at UCLA is around twenty-six thousand undergraduates, eleven thousand, five hundred graduate students, and approximately four thousand faculty members. This all adds up to about thirty-seven thousand, nine hundred people on the campus each day of the active semester. As many have been informed, UCLA is one of the top colleges in the United States.Ranked in the top 20 undergraduate colleges in the nation, one can expect that he or she has a tall order to fill if dreaming of attending the UCLA undergraduate school. Preparations for college begin with the high school career of a peer. The college requires a system of c ourses taken in high school before even being considered, just as most big colleges do. With a total of fifteen total preparatory courses, English and Mathematics courses are the most important. One with aspirations of attending must complete four English courses, and three courses in math, although four are highly recommended.On top of that, two years of history and lab sciences, two years of foreign languages, and one year of VPA (or art) and college preparatory courses are required. That takes care of the high school classes. In addition to the required courses, a minimum GPA of three point four (3. 4) for non-residents of California is required throughout high school. Consequently, no grades lower than a â€Å"C† will be acceptable (â€Å"Admission Requirements† –Bruins Walk). UCLA also requires that one takes the ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Exam or, the SAT Reasoning Exam.If a student plans to go into a specific felid of study such as those of Engin eering or other majors, certain math exams are highly recommended. Those will only the make the journey of admissions easier on both parts. UCLA offers a great variety of majors that one could follow and pursue on the path of collegiate level studying. Choices that one may not be able to find too many other places are those such as Marine Biology, Film and Television, African Languages, etc. It is important to pick the major, then the college when thinking about the future.Other fields of practice include Architecture, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Medicine, etc. As one may expect, such an extravagant undergraduate college is not going to be cheap. UCLA can be very expensive for in-state students, let alone students wishing to come for out of state. It’s total cost per year will add up to be around thirty- six thousand dollars, with a tuition being around twenty thousand of the thirty-six. Most students do research and receive financial-aid and attain scholarship money. Doing this however, requires a lot of work in high school.In contrast, what if the student didn’t want a big, city-life college? What if he or she was accustomed to a smaller, more private environment? If so, he or she might consider attending Freed- Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. In contrast to UCLA, FHU is a much smaller, religious, private college. The current enrollment at FHU is around two thousand total students with a percent of males being forty- six percent to the female’s fifty-four. As you can see, FHU is much smaller (â€Å"FAQs† – FHU). Founded in eighteen sixty nine,Freed has always had a reputation around the south for being a wonderful school. The minimum GPA to be submitted into the school is two point five (2. 5) and the minimum test scores are a nineteen on the ACT and nine hundred and ten on the SAT. As for the classes, an individual must meet his or her state requirements where he or she attends high school. The student life a t Freed is different from UCLA. At Freed, there are more private social clubs, choral groups, sports teams, and such. FHU’s athletic program is a member of the NAIA (D1) and the Transouth Conference.Also, FHU is affiliated with the Church of Christ. Around eighty-three percent of the student body belongs to the Church of Christ, with a seventeen percent belonging to other Christian views (â€Å"FAQs† – FHU). All students attending FHU must live on campus unless either living with a family member or have credited a number of hours through the university. In turn, freshmen, and generally sophomores, are required to live on campus. The total cost to attend FHU from out of state is around twenty-eight thousand dollars a year.Tuition alone is about thirteen thousand. Ninety percent of the students receive some form of financial aid and there is a little over seven million dollars awarded annually in scholarship money. Since FHU is a private college, this money is rai sed privately and through the school. They receive little to no government help. In ultimate conclusion, there are a variety of options out there. There have been two researched here and there are thousands of others. One must learn to explore his or her options. What does he or she want?One may possibly want a fast pace, â€Å"city† lifestyle while attending college. He or she may want more of a â€Å"party-life. † Or, on the other hand, a student may want a more â€Å"one-on-one†, private, religious lifestyle. In the end, education is the key to life. One must choose which path he or she wants to take to achieve the end result; a college degree. By comparing and contrasting two different schools, students will have a better understanding of the options that are available and the many choices they will have to make.

Multinational Corp-Evol & Cur Issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Multinational Corp-Evol & Cur Issue - Essay Example After learning the course, I got a snapshot of important economies in the global industry. The important economies include the United States, Japan, the Euro Area, and Emerging Markets (Jonge, 32).   From the course, I learned that the current activity indicator is 1.8% down from 2.75%. In addition, the recent economic weakness of the United States owes to the adverse weather. In Japan, the weak GDP in the fourth quarter was revised down to 2.2% from 2.4% and 0.5% from 0.7%. The Euro Area continued its weakness in bank credit and broad money growth. Consequently, Emerging Markets is focused on tightening financial conditions. After watching the â€Å"Terms and Conditions† movie, I realized that no one bothers reading terms and conditions that are connected to the websites they visit. After watching the movie of what lies between the agreements, one might easily hurl your computer. Therefore, the movie investigates what the corporation and governments do with people’s personal information. Therefore, from the course, I learned the dangers that hide within the contracts that people agree and never bother to read, and what people give up when they click â€Å"I accept†. Consequently, from the course, I learned that there are various messages and smaller points that show us the way organizations use their employee’s entitlement as their advantage to lure them into doing what the employers want. It should be remembered that future stock options, bonus promises, health care plans, and pension provisions are paper assets and the promises behind them can easily be broken and the papers can be regarded as worthless and the expense of employers (Jonge,28). It is purely blackmailing. Subsequently, from the course, I learned the 48 laws of power; Specifically, I learned law 22 to law 28. According to the laws, I learned that companies have to transform the weakness into power by using the surrender tactic. The motive behind surrendering is sav ing the hide in the future when one reasserts oneself. When one is temporarily weakened, the tactic is the best for raising the company up again. From the course, I learned how to concentrate on the forces of a company.

Rise of modern Chinese Nationalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Rise of modern Chinese Nationalism - Essay Example In one of its earliest forms during the early twentieth century, Chinese movement led by the Han majority began to overthrow the Qing dynasty under which China was ruled by the Manchu .Ethnic nationalism views the nation as politicized ethnic group and often produces a state -seeking movement to create an ethnic nation-state. After the fall of the Qing in 19121, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CCP in 1949 defined as a multi ethnic political community. In general the rise of modern nationalism in China has played a great role in the contemporary China. Therefore the nature and role of this Nationalism can be assessed in terms of economical aspects, political conditions, military developments and enhancement of foreign relations as explained below:- Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was centrally planned. However, after this period the Chinese leadership, started moving the economy to a more market oriented system .The system still works under the control of the communist, but the economic influence as non-state managers and enterprises has been increasing steadily. The Chinese authorities have adopted a system of household responsibility in agriculture instead of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small scale enterprise in services and manufacturing, as well as opened the economy of increased foreign trade and investment. The developments of economic growth in china can be assessed in the the following sectors. b) Agriculture. China is the largest producer and consumer of agricultural products. Half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contribute only 13% of china's GDP. China produces about 30% more crops and livestock than U.S. because of intensive cultivation. Largely china produces rice, wheat, Soya beans, vegetables, tea and pork. Major food crops include cotton, fibers and oil seeds. c) Industry. Industry has posted major gains especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan where foreign investment helped spurs output of both domestic and export goods. Major industries are mining or processing, steel, aluminum, coal, machinery, textile, Petroleum, cement, fertilizers, toys, electronics, automobiles and telecommunications. d) Science and Technology. China's political leadership comes almost from technical background and has a high regard for science. Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers. Further US-China science and technology has remained the framework for bilateral cooperation. Recently technology agreement was to extend science and technology. Agreement was signed the agreement. The agreement covers cooperation in areas such as Marine conservation, renewable energy and health. e) Trade: China has advanced in Trade. China's primary trading

Business strategy of IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business strategy of IKEA - Essay Example Strong Connection with Culture: The IKEA furniture has become an essential part of the culture. Its perennial existence has made it the de facto furniture company and many of its products have a long history. Employee Focus on Thrift: In an environment of increasing competition every last penny has value. The practice and culture of employees being thrifty to ensure that they utilize every last penny properly indicates that the firm’s culture dictated that resources be used properly. Staffing levels are appropriate, and not excessive, and even top employees fly economy to indicate that squandering of resources will not be tolerated. Entrepreneurial spirit of the Kamprands: Kamprand was known for his entrepreneurial abilities and skill of identifying profit opportunities. He had a knack of choosing the ventures with most potential. Even with IKEA he was able to establish a low cost supply line very early into the firm’s existence. High Turnover to Visits ration: IKEA pos es a high visits to turnover ratio. For every million visits to the store revenue of 34 million is generated. This is a really good figure as it reflects the firms’ brilliant selling skills and customer loyalty. Strong presence in 25-50 year old population: The strong connection of Sec B and C to IKEA is a strongpoint for the firm. Even some portion of the A class consider IKEA as an option. The customers are smart, hence IKEA doesn’t need to do the pitch for everyone. Weaknesses: The weakness of IKEA will help us evaluate what is wrong with the firm and how it can improve it for the betterment of its owners and stakeholders. Informal ownership structure/No Shares: The absence of shareholders and a proper board of directors means that there is little accountability of managerial... This essay discusses that home furnishing was a market with immense potential globally. The global sales for the industry reached a staggering $600 Billion in items such as furniture, textile, and floor coverings. A significant percentage (less than 50%) of these sales were constituted by furniture stores. IKEA was standing strong with a 2.5% share in the global market and reaching sales of greater than $20 Billion. The market was highly fragmented, with most of the competition occurring locally rather than globally. Strengths are the core competencies and strong points of firms. A look at the strengths of IKEA would give us an idea of how the firm has been so successful throughout the years. The IKEA furniture has become an essential part of the culture. Its perennial existence has made it the de facto furniture company and many of its products have a long history. The weakness of IKEA will help us evaluate what is wrong with the firm and how it can improve it for the betterment of its owners and stakeholders. The absence of shareholders and a proper board of directors means that there is little accountability of managerial practices. The domination of the Kamprand family means that the corporate structure format of firms is missing and the firm continues to be more of a family businesses influenced by incumbents rather than managerial experts. IKEA has taken the rough route in times of tough economic conditions. It has got rid of workers and insisted on cost cutting rather than innovation. This, however, was the need of the hour as the economic conditions demanded such action.

Abortion, Choice and a Right Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Abortion, Choice and a Right - Research Paper Example The often contentious national discussion concerning legalized abortion is emotional and divisive. Politicians must declare themselves â€Å"pro-choice† or â€Å"pro-life† while campaigning for office. The debate has lasted for several decades and will continue for the foreseeable future. To properly examine the subject, the opposing viewpoints including the legal, medical and moral aspects must be argued with similar determination. Abortion is a multi-faceted subject and both sides of the issue present credible, thought-provoking arguments. It’s up to each person to parse through the scientific and legal aspects of the issue and decide for themselves based on what they deem to be morally acceptable. The enormity and complexity of the issue demand that all voting citizens understand both points of view and attempt to consider the issue with minimal biases to make a decision those best suits their intellect and moral comfort zone as well. This paper presents the p ro-choice and right-to-life view positions, both of which are compelling then concludes that legal abortions should remain legal and safe. It’s an election year meaning the abortion debate is again a main focus of the national dialogue and during this election cycle birth control, an issue widely considered decided two generations ago has found its way into the discussion. Women’s right to make decisions regarding their body versus moral considerations remains a hot topic and is essentially another science versus religion debate. Pro-choice advocates, the civil right and science side of the debate argue that laws which force women to give birth to an unwanted child conflict the principle of liberty defined by the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, such restrictive and intrusive laws are contradictory to any definition of compassion and decency.  

Intelligence brief analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Intelligence brief analysis - Assignment Example However, about a week ago, Iran’s senior negotiator said that in the next meetings, the discussions will only tackle nuclear issues (Black N.P). He stressed that the nuclear talks are not similar to military programs talks. Upon his arrival in Vienna, Zarif who is an official in the scheduled meetings said,† the committee believes they can finally reach an agreement†. The six world powers are: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Their aim however, is to reach an agreement within at least six months. The previous deal has frozen Iran from its nuclear project so far until July 20, a period by which they think they will have already come up with an agreement. Difference of position in the discussion points might make a final agreement impossible because every party would like its interest met which is obviously impossible.US for example want some parts of the nuclear plant in Iran to be abolished if they are to get to an agreement. On the ot her hand, Iran insists that the only discussion they will hold will concern their nuclear program thus excluding their military (Khan N.P). Steven Erlangler.†Iran and 6 Powers Agree on Terms for Nuclear Talks.† The New York. 2014, NP. Retrieved on 26/2/2013, from, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/middleeast/iran.html?ref=nuclearprogram&_r=0 . web Black Ian. â€Å"Iran won’t discuss military programs, say officials.† The Guardian.2014, N.P Retrieved on 26/2/2013, from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/18/mohammad-javad-zarif-iran-political-will-final-nuclear-agreement.

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF AGRO-INDUSTRIES IN SSA (CASE STUDY THE Thesis Proposal

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF AGRO-INDUSTRIES IN SSA (CASE STUDY THE CAMEROON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IN CAMEROON) - Thesis Proposal Example Our research shows CDC’s performance is generally good through not exceptional and is vital of the steady lives of thousands of people working there. The economic growth of Sub-Saharan African countries depends largely on their oil, mineral wealth and agricultural products. Being one of the driest areas in the world, the SSA countries depend upon their agro-industry for food commodities largely. There are many foreign as well as domestic agro companies present in these countries. According to UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization, their main aim is to "focus on increasing agro-industrial value added and employment along the entire agribusiness value chain in agriculture, industry and services". However, the impacts of these agricultural development companies which operate more or less like corporate conglomerates are highly debated. Environmentalists strongly argue, these companies are depleting the fertility of the soil in these areas by forcing the farmers to grow cash crops continuously. On the other hand, these companies are highly responsible for providing a steady employment to most of the citizens in t he rural areas of the SSA countries. The salary provided by them serves as a backbone for many Sub-Saharan countries economy. These companies help in improving the infrastructure of these nations to a great extent and help in improvement of various industries related to agriculture. Industrialization is generally looked upon as a major rival for agriculture. But, agriculture also serves as a main source for related industries in small economies prevalent among the SSA countries. The term Agro-Industries originated before a few years referring to industries which linked agriculture and its supporting activities together. These industries deal with packaging and processing of agricultural goods, modernization of agricultural practices and efficient

Paper discussing how Langston Hughes' poetry provides a critique of Essay

Paper discussing how Langston Hughes' poetry provides a critique of relations between blacks and whites in the U.S. Based on poems I will upload - Essay Example In his essay, "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain," Hughes presents his views about writers and poets’ loss of racial pride stating that "no great poet has ever been afraid of being himself" (http://www.poemhunter.com/langston-hughes/biography). He continues to declare: There is an obvious distinction and a distance between the blacks and the whites in the poems of Hughes. For instance, in â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers† (Meyer, 2002, p. 912), the persona speaks of his racial pride as part of humanity This significance to humanity and civilization is also reflected in â€Å"Negro† (p. 916). The very title itself is a proud affirmation of the persona’s dark skin. Stanzas 2-5 speak of the blacks as slave, worker, singer, and victim. As a slave, the black works for the whites in base positions as cleaner of the steps and boots. These are two terms that imply very low and humbling tasks. As a worker, he tells with pride that great structures and buildings could only be erected because of the blacks. As, a singer, he is allowed to voice out and express his misery. Finally, as a victim, he shows how he is tortured and killed by the whites. â€Å"Danse Africaine† (p. 917) talks of the rhythm of the beating of the tom-toms and the dancing of a veiled girl. This speaks of the African culture. Upon hearing the beat and the rhythm, the true blood of the blacks is stirred (lines 5 and 15). This stirring may speak of an awakening to get into action whether to fight or stand up for some important thing. This stirring may be alarming if the whites stay off-guard. Further, this may imply that too much discrimination may result to revolt. These lines imply being able to freely express one’s self in the open (â€Å"In the face of the sun†). This further illustrates how the blacks are hidden in the dark or are marginalized. Moreover, there is a positive description of the blacks in the following lines: Another

Harvard Style Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

Harvard Style Annotated Bibliography Essay 1. King, Rosemary. Oxford studies of religion. Preliminary HSC course ed. Melbourne, Victoria: Gary Underwood, 2010. 1-459. Print. 2. Rosemary King is an experienced teacher who worked with government, catholic and independent schools. She successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in World Religions from the University of New England (UNE) and is currently teaching at the Uniting Church’s MLC School located in Sydney, her position is the coordinator of service learning. 3. In the chapter on preliminary ‘Islam’, the topic mainly focuses on the view and study of Islam as one of the major religious traditions as a living religious system. It allows the reader to investigate the religious traditions and belief systems, examine the significance of all relating religious traditions in the life of a Muslim Adherent and communicates ideas, information and issues using the appropriate visual/written forms. 4. This text is written to support the syllabus studies of a preliminary/HSC student for studies of religion 1. 5. I feel that this text was useful when I was researching information regarding the Qu’ran, the Hadith, the Sunna, the Ijma and the Qiyas. The reason being for this was because it explained the purpose of all these traditions and the impact that is forced upon a Muslim by these traditions. Also how they guide a Muslim to living the life by the Qu’ran (Rules and regulations set by Allah, ‘God’) 6. I found that the information in this text was accurate and valid, although it could have been more in detail and less simplistic than it was. For example, when talking about a specific tradition I found that it could have been more in depth and informative.

Laser Eye Surgery Essay Example for Free

Laser Eye Surgery Essay Laser eye surgery has enabled millions of people to throw away their eyeglasses. Now several medical technology companies are hoping that lasers aimed at the feet will allow millions to take their socks off, even in public. The target is toenail fungus — an infection in an estimated 10 percent of American adults, or 23 million people — that causes toenails to become thick, yellow and fetid. If these lasers, which recently completed small clinical trials, work, they will represent a new way to treat nail infection by selectively irradiating fungi while leaving the nail and surrounding tissue intact. Right now, there is no sure cure. The fungi are so hardy that popular antifungal pills, which carry a small risk of liver damage, are completely successful less than half of the time. And a prescription lacquer, painted on the toenails daily for 48 weeks, has a complete cure rate of less than 10 percent. Pharmaceutical giants like Schering-Plough and Novartis are developing new lacquers, pills and ointments to battle the fungi. But some podiatrists and patients are pinning their hopes on the experimental laser treatments. Nomir Medical Technologies in Waltham, Mass., is developing a laser called Noveon for diseases like antibiotic-resistant staph infections as well as nail afflictions. Noveon is a type of laser already commonly used by doctors for treatments like cataract surgery, dental work and even hair removal. Noveon beams two different wavelengths of near-infrared light at toenails to selectively take aim at and kill fungi. After four treatments with Noveon, about half of the 39 toenails tested no longer had active nail infections, according to the results of a clinical trial that the company presented this month at a national dermatology  meeting. Six months after the initial treatment, about 76 percent of the volunteers had clear nail growth, the study reported. â€Å"We will be able to reach people who have heretofore stayed away from treatment because of the toxicity or the costs or other reasons,† said Richard F. Burtt, Nomir’s chief executive. Mr. Burtt said the company was preparing to submit the data to the Food and Drug Administration, hoping to receive clearance to market Noveon by this fall. The agency has already cleared Noveon for use on the skin and in nasal passages. But the company is not taking orders for or distributing the laser for nails until it receives specific permission to do so, Mr. Burtt said. Another company developing a laser, PathoLase, is so eager to get a piece of the billion-dollar-plus market for antifungal nail treatments that it has not waited for federal permission to begin marketing its device, the PinPointe Footlaser, for use on toenail fungus. Nearly 70 podiatrists in 21 states already offer PinPointe, according to PathoLase. The treatment, which is not covered by health insurance, costs $1,000 or more. The F.D.A. requires manufacturers to wait for federal clearance before marketing a medical device for specific uses. But PathoLase appears to have jumped the gun in the war on spores. Last week, a news broadcast by a Fox affiliate in Manhattan featured PinPointe as the latest thing for nail disorders. Dr. Stuart J. Mogul, a podiatrist in Manhattan who demonstrated the laser during the broadcast, said he had recently treated four patients with PinPointe at a cost of $1,200 each. He said it was too soon to tell whether the treatment had worked. â€Å"I explain to patients that the only risk is financial,† Dr. Mogul said in an interview last week. He added that representatives of PathoLase had told him that the F.D.A. had  approved the laser as being safe. Up until Tuesday, PinPointe’s Web site promoted the toenail laser as â€Å"F.D.A. cleared† and included an endorsement from a podiatrist in California saying he had used the device for six months on 225 patients. Because the F.D.A. cleared the device in 2001 for use in dentistry, doctors are free to use it for other purposes, John Strisower, the chief executive of PathoLase, said in an interview on Monday. Technically, the F.D.A. does not regulate the practice of medicine, so doctors are indeed able to use approved drugs and devices for unapproved purposes when they deem it appropriate.

Competitive Advantages Of Johnson And Johnson Commerce Essay

Competitive Advantages Of Johnson And Johnson Commerce Essay Johnson  Ã‚  Johnson (JJ) was founded more than 120 years ago on a revolutionary idea that doctors and nurses should use sterile sutures, dressings and bandages to treat peoples wounds. Ever since, JJ has brought to the world, new ideas and products that have transformed human health and well-being. Johnson  Ã‚  Johnson has more than 250 companies located in 57 countries around the world involving specially in to three main businesses ; medical devices and diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health care. JJ has experienced astonishing growth through global expansion, innovative products and processes, RD, services and quality that make a difference in peoples lives. Johnsons Baby is the most trusted brand of skin care products for mothers all over the world. Like Diaper rash care, baby powders, baby hair care, baby bath products and many more. They offer products and information targeting baby care, skin and hair care, nutritionals and so on. Creating meaningful innovation in health care within the consumer business franchise depends on a research strategy deeply involved in technology and consumer insight. This takes into consideration JJs vision: Bringing Science to the Art of Healthy Living! Major competitors Although the Consumer Health Care division is the smallest of the companys three segments, it includes some of the companys most recognizable brands such as Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Band-Aid. The major competitors of JJ are Novartis and Procter and Gamble in baby care products. Table 1: sales of Major Consumer Franchise in USD Millions Company Name Johnson Johnson (Baby Care) Novartis (consumer health) Procter Gamble (BABY CARE AND FAMILY CARE) 2007 1,982 NA 1,440 2008 2,214 1,125 1,728 2009 2,115 1,118 1,770 Table 1 and graph 1shows the greater sales figure of baby care products of JJ than its competitors which also includes family health care products. From this, we can see the highest market share of JJ in the industry. In baby care, they compete primarily in diapers, training pants and baby wipes, with approximately 35% of the global market share. Graph 1: chart showing sales of table 1. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES PRODUCTS The first competitive advantage for JNJ lies in its product itself which has NO MORE TEARS ® formula patent. Safety, comfort, and gentleness have always been a top most priority in its products. Instead of soap or alcohol it uses various harmless chemicals, and its products go through rigorous clinical testing to ensure the highest standards in baby care. Johnsons baby shampoos and soaps has been a trusted product for the parents which rinses very quickly and cleanly, and doesnt cause irritation to skin, eyes and scalp unlike others products. They have got most number of patented products. BRAND JJ has a history of 120 years of operations which has been trusted by doctors, nurses and parents around the world, now operating across 57 countries with more than 250 operating companies. In 2008, its brand value was worth of $3,582 millions, ranking 92 in the world. The company has been involved in many CSR activities like supporting International Youth Foundation for HIV/AIDS prevention program in Africa, child center in India, educating the people and providing handful tips regarding healthy and safety living, caring babies, and healthy environment. INNOVATION It is interesting to see innovation in terms of its products and processes as well in JJ, and every year it comes up with innovative products. Recently they have introduced new night time product which has been clinically proved to help babies fall asleep well and throughout the night. JJ has strong and well-equipped RD network, state-of-art technology, huge investment capacity, world-class research facilities, highly productive small team settings, and sound scientific methods. Every year JJ invests billions of dollars in RD, in 2008, it had invested 11.9% of its total sales (total sales figure was $7,577 million), ranking 7 in the worlds top companies spending in RD, and topmost in its industry. EXTENSIVE COLLABORATIONS JJ has been exclusively involved in selective licensing, acquiring and forming joint ventures for growth and expansion. Every year they enter in to 100s of strategic alliances and they have acquired more than 35 companies through the world so as to share best practices, acquire and develop cooperative talent, share research initiative, group purchasing and others. For example, in 2006, it acquired consumer section of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (PCH), which added diverse portfolio in nine additional categories. In same year, it acquired Groupe Vendome, a reputed company in France involved in adult and baby skin product, and now JJ is selling product in their brand name in market of France. The ability to work across company and countries has helped JJ to produce most comprehensive and broad health care products, which has made them unique in the market. Their diversification is within the industry has made possible for cross business collaboration to address unmet health care needs. CORPORATE CULTURE Driven by the companys vision and support from top management, employee diversity has become one competitive advantage for JJ supported by various programs and activities like affinity groups, mentoring programs, diversity university, etc. Employees are encouraged to work in different divisions and roles so as to develop broadly. The business model adapted by JJ fundamentally uses the adaptation of entrepreneurial values. The decentralized corporate structure results in different people with different skills, thoughts, and ideas coming together and collaborating to develop products and technologies. The company has received various awards and recognitions for its best practices. We have the people, proprietary technology and capabilities of many diverse, entrepreneurial companies, this enables us to innovate at the intersections of our businesses. Thats an important competitive advantage and why were truly more than the sum of our many vibrant businesses. Johnson Johnsons Vice Chairman Christine Poon Sustainability and conclusion JJenjoys sustainable competitive advantage mainly due to corporate culture and brand name. Innovation has become possible because of its resource capabilities, extensive collaboration strategies and its business model. It would be surprising to see JJpossessing more core competencies which they have created from 120 years of operations. It has created more value to customers from benefit and cost advantage thorough increasing return rather than economies of scaleThus, we strongly believe that it will make them to stand out in the market in days ahead too.

Love :: essays research papers

Love is the most important aspect of human life as we know it. The reasons are because it is one of the only things that can not be bought with any amount of money so it makes it a very scarce resource. If love would have a price tag it would be for an infinite amount of dollars, pounds, or even pesos. Some people live their whole life looking for a " true love" some are lucky and find it. Some live their life la vida loca and have never found the time to find a true love. Others get tired of waiting and get married without love. Love has not changed at all over the course of history and this makes it the most important emotion in the human mind, body and soul. Over time the definition of love and what it is has been debated and argued over, but in most cases the answer is very similar. "True love is like two rivers that meet and merge, intertwining completely into one, then flowing on together. True love cannot be buried; but once unselfishly rooted it will grow forever." Quote on quote true love does exist but unfortunately is not found by all. During Plato and Socrates years it was harder to make a clear definition of love due to the fact that most people didn't have a chance to find their perfect match. Due to the politics involved in arranged marriages people didn't have a good chance to meet the person of their dreams and whom they really loved. This gave some sour views of love and the concept of true love. The lower class in the early days was the luckiest class of that time period because they had a chance to seek out the person they wanted to be with because it wasn't important if a merchants' son married a farmers' daughter, but if a prince fell in love with a farmers' daughter the chance of them being able to be together was impossible. 1 Anonymous www.home.talkcity.com/MoshPitWay/wrenwren1/quotes.html 9/25/00 12:22AM. Plato completely understood love and this is why he never got married. He was a great philosopher and communicated and learned from of great philosophers ex. Socrates and Aristotle. Plato believed that love got people hooked and got them to do abnormal things. "Love is a serious mental disease." and then he goes on to say "Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the gods.

Innocence of Children in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Scarl

Innocence of Children in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne does an admirable job of expressing the true nature of his characters. Nowhere in his story is this more obvious than in his portrayal of the children. Children, in their innocence will say or do anything, for unlike adults, they are not constrained by societal expectations. They are oblivious to most manners and politics and therefore, are less reserved than the adults when it comes to questioning things or speaking their mind. Pearl, the leading child in the novel, is an excellent example of childish innocence combined with almost preternatural perception. Her willpower and imagination make her a blessing and a curse to her mother, who has paid such a dear price for her child. "After testing both smiles and frowns, and proving that neither mode of treatment possessed any calculable influence, Hester was ultimately compelled to stand aside, and permit that the child be swayed to her own impulses" (Hawthorne 82). Pearl could not be controlled by anyone, nor did she easily establish relationships with others. The other children in town would often tease her and gang up on her, berating Pearl and her mother. Pearl's anger, however, was released in fits of fury as she screamed and flung things at her opponents. These heathenish qualities and unintelligible screams made many of the townsfolk believe her to be a witch (Hawthorne 85-86). In one of the final chapters, Mistress Hibbins, a confirmed witch, proclaims Pearl to be the daughter of the Prince of the Air, another term for Satan (Hawthorne 222). Pearl is never, in the entire book afraid to speak her mind. Her mother, embarrassed by many of these outbursts, tries in vain to... ...t of humanity. Maturity and responsibility come with time, but so do the restraints that humans put on their actions, tongues, and hearts. Children, however, are very perceptive, and Hawthorne makes this very clear. Their eyes and ears are always open, yet no one notices a child. Pearl's wisdom and innocence are infuriating and lovable aspects of her personality, and in many ways, she voices what Hester only thinks. Adults in The Scarlet Letter, especially Mr. Dimmsdale, keep their thoughts, feelings, and emotions to themselves, sometimes with disastrous results. In truth, only children can be trusted to tell the complete and utter truth, for they do not understand the tact of white lies, the manners with which we must conduct ourselves, or the politics of society. Work Cited Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. 1850. New York: The Modern Library, 2000.

Boxing: Down For The Count :: essays research papers fc

Boxing: Down for the Count The tenth edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines boxing as "the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport." I could be mistaken, but there is a certain emphasis placed on the idea that boxing is practiced as a sport. It is rather ambiguous. Is boxing a sport to begin with? Is boxing something else that is just practiced as a sport? Is it, can it, or should it be practiced as something else rather than as a sport? Maybe I am just making too big a deal out of a simple definition here. Nevertheless, this simple definition of boxing gives rise to one question we should all take some time to answer: should boxing be practiced as a sport? Examination of medical findings and statistics and re-examination of our views and goals as a modern society will lead us to the one inevitable conclusion: considering boxing as a respectable sport just flies in the face of decency and civilization and therefore, it should be banned. Somehow, boxers and supporters have deluded themselves into thinking that boxing, when properly conducted, is safe. The classic justification goes something like this: "[b]oxers are not two brawling brutes seeking to maim or kill each other. [t]hey are two closely matched athletes seeking, through the use of such skills an footwork, timing, accuracy, punching, and feinting, to determine who is the better man in the ring" (Farley 26). Unfortunately, dead boxers tell a different story. A study on dangerous contact sports conducted by Patrick Malone of the Knight Ridder News Service in 1980 revealed that from 1970 to 1978 in America, there was an average of 21 deaths per year among 5,500 boxers, or 3.8 deaths per 1,000 participants, compared to college football's 0.3 deaths per 1,000 and high school football's 0.1 deaths per 1,000 (Sammons 247). Another more recent study conducted by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia revealed that 361 deaths have occurred in the ring worldwide since 1945 (NHMRC 22). Deaths and serious injury suffered in boxing contests reveal only a small percentage of the potential for danger. Unfortunately, the damaging effects of the "sport" are cumulative and difficult to diagnose, sometimes resulting in death, serious illness, or blindness long after the boxer is out of the public limelight. However, convincing evidence has mounted over the years to the effect that chronic encephalopathy (a disease of the brain marked by personality changes, intellectual impairment, slurred speech, and motor deficits), Parkinson's syndrome (a nervous disorder marked by tremors, drooling, muscle weakness, and

Five Forces Porter Essay

These five forces are empirically derived, e.g. by observation of real companies in real markets, rather than the result of economic analysis. Porter’s five forces is a useful generic structure for thinking about the nature of industries. The understanding of the structure of an industry is the basis for formulation of competitive strategy. The work of Porter provides an analytical framework for the analysis of the structural factors that condition competition within an industry and suggests several generic competitive strategies. An industry is not a closed system, competitors exit and enter, and suppliers and buyers have a major effect on the prospects and profitability of the industry. However, Porter points out that the structure of an industry will not change in the short term. Industry structure is something that irrespective of the general economic climate or short term fluctuations in demand fundamentally affects return on investment. Structural change is slow and often associated with political and labour conflict. Structural factors are often cited as holding back development and in some cases governments make funds available to mitigate social problems caused by structural change. By understanding this Porter’s five forces framework that used to analyse industry’s competitive forces and to shape organization’s strategy, we can apply it in our company by developing the following steps below: 1.Gather the information on each of the five forces In this step, managers / strategists should gather information about their industry and to check it against each of the factors influencing the force. 2.Analyze the results and display them on a diagram / matrix In this step, managers / strategists should analyze the gathered information and determine how each force is affecting an industry. For example, if there are many companies of equal size operating in the slow growth industry, it means that rivalry between existing companies is strong. The thing that must be remembered is five forces affect different industries differently, so don’t use the same results of analysis for even similar industries. 3.Formulate strategies based on the conclusions At this step, managers / strategists should formulate firm’s strategies using  the results of the analysis. For example, if it is hard to achieve economies of scale in the market, the company should pursue cost leadership strategy. Product development strategy should be used if the current market growth is slow and the market is saturated. In the end, even though Five Forces is a great tool to analyze industry’s structure and use the results to formulate firm’s strategy, it has its limitations and requires further analysis to be completed such as SWOT, PEST, or Value Chain analysis.

Interpersonal Communication in Relationship Essay

Raising a child is every parent’s challenge once their kids are born. In today’s setting where influence plays a major aspect of affecting a child’s behavior, it is not enough that parents only provide their material and financial needs. It is also important that at the soonest time possible, parents should have the initiative to commit themselves in raising their kids by giving them the time and attention they need so they could be guided and taken care of effectively. At the age of 26, the author gave birth to a healthy baby whom she named Sarah. Her experience of motherhood is a combination of stress and happiness that also included many unselfish sacrifices in order to give her the future that she deserve and for many years now, they both enjoy their companionship as they treat each other the best of friends more than of a mere daughter and mother relationship. As a mother, the author believes that communication is the secret weapon for any harmonious relationship. For 23 years, she was able to create an environment for Sarah where she feels comfort to be herself with her mother. It avoids pretension, promotes transparency and builds trust to the bond that they have. Through communication, the author was able to blend in to Sarah’s world making her know more about her daughter’s likes and dislikes, her insecurities, her fears and strengths, her grades, crushes and in general, Sarah as a person inside and out. This has helped her appreciate the things that her daughter enjoys and be the kind of friend that her daughter needs. Communication manifests itself in different form such as information, signs and gesture and messages. It is important that these messages, signals and signs that are interchanged between parties are consistent and delivered well so that trust can be built. Being a parent makes her cautious of the words she speaks because it will affect her child’s learning and behavior. The aim of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of Interpersonal Communication in understanding the current relationship of the author with her daughter in able to create groundwork for the development for a long-term partnership. In this particular case, we will look at the role of communication in the development of trust and closeness between the parties and the inner reflection of the author’s behavior in her relationship with her sibling to become a better individual. ANALYSIS The words that people apply in discussion express information regarding who they are, their objectives, their spectators, and their circumstances. The words that people use can yield clues about the quality of their relationships. This opening discusses the job of language usage in relationships, look purposely on subject of analysis, the kinds of words that are necessary in relationships, data gathering, and clinical proposition. Language gives a range of meaning in relationships. It can be an idea of relationship standing, a tool of relationship preservation or adjustment, or the picture of important relationship characteristics such as sovereignty and interdependence. Some say that relationships are simply a game of language. The Interpersonal communication (IC) is a tool that defines the different ways that we can do to create a better communication with other people. It is important because of the functions it achieves. We use it to gather information, understand things better, to establish identity through knowing other people better and other personal needs. As we go on through the paper, we shall analyze the development of Sarah and her mother’s relationship through the Knapp’s Relationship Escalation and Deterioration Model. Looking at Sarah and the author’s connection, the bond that they have is strengthen and tested through the time that they have been together as a family. Their interpersonal communication created a big influence in their personal growth as a mother and daughter as they learn to share and discuss their ideas and thoughts in different aspects of life together. The Knapp’s Model of Escalation consider this as the Intensifying Stage where they learn to treat each other less formal and consider one another as best of friends. Being in a relationship makes people highly interdependent. There is a feeling of â€Å"oneness† that another person becomes a part of your â€Å"self†. We become attracted to people who has the same interest, attitudes, experience, backgrounds and personality as we have. Because of their genes, there is a possibility that Sarah might have inherited some of the physical, emotional and behavioral traits of her mother that keeps her attracted to her. This feeling of likeness and belongingness makes her relationship with the author warm and alive. Attraction is important in a relationship because it initiates a relationship which is considered as the Knapp’s Model of Escalation’s the Initiation Phase and without it, people will not be interested to know people better and start a relationship with them. A relationship is affected by attraction because it influence others to be like us, it validate our believes and characteristics, and draw conclusion about character based on supposed similarity. Sarah is fascinated to her mother as she considers her a role model because of her ways of doing her job as a mother and a friend. This kind of attraction makes her comfortable to do things together with the author thus opening more about herself to her more than she could ever do to other people. Self-disclosure is both the mindful and unaware means of exposing more about ourselves to others. This includes our personal thoughts, feelings, aspirations, goals, failures, success, fears, dreams and even our preferences, dislikes and favorites that most people do not share to avoid possible negative judgments from others. In able to know her daughter better, the author opened herself to Sarah and started to share her personality, her ideas, experiences and her past in able to create a friendly image that would make her daughter feel that she is not hard to reach as a parent and she is worthy of her trust and friendship. The decision to unmask includes a lot of thinking and planning as it might also give a different meaning to the people that they are talking with. The Knapp’s Model of Escalation sees it as the Experimentation phase where people who are new to each other asks information of each other in order to deliver the best way of showing their true identity if they wish to create a relationship. It includes discussions while watching television, doing household chores, sharing stories and more that would make us learn more about the person that we want to be with. Patience and dedication creates perfect opportunity to know people better. The moment that they both feel comfortable with each other is the time that they will consider themselves as partners. The Knapp’s Model of Escalation defines this stage of relationship as the Integrating phase where people formalize their bond. This is the point where people create a world that they both enjoy while doing things together. Since that Sarah considers her mother as her best friend, she now sees the significance of her mother more than before because she was able to know her better. This had given the author the opportunity to have more control in monitoring her child’s growth since that she is now closer to her. The last stage of the Knapp’s Model of Escalation is the Bonding phase where people in the relationship establish a commitment to keep the relationship last a long time. Once engaged in a relationship, people tend to look after each other, supervise each others activities, discuss problems and face the challenge of life together. This is the phase of relationship where Sarah and her mother is currently into. This can be considered as the victory of every relationship where the goal of every people in the partnership in creating a bond is accomplished. It is important that they continue to maintain their relationship for as long as they feel that they both want to preserve their connection. As a mother and daughter, a good bond to one another makes Sarah grow in a family where she can consider herself safe and secured. The years that they have been together and the experiences that they both encountered good or bad are all considered as the building blocks of their family’s relationship. Whatever they think of each other is based on the judgment on their performance as a partner during the relationship period. It is true that there is no perfect relationship and even mothers and daughters have fights and conflicts of their own. The Interpersonal Communication measure conflicts in relationship through the Knapp’s Model of Deterioration. As relationship widen and get older, partners or friends see their differences to one another in the process, because of this, they tend to realize the other sides of each other that they do not really know about during their first stages of their relationship. This is the Differencing phase of the Knapp’s Model of Deterioration that is the initial sign of there is something wrong in the relationship that should be taken care of. Sarah and the author’s relationship is not all happiness. It is just normal that they will encounter conflicts regarding issues in politics, work ethic, gender role expectations, school problems and maybe even doing the dishes at home. Fortunately, since Sarah and her mother shares the same family, the author and Sarah still find ways of mending things together since they have free-communication to each other. When a problem is not resolved, communication begins to fade making the people concern not interested on solving the conflict anymore. This Circumscribing phase is a stage in relationships that occurs when a serious conflict is really at hand. Unfortunately, problems can crash a relationship no matter how old or great it is. Sarah and the author were able to get through this stage when dealing teenage problems. Teenagers are aggressive and do things that they are not really aware about and mothers sometimes get into they way that makes them monster in their sights. Families have these problems and more and if communication is not an option, most of them would not have solved their problem like they did years ago. When the people in the group or in a relationship accept that a problem can’t be solved, then the Stagnating phase immerges. This is the stage where individuals avoid discussions about the relationship because they think that it is only the matter of time that the relationship is going to end. Others will start to notice that there is something wrong in the relationship and will try to help but as long as the people concerned in the conflict do not participate, there will be no reconciliation. Relationships in conflict needs some space to think about the problem, sometimes they need to be separated and live independently to see the value of their friendship or relationship and decide whether they want to resolve it or not. This is the Avoidance phase of the Knapp’s Model of Deterioration where the pair begins to physically separate themselves to avoid the opportunities for any discussion. This will make them think on themselves and about the situation without other people’s way. When decided to live on, away from the relationship, the last and final stage of the Knapp’s Model of Deterioration takes place. The Terminating phase can occur positively and negatively depending on the way of their parting. Fortunately, Sarah and the author haven’t been in this stage that they would decide to live on separate ways. It is true that some relationships are not meant to last. However, in a positive side, some closed relationship creates new opportunities for the better and also in some cases, there are relationships that are just meant to dissolve into nothing and be left forgotten. Conflict is a part of most every interpersonal relationship. Managing conflict, then, is important if the relationship is to be long-lasting and rewarding. The management of conflict is necessary for saving any relationship that hangs from falling apart. CONCLUSION Communication manifests itself in different form such as information, signs and gesture and messages. It is important that these messages, signals and signs that are interchanged between parties are consistent and delivered well so that trust can be built. In families, communication is very essential for keeping their relationship running hassle free. Trust plays a serious part in developing a relationship with children. To create this bond, parents should have a thin line between them and their children so they will fee security in investing their feelings with them. This process includes listening to their problems, giving advice, sharing their secrets, being like a friend and others that will make a child at ease in Children learn from what they see, hear and feel and it is very important that parents as their core foundation of their behavior would influence them greatly through giving their time and dedication to be with their child by establishing a relationship with them. BIBLIOGRAPHY Definition of Interpersonal Communication (1999) Accessed last April 17, 2009. Source: http://www. abacon. com/commstudies/interpersonal/indefinition. html

Fall of Labor Unions

What do you think of when you hear the phrase â€Å"labor unions?† Most people associate a negative connotation with labor unions. They think that labor unions are the only cause of strikes and work stoppages. Most think that people in unions are greedy and will do anything to get more money. Others swear by their unions, saying that their employers would take advantage of them if they didn†t organize their unions. However as we prepare to enter the new millennium, labor unions are decreasing in size. Let†s look at some of reasons. First, the numbers are unmistakable. At the end of 1997, when the most recent count was made, only 14.1% of workers belonged to unions, the lowest percentage since 1936 (Gross 23). This is a dramatic decrease from when unions were at their height at the end of World War II when 35.3% of Americans were in unions (Galenson 13). One cause of this fall of union membership is the decline of manufacturing in America and the transfer of much manufacturing work over seas (Gross 24). Because of advances in technology and labor saving innovations, fewer people are required to make steel and assembler automobiles. As a result, only 16.1% of U.S. workers now work in factories, down from 22.8% twenty years ago (Aronwitz 2). There has also been a decrease in size of the large corporations, which in the past usually signed industry-wide contracts to produce a particular item. The latest figures show that the 800 largest firms employed 17% of the total workforce, down from 25.7% twenty years ago (Aronwitz 3). Many of these companies have their work done abroad. Nike does not make a single shoe in the United States and many insurance companies are having paperwork processed over seas (Hacker 45). At home corporate jobs are frequently assigned to temporary workers, who are often classified as â€Å"independent contractors† and are not very likely to join unions. Indeed, there are fewer long-term jobs, something union seniority could once guarantee. Last year, among men aged forty to forty-five, only 39.1% had worked ten or more years at their current job, compared with 51.1 percent in 1983 (Galenson 27). So, one might ask, what caused this to happen? At some point in the 1980s, the balance of power shifted against labor unions. Some say the defining moment was in 1981, when then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan forced an end to the bitter air traffic controllers' strike. Others point to the 1985 victory of then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher over striking coal miners (Gross 239). Whatever the reason, unions are trying to make a comeback. There are several strategies that unions have devised to return to their former glory. Unions have adopted a more lenient attitude towards management, reducing the number of strikes to record lows in the 1980s and early 90s, and attempting to negotiate contracts providing job security for members (Gross 278). Unions have also placed greater emphasis on organizing drives for new members. Although unions have been very successful in organizing government employees, they have been less successful with recruiting office workers in the rapidly expanding services sector. However, during the last two decades, the wage advantage for unionized workers with private jobs has fallen by 44.1 percent, although the public sector has increased by 9.5 percent (Maguire 20). Currently, 41.9% of union members are from the public sector. Among the most strongly unionized occupations are firefighters (71.6%), flight attendants (69.4%), and high school teachers (56.1%). Only 28.6 percent of coal miners belong to unions and only 19.5% of truck drivers (Hacker 47). Despite all of the downsides of unions they do have their benefits. Here are a few examples of salaries secured through collective bargaining by highly trained professionals: Pilots with only fifteen years of service at Northwest, American, United, and US Airways now earn on average over $175,000 a year. Professors at New York City University can now get as much as $101,655 for twenty-eight weeks of teaching. Under the current National Basketball Association contract, first year players-some of them right out of high school-will start at $300,000 (Hacker 48). The recent NBA lockout has shaped many peoples† opinions on labor unions. Most people, myself included, thought that it was ridiculous for these people to be having a labor dispute. The players are already making an insane amount of money and the owners are millionaires themselves looking to add to their pocketbooks also. The real losers in this battle are the fans who love the game. They cannot see their favorite players in action because of this dispute. This just goes to show you that labor markets affect us in our everyday lives. Another way labor unions can affect our lives is when they decide to strike. This can effect hundreds, even thousands of workers in the General Motors strike in 1998. In the case with the automobile industry, many factories are involved in the production of their cars. If even one of these factories strikes then the other factories must also shut down. This chain reaction can render thousands of workers jobless in just a few weeks. The union members know that there is always a potential risk of striking as accept as part of their job. What role will unions play in the future? Will they ever return to former glory? Nobody knows for sure. Economists have mixed feeling on this matter. Some say that the workers of the twenty-first century will demand a return to the unions and organize in record numbers. Others say that the current trend will prevail and almost wipeout unions completely until there are only a handful of them remaining. My opinion is that unions will stick around for as long as people are working. They will be there to protect the rights of the individual worker and make sure that he or she is treated fairly.

HR Dissertation †Iconicity and hubris

Abstract This paper outlines the importance of iconicity and hubris in the context of modern architecture. Significant applications of the phenomenon identified as Starchitects and their contribution to developing a new mode of architecture are presented in this study. The main objective of the study is to explore the failures of iconic buildings created by Starchitects, by focusing on various aspects including economical and political, social and ethical, and environmental and evolutionary. In order to meet these research objectives, the researcher uses non-empirical research method in the sense of collecting relevant information from secondary resources. The most important conclusion presented in the study is that iconic buildings are perceived as egocentric representations of the improperly constructed ambitions of Starchitects. Chapter 1: Introduction In the 21st century, global developers have demonstrated their strong willingness to use the potential of Starchitects in order to create monumental buildings. The boom of Starchitects in modernity can be explained with the rapid process of globalisation as well as economic progress and development (Marshall, 2000). Designs of such architects are usually perceived as iconic dominated by extensive visibility and unique characteristics that contribute to the appeal of these buildings. It has been argued that the use of Starchitects is an innovative way to expand tourism in different sites across the world. The design of prestige buildings around the world has been marked by the simple idea to make a difference in producing specific landmarks for cities (King, 1990). The motives for the establishment of particular landmarks adhere to the specificity of Starchitects who are a product of their sponsors and organisations, which actively seek to present continuous innovation in the architec tural field. Different examples of iconic buildings can be found globally, such as the Imperial War Museum North (2002) based in Greater Manchester, UK, and the Seattle Central Library (2004) based in Washington, US. Similar buildings have been highly criticised since the time of their construction. This implies the existence of controversies surrounding some of the most famous buildings around the world especially at modern times. Perceived as an attitude, modernity can coexist with traditional architectural patterns. Modernity is mainly concerned with transformation of the present and tries to ensure such an aspect in emblematic buildings. Modern architectural patterns as evident in the pieces created by Starchitects implement the latest in composite materials and composite structural technology (Marshall, 2000). Accordingly, the growth of the cities has generated the needs for the incorporation of all the elements that define a developing civilisation, allowing them to seek out identity in the infrastructural resources that are found within them and their capability to communicate with others and represent themselves in international entrepreneurial matters (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). While the development of the architectural landmarks creates the possibility of increasing the tourism attraction to the sites, expositions and events are necessary to highlight and showcase these developments thus creating a means of investment for the local authorities and foreign investors. The main aim of the study is to provide a relevant understanding of the aspects of iconicity and hubris as applied to the work of Starchitects. The following objectives have been outlined for the study: To outline the economic and political failures of iconic buildings; To discuss the impact of social and ethical failures of iconic buildings; To present environmental (urban & natural) failures of iconic buildings; To explore the relevance of evolutionary perspectives Chapter 1 is introduction and sets the context for the present study. Chapter 2 is the literature review providing adequate information relating to the explored topic in the thesis. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology used in the study. Chapter 4 consists of research findings, discussion and analysis of findings. Chapter 5 concludes the study and provides specific recommendations pertaining to the main research questions and objectives. Chapter 2: Literature Review Three important subject matter terms identified in this thesis are Starchitects, iconicity and hubris. A Starchitect is referred to as an architect who is quite famous as a result of the high-profile creations being presented by him or her to the public (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). Iconicity is a term relating to the specific characteristics of an icon or something emblematic in the context of architecture (Glendinning, 2012). Hubris indicates a high level of self-assurance and thus is identified as extensive pride or self-confidence. In a book by Glendinning (2012), the focus is on the pitfalls of global modernism demonstrated in the creation of various architectural buildings globally. The main argument introduced by the researcher is that architecture has been apparently spectacularised, which has led to alienated architectural pieces and individuals. It has been indicated that the so-called iconic buildings have insignificant social and historical integrity, implying that the aspect of iconicity has been replaced by triviality that shows inappropriate identified architectural objectives (Jacobs, 1961). The type of iconic buildings created by famous Starchitects has expanded criticism in recent years, as outlined by Glendinning (2012). These buildings have been presented as competing for attention on the skyline and in the mass media. Similarly, Sudjic (2005) indicates doubts in the authenticity and properly intended purpose of iconic buildings. Moreover, researchers have considered iconicity as a distinct type of architectural tourism, which reflects in buildings intended for urban travel destinations (Specht, 2014). Kent (2010) implies that architecture’s status has been changed from iconic to extraordinary in the process of exploring architectural buildings’ effect on a sense of place. Such a sense has been explored by Rybczynski (2008) with a focus on the Bilbao effect or the Bilbao anomaly representing a costly iconic failure. The Bilbao effect, as shown in an article by Martin (2013), creates controversies and thus the researcher presents a warning about the perceived negative impact of Starchitects’ iconic buildings on local cities and states. Iconic architecture has been identified as a substantial failure, as argued in an article by Romaniuk (2010). The author of the research has presented convincing arguments relating to the manipulation of the mass media trying to create a desirable vision of iconic architecture. Such manipulation is evident in emotionally charged architectural projects including the Freedom Tower for Ground Zero (Romaniuk, 2010). It has been argued that the decline of belief and the extensive growth of pluralism have led to the emergence of iconic buildings that are unable to fulfil the objectives of authentic iconography (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). In addition, the legitimacy of identifying particular buildings as iconic can be judged with time, disregarding the mass media’s projected implications of successful architectural buildings solely based on sociological and financial profitability. Based on the major studies presented in the literature review, it can be concluded that buildings shou ld be constantly assessed in terms of the values with which they are associated. Chapter 3: Research Methodology The type of research methodology used in this study is non-empirical research design, which is suitable to explore the relationship between iconicity and hubris. Arguments are based on evidence and credible opinion provided in secondary resources (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). The major aspect relating to non-empirical research is the focus on data previously gathered by researchers in the field of architecture rather than gathering a new set of data. This research framework is often associated with the purposes of humanities and natural philosophy. One of the most important elements of this type of research methodology, as applied in the present study, is review of existing literature as the focus is to provide sufficient arguments in order to accomplish the previously stated research objectives (MacNealy, 1998). The systematic review of existing literature on the subject implies not only prior knowledge and adequate research skills but also ability to use a distinct form of meta- analysis in an attempt to reach conclusions which are important for the study. It has been noted that non-empirical research analysis suggests a significant amount of varying interpretations of the information obtained from secondary resources. A strong sense of intellectual inquiry is essential in this type of research because the process of acquiring knowledge is accomplished through valid critical and analytical interpretations of the research material (MacNealy, 1998). In fact, it is important to emphasise on the reinterpretation of consolidated information on the issues of iconicity and hubris within the new framework presented in this study. Thus, critical reflection is part of non-empirical research analysis, which is demonstrated in the present research. There is a solid focus on propositions for theory relating to the iconic dimensions of modern buildings across the world (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). The development of a particular approach to the present study is a well-structured process that starts with the identification of a focal issue, in pa rticular the exploration of iconicity and hubris including their impact on the perception of emblematic buildings created by Starchitects. Once the first step outlined in the research approach is completed, it is important to move into a direction of identifying key forces contributing to a better interpretation of the research problem. The researcher is expected to postulate such driving forces as well as to present the factors that have been considered the most significant for the completion of the research (Deleeuw et al., 2010). In addition, it is anticipated that systemic logic should be used to present critically the major arguments obtained from secondary resources. The final step of the presented research approach is to submit the entire research to critical consideration (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2006). It can be concluded that the acquisition of non-empirical knowledge can facilitate the process of obtaining relevant information, which would further expand the research to a new stage in the sense of providing an adequate answer and explanation to the research question. Chapter 4: Research Findings & Discussion and Analysis of Findings The main research findings obtained from the critical evaluation of secondary resources are grouped in different subsections of this chapter in order to focus on emerging aspects relating to iconicity and hubris in a more direct manner.Economical and Political Instances/ Cases of FailureA significant research finding demonstrated in this study is that of the impact of creating iconic buildings on the economy. Specific cases indicating hubris refer to Calatrava and Valencia, as Valencia has been recognised as a city of arts and sciences. Starchitects’ sense of hubris is evident in these cases and comes to show that architecture has entered a new mode of development. Although praised by some and rejected by others, the emblematic buildings created by Starchitects imply a substantial amount of efforts invested in presenting the philosophy of iconicity in architecture (Glendinning, 2012). According to Martin (2013), the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao serves as a releva nt example of how iconicity has been used as a substantial indicator to measure the direct impact on the economy. It can be suggested that the creation of iconic buildings around the world, such as in locations in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Albania and Brazil, has raised the question of the perceived economic effect of similar activities (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). The dimension of commercialisation cannot be disregarded, as the sole motivating factor behind the so-called iconicity and hubris can be found in the idea of generating substantial profits from architectural tourism, which is dominated by emblematic building. Another essential aspect can be also indicated in terms of considering Starchitects’ intention to fill vast spaces, but this tends to create a negative effect among some individuals. According to researchers, the hostage of international mega events is one of the most powerful tools that a city can use for show-casting of resources and development, as well as the development of architectural identities that have come to be defined within the industry as ‘destination images’ (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). In this context, specific contemporary events have come to be synonymous with commercial rivalry between cities as well as the transnational environment, as different regions struggle to attract more investors and consumer spending. In light of this, with the increase in pressure for the cities to expand their entrepreneurial stance as they aim at increasing their attraction to mobile capital, the cities have to make considerations on their investments. It would be less economical for them to carry out development if they are not going to realise monetary gain after the renovations. Strong competition is existent within most of today’s cities-th e competition being amongst the city investors themselves as well with other cities that may wish to host different events and expositions that are aimed at increasing the economic wellbeing of the region. For this reason, the completion of iconic buildings by Starchitects has increased from the regional and local scenes, stemming into international and global scales and requiring the integration of the political, social and infrastructural frontiers (Glendinning, 2012). Accordingly, the growth of the cities has generated the needs for the incorporation of all the elements that define a developing civilisation, allowing them to seek out identity in the infrastructural resources that are found within them and their capability to communicate with others and represent themselves in international entrepreneurial matters (Martin, 2013). While the development of the architectural landmarks creates the possibility of increasing the tourism attraction to the sites, expositions and events ar e necessary to highlight and showcase these developments thus creating a means of investment for the local authorities and foreign investors. For the most part, the mere presence of a beautiful square or a religious monument within a city cannot be enough for the modern city. In order to gain recognition as a modern city of the 21st century, a large portfolio of architectural development projects is necessary so increase the output, aesthetics and general appeal of the city to the outside world, as it is illustrated in the case of iconic buildings (Glendinning, 2012). The portfolio includes various strategies that are used by the local development councils in increasing the architectural resources found within the premises as well as the input by multinational organisations within this development in lieu of the rules that are used by Starchitects. As growth is experienced in today’s cities, individuals can witness how similar design implementations are used in different cities, with transformations of the existent architectures aiding in the provision of superiority and identity (Marshall, 2000). The last two decad es have seen the rise of the ‘megacity’ phenomenon, with small scale and often ‘off the grid’ cities being uplifted to city stardom through the regeneration of existent architectures and the inclusion of socio-cultural events around the creation of these resources. As global cities develop, cultural and communal events have been moved to these venues creating a sense of appreciation for their existence and a need for their improvement. Another finding that emerged from the research is that iconic buildings are perceived as a powerful tool to redefine the economical and political image of cities and countries in which they are constructed (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009). The economic impact of these buildings has been extensively considered in order to present adequate conclusions about the state of regional economies. It cannot be denied that the presence of many iconic buildings in different locations across the world has improved the economic well-being of residents. Based on the results obtained from conducting non-empirical research, it can be argued that there are both cases of economical and political successes and failures associated with the construction of iconic buildings. This finding is confirmed in a research by Reutskaja and Nueno (2009) who provide evidence of the positive impact on employment in the region due to the emergence of iconic buildings and the essential element of hubris attached to them. The construction of such buildings is directly linked with the creation of a substantial number of jobs in different countries as well as greater contribution to the local government budgets in terms of taxes and duties. Another positive economic impact is related to additional employment in manufacturing processes for organisations that are responsible for the construction of iconic buildings. However, the negative economic effects of the erection of emblematic buildings should not be ignored (Rybczynski, 2008). For instance, a significant economic drawback is associated with the higher fees that are usually charged by Starchitects, indicating their egocentric factors of motivation used in the construction of similar buildings. A consideration of the challenges of cost estimations and over-budgeting should be considered in order to determine the precise economical and political impact of iconic buildings.Social & Ethical Instances/ Cases of FailureThe representation of iconic building s has been also linked with specific social and ethical implications. There are extensive examples that indicate hubris of the involved Starchitects. These are Zaha Hadid’s Qatar Stadium and Patrik Schumacher’s rant at 2014 architecture biennale. It appears that the mentioned buildings carry out the ‘pride’ of their creators in terms of involved efforts to make a lasting impression on the public. Moreover, it has been discovered that the aspect of public alienation is among the main factors contributing to the increasing social and ethical instances of failed iconic buildings. Starchitects have been identified as losing their appeal because they have consistently adhered to the philosophy of constructing architectural buildings of excess (Glendinning, 2012). As a result, it frequently appears that architectural design of certain buildings around the world is dominated by excessive elements, which create an irrelevant perception among people. The present st udy also indicated that architecture is in a new era of development in the sense of focussing on the possibilities that technology has to offer. Yet, this raises the question whether such modern architecture succeeds in serving the needs of humanity (Kent, 2010). The answer to this question is complex considering the multiple effects created by the specific line or mode of architecture followed by Starchitects. However, it can be stated that architecture apparently emerges as an art that cannot be avoided by any means. An ethical instance of failed iconic buildings is related to the morality and controversy of such pieces of modern architecture. For example, Patrik Schumacher was accused of being motivated by an aspect identified as ‘misguided political correctness’. It has been argued that architects should try their best not to confuse architecture and art. A relevant finding revealed in this context is that architecture is actually found in charge of the specific form of the built environment (Glendinning, 2012). It is important to emphasise that one of the major duties of architects in contemporary society is to deliver a strong aspect of social justice. However, it should be indicated that Starchitects’ works have raised a series of ethical and moral concerns (Martin, 2013). In Qatar, migrant workers died at a stadium which is currently under construction, as this intensifies social anxiety and fear relating to the purpose and means utilised by Starchitects in their egocent ric representations found in modern buildings. It has been claimed that architects are not responsible for the death of these migrant workers, but the question of the moral and ethical parameters of such iconic buildings still remains persistent in the minds of individuals.Environmental and Evolutionary Instances/ Cases of Failure & Evolutionary PerspectivesThe issue of discussing Starchitects’ hubris reflects in numerous examples, such as Lloyds building and Calatrava & Valencia. The main aspect that was revealed in the study from an environmental perspective is that of the creation of defective masterpieces of architecture. It can be argued that such architectural creations have been resulted of the over-ambition of Starchitects (Glendinning, 2012). The example of Lloyd’s of London as anticipating leaving its iconic headquarters clearly illustrates the assumption of environmental failure. In fact, it has been indicated that the major problem with this building is its exposure to the elements making it an extremely costly structure (Martin, 2013). Cases of failure like this one point out that the technological advances of modern architecture have outpaced the simple ability of Starchitects to adeptly utilise them. The failure of emblematic buildings to meet strict functional requirements is indicative of their inappropriate environmental impact. Another example of a failed iconic building, as seen through the environmental lens, is seen at Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia. Only eight years after the completion of this project, certain parts of the construction started falling off. Such an instance of architectural failure confirms major findings outlined in the literature review section regarding the failures of contemporary iconic buildings (Reutskaja and Nueno, 2009; Romaniuk, 2010). The research findings indicated that both architects and developers are extensively focussed on erecting icons, but the results frequently turn out in a negative direction. The ambitions of Starchitects seemed to have contributed to the emergence of inappropriately maintained pieces of architecture in modernity (Romaniuk, 2010). In this sense, it can be argued that the architectural fabric is completely disregarded by Starchitects. Yet, a main problem created with iconic buildings is that they often produce one-lined response, which has become rather problematic for the entire functioning of the cities where these buildings are situated. Assessing the environmental impact of iconic buildings is a complex process relating to the interrelations of factors such as place, function and history (Rybczynski, 2008). Based on the research findings outlined in this study, it is important to state that iconic buildings have completely changed their status in the sense that people more and more start abandoning the idea of iconicity attached to similar pieces of modern architecture. The negative environmental impact of emblematic buildings cannot be ignored in the discussion of the ambitions of Starchitects and how those ambitions reflect in the buildings constructed by them. Changing the status of Starchitects’ buildings from iconic to extraordinary one is indicative of the way the public has altered its perceptions regarding the contributions of modern-day architects. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations This paper explored the implications of iconicity and hubris relating to architectural pieces created by Starchitects. Numerous aspects associated with this issue have been thoroughly investigated to include different perspectives and instances of hubris, such as economical and political instances of failure, social and ethical instances as well as environmental instances of how the concept of iconicity in modern architecture has been unsuccessful. It has been concluded that these architectural creations are merely economically and socially disruptive egocentric representations of the irrelevant ambitions manifested by Starchitects. The study illustrated how these emblematic constructions built by Starchitects have presented main failures with long-term social and ethical implications (Glendinning, 2012). As a result, it was demonstrated that the creations of Starchitects cannot be perceived anymore as iconic, as the aspect of iconicity has been simply replaced by so-called extraordi nary dimensions of perceiving similar buildings (Martin, 2013). The research method used in this study referred to the framework of non-empirical research analysis, which has been found suitable to meet the study’s main aim and objectives. This type of method allowed for greater flexibility in exploring specific concepts related to the impact of iconicity and hubris on the development of modern architecture (Sudjic, 2005). Moreover, the study identified that architecture has entered into a new stage of development with both positive and negative aspects that should be discussed thoroughly to understand the specific impact of Starchitects’ ambitions (Glendinning, 2012). However, certain limitations can be identified for the present study. The major limitation refers to the use of non-empirical research method. Instead, the researcher could have utilised empirical research method that could have contributed to achieving greater credibility and reliability of research findings (MacNealy, 1998). Another limitation relates to the specific literature that has been selected for obtaining results. Broader literature could have been used to cover the main arguments illustrated in the study (Yanow and Schwartz-Shea, 2010). In terms of recommendations, it is essential to note that the explored subject is quite complex and thus requires the implementation of multiple perspectives to understanding the wide array of impacts relating to the architectural works of Starchitects. Thus, it is recommended to conduct an in-depth primary research involving modern architects from different countries, as they can provide insightful suggestions regarding the development of a modern era in architecture (Glendinning, 2012). This recommendation also indicates a solid focus on including suggestions for future research in the field in order to bring the topic of iconicity and hubris of architectural buildings to new horizons of research exploration (Martin, 2013). 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