Background And The Enlightenment - 1546 Words

Background to the Enlightenment The Enlightenment was important philosophical, intellectual, cultural, and social movement that spread through Europe in the 1700’s. It involved a new worldview where people looked for answers with reason instead of faith, with a natural approach rather than a supernatural one. These characteristics are shared with an earlier intellectual movement known as the Renaissance. The Enlightenment could be looked at as a continuation of the Renaissance. There is one important difference, though. The Renaissance was associated with the accumulation of past knowledge while the Enlightenment focuses on acquiring new knowledge and clearly involved an effort to break from the past. The Enlightenment was selective in its rejection of past knowledge though. For example, the Middle Ages, a period of complete control from the church, was shunned while classical Greek and Roman knowledge is valued. A major precursor of the Enlightenment was the Scientific Revolu tion. Many breakthroughs in science such as the theory of gravitation by Newton and many medical discoveries led people to believe that similar progress could be made in other fields if the same methods were applied. Background to Enlightenment Political Thought One of the most heavily influenced areas of thought in the Enlightenment was politics. New ideas from thinkers such as Locke, Montesquieu and Rousseau radically changed how people looked at government. John Locke was an English doctor andShow MoreRelatedDifferences Of Theravada And Mahayana Buddhism1181 Words   |  5 Pagesdifference would be the scriptures at which they follow. The last difference I will talk about is the teachings or the journey to enlightenment. But first I will be talking about Buddhism and giving background information in order to get a better understanding. Then I will explain Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism by giving some background of them both. After giving background on both divisions then I will take about the main differences. Buddhism is the term used to denote the religion descending fromRead MoreFranklin: Puritan or Enlightenment? Essay868 Words   |  4 PagesIs Franklin a Puritan or Enlightenment Thinker About Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin came from a very simple Calvinist background. Ha dad little formal education, but he made it through his own efforts and became a rare genius in human history. Everything seems to meet in this one man, mind and will, talent and art, strength and ease, wit and grace and he became almost everything: a printer, essayist, scientist, statesman, philosopher, political economist, ambassador, etc.-#161;#176;JackRead MoreThe American Enlightenment Philosophy784 Words   |  3 PagesThe American Enlightenment Philosophy developed for a period of almost a century starting in mid 18th century and continued till the latter parts of the 19th century. This was the same era in which the America gained independence and the nation was developing as a cohesive unit. It was on the rise and the people wanted to leave a mark o the international scene. Just like we saw an Age of Enlightenment in the European areas almost a 100 years back the same pattern was being followed and exhibited Read MoreBenjamin Franklin As A Representation Of The Enlightenment1571 Words   |  7 PagesRepresentation of the Enlightenment The Enlightenment was largely a rational response to the 16th and 17th century Scientific Revolution, as well as major developments in philosophical thinking, such as ideas proposed by Rene Descartes. During the Enlightenment, thinkers emphasize rational and critical ways of thinking, rather than the complete reliance on religion that had been previously accepted. In many ways, Benjamin Franklin was the human embodiment of the Age of Enlightenment. Similarly to theRead More Sir Isaac Newtons Role in the Enlightenment Essay1558 Words   |  7 Pages Isaac Newton had a huge impact on the Enlightenment, he influenced it scientifically in many ways and he influenced faith and reason in a tremendous way. He was known more for his scientific achievements then his religious works.His background and education affected when he made these great achievements. Isaac Newton born on December 25,1642 in Woolsthorpe, England grew up, he was the most important physicist and mathematician of al l time.1 Newton attended Cambridge where he studied mathematicsRead MoreEssay on Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment903 Words   |  4 PagesDiscuss the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment along with the subsequent reaction as embodied by the Romantic movement. Give specific examples of how these movements affected the arts. What was their eventual impact on the western intellectual world. The Scientific revolution and The Enlightenment period overlapped by a hundred years and were co-occurring between 1650-1750. The Scientific Revolution happening first and beginning around 1600, was a period of time when new ideas and toolsRead MoreTo What Extent Was The Enlightenment The Main Driving Force Behind The American And French Revolutions?1479 Words   |  6 PagesI. Source Evaluation This investigation focuses on the causes of Atlantic Revolutions and will explore the question: To what extent was the Enlightenment the main driving force behind the American and French Revolutions? The years 1685 to 1815 (Strayer, 2011) will be the focus of this investigation to allow for an analysis of the Enlightenment ideas’ impact the need for governmental change in the American colonies and France during the eighteenth century, as well as their governmental influencesRead MoreThe Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald1335 Words   |  5 Pagesterms with the realities of modern human history. Sebald’s critcism tends to focus on the biographical and psychological backgrounds of the writers he mentions. He draws heavily on the canon of twentieth-century Marxist thought, including works from Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer. His complex thesis draws specifically on their work The Dialectic of Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that spread through Europe during the eighteenth century, which involved a radical changeRead MoreThe Contributions Of The Romantic Era And Romanticism1107 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Enlightenment, took place during the 18th century, which was a time for philosophers to thrive. They sought out the truth behind our everyday lives, to figure out how they shaped our society. The Romantic Era or Romanticism took place during the late 18th century to the late 19th century focused on following people’s hearts more than their minds. These time periods played a key role in shaping the society we know and live in today. Elon Musk said it best when it came to the Enlightenment, â€Å"ReallyRead MoreKarl Marx And Manifesto Comparison Essay1402 Words   |  6 Pagesthough, they differ they also have similarities between the two. Some questions to help show their similarities and difference are needed to compare the two. We will look at how each define, What is the nature of human ignorance, How do we achieve enlightenment, and How will becoming enlightened result in personal, political, or social liberation? These questions will help you understand the differences between the two philosophers and what made each philosopher different in their own beliefs.

Alcohol Consumption An Economic Problem - 1166 Words

Economic way of Thinking Alcohol Consumption an Economic Problem Economists assume consumers of alcohol are rational beings capable of responding to incentives and disincentives on decisions about its consumption ADDIN EN.CITE Gwartney2008465(Gwartney, Stroup, Sobel, Macpherson, 2008)4654656Gwartney, J.D.Stroup, R.L.Sobel, R.S.Macpherson, D.A.Economics: Private and Public Choice2008United StatesSouth-Western Cengage Learning9780324580181http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=yIbH4R77OtMC( HYPERLINK l _ENREF_2 o Gwartney, 2008 #465 Gwartney, Stroup, Sobel, Macpherson, 2008). An economist will formulate policy to guide in solving the problem of alcohol abuse reducing the benefits associated with alcohol consumption. The assumption of ceteris paribus (all things remaining constant) will be used to determine and influence individual choices surrounding consumption of alcohol. Marginal changes in the levels of alcohol consumption are evaluated against marginal changes in the factors influencing consumption of alcohol. An individuals choice to consume a u nit of alcohol is evaluated against price and the income earned. Economists make their conclusion and decision on the correct measure to take by assuming that, all things remaining constant, a rational individual will make an assessment of the benefits and losses associated with unit consumption of alcohol ADDIN EN.CITE Gwartney2008465(Gwartney et al., 2008)4654656Gwartney, J.D.Stroup, R.L.Sobel, R.S.Macpherson,Show MoreRelatedThe Current Economic Arguments And Concerns Around Binge Drinking1090 Words   |  5 Pagespurpose of the following report is to illustrate the current economic arguments and concerns around binge drinking in Australia. This is then followed by looking at the method of introducing an ‘alcopop’ tax aimed at reducing the amount of binge drinking in Australia. The report will use a large variety of research articles, economic theories and models to report on this issue. The purpose of this economics report is to illustrate the economic concerns and arguments around smoking in Australia and theRead MoreThe Impact of Alcohol Abuse on Finance and Economy1737 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Alcohol abuse and its associated problems cost society many billions of dollars every year. Economics have attempted to calculate the monetary damage that has resulted from the alcohol abuse. These damages include expenditures on alcohol-related problems and opportunities that are lost because of alcohol. Two problems are particularly directly related to the case of alcohol abuse. First, researchers attempt to identify costs that are directly related to alcohol abuse. Second, manyRead MoreThe Effects Of Long Term Alcohol Use On The Brain1482 Words   |  6 Pages Alcohol is the result of the chemical process known as fermentation, which is essentially the putrefaction of yeast and sugar into a consumable intoxicant. The earliest examples of alcohol consumption were evidenced by beer recipes from Mesopotamia, written in Cuneiform on clay tablets. These tablets are considered one of the earliest forms of written language. Alcohol has long been considered an integral part of society, but its effects on physical and mental health, and social standing continueRead MorePreventative Measures of Alcohol Consumption in Kazakhstan1278 Words   |  6 Pagessociety has identified the increase of levels of alcohol consumption as a major problem, along with corruption, poverty, unemployment, and epidemic illnesses. Current levels of alcohol consumption would seem to be high enough to place Kazakhstan amongst the heaviest spirits-drinking countries in the wor ld, although not high enough for the top place. Many of Kazakhstani social, demographic and health problems are attributable to the misuse of alcohol. According to Davis, this view is shared with someRead More Economic and Social Effects of Prohibition Essay example1193 Words   |  5 PagesEconomic and Social Effects of Prohibition There are many ways in which prohibition of alcohol consumption in the United States of America, damaged the very economic and social aspects of American culture, that it was designed to heal. â€Å"Prohibition did not achieve its goals. Instead, it added to the problems it was intended to solve.† On 16th January 1920, one of the most common personal habits and customs of American society came to a halt. The eighteenth amendment was implemented, makingRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcohol On Alcohol Abuse Essay1115 Words   |  5 Pages Dependance on alcohol has been around ever since its creation and records of writing existed. From Biblical commandments clearly restricting the drink due to its destructive and addictive nature to the celebrities on tv screens and music devices glorifying the substance, alcohol has always been part of various cultures. Being the number one drug problem in the U.S with over 12 million people reportedly being alcoholics and of those 7 million being binge drinkers between the ages 12-20, it comesRead MoreAlcohol Consumption And Underage Drinking1561 Words   |  7 PagesAlcohol consumption and underage drinking has been a major social prob lem and public health concern for centuries. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), â€Å"Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs, and is responsible for more than 4,300 annual deaths among underage youth (Fact Sheets - Underage Drinking). Alcohol has always been part of our culture as well as a debatable topic in our society and the controversyRead MoreEssay on Effects of Alcohol Advertisements on Youth1149 Words   |  5 Pagesthe alcohol advertisements for that,† answered Oskar. â€Å"Hahaha....are you out of your mind? How can advertisements persuade someone to drink? You can surely think of something better,† laughed Will. I feel dizzy listening to their conversation. I never thought a quiet evening could turn into an argument over a news report and some irresponsible teenagers. However, I must admit, it made my brain do some serious thinking. Could alcohol advertisements have a negative effect on youth? Could alcohol advertisementsRead MoreImpact Of The Public Sector On National Welfare Services1140 Words   |  5 Pagesto the different in policy processes and areas. Alcohol industry, one of significant corporate sectors in global economy, is a very interesting industry in applying the division between structure and agency to analyse the increasing influence of the commercial sector in health policy. On the ground that the market share of alcohol industry based on top 10 companies had increased rapidly from 28 per cent in 1989/90 to 66 per cent in 2006, the alcohol industry doubled its market share drastically fromRead MoreFirst World Health Assembly Case Study965 Words   |  4 Pagesregarding a framework convention on alcohol control (WHA 71/1 Add. 1) was tabled. The Draft Resolution urges Member States to contribute extra budgetary resources to permit implementation of the resolution and impose the following binding obligations: 1. Tax alcohol products: this includes the obligation to implement tax policies with adjustments for inflation, price policies, and restrictions on importation of tax-free or duty-free alcohol products. 2. Regulate alcohol product disclosures by requiring

Food Products and Biotechnology Essay Example For Students

Food Products and Biotechnology Essay This paper is about Biotechnology and its use in creating new food products. In researching this paper, I found there is a lot of information on this subject and a lot of debate on the creation of genetically altered food, medicine, crops, and more. I decided to do my paper on the genetically altered food part of the subject. I will discuss what biotechnology is, who is for it and who is against it, and what some of the ethical concerns are when it comes to growing genetically modified (GM) crops. THE FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY DEBATE WHAT IS BIOTECHNOLOGY? Biotechnology is a broad term that applies to all living organisms. It is used for everything from microorganisms used to ferment beer to the most sophisticated forms of gene therapy. There are two categories of activities in biotechnology: the traditional methods and new scientific methods. The traditional methods are the way that farmers have been breeding their crop for centuries, cross breeding plants until finally some generation down the line is exactly the way they want it. The new methods are taking genes from different organisms and inserting them into another organism in the lab. This eliminates the waiting period to get the results they want, instead they get the exact plant they want right away. The United States government defines it as being any technique that uses living organisms or parts of living organisms to (1) make or modify products, (2) improve plants or animals, or (3) develop microorganisms for specific uses. The purpose of biotechnology in foods is to create better tasting and more nutritious foods, that have higher crop yields, and plants that are naturally protected from disease, insects, and drought. Through biotechnology scientist can develop plants with only specific beneficial traits and leave out the undesirable traits. They can change one characteristic or a few characteristics at a time with current technology. This enables them to release, for use, the modified seeds one step at a time instead of spending years to develop the best tasting and hardiest plants all at once. It takes 10 12 years to breed plants in the traditional way. With biotechnology, breeders can select the exact traits they are looking for and mix them together enabling them to get the plants they want in only 1 2 years. Crops that are currently produced in the U.S. through biotechnology are soybeans, corn, canola, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes. These crops are suppose to be improved versions of the traditional ones with added beneficial traits. RISKS Some of the risks, to humans, that scientists have identified are new allergens in the food supply, antibiotic resistance, a concentration of toxic metals, and enhancement of the environment for toxic fungi. NEW ALLERGENS New allergens could cause problems for people that are sensitive to certain things and do not know that they are now part of something else that they were not allergic to. For example if they put certain milk proteins into carrots, parents would know not to give children allergic to milk the milk but they would not think twice about giving them the transgenic carrots that now contain milk proteins. A study done at the University of Nebraska showed that soybeans that were genetically engineered to contain proteins from Brazil nuts caused people allergic to Brazil nuts to have reactions to the soybeans. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE In genetic engineering the often use antibiotic resistant genes as what they call selectable markers. The markers help select cells that have taken up foreign genes. Although the cells no longer have a use for the genes, they still stay in the plant tissues forever. Having these antibiotic genes in foods could cause two problems. .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .postImageUrl , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:hover , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:visited , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:active { border:0!important; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:active , .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16 .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .udb6bc6cd3ddd496030450d90d8e6de16:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Culture in the United States Essay This first is eating the foods that contain the genes could reduce the effectiveness of taking antibiotics that need to be taken with food when you are sick. An example is if you eat a tomato with the antibiotic genes at the same time as you take an antibiotic, the genes could destroy the antibiotic in your stomach. The second thing that could happen is the resistance genes could be transferred to humans making the antibiotics taken when ill useless. Although number .

Phillip Livingston Essays - Ecosystems, Forest, Habitats, Trees

This article shares how the increase of global warming is threatening forests. Specifically, threatening forests in the Pacific Northwest. This data has been collected for over 50 years from scientists in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and southwestern British Columbia. Scientists monitored seventy six forest plots that are all over 200 years old. The study focused mainly on, pines, furs, and hemlocks. Researchers found a rise in death rates of these three species of trees. Because of the wide spread deaths, scientists ruled out effects of fire suppression, ozone-related air pollution, and normal forest forces. The highest death rates were found in California, and of the three species, the pines are dying fastest. Scientists say that the loss of all these trees could lead to huge changes in the development of forests. In my opinion, society needs to become more aware of this issue faces forests. This issue is not only causing problems in local areas of the Pacific Northwest, but is also causing problems in far off countries. People believe that planting new trees will easily cure our problems for the loss of them. But new trees will be of no help if they are dying at younger ages because of global warming. Society needs to take responsibility and start to shape up our world before our sources, such as forests, are all gone.

British Airways Story

British Airways Story Background British Airways (BA), which is a multinational firm and holds a key position in the flight services industry has been thriving with the success of the organizational change process. There has been a continuous effort by BA administration to establish change within the organizational system (Cawsey et al., 2011, pp.17). The challenges are there, but BA leaders have stood firm to retreat these challenges as time has projected it to do so. This paper is going to produce a report on British Airways’ change process.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on British Airways Story specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More British Airways on Organizational Change According to the theoretical perspective, a cultural change is a transformational process. It is a process, which travels along with one organizational stage of experience to the next organizational state of knowledge (Myers et al., 2012). Organizations, which h ave gone through experiences, are successful to apply the concept of cultural change (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007). Hence, time (experience) itself is a replication of cultural change within organizations and their systems. According to Burke Litwin Model (1992), change is possible when the leadership is committed and highly skilled. It is possible when leadership have will, clear vision, and method to roll the change within the organization system (Falletta, 2008). High levels skills are required for leadership in projects, which involve revolutionary instead of evolutionary interventions to be made. No organization can accept change in a sudden manner as none of the organizational components can take sudden impositions. Hence, time and leadership are both critical factors to adjust for a change within the organizational system (Cameron, 2004). British Airways a leading multinational firm in the flight service industry that has gone through different phases of change and experiences. The organization has shown its strong presence in the market over last five decades or more (Bowhill, 2008, pp.324). There have been certain ups and downs, which BA has faced throughout its corporate history. Cultural change is a part of the BA’s system, which has been achieved through continuous struggles and efforts from its leadership (Bowhill, 2008). As literature projects, it was 1980 when British Airways recognized the need of change at the organizational level. It was the time when BA was facing serious business challenges and aimed to bring a complete change in order to stabilize its position in the competitive industry. These challenges were persistent and directly related to the continuity of the company (Burke, 2010, pp. 238-240).  There were many problems of rising fuel prices, high competition, low financial performance, low efficiency, and low profit projections, which actually turned down the airline’s business in the 1980s.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This demanded a cultural change within British Airways’ system as it had an organizational culture that derailed the company’s performance, and it was this culture which bottlenecked new modifications (privatization) of the system. Hence, as old trends and culture hindered the performance of British Airways, the leadership started to rethink and redo things in the same period (Burke, 2010). This was the starting stage of the cultural change as the leadership became much concerned about the problem, and was highly engaged to revamp the BA system. From the theorists’ perspective, it has been noted that organizations start to change when there is a rethinking or reconsideration process going on. It starts off with the leadership as it is the leadership that takes the stand and has the authority to make powerful decisions (decisions of ch ange). The same was realized in the BA during 1980s, when the leadership was highly committed and well intended to adjust the organizational level of change â€Å"the cultural change†. This was the origin of cultural change within the BA system as there was a seed for change planted and actuated in the 1980s to make the organization change instinctive and progressive (Burke, 2010).  According to modern contemplations, rethinking itself is a sign of change within the organization system (Kotter, 1996). When enterprises start to realize their weaknesses and recognize their problems by themselves, it is this time that organizations begin with the change journey. This is the time when the organization expects change as it is in the profound stage of rethinking (Kotter, 1996). This rethinking stage is when the change process begins. Applying it to British Airways’ context, the rethinking process began in 1980 when the organization was in the cover of problems, and recogn ized that it should dissolve its old trends that had derailed the organization’s performance. The culture of relying on the governmental financial support, the centralized decision making, the military mentalities, and the rigid culture of organizational politics introduced the first state of BA change â€Å"the rethinking process†. This is how the culture change propelled within BA when the leadership started to contemplate and repent on their past mistakes (Burke, 2010).  It was the state of rethinking which actually extended the vision of BA leadership, and they started to put impressions on other business segments. According to Schein (2004), there are two things that are essential in the culture change process.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on British Airways Story specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first is the management of the organizational anxiety â€Å"human behaviours† and second the assessment of organizational potential to change. In 1980, BA leaders identified the organizational potential in the human element (Burke, 2010). They recognized that if humans are changed-improved, it could precisely change the overall system of the organization. This was firstly understood by BA leaders, and they kept the method of human behaviours management at the highest decision level. This was a part of the rethinking process as it was this process that identified people as potentials for BA leaders, which further led the management of the human activity in the organization (Burke, 2010). They tried their best to change mentalities and perceptions of people at both internal (employees) and external (customers) levels of the organization. This was how Marshall, CEO of BA, improvised the cultural change within the organizational system. He first sorted out intact segments in the system to initiate the process as they were easy and more flexible to accept the change p ractice (Bowhill, 2008). Engineering and Maintenance was the first segment which Marshall tried to adjust. It was the segment that was intact and remained highly influenced by the centralized system of leadership. Marshall thought that by changing people in the engineering wing would surely bring improvements in other sections like marketing or planning (Burke, 2010). So, it was this human behaviours management practice, which was the second salient feature of the BA’s culture change practice during 1980s (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007).  The policy of â€Å"putting people first† was another example of efficient human resource management by British Airways. This policy was another feature that administrated employees and prepared them to display the highest level of performance (Burke, 2010). It was the time of cultural change (1981-1990), when British Airways started to let go of the military mentality, which never wanted to see employees grow and flourish. The concepts of dedicated customer service and managing employees’ efficiently were implemented in the same period. These steps were taken to promote the notion of â€Å"putting people first†, and also to influence human behaviours at the highest level of consideration (Cameron, 2004). It was a stage wise approach adopted by the BA administrators to bring a cultural change within the system. It took time, but things got on well when BA stood on the change practice apprehensively (Cameron, 2004).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the striving period, BA was identified with problems in the leadership side. The military mentally in leadership and rules based on power and authority traditionalized the organization system. The employees and the managerial staff all were influenced from the centralized style of leadership in BA (Burke, 2010). This required a cultural change as from top to bottom all organization segments were under the impression, and required a revolutionary upstanding of the enterprise. Actually, those were the customs that brought the whole system under the influence. Before change employees had to confront rigid decisions from the leadership as the management was highly politicized, and it concentration was more on the authority, which actually divided the whole system of BA. The administration after 1980s rethinking stage signified its presence within the organization (Kotter, 1996). It recognized that once the old trends are wiped out then the organization will inevitably stabilize its p osition. The leaders started to focus on the cultural change first, and brought in parallel decisions to change existing customs. The mentality of just flying off planes and treating customers as luggage also hindered the new leadership style. It was the conservative mentality that actually stopped employees, workers, and managers to perform. This was the main hindrance that the new leadership faced in all functioning areas of British Airways (Bowhill, 2008). All areas of BA including maintenance, engineering, management, planning or operations were affected by rigid behaviours, culture, and norms imposed by previous military style of leadership. There was less motivation among employees which was recognized by the new leadership in the declining period of BA (1979). All of these were leading issues when the second leadership took charge in 1980s (Burke, 2010).  Among other humanly issues new leadership at BA also confronted coordination issues. There were relatively weak relation ships between bosses and subordinates, which affected the overall teamwork within the organization system. According to Schneider’s Study, the boss-subordinate relationship is particularly important for organizations. This relationship develops an interactive chain of command which is significantly among for building team work at the work place (Burke, 2010). The MPF program within BA change period was one resemblance of Schneider’s study as it endorsed the coordination feature among the managerial staff (Burke, 2010). The program developed trust between managers and employees, which further on eliminated organization politics within the BA system. It provided open chance to BA subordinates to learn from their managers and also an opportunity for managers to team up with their subordinates (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007). The MPF program took a time to adjust, but once team leadership got established things eventually came out positive for British Airways (Hellriegel Slocu m, 2007). In the striving change period, BA was brought with a couple of financial modifications (Burke, 2010). During the change period administrators reformed the financial and accounting system. They updated the activity by assuring annual reporting systems. This was to transform the slow reporting structure into quick annual reporting system. The accounting managers were told to release annual financial reports, which was for the clarity of stakeholders and investors’ bench. The financial reform took periods to get transformed, and it was one of the stagnant issues which leaders addressed at the time of change (Cameron, 2004). The struggle was continuous and took a lot of time to adjust change within the BA system, in which functional reform was part of the process (Burke, 2010). Change A Systematic Process According to the theorists’ perception, change is no way possible unless it emerges as a stage wise process. Organizations in the global scenario never change as quickly as they require time to adjust to the transformational process. This is a systematic process that alters all components of the organization over a long period of time. For this reason, theorists propose a three way model of the organizational change, which includes structural change, cultural change, and then human change (Porter et al., 1975). When organizations pass on with this three stage model they have a probable chance to achieve the organizational level of change. The first stage in this process is the structural change, which is achieved by making new quality reforms. Talking about British Airways, which was first a state owned firm failed to drive the structural change process. There was a lack of commitment, which brought a lack of deliverance in the organization system (Porter et al., 1975). Actually, the organization was not structurally prepared to satisfy its customers and even employees of BA. Hence, the first proposed stage to launch the change is the str uctural change, which is done by adjusting quality reforms instead of minute rigid reforms as sought in BA before the change (Burke, 2010). The quality reforms include powerful vision, high performance standards, deliverable constituencies, and sound communication systems, which further lead the change in other parts of the organization (Kotter, 1996).  The second level of change is the cultural change. Organizations that ignore the cultural change make a big mistake as this is the kind of change required to transform the whole system. There are different components of the organization including leadership, managers, and employees, which are part of the organizational culture (Cameron, 2004). It is culture that influences all components of the system. BA, which was at the fringe of conservativeness before 1980s, was unfortunate to revive its culture. There were trends of high complacency, disrupted direction, low motivation, and less determination that kept the organization at low performance levels (Burke, 2010). Cultural change is the second key feature of the organizational change. No organizations can transform unless and until they allow cultural reforms and modifications. Trends formed by cultures and cultures are manipulators for the organizational functions. To change functions it is necessary that cultures are tainted, and this is what directly fits in the case of BA an organization which has significantly strived to change its cultural policy. The last and third most important feature of change is the ‘peoples’ change’. The main reason for 1980s BA crises was its conservative style of leadership (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007). There was authoritarian rule, which lagged the performance of BA. The change needed efficient and effective human resource management, which mobilizes people from top to bottom in the organization. When people are managed and well engaged, there are high chances that the organization’s performance exce ls. This is the most decisive area and requires a persistent consideration from the organization’s administration (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007). According to John Kotter (The author of the book Leading Change), there are three main reasons of why enterprises fail to transform (Kotter, 1996). One of the reasons is the lack of vision by the leadership, which allows inspiring functions and actions necessary for change. The same was sought by the leaders at British Airways, which faced a lack of vision and determination by the leadership. Employees’ performance was low just because they could not find any moral support or boost from the leadership. There were low opportunities to grow because the vision of leadership was limited and not open to recognize and extract employee skill and talent (Kotter, 1996). Similarly, due to lack of vision (1970) BA confronted low synergy and fewer competencies at the operational level. John Kotter has also related lack of vision to low empl oyee engagement. Kotter in his book described that when the leadership has a lack of skill (vision), there are more chances of high complacency, which negatively affects the organizational system (Kotter, 1996). At British Airways, it has been seen that leaders remained reactive instead of being proactive, which raised complacency among its employees in the period of 1980s. Due to high complacency employees were not satisfied and enthusiastic to grow or perform. The carelessness in the attitude stained employees’ behaviour, their performance level, and also their commitment towards the BA system. For such reason, BA crew was just on flying airplanes on time and getting them to destinations on time and not more than that. This attitude was a major hindrance for the BA change, and also was against Kotter’s method of leading the change (Kotter, 1996). Humans’ Management-Importance for Change At the time of change, British Airways came up with a three way model appr oach. The model was based on managing human element of the organizational structure, and it was based on the philosophy of â€Å"managing people first† (MPF). Nick Georgiades (formal head of the human resources department) came up with a three leg stool approach to imply the philosophy of MPF (Burke, 2010). He proposed that if three legs of the stool are managed then the human element becomes the source of achieving the change (Cameron, 2004). Here is the discussion of three legs stool model proposed by former BA officer Nick Georgiades: Leg 1 The leg 1 of the approach dealt with strong communication in BA. It was the first basic component that was required in BA to adjust the organizational level of change. Georgiades proposed that when managers are without paranoia, and they have full confidence in their subordinates and teammates, change is possible. He further recommended that removing the gap between BA managers and employees will open up ways for change. Leg 1 implement ed the concept of managing people at earlier stage (Burke, 2010). Based on this model, BA projected employee-manager interaction as a necessity for integration in the organization system. Direct employee reporting and performance based appraisals were also implemented as part of the first leg of Georgiades’s stool. This was the starting phase when the human factor started to receive high value and encouragement, and it was an early sign of change within the enterprise (Cameron, 2004). Leg 2 Leg 2 dealt with the performance appraisal process. Nick Georgiades wanted to see his employees growing, and he identified performance appraisal to be one of the methods for increasing performance. Previously (before times of change), there were also performance appraisal programs in BA, but not aimed at raising employees motivation. By implementing leg 2, the performance appraisal systems got modified in the BA. The appraisals were made on two bases including evaluation of results generat ed by managers and methods used for achieving those results (Burke, 2010). This allowed evaluation of performance in a precise, effective and detailed manner, which eventually became a route to the BA’s change. Such modified performance appraisal systems introduced by Nick Georgiades became drivers to organizational change, and the system started to progress later on after Nick Georgiades left up (Kotter, 1996). Leg 3 With this leg, the model of Nick Georgiades was completed which fulfilled requirements of the BA’s organizational level of change. Leg 3 was all about compensations; it dealt with rewards according to the ranks attained by managers. In the organizational practice, it has been seen that when employees get justified rewards, they are more determined and motivated towards work (Burke, 2010). It is the organization’s successful compensation system that allows satisfactory employee rewards. This leg permitted clean rewards in BA to raise employeesâ€⠄¢ satisfaction and motivation (Kotter, 1996).  The three leg stool model was completed in BA, which was implemented by Nick Georgiades to raise the performance of employees. The model replicated the concept of managing people in BA, and also promoted consideration of the human factor at the highest organization level (Burke, 2010). The three leg stool was therefore, about human resource management, a route to embody the organizational level of change. This was a deliberate effort made by the former officer Nick Georgiades. The credit goes out to him as he recognized humans to be major carriers of change. He recognized that if complete change is opted then it is necessary that organizations should start with its employees. It is the same concept that Georgiades identified in the three leg stool model, which later on became a door for the organizational change in BA. Nick also clarified that if one leg of the stool gets damaged or removed then the entire stool will collapse. Hence , it is necessary that all legs are fixed, managed and adjusted to make way for the cultural change in BA (Burke, 2010).  In all of these projects, the human element played a decisive role in the BA organizational change. By managing humans and adjusting â€Å"MPF† concepts, BA was able to achieve change in a comprehensive manner (Cameron, 2004). The same is true from the theoretical point of view as organizations cannot stand or affirm change without invoking human attributes such as â€Å"determination, passion, and motivation† (Hellriegel Slocum, 2007). These are all human behavioural elements, which play a central role in conducting the organizational change. The same were sought after by few gentlemen in BA, a time when BA revamped, and leaders became prominent figures to manage people of the system. The trend followed and brought concepts of managing people first, which deliberately came out positive for overall BA’s system (Cameron, 2004). List of Refe rences Bowhill, B 2008, Business Planning and Control: Integrating Accounting, Strategy, and People. John Wiley Sons, San Francisco. Burke, W 2010, Organization Change: Theory and Practice, SAGE, Singapore. Cameron, K. 2004, A Process for Changing Organizational Culture. Research Report, Michael Driver, Ann Arbor. Cawsey, T, Deszca, G Ingols, C 2011, Organizational Change: An Action-Oriented Toolkit, SAGE, Singapore. Falletta, S 2008, Organizational Diagnostic Models A Review Synthesis, Leadersphere, Sacramento. Hellriegel, D Slocum, J 2007, Organizational Behaviour, Cengage Learning, Mason. Kotter, J 1996, Leading Change, Harvard Business Press, Boston. Myers, P, Hulks, S Wiggins, L 2012, Organizational Change: Perspectives on Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Porter, L, Lawler, E Hackman, J 1975, Behaviour in organizations, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Towton - Battle of Towton - Wars of the Roses - Edward IV

Towton - Battle of Towton - Wars of the Roses - Edward IV Battle of Towton: Date Conflict: The Battle of Towton was fought on March 29, 1461, during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485). Armies Commanders Yorkists Edward IV20,000-36,000 men Lancastrians Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset25,000-42,000 men Battle of Towton - Background: Beginning in 1455, the Wars of the Roses saw a dynastic conflict erupt between King Henry VI (Lancastrians) and the out-of-favor Richard, Duke of York (Yorkists). Prone to bouts of insanity, Henrys cause was chiefly advocated by his wife, Margaret of Anjou, who sought to protect their sons, Edward of Westminster, birthright. In 1460, the fighting escalated with Yorkist forces winning the Battle of Northampton and capturing Henry. Seeking to assert his power, Richard attempted to claim the throne after the victory. Blocked from this by his supporters, he agreed to the Act of Accord which disinherited Henrys son and stated that Richard would ascend to the throne upon the kings death. Unwilling to let this stand, Margaret raised an army in northern England to revive the Lancastrian cause. Marching north in late 1460, Richard was defeated and killed at the Battle of Wakefield. Moving south, Margarets army defeated the Earl of Warwick at the Second Battle of St. Albans and recovered Henry. Advancing on London, her army was prevented from entering the city by the Council of London which feared looting. Battle of Towton - A King Made: As Henry was unwilling to enter the city by force, negotiations began between Margaret and the council. During this time, she learned that Richards son, Edward, Earl of March, had defeated Lancastrian forces near the Welsh border at Mortimers Cross and was uniting with the remnants of Warwicks army. Concerned about this threat to their rear, the Lancastrian army began withdrawing northwards to a defensible line along the River Aire. From here they could safely await reinforcements from the north. A skillful politician, Warwick brought Edward to London and on March 4 had him crowned as King Edward IV. Battle of Towton - Initial Encounters: Seeking to defend his newly won crown, Edward immediately began moving to crush the Lancastrian forces in the north. Departing on March 11, the army marched north in three divisions under the command of Warwick, Lord Fauconberg, and Edward. In addition, John Mowbry, Duke of Norfolk, was sent to the eastern counties to raise additional troops. As the Yorkists advanced, Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, commanding the Lancastrian army began making preparations for battle. Leaving Henry, Margaret, and Prince Edward at York, he deployed his forces between the villages of Saxton and Towton. On March 28, 500 Lancastrians under John Neville and Lord Clifford attacked a Yorkist detachment at Ferrybridge. Overwhelming men under Lord Fitzwater, they secured the bridge over the Aire. Learning of this, Edward organized a counterattack and sent Warwick to attack Ferrybridge. To support this advance, Fauconberg was ordered to cross the river four miles upstream at Castleford and move to attack Cliffords right flank. While Warwicks assault was largely held, Clifford was forced to fall back when Fauconberg arrived. In a running fight, the Lancastrians were defeated and Clifford was killed near Dinting Dale. Battle of Towton - Battle Joined: The crossing retaken, Edward advanced across the river the next morning, Palm Sunday, despite the fact that Norfolk still had not arrived. Aware of the previous days defeat, Somerset deployed the Lancastrian army on a high plateau with its right anchored on the stream of the Cock Beck. Though the Lancastrians occupied a strong a position and had a numerical advantage, the weather worked against them as the wind was in their face. A snowy day, this blew the snow in their eyes and limited visibility. Forming to the south, the veteran Fauconberg advanced his archers and opened fire. Assisted by the strong the wind, the Yorkist arrows fell in the Lancastrian ranks causing casualties. Replying, the Lancastrian archers arrows were hampered by the wind and fell short of the enemys line. Unable to see this due to the weather, they emptied their quivers to no effect. Again the Yorkist archers advanced, gathering up the Lancastrian arrows and shooting them back. With losses mounting, Somerset was forced to take action and ordered his troops forward with a cry of King Henry! Slamming into the Yorkist line, they slowly began pushing them back (Map). On the Lancastrian right, Somersets cavalry succeeded in driving off its opposite number, but the threat was contained when Edward shifted troops block their advance. Details pertaining the fighting are scarce, but it is known that Edward flew about the field encouraging his men to hold and fight. As the battle raged, the weather worsened and several impromptu truces were called to clear the dead and wounded from between the lines. With his army under severe pressure, Edwards fortunes were bolstered when Norfolk arrived after noon. Joining Edwards right, his fresh troops slowly began to turn the battle. Outflanked by the new arrivals, Somerset shifted troops from his right and center to meet the threat. As the fighting continued, Norfolks men began to push back the Lancastrian right as Somersets men tired. Finally as their line neared Towton Dale, it broke and with it the entire Lancastrian army. Collapsing into full retreat, they fled north in an attempt to cross the Cock Beck. In full pursuit, Edwards men inflicted severe losses on the retreating Lancastrians. At the river a small timber bridge quickly collapsed and others reportedly crossed on a bridge of bodies. Sending horsemen forward, Edward pursued the fleeing soldiers through the night as the remnants of Somersets army retreated to York. Battle of Towton - Aftermath: Casualties for the Battle of Towton are not known with any precision though some sources indicate they may have been has high as 28,000 total. Others estimate losses around 20,000 with 15,000 for Somerset and 5,000 for Edward. The largest battle fought in Britain, Towton was a decisive victory for Edward and effectively secured his crown. Abandoning York, Henry and Margaret fled north to Scotland before separating with the latter ultimately going to France to seek aid. Though some fighting continued for the next decade, Edward ruled in relative peace until the Readeption of Henry VI in 1470. Selected Sources HistoryNet: Battle of TowtonUK Battlfields Resource Centre: Battle of Towton

Demonstrate your comprehension of SocioCultural Theory Essay

Demonstrate your comprehension of SocioCultural Theory - Essay Example For instance, if an individual travels in a foreign land and spends adequate time there, he or she is likely to learn the language of the foreign country. The sociocultural theory explains that the interaction of people from different origins and backgrounds exposures people to a dynamic learning experience. Essentially, the learning environment has grown to be very dynamic in the recent years. People from different ethnic and racial backgrounds meet in similar education institutions for studies. In this case, cultural interaction has been promoted and, therefore, diversified the educational exposure. According to the social cultural theory, each culture has its unique kits of intellectual adoption. The kits for intellectual adoption provide children with an opportunity to utilize their basic mental skills in a manner that is adaptive to their present culture. Different cultures have different intellectual adoption kits and, therefore, living in different cultures requires an individual to possess diversified intellectual adaption kits. The American education system is quite diversified and accommodates students from different races, ethnic groups and minority groups. Research has shown that students from the minority ethnic groups perform poor compared to those from the majority ethnic groups. The poor performance of students from the minority ethnic groups is fueled by a number of factors. For instance, the students feel alienated from the rest of the student population. In addition, students from minority ethnic groups feel unmotivated and, therefore, lack the mutual drive for efficient performance. The issue of ethnicity in the education system should be resolved to enhance equitable access to the education services for all students. Students should not be victimized on basis of skin complexion or ethnic background. Instead, students should be motivated to interact socially and learn from each other’s culture.

The Appealing Nature of Formulating and Practical Strategies Personal Statement - 3

The Appealing Nature of Formulating and Practical Strategies - Personal Statement Example My profound interest in Business and economics dates back to my teenage years. My father was an Economists. In the course of trying to understand his field of work, I was fascinated by the complex security exchange trading systems in which he spotlighted on. Also, I was fascinated by intricate economic platforms such as online investment hedge funds that were coming up at the time. Owing to my fascination with the subject, Economics as a discipline will equip me with adequate knowledge to master market functionality and enable me to develop skills inherent in my personal endeavors in the business world. The problem-solving aspect of effective management strategies further triggers my concealed curiosity in this course. I have gained a lot from my involvement in various student supporting programs. During my final year in intermediate school, I was fortunate enough to secure an internship at a giant high-tech company in China last summer. All through my internship period, I served in both finance and administration departments. The opportunity provided me with a chance to understand how various systems work together within an organization to effectively enhance its overall performance. My attention climaxed during my field days where I got an opportunity to carry out financial modeling with some experts in the field. I was able to familiarize with policy formulation, an essential component of any institution. My school is described best as welcoming as its environment enabled me to participate actively in all school activities, and I also organized and participated in various functions. As a part of the student council, I represented my faculty in most recreational and sporting activities. I was a member of the school track team and during that period, I managed to secure several trophies.

Running Header Personal Leadership Plan Essay Example for Free

Running Header Personal Leadership Plan Essay Leadership means vision, principle and, integrity. The definition is the power to motivate others through your words and deeds; this word also can be defined as the process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of the accomplishments of a task (Wikipedia, 2010). When an individual becomes a leader there are required to make several ethical decisions. As we move into the 21st century, there is an emphasis on leadership and moral leadership, and its complexities. One can easily argue that today’s leaders cannot afford ethics in today’s society, although there is an increase in responsibilities and political or economic pressure. However, an alternative view would argue that leaders should follow the necessities of ethics. Furthermore, ethical leadership is an expansion of quality human services, consumers and community citizens, and committed employees (Manning, 2003). Ethical leadership may be easily used to ethically motivate others in an ethical direction. Understanding the core values and having the courage to live be them can be hard for many individual, especially if they are financial driven or power stricken. Human Services field is generally considered a sensitive area which is of enormously important. They are several issue can be associated with ethical decisions in Human Services. Making any decisions within Human Services whether ethically or non- ethically should be taken seriously, especially when it is influenced by their decision with the dignity and respect. Knowledge and Courage are two of the major components of Ethical leadership; another important section of  this structure is the imagination. When an individual is lacking imagination, it stops you from looking beyond the usual limits of an issue. The key objective of a leader is always recognition and fame; however with an ethical leader key objective should be always to re spect the hearts of the people (Manning, 2003). Leadership within the human service field carries many complex ethical challenges in a particular circumstance such as the organization. The moral nature of human service organizations carries many responsibilities to consumers, employees, and society. Conceivably the greatest ethical challenge is that human services is serving people. Consequently, leadership in human services is connected to the moral issues of affecting people in serious, life-changing manners. Human service organizations function to protect, maintain, enhance the personal well-being of individuals through services that define, shape, or alter their personal characteristics and attributes (Manning, 2003). Human beings seek assistance from these organizations in areas that are critical to basic daily life, such as food, shelter, employment, health and mental health care, social welfare. Not many skills are more important to self-improvement than being able to take a step back and honestly evaluate you. Self-reflection allows you to expose problems early, before they become too painful to ignore (Manning, 2003) I believe the ultimate goal of any leader is to be an effective leader. But there are many tendencies to avoid such as control issues, task versus relationship focused, and playing office politics. Will not allow any leadership to be effective as they should; in many cases the leadership may become less productive. I analyze my own skills as a leadership, and I still have much more developing to do. They are several categories of Human Services job that I strive to be a part of some day and it is a program director for abused children or abused elders. In both categories I believe that ethical responsibilities and decision plays a major role. Consequently, as a leader in these fields, it would be my responsibility to ensure that my staff follows the rules and procedures of the organization. One of my major responsibilities as a director is to ensure that the staff is making non-bias right decision; and  not making decisions based on personal feelings or gains. My job would ultimately be to follow the law and protect the clients that seek our services as well as to protect the employee. Reference Manning, S. S. (2003). Ethical Leadership in Human Services: A Multi-Dimensional Approach. Allyn and Bacon. Wikipedia. (2010, August 20). Retrieved 2010, from Wikipedia Leadership: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership Wikipedia. (2010, August 20). Leadership. Wikipedia. (2010). Wikipedia Ethical Leadership. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_leadership

Hamlets Relationships Essay -- essays research papers

In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the character of Hamlet has many relationships with all characters. The theme human relationships is very strong in this play. A human relationship is a logical or natural association between two or more people. Hamlet has many of these associations with King Hamlet's Ghost, Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia, Polonius, Horatio, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Many of his relationships are just and unjust according to the character's flaws and feelings. The ghost of King Hamlet played an important role during the book. The first interaction between King Hamlet's Ghost can be simply called extreme. Hamlet is extreme when he goes with the ghost that looks like his father even though his friends warn him that the ghost may be evil and ". . .tempt you toward the flood . . . Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff . . ." (Act 1, Scene IV, Lines 69-70). If the prince was thinking right he would not have gone with the ghost that resembled the old ". . . King, father, royal Dane . . ." (Act 1, Scene IV, Line 45) Hamlet's radical actions let him find out about Claudius' devious murder of his brother, King Hamlet . The ghost of King Hamlet has described Claudius as "...that incestuous, that adulterate beast" (Act 1, Scene V, Line 43). King Hamlet wants Hamlet to get revenge against Claudius for killing him, but he does not want Gertrude to get hurt while this is going on. Hamlet therefore delays in killing Cl audius because he needs to find out if his mother has anything to do with the treachery. Hamlet took this relationship cautiously and did this correctly because ghosts were thought as underhandedly evil. The relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude is interpreted as the Oedipus complex. The Oedipus complex refers to the thoughts some men have regarding their mother or maternal figures. Many scenes from the play can prove Hamlet did have these thoughts about his mother, such as acts one and three. Gertrude's fondness and helpfulness to protect her son is also displayed throughout the play. This can be seen in the play many times, even up to when Gertrude is about to die. She tries to save Hamlet from drinking the poison himself. Also when Hamlet tries to get Gertrude to believe him that Claudius killed King Hamlet, she thin... ... breath with your mouth,". (Act 3, Scene II, Lines 348-349) As the play continues Hamlet is sent off to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for him to pay for his crimes. Hamlet finding the letter to England changes it to say kill the possessors of the letter. Hamlet on the way to England gets supposedly kidnapped by pirates, while Rosencrantz and Guildenstern go to England and get executed. Hamlet felt they got what they deserved when they followed out the king's plan of action. With all of the corruption and back stabbing in Denmark, Hamlet thought out every decision with great intelligence. Hamlet's human relationships with the ghost, Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were all very just and deserving. As Hamlet finds out they all contain lies and have hidden intentions within them. Hamlet's blinding rage against Polonius was very hurtful and unjust. Hamlet's friend, Horatio, was his only true friend and he helped Hamlet until the end. As Marcellus said it best, "Something is rotten in Denmark." (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 90) That being the lies, which have replaced or covered the true state of each character.

Anyone Except the Clutters: the Question of Meaning in Capote’s in Cold Blood

A strange thing happens when people like the Clutters experience an â€Å"undeserved† misfortune. Perhaps misfortune is an understatement in the Clutters case, but the fact is that when bad things happen to good people, everyone around them cannot help but question the nature of good and evil; with that comes the existence of God. Capote put it best in the quote he included from the schoolteacher: â€Å"Feeling wouldn’t run half so high if this had happened to anyone except the Clutters. Anyone less admired. Prosperous. Secure. But that family represented everything people hereabouts really value and respect, and that such a thing could happen to them –well , it’s like being told there is no God. It makes life seem pointless. † (88) The question of why bad things happen to good people is a very loaded question; one that is broader than the scope of this essay. The goal of this essay will be to determine what Capote’s answer to this question is, at least in the context of this novel. Does he believe that the Clutters died for a reason, or that it was simply a random act that they were caught up in by chance? Throughout the novel, the one character who is completely consumed by the question of meaning is Detective Dewey. His dedication to finding the Clutters murderers is driven by his belief that â€Å"he might suddenly ‘see something,’ that a meaningful detail would declare itself† (83). The Clutters murder didn’t seem to have any apparent meaning. But Detective Dewey was not alone in his belief that the actions people do are meaningful; that the events that occur in this world have an order, a design. This belief is prevalent, especially in religious groups, and we learn in the novel that Holcomb, Kansas is part of the â€Å"Bible Belt† (34). It was definitely a religious town, and the Clutters were churchgoing folk. Dewey, for this reason, cannot escape believing there is a reason for everything, and that the Clutters death had a purpose. Is that what Capote wishes to tell us? Because I have a difficult time understanding what purpose there could be for a hard-working, wealthy family of four to be murdered in their beds for â€Å"a few dollars and a radio† (103). The structure of this novel is rather strange for a â€Å"murder-mystery†; it is not told chronologically; the night of the murder is skipped over until the very end. More importantly, we are told right from the beginning of the novel that the four Clutters are murdered, and we know who murdered them. For a typical murder-mystery, the revelation of the killer is always the climax of the action. In fact, Capote has given us more than the names of the killers; he gives us insight into their lives, and thoughts, leading up the murders. The reason for this is because Capote has fashioned a novel where we are not reading to find out who perpetrated the crime, but why the killers killed the Clutters. I think, of all the characters in this novel, Dewey is the only one who tries to answer this question. In fact, the reason why he believes that the killers to be motivated by personal interests, even though the deaths were â€Å"brutal and without apparent motive† (70), is because he believes that there must be something he is not seeing. He mentions several times that the police department â€Å"didn’t have all the facts† (70) and didn’t really know what they were dealing with. He looks at all the clues; analyses all the data; interviews all the townspeople who had grudges, business, or any reason to dislike the Clutters. He knows that the information he is seeing doesn’t make sense, but he can’t figure out the key, the clue, the mystery that will make their deaths make sense. Dewey thinks that the key to understanding why the Clutters died is their killers. If he can find who killed the Clutters then he will know why they killed the Clutters. Unfortunately, all of the â€Å"knowledge† about the crimes from those who committed it does not give Dewey any definitive answers: But the confessions, though they answered questions of how and why, failed to satisfy his sense of meaningful design. The crime was a psychological accident, virtually an impersonal act; the victims might as well have been killed by lightning. (245) I don’t think that this is a fair statement for Dewey to make, although he is the character that would definitely believe this way. Saying that the Clutters might as well have bee â€Å"killed by lightning† (245) is to say that anything could have killed them. While this is true in the sense that anyone could die at any given moment, it is not true in the sense that the killers could not have been just anybody. The Clutters were a good, white, well-off and (reasonably) happy. Though when we read this novel, we may not feel extremely attached to the Clutters, we can easily see that they were good people. Their neighbours have only nice things to say about them, and the town thinks that â€Å"of all the people in the world, they were the least likely to be murdered† (85). They were not the kind of people who made other people want to murder them. The killings could be said to have been â€Å"impersonal†, but I think that the more correct statement is not that anything could have killed the Clutters, but that Dick and Perry could have killed anyone. The Clutters were the arbitrary part of the equation. The only reason they were chosen over any other family was the fact that they were tipped off about a safe on their property. If they had never been told about the safe I believe that Dick and Perry, in all likelihood, would never have met the Clutters. The killers, particularly Dick, were prepared to kill up to twelve people that November night. Dick had no way of knowing who would be there, but knew that it didn’t matter who was there, he would do what he had to in order to secure his and Perry’s venture. That they only got a radio and 40 or 50 dollars out of the bargain was secondary. The Clutters were the epitome of the American Dream, embodying a lifestyle that all Americans could relate to. But if they die and there is no reason for it, no meaning to it, then that means that the American Dream, by extension, is also dead; it would be â€Å"like being told there is no God† (88). If the American Dream is dead, then being a good person is not enough to protect you from the bad things in the world. I think that though Capote has Dewey searching for meaning to this tragedy, I would argue that Dewey never finds what he is searching for. The perpetrators were expected to be monsters; evil; remorseful at least. But I don’t think Dick and Perry fulfilled the public’s idea of the Clutter’s murderers. ? Works Cited Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. Toronto: Random House, 1993. Print.

Comprehensive evaluation in Mathematics Essay

Continuous comprehensive Evaluation should be carried out in relation to learners’ cognitive, affective and psycho-motor growth. Cognitive growth refers to the intellectual development of learners (such as learners’ knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation). Affective growth emphasizes learners’ attitude, interest and personal development. Psycho-motor growth deals with learners’ ability to perform some activity or do some practical work. Therefore, if you want the teaching-learning process to be really effective, you should evaluate the learners continuously and comprehensively Hence to bring about the improvement in the quality of education and the holistic development of the child who is tomorrow’s global citizen, evaluation process should focus adequately on both scholastic and non-scholastic areas of development. Hence the focus needs to shift to comprehensive evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation also needs to have continuity at regular intervals through out the academic year. This thought is further gets support from the fact that the National Progressive Schools Association has also recommended the scrapping of class X board exams This module focuses upon the various evaluation tools and techniques which can be used for decision making with reference to learners scholastic and non scholastic needs. By comprehensive evaluation, we mean that evaluation should not concern itself only with knowledge but it shall also take into account the factors that are inherent in students’ growth such as skills, understanding, appreciation, interest, attitude and habits. In other words, evaluation should cover all the learning experiences of the learner in curricular as well as non-cognitive areas. Need of Continuous comprehensive evaluation. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation is intended to provide a holistic profile of the learner through assessment of both scholastic and non-scholastic aspects of education spread over the total span of instructional time in schools. It helps to identify those positive attributes of the learner which are not usually assessed during the examinations conducted by the Board As it is spread over a period of two years in class IX and X it provides several opportunities for the school to identify the latent talents of the learners in different contexts.

Different Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy Essays

Different Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy Essays Different Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy Paper Different Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy Paper In counseling and psychotherapy there are more than 400 distinct models with methods of practice ranging from one to one counseling, group therapy, couples or family therapy, online therapy and over the telephone counseling. Depending on which school of thought the therapist is following, each therapy engages the client from a different angle. Each school has its own rationale and specific techniques but there are common components which are shared across all approaches Research has shown that there Is little evidence for the superiority of one school over another Assay and Lambert, 1999). It is the similarities rather than the differences that account for the observation that all psychotherapeutic approaches are effective (in general). These similarities can be combined into four factors that are common to all forms of psychotherapy. These four factors Include: technique (1 5%), psychotherapeutic change (40%), therapeutic relationship (30%) and hope or expectancy (15%). Hammond (2010) further strengthened the argument that psychotherapy is an effective intervention nut that no one theory has been proven to be more effective over all of the others. The four main schools that Influence anthropometry counseling and psychotherapy practice are the psychodrama school, the humanistic-existential school, the cognitive behavior school and the post modern school. Within each school come a variety of theories with its own factors which make them all unique. This paper will briefly present an account of the four main schools mentioned above whilst taking Into consideration the effect of post modernism and demonstrating the effects of an enhanced eclectic and integrated approach to psychotherapy in our society today The Psychodrama school Psychodrama therapy is a general name for therapeutic approaches which try to et the patient to bring to the surface their real feelings, so that they can experience them and understand them. This approach aims to help clients gain insight into the dynamic conflicts and tensions manifesting as symptoms of mental distress or physical symptoms in their lives Psychodrama psychotherapy incorporates revealing conflicts of the unconscious and creating understanding and insight In the client to allow him/her to gain coping skills to deal with difficulties presently and in the future. It Is the study and theory of psychological forces underlying human behavior developed the concept of the unconscious. This Is the part of the mind where desires and memories are stored, unrecognized and are only hinted at through dreams or slips of tongue. Classical psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud (1856 1939) Is regarded as the father of psychoanalysis and developed the unconscious within his approach which he classified Into three regions I. E. The d, the ego and the superego. Freud we have three levels of OFF techniques including free association and transference. A lot of his work surrounded identifying and analyzing resistances and defenses (feelings held in the unconscious are too painful to face and defenses protect us from these painful feelings). Interpretation of information was another technique which Freud used and he spent a lot of time interpreting dreams and fantasies of which he thought were the pathway to the unconscious. An integral piece of psychodrama therapy is the transference which occurs between the client and the therapist. Because psychodrama therapists focus relies on interpreting the unconscious, therapists use transference to reveal unresolved conflicts that clients have with figures from their childhood. Transference refers to redirection of a clients feelings from a significant person to a therapist. Transference is often manifested as an erotic attraction towards a therapist, but can be seen in many other forms such as rage, hatred, mistrust, prettification, extreme dependence, or even placing the therapist in a god-like or guru status. When Freud initially encountered transference in his therapy with clients, he felt it was an obstacle to treatment success. But what he learned was that the analysis of the transference was actually the work that needed to be done The Humanistic Existential school The Humanistic school is based around developing human potential through an individuals own abilities and qualities. It involves the therapist emphasizing these abilities to enhance the experience of personal and feelings. The aim is to harmonize both thinking and actions to become unique individuals. Carl Rogers (1902 1987) is the originator of person centered therapy and introduced a non-directive approach to therapy. There are two main therapeutic principles that underlie the person centered approach. The first principle is that the therapist emphasizes the relationship with the client as this is an integral part to the therapeutic Journey. It is based around respect, equality and authenticity. The client is regarded as the expert on his or her win life and the therapist is there to facilitate the client to identify, airframe thinking and come up with their own solutions to their own personal challenges. The second principle is concerned with working with the clients in the here and now to learn about old patterns, to make new changes. Carl Rogers posits that the relationship that the therapist has with the client, in person centered therapy is central to the success of the therapy. The relationship is sufficient for client change if Rogers core conditions are used. These include: empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. Person centered therapy is a relationship therapy and these core conditions are ingredients for the formulation of an effective therapeutic relationship. Other factors were mentioned over the years to be essential ingredients for the therapeutic relationship including: presence, boundaries, sensitivity and consistency but the three core conditions have remained integral to the person centered approach to practice (McLeod, 2011). Gestalt therapy is another humiliatingly oriented approach to therapy. Like person centered therapy, it rejects psychoanalytic ideas and emphasizes humanistic values such as individual Gestalt therapy was Frizz Peers (1893-1970). The therapy highlights the importance of increasing clients awareness. Rather than aiming towards insight and interpretation it focuses toward understands ones own emotions through a Journey of discovery. It looks at the wholeness of the person and relies on the here and now experience. Gestalt therapy practice includes awareness techniques (For example, two-chair work) and experiments and this is one particular area which divides gestalt therapy from person centered therapy. Gestalt therapists believe in inviting the client to experiment through in session techniques of behavior and awareness. On the other hand, person centered therapy views this experimentation as directive and shifts focus away from the client. It is successful but the number of therapists that use it as their primary orientation is very small. The Cognitive behavior school The cognitive behavior school evolved out of behavioral psychology and is based around three key themes. These include: 1. A problem solving, change-focused approach to working with clients 2. A respect for scientific values and 3. Close attention to the cognitive processes through which people monitor and intro their behavior (McLeod, 2011) Its intervention involves the assessment of clients and subsequently the intervention to help change specific patterns of their thinking and behavior that is sustaining their problems. The integral premise of cognitive behavior therapy is to change the way that clients think about things. Beck (1976) pinpointed the selfs of these include: 1. Personalization 2. Dichotomous thinking 3. Personalization Similarly, Albert Ellis (1962) showed parallel thinking within the cognitive behavioral school of thought and highlighted peoples irrational beliefs in a cornerstone approach called Rational emotive behavior therapy (REST). These irrational beliefs include crooked thinking around events in ones life which is surrounded by should and would. This involves overstraining as discussed above or rushing to judgment. Catastrophic a tuition in a negative way leads to anxiety and depression, if anything goes anyway off the beaten track. Westbrook et al (2007) defined the key principles that underpin cognitive behavioral therapy. 1. It is a collaborative project between client and counselor 2. The work is problem focused and structured 3. Therapy is time limited and brief 4. Practice is informed by research The main areas of focus in cognitive behavioral therapy are establishing and maintaining a positive working alliance, assessment of the problem behaviors and cognitions, formulation off plan, intervention and finally relapse prevention. So the effectiveness of CAB in psychotherapy whilst the evidence for other approaches are not as well researched. Stiles et al (2008) conducted a comparison of the outcomes of CAB, person centered therapy (PACT) and Psychodramas Therapy (PDP) within the UK National Health Service. CAB, PACT and PDP are all distinct approaches with regard to their individual interventions and their assumptions. Data was collected from 5613 patients (adults) who received CAB, PACT or PDP and completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-outcome Measure at the beginning and end of their treatment. Findings in the study are testament to the Dodo Effect highlighted over 70 years ago. Results demonstrated that PACT and PDP had comparable effectiveness to CAB. This is a significant finding because CAB is a widely researched intervention in that there has been a lot of research testing the efficacy and effectiveness of CAB for a wide range of disorders. On the other hand, PACT and PDP have not being studied to the same degree so this is a very positive result to represent the effectiveness of such interventions. Presenting problems in this study included anxiety, depression, bereavement/loss, trauma/abuse, addictions and more. In effect results demonstrated that the three treatments assessed (theoretically different) had equivalently positive outcomes suggesting that there is no one intervention producing more positive outcome than another (Stiles et al, 2008). Scientific positivism is the idea that if a therapeutic theory is true then it can be used with clients irrespective of when, where and with whom the therapy occurs. Freud, Skinner and Rogers all attempted to develop a universal theory, a viewpoint which suggests that one size fits all. The view that each of their individual theories wholly explained human nature. The contemporary view of counseling and psychotherapy emphasizes the individuality of clients, therapists and people and postulates that the blanket approach that had been highlighted in the past does not work. Post modernism has seen people beginning to question thing with the emphasis being that the world is a much smaller place today with innovations in technology and communication and the influx of mass media. Therapies are now being designed to fit people rather than proposing a universal theory as a blanket effect over society. Post modernism believes that a therapist for example imposes a framework on an individual, the individual will only be seen through a certain lens and the therapist will confine the clients problems to what the lens sees. The only way of looking at people is by getting them to disclose what their lived experience is like I. E. We all hold basic things together in common. The way we interpret them is unique, the experiences we have are unique and we all develop our own world view. Post modernism acknowledges that it is the clients own lived experience that is most important and the therapist needs to work with that. It is an anti-behaviorism approach. Cognitive behavior theory aims to airframe thoughts to enable the client to manage his/her life whilst post modernism rejects this. It posits that the persons subjective experience is the most important piece. Social constructivist narrative counseling has been evolved through the work of Michael White and David Postpone and they have developed this approach which is completely different from mainstream therapies. Narrative therapy emphasizes the importance of languages and stories in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. It is the way that people translate their thoughts, feelings and emotions so that people an understand them. One of the distinctive features of narrative therapy is the procedure of exterminating the problem. (McLeod, 2011). This refers to the idea that many clients consider the problem to be a part of themselves and of who they are as an individual. The problem then becomes apart of who they are in total. They become self blaming. Exterminating the problem involves separating themselves and their relationship from the problem and releasing that the problem is the problem. In narrative therapy the person experiencing psychological distress tells a therapist stories about their past, present and possible future. The therapist listens, observes and responds. The therapist makes sense of these stories using professional experience, their underpinning theoretical knowledge and own life experiences. During this process the therapist focuses on certain aspects of the narrative more than others. So the therapist encourages the person to elaborate and reflect on certain stories more than others. Narrative therapists perceive that clients seek therapy when the main stories they tell about themselves lack meaning, do not reflect their actual experience, or cannot be shared with people close to them. Linking problems with the self-identity or inner self is rejected by narrative approaches. People develop this way of thinking about their life events and situations because of the pressure to conform to the norms of society. When therapists combine the person with the problem they aim to change the person, perceiving them as flawed or damaged. This means that the therapist is colluding and acting on the part of society rather than collaborating with the client. The aim is to find a new definition of the problem that stops the person from always describing themselves in ways that others view them (experience far). For example a shift from Im depressed to sometimes depression tends to take over. The therapist is actively curious about the effects of the problem on the persons life and talks as if the problem and the person were two different things. One of the main proponents of this type of approach is that the therapist is there to facilitate the client in re writing their story and to encourage to reform this story in their community. Although narrative therapy is a dialogue and conversationalist style, it also incorporates letters and certificates to give the client a permanent documentation to heir story. In narrative therapy the use of humor and imagery is included to rephrase particular words and situations in which the client has had difficulty with. The therapist is continually creating and demonstrating the difference between the person and the problem. It is important to note that narrative therapy is not solely an individual-centered approach but works between the person and the community. (McLeod, 2011). Solution focused therapy which is most commonly associated with the work of Steve De Sharer (De Sharer et al (2007). Rather than being of a theoretical orientation, SOFT s a highly disciplined and pragmatic approach and places emphasizes on a number of tenets which forms the basis for this approach. If it isnt broken, dont fix it If it works, do more of it If its not working, do something different Small steps can lead to big changes The solution is not necessarily directly related to the problem The language for solution development is different from that needed to describe a problem No problems happen all the time; there are always exceptions that can be utilized The future is both created and negotiable The idea behind the SOFT approach is that talking about the problem makes the robber worse, the problem becomes central in the individuals life and through his/ her relationships and this takes the attention away from creating solutions. The role of the therapist is to invite the client to talk around solutions although there must be acceptance (not encouragement) around the fact that they client may want to talk about the problem. Strategies followed by SOFT include focusing on change. It is believed that change is inevitable. Problem free conversation is also utilized to get an idea of the clients positive aspects and competencies. SOFT therapists believe that no matter how big and bad a problem is hat is does not affect ones life all the time and to therefore search for the positives top construct the solutions. As highlighted above in the list of tenets, there slogans are often used with clients to communicate the basic principles around this approach to therapy. The miracle question is an important facet in the solution focused process whereby in the first session the client is asked to imagine a time in the future that the problem has disappeared. This allows the client to come up with the small manageable goals of tackling the problem themselves whilst respecting the enormity of the problem itself. Homework tasks are also incorporated in this form of therapy to keep the client focused on the solution. Unlike the traditional psychotherapy approach of problem focus, SOFT emphasizes the resilience of the client and concentrates on the solution to the problem whilst linking previous positive solution solving to their thinking pathway and through intervention, the client is encouraged to incorporate past positive experience (De Sharer et al, 2007). Traditionally therapists operated from within their own therapeutic orientation but theories, and the inadequacies and potential values of others. A dissatisfaction with single school approaches along with an openness and a commitment to learning from multiple schools of many therapists do not stick to one school of thought or theoretical approach but work in an eclectic or integrative way. Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases. Integration draws from different counseling and therapy approaches with an tempt to blend together the concepts and interventions into a logical and harmonize whole. Norris Glorified (2005) highlighted eight interacting, mutually reinforcing factors that have fostered the development of integration over the past twenty years including; proliferation of therapies, inadequacy of single theories and treatments, external socioeconomic contingencies, ascendancy of short term, problem focused treatments, opportunity to observe various treatments particularly for difficult disorders, recognition that therapeutic commonalities heavily intricate to outcome, identification of specific therapy effects and evidence based treatments and development of a professional network for integration. An important factor to take into account in the emergence of integration is the increasing awareness that no one theory can account for all clients and all situations strengthening the argument above stating that with the zeitgeist and societal changes, a one fits all approach which the likes of Freud, Skinner and Rogers put forward is not enough to cover the wide range of unique individuals, behaviors and situations we find in our society today. An eclectic or integrative approach has been popularized in the last number of years with studies demonstrating that between 29% and 66% of respondents use this type of approach to theoretical therapy rather than following one school of thought alone or one theory (Hickman et al, 2009). Through the use of qualitative methodology (questionnaires), Hickman et al (2009) studied the theoretical orientation of twenty four psychotherapists. Results suggested that respondents engaged in an eclectic and integrated approach although it appeared that one theory played a prominent role over the others in the harpists approach to therapy which they relied heavily on whilst engaged in an eclectic manner. Yalta (1995) argued that the personality and characteristics of the therapist are significant predictors of therapeutic success. Rogers three core conditions are significant common factors for the therapist. These include the therapist empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. Other common factors include support, caring, acceptance and respect. These all form the basis for development and maintenance of the relationship. Line (2005) also highlights factors such as warmth and attention, and understanding s important elements in this environment. It is emphasized that the therapists common factors include a teaming of: personality characteristics and facilitative qualities (honesty, caring, genuineness, unconditional positive regard, acceptance and openness), professional competence and integration; and the provision on a non-threatening, trusting, safe and secure atmosphere) and the therapists confidence in own abilities of the client and in the efficacy of therapy itself (Line, 2005). Corey (2009) developed his own integrative approach to counseling. He defines an integrative approach as being rooted in a hurry with techniques systematically borrowed from other approaches and tailored to a clients unique needs (Corey, 2009). He highlights important aspects of creating and developing an integrative approach including considering the therapists own personality, what concepts and techniques work most effectively with a range of clients, determining what technique are specifically suitable for what problems and particular clients. Corey (2009) posits that an integrative approach is needed in the counseling arena to effectively counsel the wide range of personalities and individuals whom are in our society today, with many unique challenges and robbers.

History and Evolution of Composite Materials

History and Evolution of Composite Materials When two or more different materials are combined, the result is a composite. The first uses of composites date back to the 1500 B.C. when early Egyptians and Mesopotamian settlers used a mixture of mud and straw to create strong and durable buildings. Straw continued to provide reinforcement to ancient composite products including pottery and boats. Later, in 1200 AD, the Mongols invented the first composite bow. Using a combination of wood, bone, and â€Å"animal glue,† bows were pressed and wrapped with birch bark. These bows were powerful and accurate. Composite Mongolian bows helped to ensure Genghis Khans military dominance.   Birth of the â€Å"Plastics Era† The modern era of composites began when scientists developed plastics. Until then, natural resins derived from plants and animals were the only source of glues and binders. In the early 1900s, plastics such as vinyl, polystyrene, phenolic, and polyester were developed. These new synthetic materials outperformed single resins derived from nature. However, plastics alone could not provide enough strength for some structural applications. Reinforcement was needed to provide additional strength and rigidity. In 1935, Owens Corning introduced the first glass fiber, fiberglass. Fiberglass, when combined with a plastic polymer created an incredibly strong structure that is also lightweight. This is the beginning of the Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) industry. WWII – Driving Early Composites Innovation Many of the greatest advancements in composites were the result of wartime needs. Just as the Mongols developed the composite bow, World War II brought the FRP industry from the laboratory into actual production. Alternative materials were needed for lightweight applications in military aircraft. Engineers soon realized other benefits of composites beyond being lightweight and strong. It was discovered, for example, that fiberglass composites were transparent to radio frequencies, and the material was soon adapted for use in sheltering electronic radar equipment (Radomes). Adapting Composites: â€Å"Space Age† to â€Å"Everyday† By the end of the WWII, a small niche composites industry was in full swing. With lower demand for military products, the few composites innovators were now ambitiously trying to introduce composites into other markets. Boats were one  obvious product that benefited. The first composite commercial boat hull was introduced in 1946. At this time Brandt Goldsworthy often referred to as the â€Å"grandfather of composites,† developed many new manufacturing processes and products, including the first fiberglass surfboard, which revolutionized the sport. Goldsworthy also invented a manufacturing process known as pultrusion, a process that allows dependably strong fiberglass reinforced products. Today, products manufactured from this process include ladder rails, tool handles, pipes, arrow shafts, armor, train floors, and medical devices. Continued Advancement in Composites In the 1970s the composites industry began to mature. Better plastic resins and improved reinforcing fibers were developed. DuPont developed an aramid fiber known as Kevlar, which has become the product of choice in body armor due to its high tensile strength, high density, and lightweight. Carbon fiber was also developed around this time; increasingly, it has replaced parts formerly made of steel. The composites industry is still evolving, with much of the growth now focused around renewable energy. Wind turbine blades, especially,  are constantly pushing the limits on size and require advanced composite materials.   Looking Forward Composite materials research continues. Areas of particular interest are nanomaterials - materials with extremely small molecular structures - and bio-based polymers.