Critical Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Critical Thinking - Essay Example s and ideas, to understand them at a deeper level or to make judgments about them, to make connections between them or even to develop beliefs and ultimately to arrive at appropriate relevant action derived from these thoughts. Critical thinking has been defined in many different ways. Scriven and Paul (2007) define critical thinking as â€Å"the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action†. However in order to understand what it means to think critically one must look at the components of critical thinking and the attributes of people who think critically. The best description of what it means to think critically is the ability of the thinker to take charge of their own thinking. In order to do this it means that the thinker is engaging in a number of processes including questioning, interpreting and evaluating information, assessing and analyzing information, examining their own beliefs and assumptions and weighing up opinions against facts. One of the important criteria for thinking critically that differentiates it from other kinds of thinking such as creative thinking is that the thinking leads to reactive behaviors that are rational. To think critically therefore means more than just having thoughts; it means analyzing and evaluating an assessing not just thoughts but beliefs to improve life. Scriven, M. & Paul, R. (2007). The Critical Thinking Community. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from Foundation for Critical Thinking Web site:

Enter Golden Gator Essay Example for Free

Enter Golden Gator Essay One evening, zoo officials and animal experts alike captured a 3-foot alligator at the Presidios Mountain Lake. With the help of an expert alligator trapper, they were able to snare the 2-year old alligator by rod, reel, and hook. However, it did elude them a lot of times over. Many wondered how he even got to the lake on the first place. Some assumed that someone may have left him there, or was able to seek refuge and survive by eating fish, frogs, tadpoles, and insects. The little alligator found a new home at the San Francisco zoo, according to the zoos general curator, David Robinett. He added that the gator will be quarantined for 30 days. Furthermore, mice will be added on his diet during that said time period. The presence of the gator at the Bay area, especially on the mountain lake, aroused the curiosity of the people. It seems that gators tend to be more adaptive to colder conditions as opposed to their tropical cousins, the crocodiles. In a Name the Gator contest sponsored by the San Francisco Examiner

Alternative Medicines: Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Chiroprac

An ancient Chinese proverb proclaims, "Nature, time and patience are the three great doctors". Nowadays more and more people choose to be treated by methods that are not based on Western systematic techniques that are the knowledge and practice of medicine which is usual in the West. These methods are known as â€Å"Alternative medicine†, which consists of homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic medicine and others. Chinese medicine is also gaining popularity among people. The alternative way of treatment has verified its efficiency and is methodically founded, but, unfortunately, has its little disadvantages and needs a scientific base. For that reason, the alternative medicine is not generally available in all countries, and people have to pay for their individual treatment. Whereas some people consider it an ambiguity and do not dare try it because they consider it might be quite dangerous or insecure, some others just think about it as nonsense and pay little o r no attention to it. People who feel anxious or doubtful of it claim that if non-traditional medicine had really worked, then appropriate doctors would have used it. Nevertheless, since the early 1980s, the alternative medicine has become increasingly popular, and although it is not officially accepted by the medical base, some doctors do accept that such methods can be effective in treating some types of illnesses. Moreover, usual medicine has its boundaries, since some illnesses are untreatable and some others which are caused by mental troubles cannot be cured by its methods (Kowalski, 1998). In distinction, an alternative way of treatment can be efficient in various circumstances and there is a common approval that its methods can be valuable and advant... ...http://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=2749982 Epiro, E. & Walsh, N., (1997). â€Å"Alternative Medicine–Part Two: Mind Body Medicine–Expanding Health Model†. Patient Care 15 Sept. 1997: 127-145. Retrieved: February 13, 2011, from: http://www.oppap.com/subjects/health-and-medicine-of-the-middle-ages-page6.html Furman, B., (1997). â€Å"Trendy Traditional Medicine for a Modern Age.† San Diego Business Journal 10 Mar. 1997: A7-8. Retrieved: February 13, 2011, from: www.oppapers.com/subjects/diego-rod/ Krizmanic, J., (1995). â€Å"The Best of Both Worlds† Vegetarian Times Nov. 1995: 96-101. Retrieved: February 13, 2011, from: www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/ Kowalski, K., (1998). Alternative Medicine Is It For You? Springfield, New Jersey: Enslow Publishers. Retrieved: February 14, 2011, from: http://biography.jrank.org/pages/553/Kowalski-Kathiann-M-1955-Writings.html

Chapter 2-the Great Gatsby

Chapter 2 In chapter two of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many methods of narrative. In this essay I will analyse three: Character, Setting and Voice each in detail. In the opening sentence of chapter 2, Fitzgerald uses imagery to create a setting of almost like a limbo with never-ending roads and barren land. This theme continues throughout the first setting in the chapter. â€Å"This is the valley of ashes-a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges† Fitzgerald uses the word ‘ashes’ twice which re-inforces how dead and desolate the ‘valley of ashes’ is.Secondly, Fitzgerald uses an oxymoron with the connotations of ‘ash’ and ‘wheat’: death and life. This is like a microcosm of the fact that many people (in the book) came to New York to achieve ‘The American Dream’ and many failed. However, it could also represent Gatsby and how there are hints in the book that he came from nothing but h as worked his way to the top. In chapter 2, Fitzgerald introduces a few new characters to the reader. The character that stood out most for me was Myrtle. Myrtle is Toms mistress and is characterized as the complete opposite as Daisy.She is described with a ‘thickish figure’, ‘sensuously’ and ‘smouldering’, whereas Daisy is slender, kind and loving. Further on in the scene, Myrtle changes her outfit quite often. â€Å"Mrs Wilson had changed her costume† The word ‘costume’ suggests that Myrtle is just playing a part in her own fairytale with Tom. It is ironic because the reader later learns that Tom has no interest in Myrtle apart from her being a distraction. Also, the quality of her dresses as we read deeper into the scene become more and more rich as the first dress is described as ‘crepe-de-chine’, the second is ‘muslim’ and the final dress is ‘chiffon’.She changes her ‘costume ’ to give people the impression that she is wealthy because it is the life that she wants to live. Lastly, the use of ‘Mrs Wilson’ instead of Myrtle infers that is more important than when she was with her husband and it also underlines the fact that she is married. Fitzgerald uses the change of structure in the narrative voice to portray the state of Nick. â€Å"I have only been drunk twice in my life and the second was that afternoon† We already know from chapter 1 that Nick is apologetic and likes to think he is honest. Therefore it is almost like he is apologising for what is about to come.This is most likely to be because alcohol was illegal then and he is obviously embarrassed by his state. Later on in the scene, the narrative voice then changes to a more drunken state for example, he rants and uses repetition of ‘then’. Later on, as the evening progresses Nick wipes off â€Å"a spot of dried lather that had worried me all afternoonâ₠¬  from Mr McKee’s cheek. If Nick was sober he would not have done this but obviously feels the need to due to the alcohol. Lastly, the whole scene is told in a strange order and it seems like he is looking back and piecing it all together.

Haier’s Strategy for Global Success Essay

In 1920s China, a small factory opened in Qingdao, Shandong province, to manufacture refrigerators. Though the Qingdao factory survived for more than sixty years, by the early 1980s, poor management and heavy debt nearly forced it to declare bankruptcy. At the same time, the opening of the Chinese economy to the international market saw an influx of foreign companies seeking investment opportunities. One such company was Liebherr Haushaltergà ¤te (Liebherr), a leading German appliance maker. Liebherr saw a burgeoning market for appliances, and proposed a partnership with the Qingdao factory, in which Liebherr’s technology and manufacturing know-how would be sold to the factory. In 1984, Qingdao Refrigerator Co. Ltd. was born out of this partnership. However, technology alone was not enough to rescue the company. That same year, CEO Zhang Ruimin, then the assistant manager of Qingdao city’s household appliance division, arrived, bringing with him management techniques adopted from Japan and the West, with a focus on building a strong brand name founded on quality products. Mr. Ruimin’s techniques were successful, and by 1991 the company had turned a considerable profit and diversified into other household appliances such as freezers, microwaves and air conditioners. Recognizing that the company’s name was no longer synonymous with its products and had a poor reputation from its prior history, Mr. Ruimin decided to take a new name. The company adopted an abbreviation of the phonetic spelling of Liebherr – written as Lieberhaier – to become the Haier Group Corporation (Haier). This name change marked the birth of a new brand name and the revitalization of the company’s image. Capitalizing on its new management and brand, Haier transformed itself into the second largest home appliance company in the world, and the number one such company in China. By 2010, Haier designed, manufactured and marketed over 15,000 products in 96 categories sold in over 100 countries throughout the world. Branding The beginning of Haier’s brand strategy is the stuff of corporate legend. In 1985, one of the company’s customers brought back a refrigerator (still a rare luxury item in China at the time) because it did not work. Mr. Ruimin and the customer went through all the company’s available stock of refrigerators until they finally found a working model. Of the 400 or so finished refrigerators in the factory at the time, 76 were found to not be in working order. In response, he called his employees together and ordered that all of the dud refrigerators be lined up on the factory floor. He then gave sledgehammers to the workers and ordered them to smash the refrigerators. Mr. Ruimin is reported to have told the workers: ‘Destroy them! If we pass these 76 refrigerators for sale, we will be continuing a mistake that has all but bankrupted our company.† This event brought the importance of quality products to everyone in the company, and Mr. Ruimin stressed to them that quality products linked to a strong brand name were essential to the company’s survival. With this new commitment to quality, the installation of new equipment and the transfer of manufacturing know-how from Liebherr, sales rose 83% in two years. With the company’s reputation increasing, the name change to Haier created a new brand synonymous with quality cutting-edge technology that would inspire customer confidence and do away with any negative sentiments associated with the company’s former name. Developing new products backed by intellectual property rights (IPRs) such as patents ensured that the brand’s success would continue and it would maintain a competitive edge. The company and its customers also took pride in the ability of the Haier brand to successfully compete with more established international competitors. Haier knew that its brand was its most valuable resource, with brand image at the core of its business identity and strategy, therefore its early branding strategy was to build a strong, leading national brand name. Throughout the 1990s, the company realized its vision, and made multiple acquisitions to diversify its product portfolio and the company brand quickly become ubiquitous throughout China. With its position in China profitable and secure, Haier embarked on a global branding strategy. This strategy aims to position the company as a local brand in different world markets in conjunction with enhanced product competitiveness and strong corporate operations. The company focuses on localizing the design, manufacturing and sales processes, so it can truly become a â€Å"local† brand. The company is close to achieving its goal in important markets such as the United States and Europe, in which it has local production facilities. Its products are available in twelve of the top fifteen chain stores in Europe and in ten of the leading chain stores in the United States. Research and Development Since the company’s restructuring in the early 1980s, innovating new quality products has been of central importance to its goal of building a globally recognized brand name. Haier and its subsidiary companies constantly focus on innovating new products through research and development (R&D). One such technology the company’s R&D efforts developed is its â€Å"Safe Care† technology, which it applies to appliances such as water heaters. Safe Care monitors wiring and electrical components of the appliance and gives a warning should any electricity leakage pose a risk to the consumer. This technology was introduced at the 66th International Electrotechnical Commission Conference in 2002, and products equipped with Safe Care went on sale in 2006. This is just one example of Haier’s innovative capabilities through its R&D efforts. The R&D department is also responsible for developing all of the computer software that runs its products such as Safe Care, and this is an essential part of the company’s R&D strategy. Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks Haier’s innovation and expansion has led it to be the owner of over 6,000 patents and over 500 software copyrights worldwide. To maintain its competitive edge, the company ensures that it secures protection for all of its intellectual property (IP). Haier is an avid user of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, and has made over twenty PCT applications. Because the company endeavors to build a global brand, trademarks are also an essential aspect of its IP strategy. As such, Haier has registered a trademark for its company name under the international Madrid system. It has also made trademark registrations for its name in the United States with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and in Europe with the Trademark and Designs Registration Office of the European Union (OHIM). Commercialization Haier designs, produces and markets its products through its global network and business framework. As of 2010, Haier had fifteen industrial complexes, thirty overseas production factories and bases, eight design centers and over 58,000 sales agents worldwide. In the domestic market, Haier focuses on four leading product categories: refrigerators, refrigerating cabinets, air conditioners and washing machines. Haier also has a significant consumer electronics division. For international markets, Haier has adopted a unique strategy to penetrate difficult markets such as the United States and Europe. When it first entered the market in the United States, it identified two potentially lucrative yet underdeveloped niche markets – that of small sized refrigerators for dorm rooms, hotels, and the like; and electric wine cellars. Haier’s imports of these appliances, coupled with a strong design and development team, helped the company rapidly develop its brand, and by 2000 it was a major player in both product markets. The success of Haier in such niche markets has allowed its brand name to become well known, which encouraged the company to target the higher-end full size refrigerator market in the United States. To do so, the company built its first manufacturing plant in the United States in Camden, South Carolina in 1999. In line with the company’s goal of making its brand name â€Å"local† in international markets, this initiative was a resounding success. Haier has since undertaken similar initiatives in other markets such as the European Union and the Middle East. Business Results Haier’s focus on building a strong brand has brought it from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the most successful appliance companies in the world. By 2010 the company had over 50,000 worldwide employees. It enjoyed an annual growth rate of 68% between 1984 and 2005, with revenue in 2005 totaling 103.4 billion Chinese Renminbi (RMB). The company enjoys a 40% market share for household appliances in China and has successfully entered difficult markets such as the United States, and it is now the world’s number two refrigerator manufacturer, only second to Whirlpool. Despite the economic slump in 2008, Haier profits increased nearly 20% that year and enjoyed net profits of RMB 768 million. In 2004, Haier acquired a controlling stake in Haier-CCT Holdings, a joint venture which was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that same year. Haier’s international success and well known brand name led to the company becoming an official sponsor for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Success Built on the Shoulders of Branding Key to any company’s success is its brand, and strong brands allow a company to not only grow domestically but also internationally. Haier rode the wave of its strong domestic brand to enter new markets and expand into a fast growing multinational corporation. In March 2009, the Financial Times recognized Haier’s success when it ranked it among the Top 10 Chinese World-class Brands. Through protecting its IP and brand names with trademarks, Haier has built up a powerful asset that has transformed the company and brought global recognition for its brand and products.

Why Top Marketers Are 397% More Successful With Ben Sailer

Why Top Marketers Are 397% More Successful With Ben Sailer What separates the best managed and most successful marketing teams from the rest? How are they leaving you in the dust? What are the strongest predictors for success? Today, my guest is Ben Sailer, content marketing lead at . We talk about our 2019 State of Marketing Strategy Report. surveyed more than 3,000 marketers to find out what they’re doing to be successful. Inception and process behind State of Marketing Strategy Report Why do original research? Why put in so much time, effort, and energy? Generate your own data, instead of borrowing statistics How do you stack up? Sense of doing ok, but room for improvement to crush it 5 Marketing Insights about Top Marketers: Being Organized: They’re confident about their organizational skills; 397%   more likely to report being successful Setting Goals: They know which goals drive success; 376% more likely to report being successful Documenting Strategy: It needs to be nimble and actionable, not detailed and lengthy; 313% more likely to report being successful Planning Projects: Be clear about what needs to be done, by who, and why; 356% more likely to report being successful Using Agile Methodology: Marketers implement it to manage projects and processes; 252% more likely to report being successful Links: 2019 State of Marketing Strategy Report AMP 127: The Case For Agile Marketing: What 400+ Marketers Reveal As Top Benefits And Barriers With Andrea Fryrear From AgileSherpas If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes: â€Å"If you actually have your own original insight, that’s a lot more powerful.† â€Å"The insights we were able to extract from our datawere really corroborated. Some assumptions we hadwere a little bit more surprising.† â€Å"If you are a marketer who is cognizant of goals, you’re thoughtful about setting them, and if you work in that sort of mode, it makes sense that you’re also organized.† â€Å"If a goal is your destination, your documented strategy in whatever shape or form that takes is your roadmap to get there.†

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Essays (2933 words) - Kennedy Family

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Essays (2933 words) - Kennedy Family John Fitzgerald Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy 35th president of the United States, the youngest person ever to be elected president. He was also the first Roman Catholic president and the first president to be born in the 20th century. Kennedy was assassinated before he completed his third year as president. Therefore his achievements were limited. Nevertheless, his influence was worldwide, and his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis may have prevented war. Young people especially liked him. No other president was so popular. He brought to the presidency an awareness of the cultural and historical traditions of the United States. Because Kennedy expressed the values of 20th-century America, his presidency was important beyond its political achievements. John Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the second of nine children. Kennedy announced his candidacy early in 1960. By the time the Democratic National Convention opened in July, he had won seven primary victories. His most important had been in West Virginia, where he proved that a Roman Catholic could win in a predominantly Proteezt state. When the convention opened, it appeared that Kennedy's only serious challenge for the nomination would come from the Senate majority leader, Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas. However, Johnson was strong only among Southern delegates. Kennedy won the nomination on the first ballot and then persuaded Johnson to become his running mate. Two weeks later the Republicans nominated Vice President Richard Nixon for president and Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., who was ambassador to the United Nations and whom Kennedy had defeated for the Senate in 1952, for vice president. In the fast-paced campaign that followed, Kennedy made stops in 46 states and 273 cities and towns, while Nixon visited every state and 170 urban areas. Another important element of the campaign was the support Kennedy received from blacks in important Northern states, especially Illinois and Pennsylvania. They supported him in part because he and Robert Kennedy had tried to get the release of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. King, who had been jailed for taking part in a civil rights demonstration in Georgia, was released soon afterward. The election drew a record 69 million voters to the polls, but Kennedy won by only 113,000 votes. Kennedy was inaugurated on January 20, 1961. In his inaugural address he emphasized America's revolutionary heritage. 2"The same ? beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe," Kennedy said. 3"Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans?born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage?and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed and to which we are committed today at home and around the world." Kennedy challenged Americans to assume the burden of "defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." The words of his address were, 4"Ask not what your country can do for you?ask what you can do for your country." Kennedy sought with considerable success to attract brilliant young people to government service. His hope was to bring new ideas and new methods into the executive branch. As a result many of his advisers were teachers and scholars. Among them were McGeorge Bundy and Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., both graduates of Harvard. Kennedy's most influential adviser was Theodore C. Sorenson, a member of Kennedy's staff since his days in the Senate. Sorenson wrote many of Kennedy's speeches and exerted a strong influence on Kennedy's development as a political liberal, 5 a person who believes that the government should directly help people to overcome poverty or social discrimination. The president and Mrs. Kennedy attempted to make the White House the cultural center of the nation. Writers, artists, poets, scientists, and musicians were frequent dinner guests. On one occasion the Kennedy's held a reception for all the American winners of the Nobel Prize, people who made outezding contributions to their field during the past year. At the party the president suggested that more talent and genius was at the White House that night than

Make a professional impression as an introvert

Make a professional impression as an introvert These days, simply showing up to work and doing a good job is unfortunately not enough to succeed in the work world. If you want to build a successful career, it’s important to create a personal brand that defines you professionally. Then, you have to sell yourself. It’s a lot, right? And the trouble is, if you think of yourself as an introvert, you really hate putting yourself out there like that. You’d rather hide your light under your bushel and stay under your comfy little rock and have it all happen for you. Never fear: it’s possible to set yourself up with a great brand without making yourself feel super awkward- even if you’re super introverted. Read on to find out how.Let social media work for you.It doesn’t take any human interaction to set yourself up with killer profiles on all the social media sites. Keep them fresh and up-to-date. Make them representative of your personal style. You can do all this from the comfort of your own co uch, in your pajamas. Then, you can try a few fancy tricks like signing up for Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups to join the most current conversations in your industry and get your name out there.Have a script.If you’re prone to clam up in social situations, have an elevator pitch ready to go that you feel confident and comfortable delivering wherever you need to. But beyond that, you can script more of your social interactions if it helps. Draft a standard greeting or opener that you can turn to whenever you feel awkward in an overwhelming room and practice it until it comes naturally. Maybe it’s just an interesting question you ask every new person you meet, or a succinct summary of your job title and main responsibilities for networking events. Memorizing an intro might feel forced, but at least you’ll have some conversation starters ready so you never feel at a loss for words.Choose your marks.Be strategic- make a game plan ahead of time for networking and o ther work events. How many people do you want to meet? How many contacts do you need to rack up? Then, be more specific about who exactly you want to meet and why. Setting targets for yourself ahead of time can turn the whole thing into a project with an end point. Once you hit your quota and meet your big fish? You can go home!Follow up and stay in touch.Touching base after you’ve met someone is the classy thing for everyone to do, and it’s easy because you don’t need to do it in person. If you felt you made a weird impression on someone, shoot them an email or a note to keep the door open. Many introverts feel at their most charming when behind the screen. Take the time to type out exactly what you wish you had said.Do it your way.If something feels totally uncomfortable, you can only force yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit. If you try to take giant leaps, or to completely go against your instincts, you’ll be miserable and everyone will be able to tell. Realistically, what are your social limits? Define them for yourself. Then, work within them at first. Once you gain a level of comfort at this first level, slowly branch out. Then do it again. Networking and self-promotion are skills you must nurture and grow- if it takes you longer than your extrovert peers, so be it. You’ll get there.

Accounting assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Accounting assignment - Essay Example In particular, the financial ratios of WM Morrison (or â€Å"Morisson†) will be compared with Tesco. To further enhance analysis, of each of the four groups of ratios will be examined in rations to each other by taking consideration of the viewpoints of all corporate stakeholders. Tesco PLC is an international retailer, having a wider customer base than competitors that may just be operating in Britain. An international scope of business may be readily seen in its having higher amount of investments in terms of total assets as against competitors, which is of course matched by either total equity, or total liabilities or both. The typical local retailer in Britain is Morisson (WM Morisson, 2014a) which will be compared latter with Tesco on the assumption that the amount of investment could influence the level of profitability, liquidity and even investment rations. The company’s retailing business and associated activities could be found in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Malaysia, Thailand, Slovakia, South Korea, India and Turkey (Reuters, 2014b) The different ratios for analysis will analyse how Tesco has performed financially for the past four years and how it differs from those of its competitors on the average, of which one them in particular is WM Morisson. Performance is basically measured from the data taken from the income statements. The said income statement contains the essentially the revenues and expenses. The excess of revenues over expenses is called net income so that a profitable company should be able to have more revenues over that of expenses (Lee, 200; Pagach, et al; 2006; Porter and Norton, 2010). In this section however, the net income of the company would have viewed in relation to the figures coming from the balance sheet which include the total assets and total equity. When net income is related to

Structure and meaning in literary discourse Essay - 1

Structure and meaning in literary discourse - Essay Example As Robert E. Longacre declares, "a discourse revolution of some sort is shaping up in response to the demand for context and for greater explanatory power." (Longacre, 1) It is also relatable here that the current use of the term 'discourse' incorporates two areas of linguistic concern such as the analysis of dialogue and the analysis of monologue. Significantly, a workable discourse incorporates prominence and cohesion or coherence. In cohesion as well as coherence two basic components are included and they are surface structure cohesive devices and semantic and lexical coherence. The pre-eminence of a plot as a coherence device in a narrative has been generally recognised. Plot may be comprehended as notional structure of narrative discourse and there is correspondence between notional structural features and the surface structure. Embedded discourse has been a significant tool used in the plot and peak pf a literary piece in order to encode the inciting moments and developing conf licts in the notional structure as surface structure episodes. Charles Dickens' celebrated novel A Tale of two Cities has significantly several examples of embedded discourses and the novel marks the climax as well as the denigration as peak in its surface structure. ... both the climax and the denouncement as peak and peak' in its surface structure." (Longacre, 38-39) Therefore, there are several examples of embedded discourses in A Tale of two Cities and they relate to each other and integrate into the entire novel. The marking of surface structure peak has great implication in the literary discourse and it is important to recognise peak when embedded discourse is existent. There are several methods of embedded discourse like rhetoric underlining, concentration of participants, heightened vividness, change of pace etc. In rhetorical underlining, the narrator uses extra words when he wishes to keep the important pint of the story. Parallelism, paraphrase, and tautologies are some of the tools employed. The crowded stage has been recognised as the feature of peak. The notional structure climax or peak can be evidently found out in the novel A Tale of two Cities in the second trial of Charles Darnay. Heightened vividness is a major method which results from a nominal-verbal balance by way of tense shift. In the novel A Tale of two Cities one clearly finds a tense shift in one of the most important moments of the story. Thus, there is a tense shift to present tense in the novel following the trial a nd arrest of Sidney Carton instead of Charles Darney. The shift of the tense has importance in the story's development. The tense shift "adds vividness and excitement andmarks a peak' which encodes part of the notional structure denouncement of the story." (Longacre 40-1) Therefore, one may distinguish peak or climax from peak' or denouncement in the surface structure of the novel A Tale of two Cities. Change of pace is another method used by the literary discourse and its main devices are difference in the constructions and difference in

Youtube.com. Content Analysis Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Youtube.com. Content Analysis - Article Example When a character 's' was entered in the search textbox, the top keyword to appear was that of 'Shakira' and later when more few single letters were entered in the search box, the top keyword to appear was of actor or actress or movie or song. Youtube.com strongly advocates earning through video sharing which has made it so popular. The site allows the users to integrate their profiles with Google Adsense so that they can earn revenue whenever their videos are viewed. The site avails family filter but when the keyword 'porn' returned video results, the videos had unrestricted access allowing free view to all the users. Most of the videos that appear of the home page of Youtube.com are news and technology related most popular videos that are recommended by the site itself, and videos that are watched at the moment. The youtube.com also has become the directory for most of the news channels submitting their reality show clippings on YouTube making it convenient for viewers to watch it online and download the same. The commercial starts with the children asking for Boomerang. The one minute and one second commercial shows the fast paced life of Beyonce who has too many appointments, traveling different places and attending press conference. And while resting in hotel room, just says 'I don't have time to waste. That's why I shop online. No time to worry. That's why I am a card member'.

IT Evolution in Global Banking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

IT Evolution in Global Banking - Essay Example so access their bank accounts, withdraw cash, pay bills, get bank statements, deposit cash and even buy products without having to visit their bank branches. Indeed, what technology has facilitated is the reduction of physical conduct between the customer and the banker bringing in a new phenomenon known as virtual banking. Information technology can offer a bank a competitive edge over other banks (Singer, Ross & Avery 2005) The internet invention was the greatest breakthrough for banks in carrying out their transactions with customers (Wanderi 2012). As internet access is enhanced, more and more banks are turning to online banking services. Such services are more convenient to customers and the banker, they also save time and costs and increase efficiency. Banks that do not adopt technology are likely to be unpopular among the customer base. Automated teller machines, television banking, virtual banking, internet banking, mobile banking, online pay bill, mobile commerce, social media payments, credit cards and debit cards are some of the examples of how technology is changing the banking industry (Kendrick 2011). This paper will discuss the evolution of information technology in the banking industry with emphasis on internet banking, growth of e-commerce and virtual banking and new delivery channels such as PC banking, mobile banking and TV banking. The most important concept is the internet. In early years of internet, banks normally used the internet for internal purposes such as publishing of corporate data and offerings. At this time, internet was mainly used in banking as a tool of information dissemination to customers and the general public. This was then followed by banking internet services such as checking account balances online, paying utility bills online and online transfer of funds. Many banks feared transacting over the internet because of the security threats. However, with the growth in software and information technology infrastructure many

Supply Chain Management and New Product Development Research Paper

Supply Chain Management and New Product Development - Research Paper Example   New product development is that series of events that starts with the conception of the product and its ideation and ends with reaching the product to the end user through strategic brand positioning through the meeting of competitive advantage. New product development is an important part of any and every business today in order to show a portfolio that thrives on enrichment through innovation and new experiences in the market place. It is a concept that will hold the prospective consumer's attention for long enough in order to turn him or her into an actual end user. In a nutshell, through new product development, one renders a quality of improvising and strategic branding to the business and helps reach out to more and more people and turn them into consumers. Therefore, it is an important part of meeting competition and venturing into new markets to increase profitability and brand visibility as well. (Savage, 2007)   According to the above diagram, the importance of new product development lies in the fact that there is a need in today's world of competition to keep redefining the business and its offerings. Most of the companies listed in the table have done just that by adhering to the latest technologies and making sure that their research and development department is on top of things every step of the way. This has also given rise to a particular kind of brand positioning and a pattern that these companies have constantly improved upon. (Ellram et al, 2007)  This model has been presented in the form of a flow chart with the aim of collaborating and organizing the knowledge and information within an organization to zero in on a strategy that makes the best possible use resources. (Hugos, 2005) The best option facing an organization in the context of the above diagram or flow chart is to test its supply management strategy on various suppliers instead of one supplier alone, in order to f ind the strengths and weaknesses of each of the suppliers.  

Leadership. How to Teach a Leader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership. How to Teach a Leader - Essay Example Before leadership can be taught, it must be learned. By observing the behaviour of leaders, academics and managers have identified the qualities that leaders have, but certain analyses of leadership issues contain conceptual flaws and reflect the biases of those who study it. Knowing what a leader is supposed to be is never a guarantee that one with the potential to be a true leader eventually becomes one for a long period of time. Some great people have exercised leadership but only for a short period of time. An important reason why most people do not become leaders and why some are able to lead for a short period of time is that some critical qualities a leader must have, such as self-awareness and humility, are difficult to practice. Leadership can be learned, but strictly speaking it can never be taught because not everyone has the potential to be a leader. What would be more effective is to identify those with the potential to be leaders by giving them opportunities to grow in self-awareness and develop the leadership qualities. This demands effort and sacrifice. The starting point of this paper is finding answers to the questions as to what leadership is, why it is important, and how leadership is distinguished from management. ... Management scientists quantify and tabulate it whilst philosophers and political scientists discuss it to no end. Kings and CEOs endlessly search for it to justify their rule, satisfy their enlarged egos, or to identify the head that would wear their crown after them. An extensive search of the relevant literature gives the following concise definition: leadership is a set of qualities a person has that makes others want to follow that person whether to do good or evil. A leader is someone who has followers, people who are led to reach a definite destination or attain a specific set of objectives. Leaders are judged by their followers. All other definitions of leadership are mere exercises in semantics: complex-sounding, confusing, and ludicrous intellectual posturing by management charlatans paid by the hour who receive outrageous fees to further complicate, instead of simplifying, what is inherently complex. The multifaceted nature of leadership gives these fad-driven management gurus an edge over their audiences, and in their efforts to maximise their profitable gains in teaching others what they themselves neither have nor cannot do, they write books, deliver lectures, and engage in speaking tours mouthing kilometric definitions and mind-numbing clich-driven sound bites. Why is leadership a complex thing A look at some universally acknowledged leaders at one time or the other gives a partial answer. Take, for example, Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister during the War. With his inspiring words, he helped save the kingdom from annihilation and later on helped win the War, but he lost the first post-War elections as the people tired of his leadership. On the other side was

Supply Chain Management and New Product Development Research Paper

Supply Chain Management and New Product Development - Research Paper Example   New product development is that series of events that starts with the conception of the product and its ideation and ends with reaching the product to the end user through strategic brand positioning through the meeting of competitive advantage. New product development is an important part of any and every business today in order to show a portfolio that thrives on enrichment through innovation and new experiences in the market place. It is a concept that will hold the prospective consumer's attention for long enough in order to turn him or her into an actual end user. In a nutshell, through new product development, one renders a quality of improvising and strategic branding to the business and helps reach out to more and more people and turn them into consumers. Therefore, it is an important part of meeting competition and venturing into new markets to increase profitability and brand visibility as well. (Savage, 2007)   According to the above diagram, the importance of new product development lies in the fact that there is a need in today's world of competition to keep redefining the business and its offerings. Most of the companies listed in the table have done just that by adhering to the latest technologies and making sure that their research and development department is on top of things every step of the way. This has also given rise to a particular kind of brand positioning and a pattern that these companies have constantly improved upon. (Ellram et al, 2007)  This model has been presented in the form of a flow chart with the aim of collaborating and organizing the knowledge and information within an organization to zero in on a strategy that makes the best possible use resources. (Hugos, 2005) The best option facing an organization in the context of the above diagram or flow chart is to test its supply management strategy on various suppliers instead of one supplier alone, in order to f ind the strengths and weaknesses of each of the suppliers.  

Analyze adequately the extent to which the author of the Gospel of Essay

Analyze adequately the extent to which the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles was successful in presentin - Essay Example The Gospel of Luke's success in presenting the Truth about Jesus divinity first begun with the anunciation of Jesus birth. In particular, Luke foretold the coming of Jesus as a Messiah and His Immaculate Concepcion through the Angel Gabriel which can be found in Luke 1:30-31  that says the angel said to her, â€Å"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.   And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.† Also in the same gospel, Jesus lineage was revealed that traces back to the first man Adam, to the Kings David to Abraham attesting that He came directly from the line of David through this passage in the Bible And the angel said to them, â€Å"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.   For unto you is born this day in   the city of David   a Savior, who is   Christ   the Lord.   And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby   wrapped in s waddling cloths and lying in a manger† (Luke 2:10-13). ... Jesus acts as Son of God and His Truths were also manifested in the Gospel of Luke whereby He performed many miracles that includes healing paralyzed men (5:18-25, 6:6-10) to raising the dead (7:11-15; 8:41-42, 49-56) which contributed to the Gospel of Luke's success in presenting of Jesus Christ's Truths. Finally, the Truth that Jesus was indeed the Son of God was evidenced with His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension "The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name. Luke 24:46-. Without Jesus resurrection and ascension, Jesus would not have been elevated as a God but rather a man who may be godly but nevertheless mortal. There are also passages in the Gospel of Luke that directly ascribed Jesus Christ as the Son of God particularly in Luke 3:22  where it unequivocally addressed Jesus as Son of God saying "and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from h eaven,   â€Å"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.† Jesus Christ purpose was also stated in the Gospel of Luke For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). To validate this further, Jesus Christ addressed God as Father in Luke 23:46 when he was crucified and His mortal soul about to die only to resurrect and ascend into Heaven. This account made itt unmistakable that indeed Jesus Christ is a Son of God with the words "then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, â€Å"Father, into your hands I   commit my spirit!†. And as if this is not enough to substantiate that Jesus Christ is indeed the Truth, Luke 24:46  further narrated "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the

UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTIES OF ASSESSMENT Essay Example for Free

UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTIES OF ASSESSMENT Essay During the initial assessment the assessor must ensure the learner knowledge performance and practical skills. The assessor must ensure that the learning understands their course, The assessor must explain all the units to the learner and support them in choosing the most suited units for their learner. The assessor and the learner must decide on an assessment plan. Setting dates and times to meet with the learner.as well as Agreeing on the best assessment method. The assessor will be able to use question, observation and examine the learners work. The learner must submit assignment or evidence. That their assessor must review to ensure that they have done what was asked for. The assessor must provide feedback to the learning . the feedback must be positive, constructed and encouraging. Once this has been done a feedback form must be used. Here the assessor can recommend ways of improvement and log, what agreements have been made with the learner and set deadline. The assessor needs to cross reference the leaner work with the assessment criteria to ensure the leaner work and evidence is valid and proves that the leaner is competent in the unit. DEFINE THE KEY CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT. As an assessor you will be observing what the learner are doing. Asking them question and reviewing their progress. The key concepts and principles of assessments would be  INITIAL ASSESSMENT The result of the initial assessment will provide the assessor with information of any previous knowledge or experience on the subject to be assessed. The information can be obtained through application form and interviews. This will help the assessor, assess the learner on any specific requirements their learner may need (I.e. their learning style or any further training they may need. ASSESSMENT PLANNING Planning a suitable types and method of assessment with the learner. Setting appropriate target dates. Always involving other colleagues or supervisors. ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY Observation and questioning the learning. Completing assignments. Writing statements or gathering appropriate evidence of competence .Assessments can be on going or summative at the end. ASSESSMENT DECISION AND FEEDBACK Giving constructive feedback. Always supporting your learner and agreeing and further action that may be needed. Making records of what was assessed and the decision made should always be maintained. REVIEW PROGRESS The assessment plan of the learner can be reviewed updated at any time unit the learner completes . reviewing progress with the learning will give the assessor the opportunity to discuss any other issues that may be relevant to their progress. Assessment activities will give you the opportunity to amend them if necessary. EXPLAIN THE RESONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSESSOR The main role of an assessor is to assess their learner in relation to the agreed criteria to enable the learner to become qualified in their subject. The assessor responsibilities include planning assessment, giving learner feedback, assessing the learner knowledge and understanding of the subject .keeping accurate records. There will be certain records and documents that the assessor will need to maintain. These will include assessment plans. Feedback records and review of progress and overall track sheets. All record must be maintained to organisational and regulatory requirements. An assessor should also store confidential documents and audio or video records that include learner.

Customer Service Bench Marking: Hotel Analysis

Customer Service Bench Marking: Hotel Analysis A) Customer Service Bench Marking The Old Ground Hotel Built in the early part of the 18th Century as a private dwelling and a hotel since 1895. The Old Ground has played its part in the Republics tumultuous beginnings and the Town Hall once incorporated a jail. Currently the hotel is a 4-star hotel ran by the hotel group the Flynn brothers. Temple Gate The hotel is on a 19th century Convent of Mercy site with a fascinating and eventful history. Before it was converted to a convent, the original houses, Row House and Lifford House was the property of Charles OConnell, cousin of Daniel OConnell. Currently the hotel is a 4-star hotel. FINDINGS OLD GROUND TEMPLE GATE Organisation/Business image Well presented Bar area is very dull Clean inside Shabby looking appearance from outside Well-kept garden on hotel grounds Well presented Clean Bright Modern appearance from outside. No outdoor space car park is mixed with public car park and bus pick up and drop off point Personal Presentation of Employees Well groomed Clean appearance Clean uniforms Well groomed Clean appearance Clean uniforms Interpersonal Skills of individuals dealt with Some of the members of the weighting staff were quite rude and unprofessional in the hotel restaurant All staff were very helpful and professional Effective Handling of Enquiry Enquiry made in the restaurant was handled well but had a quite delayed response Enquiry was handled professionally effectively and rapidly. Ability of Employee to Present information Accurately The information required was directions and they were given quite clearly and accurately When requesting information I enquired about local facilities and all information was given accurately Overall comment on efficiency and customer service delivered by the organisation/businesses. The overall customer service received was ok but could do with some work The customer service was excellent 3) The staff in the Old Ground could do with some upskilling on their customer service, for the most part of my visit the staff were excellent and had good customer service skills but there was one or two members of staff that could benefit with some upskilling. The Temple gate staff all had excellent customer service skills. B) Consumer Protection Ombudsman Citizens Information Who they protect The ombudsman protects all types of people who have made complaints about receiving unfair treatment from public bodies such as the HSE, local authorities etc. Citizens information helps people with many aspects. Citizens Information provides information on public services and on the entitlements of Irish citizens. It provides advice on social welfare, housing, government, moving country, employment, unemployment and much more. How they operate The ombudsman operates by receiving complaints from the public and investigating what actions need to be taken and/or if the compliant is true. They gather all information available to them from public agencies and bodies and present it to the public in a useful way. The specific piece of legislation they operate within The Ombudsmans legal authority to investigate complaints, and to recommend redress where necessary, is set out primarily in the Ombudsman Act 1980. The Ombudsman Act has been amended a number of times, principally by the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 1984 and by the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 2012. There are also some other Acts and Regulations, including the Disability Act, 2005, whose provisions affect the role of the Ombudsman.[i] The Consumer Protection Act 2007 came into effect in Ireland on 1 May 2007. The Act provided for the establishment of the National Consumer Agency. Under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority were replaced by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The Commission took over the functions of the two agencies.[ii] How to make a complaint When complaining complaints can be made in writing, email or by using an online complaint form. Once the complaint has been made the ombudsman investigates them. If your complaint has found to be true the ombudsman will review what it has done, change its decision and/or offer you an explanation, an apology and/or financial compensation. Citizens Information provides information on how to make complaints correctly/effectively to public bodies/ agencies. They advise people that before they make complaints they should know their rights, stand up for these rights be assertive without being aggressive, always try to stay calm and polite Keep notes and documentation to back up the complaint Their limitations The Ombudsman does not intervene for the following: Court proceedings Private disputes Matters concerning foreign missions e.g. Embassy, High Commission, etc. Private disputes Cabinet matters Complaints against private bodies Complaints against local authorities Matters relating to defence, external relations and internal security [iii] Citizens Information limitations are within their legislation as they cannot take any action all they can do is advise people on the best way to take action. C) Customer Complaints Policy Tesco is committed to providing exceptional customer service and making sure when something goes wrong we will try to improve our standards. A complaints policy has been established for customers. Under the sale of goods act and consumer protection act consumers are entitled to have complaints handled efficiently. There are 2 ways in which consumer complaints can be made formally and informally. The informal complaint should be handled immediately and the formal complaints should be dealt within 10 business days. If complaints to are not dealt within 10 business days, the customer will be contacted to update them on the status. The company will estimate of how long the resolution should take. If the complaint still hasnt been resolved after 40 business days, Tesco sends a letter to the customer requesting more time to deal with the problem. If 40 days or more have passed and the complaints have not been dealt with customers may be eligible to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service to receive help with their complaints against Tesco. If the complaint has not been resolved after 40 business days, a letter will be sent to the customer requesting extra time to deal with the complaint. When 40 days have passed since the complaint was made, customers may contact the Ombudsman.[iv]. I If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint to the Customer Service Officer, the matter may be appealed to the General Manager. Customer Complaints Form Name Date Address Complaint Report Taken By INTERNAL USE ONLY Action Taken Outcome Date Completed Investigation Comments [i] https://www.ombudsman.gov.ie/en/About-Us/Legislation/ 09/03/17 [ii] http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/consumer_protection/consumer_rights/consumer_protection_act_2007.html 09/03/17 09/03/17 [iii] http://ombudsman.govmu.org/English/Policies/Pages/Limitations.aspx 09/03/17 [iv] https://www.reference.com/food/tesco-deal-complaints-4146bdab46664ec9 15/03/17 Should I Study Abroad? Should I Study Abroad? Every year thousands and thousands of people leave the comforts of their homes to learn English in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. Why do they do it? Many feel that by studying a language in a country where it is spoken, they will be able to learn it more quickly. Others feel that studying abroad gives them a kind of prestige in their home country. It may even lead to a better job. And quite a few people want to study abroad for the pure pleasure and excitement it brings. But living and studying in another country can also have its problems. Almost everyone experiences some level of homesickness. And a few people go home earlier than expected because their ideas about living in another country were different from reality. Is learning English abroad something you are interested in? Whether to learn a language by studying abroad is a big decision. You should be aware of what you are getting into before you start packing your bags. Disadvantages of Studying Abroad Studying abroad does not mean you will learn English magically. Many people think that they just need to live in another country and they will learn the local language. This is not completely true. You still need to pay attention and study. There are people who live in foreign countries for many, many years without knowing the language well. However, it will probably come to you easier and faster than if you just studied the language in your home country. Studying abroad can be hard. You will probably have times when you miss your family, friends, food, and everything familiar. Almost everyone goes through some culture shock. You will have to realize and accept that it will take some time to adjust to a new way of living. Studying abroad can be expensive. There is no doubt that it takes money to study abroad. It can vary from kind of expensive to very expensive. Most places dont allow international students to work. You will have to have the money before you arrive in the country or have someone from home support you. Is this something that you and/or your family can afford? Advantages of Studying Abroad You are surrounded by English. Yes, you need to pay attention and do some studying, but everything comes faster when you do because English is everywhere- on the streets, in the stores, on the TV- you cant get away from it. Your eyes are opened to the world. We often grow up thinking that our way of doing things is the only way, or sometimes the best way. But living in a new culture helps us realize new ways of doing things, and also helps us to see that even though we are different, we are all human. And in many cases, not only will you get to know the natives of the country you are visiting, you may get to know classmates from all over the world. You learn to take care of yourself. Living in another country, even if it is with a host family, means you might be doing things you may not have done in your home country. These include cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, washing clothes, figuring out transportation, making living arrangements, setting up accounts for cell phones and utilities, etc. You may think of this as a disadvantage, but many international students go home proud that they have become very self-sufficient. Your life will be forever changed. One of the greatest things that happens when you do something as big as live in another country is- you become a changed person- your outlook on life is different. Your new maturity can help lead you to new places in your life. You make memories that will last a lifetime. Your pictures, journals, and souvenirs will help you remember your time abroad, but your memories and emotions of this special time will also be a part of your life until you are very old. So how can you know if studying abroad is right for you? First, start by talking to people who have already done it. Of course everyone will have his or her own experience and point of view, but it can be really helpful to hear what other people have to say. If you dont know anyone who has studied abroad, ask others about their experiences through the internet. Daves ESL Cafe is a good place to start. If you do decide that you are interested in going abroad, take a look at websites like www.StudyAbroad.com and www.HyperStudy.com to search for schools and get advice on where to go. Studying abroad can really change your life. And hopefully if you decide to do it, it will be a wonderful experience for you. The very best of luck to you. Retrieved From: http://www.5minuteenglish.com/study_abroad.html Summary of Should I Study Abroad? Suffer from constant homesickness especially during the early years of living abroad The cost of education is very expensive Institutions does not allow international students to work Students are exposed to different kinds of learning environment Students are exposed to different kinds of people and their various culture Students are more independent and confident Students outlook of life will be changed 2nd Article Is Studying Overseas Worth It? Mon, 11/09/2009 15:50 Nabilah Before you can answer that question, youll first need to know how studying overseas differs from doing so locally. By Tan Yan Shuo An overseas university education in Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (US) can easily set you back by several hundred thousand dollars. In comparison, the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) all charge an annual tuition fee of less than S$10,000. Yet, every year, thousands of Singaporean students flock to universities in these countries. You may be considering studying overseas too. However, before you jump on the bandwagon, it is important to examine your motivations for wanting to do so, and to ask yourself if they are justified. And most of all, to make a better, informed decision, you need to be elucidated on the major differences between studying overseas and locally. Prestige and Career Opportunities It is a myth that our local universities are less well-perceived by employers than their foreign counterparts. In a recent survey conducted by The Straits Times, three out of four public-listed companies said they had no preference with regard to employing local or overseas graduates, with the rest preferring candidates who studied in Singapore. Furthermore, both NUS and NTU have been ranked highly by The Times Higher Education, coming in 30th and 77th respectively in the 2008 World University Rankings. However, our local universities brand names do pale in comparison to that of top-tier overseas universities such as Oxbridge in the UK and the Ivy League in the US. While it is correct to say that your performance at the university matters more than its prestige in determining your career prospects, graduates from more prestigious universities nevertheless definitely have more opportunities. An overseas education also gives you an edge if you intend to work overseas, where the brands of our local universities tend to be less recognised. Indeed, many multi-national companies recruit directly from the campuses of top overseas universities. However, when it comes to specialised degrees such as Law, Medicine, and Dentistry, our local faculties are just as selective and perhaps as prestigious as those of top overseas universities. Often, the effect of brand name is more pronounced for general degrees such as Arts and Social Sciences. Quality of Education There is little, if any, objective difference between the quality of teaching locally and overseas. Top overseas universities often boast big-name professors, and it is easy to be lulled into thinking that Nobel Prizes and similar accolades translate into quality teaching. However, in reality, being a good lecturer is a separate skill set from being a good researcher, and good and bad lecturers abound both locally and in top overseas universities. When it comes to quality of education, the key differences between local and overseas universities lie in flexibility and variety of options. Universities from the US in particular stand out in being more flexible, and having more academic options than our local universities. While NUS, NTU and SMU rarely allow students to change their courses, universities in the US are known to allow such changes even into the junior (third) year. In addition, universities from the US emphasise broad-based curricula and cater to diverse academic interests through schemes such as personalised Double Degrees, Double Majors and Accelerations. The downside to these, however, is the lack of depth of study as compared to the demanding syllabi set by local universities. The Overseas Experience By far, the biggest difference between studying overseas and locally is the experience of living alone in a foreign country. You become a one-person household, and suddenly you realise there were a million things your parents did that you now have to manage by yourself. Apart from doing your own laundry and cooking your own meals, there are also more significant things such as finding your way in a foreign society, and responding to setbacks without the comforting proximity of family and friends. Over the years, these individual experiences add up to make you a little more street-smart, a little more independent, and a little more mature. As an alien in a foreign country, you will also face the prospect of learning the unspoken rules and social norms that others assume you already know, and dealing with people whose value systems and underlying assumptions about the world are radically different from your own. If you can cope with these challenges, you will emerge a more thoughtful, adaptable, and confident person. Nevertheless, as enriching as an overseas experience sounds, it is not for everybody. Going overseas to study is like jumping into the deep end of the pool. Some are naturally good swimmers who flourish with the challenges, while others are mere beginners who will do better if introduced to swimming in a less intimidating environment. Likewise, not everyone at the age of 18 is ready to leave the comforts and familiarity of home. Fortunately, there are other ways of gaining elements of the overseas experience without enrolling in an overseas university. Staying on campus can provide a simulation of living independently, and if you fall sick, you always have the option of returning home. For a more bite-sized experience of studying overseas, you can also apply for student exchange programmes offered by all three local universities. Studying overseas is not the Holy Grail of university education. There is little, if any, compromise in terms of quality, prestige and career opportunities if you choose to study locally. Although studying overseas can be a unique and life-changing experience, it is not for everybody (whether due to cost or other factors), and there are other, albeit more circuitous, means of achieving the same outcomes. Retrieved From: http://community.jobscentral.com.sg/node/1318 Summary of Is Studying Overseas Worth It? Quality of education is better overseas More job opportunities for students who have studied overseas Some courses or subjects are not available in local institutions Students are more independent Students are more mature Students are more confident Students will be able to understand and experience the social norm and culture of the country 3rd Article Will the difference make a huge impact on career path? FOR a very long time, studying abroad was an option purely for the deep-pocketed elite. Apart from the cost factor, many families chose to send their kids overseas because of the cultural wealth and better job prospects that came with it. Fast forward to today, many still choose to send their children overseas to pursue their education. Thanks to rising affluence, more families are able to send their kids abroad. But are the benefits of studying some thousands of miles away versus just down the street so drastic that its really going to make a huge impact on ones career path? Studying abroad The main issue to consider when studying abroad is that it requires more financial support and planning. Lee, a 30-year old information technology graduate from the United States admits that the biggest issue about studying overseas is the cost. Studying overseas can be really expensive. Accommodation and food is denominated in a currency thats probably higher than ours. Furthermore, most countries do not allow foreign students to work, so you need to have money before you arrive in the country or have someone from home supporting you. However, having a foreign qualification helps to make your resume stand out compared with the rest, he says. Dinesh Kanavaji, 31, is a practising lawyer in Malaysia who studied law in Britain in the late 90s. His two-year course cost him about  £15,000 a year or about RM90,000 annually given the high exchange rate at the time. At the time, the tuition fees cost about  £10,000 annually. Accommodation and food cost about  £4,000 or so, this of course, provided that you lived at a campus hostel rather than elsewhere. Ultimately, it was a character-building experience, having to be able to live, cook and travel on your own, he says, adding that studying abroad also provides a unique opportunity for language and cultural immersion. Dinesh also feels that the standard of education offered overseas is higher. The standard is higher over there. The lecturers are experienced and well trained, comprising doctors and professors that have written a few books. Many of the lecturers locally are quite young. He also says the education in Malaysia (as far as law was concerned) was very academically-driven. In Britain, they make you work and figure things out for yourself, creating a heightened level of maturity. Studying locally Dineshs wife Melissa Ram, 32, studied her Bachelor of Jurisprudence degree in law entirely in Malaysia and is quick to admit the cost benefits of studying locally. Compared with Dinesh, her four-year course (plus one year of A-Levels) cost just RM20,000. It probably would have cost me three times more if I had studied overseas. Also, you dont have to worry about getting home-sick and can meet up with your friends any time, she says. Melissa however admits that the level of education in Malaysia (especially in law) was not up to par with the standard offered overseas. I participated in a legal workshop that was conducted by solicitors from London and could immediately feel that the quality of their training was far superior. She says law degree graduates in Britain that studied for the bar exam (which qualifies a person to practice law) were subjected to hands-on training while the Malaysian equivalent of the bar, the CLP (Certificate in Legal Practice), is purely academic in nature. Those who do get the opportunity to study overseas should go, Melissa says. Chan, 29, a local engineering graduate, says studying locally provided him with flexibility to do whatever he wanted during semester breaks. During your semester breaks, you can find good temporary employment at places such as McDonalds or a shopping complex for instance without the need to worry about work permits or the language. He adds that food is also cheap and abundant in Malaysia compared with many other countries. Who do the employers prefer? Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Shamsudin Bardan says there is generally a preference for foreign graduates by employers. Its because foreign graduates are more proficient in English and have better thinking skills. They are more mature and independent than local graduates. In terms of qualification or technical ability, theres not much difference (with local graduates). However, when it comes to soft skills, foreign graduates have the advantage, he says. A spokesman from the Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management also concurs that there is a preference for foreign graduates. Multinationals, especially, are more keen to hire foreign graduates because they carry themselves better. They speak well and with confidence during the interview. Local graduates (who are more weak in terms of soft skills) dont express themselves well enough in front of the interviewer, who would think that the interviewee is just not prepared for the job. He also says that there is a general perception that the standard of Malaysian education is more inferior when compared to the standards in other countries. A lot of people have criticised the standard of our education, which has clouded the minds the way that employers think. The environment has to change. People and politicians should change this perception. Retrieved From: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=businessfile=/2010/10/23/business/7255501 Summary Will the Difference Make a Huge Impact on a Career Path Many parents send their kids to study overseas because they want the kids to learn new cultures. The cost is actually the biggest issue when it comes to studying abroad. The currency is higher. Studying abroad lets students to learn how to live on their own or in other words, they have to be independent. Studying locally is three times cheaper than studying overseas. Students who study locally wont experience being homesick. Students who study in the country will never have to worry about language. The cost for food in our own country, Malaysia, is way cheaper than overseas. Students who have degrees from foreign countries have better chance in being employed. Graduates from overseas have more and better soft skills than graduates from local. Foreign graduates perform well during interview compared to local graduates. 4th Article Why study abroad? 10 reasons why you should study in a foreign country Have you considered studying abroad, but are not sure whether its worth your time? If you ask anybody who has studied abroad, he or she will most certainly tell you that it is a life-changing experience and one of the most rewarding things he or she has ever done. Perhaps youre not certain what benefits you can reap from an extended stay in a foreign country. Here are 10 very excellent reasons why you should take the plunge:   1.  Study abroad is the optimal way to learn a language.  There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning. Youre surrounded by the language on a daily basis and are seeing and hearing it in the proper cultural context. Language learning happens most quickly under these circumstances. [Read  why you should learn a language.] 2.  Study abroad provides the opportunity to travel.  Weekends and academic breaks allow you to venture out and explore your surroundings both your immediate and more distant surroundings. Since studying abroad often puts you on a completely different continent, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. Some more structured study abroad programs even have field trips planned in or around the curriculum. 3.  Study abroad allows you get to know another culture first-hand.  Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, and personal habits. A persons culture reflects very deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence his or her way of life and the way that s/he views the world. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from. 4.  Study abroad will help you develop skills and give you experiences a classroom setting will never provide. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is scary at first, but its also exciting. Its an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter situations that are wholly unfamiliar to you and will learn to adapt and respond in effective ways. 5.  Study abroad affords you the opportunity to make friends around the world. While abroad, you will meet not only natives to the culture in which you are studying, but also other international students who are as far from home as yourself. 6.  Study abroad helps you to learn about yourself. Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. The experience abroad often challenges them to reconsider their own beliefs and values. The experience may perhaps strengthen those values or it may cause students to alter or abandon them and embrace new concepts and perceptions. The encounter with other cultures enables students to see their own culture through new eyes. 7.  Study abroad expands your worldview. In comparison with citizens of most other countries, Americans tend to be uninformed about the world beyond the nations boundaries. Students who study abroad return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples. 8.  Study abroad gives you the opportunity to break out of your academic routine. Study abroad is likely to be much unlike what you are used to doing as a student. You may become familiar with an entirely new academic system and you will have the chance to take courses not offered on your home campus. Its also a great opportunity to break out the monotony of the routine you follow semester after semester. 9.  Study abroad enhances employment opportunities. Did you know that only 4% of U.S. undergraduates ever study abroad? Yet, the world continues to become more globalized, American countries are increasingly investing dollars abroad, and companies from countries around the world continue to invest in the international market. Through an employers seyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges, and able to cope with diverse problems and situations. Your experience living and studying in a foreign country, negotiating another culture, and acquiring another language will all set you apart from the majority of other job applicants. [Read about  careers in foreign languages.] 10.  Study abroad can enhance the value of your degree. While abroad, you can take courses you would never have had the opportunity to take on your home campus. In addition, study abroad gives your language skills such a boost that it is normally quite easy to add a minor in a language or even a second major without having to take many more additional courses after the return to your home campus. Adapted From: http://www.vistawide.com/studyabroad/why_study_abroad.htm Summary of Why Study Abroad? When a student studies overseas, he/she learns the language that the local people use which is unusual to the student. It usually happens when a student stays and studies abroad, he/she will be surrounded by the people who use the language all the time. It also allows students to travel to new places. A student who studies abroad can also learn the peoples culture which is something new to the student himself. By learning other peoples culture, students can also change their perceptions about certain things in life. Students will also learn how to develop their skills in many things especially in soft skills. A graduate from overseas will have better opportunities to get a job. Students can have better opportunities to get a job. A student can learn more about himself. Students who study abroad can also make friends from people of different backgrounds. There are wider selections of programs and courses offered by foreign learning institutions that can be chosen by students who study overseas. 5th Article Getting your degree locally Distance from home is often an important factor when choosing where to study. You could probably group people into 4 different categories when it comes to choosing where to study and the distance it is from home; Those that are keen to study at a university or college far away from home sometimes even in a different country. Those that want to study a certain distance away from home, but not so far that they cant reasonably get back for the odd weekend. Those that want to study for a degree at a local college or university or at least one thats commutable from home. Those that arent bothered whether they study at local college or university or one thats far away. In the UK there has been a bit of a tradition that when considering where to study for a degree, students look at universities and colleges fairly, or very, far away from home. This tradition has recently started to change somewhat and more and more students are choosing to study at a local college or university and get their degree close to home. There are a few reasons why when choosing where to study people are increasingly opting for a local college or university: Financial Probably the biggest factor of all. Going away to university is an expensive thing. Expenses like rent , bills, food, transport (whilst at uni and also travelling back and forth between university and home) can be removed or significantly reduced by staying at home. Family, friends, community Studying locally enables people to remain close to their friends and family whilst at the same time taking advantage of everything that being a student has to offer a wider social group, clubs and societies, a Student Union, nights out and so on. You can also keep any part time jobs you might have. Change in cultural attitudes In many countries across the world such as Spain and Australia, most people get their degree locally and stay living at home. In the UK there has been a culture of going away to study for a degree, but increasingly the Spanish and Australian way of doing things is being seen as a good option. The point is, is that the question of where and how to get your degree isnt set in stone. Just because theres been a culture in the past of going away to university, doesnt mean studying locally isnt just as valid and in many cases can be an even more attractive option. Retrieved From: http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/university-application-ucas/study-local/local-colleges.html Summary of Getting Your Degree Locally Studying locally means that the students can be close to their homes Expenses are much lesser if the students study locally compared to the expenses studying abroad There is no need for them to pay for extra expenses such as bills, rents and others as they are living at home. Students are also able to be close to family and friends if they study in local universities. Their previous part time jobs could also be kept as an extra source of income, if they have any. In the aspects of cultural attitudes, people are beginning to favour the option of studying in local universities. Studying in the country does not mean it is not valid; it might even be a better option for the students. 6th Article LOCAL OR OVERSEAS? With so many postgraduate courses available, both locally and overseas, how do you choose? Here are some things to consider before making a final decision. By  C S CHING    Now that you have decided that a postgraduate programme is what you want to do, there are a number of issues you need to address. One of the most important is deciding where you want to  pursue it.    You have two options going overseas or doing it locally. Both options have their pros and cons, and you have to weigh each carefully to determine which suits you best. GRADUAN ® explores the options available to help you make the right decision.    STUDYING ABROAD   While a luxury before, pursuing studies abroad has become something many Malaysians can now afford. Relatively more expensive than studying locally, many regard a qualification from an overseas institution worth the money spent.    The most popular foreign destinations for Malaysian students are the UK, Australia and the US. Study opportunities in the UK and Australia are varied, with postgraduate opportunities at both taught and research levels. The US is a more traditional route for students who are committed to specialist research, especially in the sciences.    There are many reasons why some students opt to do their postgraduate work in an overseas institution. First, it could be because you did your first degree abroad and want to pursue postgraduate studies at the same institution. There are many advantages to this, not least being that you may be able to secure funding from the university and your lecturers can be your referees when applying for a place or a scholarship. Also, you wont have to deal with the hassle of moving and getting used to a new environment as you will already be familiar with the area. Not only that, you would have made friends who may also stay back to continue with their postgraduate studies. This way, you will have some company helping you go through this major change in your life.    Studying abroad can also be an enriching experience, especially if you have never been overseas before. Not only will you be gaining a postgraduate qualification, you will also be coming home with international and multicultural exposure. You will meet many different people from all over the world and learn much from them.    Also, being in a new environment is a perfect opportunity to broaden your mind. This experience may come in handy, especially when you are looking for job opportunities. If you are planning on a career with a multinational firm, this exposure will help you communicate better with the different colleagues and clients you will meet along the way.    Being in a new environment is a perfect opportunity to broaden your mind. The opportunity to study in a world-famous institution will look very impressive on your resume    The key to making a right decision is to gather all the facts and weigh them against your desires and financial standing.    Some students opt for an overseas institution out of necessity because the specialised qualification  may not be available in Malaysia. Institutions abroad are often also better equipped in terms of  technology and expertise to allow you better access to the right kind of knowledge. This especially applies to scientific studies. Also, the opportunity to study in a world-famous institution will look very impressive on your resume. If you are given the chance to do this, do not turn it down as it will help your career in the long-run.    STUDYING LOCALLY   You may feel that a local institution may be the right fit to pursue your postgraduate studies. In fact, there are many institutions in Malaysia providing postgraduate programmes that are as good as those overseas. With this option, you wont have to travel far a Ethics in Psychology | Case Study Ethics in Psychology | Case Study Ethics has been defined as â€Å"a branch of philosophy that deals with thinking about morality,  moral problems, and judgements of proper conduct† (Frankena, 1973). Ethics is traditionally a branch of philosophy dealing with moral problems and moral judgments. White (1988) defines ethics as the evaluation of human actions. In doing so, we assign judgments to behavior as â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong† and â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad† according to the perspective of a moral principle or ethical guideline. Although we may all strive to be right and good, a gap often exists between the ideal outcome and what can realistically be accomplished. We acknowledge that ethical perfection lies beyond reach for virtually all of us humans, even if we could completely agree on the ethically correct response in every situation. And, unfortunately, good intentions may prove insufficient to ensure that wrongs will not occur. An effective response requires developed skills, planned resources, the right information, and a pre-established ethical and self-awareness. Koocher, (2012) Some potential issues with this case study that seems to be transpiring into an unethical manner would be the confidentiality issues as well as the informed consent, other ethical issues would be like professional boundaries, limited resources and limits of competence, community expectations and values working with peer and other community helpers, and burnout are among these issues. (Schank, 1998) Mr. Albertson is a 54 year old male who came to Dr. Jones for Depression at the time of admission to her clinic, she should have had Mr. Albertson sign his consents so that she would have on file his next of kin no matter where they were located in case of an emergency such as his getting hurt at work. There are many forms and consents that needed to be signed immediately before Dr. Jones took Mr. Albertson as a client in her clinic. When you admit whether it is for inpatient or for an outpatient you must always have the client sign a consent for treatment, as well as the HIPPA consents, and then you explain the rules and regulations to the client especially if they don’t know what it means. According to the American Psychological Association at your first visit, a psychologist should give you written information explaining privacy policies and how your personal information will be handled. This information will explain that in some cases, there are exceptions to the privacy rule. Mr. Albertson went to see Dr. Jones for Depression but, when Mr. Albertson got hurt at work and suffered a concussion the Dr. decided at that time to have her client Mr. Albertson to sign a consent to release information which now is the wrong time because, the client now has an impairment that does not let him understand what is happening. He is also having issues, concentrating and is easily confused and is having trouble understanding these concepts. Dr. Jones wants Mr. Albertson to sign a release of information so she can talk to an attorney but, what about the Dr. That is, treating Mr. Albertson for his concussion and injury he suffered at work, so she can better find out what happened to him, so she can understand what or how she should proceed with his treatment for depression. The client does not understand what is wrong, but, the Dr. asked him to sign a release to speak with his co-worker and his lawyer in which the co-worker found for him. The Lawyer has no idea what he is dealing with at this time because, he has never spoken to Mr. Albertson, but, online and through phone calls. Principle of Ethics I, Rule J states â€Å"Individuals shall not guarantee the results of any treatment or procedure, directly or by implication; however, they may make a reasonable statement of prognosis.† American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (1997-2014). Principle of Ethics III states â€Å"Individuals shall honor their responsibility to the public by promoting public understanding of the professions, by supporting the development of services designed to fulfill the unmet needs of the public, and by providing accurate information in all communications involving any aspect of the professions, including the dissemination of research findings and scholarly activities and the promotion, marketing, and advertising of products and services.† American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (1997-2014). Dr. Jones is not beyond the limits of her competency as of yet because by providing services to individuals for whom appropriate mental health services are not available and for which Dr. Jones has not obtained the competence necessary, will work closely with the community who may have the related prior training or experience and Amay provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied if they make a reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by using relevant research, training, consultation. American psychological association (2015). According to the State of Texas licensing bureau of psychologists, Dr. Jones should provide only services for which she has the education, skills, and training to perform competently. Competency includes the ability to provide services concerning a specific individual that takes into account characteristics of that individual including age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, disability, language, and socio-economic status. Dr. Jones maintains current knowledge of scientific and professional information that ensures competency in every area in which she provides services. http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public (2012). A psychologist who lacks the competency to provide particular psychological services to a specific individual must withdraw and refer the individual to a competent appropriate service provider. In emergencies, when psychologists are asked to provide services to individuals for whom appropriate mental health services are not available and for which the Doctor has not obtained the necessary competence, doctors may provide such services only to the extent necessary to ensure that services are not denied. If ongoing services are provided, doctors must comply with subsection (d) of this section as soon as practicable or refer the patient as per subsection (h) of this section. http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public, (2012). Psychologist must refrain from initiating or continuing to undertake an activity when they know or should know that there is a substantial likelihood that personal problems or conflicts will prevent them from performing their work-related activities or producing a psychological report in a competent and timely manner. When Psychologists become aware of such conflicts, they must immediately take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance in order to determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate the engagement in accordance with Board rule  §465.21 of this title (relating to Termination of Services). This is from the State of Texas Licensing Board. http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public, (2012). No, she is not practicing outside of her scope of practice because she as a doctor will talk with the Primary Care Physician in order to place Mr. Albertson into an assisted living facility. But, she is working outside of her practice finding this client a guardian. If she would have had the papers already signed she would have already had the guardian whether it would be the friend or a family member. Consents are very important in the medical field as well as the substance abuse field. As for conflict of interest this case could be because the people that the doctor speaks with everyday are those that are in the community, and they all would probably know each other so they will be talking about things that maybe personal to the client. As for legal as long as the doctor has the consent signed and the client understood what he has signed the doctor may speak with the lawyer. Dr. Jones should have made sure all documentation was completed in the office before the sessions started with the client’s depression, this is number one in all areas of the medical practices. You cannot make a patient sign something he/she does not understand, and if there are other issues such as cognitive deficits then it will make it much harder to help this patient unless you have the documents signed beforehand and you have a guardian for this reasoning. Also be very careful of the No-Harm clause in the ethics and code of conduct for psychologists and licensees. References; American Psychological Association. (2014). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Copyright 1997-2014. http://www.asha.org/about/contacts/ Frankena, WK (1973) Ethics (second edition), quoted in Nunn, J (1998) Laboratory Psychology, East Sussex: Psychology Press Ltd. McLeod, S. A. (2007). Psychology Research Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/Ethics.html Schank, J. A., Skovholt, T. M. (1997). Dual-relationship dilemmas of  Rural and small town psychologists. Professional Psychology: Research  And Practice, 20, 244 –247. http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Themes Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Themes Was it the tragic fate of murdering his father and marrying his mother, or the free will of trying to escape and avoid this horrific oracle that led to the demise of the beloved King Oedipus? Some may believe that people have the free will to determine how their life will play out; others believe that everyones life is predetermined and our actions are controlled by just that. In the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, fate played a very important role in the life of Oedipus and the characters around him. While Oedipus was free to try and escape his fate, we ultimately are left to find that fate played a greater role and that Oedipus could not run from himself. As demonstrated in Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, while free will is a part of human nature, there is also predetermination of ones fate. According to WordReference.com, fate is defined as an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future set forth by a higher power. Since birth, Oedipus was cursed to someday murder his father and marry his mother, as foretold by the oracle of Apollo. Oedipuss birth father, Laius, was also affected by this fate and thus tried to get rid of Oedipus when he was a baby to try and escape this fate. Laius and his wife, Jocasta, then abandoned baby Oedipus on a mountain with his feet nailed together with spikes and left to die. Later, Oedipus was discovered by a kind shepherd and given to a nearby King and his wife to be raised as their own. Laiuss attempt to change fate was ultimately a failure and further led to the fulfilling of the prophecy. This was just one of the examples of how no matter what you do to avoid it; your fate will ultimately come true in time. This prophecy was willed by the gods to come true, no matter what Oedipus or King Laius did to avoid it. As Oedipus grew to become a man, the prophecy set forth once more. Before Oedipus left Corinth, he was determined to discover who he really was. He was made aware of his destiny, and this ultimately influenced his actions. Oedipuss actions did not lead to his destiny, knowing his destiny, led to his actions. For Oedipus, just knowing that his destiny led to the detestable acts of killing his father, whom he thought was the king of Corinth, and marrying his mother, was enough for him to leave Corinth and try to escape this fate, but Sophocles demonstrates how trying to outsmart ones fate will only convey one to it. Unknowingly, by leaving Corinth, Oedipus had begun the path to fulfill the prophecy. Oedipus indeed was afraid of fulfilling his horrible fate, so he was determined to change it. As Oedipus is traveling to get as far away from Corinth as possible, he encounters an elderl y man on a crossroads and kills him; unknowing that it was King Laius, who was actually his birth father, thus fulfilling half of the prophecy. As Oedipus gets closer to the city of Thebes, he encounters the Sphinx and solves her riddle, alas saving the city of Thebes, becoming king, and marrying his birth mother, Jocasta, completing the prophecy. Sophocles shows us that Oedipuss free willed actions cannot defeat fate, no matter how hard he tried. As the years passed by, we come to find that the city of Thebes is engrossed in a horrible plague that is troubling the citizens, so they come to King Oedipus for help. Oedipus has come to believe that he has outsmarted his destiny because he has not returned to Corinth since he left, so how could he possibly have killed his father and married his mother? We know from earlier in the story that Oedipus is confident in the prophets because he sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to find out what they can do to save the city. Creon returns and tells Oedipus that they must find the murderer of Laius to end the plague. Oedipus realizes that this is the fate of his city and he also knows little can be done about it. When Oedipus hears the news, all will be well, (pg. 222) he replies, Of course, but what were the Gods words? Theres no hope and nothing to fear in what youve said so far. (pg. 223) Oedipus trusts the words of Apollo, so he sets out to find the murderer of Laius only to find out that this will lead him a step closer to his fate. As Oedipus is accused of his fate by the prophet, Tiresias, he becomes angry. He then accuses the prophet of trying to conspire against him with Creon, and tries to banish him from Thebes. As things become tense in the house of Oedipus as everyone slowly realizes the truth of Oedipuss destiny, things start to get hectic. Oedipuss wife and mother, Jocasta, commits suicide when she realize what has happened, and Oedipus blinds himself by sticking two pins in his eyes because he cannot bear the truth. Oedipus even states, Go dark for all time blind to what you never should have seen, and blind to the love this heart has cried to see (pg. 256). He speaks of the consequences that he has faced due to fulfilling the prophecy. Oedipus has learned that no matter what his actions were, he could not avoid his fate. As was presented in Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, fate, rather than free will, played a very important role in the life of Oedipus and the characters around him. Sophocles demonstrated to the readers that although free will is indeed in human nature, your life is ultimately predetermined and theres nothing a person can do to change it. If a prophecy is willed by the gods to happen it shall happen, and free willed actions cannot and will not defeat a persons fate.