Darkness essays

Darkness essays A sixteen-year-old girl Kelly Anderson and her family lived in Atlanta. Kelly was alone at home one day because her parents were invited to dinner at Bob Creighton's house that owned Creighton Construction. Kelly's father Ted was looking for a job in construction, but was turned down by Bob. While back at the house where Kelly was, she was in the bathroom, with the door open and the lights shut. She was looking in the mirror when she saw a man in the mirror over her shoulder. The man Kelly had seen so often in her dreams but only caught glimpses of when she was awake but at that moment she saw him clearly. He was old, his loose skin hanging in folds and his eyes sunken deep within his sockets. Kelly had been seeing a psychiatrist before because her mother, Mary, thought that she needed help, she thought it all started after her parents told her that she was adopted, but this man had appeared to her ever since she was born. She stopped going to the psychiatrist because she tol d her parents and the doctor that the Man was gone she did this to convince herself that he was gone but really he wasn't. As she continued to stand there in the darkness of the bathroom, she turned around but he wasn't there, she turned on the light and turned back to the mirror and he was still there and now his hands were reaching towards her throat. She started yelling "no! No more!" then she punched the mirror, and the mirror shattered, and she could still see her ancient tormentor still mocking her, laughing at her, reaching out for her. She picked up one of the sharp pieces of glass raised it up and plunged the blade into her belly. Determined to end the life of the baby that was growing inside her and her own. The baby that was growing inside of her she knew was the old mans because one night she felt him but she didn't bother to open her eyes or yell because she didn't want her parents to think she was crazy, she convinced hersel...

Finance Research and New Zealand Essay

Finance Research and New Zealand Essay Finance: Research and New Zealand Essay Fundamentals of Research Article Critique Analysis of Chinese Travellers' Attitudes Toward Holidaying in New Zealand: The Impact of Socio-Demographic Variables Rebecca Caldwell 100800271 Vy Bui 100737215 George Brown College Fundamentals of Research Article Critique Analysis of Chinese Travellers' Attitudes Toward Holidaying in New Zealand: The Impact of Socio-Demographic Variables For the purpose of studying research methods used in the industry of hospitality, we have chosen to critique Asad Mohsin's (2007) study of mainland Chinese holidaymakers' attitude and interest in New Zealand activities and the effect of socio-demographics on their travel. Mohsin states in his report that there is an association between a destination and emotion, ranging from positive to negative (Mohsin, 2007, 22). It is the goal of this study to examine which emotions are evoked when considering New Zealand, from whom, and for which activities. The findings of this study were factors such as relaxation and intellectual/curiosity of discovering new ideas and place, especially through encountering different cultural backgrounds, were important to Chinese seeking to travel abroad. The least important factors being activities associated with challenge ratings, such as bungy jumping and water skiing. Also, contrary to popular belief gambling in c asinos was given a low rating of importance (Mohsin, 2007, 35). The process by which this information was gathered was through surveys, distributed in dense population areas. The study’s purpose is clearly outlined as â€Å"to explore the attitude of the Mainland Chinese holidaymakers, their interest in the tourism and hospitality features on New Zealand and the impact of socio-demographic variables on their travel motivation." (Mohsin, 2007, 21) The reason for wanting to study these travellers is to improve and retain the current trends attracting Mainland Chinese holidaymakers to New Zealand to continue to meet the needs of Chinese travellers. One thing the study lacks is a proper hypothesis. There has been no prediction of what the study may reveal, only the results of previous study findings. In order to arrive at his conclusion, Asad Mohsin developed a likert scale in order to measure the attractiveness of certain activities using a numerical system, numbers one throug h seven, to represent whether the activity is of importance to the travel to experience. An option for zero was also included due to the cultural mannerisms of the Chinese to avoid giving offence to their hosts. The zero is a way for those individuals that had not ever experienced an activity could give a non-response. The survey was first created in English then translated into Mandarin. The survey was also used in a trial to determine whether anything was left out or if there were questions that were hard to understand. Those who participated in the trial surveys were interviewed after taking the survey. Once the survey was finalized, it was administered in randomly selected major shopping centres in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. These cities were selected on basis of having the largest concentration of outbound holiday makers in China. After all data was collected, reliability of all responses was analysed using a half-split model, Keaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and the Bartletts t est in order to measure adequacy and sphericity. After testing, the data was analyzed through sorting the data using mean averages and dividing it into age categories. Using this strategy helped to determine what demographic to target for marketing and what activities these individuals are most interested in. The author indicates that approval was obtained from the appropriate review boards. The study focused on the impact of socio –demographic of Chinese to make travel decision in New Zealand, what motivates Chinese travel to New Zealand, and how activities in New Zealand attract Chinese travellers. Asad Mohsin used many ways

Analysis Of Divine Command Theory Philosophy Essay

Analysis Of Divine Command Theory Philosophy Essay Divine command theory is an ethical view based on theism or the belief that God exists. Followers of the theory accept that all moral judgment is derived from an understanding of God’s character or his direct commandments. In other words, â€Å"what is in accordance with God’s command is moral and what is contrary to that command is immoral† (Farnell, 2005). The holy books of each religion (e.g. The Bible, Koran, and Torah) contain God’s directions. Therefore, they can be used as guides to distinguish between morally good and bad actions. The idea that ethics and religion are connected is far-reaching, and it leads us to examine religion’s role in our society. Advantages Although divine command theory has been rejected as a working ethical theory, there are a few ways in which it does provide an advantage as an ethical framework. First, God’s commands set forth universal moral rules. The rules can be applied to anyone, at all times and place s. The belief that God is eternal and never changes means that his commands are as relevant today as when they were first recorded. Second, God’s commands don’t depend on what others think are right or wrong. His commands are completely objective. For example, one of God’s commandments is not to commit murder (Exodus 21:13). Even if your friends believe that murder is acceptable (for instance, capital punishment), they are still wrong because their beliefs oppose God’s will. Under this theory, morality exists outside of human reasoning because God is the ultimate authority. Third, if you disobey God, you will be punished. If you follow his commands, you’ll be rewarded. God is both omnipotent and omnipresent. If you choose to disobey, your punishment is inescapable. If you obey, God will bless you with eternal life and a place in heaven. Those who believe have a strong incentive to follow his commands. Finally, traditional religions are centuries ol d and have recorded many of God’s commands. Religious texts allow us to know and understand the character of God, and they make it easier to know how to act morally. For Christian believers, the Word of God is in The Bible and they are secure in the concrete, moral teachings written in its pages. Critiques There are several reasons why divine command theory falls short as a working ethical viewpoint. One objection focuses on the sheer number of world religions and their different interpretations of the nature of God (or their gods). How does a divine command theorist know that their God’s commands are the right ones to follow? It is impossible to prove that the insights of Allah overrule the laws of Yahweh. Even within Christianity, a schism has existed between Catholic and Protestant believers since The Reformation in 1517. Under divine command theory only one religion can be correct and the followers of that God are the only ones leading moral lives (Austin, 2006). T his leads into the next objection. God’s commands can be easily misconstrued. That is, how do we determine the correct interpretation of the sacred texts? When God states that we should not commit murder, does that mean murder is always immoral, or should we take into account the specific context in which God gave this command? During this process of interpretation, we are actually exercising our own sense of morality. We must rely on our own understanding of God’s goodness and act on moral laws we deem consistent with God’s commands (Adams, 1999). We cannot take ourselves completely out of the picture when determining God’s position on ethical issues.

Jennifers Company of Routinely Administering Honesty Tests Essay

Jennifers Company of Routinely Administering Honesty Tests - Essay Example 1). Whereas honesty testing can be helpful in the hiring process, it should never be the only instrument used to determine the suitability for hiring a prospective employee. They are not always right in every case, just like every other test. Furthermore, their results can be misinterpreted. In fact, they are illegal in Massachusetts and Rhode Island because of their controversial nature (PsychTests, 2009). For any business who has ever hired someone they later fired for stealing, failing a random drug test, or failing to show up to work on time, these tests can prove to be a valuable tool. They can help reduce the chances of these problems occurring by a significant proportion (PsychTests, 2009). Before hiring someone, it is important that a company like Carter Cleaning Centers know how much integrity, reliability, and work ethic the prospective applicant possesses. It is also important to know if they have a substance abuse problem. According to employee surveys, the following startling facts reveal just how big a problem it can be: It is interesting, yet sad, that many ... 31% abuse drugs or alcohol (Honesty Testing, 2009, pg. 1) It is interesting, yet sad, that many businesses fail because of their employees' actions. Millions claim that they were stolen out of business by their employees. Higher-rank employees tend to steal more or to steal items of higher value or embezzle more cash, while lower-ranking employees tend to steal less or to steal items that are of lower value (Honesty Testing, 2009). It is difficult to stop the problem, mainly because certain questions cannot be asked. According to Honesty Testing (2009, pg. 1), "Increasing lawsuits have made it extremely difficult, even illegal for you to ask important questions to determine the integrity of a job candidate. Past employers can be held liable for information they give you. If you choose to avoid hiring suspicious candidates, can you prove that you did not discriminate In the absence of objective data, it is often impossible to demonstrate that your decision was made objectively, without regard to gender, race, age, etc. There are other assessment tools that can help weed out potential problem employees. They help to reduce your risk and select the best employees. They help to stop the following types of common employee problems: Unauthorized use of the Internet Using company email for personal use Disclosing private and restricted computer data Theft of office supplies and other company property Clocking in or out for other employees Revealing confidential information and/or trade secrets to outsiders Inventory shrinkage Carelessness Unexcused absences Tardiness Drug use Sub-par job performance Fraud Job-hopping (Honesty Testing, 2009) Survey reports can include a multitude of checks. One company

The Hexagon of Excellence Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Hexagon of Excellence - Assignment Example When there is effective communication, teamwork and trust, the organization is headed for excellence. With increased trust, project funding can be brought down from the executive level to intermediate management (Schein, 2010). This characteristic reduces the cost and time of methodology execution. Training and education is a significant aspect that has both quantitative and qualitative results. Quantitatively, the product development time is shortened while higher quality decisions are made faster. The cost of project is lowered through a reduction in paperwork and the number of people involved while higher profit margins are realized. Qualitatively, there is improved visibility and emphasis on results with enhanced coordination. The morale of workers increases resulting in improved customer relations (Kerzner, 2005). Training and education are necessary to maintain a competitive workforce. The strategy helped the previous employer to maintain innovativeness in project implementation, which continuously made work easier, less expensive and also boosted the morale of employees. There was a project management curriculum that was reviewed annually to incorporate new areas of competence. It contained a core competency prototype for the elementary and advanced abilities that a project manager was required to possess. All the training programs were focused on supporting the core competency skills. Moreover, trainings were conducted regarding ethical behaviour within the company as well as when interacting with customers. Project managers were also taught on decent business practices. Project management executives were also involved in senior managers’ workshops and trainings designed to enhance maturity of project management (Rothaermel, 2012). Organizations lose huge sums of money through wasted project spending leading to low shareholder value. A major factor contributing to such losses is failure to align projects with corporate

Spiritual Needs Assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Spiritual Needs Assessment - Assignment Example Doctor Christina Puchalski of George Washington University devised FICA assessment. There are certain other guidelines as well and most of them focus different parts of religion in such a manner that they are able to see the depth of relationship between a person and his religion. Assessment tools and patient answers. I am a Muslim and I believe in one GOD and his messenger and prophet (PBUH). I do practice my religion but I won’t say I am a very religious person since I don’t follow most of the guidelines. Believing in one God and the teaching of his messenger influence all my life and give meaning to it. Sometimes I seek religion for the solution of my problems but I feel being mean at times just because I am seeking it for my personal desires rather than following it all along. At times I do get irritated and aggressive on myself for not being a practicing Muslim. I think for me religion has solution for lot of things I just can’t get enough courage and knowledge to overcome my fears and act upon my religion properly. So In lot of ways it does influence and effect lot of things that I do every day. I live in a multi cultural society where people have different views; some of them are liberals while some of them belong to other religious groups. There is a lot of diversity in the society I live with. This is not supportive since I don’t get proper motivational force that I need to be a religious person and don’t get enough knowledge but I cope up well with it so I would say it is my personal thing without being influenced by society much. The individual under discussion had a sound basis of religion and it did seem to influence his life. He seemed to respect his religion which gave me indications that it can be used for his psychological therapy and betterment. Patient’s cooperation and his response to answers went very well. He used to gestures for expression and seemed to get emotional while mentioning the details. After this

International Trade and Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Trade and Competition - Essay Example Certain policies that should be employed by different trading nations all over the world in order to combat the effects of GFC have also been studied. 2. Trade Theories 2.1 Mercantilism This theory of international trade existed in the mid of 16th century. It postulated that the wealth of a nation depends on its accumulated treasure mainly in the form of gold. Trade surplus was believed to be the key trade practice. However, it had disadvantages of having restrictions in the form of government intervention and impaired growth (Reynolds, 2000). 2.2 Theory of Absolute Advantage This theory is believed to be developed by Adam Smith. It was against the mercantilism trade theory and brought in the concept of free trade. Different countries can take advantage of their efficiency in producing different products and trade for the other products. Hence all the countries would have simultaneous advantages while practicing free trade (skidmore.edu, 2007, p.1). 2.3 Theory of Comparative Advantag e This is an extension of the free trade mechanism theory. This theory takes into consideration two important concepts, namely opportunity cost and the frontier of production possibility. It believes in efficient utilization of existing resources leading to the increase in productivity. A country may be efficient in producing certain products but still it should import from other country if it is comparatively advantageous for the country (hawaii.edu, n.d.). 2.4 Factor Proportions Trade Theory It is also known as Heckscher – Olin Theory. This theory states that those goods should be exported which are locally available in plenty and that makes intensive use of factor endowments. Factor endowments are the main determinants of trade and not its productivity. Here the focus is more on relative advantage rather than absolute advantage. It takes into consideration two important factors of related to production. They are labor and capital (ups.edu, n.d.). 2.5 New Trade Theory The i ndustries whose fixed costs are relatively high output are enhanced through specialization. The effects of learning are also quite high. Only few competitors will be supported through the world demand. International trade results in increased income and output for a country. This results in enhanced savings as well. Rise in competition amongst different countries results in gains in trade which are dynamic in nature. 3. Global Financial Crisis (GFC) Global Financial Crisis (GFC) that took place in 2008 proved to be a historical event in world economy. It had a substantial effect on most of the nations in the world. It has led to the debacle of big financial institutions like Lehman Brothers all around the world. It resulted in the decline of share markets all over the world. It all started in United States with the fall of its market involving sub-prime mortgages. Introduction of complex financial instruments has also been one of the prime reasons behind the crisis. Securitization o f mortgage loans in US was done with the objective of mitigating risk but ultimately it led to the increase of risk through increased use of derivatives instruments in the market as speculative instruments and finally resulted in financial crisis. GFC have