Philosophy as Metaphysics Essay Example for Free

Philosophy as Metaphysics Essay ABSTRACT: Philosophy works with special types of objects: the totalities. The basic characteristics of this type of object are their metaphysical, transcendental, and total character. The character of these objects determines the specificity of language and the methods of philosophy. The language of philosophy represents symbolic language; speculation is the basic method of philosophy. On the one hand, objects of this type emphasis homo sapien as essences capable of constructing such objects, which in turn assumes the ability of human consciousness to make synthetic acts. On the basis of philosophy as metaphysics, an original approach is offered which divides the history of philosophy into periods as well as providing analysis of different philosophical systems. Feature of philosophical activity, as against a science, is the work with special, not physical objects — the totalities, which are constituted by the philosopher. One of such objects is the world, and, in this sense, we often say, that philosophy is a wel-tanschauung (world-outlook) . Certainly, the world as some set of things can be studied by physics (sciences in a broad sense), but in this case a researcher can miss the point that the world is a totality, not just a simple set of things. As distinct from scientific study the philosophy takes its objects as the totalities, which the subject of knowledge cannot study as ordinary objects, because the including the learning subject character of these the totalities excludes any standard scientific approach to knowledge in principle. Others examples of the above mentioned objects (the totalities) are Ego and God. Objects of this type (with some reservations) are a lot of human being phenomena, such as love, virtue, conscience, courage, bravery, understanding and so on. All these objects are those, that the precise fixing of objective criteria of their existence is impossible, it is impossible to create the high-grade theory of these phenomena (for example, theory of love or bravery), as they assume not only objective Contemplator (as it occurs in case of objects of scientific knowledge), but also postulate the Actor inside them, that causes essentially twinkling way of them being. (2) Exactly the character of these objects determined essential features of the philosophizing as metaphysical activity. The underlining of metaphysical character of philosophy objects dictates the special procedures of work with them, distinct from of methods of scientific knowledge. Metaphysical objects — constructs cannot be given in frameworks of physical experience; the study — constructing of these objects occurs by a way of thinking means, procedures of speculation. That is why the one of the most typical mistakes in the researching of these objects is procedures of naturalization metaphysical objects, i. e. consideration of natural (physical) analogs of these objects. For example, instead of work with the world (the world as totality) we consider the world as some sets of physical, chemical, biological etc. objects, and instead of the analysis of phenomenon of consciousness proper as metaphysical object the natural analog of consciousness — brain or mentality of the particular human being, we examine. Specifying the status of these objects, it is possible to tell, that the subject of the philosophy activity are metaphysical-transcendental objects, i. e. objects having the boundary status of their existence. The boundary character of these objects allows to specify Kantian distinction sensible phenomena and transcendent things in itself. Moreover, metaphysical-transcendental objects are located on border of other known distinctions of classical philosophy. (3) They are, for example, not subjective and not objective, not conscious and not material. It is interesting in this respect appearance of the first proper philosophical category of being, which, in fact, was entered Parmenid`s as boundary metaphysical-transcendental object being-thinking (in this case, alongside with Parmenid`s postulating his first thesis, entering a category of being, presence of the second his thesis, establishing the coincidence of an entered category of being with another category — the category of thinking). In some sense, metaphysical-transcendental objects are Husserl`s phenomenal, from which as a result of procedures of objectivizing and (or) subjectivizing the subjects and objects can be received, i. e. is entered subjective-objective distinction of New time. On the other hand, the boundary character of these objects allows still to work with them ( I specially avoid the term to learn, as far as these procedures are applied only for work with usual objects). Above this mode of working with them was named as speculation, which, as a result, the construction of these objects to occur by a way of thinking means. The creation such thinking construct is caused by that the person aspires to understand mode of functioning of the totalities, which surround him. And just this phenomenon of surprise before presence of such totalities is a beginning and basic nerve of philosophy. In this sense, philosophizing is possible only as an act of work of the beings, capable to postulate these totalities, due to synthetic acts (Kant), as being, perceiving the environmental world not in itself, but by means of symbolical function (Cassirer), through a prism of the transformed forms (Marx, Mamardaschvili). Another important characteristic of metaphysical objects is their total-making nature. It means, that the purpose of designing such objects is the attempt of understanding of some phenomenon of totality (for example, the world as whole, totality) in light of a question how (why) this phenomenon is possible?. The answer to this question assumes revealing mechanism of existence of this phenomenon. That is why it is important for the philosopher not to know some common aspect, that is allowed at a level of the primary, superficial description of it and other similar objects, but to know general (total) principle of functioning of objects of this type. For example, if a row of the plane polygons is given to us, a triangle(4) will act as general principle of this variety, because all others plane polygons can be given with the help of a triangle. Thus, philosophical constructs act as transcendental condition of seeing of other physical objects. That the phenomenon of seeing of a house was possible as some totality, it is necessary to postulate a row of transcendental conditions of this phenomenon, among them we can allocate necessity being of the house (Parmenid), recognition (and taking shape) this being by means of idea of home (Plato), fixing the house as an object of perception by some subject (Decartes) within spatial-temporary a priory forms of sensuality (Kant). On the other hand, a row of such philosophical constructs define a horizon, a way of seeing of subjects (Wittgenstein), associated with a certain epoch. For example, the mentioned above transcendental conditions of a phenomenon of seeing of a house define a way of seeing of subjects within the framework of classical philosophy. In this sense these constructs act as total-necessary cultural machines, that set the cultural way of living activity of the person and made imperceptible but essential background of his existence. For example, when a modern man looks at star sky, he sees not simply separate stars, but constellations — and it is impossible to explain to a person from other culture (and the more so, being, which is not having ability to the synthetic acts). Moreover, developing this example with constructing of constellations, it is possible to tell, that exactly it has made possible occurrence of such activity as an astrology. The above mentioned metaphysical character of philosophy objects causes the specification of the language and methods philosophizing. The language of philosophy has not signal, but symbolical character. Lets stop on it hardly more in detail. Already science differs from the common sense description, because it uses some abstraction, ideal elements, which, in a common case, it is impossible to compare any certain objects of the physical validity. For example, as D. Gilbert says, in mathematics, those are language fictions, and one of the main problems of a substantiation of mathematics is either an exception these fictions, or imposing some certain restrictions — all that prevent the appearance of negative consequences, while using language fictions. Any language works with signs, besides that, any theory deals with mentioned language fictions (=  «symbols »), i. e. such kinds of signs, with which nothing corresponds in sensible reality. For example, in physics has concepts a material point, an absolutely black body, etc. They are often called as abstract — ideal objects, which turn out by a way of abstraction (idealization) from any properties of real physical objects. But in physics there are and more fictitious objects: cwarcks, for example, which not only is evident not imagine, but also until last time have acted only as theoretical constructs essentially of unobservable nature. In this case we can postulate a metaphysical mode of existence for these objects. It is important to emphasize, that these metaphysical objects do not exist in the same sense, as it is for the particular objects of a physical reality, such as table, chair,etc. The majority of the philosophy terms, its categorical apparatus have such symbolical character. It is impossible to give any referents of philosophical categories inside a physical reality. We can take as an example of such philosophical categories as being, consciousness etc. , for which we can somehow find certain physical analogues (for example, for a philosophical category  «being  » such analogue is the category  «substance » or matter). But there are more humanitarian objects connected with some features of a human being way, for which in general there are no analogues in a nature. These are, for example, concepts virtue, conscience, love, debt, bravery This specification of the philosophy language, which symbols indicate an existence of a special metaphysical dimension of a reality could be expressed by Kantian exclamation Excuse me, but it is not, what I speak about (mean)! in reply to German poet Schiller`s misunderstanding his categorical imperative. The metaphysical character of the categorical philosophical apparatus predetermines also specification of philosophical reasoning. The postulated non-sense character of perception of objects of the filosophizing assumes the special procedures of work, which were above characterized as a procedure of speculation. The main difficulty thus — is absence of a support on sensible analogy, which often helps us in daily life. The structure a reasoning about pure being (or conscience) is principle different from the reasoning about a tree, or a sex, or other objects of the physical world. Danger, which here waits us — influence of our vital experience, influence sensible hooks, which can destroy the ability for the reflex and philosophical analysis. To explain the idea about involuntary influence ours sensible apparatus, M. Mamardaschvili in the lectures about M. Proust, used as an example biblical commandment when they beat you on the one cheek — put another one as a vivid example of inhibition (Husserl`s  «phenomenological reduction ») of a standard human reaction (reflex), imposed to us by sense-figurative thinking (if somebody hearts you — reply with the same). Moreover, it is possible, that some other logic operates in area of speculative objects, distinct from usual, earthly logic. In particular, according to opinion of the Russian philosopher and the logic N. A. Vasiljev, validity of the logic law of excluded third, has purely earthly an origin and it is connected with primacy, after Aristotle, of individual existing things. (5) If we, following Plato, consider classes of subjects as primary (for instance, subject a class of tables), the law of excluded third will be incorrect, as the table as one of set of subjects of a class of tables can be simultaneously both white and non-white (in instance, green). Of course, here it is necessary to realize, that the opposite properties are attributed to the different individuals of primary subject — different things of the same class). The transfer of the point of view from single objects to classes of objects has allowed N.Vasiljev to formulate imagined logic with the law of excluded fourth. This logic in anything does not concede on its parameters to our habitual logic with the law of excluded third, but expands opportunities of our thinking. Within the framework of this logic the paradoxical coincidence between maximum and minimum, revealed Nikolaj from Kuza, does not cause surprise. The only acceptable procedure for understanding of philosophical categories within of some philosophical framework is the correlation of the different speculative (metaphysics) objects with the help of a method language game.

Representation Of Women On Television Media Essay

Representation Of Women On Television Media Essay This study examines the representation of women on Television, which is one of the most debatable topics surrounding the medium and which is frequently discussed in academia and popular culture. I will be conducting my research specifically on representation of female leading characters on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. The examination will reveal whether the depiction of main female characters on Law and Order is positive or negative. 1.1 Women on TV Joseph (2004) argues that women were underrepresented on network dramatic shows in 1950s to the 1970s, that and when they did appear, they were frequently seen in token or stereotyped roles. Although representation of women has changed greatly in the last two decades as we are progressing into a more equal society, the question is, has it really changed modern representations of women or does it merely replicate gender stereotypes (E. Dobash P. Dobash, 1998). In recent years, Xena Warrior Princess and Buffy The Vampire Slayer pioneered the use of strong leading female characters in genre of fantasy on TV. Magoulick (2006) suggests that the positive reviews of Xena and Buffy demonstrate the extent to which these women characters resonate with female viewers longing for strong role models, or even just strong female roles on television. Lavery and Rhonda (2002) argue for a contrasting depiction of Buffy while she is represented as a strong and independent feminist icon her character i s vulnerable and often shallow about her appearance (124). Xenas character helped break gender norms by coding masculine traits such as bravery, strength and aggression with feminine traits i.e. compassion and her pregnancy in Season 5 rendering gender exploration (Boze, 2011: 24). The Buffy and Xena shows both reinforce and challenge gender stereotypes of women (Reid, 2008). I am concerned with the crime genre of television which depicts women as detectives working in a patriarchal society whereas the above characters existed in the fantasy and science fiction genre. In past couple of decades, programmes like Cagney and Lacey, Cats Eyes, Prime Suspect, Silent Witness and Juliet Bravo were popular detective dramas depicted strong women which paved the way for future representation of strong female characters. 1.2 Law Order: Special Victims Unit Law and Order: SVU first aired in 1999 and is currently in its 13th season. The detectives on the team solve sexually motivated crimes and child abuse cases, and the cast includes an exceptionally strong female lead character in Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and other popular female characters such as Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal). The episodes often feature real life crime stories and create episodes based on crime stories ripped from the headlines (Green, 2009: 2). Law Order: Special Victims Unit is one of the most successful and popular spin off series of Law and Order franchise, which has won many awards as well as the 2006 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Mariska Hargitay (Emmys, 2006) who describes female audiences reaction to her character Olivia Benson in Greens book Law Order: Special Victims Unit: The Unofficial Companion: As the show got more popular, I received so many emails from so many survivors. They were identifying so much with my character, identifying with this lion, this strong powerful (Olivia Benson). And then I had thirteen-years-old going, I want to be you; you are my role model. Hundreds of emails going, I want to be a cop when I grow up. And I thought this character has touched something deep in so many women and provided a safe place to goà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I felt I had a responsibility. (Green and Dawn, 2009: 90) 1.3 Relevance of the Research Womens representation on television has significant value to female audiences because they view strong characters as role models. Singh, Vinnicombe and James (2006) studied career-minded women who keenly draw on role models from different aspects of life, television being one of them. They discovered that women used female characters from television as role models such as Buffy, Alias and Xena: The Warrior Princess. Analysing how female characters on Law Order: Special Victims Unit might serve as role models will provide me with the tools to examine the codes used in the portrayal of women. Research has been conducted on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit in the past, for example on the shows depiction of ethnic minorities and the victimization of women. Britto (2007, p40) has used content analysis to deconstruct the idea that women are overplayed on crime drama series as offenders and victims in her article Does Special Mean Young, White and Female? Deconstructing the Meaning of Special in Law Order: Special Victims Unit. Furthermore, there has been extensive research on representation of ethnic minorities, male and female on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. However, my research will focus on the main female characters such as Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal) and deconstruction of the codes employed to characterize them. 1.4 Organization of the Chapters In this section I explain the structure of the chapters in this dissertation which will focus on literature review, methodology and findings of my research. In Chapter 1 we have already established the basis of this research which is to examine the representation of leading female characters on Law and Order: SVU. Chapter 2 will review the literature that will provide support for my arguments on themes of representation of women on TV, narrative, female heroism and women and crime genre. Chapter 3 explains the choice of methodology, research design, uses and limitations of textual analysis. It also describes the discourse analysis methodology and its use in this study. Chapter 4 consists of the analysis of the representation of female lead characters on Law and Order: SVU. It provides details of the findings including women driving the plot, women as heroes, maternal instinct and their personal lives. The collected data is analyses in this chapter to search out the result. Chapter 5 is the conclusion of this study that presents the findings and also elaborates on the significance, limitations and scope of this study. Chapter 2: Literature Review A theoretical framework will direct my research in a focussed manner whilst facilitating a proficient and comprehensive analysis. It will provide a major foundation for my investigation. As representation of women is such a diverse topic, I will focus and limit my research with the help of a theoretical framework in order to achieve an accurate conclusion. 2.1 Representation of Women on TV In order to build my research, studying the history of femlae representation in the media will enable me to understand the codes employed to construct female characters. In regards to the portrayal of women in crime genre, DAccis (1994) meticulous exploration of Cagney and Lacey will provide the perfect groundwork for my investigation. Cagney and Laceys characters were represented in unconventional way rather than the traditional ones: Its heroines were in-control protagonist who solved their own cases (both mentally and physically), were rarely presented as women in distress and were virtually never rescued by male colleagues. In addition to being active agents of the narrative they were also the subjects, but rarely the objects, of sexual (heterosexual) desire (DAcci, 1994: 5) DAcci not only examines the progression of female characters on the show but also studies the depiction of feminism on mainstream television. This will provide me thorough knowledge of what goes behind making a drama series with female lead characters and will equip me with the right tools to compare the representation of female characters on Law and Order: SVU. Furthermore, it contains other examples from the history of American television which will be beneficial for my research. Brunsdon, Charlotte and Spigels (2007) book Feminist Television Criticism: A Reader provides a detailed examination extending across television, media and screen studies and looks into representation of feminism as historical categories and political identities. This book gives a valuable analysis of women working both behind the camera and in-front of the camera as well as female audience and their response to television in their daily lives. With these sources, I will be able to evaluate the depiction of women on Law Order: SVU in regards to historical and political viewpoint. The representation of women in media has been a focal point of discussion since early nineteenth century. In 21st Century, even though television produced programs like Pan Am, Charlies Angels and The Playboy Club with female lead characters, they are still viewed through a very patriarchal ideology (Ingham, 2007). Dominicks (1979) article The portrayal of women in prime time, 1953-1977 concludes that female characters appearing on prime-time television from 1953-1977 were underrepresented on television and were frequently seen in stereotyped roles. This article will help me set the groundwork for my research as I can put female characters on Law and Order: SVU side by side with previous female representations on TV. Further research (Elasmar, Kazumi and Brain, 2009) showed that women were more likely to be shown playing minor roles and playing characters such as housewives and to be involved in a romantic relationship. I would need to further explore the depth of women representatio n on television, which will allow me to conduct adept research in this project. According to Gill (2007), the media depicts contradicting gender characteristics which will provide theoretical basis for my work in contemporary gender representations. This book also provides a theoretical tool to analyze representations of women in media. Similarly, Melanie (2011) cross-examines the construction of feminism and femininity in cinema and television in a wide variety of female-oriented programs such as chick flicks, reality shows and dramas. This book will further equip me with an understanding of the relationship between feminism, femininity, and visual culture and tools to analyze images of female representation in media. Lucia (2005) investigates the representation of female lawyers in Hollywood film such as Jagged Edge, The Accused, The Client and so forth. Although these female lawyer characters are represented as strong women, the deeper study of these films exposes inconsistent characteristics which gainsay the recognition of womens professional roles in a film. According to Lucia, these films featuring female lawyers depict: a patriarchal figure that possesses the potency, the genuine power to initiate the female lawyer into the structure of the law. These films accept law as patriarchal and the female lawyer as an inferior subject within that system. (Lucia, 2005: 19) Lucia (2005) reveals that in these films female lawyer characters are put on trial themselves for defying the traditions of femininity and patriarchal authority. This will provide a basis for analysis of female lawyer characters on Law and Order: SVU. 2.1.1. Narrative Writing the Woman In order to create empathy with characters and peak interest in the audience, formulation of the character through narrative is of the utmost importance. Character and narrative in the text have an emotional connection and resonate with the reader if they identify with the character. Hence, analysis of female representation in Law and Order SVU through their characterization in the narrative will allow me to deconstruct the text. Specific aesthetic and narrative strategies used by the producers to create characters also append to feminism and female representation (Geetha, 2007). Mulveys (1975) groundbreaking article Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema will greatly aid in exploring the relevance of narrative structure in construction of female characters in Law and Order: SVU. Mulvey unravels the narrative and visual techniques in cinema and describes the male cinematic gaze that objectifies the female character, hence, turning her into a spectacle, to-be-looked-at-ness (1975, 19). Mulvey (2009) revisits her theory in Visual and Other Pleasure by applying her feminist theory to more contemporary work concerning film spectatorship. She also talks about young modern woman of the 1920s in terms of images and narratives employed in Hollywood and European films, which will be relevant to assess portrayal of women in Law and Order: SVU. In regard to narrative and women representation in media, Teresa de Lauretiss (1984) work will facilitate my research in the right direction, as she investigates the structural representations of woman in cinema. De Lauretis (1984) disagrees with Mulveys (1975) theory of women representation as being permanently subjective and affirms that it is in a consistent stage of self-progression. De Lauretis believes that narrative structure draws upon the characters aspiration in social and cultural context and reproduces subjectivity. De Lauretis argues that female characters are formulated to incline towards femininity and conventionally portrayed as ideal image perceived by men (1984, 143). De Lauretiss conclusion of womens oppression by employing techniques of cinematic narration will provide a diverse perspective in representation of women in Law and Order: SVU. 2.2 Women and the Crime Genre The characteristics of gender have been reallocated in modern era in crime dramas where the female and male personalities are synthesized. The transformation also saw the shift of feminine traits of emotions, compassion and bond to traditionally masculine traits of heroism, vigor, and power giving rise to alternative action hero (Feasey, 2008: 67). In 1970s and 1980s, the crime genre progressively began depicting women as significant characters, in a TV revolution. Snauffers (2006) book called Crime Television would aid in my research tremendously as it would be interesting to re-evaluate the history of crime genre which was traditionally dominated by men (Maureen, 1988: 2). Crime dramas have dominated our television since the genre came to be, according to Snauffer (2006), crime genre echoes the cultural transformation and growth in the society. He investigates crime films and shows from 60s, 70s and 80s such as The Untouchables, The Streets of San Francisco, The Rockford Files, and Baretta which represented variant heroes in multifaceted settings. This work provides a broad history of detective and police crime shows on TV, which will contribute to my research immensely. Turnbull (2013) in her book The Crime Drama: TV Genres provides a historical study of the crime drama series as a genre, which presents a number of case studies to clarify major concerns in the course of the genre. This book will facilitate my argument as it looks at female-led crime drama series from around the world such as The Wire and The Killing which feature important female lead characters. Crime dramas generally feature subject matter related to public sphere with male dominance, however, the addition of female characters to the crime genre has enabled writers to pursue a dynamic approach concerning gender bending transgressions, domestic issues and other feminist concerns (Feasey 2008). Nevertheless, women were not always depicted as strong willed and independent on TV. Cavender (1999) examines the depiction of women crime victims by comparing episodes from reality crime program on prime time television. His analysis will be helpful in further studying the crime genre as well as involvement of women. Humphries (2009) examines women, violence, and media presentations through the lens of feminist criminology. This book contains chapters on Gendering Constructions which lays the foundation for the volume and examines media presentation of gendered violence, female killers on Law and Order and women in media. This book will give me tools to analyze the media text meticulously. In the crime genre, male protagonist used to focus on solving the crime while neglecting public concerns during the process. Attitudes started to change when women were portrayed unconventionally as brave, independent and intelligent characters breaking away from the societal norm from 70s, which resulting in writers shaping a new feminist archetype (Aisenberg, 1994). In her book Ordinary heroines: Transforming the male myth she suggests that female representation has progressed into equal active crime-solving characters with slight borrowing from conventional masculine traits, such as Dana Scullys (Gillian Anderson) character in The X Files, who was a powerful and independent professional woman even though FBI agent roles were profoundly male-dominated (240). Cuklanz and Moorti (2009) examine a wide variety of texts to delve into the representations of gendered violence against women and formulation of gender. They believe that Law and Order: SVU featuring lead female characters engage in stereotypical representation of women, showcasing violence against them which included inherent misogynist communiquà ©. Cavender and Jurik (2012) inspect the optimistic side of the representation of women on TV as they analyse Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren as policewoman Jane Tennison in the popular British drama series where her character disrupts the conventions of the traditionally male genre (p.65). They focus on the portrayal of gender and law enforcement in the show featuring modern social tribulations where women play the central character. On one hand, Prime Suspect has become a cult hit for being an exceptionally feminist show in a traditionally male dominated crime genre. On the other hand, it is still not devoid of gender politics: while Tennisons character is shown as a successful woman she is pigeonholed as being old, lonely, obsessed with her career and friendless. Cavender and Juriks (2012) work will provide the framework to deconstruct the meanings and connotation in depiction of women in Law and Order: SVU in relations to social norm. There has been a dramatic rise in representation of women detectives in modern texts, whether be film or television, which used to be dominated by men (Mizejewski, 2004). Whilst examining Jodie Fosters character Clarice on The Silence Of The Lambs, Mizejewski believes that: Traditional Hollywood cinema has been unconsciously organized along these lines: men looking and taking action, women being looked at. The conventions of framing, lighting and editing in portrayal of women all play to these dynamics (p. 7) Tasker (2007) believes female representation has progressed tremendously in recent years with transformed and empowered gender egalitarianism; however, there is still substandard issue (? what does this mean?). Gender is a key constructor and differentiator of character in ensemble workplace dramas (Allen 2007, p 48). The meticulous examination of popular crime drama Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) in Reading CSI by Michael Allen includes the relationship of characters to their narratives and response of fans and will provide great depth and widespread views which I can apply to Law and Order: SVU during my research. 1.3 Female Heroism Gunter (1986) argues that women are represented in a stereotypical manner associating with the character traits they typically exhibit. In comparison with men, their characters were subjugated by personal relationships and family issues. However, this began to change in the 1970s when women were portrayed in more dynamic roles. Knight (2010) believes that this trend wouldnt have been possible without Sigourney Weavers character Ellen Ripley in Alien (1979) franchise, which has become an avant-garde symbol. Ellen Ripley signified the first final girl archetype, a term coined by Carol J. Clover in the book Men, Women and Chansaw: Gender in the Modern Horror Film (1992), who conquered and triumphed against an evil villain without any help or rescue from a man (p.98). Knight (2010) and Clovers (1992) examinations of women representation would aid in decoding the signs in Law and Order: SVU. Anthony (2009) believes that the progression in womens portrayal on television and film was becaus e women had taken over the market and were able to acquire positions as Producers and Directors. Consequently, women were portrayed in more heroic roles which cancelled out the notion of women as victims, resulting in a positive ideological advance (p. 80). Innesss (2004) Action Chicks is a groundbreaking collection of essays providing a new look at female action icons such as Xena, Buffy, Lara Croft and so on. These essays take a look at how recent depictions of women in action films, TV shows, comic books, and video games reflect an increased acceptance of women in traditionally male heroic or tough-guy roles. This highly specialized and scholarly study is suitable for my research and will give me context for my analysis of Law and Order: SVU. In order to analyze the representation of women in Law and Order: SVU, I will suggest that if the women embody four essential constructing features which are body, attitude, action and authority in a tough hero (Innes, 1998). Brown (1996) has the same belief about women portrayed as action heroes stating, the female action heroines body is represented by using same codes as a male hero in regards to object and subject in action films (p. 56). Goodwill (2011) agrees with Browns statement that new female action hero possesses positive masculine characteristic which were previously reserved for men only, breaking away from orthodox feminine attributes. With the fusion of traits, the earlier archetype of the hero has been amended in popular culture containing both masculine and feminine traits which will enable me to interpret female traits presented in Law and Order: SVU. Hill (1999: 38) states, action heroines are the new type of protagonists in action genre who are smarter and tougher than conventional female heroines and even their male counterparts. This new breed of action heroines contravenes not only cinematic but cultural gender codes of women being submissive and tangential characters and transform traditional cinematic depiction of women. Noble (1999) produces an innovative framework to create a new epitome of heroism for women in her book The Sound of a Silver Horn: Reclaiming the Heroism in Contemporary Womens Lives. She puts forward certain qualities that a female hero should possess to transform her and the world, such as strong-minded, valiant and a risk-taker. Harriss (2004) groundbreaking work will provide a framework for my research since she looks at the intricate representation of girls in recent history. Siehlohrs (2000) anthology investigates generic codes used in gender in regards to national identity in European films. She also examines how representations of women are affected by particular national milieu. This provides a baseline to investigate influences of societal factors on representation of women in Law and Order: SVU. Hanson (2007) proposes alternative ways of viewing classic and contemporary Hollywood heroines and the associations of gender with genre. She investigates the representation of women as the investigator and heroine in the variable context of the film industry, which will enable me to apply the same approach to my research. She confers meticulous attention to the production of narrative, actions and perception as well as negotiation of feminine self and desires across the past. Jaceys (2010) book The Woman in the Story: Writing Memorable Female Characters will be of significant value on this topic as it explains the importance of different traits, character development and gender issues in constructing a female heroine. This will allow me to dig deeper into the depiction of female characters on Law and Order: SVU such as Olivia Bensons characters role as a Detective and Alexandra Cabots character as a District Attorney. According to Knight (2010), female action heroes extensively influence individuals in society, and also reveal a lot about our society. Her analysis of female action here will help me understand Olivia Bensons character on Law and Order: SVU as she is seen as a role model and heroine to a lot of women. Furthermore, I will examine Buffy the Vampire Slayer which was a very popular show with very sharp and provocative commentaries on gender. In Undead TV, media studies scholars tackle the gender representation of Buffy and its influence on popu lar culture (Levine and Parks, 2007). Stuller (2010) illustrates the triumph of female hero in contemporary mythology which has cracked through male dominated environment and discusses the crucial role of female crime fighters in popular culture. Thornham elucidates the codes of a female hero in her book  Women, Feminism and Media: For a female character to become the hero of such a series she must appropriate agency, action, command, the occupation of public space, discursive authority and the control of the investigative gaze. All of these, of course, run counter to the norms of femininity. (p. 69) The above mentioned codes and symbols will aid in deconstructing the structure of female lead characters on Law and Order: SVU as heroes in a patriarchal society. I would be able to examine the amalgamation of feminine and masculine traits in the discourse.

Organization Development

Organization Development Executive Summary Organizational development process is considered to be an integral part of an organization, its strategic formulation and managing day-to-day activities. Considering these aspects, the purpose of this work and the attempt made inthat regard is to define the component of organizational development, its integration and tocreateand examine organizational development (OD) concepts and its application is real organization based in UAE. For that reason, a need arise to identify an organization is also a necessity. Hence, it should be clarified that the organizational selected for the purpose of this work is Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation (ADNOC). Thus, the overall objective of this report is to investigate and trace the many problems,dilemmas and measurement facing an organization, and how manager cope with the difficulties or organizational development processes and its undertaking. It would also help to add herein that the structure of this report is divided into three parts, namely part 1, part 2, and part 3 that cover the situation, the organizational development process and finally our analysis, the subject matter conclusion and its recommendation. Introduction Organization development is considered an integral part of the organization day to day process. OD in the backdrop of its concept is to improve organizations and its effectiveness. OD and its course for that matter is a long-term process, which when undertaken at the strategic or day to day basis helps organization to address many compiling issues. OD is both an intrinsic and extrinsic segmentation that helps organization cope with internal and external change more organically. Subject Matter Issue and its Consideration It is natural only that issue cannot be sided apart from any factor of organizational development discussion and its discourse, where question and counter question arise as follows:- How organizational development (OD) within an organization is organized? What defines Human Resource Information System (HRIS) within the concepts of OD? Does the role of organizational development consultant is a necessity? How can HRM and their role play in enhancing organizational process and it undertaking? What are OD role in the area of management practices and operations? It is clarified that the overall objective of this work is to define these components in part and full thereof, which is as follows. PART 1: ADNOC Assessment and Overview of Organization History of ADNOC ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation) is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is one of the leading oil manufacturers today. The company was established in 1971. (ADNOC, About ADNOC ) ADNOC Purpose ADNOC business purpose is to explore gas and oil reserves and producing it. The purpose of the company also defines the production and exploration of oil reserves in order to meet the global demand. (ADNOC, About ADNOC ) Mission The mission of the company is to create a value chain through its products and services and also to play an integral part in the UAE economy, by contributing to the growth of the UAE economy as well as playing a centrifugal role in the social, economic and education sector and its development. (ADNOC) Key Figure in the Organization Key figure in the organization is the chairman of the supreme petroleum council (SPC). The chairmanship post is held by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. He is also the current president of the UAE and its Trucial states. Above all, being the ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan also helps in the formulation of the company policy, and overseeing the operational polices of the company international operations. (ADNOC, About ADNOC ) External conditions in which ADNOC operates International business defines ADNOC. Hence, international business environment and its influence are major aspects of ADNOC. The company also uses high drilling methods and advanced machinery and technology. Above all, the company operates its international business concurrently with 15 of its affiliate companies for streamlined operational process, which add to the significance of the company in the international business environment. (ADNOC, About ADNOC ) PART 2: The Process of Organizational Development (OD) The Feature of Organization Development (OD) OD is the assessment of the major element that defines an organization, namely its people, its culture, its system, its strategic management and most importantly its management styles. Besides, the skills of individual and the role technology plays also form the object of organization development and its discussion. (McGladrey, 2006 , p. 3) Definition of Organization Development (OD) OD is understood to be both a professional field of social action and an era of scientific enquiry. It covers a broad arena of organizational processes. In real term of its meaning and definition, â€Å"OD is a planned process of change in an organization culture through the utilization of behavioral science technology, research and theory† (Thomas G. Cummings, 2008 , p. 2) assert Warner Burke. Wendell France defines â€Å"organization development as long range efforts to improve an organization problem-solving capability and its ability to cope with changes in its external environment with the help of external and internal behavioral scientist consultant or agent of change as they are sometime called. (Thomas G. Cummings, 2008 , p. 2) The Functional aspect of Organization Development Organizational development as can be understood is the process that take place within an organization as a means to increase organization effectiveness and facilitating personal and organizational change through the use of intervention driven by social and behavioral science knowledge. (Anderson, 2009 , p. 3) HRIS (Human Resource Information System) in context of Organization Development Organization development and its meaning is the major element of HR strategic planning process in an organization. (McGladrey, 2006 , p. 3) For that matter, new age management practices of organization development in context of HRM also reflect the new forms of practices such as HRIS (human Resource Information System) making its way within the organization. HRIS add value to the organization development process. There is no doubt in that regard. As a matter of fact, â€Å"smooth flow and availability of authentic information related to human resource facilitates rational decisions.† (Kandula, 2006 , p. 70) This is true, considering that information are a vital part of an organization and also help in the basis of decision making, that also based on rationality of it. Hence, HRIS plays a significant part of organization development process. The Role of OD Consultant: HRM Consulting Professional role are a welcoming sight in any organization. The same case also can be looked in respect of HR professional who acts as consultant to organization. On the other hand, OD role can also apply to internal consultants and professionals, or external consultant, where their role is build on the basis of change factor that need to be implemented n a smooth and functional way. (Thomas G. Cummings, 2008 , p. 66) It is being said that if HR professional play a consultative role within an organization, chances are that the value of their professional practices would devote much time working on behalf of the organization to address the issue at hand and to uncover any likely issues. (William M. Kahnweiler, 2005 , p. 45) Hence, it is very likely that the role of HR consultant do add value to organization one or the other way and most organization also prefer it that way in adding value to organization development course. Above all, service deliveries are that core of HR professional role. The evolving nature of HR role also can be looked in respect of the technical specialist role that they play in the organizational process, either when it comes to administration or tracking and interpreting regulatory changes in ensuring that organization remain in compliance. Strategically speaking, HR also play a significant part in getting the right people and right talent so that organization dont miss on anything, when it comes to change strategy, employee retirement plans, and any other administrative functional aspects. (Marc Effron, 2003 , p. 275) OD Role and its Management Aspects Organization development role as we have maintained is critical to the growth of the organization. As a matter of fact, it is held that top management involvement is an important condition for success of OD. The need for OD in an organization also arise for many reason, namely major changes in the external environment or technologies, or factor like a merger may make an organization existing structure or management practices and culture. (Cartwright, 2005 , p. 290) Hence, a planned intervention of the change factor is a necessity at all level of OD course and its process formulation. OD and its process intervention As we have mentioned above, the intervention of OD is critical to the growth of an organization. Intervention can be in the forms of the following. Human Intervention Structural Intervention Organizational Cultural Intervention Strategic Planning Intervention Justification: ADNOC Features of Organization Development (OD) From the above theoretical assimilation, we learn that ADNOC as an organization have grown many folds from what it was during the times of its establishment. Today ADNOC claims a place in the top ten global oil manufacturers and exporter. We figure out that almost all forms of OD and its simulation as discussed above find a place of consideration and in activities practice in ADNOC. There is no denying this fact. When taking a tour of the company website there is reason to belief that what defines ADNOC in context of OD is very much in real practical term. For example, ADNOC efforts in the exploration and mining and producing oil and gas are huge and tremendous. The company produce more than 2.7 billion barrel per day, (ADNOC, About ADNOC ) this is something that defines how the object of such a production level is achieved. If the case would not have been with effective OD, such a possibility would have been a far cry. Yet the company thorough its strategic planning intervention in the OD have enabled itself and raised the bar as a competitor in the world 500 fortune company. There are many other aspects of OD and its subsystems such as HRM and its course also that shapes the foundation of the company and its growth today. For examples, it is being observed that ADNOC take a systematic approach to its HRM. The factor of it can be justified in context of ADNOC training and development course. ADNOC have maintained that fostering continuous growth and development of its employee accumulate the object of the company CSR. ADNOC in the realms of HRM have been effective to integrate changes as and when the time demands, given its active training and development course. Training and development in ADNOC is to recognize the rich talent base in the company and its HRM foundation at the core of it. As a manufacturing company, ADNOC dependant on human capital is huge. Without human intervention, the very essence of its operational objective and goals seems to be a far car. And the company understands these elements, which is why training and development course is to enhance the value of its human capital, where the flow of information and all aspects of development course related to HRM or the introduction of HRIS for streamlined HR management aspects does not miss the sight of policy maker in ADNOC. (ADNOC, Training Development ) Moreover, CSR approach in ADNOC also is very much in line of OD. Being a global oil manufacturer, ADNOC understand the value attached to the business environmental factor and its compliance. Its groups of companies or to say affiliate also follows a detailed business operation which is direct in line with the socio-political and cross-cultural business practices. Speaking of strategy, these feature also very much finds a place of consideration in ADNOC. The company as we learn is committed to its business principle, that is to say, creating value chain through the introduction of technology human knowledge as well as taking appropriate environmental policy for sustainable development of the company the strategic level. Thus, what we can reason is that OD in ADNOC defines the long range efforts to improve an organization problem-solving capability and its ability to cope with changes in its external environment with the help of external and internal agent of change in all factor of OD and its undertaking in the company. PART 3: The Outcome and its Analysis From the above discussion and its analysis, we understand that OD is very critical to the smooth functioning of an organization. There is also every reason to believe that OD and its process formulation helps organization to cope with the demand of the business environment. As a matter of fact, effective OD and its process integration is critical and a vital tool that most managers undertakes, be it policy formulation, decision making or integration technology in the realms of an organization business process. Apart from that, OD and its methodology thus should be taken with due care and attention to details. Moreover, organization also requires the best available resource apart from machinery and other technical tools. Human capital thus is a vital and centrifugal objective to be considered. After all, human capital for that matter is considered to be the backbone of the organization. In the knowledge economy their value have further evolved and enhanced. Hence, to ring in the benefits of a subsystem in HRM such as HRIS can be vital to the management aspects of human capital and also in increasing the worth of the organization in the competitive market place. OD as we can reason herein and every aspects of its conditioning define the face of an organization, within the internal and external factor and its influence. The contribution of OD considering all the vital parts and parcel for an organization is huge. The same case also can be observed in ADNOC and the OD concept at play. ADNOC for that matter have been at the forefront of ongoing change; internally and externally and coping with the challenges of the business environment with ease, which brings us to the point in speculating that ADNOC and the concept of OD at play is very much present in the organization management, strategic HRM, operational management and its course is achieved concurrently and organically. Thus, what we can add is that the contribution of OD to the overall organization and its effective shows in the way of ADNOC and how the company handles its operation and all aspects of business operation and strategy with ease and confidence. Conclusion Organizational process is complex when we viewed objectively. In the current state of affairs ADNOC faces many challenges. Change as we view in context of ADNOC has been an ongoing undertaking, both at the management level, corporate level and policy level. We feel that ADNOC current short-term and long-term problem can be speculated to be the HRM features of the organization, sustainable and environmental measures and its outlining as well as business environment and its challenges. Recommendation Following is the recommendation: It is recommended that ADNOC CSR approach should be more detailed and practical, considering the principle preached by the company and its brand image. Secondly, ADNOC intervention in context of HRIS, structural intervention, organizational cultural intervention and strategic planning intervention should be in line with the current needs and demands of the environment in which ADNOC is located. That is to say, strategically attention to OD and its intervention should be more objective to address almost all features of the OD concepts in real practical terms. Third factor is that leadership also should find a place of active intervention, so that the so called future leader can be nourished within the company. Action plan in the organization should also be more detailed, and the role of HR professional and OD consultants also should be considered on an ongoing basis and nurturing change through comparative management practices is also not a bad idea at all, since that way the international business of ADNOC can be enhanced further. It is also further commented that the role of OD in the process of the organization operation and day to day management is dynamic and complex, considering that every organization is a social system, and there is no absolute or best way to bring about a change automatically. And the methodologies that are employed will work differently at different times. What matters is the involvement of the top management in the organization to rope in change factor in the best possible way for an effective solution. Above all, strategically speaking the strategy of OD is to intervene in the ongoing activities of an organization. (Cartwright, 2005 , p. 290 ) Intervention plan in ADNOC We recommend that intervention plan or its design should form a combination of these four features mentioned below for effective and efficiency of OD and its process undertaking in ADNOC. 1. Human intervention: Organization achieves the OD goals through human resource management functions, namely recruitment, selection, compensation and performance management, integration and placement process. A combination of these human factor helps achieve the OD goals and its objective. (Durai, 2010 , p. 264) Hence the same design also can be integrated in ADNOC. 2. Structural Intervention: Structural design changes concerned the organization division of labor and its specialization. Intervention aimed at structural design include moving from traditional practices into a more integrative and flexible forms, which helps OD process to address and meet the process of the organization, be it for customer centric or network based structure. (Thomas G. Cummings, 2008 , pp. 158-59) Hence, such feature and its combination are also highly recommended for ADNOC. 3. Organizational Cultural intervention: Intervention design in any forms seeks to understand situational contingencies such as individual differences within the organization members and management of change process. Organizational cultural intervention is a necessity because an organization is made up of individual and group members. (Thomas G. Cummings, 2008 , p. 162) Hence, cultural bonding should be at the heart of any OD at ADNOC, where the cultural dimension is redefined for effective organization activities and day-to-day management. 4. Strategic planning Intervention: Strategic OD or its intervention defines the objective and scope of strategic management process. Hence, for any matter in that regard, ADNOC also can reap the benefit of it simply by upgrading the active intervention of strategic planning, be it at the policy level and its formulation, defining future goals and roadmap, identifying the operational objectives, and the orientation of a business goals and it alignment into one solid foundation. Standardization of its activities, process and overall management aspects also should find its course. Strategic planning intervention is all about long-term goals and its objective. The best way an organization rope in the strategic planning process assist organization to cope with various factor of change and to be competitive in the business environment.

Angelas Ashes: Analysis :: essays research papers

It is a common view that times for the Irish majority in the 1930's and 40's were very hard. Especially for the Irish Catholic families with the stereotypical drunken father, emotionally wrecked mother, kids running round her with her sore back from the next child ready too be born. In Angela's Ashes, Mc Court examines his childhood experiences, the tragedies, hardships, learning, all involved with growing up.One of the most interesting aspects of the writing in Angela's Ashes is how the text is written, from Mc Courts interpretation of the situation at his age he was at the time, the spelling and grammar also indicates that the child is writing, not the adult. This contributes immensely to the emotions and enjoyment evoked from reading the book. It also better describes how a child actually sees the things going around them, and what they may be thinking. Personally, sometimes is made me think for a while about how I interpreted things I saw when I was that age, and the fun I had b eing a 'kid' with my sister.McCourt describes his brothers and sister, even the ones that died and how much he enjoyed growing up with them, how they cared and loved for each other. Because of the appalling quarters they lived in and the lack of money and food there was terminal illnesses in the family which proved fatal to some of his siblings. Mc Court in his 'child-like' writing style describes how his siblings and he, interpret what's happened and how they see their parents reacting. Mc Court also analyses how his younger brother Malachy looks up to him and how much he takes Malachy under his 'wing' and takes care of him. Parenting is said to be one of the hardest tasks out there today, especially sole-parenting. Mc Court carefully examines his mother, how she copes with her drunken betrothed, how her cousins who married 'gentlemen' are constantly try to run her life, and how she acts as a woman. His father, the 'Irish drunk' who is constantly making him and his brother swear their lives for Ireland and singing Roddy Mc Corley and Kevin Barry after a night at the pub. How his father will tell him stories about old Irish folklore and get sacked from job after job.As Frank progresses into adolescence, he explores the feelings and changes he goes through.

The Bull Market of Television and Bear Market Of Responsibility Essay

The Bull Market of Television and Bear Market Of Responsibility The inanimate, lifeless object consists of 10 feet of copper wiring, a hardwired main board, thousands of electrical switches and receivers, all compactly encased in 25 pounds of hardened plastic. This plastic box occupies minimal space, requires electrical energy just greater than a toaster, and can be purchased anywhere in America for under $100. It is more accessible, prevalent, and influential than any other person, place, event, or thing this world has every seen; and to many it acts as the present day Hitler carrying out genocide on America’s value system, societal fabric, and treasured democracy. Parent groups, conservative parties, and Christian coalitions decry its ubiquitous influence and demand reform from the syndicates. All about this box of wires camps crowds rise up to cast the first stones in the name of America, ignorant that the blood they spill is the very life of the capitalistic process that has come to epitomize the United States of America. Televis ion should not and does not have the responsibility of being the projector and champion of society’s ideal and sought after utopia. Like every other product or business that has come from the grove of America, it is a fruit of capitalism and exists solely and absolutely for revenue. To say this product is the arena for social reform and advancement corrodes the very ideal of free enterprise and this persecution is in itself an end to social reform and advancement. The deification of television places society’s failures and faults as television’s failures and faults. Critics condemn television for its violent tone, lack of equal ethnic representation, low moral values, manipulative ta... ...ssesses the nutritional substance of bubblegum. American’s have developed an insatiable appetite not for culture and fine art but for violent, sexual, graphic entertainment consumed like food, forgotten and replaced by a new dish on the menu of TV Guide. In American capitalistic society, television syndicates fall over themselves to supply America’s growing addiction. America exists diseased and television functions as the â€Å"Typhoid Mary† that spreads this disease. Americans outraged with the condition of the United States seek to heal America by healing television. Television acts not as the cause of the disorder but as a symptom and a vice of the infection. Until society faces the true culprit in the mirror and own to their part in the decline of a once proud nation, iniquitous debauchery will remain as an untreated, unseen cancer slowly killing America.

Hals Woodworking

HAL’S WOODWORKING SWOT ANALYSIS Table of Contents SWOT Diagram†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 4 Strengths†¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 Weaknesses†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 5 Opportunities†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 Threats†¦. †¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5 Conclusions and Recommendations.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 References†¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 |   | Strengths|   | |   |   | Weaknesses|   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | †¢| Family owned business|   | | †¢| Local presence| |   | †¢| Local community presence|   | | †¢| Limited Internet website|   | †¢| Service oriented tradition.   | | †¢| Small online selection|   | †¢| Established tradition|   | | †¢| No internet business knowledge| †¢| Has established customer base. | | †¢| Limited staff | |   | †¢| Management is committed to company. | | †¢| Limited budget| |   | †¢| Qualified and knowledgeable staff| | †¢| Don't have a detailed plan yet. |   | | | |   | | †¢| We would be a small player. |   |   | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | SWOT SWOT |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |   | Opportunities|   | |   |   | Threats|   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | †¢| Increased internet exposure|   | | †¢| Increased competition from brick and| †¢| Increased sales| |   | |   | mortar stores like Home Depot. | †¢| Larger customer base|   | | †¢| Increased competition from online| †¢| Profit margins will be good. |   | |   | retailers such as Amazon. |   | †¢| Coul d seek better supplier deals. | | †¢| Competition can easily enter market. | †¢| Opportunity to expand|   | | †¢| Vulnerable to reactive attacks by major|   | | | |   | |   | competitors. | |   | | | | |   | | †¢| Price competition| |   | | | |   | | †¢| Risk of losing family owned reputation|   | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | | | | |   | |   | | | |   | |   |   |   |   | |   |   |   |   |   | Introduction This SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis evaluates the desirability of expanding Hal’s Woodworking website beyond its current state. The current website includes information about the company and some store information, such as locations and hours. Management is considering expanding the web site to include online shopping.Through the analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportu nities, and threats I have determined that expanding Hal’s Woodworking is good idea since it has many strengths that will overcome its weaknesses. Expanding will be necessary for the company to stay in business for the long term. But Hal’s Woodworking also needs to focus on their weaknesses and threats to avoid being run out of business by large chain retailers such as Home Depot and Amazon. Strengths Hal’s Woodworking has various strengths that could make the expansion of selling products on a website successful.Hal’s Woodworking has strong local community presence that through the expansion of the website will allow the company to reach customers who they can’t reach now by moving from local to worldwide. The company also has strong reputation of being providing high qualified service through knowledgeable staff. That strength could be translated to the website if the inventory that the company offers on the website is tailored by the staff that knows the product. In doing that the customer could either buy it from the online store or go to the store with the knowledge of what they want.That could lead to a no hassle experience for their valued customers and new customers. Weaknesses Hal’s Woodworking has various weaknesses that could hinder the success of expanding to shopping on their website. The store is local and will only showcase a limited selection of their products online. Being a local presence the price points for the products will not compete with the bigger websites like Amazon and Home Depot. But if the company wants to compete, lower prices will be needed which will cause a decline on profit margins for the products offered by the company.With no solid plan in place Hal’s Woodworking needs some expert advice before entering the ecommerce world. Opportunities Hal’s Woodworking will have various opportunities that could help the company succeed in expanding its website. Currently the compan y offers classes and workshops for the homeowner and hobbyist each month and regularly schedules seminars that are underwritten and taught by manufacturers. If the company could offer those videos on the website it could add even more value to high-end specialty tools currently being considered for the website.In expanding to selling online it will lead to increased exposure and the increased web presence which could lead to increased sales that could help the company to eventually expand. Threats Hal’s Woodworking will have various threats that could threaten the company expansion of its website. In order to reach their valued customers, it will be a threat for them to compete with big time companies like Amazon and Home Depot since these big companies already promote products at low prices. This will leave Hal’s woodworking susceptible to price changes and could leave the company with low profit margins if Hal’s decides to compete on price.Lastly, Hal’s Woodworking risks losing their family owned reputation if it strays from what has made them successful. Conclusion and Recommendations In order for Hal’s Woodworking to succeed the company could create and expand partnerships with other tool manufacturers. This could allow the company to be able to bid for lower prices of products and eventually sell those products to consumers at a lower cost. Another recommendation includes having promotions, free products, or loyalty discounts for regular costumers that visit the website.This will help retain current customers and help gain new customers. Lastly an online membership could help the company monitor customer trends. With a solid plan in place and expert advice, Hal’s Woodworking could successfully sell products on a website if the company uses its established reputation. Although the company can’t compete with the cheap prices from big companies it can offer superior service which the company is known for. Refe rences Schneider, Gary P. Electronic Commerce. Boston, MA: Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.

Diabetic Teaching Summary of Power Point Essay

This diabetes power point was presented at an adult community center in Queens, New York called QCP. This power point highlights the importance of educating yourself on disease and more specifically diabetes. Unlike other diseases that can be managed using only medication, diabetes requires day to day knowledge of the disease including nutrition, exercise and different levels of medication. Type II diabetes can also come on later in life based on diet and exercise or lack thereof. Therefore this power point presentation was important to help people understand how to deal with diabetes and how to prevent diabetes. This teaching plan includes education for both prevention and management of the disease. The power point presentation first describes what type of disease that diabetes is and what exactly the symptoms are. The teaching plan goes on to discuss the three different types of diabetes including Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes. Following along the teaching plan teaches how diabetes is diagnosed and what type of symptoms people have when they have diabetes. This helps people better understand the disease and what their symptoms mean and what causes it. The teaching plan is careful to differentiate between pre-diabetes and diabetes to make sure that people understand the difference before they experience the full blown disease. My teaching plan includes simple learning devices to help the audience remember important facts including the ABC’s of diabetes management. The teaching plans follows up with showing the audience how to delay or prevent type II diabetes which is one o f the most important aspects to teach the audience because it is a preventable form of diabetes. My teaching plan was to explain as simple as possible to my audience the forms of diabetes and the way to protect themselves from developing one or protect themselves from making their symptoms worst. As I observed the audience, they were very engaged in the discussion especially when it came to what type of factors affect their chances of getting diabetes. I did not strictly stay on point  with my power point but I gauged the reactions of the audience and added information to sections that they seemed the most interested in. Overall, I believe my teaching plan worked well because I was able to discuss medical aspects of the disease while also making diabetes education relevant to the lives of my audience. Epidemiology is the study of how disease spreads and can be controlled. In this situation diabetes is not a disease that can be â€Å"caught† in the technical sense of the term. Diabetes is not contagious from one person to another. However, there is an important epidemiologic consideration for diabetes, especially Type II, because of a culture of obesity. There is an increase in the rate of Type II, especially in children. For my audience, I had to consider that people that had an excess of body fat and bodies that are obese were at a higher risk for diabetes. In this country there is an increase in diabetes and this is how the disease of diabetes is spreading. As part of my presentation to address the epidemiological concerns I addressed the type of test results that people can look at in order to decrease their risk for diabetes. Most importantly the numbers to watch include cholesterol and the other two big considerations are to lower blood pressure and decrease weight. I focused my presentation around delay and presentation of diabetes because it is most important to my audience and weight loss is a big part of this. The correlation between Type II diabetes and weight is a direct correlation and diabetes will only continue to go up in this country with the increase of obesity. As I observed my audience they shared with me stories of people they had known that had decreased the amount of diabetes medication that they needed to take to control their symptoms by losing weight. These serve as inspiration stories and it was very important for me to engage my audience. I wanted the audience to understand the direct correlation between obesity and the disease and as they told me these stories it showed me that they did understand. I also observed that this part of the presentation was one of the most important parts to them because they felt like this was something they could control. The epidemiological affects come from an attitude and not from a diseas e spreading in the direct sense of the word and after my presentation my audience understood that fact. My teaching experience did not just come from the power point presentation. I studied my audience to determine what the best topic for my presentation would be. Diabetes is a subject that affects all of us and I wanted my audience to understand this. The first time appearing before a group is a learning experience. I spent the time to get to know my group and how diabetes had affected each of them before I started my presentation. This helped them become more comfortable with me and myself to learn more about them so I could become a better teacher for them. My teaching experience grew more personal as my presentation evolved. I tend to have a very personal approach to teaching because it helps my audience remember my presentation. I found that the parts of my presentation that included personal antidotes from myself or my audience and I found that the audience related better to personal situations rather than cold numbers without anything to back them up. My audience helped me reali ze this and it helped me evolve as a teacher. I noticed that stories engaged the audience when numbers, which I included in my power point, did not engage them as much as the personal stories. My overall evaluation was that the experience helped me learn and it will help me develop my future teaching experiences. Overall, it was a very good experience for me because I was teaching to a group of people who were my age and older and I learned how to handle myself and handle the subject matter. Every experience teaches me more about how to handle my audience and get my point across. Another important aspect is that I believe diabetes was a very important topic to discuss because is it not too over-complicated but I also helped teach important medical information. It is always important to gauge your audience and make sure you do not go over their head. Overall it was a very good teaching experience. I was given the opportunity to hold a question and answer session at the adult community center after I finished my presentation. I also discussed with them how my presentation affected them. The community was very happy to be given a presentation on a subject that had affected so many of them. They also were a very perceptive audience and very honest. The group really appreciated the education that I was instilling on them.A big issue that I noticed was that my audience had some myths about diabetes, including that  Type II diabetes was not a very dangerous disease. However, I was given the opportunity to explain to them about the dangerous consequences of the disease. It is important for my group to understand. It is also important for me as the leader of a presentation to be able to read the reaction of my group and go off of that reaction. As I spoke of above the reaction was favorable to learning about diabetes however it was also difficult for people to understand all the med ical aspects of it. I attempted to break it down into very simple terms for my audience to understand but adding in the numbers especially of cholesterol confused people to some extent. There is also the fact that I was dispelling some myths that people held about diabetes. It was not always easy for people to hear some negative things and on some level I think people were very nervous about learning that not taking care of they correctly may lead to a debilitating illness. Overall though the group reaction was very good and I enjoyed teaching the group and possibly making a difference in their lives. I feel that my presentation had several strengths and weakness. Overall, a strength of mine was my ability to be able to connect with my group. My experience working in an Emergency Room environment helped me learn how to read people and their feelings. I utilized this skill during my presentation and it was to my benefit. My group responded to me and I was able to understand their emotions and what they wanted to get out of the presentation. However my nursing background could also be a weakness. During the presentation, at times, I concentrated too much on the technical aspects of the disease. This is not always the best approach especially when dealing with people who are not comfortable with nursing terminology. Another strength is my comfort level around big groups of people which also comes from my experience working in the Emergency Room. I have learned how to work in chaos. Another weakness however is my dependency on my power point slides. In the beginning of my presentation I tended to carefully keep to the power point slides but as I began to read my group I understood that I needed to use my own personal experience, their personal experience and my power point in order to do the best job that I could. I feel this type of comfort level in teaching and public speaking will come as I gain more experience and participate in more teaching activities. The presentation overall went very well and I am pleased with the job I did. I managed to convey to a group of people the dangerous of diabetes and I helped teach them something. It is important to be able to react well to the group and I learned that throughout my presentation. Each group that I teach is another learning experience and I am always up for new challenges. I learn something every day from this presentation and all my experience will help me in my next teaching experience.