Explain and critically assess Weber’s conception of power

Introduction This essay explains and critically assesses Max Weber’s conception of power. In the current study Weber is identified as manifesting both the Hobbesian and Machiavellian proto-realist perspectives: in conceptualising power as fundamentally connected to implicit threat and coercive force. Hence the current study outlines the ways in which Weber’s notions of power hinge largely on the state’s coercive capabilities, examining various forms of social, political, and cultural violence therein. Further, the current study draws comparisons between Weber and Marx, looking at the similarities and distinction between the two thinkers: concluding that Weber has a different and more complex understanding of class divisions and power struggles than Marx did. The Many Faces of Power: Legitimate Domination and Willing Subjugation The renowned German sociologist Max Weber came to prominence in the latter half of the nineteenth century, a time in which the politico-economic theories of his precursor Karl Marx were beginning to take hold in Europe; when the â€Å"the spectre of Communism†, as the Communist Manifesto termed it, was â€Å"haunting† the continent (Marx and Engels, 2012, p.33). Moreover, this was a time of great social and political transformation in the West, whereupon the overall character of European polities had been drastically altered by waves of democratic fervour and revolutionary violence. The Revolutions of 1848, for instance, represented the single most concentrated outcrop of political upheaval in the history of European politics. â€Å"The 1848 revolutions†, says Micheline R. Ishay, â€Å"were a watershed. In the most industrialized countries, they broke the liberal-radical republican alliance against legitimist regimes and catalysed the formation of the most radic al human rights perspectives of the century† (2008, p.121). In a very significant sense, said revolutions were a movement against the established power structures of the era. This was a time of great liberal reform and technological change; the social and political apparatuses by which international relations were hitherto understood were being fundamentally transformed – as were theoretical conceptions of power. Although the 1848 Revolutions were mostly checked and curbed within a year of their outbreak, the underlying sentiment and intellectual kindling had not been extinguished. Instead, it fomented in various forms: one of which would lead eventually to the rise of Communism in the early twentieth century. With such conspicuous changes in the makeup of political relations during the nineteenth century, there came concurrent shifts in critical perspectives on how and why such changes occurred. Marx had upheld a perspective that prioritised historical materialism and the fundamental primacy of class struggle as defining political relations. Power, for Marx, concerned the power of those capitalist elites who owned the means of production to exploit the workers whose labour literally made production happen. Marx’s political philosophy was extremely widespread, known even to those who abjured it. For Marx, power also has much to do with class divisions: particularly between those who ow n the means of production, the bourgeoisie, and the workers, or proletariat, who exchange their labour value for wages. Power is thus manifested in the oppression of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie – for whom the social and political structures are geared to preserve the status quo, keeping the workers in a state of social, economic, and political subordination. Marx’s understanding of power, then, is concerned with large scale social and historical forces, particularly as they relate to material and industrial relations in determining power and overall socio-political mechanics. Weber, on the other hand, developed an approach that varied from the Marxian mould, stepping away from the perceived predominance of grand overarching forces in determining social and political relations. As a result, Weber also moved away from Marx’s theory of the strict bourgeoisie/proletariat duality as being the dominant paradigm in political economy. The latter class division was, for Marx, the principle animus for change in capitalist societies. As a consequence, Marx’s conception of power cannot be separated from his overall understanding of the relationship between capitalists and workers. For Weber, socio-economic divisions, and their relations to power, are far more complex than those posited by Marx. Weber understood class distinctions as deriving from more than just an inequality in property relations; instead, Weber posited that it was the unequal distribution of power that resulted in social dividing lines. Power for Weber was, again, more intricate and mu ltifaceted than the kind Marx had proposed. Weber states that power is â€Å"the chance of a man or of a number of men to realize their own will in a communal action even against the resistance of others who are participating in the action† (1968, p.926). Already we can see that Weber’s rendition of power is more abstract and open to interpretation that that of Marx. Further, Weber’s conception of power is similar to modern critical formulations of same; where â€Å"power†, at its most fundamental, â€Å"entails the capacity of one actor to make another actor do something which they would not otherwise do† (Haugaard, 2004, p.304). Most importantly, Weber’s definition is very broad; it allows for application in a number of contexts: social, economic, political, cultural, familial, sexual, interpersonal, and many others. Violence and Coercion: the Centrality of Force in Power Relations Weber’s conception of power is â€Å"inextricably connected to violence and coercion† (Kreisberg, 1992, p.39). Such violence is articulated though various social structures, from the microcosm of the family to the macrocosm of the state. Weber consequently sees â€Å"subjects as being on the receiving end of structures of power† (Whimster and Lash, 2006, p.22). The interactions between these discrete structures of power allow for varying degrees of control over the exercise of violence: where certain individuals or groups have access to or are denied the means to exert their will. For Weber, such means obtain to ideas of legitimacy. Hence, for Weber, the question of power relate to issues about: â€Å"who controls the means of violence; who enjoys a monopoly over economic resources; who controls the legitimate means of political power; and finally who has control over symbolic force† (Turner, 2002, p.215). Social action is thus enabled by control of distin ct fields of power. The more such fields of power can be channelled and consolidated, the more power that obtains. This can be seen very clearly, for example, in the state’s exclusive mandate on legal violence (via armed forces, police, prisons, and so forth). Hence Weber defines the state as â€Å"that agency within society which possesses the monopoly of legitimate violence† (cited in Wanek, 2013, p.12). Accordingly, in Weber’s view, the implicit threat of violence perpetually underwrites the state’s authority. Thus Weber’s position anticipates Mao Zedong’s famous declaration that â€Å"political power grows out of the barrel of a gun† (cited in Wardlaw, 1989, p.43). For Weber, then, coercive force is fundamental to power. Put simply, coercion equates to influence; and influence is power. National political power is therefore structured on implied coercive mechanisms. Hence Weber avers that â€Å"if no social institutions existed that knew the use of violence, then the ‘state’ would be eliminated† (cited in Wagner, 2002, p.120). So conceived, the state is in itself a form of coercive apparatus. Because the state monopolises legal violence, the state is the primary source of power as such. This means access to power is achieved via access to and control over the mechanisms of state. Power is thus manifested in the specific structures on which the social order is based. However, Weber does not believe that power is constituted in coercive force exclusively. Instead, a dynamic of obedience obtains between the ruling class and those ruled: in which the latter group willingly obey their political leaders. Here, Weber’s conce ption of power becomes more complex, delineating ideas of legitimate domination. As Weber perceives it, social conformity, or, as he puts it, â€Å"performance of the command†, may â€Å"have been motivated by the ruled’s own conviction of its propriety, or by his sense of duty, or by fear, or by ‘dull’ custom, or by a desire to obtain some benefit for himself† (1968, p.947). The dominated thus inadvertently cooperate in their domination. Hence we can see that Weber’s conceptualisation of power echoes a Hobbesian perspective, which stresses a central causality between a â€Å"sovereign† power and popular subjugation (Sreedhar, 2010, p.33). Furthermore, state power and interest are related to a conflictual paradigm where self-interest and the will to domination are taken as a given. Weber thus articulates a realist perspective. In addition, Weber’s notion of legitimate domination somewhat chimes with Gramscian hegemony, in that power is constituted and reconstituted in various complex sites, working overall to legitimise the status quo. As a result of this, Weber is distinct from Marx in two very important ways: firstly, he sees power as more abstract, subtle, and complex than Marx does; secondly, he sees power as deriving from many different types of social phenomena – not just class struggle. Following this logic, Weber also applies the same extended complexity to the concept of the origin s of power. Thus, for Weber, power comes from â€Å"three different sources†: â€Å"class (economic power), status (social power), and parties (political power)† (Levine, 2006, p.6). As we can see, then, Weber’s conception of power is based on coercion, force, domination, social structures, and a quasi-hegemonic socio-political structure that promotes and induces willing subjugation in the populace. Weber’s ideas are clearly more reflective of realist political theory than of Marxian idealism, which posits utopic notions of eventual global socialist harmony. This is not to say that Weber wholesale rejects the Marxian position, he does not; rather, he accommodates Marx’s economic arguments in his overall politico-economic model. Further, he expands upon and problematises them. As one would therefore expect, much like his conception of power, Weber’s conception of class is far more nuanced and open to interpretation than that of Marx. For Weber, class pertains to the numerous potential relations that may obtain in a given economic market. In particular, this relates to relationships that arise between an individual, or a group, as concerns a given market. This means that different kinds of economic distinctions will give rise to specific forms of class relation – not just a worker/capitalist polarity. Weber sees class as a social concept that encompasse s numerous iterations within an overall economic purview. Such iterations include professionals, landowners, bankers, financiers, and many others (Hamilton, 1991, p.182). In sum, then, Weber recognises numerous different kinds of class distinctions, each with their own complex sets of power relations. This heterogeneity, in turn, adds complexity to the overall function of power in its specific fields and sites of operation. For Weber, then, power relates to a multiform phenomenon. In treating of the economic dimensions of power, Weber observes that the â€Å"typical chance for a supply of goods, external living conditions, and personal life experiences† are fundamentally determined by â€Å"the amount and kind of power, or lack of such, to dispose of goods or skills† for the sake of â€Å"income in a given economic order† (1968, p.927). Hence Weber observes a clear causal continuum between economic and other kinds of power, where one can come to necessitate (or, at least, facilitate) the other. Where Weber significantly diverges from Marx is in his posited importance of the modes of power that function semi-independently of economic considerations. Specifically, Weber places much emphasis on social status. â€Å"For Weber, status groups are collectives of people with similar lifestyles, and they often overlap with economic class position† (Levine, 2006, p.6). In other words, the socially powerful tend to be located in economically powerful cohorts; at the same time, those without social power tend to be associated with non-economically powerful cohorts. This last assertion can seem very similar to the Marxian view, of the powerful bourgeoisie and non-powerful proletariat. However, the important distinction in Weber’s position is that affinities are drawn more primarily from social, not economic, similarities. Put simply, for Weber, two individuals or groups with similar social lives but different economic statuses could cohere nonetheless; their social alignment supersedes their economic misalignment. The economic distinction is not, for Weber, as integrally conflictual as it is for Marx. This is not to say the Weber does not see class as an important social factor; rather, it to say that, unlike Marx, Weber does not see class struggle as the defining characteristic of history and society. He does not therefore adopt Marx and Engel’s famous assertion that â€Å"all history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle† (2012, p.33). Hence, while Weber sees class as a significant variable in overall quality of life, in dictating one’s opportunities for advancement, for the acquisition of power, he does not identify a corollary primacy in class as catalysing social action and historical change. Friction between social forces – as embodied by class – is not the central source of social tension. This has to do with Weber’s complex and diverse view of class. Weber sees class as heterogeneous and thus not easily reducible to two opposing factions. Compared to Weber, Marx’s views of power and class are over ly reductive. Of the worker, Weber observes, his â€Å"interests† may â€Å"vary widely, according to whether he is constitutionally qualified for the task at hand to a high, to an average, or to a low degree†, meaning, in consequence, that â€Å"societal or even of communal action† from â€Å"a common class situation† is â€Å"by no means a universal phenomenon† (Weber, 1968, p. 929). In other words, the working class cannot simply be lumped together in a bloc group understood as sharing uniform priorities and ambitions. In many senses, that is, power moves beyond material and economic divisions; cannot be attributed to isolated causes and motivations. Conclusion In conclusion, Weber’s conception of power is much in keeping with that proffered by classical realists, where coercive force constitutes the primary hinge around which political power moves. By extension, other manifestations of power both derive legitimacy from, while at the same time reciprocally legitimating, the state: by functioning within its purview. Weber diverges from Marxian reductivism, rejecting the polarity of capitalist/worker class struggle and the primacy of historical materialism. Weber accordingly refutes Marx’s position that common class identity is sufficient to galvanise a homogenous intellectual action; he thus identifies many more lines of division between various social groups. For Weber, power is deeply related to social structures; indeed, power is seen to body forth though social structures, thereby keeping the popular masses in place. Interestingly, the power invested in said structures works, also, to instil a sense of obedience in the publ ic. The public therefore helps to perpetuate the status quo by conforming with, thus legitimating, the state’s exercise of coercive force. References Hamilton, P., 1991. Max Weber, Critical Assessments 2: Volume 2. London: Routledge. Haugaard, P., 2004. Power: A Reader. Manchester: Manchester University Press. Ishay, M. R., 2008. The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era. Berkley, CA: University of California Press. Levine, R. H., 2006. Social Class and Stratification: Classic Statements and Theoretical Debates. Oxford: Rowman & Littlefield. Marx, K. & Engels, F., 2012. The Communist Manifesto: A Modern Edition. London: Verso. Sreedhar, S., 2010. Hobbes on Resistance: Defying the Leviathan. New York: Cambridge University Press. Turner, B. S., 2002. Max Weber: From History to Modernity. New York: Routledge. Wagner, H., 2002. War and the State: The Theory of International Politics. Michigan: University of Michigan Press. Wanek, A., 2013. The State and Its Enemies in Papua New Guinea. Richmond: Curzon Press. Wardlaw, G., 1989. Political Terrorism: Theory, Tactics and Counter-Measures. New York: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge. Weber, M., 1968. Economy and Society: An Outline of Interpretive Sociology, New York: Bedminster Press. Whimster, S. & Lash, S., 2006. Max Weber, Rationality and Modernity. Oxon: Routledge.

Analysis on All the pretty Horses Essay

The title of Cormac McCarthy’s novel – All the Pretty Horses, reflects the significance and variance of roles that horses play in this coming-of-age story, as they relate to John Grady Cole who is the focus of the novel. The horse, which was the social foundation of Western American culture then, is described as an economical and practical asset to the boys – John Grady and Lacey Rawlins. However, the author also describes horses’ abstract qualities using idyllic and impassioned diction, depicting them as animals of a highly advanced spiritual nature, similar to humans in some ways. John Grady has an intimate relationship with all horses and understands the world of horses extraordinarily well. On his journey from Texas to Mexico, he learns that the world of men is very different from that of horses and is forced to rethink about the relationship between humans and horses. John discovers that his preconceived notions about men and human society are false. He finds that they do not live in a romantic world, as he had believed. Therefore, the title that McCarthy has chosen is ironic and symbolizes the change that John experiences. The author uses the title to represent John’s initial perspective on the world, which turns out to be the opposite later on. John’s life, like all of Western American society during the timeframe of the story, revolved around horses. In fact, I think that he is able to understand the horses more than he does about men. The horses in the novel represent strength, untamed passion, and most importantly, freedom of spirit. The veneration that the vaqueros have for horses is apparent in the tales Luis tells the boys. â€Å"†¦ the old man only said that it was pointless to speak of there being no horses in the world for God would not permit such a thing† (111). I feel that this quote demonstrates to the readers very well on the strong feelings of passion of the vaqueros, cattle-ranchers, that they value horses so highly that they are able to regard themselves as nearly divine. It also reinforces John’s romantic notion that horses are highly spiritual beings. Like the vaqueros, the boys respect the horses, and these animals play large roles in their lives. The boys use horses in many ways throughout the novel, such as companions and as means of transportation or escape. John even has dreams about horses, as â€Å"his thoughts were of horses†¦still wild on the mesa who’d never seen a man afoot and who knew nothing of him or his life yet in whose souls he would come to reside forever† (118). This style of expression used in referring to horses here â€Å"wild† and â€Å"souls† is idealistic and almost poetic. Furthermore, the fact that John dreams about horses in this way and that he wants to â€Å"reside forever† in their souls shows that he, like the vaqueros, thinks of them very highly. Throughout the novel, the author does not fail to use romantic and emotional language to describe horses and their connections to humans. By using venerating diction in describing the horses, the author portrays these animals as noble being with wild spirits. Besides that, with vivid imagery, the author is able to paint us a poignant picture of horses. â€Å"The painted ponies and the riders of that lost nation came down out of the north with their faces chalked and their long hair plaited and each armed for war which was their life†¦When the wind was in the north you could hear them, the horses and the breath of the horses and the horses’ hooves that were shod in rawhide† (5). This introduction of horses in the beginning of the novel demonstrates the passion and dedication that the author attributes to horses. The mood created by words such as â€Å"painted ponies† and â€Å"the breath of the horses† is passionate and emotionally charged. The author also continues to describe the raw energy and life that flows through the horses. â€Å"John Grady†¦was holding the horse†¦with the long bony head pressed against his chest and the hot sweet breath of it flooding up from the dark wells of its nostrils over his face and neck like news from another world† (103). These metaphors such as â€Å"the dark wells of its nostrils† and â€Å"news from another world† create a forceful likeness of mysterious animals with a nature that is foreign to humans. The horse’s â€Å"hot sweet breath†¦flooding up† displays the life and energy that fill the horses. This mysterious energy is also apparent later, when the author writes, â€Å"He rode the last five horses†¦the horses dancing, turning in the light, their red eyes flashing†¦they moved with an air of great elegance and seemliness† (107). This imagery of â€Å"red eyes flashing† and â€Å"horses dancing† is very mysterious yet still striking. The descriptive detail is very cinematic, and any of these scenes could easily be made into a movie. These extremely in depth  descriptions are so exaggerated that they are almost unrealistic, but they are able to create the desired effect in making horses seem mystical and bizarre. These are the romantic creatures that John sees, the â€Å"pretty horses† that can be taken off the title. John Grady’s connection with horses is as mystical as the horses themselves. He is one way or another, able to communicate with all horses on a deeper level than any other character in the story. This is evident on the Hacienda in the scene in which John and Rawlins are breaking some new horses. John â€Å"cupped his hand over the horse’s eyes and stroked them and he did not stop talking to the horse at all, speaking in a low steady voice and telling it all that he intended to do and cupping the animal’s eyes and stroking the terror out† (103). John’s ability to â€Å"stroke the terror out† of the horses is just like in a case of a parent calming a frightened child. Obviously, he must have some natural tie with these animals if he is able to do this. Indeed, the author has already unambiguously stated that such a bond does exist between John Grady and the horses earlier on when he writes, â€Å"The boy who rode on slightly before him sat a horse not only as if he had been born to it which he was but as if were he begot by malice or mischance into some queer land where horses never were he would have found them anyway† (23). This passage shows that John’s relationship with horses extends into the metaphysical range, a view that is reinforced throughout the novel as more is revealed about John Grady and the horses. As Luis says, â€Å"the horse shares a common soul†¦if a person understood the soul of the horse then he would understand all horses that ever were† (111). It seems like as if the author is trying to tell us that John Grady has this ability to be familiar with the soul of the horse, and that is why his relationship with horses is so unique. John’s reliance on his knowledge of horses as a guide in the world of men eventually reveals to him that the two species are actually very different. When John starts out on his journey, he has very little knowledge about the inner workings of the human society, but he has superficially assumed men and horses to be similar. As the author writes in the opening of the novel, â€Å"What he loved in horses he loved in men, the blood and the heat of the blood that ran them. All his reverence and all his fondness and all the leanings of his life were for the ardenthearted and they would always be so and never be otherwise† (6). John knows that horses are â€Å"ardenthearted† and believes that men must be the same too. He thinks that his journey will be a romantic and passionate one, like the horses he loves, and will strengthen his view of the world. However, he soon learns that his assumption is not what the reality is. Before anything unfortunate happens to him, John hears from Luis that â€Å"among men there was no such communion as among horses and the notion that men can be understood at all is probably an illusion† (111). The first doubts then began to creep into John’s mind, and eventually, he finds out about this personally. Instead of â€Å"pretty horses,† John’s journey is filled with murder and stealing, prison and broken hearts. His ill-fated journey proves clearly about Luis’ point, and totally destroys John’s belief that the world of men is at all an understandable thing. Finally, when it is all over, he returns home disappointed, only to find that both his father and his Abuela have died. John’s fanciful concept of the world of men now has been completely replaced by a â€Å"world that†¦seemed to care nothing for the old or the young or rich or poor or dark or pale or he or she. Nothing for their struggles, nothing for their names. Nothing for the living or the dead† (301). The world of â€Å"all the pretty horses† is nothing to him now but a distant memory. This reveals the title’s irony, a story titled All the Pretty Horses would apparently never involve the death and violence that is included in John’s travels. Indeed, John has come â€Å"full circle† and realized that his original assumptions about men were false. The title of McCarthy’s novel All the Pretty Horses is not meant to be taken literally. Before he runs away, John Grady believes in the world of â€Å"all the pretty horses,† because he has never known anything else. However, his time in Mexico disheartens him and forces him to believe otherwise, that the real world is not so simple, carefree, or innocent. John learns that the romanticism that he ascribes to horses cannot be applied to men. John respects horses and experiences the praise of these animals in the folklore of the day. His relationship with horses exists on many levels, by being his  transportation, his friends, and his spiritual companions. Furthermore, the author illustrates the horses with emotional diction creating almost a motif of passion whenever horses are described. John’s unusual understanding of the fervent spirit of horses leads him to believe that men are the same. However, on his bleak and disappointing journey, he learns that men do not have the same passion of spirit as horses. Instead, they are unpredictable, violent creatures, and their world is certainly not always pretty. I think that it is utterly important for us as readers to understand what the author is trying to tell us by looking at the title and try to understand deeper with the details that the author provides us. Initially I thought that this novel is just going to give details of various horses that man uses in many different ways. However, I was completely wrong on making the judgment by its cover – title. This novel teaches us about the reality in human world that no one will be able to predict what is going happen. He illustrates the morals and ethics that have survived throughout the ages, while ending up with nothing else is left, leaving only memories to be reminders of the mysterious and naturally beautiful time period. I am sure after reading this novel, one would never be able to forget the pain, suffering, romance, and above all loyalty inscribed on its pages or in the memories of those who lived through it.

Karaoke Television

The word â€Å"KTV† stands for Karaoke Television. It is a form of interactive entertainment where amateurs sing along recorded music using a microphone and public address system with a screen of displayed lyrics. There are over 100 KTV establishments in Singapore. Party World KTV is an established karaoke entertainment in Singapore, boasting 12 outlets throughout the island. Equipped with the latest in entertainment technology, user-friendly systems and comfortable spacious rooms, patrons are ensured utmost pleasure and comfort. Party World KTV strives to enrich patron’s experience in singing quality and ‘beyond singing’ experience. Various segments have been identified as possible segments that Party World KTV could target and choose to focus on. Possible segments include but are not limited to: students, corporate, families and senior citizens. The possible segments allows Party World to be an all-rounder KTV entertainment provider, providing from young to old, private to corporate. However, instead of competing in a mass market with broad segments, in adopting a narrower focus, the company ideally focuses on their specialized needs, thus better tailoring the marketing mix accordingly. The chosen segments to focus are students and corporate. Students and corporate segments are important source of customer base. Corporate functions are on regular basis where organizers are willing to spend generously. Students, on the other hand are cost conscious. Singapore’s KTV entertainment industry has grown rapidly over the years. Party World KTV has significance market shares in the industry, nevertheless, not without strong competitors like K Box, Good Luck KTV and Top One KTV. The targeted markets consist of working class (corporate) and non-working class (students). There are huge pools of customers readily available in these two segments. Offering specialize services aimed at corporate functions could set Part World’s positioning at a higher level. Students, on the other hand are customers who enjoy KTV entertainment due to many reasons such as, fans who imitate idols, singing as hobby and friends hangout. In targeting these segments, Party World KTV sets its positioning in customer’s mind uniquely different from other common KTVs. Setting a prestige standard for official functions while not neglecting the needs of the young and non-working customers. An overview of the marketing mix, place, price, products (service) and promotion are as followed. * Place – Exclusive, multiple locations strategically located (12 branches). Rooms are comfortable and spacious. VIPs room exclusively only available in 5 branches with prior bookings needed. All branches are located island wide, convenient for all. * Price – Different pricing strategy. Higher prices targeted to high end customers (corporate functions). Affordable prices for middle income or non-working customers (students). With 2 major segments targeted, pricing have to be set accordingly, suiting customer’s need. Moreover, customers are charges at per room (not per pax), this allows customers to bring more friends. * Products and/or (Services) – High-end service, well-trained staffs and well equip facilities (includes internet, pool table, board games, DVD player and Playstation 3. Exclusive service provided for corporate / private functions. Staffs are well-trained and experience in KTV related services. Party World KTV goes the extra mile to make customers feel more relax with available gaming electronics and free snacks and drinks (for members only). * Promotions – Wide variety of promotions for the targeted segments. Promotional tools currently used by Party World to attract and retain customers are as followed. Before any promotional steps are taken, there must first be a retention strategy to retain current customers before attracting new potential customers. Membership is one way of retaining and attracting customers. Members enjoy lifetime member privileges, moreover, given a birthday voucher on the birthday month. Points redemption / accumulation entitles members to be rewarded for every dollar they spent. Points are redeemable for food and beverages, longer usage of facilities and special gifts. With points redemption, customers are more enticed to spend more and remain loyal to Party World KTV than switching to others. (Spend in Party World and get rewarded!) A singing contest is held monthly to promote singing. It is considered as a friendly and leisure contest to promote singing. Most of the participants are students eagerly waiting for their chance to sing on stage. Thus, this promotional tool is appropriate in attracting the student amateur singers. â€Å"Happy Hour Promotion† applicable from Mondays to Fridays (2pm – 7pm), customers are given a special rate which includes free snacks and non-alcohol drinks. Members are able to enjoy an additional 10% discount. â€Å"3 bottles package† Customers are able to choose any 3 bottles of alcohol with free 6 bottles of mixers at only $598. Nevertheless, the promotions are insufficient to attract customers. We recommend for an â€Å"Epic Theme Nights† which covers from Monday to Thursdays and Sunday where Party World KTV has least customers. Selling points: Now you can even produce and design your own MTV album (with your own vocals and video) with Party World KTV's professional studio and recording system! find their favorite croons and save favorite songs in a playlist for easy retrieval on the next visit. All you have to do is to register through the KTV system using your mobile number as login ID and start saving your favorite KTV songs in your playlist! Your comfort and pleasure is met with our spacious rooms which are lined with comfortable leather seats and massage chairs and in-room foot massage machines. Message: For wannabe Singapore Idols, Party World is the obvious place to hone your singing skills. Affordable room rentals and a hefty bilingual song catalogue should ensure hours of crooning entertainment, not to mention various discounts available to NTUC cardholders. With 11 branches spread across the island, Party World has become quite a karaoke institution.

Employee drug testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employee drug testing - Essay Example The most extreme action that an employer can take is to terminate employment or refusing to hire (as the case may be). The scope of actions on part of employers are provisioned in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, promoted and passed by President Ronald Reagan during his final year of presidency. There are other federal and state regulations which allow termination only if it is inevitable. On detection of an employee drug problem, employers are required to â€Å"encourage or require employers to allow offenders to choose a substance-abuse treatment program in place of employment termination. For example, instead of outright firing you, your employer might ban you from performing safety-sensitive duties until you successfully complete a course, counseling or treatment program and then pass a return-to-duty drug test. That's particularly so if you work in an industry regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or for a company that follows Department of Transportation workplace drug testing rules.† (www.employeeissues.com, 2011) Testing positive for drugs have a whole array of disincentives for the guilty. For example, such employees cannot claim unemployment benefits. Provisions under CORBA would deny the guilty prolonged health-insurance coverage during the recovery stage. The state workers' compensation law is also unfavorable to those found guilty, for it denies any workers' compensation benefits. All this is not to say that the laws are favored toward employers. For example, however grievous the drug-abuse and however malefic its effects were on the organization, employers still cannot get the guilty arrested, unless the drug-abuse happens in the premises of the organization.

Comparison of Judy Bradys Article I Want a Wife and Joanne Leonards Research Paper

Comparison of Judy Bradys Article I Want a Wife and Joanne Leonards 1966 Photograph Sonia - Research Paper Example Judy Brady’s essay â€Å"I Want a Wife† was written in the year 1971 when women were still expected to follow their traditional roles, to conduct themselves in a particular way for the men of their households. It is penned in a rather sarcastic and even humorous manner in which Brady talks of the reasons why she would want a wife for a change instead of being one herself. And when one reads through her essay, one really does not wonder as to why she thinks in such a manner. The wives of those times were seen as automatons, creatures who would give birth to babies and then take care of them, cook for them and feed them, watch over them all their lives. Similarly, they would also look after their husbands, wash and iron their clothes, cook their meals, listen to them talk about their work, give them space when they needed it, be pretty for them, act the perfect hostess, look after their need or lack thereof sexual activities. She would also be aware that she could be repl aced by another woman anytime, while she was not allowed to leave her husband for another man. The wife had to fulfill all the roles that the society required her to without thinking of her feelings, her wants or her needs. In short, she could live and breathe, but she was not the master of her own life, she had no right to dream, she would forever live her life serving, doing errands for her husband or children. That they would work for twenty-four hours and still manage to look pretty and be responsive during the sexual activities, and so on.

Article reviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Article reviews - Essay Example It revealed that children and teenage Hispanics were 28.9% obese ab 20.5% in the case of black people. Children who were considered severely obese as profiled above the 95th BMI percentile were prone by as much as 2.8 times of having hypertension compared to those who has moderate obesity. The study also revealed that approximately 5.6% of community population is severely obese that runs the risk of having hypertension. This is relevant because it shows how prevalent obesity is in our population. Imagine a staggering 5.6% of pediatric community population who has severe obesity. The media may only portray the aesthetic consequence of being obese as being labeled â€Å"fat† but medically, it has a morbid consequence of contracting hypertension which the media should also portray. 4. What is the method? How was the research collected? The data gathering was made through interviews of children and adolescents coming from different ethnic backgrounds. Qualitative research was conducted and data was extracted through focus group discussion. The study revealed that a child and adolescents social circle has different attitudes, motivations and behavior about their eating habit and this has significant influence among the other members of the peer group. This is unfortunate because most peer group adopt an unhealthy eating habit that is pass on to other members of the group. Every teenager can relate to this study. It basically says that social pressure induces a teenager to eat unhealthy food. Media is partly guilty of this issue too because they portray eating unhealthy foods such as burgers and pizzas to be the â€Å"in† food for teenagers and most of us buy it. Cnabers, Stephannie; Lobb,Alexandra; Butler, LaurieT; Traill, W. Bruce (2008).The influence of age and gender on food choice: a focus group exploration. International Journal of Consumer Studies, Vol. 32 Issue 4, p356-365, 10p Lo, J. C., Chandra, M., Sinaiko, A., Daniels, S. R.,

Decision Making with Managerial Accounting Case Study

Decision Making with Managerial Accounting - Case Study Example In other words, managerial accounting is referred to as the internal business-developing role of finance and accounting professionals who plan, implement and manage the internal systems, which encourage effective decisions, thereby supporting and controlling the value creating activities of an organization (Ioana-Diana, 2014). Managerial accounting is aimed at providing financial and non-financial information to managers, so as to help them make the best decisions. It facilitates effective internal decision making that is primarily focused on planning and controlling purposes. The type of decisions taken by managers depends heavily on the accounting information available to them. Given the fact that financial accounting data does not provide sufficient detail for internal decisions, it must be broken down to further details, regarding individual services and products offered by the company. Not only do managers need to be aware of the cost of a service or product, but they also need the cost information to be broken into intricate details of smaller components, that will enable them to conduct ‘what if’ analysis and thus, predict the future. The types of decisions that managers more often than not are supposed to make are regarding pricing a particular or a group of products, dropping a produ ct or product line, purchase of new resources by replacing the old ones, assessing the performance of managers and divisions of an organization and sometimes, making instead of purchasing a product. Therefore, this suggests that the two fundamental utilities of managerial accounting are planning and controlling. Both the factors mentioned in the statement above help managers to accomplish fluent decision making (UNF, n.d. ). The principal role of managerial accountant is to record financial information within the financial statements of a company, which is utilized by the management team of the organization to

Investment Banking in 2008 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Banking in 2008 - Essay Example This paper demonstrates the result of deregulatory measures initiated by the authorities of the United States in the decade of 1990s.The reason for such hype of the deregulatory measures has been primarily the universal bank model. The deregulatory measures allowed the investment banks to participate in the depository functions. The supporters of the deregulations believed that modern day clients preferred to do all of their business ranging from life insurance to commercial lending, from mergers and acquisition advisory to retirement planning, under one roof. And only a deregulated market could allow this to happen. Therefore, replacement of Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 (which prevented depository and brokerage functions) by the Gramm-Leach Bliley in 1999 opened a whole lot of opportunities for the bankers. With the approval to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act in 1999, investment banks, insurance companies and commercial banks were equally placed in respect to the products and the markets. This led to the concentration of financial power in fewer hands and soon the investment banks were being absorbed by the commercial banks. The deviation led to the rise in pressure on investment banks to create return on equity compared to the universal banks like Duetsche Bank and as a result investment banks laid more emphasis on the traditional services like M&A, underwriting, sales and trading. Also, the intense competitive pressure led to the withdrawal of Net Capital rule. and SEC allowed unlimited and unregulated leverage (in way of debts) to their brokerage units which proved to be fatal in the long run. Remaining Competitive Against the Trend From the analysis of the case, it appears that Goldman Sachs (and also Morgan Stanley, if not others) could have surely remained competitive without increasing its leverage to boost its return on investment. In fact, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were honest enough at the outset and had written down the losses in residential mortgages and leveraged loans and tried to avoid the excessive exposure to the mortgage industry. But as Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley faced increasing pressure from the investors as their profits eroded and return on equity subsided. Consequently, they decided to be the bank holding companies (under FED regulations) and initiate the depository functions which would allow them to play as commercial banks and have diversified banking operations apart from invest banking functions, which in turn would help them to stay competitive. Collapse of Lehman Brothers but Bear Stearns Saved For the purpose of bail out of Bear Sterns , Federal Reserve lent JP Morgan Chase $ 30 Billion out of which JP Morgan Chase agreed to assume responsibility for $ 1 Billion leaving the charge of other $ 29 Billion to the U.S. tax payers. But when the Lehman Brothers, which had almost 75% higher valuation of the assets (compared to Bear Sterns as on 30/11/2007) approached Federal Reserve they did not get the nod. The prime reason of such a decision by Fed is believed to be the political dominos. The decision makers hesitated to take another bail-out measure

WIPO, Berne, TRIPS, Copyright Law and their Implications for Google Essay

WIPO, Berne, TRIPS, Copyright Law and their Implications for Google - Essay Example Thus all national copyright laws to a greater or lesser extent attempt to balance recognition and enforcement of copyright against broader interests and needs. International copyright law has recognised the need for this balance but the exact nature of the appropriate balance has been contentious. The nature of the balance envisaged in the Berne Convention may well have been different from that envisaged in subsequent legislation and this essay will begin by defining the dimensions of that balance. It will then proceed to consider the changes in international copyright law brought about by the TRIPS Agreement and the WIPO Copyright Treaty to establish whether the balance as now recognised in international copyright law is different from that originally recognised by the Berne Convention. Article 13 of TRIPs illustrates the essence of the Berne Convention and TRIPs, which is that the copyright holder's rights cannot be derrogated from except in special circumstances in the public interest. However, the test is very strict whereby the rights of the artist are paramount in the Berne Convention where it it widely accepted that the copyright holder and the artist was one and the same. ... copyright holder is frequently not the artist because the caopyrights are owned by the employer, agent or company that commissions the individual's work. Therefore TRIPs focuses on the economic rights of the copyright holder and ignores the moral rights of the artist. Public interest rights in both of these conventions are ignored except for the cases of academic interest. It is not deemed as important that communal and indigenous rights should be protected or materials that are valuable to the development of the greater good of the community. This is especially so in the developing countries, where licenses and permissions for copyrighted material need to be obtained to educate and fund the development of their citizenry. The WIPO Copyright Treaty in many ways has been introduced to protect public interest rights and limit the copyright holder's rights, but in a balance with the moral rights of the artist. It still focuses too much on economic rights, but it is a move in the right d irection. "Libraries will continue to play a critical role in ensuring access for all in the information society. Properly functioning national and international networks of library and information services are critical to the provision of access to information. Traditionally, libraries have been able to provide reasonable access to the purchased copies of copyright works held in their collections. However, if in future all access and use of information in digital format becomes subject to payment, a library's ability to provide access to its users will be severely restricted."1 Intellectual Property needs to understand that there are public interest rights as it deals with a variety of areas, stemming from inventions through to ideas and artistic writings and pictures. In relation to

Public Administration and business management Research Paper

Public Administration and business management - Research Paper Example They are involved in the business of making policies and rules and regulations through which they manage the private and the public sector. Businesses have to ensure that they abide by the policies set by the public administrators in order to ensure that they do not cross the line and fall in the category of anti-social organizations (Denhardt, 2011, p.51). Business management even involves the facet of managing people but they can only control behavior of those people that are working within the organizations and set policies to govern these individuals (Denhardt, 2009, p.5). Those students who are involved in the study of public management learn about managing the macro level of the common population and those individuals who are enrolled in business management courses are involved in the learning of how to manage people at a micro level. Another reason due to which business management cannot be referred to as public administration is that the rules of business management are obtai ned from the policies and guidelines created by the people who are related to the field of public

The Visions And Intensions Of Karl Marx Essay Example for Free

The Visions And Intensions Of Karl Marx Essay From the content of the Manifesto of the Communist Party, it is seen that Marx and Engels are not talking of any freedom but freedom from exploitation, freedom from class oppression, and freedom from class conflicts. In this sense, society cannot be considered free until it replaced capitalist exploitation with the free collaboration of all members of society. Freedom as deliverance of the worker from capitalist exploitation, is only one, though the most important aspect of his freedom. It cannot be restricted by negative characteristics, as in â€Å"freedom from something†. Freedom makes sense only when man is free not due to negative forces, to deliver him from something or the other, but due to positive forces, to show his real individuality (Hart, 1982). For Marx, freedoms like freedom of religion and the freedom to own property are hollow freedoms. In the manifesto, Marx wrote, â€Å"But dont wrangle with us so long as you apply, to our intended abolition of bourgeois property, the standard of your bourgeois notions of freedom, culture, law, etc. Your very ideas are but the outgrowth of the conditions of your bourgeois production and bourgeois property, just as your jurisprudence is but the will of your class made into a law for all, a will, whose essential character and direction are determined by the economical conditions of existence of your class.† Thus, only in a classless society would a human individual truly gain freedom. Karl Marx and Maximilian Weber are two of the founders of Modern Sociology. Marx and Weber were influential figures during their time, as both were active and visible in German politics. Their words hold a power in them that denotes authority and conviction thus becoming an inspiration or a threat to those who hear and read, yet were also widely criticized and disputed. These two however, as many people believe, share opposing views in many issues, particularly with regards to the controversial debate of capitalism and socialism. Yet they also share commonalities.Karl Marx is popularly known for his works that gave rise to the concept of communism. Marx is in fact trained in the field of philosophy but eventually veered towards economics and politics. Hence for many scholars then and now, he was more of a revolutionary communist than a philosopher. For Marx nevertheless, â€Å"the philosophers have only interpreted the world, the point is to change it,† this he wrote in his Theses on Feuerbach (Wolff, 2003). His most popular work was the Communist Manifesto (1848), which he co-authored with his lifelong friend, Friedrich Engels. Yet according to many academicians, even if the Manifesto is the most famous of Marx’ works, it is not the best material to use to analyze his sentiments and belief. In fact many deem the Economic and Political Manuscripts of 1844 as the heart of Marx’s analysis particularly in relation to economics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Prior to communism, what paved the way to the development of communistic ideas was the theory of Historical Materialism. This is Marx’s version of history, where forms of societies experience a constant rise and fall because that society had grown to inhibit human productive power. During his time, capitalism was the dominant society, thus, capitalism impedes human productivity. What follows the decrease in productivity is a revolution or epoch change because the former society can no longer serve the needs of man. Marx believes that the historical process or the progression or human societies undergoes a series of changes in the mode of production but will eventually culminate to communism; communism will replace capitalism giving rise to a â€Å"society in which each person should contribute according to their ability and receive such according to their need† (Wolff 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marx’s postulates, though some were regarded as unempirical, were nonetheless necessary, as he was able to discuss economics using â€Å"material bases† rather than relying on philosophical abstractions and dialectics (Kemerling, 2002). Most importantly, his works were viewed as the inspiration for the victory of the Bolsheviks several decades later in the October Revolution. His most notable and recognized ideas is that the Proletariats, Bolsheviks for the Russians, are not given their fair share during the production of commodities, thus there is no harmonious relationship between the capitalist profit earner and the working man and neither will there be an equilibrium in the capitalist market (Weber, 2006). Karl Marx believes that revolution is inevitable. Nations will aspire for a society that fosters equality and progress for everyone and not just the ruling class. This emerges from an uprising from the proletariat as they continue to feel antagonism from the bourgeoisie. Modern day societies, according to Marx, are basically divided into two major classes: the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist, ruling class, and the proletariat, or the working class. With this class distinction, material wealth of a nation is totally controlled by the capitalists, while the working class only depends on salary as they work for the continued wealthy existence of the bourgeoisie. Marx believes that ultimately, the working class will notice the inequalities in their society and will wish to bring about major changes that can only be possible through revolutionary means. (Kemerling). Marx acknowledges the differing ideas on socialism and communism, but eventually concludes that it is through revolution that true communist ideals can be met. Believers in socialist and communist systems assert that antagonism persists as industrial development continues. Since the economic condition does not provide for the emancipation of the proletariat, â€Å"they therefore search after a new social science, after new social laws, that are to create these conditions† (Marx 110). Central to Marx’ concept is class distinction, which has been present throughout the course of history. The modern capitalistic society is itself a product of the feudal society, but has brought about new forms of oppression. Capitalism evolved from feudal concepts and continues to evolve in order to sustain itself – incessantly changing the means of production and exchange. The bourgeoisie has made itself the center of every society in the world as it compelled all nations to follow its model of society – a society that has enormously increased urban population so as to take them away from the simple rural life (Marx 64-64). It has also promoted a mode of production, which it presents to be based on freedom, i.e., free trade and globalization. In the process, the bourgeoisie has given power and wealth to only a few people, that is, the ruling class. On the other hand, the proletariat becomes mere commodities as capitalists continue to look for cheaper labor, and the workers, since they are selling themselves for labor and are competing with other workers for daily sustenance, turn out with lower wages in the end. In the long run, labor becomes more burdensome to the workers even as the wages go down. The economic situation of the working class, as they will eventually discover, is due primarily to the system of production, the system that the capitalists themselves have developed for their own welfare. Marx also notes that even the small shopowners, tradespeople, and handicraftsmen, unable to compete on equal footing against the larger capitalist groups, become part of the proletariat, although they are more conservative, considering only their future interests (70-71). The working class is the revolutionary class that is bound to face the bourgeoisie, starting with small groups until it forms into a national group that will take power from bourgeoisie to centralize all instruments of production. Communists envision a classless society and promote the common interests of the proletariat, and support the overthrow of the capitalists so that the working class will gain power. Marx believes that the communists are the most advanced of all sectors of the working class, as they work towards the abolition of private property, which has been the basis for antagonism of the working class (80-81). Marx predicts that the capitalist society will eventually evolve, leading to its demise as the proletarians resist the system and fight for the emancipation of the working class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   REFERENCES Hart, M. (1982) The Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Galahad Books, New York City. Kemerling, G. (2002, August 7). Karl Marx. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2007 at:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/marx/htm Marx, K. and   Engels, F.   The Communist Manifesto. New York: Simon and Schuster Inc., 1964. Weber, M. (2006, July 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2007 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   index.php?title=Max_Weberoldid=66750368 Wolff, J. (2003, August 26). Karl Marx. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2007 at:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/marx/

Cigarettes and their effect of one’s lowered BMI over non-smokers Essay Example for Free

Cigarettes and their effect of one’s lowered BMI over non-smokers Essay Cigarette smoking has established effects on body weight. The effect of weight concerns on smoking initiation, as well as smoking cessation will be examined in the following review. The following review further examines how age, time spent smoking and concern with an individual’s outward appearance, can also lead to a continuation of smoking. The following review also demonstrates that when one ceases to smoke cigarettes, there is a high likely hood that their BMI will raise as well as a demonstration that cigarettes increase the basal metabolic rate. Habitual smokers have been found to weigh 3-6 kg less than non-smokers. In the text the explanation of this relationship is examined. Findings include, the need to do something with one’s hands, food preferences, choosing sweets over other foods. Findings further explained that during the cessation stage an ex-smoker will gain 4. 5 kg and that roughly 13% will gain at least 11 kg. Efforts to address weight concerns in smoking cessation programs may need to target these subjects as it leads to these individuals not ceases to stop smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is a well-documented public health problem. Furthermore, cigarette smoking has established effects on body weight. What is the cause and effect as to why smokers may have a lower BMI than non-smokers, and how do cigarettes affect weight gain during and after cessation? Also, does the possibility of weight gain after cessation, stop the smoking from quitting for fear of gaining weight? Tobacco deaths alone account for 4. 9 million deaths annually. Aside from the addictive properties, one explanation could be the belief that cigarettes contribute to a lower BMI. Also what happens to your BMI once you cease smoking cigarettes? The following review will examine scientific data on weight concerns and smoking behaviors. The dimensions of appearance concerns in smokers An individual’s outward appearance appears to play a large role in the onset and continuation of smoking. One way to tackle the problem of weight gain in smokers vs. nonsmokers is to simply ask them what their fears are, with regards to gaining weight and their appearance in general. Grogan, Hartley, Conner, Fry and Gough (2010) conducted an experimental research, involving a questionnaire of a total of 244 British, 17-34 yr. lds. The questionnaire given to the subjects was the Multidimensional Body- Self Relations Appearance Sub- Scales. The subjects were then asked to rate their feelings towards their appearance. The method involved mailing the questionnaire to 547 non-student participants in Leeds who had taken part of a previous smoking study; as well as an additional 80 university students that attended Staffordshire. The questionnaires were returned, some counting as undeliverable, which resulted in a final number of 244 complete data sets, Grogan et. al. (2010). The participants include Staffordshire University 7 male smokers, 36 male non-smokers, 5 female smokers and 32 female non-smokers. The sample from Leeds included 8 male smokers, 49 male non-smokers, 43 female smokers and 103 female non-smokers, Grogan et. al. (2010) . The questionnaire included closed and two open- ended questions, one such question was, why do you smoke? The scale also measured things such as Appearance Scale and Appearance Evaluation, also along with self-classified weight. The results that the researchers used , were compared by two factors Manova  Ã‚  followed by Univariate Anova. Results revealed the following data (F-4. 237=7. 90;p0. 001 eta squared=0. 10) In the end the only variable that differed significantly between smokers and non-smokers was appearance evaluation; smokers were not as positive about their appearance than non-smokers, Grogan, (2010). It should also be noted that this was based on asking subjects about their feelings toward their general physical appearance, not merely centered on feeling overweight, the results do not go along with the previous studies that smokers are more preoccupied with their weight than non-smokers, Grogan et. l. (2010). The results suggest that to in the future targeting smoking cessation programs need to target the smokers concern for the his/her overall appearance, as well as weight gain. Smoking as a Means to loose Weight There are many negative effects that continued smoking contributes to. Among many of these effects there is an altercation of lipid metabolism, through the increase of lipolysis, insulin resistance and the tissue lipotoxity, Gastaldelli, Folli, Maffei (2010). The researchers noted that smokers have in general a lower BMI than non -smokers. It is noted however, that heavy smoking is associated with less physical activity which often can lead to obesity, Gastaldelli et. al. (2010). It well established that smoking or nicotine ingestion increases the basal metabolic rate, which could explain an increased energy expenditure in smokers, Gastaldelli et. al. (2010). Smokers tend to be thinner than non-smokers and former smokers, and several studies have shown that a smoker’s BMI is lower, Gastaldelli et. al. (2010). In further support of this finding, it has also been found that heavy smokers tend to have higher BMI’s than lighter smokers and even some non smokers Gastaldelli et. l. (2010). Also in general the abdomen is where the fat in smokers seems to accumulate the most; as well as showing an increased waist to hip ratio. However, there has also been noted a decrease in the resting metabolism when a smoker reaches cessation. It has also been suggested that there is an It has also been suggested that there is an enhancement in metabolism when it combined with nicotine and exercise, Gastaldelli et. al. (2010). Cigarette smoking among high school students has increased as well. There are on average one-quarter of high school students currently smoking cigarettes, Johnson, Eaton, Pederson, Lowry (2009). The question remained whether high school students were using cigarettes as a method to control their weight, Johnson (2009). The method that was used for this research involved the youth Behavior Risk data (2005), where behaviors such as current cigarette use, trying to loose weight and (2009). Separate logistic regression models calculated adjusted odd ratios for cigarette use and trying to loose weight. In Spring of 2005 a three stage cluster model was used and the survey was administered to students in grades 9-12. There were a total of 98 items on the survey. The questions centered on how many cigarettes smoked, as well as whether or not weight was a factor that the students considered. The student’s method that was used for this research involved the youth Behavior Risk data (2005), where behaviors such as current cigarette use, trying to loose weight and also keep from gaining weight , Johnson (2009). Separate logistic regression models calculated adjusted odd ratios for cigarette use and trying to loose weight. The student’s BMI was also calculated from the metric conversions of self reported height and weight, Johnson(2009). Using the CDC growth charts the BMI was created as well. All of the statistical analysis including prevalence, and odd ratios were performed on weighted data, using SAS-Callable, Johnson (2009). The study indicated that trying to loose weight was associated with cigarette smoking before but not after, which in turn accounted for healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, Johnson (2009). Similarly, Park (2009) found that there is a rather consistent association between being concerned with one’s weight and current smoking. Data was then collected from the Minnesota Survey on Adult Substance, which used a telephone survey (N= 16289). Current smoking and mental health were considered, in relation to one’s body weight. The BMI was self reported and each subject was assigned a 1-4 on the body weight category. Those who reported smoking have smoked 100 cigarettes or more in their life and had 30 days Park (2009). The K6 scale was used to screen the subjects for any mental illness that was diagnosable, Park (2009). With further research Park, found that underweight woman were more likely to smoke. Smoking and BMI How does smoking effect BMI, is the question that Neil E. Grunberg examined, in 1985. Studies were conducted to compare the body weight of smokers vs. non-smokers. Habitual smokers have been found to weigh less 3-6kg less than non-smokers, Grunberg (1985). Interestingly, according to Grunberg studies have found that there appears to very little difference between smoking and BMI with regards to younger participants, specifically those aged 15-19. Considering these two studies it appears clear that smokers weigh less than non-smokers. Explanation of this relationship  One such explanation that can help shed some light onto the correlation between smoking and BMI, is simply food consumption of smokers is less than non-smokers and that smoking cessation lends to increased food consumption, Cigarettes and their affect of one’s lowered BMI over non-smokers Grunberg (1985), offers another explanation is that cigarette smoking increases energy utilization. Therefore, smokers will gain less vs. non-smokers. A third explanation that, Grunberg (1985) mentions is that smoking affects certain food consumption, such as foods that fall into the sweet category. In essence, when a person who smokes cigarettes ceases to, they consume a higher amount of sweets. As well as when a smoker ceases to smoke they may feel a need to do something with their hands or a need for oral satisfaction. Some animal studies report that once nicotine was administered to the animals; their food consumption decreases, Grunberg (1985). Grunberg also points out that it is important to mention that only bland food was provided to the animals, as this may have had something to do with it as well. Another study produced similar results as well according to Grunberg. Subjects were studies during an eight hour period in a laboratory, in which they were not allowed to smoke. What they found was that the subjects ate twice as much sweet and salty food, but the same amount of other foods that they did when smoking was allowed, Grunberg (1985). Munafo, Tilling , Ben- Shlomo (2009) lend even further food for thought into this world. They conducted an longitudinal study in which they compared in different phases. The study consisted of contacting men aged 45-59, who were first seen in an evening lab. At all of the phases, the subjects had their measurements taken as well as their smoking history. The dietary behavior was also included in all phases except Phase IV, Munafo (2009). Non-smokers were also included in the study. Linear regression models were used to relate the BMI, to smoking status. The researchers found in the final results that never smokers and ex-smokers differ in their BMI when compared with current smokers with an average of 1. 6 kg. Also, even more surprisingly, the researchers found that the longer one ceases to smoke the higher their BMI. Munafo finds that the longer a smoker ceases to smoke, in time their BMI will return to the equivalent of that to never smokers.

Wal Marts Global Procurement Division Management Essay

Wal Marts Global Procurement Division Management Essay Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and incorporated in 1969. Walmart has been maintaining its status as the largest grocery retailer in the U.S. The company operates at more than 8,500 retail units under 60 different banners in 15 countries, and reported sales revenue of $405 billion in 2010. The company strives to strongly commit to its promise to the customers; Every Day Low Prices. In order to deliver low-priced goods and make the customers lives better, the company particularly leverages operating expense and improve its global expertise. From another perspective, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is one of the biggest buyers for many suppliers whether they are domestic or international producers, and whether they are of a small scale or a big scale. To reduce the bottom-line costs, the company has been vigorously attempting to reduce product costs and transport costs. International Purchasing As the companys business dramatically grew, it created Global Procurement division in 2002 to better manage the international purchasing activities. The division makes decision on and oversees direct business import and factory purchasing from their international suppliers in many different locations around the globe. To name a few, Wal-mart obtains global procurement offices in Bangladesh, Dubai, India, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Shanghai and Shenzen in China. These offices allow international suppliers to apply for direct import program through which they could establish the supplier relationship with Wal-mart, after the thorough examination. Wal-Marts Global Procurement Division Headquartered in Shenzen, China, the division is responsible for identifying new attractive international suppliers, sourcing new products as necessary, and maintaining good supplier relationships with the existing suppliers. In addition, it manages the global supply chain of Wal-marts direct imports. The majority of the staffs are located in Shenzen, China as the company has the greatest supplier base in China. By setting up the Global Procurement division, the company gained better insights into their international suppliers. Through this program, the company could understand the issues of global sourcing and suppliers and work towards solving them in order to assure quality. As a supplier maintenance process, the global procurement offices are also responsible for conducting factory inspections, and provide the workplace standards training that align with the companys own standards. International Supplier Selection Similar to the companys very thorough domestic supplier selection, the global procurement undergoes the selective process. The greatest advantage that the international direct import brings is reduced costs. Due to high labor costs, many of the U.S. factories cannot offer Wal-mart competitive pricing. As a result, Wal-mart explored its options in Pacific-Asia/Asia. In many Asian countries, manufacturers benefit from relatively low labor costs. Among those international supplier, Chinese suppliers are definitely the companys biggest supplier base. To ensure the quality of products in addition to lower costs, the global procurement division strives to help them adhere to the standards and make factory inspections/audits. Also, the company has its own ethical standards set for its potential and existing suppliers as an essential requirement. Reliability and trustworthiness are also important criteria to decrease the delivery failure and delay rates. Through the companys own global suppl y chain, it manages the transportation of goods from international suppliers to the U.S. warehouses. Supplier management system There is no need to tell how far has reached Walmart on the supply chain management. To ensure its customers satisfaction is the highest, the biggest worldwide retailing company provides a Supplier Training program. Once a supplier has been accepted and has read the Proposal Packet which introduces the business philosophy and practices, a training program managed by Accenture must be followed. In 2005, Walmart and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) created an online retail supply chain certification for suppliers. A web-based training program for Chinese factories to audit ratings and productivity is also included. A lot of side businesses like 8th Walton offer services and solutions to support organisations who want to do business with Walmart. Intertek Group factories inspection, factory audits In August 2009, Walmart announced its partnerships with Intertek to ensure the quality of the suppliers product. The partner provides the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) certification by a cost-effective program to assure the product compliance. The process includes documentation review, process audit and lab testing. Local Suppliers The Local Supplier program was put in place to satisfy local demand for specific products. A complete process has to be completed from the store manager to the Divisional Merchandise Director. Also, a special program for Women owned business and minority businesses. Benefits are present for the chain: Wal-Marts local sourcing strategy has been seen as a move to win the favour of its customers. Walmart recognized that local suppliers are more aware of national trends, customers tastes and local needs. That helps create links with the population as well. Requirements A lot of requirements must be fulfilled by suppliers to be part of the big empire retail system. First, all businesses must adhere to the RetailLink system which is a website to plan execute and analyze the production. Moreover, suppliers must include EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to their system for real-time delivery of business documents. EDI is part of the Vendor Management Inventory (VMI) which, through the use of sale information, recommends orders to Walmart. Over the years, EDI has actually proven to be one of the most efficient and effective ways for Wal-Mart to conduct business with its suppliers. That contributes to oversight the inventory programs of both the supplier and Walmart. Despite these technical requirements, tests labs might be asked to ensure the highest quality and safety: we use different independent third party testing labs to provide a safety net test. Also, there is a total prohibition of any kind of gifts or present to Walmart managers. The company asked for industry knowledge and integrity from its suppliers. Finally, suppliers must meet regulation differentiations among countries with the help of the Office for Regulatory Compliance (ORC). Some standard have to be reach as well: the compliance with the law, the no-child labor application, hiring and employment practices, compensations (wage), freedom of association and barging, health and safety, environment, conflict-free of interest, anti-corruption and financial integrity. Violations of these standards can be reported in any country confidentially. Insurance requirements A product Commercial General Liability insurance must be purchased by the supplier for a minimum of $Â  2 million. An employees insurance has to be bought for a minimum of $1 million. An employers liability must also be included. Benefits of Global Sourcing Cheap Labor Resrouce Costs One of the reasons for Walmart pursue international purchasing is there are cheaper labor power available abroad. Looking at hourly compensation cost of the world by United States Department of Labor, one can clearly see that there are numerous nations that provide cheaper labor force than that of the US. Suppliers in nations with cheaper labor are likely to provide cheaper products which would benefit Walmart in cost saving. Walmart is trying to decrease labor costs further by launching programs such as job optimization and regrouping program Some resources are actually cheaper in certain countries and Walmart could benefit from such difference by purchasing resources from cheaper regions. Moreover, in some cases, due to such differences in cost, there really is no competitive domestic supplier available making it inevitable to purchase internationally. Diversification of Supplier Base Also, by purchasing internationally, Walmart can diversify its supply base. By doing this, Walmart not only can purchase various products with cheap price but also ensure sustainable and less volatile supply base. For instance, in recent disaster in Japan, even though Walmarts business in Japan has taken some damage, it is unlikely to damage overall company as their supply base is diversified. Regarding the issue, Moodys Investors Services Senior Analyst Charles OShea said, While Japan may be an important market for Wal-Mart, the company has other international opportunities that have more growth potential over the long term. As you can see in the example, Walmart benefits greatly by diversifying its supply base globally. Not only that, Walmartcan improve its bargaining position towards domestic suppliers by diversifying its supply base. As Walmartcanpurchase from suppliers outside the US, it does not depend on domestic suppliers providing it bargaining power to push domestic supplie rs to provide contracts better conditions. Risks of Global Sourcing Transportation Cost Despite benefits mentioned above, international purchasing comes with some risks and costs. To start with, there are transportation costs. As international suppliers have to ship products, it is important to minimize transportation cost. Walmart tries to avoid unnecessary transportation cost by having standards and requirements when selecting supplier. By selecting supplier that fits the standards, Walmart can avoid potential additional cost. Also, Walmart offers supplier information manual which its suppliers are required to follow as stated in contract with Walmart. The contract also states clearly that it is suppliersresponsibility to deliver products timely and in case of delays, compensations are in order. Walmart also tries to prevent such failures by educating its suppliers through supplier training programs. Reputation and Quality Control Walmart also has to ensure its reputations are protected when dealing with international suppliers. If products from international suppliers are of incompetent quality or if their suppliers have ethical issues, Walmarts reputation would be could damaged. To prevent any potential problems, Walmart practices audits to its suppliers. For instance, Walmart carried out unannounced audits to factories of its supplier in China. To Walmarts surprise, it found out that the factories had unsafe work practices which caused staff injuries. If it were not for these audits, Walmarts reputation could have been damaged for dealing with unethical supplier. Corporate social responsibility As one of the largest world companies, Walmart has no choice to look on the impacts of its actions. But, because Wal-Mart only directly manufactures 8 percent of everything is sells, the solution lies for the most part with the suppliers. Walmart asked to its 100,000 suppliers 15 questions for sustainability regarding energy and climate, material efficiency, natural resources and people and community in the goal to transform into a sustainable products rating for customers. Walmart also pursues 3 major environmental goals: to be supplied 100% by renewable energy, to create zero waste and to sell products that sustain people and environment. Established in 1992, the Ethical Standard Program, a division of the Global Procurement, is responsible to verify if suppliers are in conformance with Walmart standards and local law. The company experienced some troubles in China relatively to management style (well-run prisons) and to the labor exploitation. Child labor and Labor/factory conditions In 1993, Walmart was accused of its first violation of international labor rights in Bangladesh: Children in Bangladesh were forced to work for five cents an hour while Wal-Mart falsely indicated that their garments had been Made in USA consistent with their 1985 image campaign. Despite many efforts, in 2006, around 250 children were found working in a factory. Bad treatments, physical, moral and financial were also reported. The fault can be rejected to suppliers, the core problem, and Walmart could stop the abuses by halting its cutting and running. Various violations have been reported on the minimum wage, forced labor, overtime paid, bathroom breaks or rights to independent unions. Against green initiatives/sustainability Walmart put in place a Sustainable Value Network to seek solutions for an eco-friendly environment. The company began to see environmental sustainability as a way to achieve two goals: improve Wal-Marts bottom line and its reputation. Efforts are driven in this direction, but there is still a lot to do. Some say Walmart got engaged in these actions, looking to its bottom line. Recommendation Better Supplier Relationship Walmart has been criticized by general public that it forces its suppliers to cut down costs and processes. While this procedures have helped Walmart to achieve its business motto, Every Day Low Price (EDLP), it also resulted in somewhat harming its relationships with its suppliers. For instance, survey by RetailingToday.com showed that Walmarts current suppliers believe Walmart does not help its suppliers to understand the business and operations nor does it make information and resources open. This kind of data shows that Walmarts over-compulsive requirements has led to distrusts between it and its suppliers. For Walmart to successfully survive in future market, it is essential to create sustainable relationships with its suppliers. Green Walmart For similar reasons mentioned above, Walmart has been criticized for not environment friendly. As Walmart pursues cost minimization, it somewhat neglected environmental issues which is damaging its brand image. There are demonstrations and movements that argue to not purchase from Walmart because of it is harming environment. For Walmart to better its brand image, it is important to go green. Ethical business Other issues include ethical problems. It is again related to Walmarts goal of minimizing cost. To meet with Walmarts demand of cost minimization, some suppliers from developing countries using child labor. Not only is itself unethical, it is also morally being criticized because Walmart does not actively prevent this. As mentioned above, this is also harming Walmarts brand image. Overdependence on Chinese suppliers Currently, Walmart is depending hugely on supplier from nations with cheap labor and cheap resources like China. However, China is not a nation of infinite resources or will its labor always stay cheap. Ultimately, Chinese labor cost and resource prices will rise. If Walmart stay over-depending on China, potential danger will always remain. To prevent such danger, it needs to more diversify its supplier base.

Free College Essays - Dignity in The Remains of the Day :: The Remains of the Day

The Theme of Dignity in The Remains of the Day The novel, The Remains of the Day, contains a recurring theme of dignity. This theme is stated and restated throughout the novel. Dignity, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is "a composed and serious manner/style, the state of being worthy of honor or respect". In the novel, dignity is exoterically found in the form of proper gentlemen, as well as butlers who allow nothing to distract or faze them from doing their duty. What about the everyday definition in the modern world. This dignity today is rarely encountered other than in the higher levels of old fashioned society, politics and perhaps serious business matters. With all our upbringing, culture and modernization, few have retained what was known as the dignity of even a half century ago. No one has the time any more to nurture and develop their dignity to a reasonable potential, as they find increasingly less and less reason to do so, relying instead on pure wit, instinct and professional tact. What I think is meant when one talks about dignity is the following. Take an imaginary case. You are confronted with a difficult or abnormal situation, yet you can maintain the same level of thinking and can attempt to deal with the situation. Or, you are forced to respond to a matter, and there is the possibility of your letting it get out of hand, but you control yourself and respond instead while focused and maintaining a civilised manner. That is di gnity. As is evident throughout the novel, it is a quality inherent in all people. The author’s intention and a below the surface view become clear: during his car journey. Mr Stevens becomes acutely aware of the dignity present in the people he meets, for example the family who takes him in when he runs out of gas. These are hardly the upper crust folk, yet their demeanour warms him and places them all on an even level. From there, communication tends to become easier. Thanks to the dignity in these people, Mr Stevens has little trouble adapting to his situation and manages to make the most out of it. Herein, I believe, lies the author’s intention with regard to dignity. He is saying we should look further that where we perceive dignity to lie; we should look closer, at the common folk; we should look closer yet, find it within ourselves. Free College Essays - Dignity in The Remains of the Day :: The Remains of the Day The Theme of Dignity in The Remains of the Day The novel, The Remains of the Day, contains a recurring theme of dignity. This theme is stated and restated throughout the novel. Dignity, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is "a composed and serious manner/style, the state of being worthy of honor or respect". In the novel, dignity is exoterically found in the form of proper gentlemen, as well as butlers who allow nothing to distract or faze them from doing their duty. What about the everyday definition in the modern world. This dignity today is rarely encountered other than in the higher levels of old fashioned society, politics and perhaps serious business matters. With all our upbringing, culture and modernization, few have retained what was known as the dignity of even a half century ago. No one has the time any more to nurture and develop their dignity to a reasonable potential, as they find increasingly less and less reason to do so, relying instead on pure wit, instinct and professional tact. What I think is meant when one talks about dignity is the following. Take an imaginary case. You are confronted with a difficult or abnormal situation, yet you can maintain the same level of thinking and can attempt to deal with the situation. Or, you are forced to respond to a matter, and there is the possibility of your letting it get out of hand, but you control yourself and respond instead while focused and maintaining a civilised manner. That is di gnity. As is evident throughout the novel, it is a quality inherent in all people. The author’s intention and a below the surface view become clear: during his car journey. Mr Stevens becomes acutely aware of the dignity present in the people he meets, for example the family who takes him in when he runs out of gas. These are hardly the upper crust folk, yet their demeanour warms him and places them all on an even level. From there, communication tends to become easier. Thanks to the dignity in these people, Mr Stevens has little trouble adapting to his situation and manages to make the most out of it. Herein, I believe, lies the author’s intention with regard to dignity. He is saying we should look further that where we perceive dignity to lie; we should look closer, at the common folk; we should look closer yet, find it within ourselves.

Negative Effects of Global Warming Essay -- Environment greenhouse gas

Global Warming Global warming is causing a negative effect on the whole planet and we all need to do something to stop it. The climate is changing frequently and is making the planet hotter in some parts and in other parts it's making it colder. There are two factors affecting global warming. The first types of factors are natural factors like changes in the solar output, changes in the earth's orbit, the green house effect and aerosols. The change in the solar output is the amount of energy radiating from the earth?s sun is not constant. The change of orbit of our planet affects where the sun?s energy is received on earth. Thus affecting the amount of energy that is reflected and absorbed on earth. The aerosols help shield us from the effects of global warming and that?s why it is sometimes referred as a global sunscreen. The aerosols cool earth by reflecting sunlight. With fewer aerosols, the effects of global warming will be felt more. The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperatur e that the earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere like water vapo...

Shakespeares As You Like It - The Transformation of Rosalind :: Shakespeare As You Like It Essays

As You Like It: The Transformation of Rosalind Many characters undergo a change in William Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It. Duke Senior goes from being a member of a court to being a member of a forest. Orlando changes from a bitter younger brother to a love-sick young man. But the most obvious transformation undergone, is done by Rosalind. Her change from woman to man, not only alters her mood, candor, and gender, but allows her to be the master of ceremonies. Celia and Rosalind are fairly happy in the court of Celia’s father, Duke Frederick. However, much to her surprise, the Duke banishes Rosalind from his court. Celia, not allowing her beloved cousin to "go it alone", decides to accompany her to where ever she may roam. They decide to search out Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, in the forest of Arden. Before they depart, Rosalind decides that for both her and Celia’s safety, she will dress herself as a man, saying, "Were it not better, Because that I am more than common tall, That I did suit me all points like a man? A gallant curtal ax upon my thigh, A boar spear in my hand, and- in my hear Lie there what hidden woman’s fear there will- We’ll have a swashing and a martial outside, As many other mannish cowards have That do outface it with their semblances. (1:3 ll. 112-120) At first glance, this transformation is a mere change of clothes and the addition of weapons, but it goes much deeper. To Rosalind, the taking on of a man’s appearance requires certain things. She believes that while dressed as a man, she cannot bring shame to the image of a man. A good example of this is in Act 2, Scene 4, where she says, "I could find in my heart to disgrace my man’s/ apparel and to cry like a woman; but I must comfort/ the weaker

Development of the piano from the romantic era to the classic era Essay

Development of thepiano from theromanticera to theclassicera Introduction            This paper preludes the history of one most versatile instrument in the entertainment industry and its development. In the closing quarter of the eighteenth century, the pianoforte turned into the principal instrument of parading western art music. The piano most commonly called the piano instruments caught the hearts of many both amateurs and professionals. A piano sustains different pitches in an attractive and lyrical craze.            Having the ability to play any kind of tune in the orchestra, a piano can broadly feature the definition of a stringed keyboard with a hammer action in its instrumentation. The piano is capable of gradation of both soft and shrill this made the essential instrument of harmony pedagogy. As the dusk of the nineteenth century became, the piano was a common feature most middle-class populations of both North America and Europe. Most western composers including Mozart have played this instrument. The classical era            Cristofori developed an instrument named the gravicembalo col piano e forte, translated as the â€Å"soft and loud keyboard instrument.† This name sequentially shortened to pianoforte and subsequently to just piano. The device displayed in New York City in the metropolitan museum (Eugene). A combination of the magnificent tone underneath aptitude of the clavichord with the influence of the harpsichord led to three inventories. The inventors were functioning separately; they invented approximately the same piano actions – Christofori of Padua, Schroter of Saxony (1717) and Marius of Paris (1716).            Marius did not accomplish creating a piano. He deserted his models, since they were not pertinent to the present harpsichord. Schroter’s exploit resulted in the creation of the Vienna action and school of piano edifice. On the other hand, Christofori’s piano in 1747 was with Silbermann. It was in the workshop of Silbermann that an English school of piano making emerged (Eugene). The creation of the Piano as an intact and absolute instrument accredited to Christofori Bartolommeo of Italy. German and Italian makers swap the quills by hammers of harpsichord. They steadily overcame the numerous problems of its structure. A gifted French instrument maker Sebastian Erard introduced an ingenious advanced mechanism all previous ideas. This invention led to the piano â€Å"action† of our day (Bachus). The Broadwood as well did much to build up the supreme tone of the instrument. The manufacture of piano became one of the world’s industries.            France, Australia Germany, and England were doing their preeminent to advance the traditional instrument. The claim for superior power resulted to the preamble of the substantial metal framing necessitated by the amplified tension of steel strings. The increased solidity, strength and qualities increase sonorousness and power to the tone. American makers and inventors have contributed much to the instruments improvement (Bachus). The classical period spanning over seventy years was a period when composers started pulling in the sovereignty of the numerous baroque time musical styles. They achieved by creating stringent compositional â€Å"regulations.† Within this inflexibility, grand composers like Mozart and Haydn created several of the utmost classical music known to the world. However, they were not the solitary writers accountable for excellent classical music at the time Joseph Franz Haydn (1732-1809)            Haydn was an incredible composer, exemplified the denotation of classical era composition. Even though he was not as showy as younger, Mozart was. His compositions always remained accurate to its form. Unlike a number of other composers, Haydn had a â€Å"consistent and sound† job composing, performing, directing, managing and teaching musicians from the royals of the Esterhazy family unit (Eugene). In this period, Haydn composed countless pieces for the performance of the chivalrous orchestra. With an astounding creative work, with the inclusion of over the 60 string quartets and 100 symphonies, he is occasionally referred to as the â€Å"father of string Quartet or symphony.† Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)            Mozart was born in 1756 and he started the work of composing when he was five years old. He began touring Europe a short time he began composing. Unfortunately, Mozart passed on at the juvenile at 35 (Eugene). However, throughout his short existence, Mozart had over 600 compositions. His style of composition and that of Haydn are similar. The only difference was its consisted of long notes, and was more flamboyant. The romantic era            Political and social stress in the period of 1825-1900 following the French revolution and the nationalistic trends resulted to â€Å"romanticism.† The period was dramatic mud with thought. The contradictions between socialism and capitalism, faith and science, logic and emotion were significantly thought provoking. There were a revolt and impatience in the rules of classism and music as well as the practices of Mozart. The perfections of the romantic composers were one with an individualistic approach to emotions and feelings (Wood)            In 1822, the Erard brothers untested the most prominent of all piano measures: the double escapement action. The rationale of the apparatus was the similar to that of 1808. However, while highlighting its drop from the Cristofori – Silbermann orientation, the purpose of every of its disconnected parts worked out with tranquil superior insight and originality (Bachus). Nevertheless, the hammer failed to fall back entirely after the fast escapement, but came to rest concurrently on a sprung and a check piece; sloping lever retained the tack hammer in proximity with the strings.            The key then elevated a little; the check unconstrained the hammer and thus propelled alongside the strings again. The keys movement transmitted to the hammer through the slanted lever. The act noted at formerly for its extraordinary lightness, suppleness, and dependability. Its importance cannot be overstated since only little modifications of the elements were required for the modern piano (Isacoff).            Romantic music amplified power and emotional expression to portray human feelings. It preserved the formal structures from the classical period and created new forms that were viewed as better suited to the new subject matter. The theme in the novel music was at the moment not only entirely abstract, but also universally drained from other art sources as history and literature. Ludwig van Beethoven            He was baptized in 1770 a German pianist and composer. He remained an important figure in the transition from classical to romantic music. He is one of the most influential of all times in the western art. He was a citizen of the Roman Empire who was an inborn of Bonn, the capital of Electorate of cologne. In his early twenties, he moved to Vienna. In Vienna, he studied with Haydn Joseph and swiftly gained a reputation as an expert pianist. His status started deteriorating in the end 1790; however, he progressively continued to composing and performing even after he became deaf (Isacoff). In the onset of the romantic literature revolution Beethoven, composition the 1824 symphony number nine was notable. An elaborate set made the introduction of a            soloist and chorus. It seemed like in a solely instrumental appearance of the classical symphony that did not entirely express his feelings. After this drastic exodus from tradition, a lot of composers felt liberated to try out other styles. Schubert            Schubert’s music efficiently connects the music in the Classical to the Romantic era. It does this using inventive scoring, lovely melodies, and nature imagery; it weds traditional classical type and increase them. In his unfortunate petite life, he composed sonatas, symphonies operas, chamber, piano music, and more than 600 songs (Wood). However, despite the genre, his talent for the creation of gorgeous melodies remains unmatched in history. Schubert’s music was as well adoring, at times dark. He had emphasis on the minor and major key shifts backed with adventurous harmonics. Some Outstanding illustrations of his talent for tune are in admired A major quintet (Isacoff). They are inclusive of a set variance on the melody of one of his famous songs and from which he was nicknamed â€Å"The Trout.† Even though he left incomplete for no known rationale, Schubert’s inspiring and gorgeous Symphony in B minor no. 8 in, is one of his most adm ired works. Wilhelm Richard Wagner            Wilhelm was a German composer. He was famous for style as an essayist and theatre director. Conduct. He primarily had a unique opera the â€Å"music dramas.† His compositions, chiefly those of his afterward time, are prominent for their composite texture, orchestration and rich harmonies (Isacoff). The complex exercise of leitmotifs: musical themes connected with plot elements, places, ideas, and characters. Dissimilar from most of the other opera composers, Wagner was a writer of both libretto and music for each for his works. Wagner introduced swift shift in tonal center and chromaticism in language. The advancements greatly influenced the development of classical music in Europe. His Isolde and Tristan occasionally referred as the mark for the onset of modern music. The influence of Wagner spared beyond music into philosophy, literature, and visual arts. He constructed his opera, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus that contained a variety of new features (Wood). This was the point where the Parsifal and Ring found their premiers that many stage works are performed. Conclusion            Through the classical into the romantic era, the piano has significant changes. Composers gave melody into the romance period it had more emotion and melody. Music develops from the church forum into the streets and a worthwhile job. The magnificent tone underneath that was displayed at the New York museum formulated in the romantic era. This was through the ingenious inventions of Sebastian Erald. The works of Americans not forgotten as they fined tuned the construction of the instrument as well as an introduction the metal frame in the now modern pianoforte. References Bachus, Nancy. The Classical Piano: The Infuluence of Society, Style, and Musical Trends on the Great Piano Composers. Alfred Music Publishing, 2006. Eugene, K. Anthology of classical piano music: intermediate to early advanced works by 27 composers. Cambridge: Havard university Press, 2003. Isacoff, Stuart. A Natural History of the Piano: The Instrument, the Music, the Musicians – from Mozart to Jazz and Everything in Between. Great Russell: Souvenir Press, 2012. Wood, Gillen D’Arcy. Romanticism and Music Culture in Britain, 1770-1840: Virtue and Virtuosity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Source document