Individual paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Individual paper - Essay Example In Brazil the owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart is known as Sam’s Club and the in Mexico it is known as Suburbia. Both the subsidiaries have different work cultures as they are situated in two different countries. I have got an opportunity from both Sam’s Club and Suburbia to join as a store’s manager. In the essay I have made a comparative analysis on both the company’s work culture to arrive at a decision for which option to choose. The essay also elaborates the facts about the two countries- Mexico and Brazil, like the living conditions, availability of transportation, cost of living and the multicultural competence in the two countries. 2. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is a multinational retail giant who has dedicated their work for the betterment of the lives of their customers all over the world. The retail giant has acquired many stores all over the world and has increased their assets so as to become the largest chain of departmental stores in the world. The two subsidiaries of Wal-Mart in Brazil and Mexico are Sam’s Club and Suburbia respectively. Sam’s Club in Brazil Sam’s Club is a club which offers membership to the customers and that sells goods to both retail customers and the business customers or the wholesalers. The club sells general merchandise and groceries to their customers in large quantities. The average size of the club is around 88,000 sq. feet. The customers who have not taken the membership of stores can either take membership for one day or pay a surcharge on the price of the products that are purchased. The club also sells gasoline to the customers. It has identified a niche market as a supplier to the small business which is not so well known. The club stores open at the early hours and it has the slogan of â€Å"We’re in Business for Small Business† (â€Å"About Us†). It has recorded the highest sales in 2007 which was $42 billion or 12.1% of total Wal-M art’s sales in 2007 (â€Å"About Us†). The operation of Sam’s Club in Brazil has remained the same over the years which is giving their customers the best quality goods and delivering the goods to them with minimum costs and giving them a very comfortable environment to shop. They have made shopping simple for the customers by bringing products at their door step. Rosalind G. Brewer, the CEO of Sam’s Club, has always focused on the innovation and technology and targeted in expanding their business by opening up new stores. The sustainability goals of Sam’s Club are the following: 1) 100% renewable energy 2) Creating zero waste. 3) Selling products that are sustainable to the environment and people (â€Å"Fact Sheet†). Sam’s Club even organize program like Giving Program to help the small owners of business by providing them with ideas of creating new business and development of vital products which will help them to connect with the c ommunity they are serving (â€Å"Giving Program†). The working culture at Sam’s Club is a unique one. It has the best team members who are all hard working. The departments like the marketing, logistics, finance and human resource are competent enough to make the whole business profitable. The employees are paid above the retail industry average salary. The employees were gives facilities like the medical assistance and also educational assistance for them and their children. Health care assistance is provided to them on an average of $17 dollar per day. The employees also enjoy attractive quarterly bonuses

Environmental Impacts & Consumption Essay Example for Free

Environmental Impacts Consumption Essay In an article examining resource consumption in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, Collins, et al. (2006) provide a critique of the tool known as the Ecological Footprint that has, in recent years, gained increasing currency in the assessment of anthropogenic environmental impact, as well as a brief history of its development and its implementation. By thoroughly scrutinizing the limitations and implications of Footprint methodology, Collins, et al. concluded which critical areas of consumption need to be addressed in Cardiff. Ultimately, the researchers’ goal is to provide a comprehensive value assessment of the Ecological Footprint methodology in relation to its utility in the development of sustainability policies. The article in question is entitled, â€Å"The Environmental Impacts of Consumption at a Subnational Level: The Ecological Footprint of Cardiff,† by John Barrett, Andrea Collins, Andrew Flynn, and Thomas Wiedmann. It was published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology in 2006. In it, Collins, et al, discussed the history of the Ecological Footprinting methodology, noting that it is premised on the idea that the planet has a limited ability to provide for all human resource demands. Therefore, any policy decisions regarding resource use must take this into account by balancing planetary limits against economic growth. Collins, et al, posited that humanity is currently in a state of overshoot, in which natural capital is being used faster than the planet can replenish it. Despite the strong interest which governments have taken to the use of Ecological Footprint as a sustainability indicator, it faces some criticism: Some have argued that it does not accurately reflect the impact of human consumption. Others maintain that it does not apportion the responsibility for impact in any useful manner. Regardless, Collins et al asserted that the Ecological Footprint is at the very least, useful to policy makers due to its power to communicate the link between consumption and impact. One of the key themes of the article was the need for measurements of sustainability and resource use to be fair and legitimate ones. In effect, the concern was that for any meaningful changes to be made regarding improving matters of sustainability in the city of Cardiff (or any other city for that matter) it would be necessary that data obtained is actually useful to the formulation of sustainability policy any resource use. To do otherwise, would only stymie progress in these areas or result in what other pundits have called, â€Å"greenwashing† which is the illusory notion of sustainability. As such, footprinting is designed to use standardized official and annual statistics and expenditure data to establish substantial links between personal consumption and environmental impacts, with resource use being the chain between them. As a city that has become driven primarily by finance, retail and tourism as its chief economic sectors, Cardiff’s participation in manufacturing has declined significantly over the years and developed a moderately prosperous lifestyle. However, its residents live an unsustainable lifestyle, using three times the average â€Å"earthshare,† and placing them well into overshoot. Furthermore, a majority of the resource consumption residents engage in is derived from food, travel, energy and consumables. The result is that dramatic changes will be necessary to address this. Ultimately, it is personal consumption rather than local industry that puts Cardiff residents in the position of being unequitable in their use of resources, and requires reframing social practices and institutional structures to undo these habits. These consumption domains include food and drink, with the primary area of concern being energy-intense preparation methods; transport, with concern directed towards private transportation; and tourism, with their intense reliance on catered food being of concern. In conclusion, Collins, et al, argued that Footprinting is of great utility in measuring impacts, but it must also be balanced against recognition of contexts which consumption should be set against: In the case of Cardiff, it should not be used to flatten the individual experiences of consumption, nor should its organizational nuances be neglected in assessing impacts. Simply put, the Footprint methodology is only as useful as the context it is set against, and the extent to which it is refined for socio-economic groups or geographic/subnational ones.

Techniques of Cloning :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

Techniques of Cloning â€Å" It is now possible to make clones, or exact genetic copies, of sheep, cows, goats, mice and, probably, humans. This opens the way towards the production of replacement body parts from adult cells † ( Gurdon and Colman 743 ). Cloning techniques have been in use for centuries. The practice of taking cuttings is universal among gardeners, and large companies now propagate desirable plant strains in their millions. Lower invertebrates can also be cloned. For example, cut an earthworm or flatworm in half, and the missing halves will regenerate to create two genetically identical individuals. Although vertebrates cannot be cloned by these routes, identical twins are naturally occurring genetic clones. Moreover, the method of nuclear transplantation, first developed about forty years ago in frogs, has been successfully used to make clones of sheep, mice, cows and goats, and it could probably be applied to people too. By taking a few non-reproductive cells from adult mammals, identical replicas can be created without damage or even inconvenience to the donors. In vertebrates, fertilization begins with the union of the sperm and the egg. The unfertilized egg is stopped at a certain stage of the cell-division cycle, and the sperm provides an activation stimulus that triggers the resumption and completion of cell division. â€Å" The egg and sperm 'pronuclei' then swell, their chromosomes unravel from the tightly packed, 'condensed' state in which they are stored, and DNA replication can proceed † ( Gurdon and Colman 743 ). The chromosomes then recondense, the nuclear membrane dissolves, and the fertilized egg divides into two identical daughter cells. Nuclear transfer subverts fertilization by replacing the female genetic material of an unfertilized egg with the nucleus from a different cell. â€Å" This was first done successfully on frogs in the 1950s, in the United States and Britain † ( Gurdon and Colman 744 ). A non-reproductive (somatic) cell, such as an intestinal epithelial cell, was ruptured by suction into a glass microneedle. Its nucleus, surrounded by a layer of cytoplasm, was then injected into an unfertilized egg from which the female genetic material had been removed or destroyed by ultraviolet irradiation. Some of

Original Writing Murder Story

You couldn't imagine the feeling, hearing that your wife and children have been found slain. After hearing these words eight words, everything became a blur, I didn't even hear what PC Maguire was saying I just stared, frozen to the to the carpet beneath me feet. Dead. My family, my girls, my beautiful girls gone. A feeling of sickness came over me, I was sick, over and over for about 20 minutes, I headed downstairs, avoiding the family photos which hung above the stairs hoping they would just disappear. Downstairs PC Maguire was sat waiting for me, he'd already told me how it happened but I couldn't hear. On hearing the events again I ran back to the bathroom and was vomiting until there it felt like there was nothing left apart from my cold soul, then went back to staring just sat on my bathroom floor looking at nothing for hours by the time I finally went downstairs PC Maguire and his colleague had of course gone. They'd gone to my wife Maggie's mothers for the weekend in Leeds, the last time I saw them I was rushing to get ready for work on Friday morning. Katie, my eldest was trying to get my attention she wanted me to read her a story before I left, I always read her stories before she went to bed and as I wouldn't be with her at the weekend she insisted on one now, but I didn't I was too busy flapping about trying find the paperwork for my meeting that afternoon, I kissed her on the forehead and my baby Abigail's; gave my wife a hug and ran out the door. I regret so much not reading that story, not stopping and feeding Abigail, not telling Maggie I love her, I love her more than anything in this world. A teenager found them early Monday morning behind the newsagent on his paper-round route, huddled together battered and bloodied, they'd been there all night. The police think that Maggie had stopped to go into the shop for a pack of cigarettes, leaving the girls in the car not even for a minute, but someone had taken the girls and somehow they all ended up behind the shop where they were beaten to a pulp before being strangled to death. The police have no idea to who did it and neither do I. We can't have a funeral yet due to the investigation but I've had to tell people, Maggie's parents and siblings, my parents other people have found out through the local papers and hundreds of flowers have been left by the public against the shop, but it doesn't stop the pain not even for a second. Not a minute goes by without me trying to work out who would have wante to cause such pain, and the awful feeling that it could be someone close, someone they knew and felt safe with, I'm racked with guilt, I wasn't there to protect my own family. My family was and still is an odd one, maybe that's why I wanted to have a ‘normal' family. I never knew my Dad he left before I was born and my mother never got over it, apparently he left to be with another woman who he'd also pregnant with his rotten seed. I have one brother, always a bit of a bad boy it was no surprise when he landed himself in prison for G.B.H, I hadn't seen him for over a year before he got sent down and haven't seen him since, 4 years it's a dam' shame. although my mother has tried with letters I would rather not have him in my life, I didn't want him in my family's life to be more specific. We've tried to help him in the past; he even lived with us for a few months months, but 3 months down the line he just left, no note, no â€Å"good bye† just my wife's peruse and children's piggy banks and haven't seen him since. As my family's trauma was being splashed over local news the police investigation continued, the news-agents had only had CCTV inside the store, although England has turned to a camera heaven no CCTV had been installed behind the shop where my babies were found. I was then shown the tape in which Maggie was buying her cigarettes, the tape wasn't very good quality, you couldn't even make out my wife's beautiful face.I could see the car vaguely through to open shop door. A man walked up to our family car with the girls inside opening the door picking up Abigail and taking her out of her car seat then walking away with Abby in his arms and Katie holding on to his hand. This made the police believe that the girls knew him and went willingly with him, he was wearing a hood and never looked toward to shop door so even with the bad quality we had no chance of identifying his face. Finally Maggie leaves the shop and stands motionless outside staring at the car then looking left and right; the tape came too much for me, I turned my head toward the wall, I clenched my fists, gripping onto the sweat running from each palm, equivocal emotions where in-caged within me; the instinct of anger couldn't help but be fused with the pain of guilt as the Images of what happened that day begun toying with my imagination. The girls obviously knew this man to go off with him, which surely means I know him, the worst had come to reality; memories of a not so long ago time began whispering into my ear reminding me of what once used to be the family room, the anger started possessing me as my heart started beating against my chest faster and faster before relinquishing to the floor where I sunk into a bath of my tears. The police could sense the animosity in the air and politely left. The pain slowly faded as I slowly drifted asleep on the living room floor. When I woke up I paced though my brain hacking into old memories to conclude who it could be, I start accusing my closest and dearest friends in my head, how could it be one of them†¦ how has this happened?! At that moment the doorbell rang. People had tried ringing all week but I haven't felt the will to answer, I guess now I have to face the world once again and answer; there is a pile of notes scattered across the hall that people have posted through the letterbox. I open the door, and I'm shocked to the core, it's him. I can't speak or move, He tells me he has good news, I hope he's telling me he's finally gone clean; I politely invite him in, as he passes me the stench of memorable cigarette smoke drifts across my face, I look up and down his figure as he walks into the living room, a blood stained handle was peaking from his trouser back pocket, I briskly contemplated on what it could of been the object could of pressed against, I became cognizant of what was going on, anger which once was transfixed in guilt now seemed contradictory, once again evocative visions paced though my mind. I run at him swinging in every direction with all my might, it throws him but not much he was always the tougher one. Then I feel it, the sharp pain in my hip, I step back and see the blood flowing, but I can no longer feel it I'm numb. Before I can retaliate he has me gripped round the neck, knife to my throat and before I know it I'm strapped in a chair duck tape over my mouth, around my hands and feet and also around my stomach keeping me in the chair. My brother takes down his hood and gives a wicked grin, ‘Hello Daniel' he whispers in my ear. I struggle in my chair and he just laughs, ‘Poor Danny, you were always the superior one weren't you, well look at you now! You have nothing; no one's coming to your rescue are they Danny? You're Alone.' He takes great pleasure in me what I know to be true, all the time waving his blood soaked knife around. ‘It's a shame what happened to those little kiddies isn't it Danny? Such beautiful girls just like Maggie.' He says licking his lips menacingly. I want to scream, I wanted to shout words which I've never used since my youth, but I can't so I just continue to struggle in my chair hoping to loosen the tape. ‘What about Katie? Looks an awful lot like Maggie doesn't she? Not so much like you though Daniel, that's odd isn't it?' My wrists are starting to bleed from the firmly fastened tape but I can't feel it, my clothes have turned crimson. What is he saying? ‘Remember that lovely few months I spent here with you Danny? You were trying to get me on the straight and narrow weren't you? You were so stupid, while you were busying yourself getting me on this course and that course you had no idea what was going on right here did you? In this house, in your bed, with your wife.' My hands were freed and I ripped the tape off my mouth ‘Maggie would never go anywhere near you, your scum!' I screeched. ‘Well of course she resisted, but she loved it really†¦every time.' He said slowly right in my face. I punched him. He stumbled backwards holding his jaw before chuckling to himself. ‘You idiot Danny, Katie, she's mine, or should I say she was ha' he laughed. ‘No no no no no NO!' I said it over and over trying to grab at him but the rest of me was still fastened tightly to the chair. He then explains in detail every encounter he had with my wife, my precious wife raped by a monster in my home and I knew nothing all the time I'm screaming no over and over my face soaked with tears. But I knew it was true, Maggie kept asking me to make him leave and I wouldn't because I wanted to help him, she was on edge the whole time and I just thought it was because she didn't like him. She wanted a new bed but I said no and I remember that when he'd fled with our rent money she seemed so relieved. How could I have not known? ‘I thought about her every day in prison, I loved her I wanted to be with her and my daughter. So of course when I got out she was my first stop, but she wouldn't talk to me when I came to the house. It was a different story when I had your beloved children. But she didn't want me, not nice is it Danny? When the woman you love doesn't want you so I decided if I couldn't have her, and Katie, you couldn't either so I killed them.' What about Abby? If you didn't want Abby why did you kill her too?!' I yelled. ‘It was unfortunate for her, she was just there' he shrugged. This is when my anger took hold of my and I forced my way out of my restraints, I picked up the chair and struck him once, twice, three times. He fell to the ground and I stood over him, my foot to his neck ‘You sick bastard' I cried then stood on his neck until he was gasping for air and clutching his throat, then he was gone. I fell to the ground beside him, I knew now that it was over for me too but I couldn't move, my eyes closed blood still pumping from my hip, my time is here.

Disney & Lucas Film

Table of Contents Executive Summary| i| Introduction | 1| Marvel Industry Analysis| 1| Disney Industry Analysis| 3| Marvel Company Analysis| 4| SWOT Analysis| 6| Valuation| 6| Disney Company Analysis | 7| Share Price Analysis| 10| Examination of the Premium| 12| Takeover Overview, Methods and Tactics| 14| Analyst, Media and Legal Reaction| 16| Recommendation and Conclusion| 17| References| 19| Appendices| 22| , increased pressure from eBook innovation and internet piracy. As such, this industry grew an estimated 2. 50% from 2008 to 2009 and maintained a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5. 4% from 2000-2009 (Jackson, 2011). Licensing Marvel’s second major unit of operation consist of its large licensing business. Marvel licenses the use of its various characters to gaming, movie, toy and television show producers alike. This market is primarily driven by trademark and character licensing. As of 2007, Intellectual Property (IP) licensing represented a $USD 30 Billion mark et in the United States (U. S. ) alone (IBISWorld Licensing, 2012). IP licensing exhibited constant growth. However, in 2008 it incurred a slight contraction of 3. 4% due to the global financial crisis.As well, from 2000-2008 it had a CAGR of 5. 09%. Further, character and trademark licensing represented more than 40. 0% of the total licensing market for 2012. The IP Licensing market is considered to be moderately aggregated with Disney acting as the industry leader (after its acquisition of Marvel) with just over 10. 50% of market share (IBISWorld Licensing, 2012). However, the industry did exhibit lacklustre performance in 2009, (down almost 10. 00%) from its 2007 high. Film Production Marvel’s final major operational segment consists of its film production operations.Generally, the industry has consistently outperformed the market (CAGR 5. 80% from 2000-2009) and as of 2009 represented a $USD 118 Billion dollar market in the U. S. (Thomson ONE, 2012). The industry is highl y consolidated with the top 10 studios (Disney being in second place), representing over 70. 00% of the market. (Nash, 2012). The changing nature of consumer entertainment consumption is gradually eroding various industry segments such as DVD sales and DVD rentals. However, this has been compensated for by the adoption of other viewing alternatives like: pay per view and direct broadcast television (Thomson ONE, 2012).Moreover, have managed to impose price increases on consumers. Thus, allowing them to earn $USD 2. 5 Billion more in 2009 than in 2001 despite lower ticket sale volume for the same comparable period. (Nash, 2012). The film industry has also proven to be resistant to the economic downturns with moderate growth during the recessionary slumps of: 2001, 2008 and 2009 (Thomson ONE, 2012). ————————————————- Disney Industry Analysis Disney operates in two major segm ents: licensing and entertainment. These segments are similar to the ones Marvel operates in.However, Disney also incorporates theme parks into its operations, thus differing from Marvel (Disney Financial Report, 2008). It should also be noted that Disney media services go well beyond simply producing children’s shows and films. They own several studios and until 2009 owned ABC (Thomson ONE, 2012). It can be stated that, the two corporations with regards to their fictional character businesses, target distinct customer bases with respect to gender, but target similar customer bases with respect to age. Disney primarily targets oung children and teenage girls, whereas Marvel targets young adult males and teenage boys. Theme Parks Disney is the leader in the theme-park market; with all of the top 5 theme parks in the world belonging to this company. In 2009, although most theme parks experienced significant decreases in customer presence, Disney managed to actually increase att endance through appealing to local market and offering loyalty programs (AECOM, 2009). Over 185 Million people attended one of the top 25 theme parks in the world in 2009 (119 Million in the U. S).Attendance showed remarkable resilience in America with the top 20 parks in the U. S only losing a fraction of their attendance from their 2007 high, despite the financial crisis. (AECOM, 2009). The $USD 10. 70 Billion change significantly over the 3 year period. Net income quadrupled from 2006 to 2008 reaching an all time high of $USD 205 Million in 2008. Further, diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth exhibited similar performance, indicating no extraordinary abnormalities in executive compensation or share issuance (Marvel Annual Report, 2008).The company managed to decrease its total liabilities by over $90 Million from 2007 to 2008. As well, Marvel significantly bolstered its cash reserves from $USD 30 Million to $USD 105 Million. There was also a large increase in accounts receivabl e (A/R) from $USD 28. 70 Million in 2007 to over $USD 144 Million in 2008. However, given the fast growth of A/R and consistent inventory levels, this large increase warrants little concern. As well goodwill, comprises over 30% of the corporation’s assets.It must be noted that this goodwill was not accumulated via a â€Å"momentum† acquiring strategy which was adopted by Tyco (Bruner, 2005). Thus, the goodwill was accumulated in a proper manner and not for the sole purpose of continually bolstering EPS and Price-to-Earnings ratios (Marvel Annual Report, 2008). Although the debt to equity (D/E) ratio is still moderately high (1. 36), the firm did manage to significantly decrease this ratio throughout the 2007-2008 period; this was achieved by decreasing its liabilities and doubling its retained earnings.Moreover, an exorbitant $USD 251 Million cash disbursement for film inventory in 2007 contributed to the company’s significant negative cash flow for the year. if the premium paid is too high as Disney does not expect any cost-reduction or revenue-enhancement synergies from the merger (Business Insider, 2009). Moreover, analysts see the acquisition as a valuable opportunity for Disney to secure future profitable movies and contemplate the possible outcomes of movies based on Marvel’s characters combined with the animation resources of espoused by Disney and Pixar.Finally, Disney’s previous acquisition of Pixar Animation Studio was incredibly successful, both in terms of revenue generation (each Pixar movie made post merger yielded large profits) and in terms of the integration of Pixar management into the Disney family (CNBC, 2009). By incorporating over 5,000 of Marvel’s characters into Disney’s library, the media expects this merger to follow the same path and prove to be another successful acquisition story for Disney. Two days after the merger announcement, an independent blog speculated that security law had been infringed upon as a result of the deal.The report suggested that Marvel’s chief executive; Mr. Perlmutter engaged in suspicious behaviour prior to the merger. The blog stated that in February 2009, a meeting took place between the chairman of Marvel’s film division and Disney’s CEO, where they â€Å"discuss[ed] ways in which the relationship between the two companies could be extended. † Two weeks following said meeting, Mr. Perlmutter was granted 514,354 options for Marvel shares with a strike price of $USD 25. 86 per share. Three weeks later, he was granted another 750,000 options at an exercise price of $USD 23. 5 per share. The representatives of the firms met again in the beginning of June and disclosed afterwards the possibility of a merger to the other managers (Wall Street Journal, September 2009). In essence, the proximity of the dates in which Mr. Perlmutter’s was granted options renders the transaction suspicious . Although it is no t unusual for Marvel’s employees to receive options as annual com APPENDIX A – VALUATION MODEL APPENDIX B – MARVEL 2008 ANNUAL REPORT (FINANCIALS) APPENDIX C – DISNEY 2008 ANNUAL REPORT (FINANCIALS) APPENDIX D – DISNEY 2010 ANNUAL REPORT (FINANCIALS)

Under Population

Under Population Free Online Research Papers The effect of under population in the world is causing lack of people to replace those who die or retire with inability to continue working. Just done in the U.S. Census 83 countries and territories are now thought to experience below-replacement fertility. This basically means they won’t be able to replace the people who are dying or no longer able to work, these places take up roughly 44% of the world’s total population. Due to several causes in our current world we are experiencing low mortality rates. Currently several countries are having lower life expectancy that they did not have 40 years ago. Though many countries are experiencing a time of peace there is a large HIV-AIDS epidemic going on in about 1/6th of the world. These low mortality rates are causing issues with proper population in these countries. Another cause of under population is the legalization of Abortion. Reports have shown since the legalization of Abortions that since they were legalized Europe as well as 15 countries by 2002 is reporting rates of 1.3 children per woman or below. A rate of 2.1 is needed to maintain a population. The reports where this is the largest issue is found in Europe where abortions are used as a method of birth control. This issue is also begun to appear due to women waiting till later to have children. Instead of starting to have children in their early 20’s many women are waiting till 30 or later to have their first child. This is causing people to have smaller families as well. The average family is going from a 2-4 children per family to a 1-2. In some cases the women lose fertility and are unable then to have children at all as well. There is report’s that many nations are not offering enough maternity leave in terms of length and money being paid out to the women during it. This has caused some women to put off having children till later in their careers. This comes into play once again the older the woman gets the less fertile she becomes. This also causes the women to lose desire to have more than one maybe two children. Some nations have begun to address this issue by offering more maternity leave benefits and/or reward larger families in other ways. None of these countries appear to be considering revising their abortion laws in attempt to overcome this issue of under population. If Europe does not get a stronghold on this issue they could be looking at a lack of 20 million workers in 2030 compared to what they have in their current work force today. Now this can be counter acted if they were able to increase their immigration. But it would need to at least quadruple to an average of almost 4 million net entrants a year just to prevent a decline in the size of people ages 15 – 64 years old, considered the working age over the next 50 years. Soon coming as well is the large amount of people coming to retirement age within China as well. They also in some means of want to control the population within their country have cut down on how many children people are allowed. By doing this they have caused themselves issues in the fact that the work force in large abundance is reaching retirement age within their country. Without sufficient people to support those retiring I think we are going to see a huge economic crash within their workforce and communities. The real cause of under population is all speculative. Only real hard facts are that we are not producing as many children as there are people within the world. Disease, accidents, and old age are all factors to be counted in. But overall people are dying at a much higher rate than producing and if we continue down this path we won’t have the people to make up for the work force that is retiring and dying off. One thing we don’t seem to keep in mind is that even though the advances within medicine are much better today than they were 50 years ago some reason our mortality rate is much lower today than back then. I think people don’t seem to notice the changes due to the fact we are living in a more peaceful era than most of our ancestors in the last decade. In the last 30 years we have not had any world changing wars. That left millions dead and millions more homeless or handicapped for life. But still we are not reproducing at an upward rate. The cause like I said has many factors and not one can be pointed at directly. Well all of these need to be addressed we need to main address the fact that if we do not change our ways of life in the next 50 years our world will not be able to support itself. In conclusion my feeling is that we need to give women more incentive to want to reproduce and have families. We have built our world around a working family. 60 years ago the typical family was the man worked and the woman raised the kids. Today you look at our society and it says that the man and woman should both work. I feel this is the biggest factor that comes into play. It is causing women to wait longer to have children and end up having less if none. All my information from the census and numbers was from the website abortiontv.com/Lies%20%20Myths/underpopulation.htm Research Papers on Under PopulationPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesThe Effects of Illegal Immigration19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenPETSTEL analysis of IndiaDefinition of Export QuotasResearch Process Part OneRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Loki Essays - Jtnar, Sir, Synjur, Sons Of Odin, Loki, Lokasenna

Loki Essays - Jtnar, Sir, Synjur, Sons Of Odin, Loki, Lokasenna Loki LOKI Loki is probably the most misunderstood of all the gods. Most people have come to see him as a most vile being, but this is a misconception. As everyone knows his actions will help destroy the gods, but there is more to him than that. What he gave to humanity as a whole outweighs what he has done and what he will do. He gave us choice; to understand that statement you need to know more about him, the events which led to his imprisonment, and the events that will lead to his eventual death. Loki is mentioned in Volsupa, Thrymskvitha, Hymiskvitha, Svipdagsmal, Reginsmal, Gylfaginning, Hyndluljod, and Baldrs Draumar. He is the subject of Lokasenna. Eilif Gudrunarson, Thjodolf of Hvin, and Ulf Uggason myths about Thor and Geirrdr, Idunn and Thjazi, and Heimdall and Loki have Loki playing a part in them. Loki came from the east. He is the son of the giant Bergelmir, or Farbauti (the dangerous striker, ie, the storm), and giantess Laufey (or Nal, needle). His wife is Sigyn, who is included among the Asynjur by Snorri. They have two sons Vali and Narfi. In Hyndluljod, He also had three other children by the giantess Angrbodha (Boder of Sorrow), the Vanargand (Fenris Wolf), the Midgard Serpent (Jormungand or Ioemingang), and Hel. He is also mother/father to Sleipnir (Gylfaginning 42, Volupsa 25). Also in Hyndluljod, he ate the cooked heart of a woman which he found in the embers through this he came with child, and gave birth to an unknown monster. In Gylfaginning (33) Snorri says that Included among the Aesir is he whom some call the slanderer of the Aesir or the author of deceit and the shame of god and men. To outward appearance Loki is beautiful and comely, but evil in disposition and most fickle in nature. He excelled in sleight and had strategems for all occassions. He often brought the Aesir into great difficulties, but then delivered them with his cunning. He elsewhere says; How shall Loki be referred to? By calling him comrade and table-companion of din and the Aesir, Geirrdr's visitor and casket-ornament, thief from giants, of goat and Brisingamen and Idun's apples, enemy of the gods, Sif's hair-harmer, maker of mischief, the cunning As, accuser and tricker of gods, contriver of Baldr's death, the bound one, wrangler with Heimfdall and Skandi. In Heimskringla din is called Lopt's friend, and Snorri speaks of him as Evil companion and bench-mate of din and the Aesir. Other descriptions by Snorri are: Foe of the gods, the sly god, Slanderer and cheat of the gods, Wolf's father, the cunning Loki. He calls himself Lopt (the airy one), and this name is also given to him by others (Lokasenna 52), and may be connected with lopteldr (lightning). The name Lodur, which occurs only in Volupsa (18), as that of an associate of din and Hnir, is generally supposed to be an early name of Loki, who was companion and friend of Hnir according to Thjodolf of Hvin (Skldskaparml 22). DUALITY As already stated, Loki and din are blood brothers. This is how he came to be included among the Aesir, despite that the Aesir and the giants are maternal blood relatives. Yet he has always brought much woe to the gods. Loki does mischief for mischief's sake. He is a thief (of the Brisingamen) or he causes theft (Idunn and her apples). He dislikes others to be praised, even as a servant, as when he slew Fimafeng at Aegir's banquet (Skaldskaparml 33, Lokasenna Intro). He is foul-mouthed and slanderous, as Lokasenna shows. However, he has also been the key in bringing about situations which have helped the gods. If it wasn't for Loki how would Thor come about having the hammer Mjollnir, or din his spear Gungnir and horse Sleipnir? Loki was always welcome, to a certain extent, among the gods (until Lokasenna). Whenever anyone went to Jtunheim, he was usually there as an intermediary. In those days he was a mischievous god bent on a little personal gain. His actions were never truly evil, but eventually his pranks took on a more serious turn. His nature has been sought in the meaning of his name, which may be connected with Logi, German

How to Edit Your Essay and Create a Perfect Work

How to Edit Your Essay and Create a Perfect Work How to Edit Your Essay and Make Your Writing Laconic Making your paper laconic is crucial, but it requires certain skills. We bet you do not really like reading paragraphs, which do not specify anything particular or really long sentences. Your main objective is to inform your reader about something, so your writing has to be professional enough. However, it is not necessary at all to interrupt the flow of your writing just to check whether you are laconic enough. Editing is to help you make your essay more laconic and precise. Below, you will find some tips on how to make your writing readable and more understandable to your reader. No general words – only specific ones To express specific points, writers use small and dubious words. Your work might seem a bit confusing if you include too many small words. It is possible to reach laconic writing by adding more specific words. For that purpose, it’s recommended to use a thesaurus. For example: The deputy informed people about hassles relating martial law in the country on local TV.- The deputy addressed martial law on local TV. Each word in your sentence has to be questioned In the process of writing, it is recommended to check each of the words to make sure it conveys something essential to your sentence. If some words don’t, just substitute or get rid of them. For example: My professor showed me how to cut useless words from my English essay I wrote in class today. – My professor showed me various techniques of cutting useless words from my essay. Combined sentences Sometimes, it is required to combine two sentences without decreasing their value, in case information doesn’t require a full sentence. Such combined sentences form laconic information. For example: The director’s movies show moral values and the significance of mutual respect between people. She created four movies. – Four movies of this director show moral values and the significance of mutual respect between people. Remove those words which emphasize obvious things Always think of readers when trying to make your essay laconic. If you noticed that some of the phrases or sentences show things obvious to everyone paraphrase or simply get rid of them, otherwise readers will lose interest in your paper. For example: She got my inquiry about LED screens yesterday, and read it with special attention. – She got my inquiry about LED screens yesterday. Remove unnecessary determiners Removing words or phrases, which do not contribute to the entire sentence but define the noun won’t destroy the meaning of your sentence, so you can easily do that. If you are not sure about its necessity, just write down your sentence without it. Does it make sense? Then this phrase is not necessary. If the sentence lost its meaning, then you should leave it. For example: I don’t really like any particular type of activity in this club. – I don’t like any activity in this club. Avoid repeating words Make sure not to mention some words and phrases too often in the text, especially in the same paragraph. If they don’t contribute to the content of your text, they are just not necessary. For example: Our company hired six new employees. These employees worked hard on the weekdays. – Our company hired six new employees who worked hard on the weekdays. No excessive pairs or categories Sometimes, we tend to you the word pairs implying each other, so pay attention to such pairs and avoid them. For example: sad tragedy, surprise, result, etc. some examples of excessive or redundant categories are: large in size, green color, a period in time, etc. Phrases can be transformed into single words and adjectives If possible, transform phrases describing something into single words or adjectives. For example: A student who works hard will always reach his goal. – A hard-working student will always reach his goal. Who, which, that clauses have to be converted to phrases As long as it is possible, transform clauses to single words or phrases. For example: All applicants who are willing to enter our University have to write a perfect essay. – All applicants have to write a perfect essay. Active voice instead of passive voice Try to use the active voice, while such phrases are laconic and precise. For example: This paper was written by John. – John wrote this paper. Avoid abusing expletives at the beginning of your sentences In some situations, such expletives as there+be-verb or it+be-verb are very effective, but not at the very beginning of the sentence. For example: It’s the coach who is supposed to motivate our team. – The coach is supposed to motivate our team. Don’t abuse noun forms of some verbs Whenever possible, use verbs instead of noun forms. Verbs are used to engage the readers and keep their interest. For example: My life is a collection of memories. – I collect memories. Some other don’ts Do not use there is/there are too often. Avoid such words as basically, more, actually, really, very. Don’t use clichà ©s. If you want your paper to be more professional and interesting to your reader, make it laconic. Don’t hesitate to use all the above-mentioned tips to edit your essay.

Analysis of Income Tax Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analysis of Income Tax - Assignment Example   There are quite a few changes that have been made to the original figure provided in the scenario, the reason for the changes made are listed below: Note 1: These incomes have previously been included in the gross profit, originally these incomes should not have been added to the gross profit as these incomes are not related to Thomas’s business, and these incomes are related to his private investments. These incomes will be catered to in the total taxable income section that will shortly follow and the gain on disposal of the machinery will be discussed in the capital gains section. Note2: Thomas owns the business and thus all the profit he earns from his business is his own, he is not allowed to devote a sum namely as his salary that will qualify as a tax expense. Note 3: Council Tax for Thomas’s house is not related to his business Note 4: Replacement of house front door is his private expenditure which cannot be included in his business expenditures. Note 5: It has been provided in the scenario that the car is 40% used for Thomas’s private use, thus the expense on patrol will be deducted by 40%, it has been assumed that the patrol used is on the car that is partly used by Thomas. Note 6: Repairs to the car will also be reduced by 40%, as the car is also used for private purposes. Note 7: Insurance and Road fund tax will also be reduced respectively according to the private use of the car. Note 8: Subscription to the Liberal-Democrat Party will not qualify as a business expense as it does not relate to the business, it is a private expense. Note 9: Providing donation to son’s school is a private expenditure, it cannot be added to the business account. Note 10: The depreciation that has been deducted from the net profit is used by using the accountancy principles; however this figure cannot be used for tax purposes. Note 11: Flowers taken home by Thomas is regarded as a withdrawal from the business, the cost of the flowers are not allowed to be added to the cost of the flowers sold by Thomas, the cost of the flowers which are calculated to be 325 will be added back to the net profit originally calculated. Note 12: The depreciation is replaced by the taxation depreciation that is known as capital allowance, this allowance is calculated by using the guidelines that are provided by the governments of different countries, the rule here used is based on United Kingdom guidelines (HMRC). The detailed calculation of the capital allowance is shown below: Annual Investment Allowance:? Machinery Purchased 20,000 Excavating Equipment 21,000 Computer Equipment used for Inventory Control 8,000 Total Annual Investment Allowance 49,000 According to the guidelines provided by the United Kingdom HM Revenue and Customs, a business can claim Annual Investment Allowance; this opportunity has been provided to the businesses to encourage them  to invest in machinery.  

Sinusitis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sinusitis - Essay Example Thus, there is the abnormal production of B and T cells, and IgG deficiency is triggered by a defect of B cells. IgG deficiency can occur in two forms that are selective and specific. In most cases, the B cells are low in selective antibody deficiency. Likewise, the T cells are also inadequate. The T cells help in B cell immunoglobulin synthesis. Thus, selective IgG deficiency is accompanied by isolated IgG deficiency with normal levels of IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE. In specific IgG deficiency, there is evidence of inadequate levels of other immunoglobulin isotypes. Both types of IgG deficiency result to respiratory infections. For instance sinus, ear, pneumonia, and bronchitis infections. In this case the patient is diagnosed with a combined T and B cell immunodeficiency (Lang, 2009. This individual is suffering from IgG2 due to the developing illnesses sinus (Porth, 2011). In addition, the antibodies against polysaccharide antigens and carbohydrates belong to IgG2 category. On the othe r hand, antibodies against protein antigens are categorized in IgG1 and IgG3 groups. The IgG immunoglobulins are categorized in four groups founded on the function and structure. It is classified from IgG1 to IgG4. In most cases, about 70% fit in the IgG1 and 20% belong to IgG2 groups. Antibodies that are opposed to protein antigens fit in IgG1 and IgG3 groups. There is another class of antibodies that are opposed to polysaccharide and carbohydrates antigens that belong to IgG2 group. Patients with IgG2 deficiency are at high risk of suffering from pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. These illnesses are triggered by microorganisms known as polysaccharide-encapsulated. The microorganisms include N. meningitides, H. influenza type b, and pneumonia. In some cases, the patients are healthy, and others are asymptomatic in presence of the IgG

What does the 3rd space mean to you as a health professional Assignment

What does the 3rd space mean to you as a health professional - Assignment Example et al., 2010). In the context of this assignment, the third space was the forum where the aboriginals and the non-aboriginals gathered to talk and interact with one another away from their homes and places of work. There is a general agreement that social capital or what others would call cultural capital is not the only way to deal with the social exclusion menace. Aboriginals in Australia struggled for many years to be able to get the second and third space. It was actually hell to get the third space (Fenwick, 1998). They were at the periphery of service delivery in Australia for many years. They had health issues to deal with, and it was hard because they didn’t have the third space (Fenwick, 2001). A health professional finds the third space very important because it provides a forum in which they got to know about the health of the aboriginals, unlike the past where they would have health problems and nobody would care about it. The aboriginal health was in the past the hardest thing to understand because they lived in seclusion and felt unneeded because of their identity. It would be easier for health professionals to find ways to help the aboriginals with their health problems if informal settings are created in which the aboriginals and the non-aboriginals can sit together and talk, and just interact on a number of things touching on their lives (Eckermann et al. 2010).. There were certain social determinants of an aboriginal’s health and all of them touched on the social exclusion they suffered in the hands of the non-aboriginals, supposedly because they are viewed as an inferior race to the non-aboriginals. This made it hard to understand the health issues of the aboriginals. Third space creates an environment in which these two groups of people can interact. Through such interaction, it is no doubt that the health professionals will find it easy to understand the health of the aboriginals, and

Tourism Industry in India Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Tourism Industry in India - Research Paper Example Segments such as hotels, tour operators, airlines, shipping etc., are significant contributors to this revenue. With lot of imagination and ideas the Indian tourism sector is gathering momentum and is set to have not only large numbers of foreign tourists but also make a big share in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Theodore Koumelis, in his article on Indian tourism and recent statistics, suggests that the performance of the Indian tourism industry has been very encouraging and has registered an 11% increase in foreign tourist arrivals during 2006. According to Starbucks annual CSR of 2006, Starbucks had then planned to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with an Indian partner RPG Enterprises so as to expand its business. Although many foreign companies see huge potential in Indian market due to huge middle class population, entering into it may not be that lucrative at time due to strict governmental economic policies. Therefore, certain country risks are involved. Almost entire South Asian region has faced severe political instability crisis for many decades with variable consequences. India, by far has been an example not only for South Asian countries but for many developed nations as well. Known as the largest democracy in the world, India has enjoyed continuous trends in its political and economical policies while directly resulting in greater political stability. Thus, tourism and hospitality industry in India has greatly benefited. However, greater stability of such magnitude has resulted in slower shifts and transitions in policy making processes, while negatively affecting the emergence of Indian tourism market for becoming a regional market. Perhaps, this has been the reason why multinational companies did not want to come to India in the earlier stages. Although there is opportunity for domestic and foreign business to grow, there are certain obstacles to these expansions. One of the major obstacles is the entry barriers abound and restrictions imposed on foreign direct investments. The government currently permits on an automatic basis with the exception that they do not already have an existing venture in India in the same field and proposals that may fall outside notified sectional policy/caps. The risk for these new businesses is that regulations are poorly enforced and the restrictions imposed on each zoning and tenancy laws make property ownership among the most expensive in the world. Therefore, the government has ownership of most of the businesses and this lowers the economic growth, making it expensive for other businesses to gain ownership. For Starbucks in India, political and legal risks can include threats to the profitability. These threats derive from the government action or inaction by economic conditions in the marketplace. The threats are included in the action or inaction by political authorities or their agents, rather than changes in supply and demand of goods and services. Therefore, Starbucks is required to open a bank account with an authorized dealer for designated foreign currency. A Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account is to be established while converting the foreign exchange to Indian Rupees (Indian Liaison, 2007). India has a tax structure that is well developed to levy taxes divided between

Week 5 LT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 5 LT - Essay Example succeeded have always made the appropriate choices on the particular metrics to use, and ensuring that they are updated on a regular basis in ensuring that they are up to the task in their performances (Goetsch and Davis, 2012). Ideally, by the formations of partnerships and other similar associations, companies can hasten product development as well as a fastened marketing, which otherwise would take long periods to achieve. Alliances never create value automatically; however, achievement of success requires the development of performance measures dealings without a full-blown acquisition, thereby requiring the use of metrics for development and implementation of successful alliances (Goetsch and Davis, 2012). Development of metrics for quantification of benefits generated by a company is tedious; therefore, requiring a balanced scorecard, which measures the overall quality of the working relationship, the strategic value and the operational effectiveness together with the financial performance (Goetsch and Davis, 2012). Ideally, a balanced scorecard shows precise appropriateness in the measurement of a number of aspects, contrary to metrics in that overreliance on financial metrics is a shortsighted development, such as an example of establishing an underperforming alliance for the sake of remaining relevant in a competitive

Tourism Industry in India Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Tourism Industry in India - Research Paper Example Segments such as hotels, tour operators, airlines, shipping etc., are significant contributors to this revenue. With lot of imagination and ideas the Indian tourism sector is gathering momentum and is set to have not only large numbers of foreign tourists but also make a big share in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Theodore Koumelis, in his article on Indian tourism and recent statistics, suggests that the performance of the Indian tourism industry has been very encouraging and has registered an 11% increase in foreign tourist arrivals during 2006. According to Starbucks annual CSR of 2006, Starbucks had then planned to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with an Indian partner RPG Enterprises so as to expand its business. Although many foreign companies see huge potential in Indian market due to huge middle class population, entering into it may not be that lucrative at time due to strict governmental economic policies. Therefore, certain country risks are involved. Almost entire South Asian region has faced severe political instability crisis for many decades with variable consequences. India, by far has been an example not only for South Asian countries but for many developed nations as well. Known as the largest democracy in the world, India has enjoyed continuous trends in its political and economical policies while directly resulting in greater political stability. Thus, tourism and hospitality industry in India has greatly benefited. However, greater stability of such magnitude has resulted in slower shifts and transitions in policy making processes, while negatively affecting the emergence of Indian tourism market for becoming a regional market. Perhaps, this has been the reason why multinational companies did not want to come to India in the earlier stages. Although there is opportunity for domestic and foreign business to grow, there are certain obstacles to these expansions. One of the major obstacles is the entry barriers abound and restrictions imposed on foreign direct investments. The government currently permits on an automatic basis with the exception that they do not already have an existing venture in India in the same field and proposals that may fall outside notified sectional policy/caps. The risk for these new businesses is that regulations are poorly enforced and the restrictions imposed on each zoning and tenancy laws make property ownership among the most expensive in the world. Therefore, the government has ownership of most of the businesses and this lowers the economic growth, making it expensive for other businesses to gain ownership. For Starbucks in India, political and legal risks can include threats to the profitability. These threats derive from the government action or inaction by economic conditions in the marketplace. The threats are included in the action or inaction by political authorities or their agents, rather than changes in supply and demand of goods and services. Therefore, Starbucks is required to open a bank account with an authorized dealer for designated foreign currency. A Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account is to be established while converting the foreign exchange to Indian Rupees (Indian Liaison, 2007). India has a tax structure that is well developed to levy taxes divided between

Information management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Information management - Essay Example Apart from the rights administrators, the user without any external intervention can individually operate Facebook. For the efficient use of telegraphy, there must be actual employees stationed at the transmission and reception stations to manage the process of communication. A telegraphy operator can have a direct and personal conversation without knowing the identity of the person. As examples of information systems, both Facebook and telegraph offer socio-technical systems platform where participants develop, organize and manage information and its contents (Grint & Willocks, 1995, p. 54). This makes these two systems fit for organizational management. They both satisfy the information needs of organizations through the production, dissemination and controlling of knowledge. However, while telegraph relies on paper work to convey information, Facebook requires an internet empowered gadget to transmit information. Such gadgets might include computers, mobile technologies, PDAs, net books, laptops, and tablets (Hammer, 1990, p. 1). Using telegraph for the transmission of information can encounter barriers such as distance, weather conditions, and other physical attributes. This is not true about Facebook. Apart from countries where there are strict sanctions on internet use, Facebook transcends all boundaries of the world irrespective of the distance, time, speed, and weather conditions. One of the most significant hurdles concerning the use of Facebook involves the availability of the internet. Apparently, the cost of the internet is still expensive to the majority of people of the world, and this consequently hampers their access to Facebook (Eisenstein, 2002, p. 127). Impacts of telegraph The history of telegraphy dates back to the revolution of...54). Impacts of telegraph Telegraph has had various impacts in the socio-technical systems. As an information system tool, telegraphy has ensured that information relay flows in a smooth manner besides being unadorned and lean. Telegraph has enhanced commerce in business organization, governments, and the military departments. The socio-technical systems of telegraphy also encouraged critical analysis of the market situations for many business organizations globally. Facebook is a socio-technical system developed in 2004. Facebook drives democracies in various territorial boundaries. The emergence of Facebook as a socio-technical system has increased business management owing to the advancements and improvements in the way consumers behave digitally. The socio technical systems of Facebook manifest the processes through which organizations grow rapidly in engulfing the operations of that business enterprise (Willmott, 1995, p. 7). The management of information system requires an organization to relay the soci al networking system that encompasses the wider initiatives of economic, institutional, and technological aspects. It is based on the understanding that an organization ought to have sufficient knowledge on the operations of the socio-technical systems for successful management of information systems. The introduction of the social networking sites has improved business management processes.

Communtiy service assignement Essay Example for Free

Communtiy service assignement Essay In your own words, answer the following questions. 1. What does the term ‘risk of significant harm’ mean? Answer q1. If the circumstances that are causing concerns for the safety welfare and wellbeing are present to significant extent. 2. What are the types of child abuse? Answer for q2. 1.physical 2.sexual 3.neglect 4.phychological 3. Identify three possible indicators or signs for each type of child abuse/neglect. Answers q3 1 physical bruising behaviour problems depression anxiety 2 sexual bed wetting ,nightmares , scared of people touching them 3 neglect can be unbathed dirty, little to no food ,too big or small clothing thats dirty 4. What does the term ‘mandatory reporter’ mean? Answer q4 a mandatory reporter is a person that delivers health care education or children services to a child/ren under 16 and authorise by the department community services and required to make reports 5. Why is it important to adopt an ‘interagency approach’? Answer q5 1,promoting a partnership approach to child protection Task 2 Read the case studies below and answer the questions that follow. Jamele You are a worker in a family support agency. Your service offers facilitated playgroups each week to young and isolated mothers. Jamelle is a 1year old and attends each week with her mother. Jamelle is a very timid and does not interact with other children during play time. On a few occasions Jamelle has arrived with several large bruises which Jamelle’s mother has explained as accidents that had occurred whilst Jamelle was attempting to walk by  herself. Jamelle often arrives smelling strongly of stale urine and appearing dirty and unwashed. When they arrived today for the playgroup Jamelle had bloodshot eyes and was very drowsy. Jamelle’s mother reported that Jamelle had not slept well that night and would probably need a lot of sleep today. During the session Jamelle began to vomit. 1. What are the indicators of risk? Answer q1. 1.neglect 2.abuse 3.suspected risk of significant harm 2. How you would respond to this situation? Answer q2 1.document and report to supervisor 2.investigate or possible involvement of police and DOCS 3.call ambulance to protect the health and safety of the child 3. How would you prepare to make a report? Answer q3 1. time and date sign all documented 2.follow all policy and procedures in your work place 3.details of child ,dob name , address phone number, parent or carer if child has disability any back ground if known 4.document what the mother has stated 4. Who would you notify and when? Answer q4 1.immediately discuss situation with your supervisor after you suspect the abuse to the child 5. What actions/work practices you would take as a follow up from the report. Answer q5 1.offer support and help for family 2.services for family eg counselling parental courses 3.comply with your work place policy and procedures Taj You are case worker in a local service that supports families where one of the parents has a mental illness. Your service offers a range of support services, one of which is a weekly support group for children aimed at  reducing isolation and developing coping skills for dealing with a parent with mental illness. Taj is a 10 year old boy who attends the service weekly. Taj is popular with both the staff and his peers and likes to participate in most activities. After the last school holidays, Taj returned to the service a changed child, he has become aggressive and picks fights with his peers. He has also become aggressive towards the other male worker and is isolating himself. Taj has started wearing jumpers and long pants, even on warmer days and refuses to remove any clothing when he shows clear signs of being overheated. During an activity, Taj’s jumper became caught on the table and pulled up revealing a mass of red welts and recent burn scarring on his stomach and back area. Over the last few weeks Taj has drawn some explicit sexual pictures during art activities and has been using very sexualised language. 1. What are the indicators of risk? Answers q1 Aggressive behaviour, picks fights, red welts, bur ns 1.physical 2.sexual 3.neglect 2. How you would respond to this situation? Answer q2 1.ask taj whats happening while on school holidays also contact the family 2. report and document speak to principal and report to your supervisor 3.make a child proctection report to DOCS and police 3. How would you prepare to make a report? Answer q3 names and addresses of the child and his parents or responsible caregiver(s) childs age and gender nature and extent of injury, maltreatment or neglect   approximate date and time the injury, maltreatment or neglect occurred the circumstances in which the injuries, became known to case worker previous injury, abuse/ neglect of the child or siblings  name of the person suspected to have caused the injury, sexual abuse/ neglect any action taken to treat or help the child and sign   any other information the caseworker believes would be helpful What actions/work practices you would take as a follow up from the report. 1 your repsonsibilty regarding the safety welfare or wellbeing of the child does not cease once report has been made docs it is still your responsibilty to use professional resources to provide support appropriate to your role and identify and respond to any concerns for the young childs welfare Karli Karli is a 16 year old resident in a youth refuge. She is quite precocious and outgoing with all the residents. After the first few days, you noticed that she was flirting with one of the male youth workers. This is not an unusual situation and generally does not create major issues. Expectations that staff not engage in any relationship other than a professional helping relationship are clearly outlined in the agency code of conduct, staff recruitment and ongoing professional development and training. You have noticed over the last few weeks that the worker Jackson appears to be flirting back. You have noticed that there is a lot of incidental touching between them and while you have seen no touching that is clearly inappropriate you can â€Å"feel† a lot of sexual energy between them when they are interacting. You have tried to raise it in discussion but Jackson is dismissive and will not engage on the topic. 1. How you would respond to this situation? Answer q1 1.follow your work place policy and procedures 2.report incidents of your observation to your supervisor 3.discuss your concerns with jackson and karli 2. What ethical issues may arise when responding to these situations? Answer q2 1.breaching the client and workers code of ethics 2.client history and vulnerability and mental status 3.disscussion of sexual or romatic relationship have occurred 4.conflict of interest 5.mandatory and disciplinary action for the case worker Task 3 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. Joseph Personal Information about Joseph Date of Birth: 31/10/04 Full Name: Joseph Timothy Drake Address: 13 Short St, Parker Languages spoken: Chinese and English Nationality: Chinese Other children: Only child Mother: Lis’s (09) 7476 9435 Partner: Jake (no number provided) You are a community worker in a multicultural resource centre. Your service runs a range of programs to support and assist people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Many of your clients have limited social resources and one of the programs that is offered is a women’s friendship group which aims to reduce the isolation of women. Lis attends the friendship group each week. Lis lives with her son, Joseph who is 5 years old. She has had a series of failed relationships and is currently seeing Jake who you have never met. Lis has engaged you in a number of conversations over several weeks, where she often breaks down and discloses details about fights she has had with her partner. Last week, Lis recounted the events of the previous weekend, when she forgot to leave the key under the door mat and so her boyfriend broke the front door and came in yelling at Lis. Joseph was still up with her at this time, and Lis continued to say that she was worried Joseph had seen her get hit several times by Jake. Lis appears increasingly concerned that he might do something to Joseph as he keeps threatening her and arriving late at night after drinking. This week Lis turns up to the group with Joseph, although children are not part of the group. Lis mentions she is very upset as Jake had come home late again and there had been some trouble. During the group you notice that Joseph is aggressive with Lis and does not engage with other people. At one point Joseph wets his pants and you organise for a change of clothes. While Lis is changing Joseph you notice a large impact bruise on his back. When you approach Joseph lashes out. 1. Where would you find information on how your service responds to Child Protection issues? Answer q1 1. document and report to supervisor the worries and fears mother has for herself and joseph 2.ask mother consent to fill out incident report 3.mandatory reporting guide 4.multicultural services,internet/google 5.child protection helpline 2. List the legislative acts that govern Child Protection Services in your state/territory. Answer q2 1.family law act 1975 2.law reform act 1995 3.family law amended act 2006 4.national quality standards 5.onbudsman amendment act 1998 6.children and young person (care and protection) act 1998 7.children legislation amendment act 2009

Authenticity For Investigating The Theory Of Musical Cultures Media Essay

Authenticity For Investigating The Theory Of Musical Cultures Media Essay For years authenticity has been an intriguing issue for journalists and academics investigating the theory of musical cultures. The early investigations concerned the comparison between the integral, honest and authentic folk music deriving from traditional culture against artificial, manufactured and inauthentic products of mass mediated and marketed business (Gardner, 2005). Alongside the popularisation of mass culture and the industries behind it, music fans developed the perception on traditional music, reflecting lives, practices and folklore of people by means that pop music was not. In order to differentiate themselves from the masses, people started to look for authenticity in music as identification with their culture, experiences, feelings and views (Moore, 2002). Also the ways in which the textual content has been delivered, as well as the means of instrumental expression were significantly related to the culture of music listeners (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). With the technological progress new instruments (for example synthesisers) were introduced by the increasing number of music performers, who at first were rejected as inauthentic, not associated with traditional artists craft. However, technology soon started to form new musical cultures, effectively mixing with the existing, long-established ones (Moore, 2002). Not only the instruments were subject to technical changes; the ways of documentation of artists performances also transformed over the years, supporting better quality recordings as well as more advanced and precise techniques of producing and editing recorded music (Persson, 2006). The use of digital music production has become more popular in recent years, allowing fixes and changes to the recorded performance. This study shall examine the relationship between authenticity of an artists craft and digital music production techniques. Background of the problem Many artists, even those who derive from the cultures they claim to represent, tend to work on improving their studio recordings to the point of even mechanical perfection. This can be the pitch excellence of every note played or sung, as well as beats and bars precision. Also the musical arrangements offer broader opportunities that can be acquired much easier than by traditional means, for example with digital synthesiser imitating the sound of violin or brass (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Such an attitude stands in opposition to the traditional meaning of craft as a profession based on particular set of skills. Thus, by denying the conventions of honesty, truth and genuineness, being authentic as an artist can be rejected by some of the fans. By identifying the correlation between such operations and perception on the artists craft in terms of its authenticity, another field in the music culture theory shall be acknowledged. In other words, understanding how the creation of recordings influence authenticity will update the subject data by one of the most recent issues. Statement of the problem By increasing ease of access to digital sound recording and editing tools, a number of music fans become more aware of how music is being made. This has influence on perceiving artists authenticity, especially referring to their craft, which can lead to interpreting them as well as producers as inauthentic manufacturers of music, whose main factor is no longer self-expression, but commercial success only. Statement of purpose The value terms of authenticity, honesty, integrity and realness are probably the most loaded (Moore, 2002). In an effort to identify possible correlations between those related to an artists craft and digital studio production techniques, the study will examine the perception on recorded music and how contemporary technologies can change it. In doing so, the study will uncover the key determinants of such changes. Rationale Digital recording and editing of music is relatively new subject. Therefore, the availability of academic articles on its impact on authenticity of an artists skills is very limited. Most of the bibliographic sources pertinent to the concept of authenticity, dating back to the late 1960s, investigate the subject area from different angles (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Although the majority of research has been conducted since the early 1990s, which is the time when Digital Audio Workstations were gaining popularity, very little of the studies focused on the relationship between authenticity and digital studio production techniques. A number of studies investigated authenticity as an ideological notion motivated culturally and industrially, included mostly in lyrics, interviews and artists image itself (Wiseman-Trowse, 2008). Drawing from the fields of history and music cultures evolvement, several studies looked at areas such as development of folk music, which primarily celebrated provincial culture, as well as rock genre, originally belonging to the entertainment music domain (Moore, 2002). Even more recent research does not cover the music production angle of the problem, only mentioning it occasionally in different sources. This study is guided by the rationale of exploring these determinants. Aims and objectives of the study The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between modern music production techniques and the craft of an artist. As influenced by the aim of the study, the primary objective of this dissertation is to examine and analyse the impact that digital retuning, elastic audio and general fixing of recorded sound and the impact of these changes on authenticity of an artists profession. In this context the main objectives of the research study could be stated as: To identify the correlation between contemporary music production techniques and the craft of an artist To evaluate the influence that digital changes, made to the recorded sound, have on authenticity of the artists profession Research question Is applying any digital changes or fixes to recorded sound influence authenticity of an artists craft? Definitions of terms The following definitions are supplied to guarantee a common understanding of the primary terms used in this study. Mass culture is the whole of the culture shared by all, except for infrequent individuals who still appreciate the traditional high culture, which stands to the opposite to the term. It is argued that the mass, meaning the people, enthusiastically accepts whatever manipulative elites provide it with (DiMaggio, 2004). Craft is any object or output that is the development of practical and aesthetic skills and of the vision through the formation and creation of personal work, sold for profit (Houghton, 2005). Although it must have high degree of hand-made input, it does not have to consist of traditional materials or ways of production. The design of craft may be culturally set in the geographical place of creation (McAuley and Fillis, 2005). Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a digitally based platform that is designed mainly for recording and editing sound. It replaces the traditional tape-based recording techniques, which were complex and time consuming, with fast, precise and convenient digital ones, providing wider choice of tools to process recorded sound (Dye, 2008). Research method The study was both desk-based and ethnographic. Books and articles on authenticity and different angles of defining the concept, as well as on modern audio production techniques were reviewed. In addition, primary data on perceiving authenticity by artists, producers and fans of music was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study also examined transformations in interpreting authenticity of an artists skill in relation to changes applied to the sound. Assumptions and limitations This study was affected by several assumptions and limitations. First, it used a multiple choice survey, which means that the respondents were not entirely free to specify their views on the questions. This could imply some of the answers not to be accurately representative in terms of the respondents point of view, but only closely related to it. The second limitation of this study is the sample size, which was small and limited to the High Wycombe based population and online respondents only. In fact, there is no indication that the sample in this study is representative of the broader population. The third limitation of this research is the fact that the collection of data took place at particular period of time. Thus, there is no guarantee that the received responses would be indicative of responses requested and given at other time. There is also a possibility that other issues, remaining outside of the researchers control (time of day, recent conflicts, setting, or tiredness of the respondents) might influence the answers (Laurel, 2003). Description of thesis organisation The research consists of five chapters. The first one shapes the area of interest and delineates the examined problem. The research questions are introduced, the studys limitations are characterised and the selected methodology is generally and briefly discussed. The second chapter reviews literature on authenticity and modern music production techniques, particularly relating to those basing on digital sound changing. The third chapter discusses the studys methodology, the strategies used for collection of primary and secondary data, as well as concludes with a rationalization of the defined selections, recognising some inherent boundaries. The fourth chapter presents the studys discoveries as updated by the primary and secondary data collection and answers the research questions described in the first chapter. Responses to the research questions evaluated in the first chapter and an investigation on the accuracy of the research assumptions are presented in the findings. The fifth chapter concluded the research and defines the studys recommendations. Conclusion As described in this chapter, the studys subject shall be the relationship between digitally based music production techniques and authenticity of an artists craft. The next chapter presents the literature reviewed for this study. CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction This chapter reviews the literature on authenticity and contemporary music production techniques. Although there is a wealth of literature on the subject of authenticity, very few focuses on the process of the formation of recorded music, while none exploits the correlation between an artists craft authenticity and modern audio production. Instead, and as will be seen throughout this review, the majority of studies consider the socio-cultural aspect of perceiving artists authenticity by fans and theorists of music, as well as the historical one. 2.2 Authenticity in the history of popular music The early theorists of popular music warned against the expanding mass consuming culture that offered artificial art, considered to be inauthentic. For example, Walter Benjamin stated his predictions concerning the world of art and music as uniformed by mass production and with no perspectives for any heterogeneity (1935). Before the growth of the culture oriented industry, musical styles and practices were less influenced by what is considered entertaining and instead they were developing independently, aiming for pure expression of the art. Then, the rise of the business, led to the standardisation of popular culture, which was influenced by its modernisation and industrialisation (Adorno, 1991). In other words, the industry started to apply fixed formulas to the music, considering them to make it more entertaining and therefore more likely to be consumed by more people. Such an approach from the industrys side, led the fans to start missing more honest and integral cultural expressions, and thus, to seek for more genuine, traditional alternative. This was often found in folk music, as by the specifications of it, folk has been developed traditionally as an expression of peoples lives and experiences in different manner than popular culture (Gardner, 2005). Because people were searching for identity and integrity, that would distinguish themselves from the masses, the industry started to adopt different genres, marketing them as more soulful and real options (Sloop and Herman, 1998). It was not only the industry standards that influenced perceiving music as inauthentic. Together with the technological development, people started using amplified electric guitars or electronic instruments, such as synthesisers, which led to a division of music listeners (Moore, 2002). This was quickly adopted by the industry, which appeared to separate music clubs between traditional and contemporary ones. The situation was as serious as the traditionally oriented venues tended to refuse to accept a performer who used modern technology as part of the performance (Boyes, 1993). 2.3 What is authenticity Although the concept of authenticity is explained differently in variety of sources, most of them present similar view that the definition if very subjective. Allan Moore for example, presents a set of value terms that are identified with authenticity: real, honest, truthful, with integrity, actual, genuine, essential and sincere (2002). Also Gilbert and Pearson specify the requirements of authentic rock of the 1980s, wherein the fundamental role of artists was to represent the culture from which they come, speaking the truth of their situations and using particular type of instrumentation (1999). In other words, these theorists claim that authenticity is not any fixed combination of musical sounds or set of lyrical content, but it refers to the artist or the whole of their performance as a matter of interpretation, which should be made from cultural and therefore historical position (Rubidge, 1996). Thus, it is not the integral part of a performance, but something that can be assign ed to one, meaning that the choice whether it is authentic or not, depends on who the one is. Moore considers the rock discourse to be the one frequently referring to authenticity in the textual and musical spheres. He argued that it is the style of writing and performing that made the audience decide of its authenticity, and that it particularly referred to the singer (2002). What also should be noted is the attributes of an artists intimacy and immediacy, that indicate authenticity, meaning that one should uncover their feelings and experiences in unmediated shape and with the purity of sound production (Moore, 2002). Grossberg goes further by stating that the difference between the authentic and the inauthentic lies within the purpose that an artist has in the musical expression. Whether it is the art itself, the public or the income driven by this, defines the authentic as the opposite of commercial (1992). Thus, in order to classify the integrate, the performers realism and lack of pretence have to be examined (Moore, 2002). 2.3.1 First person authenticity The fundamental form of authenticity that was introduced by Charles Taylor (1997) as an expression that can be outlined in an initiatory instance, which Moore later describes as immediacy of expression (2002). This concept has also been reviewed by Bohlman, who identifies the authentic as the constant demonstration of the stylistic genesis, which means the purity of practice (1988). In other words, he presents his idea of an authentic artist as the one whose musical style remains loyal to the origins of the genre. On the other hand, Grossberg (1992) indicates the honesty of experience as the main determinant of authenticity, meaning the lyrical content of the song expressing real experiences of an artist. Both Bohlmans and Grossbergs views are supported by Redhead, who claims that real instruments (referring to the purity of practice) should go along real feelings; the artistic transparency and loyalty to the roots of music in conjunction with a genuine message (1990). Walser argues that even technological mediation, for example use of signal modifiers or amplification, is synonymous to pretence, pointing at artificiality and thus inauthenticity of an act (1993). Such an approach is related to Taylors authenticity of positionality, which describes the authenticity of musicians who reject to get influenced by the commercial music, for example by implementing the style of Western musicians by non-Western ones (1997). Wiseman-Trowse underlines another aspect of the immediate performance, which is the stage one, where an artist has actual opportunity to engage the audience, as opposed to the recorded performance (2008). On stage it is possible for a listener to compare both recorded and live ones, as well as for an artist to convert the listeners perception on authenticity of the performance. On this basis one can decide whether it is the genuine artistic skill that is present on a recording, or rather a result of the work of a skilful producer (Auslander, 1999). As Moore underlines the concept of the first person authenticity, all of the above understandings of the term are connected by the direction towards they lead. This entails the perception on authenticity that is implemented by the personal interpretation made by an entity being a part of the audience (2002). In other words, the first person authenticity occurs when a performer is received by an individual as an integral one who expresses their art in an unmediated way. 2.3.2 Third person authenticity Fornà ¤s distinguishes three types of authenticity: social, subjective and meta ones. They differ with regard to the act of judgement: first is made by a particular community, second depends on the individual, while the last one is evidenced by the consideration of the performer or the author of lyrics (1995). Although meta-authenticity is described as an act of validation made by the author, this side of the subject is also present in the other two types. According to Grossberg, the authentic performer needs to express their own feelings, which are simultaneously shared with the public (1992). This type of authenticity is pictured by adopting the original blues music style, deriving from the economically poor Mississippi delta, to the 1960s movement represented by artists like Cream. The band used to play a cover song of Robert Johnson, Crossroads. Even though Cream did not grow neither over the Mississippi area, nor in the 1930s, they found themselves identifying with the song (Coleman, 1994). This allowed them to express themselves through reproducing Johnsons art and remaining authentic (at least in their own opinion). The third person authenticity is supported by Vaughan Williams, who claims that the artist can never create from the state of entire independence, without any influence of earlier musical acts. Thus, the musician needs predecessors in order to base the artistic experience on them (1987). Thus, the third person authenticity occurs if a performing artist successfully represents the ideas, experiences and feelings of another. 2.3.3 Second person authenticity Grossberg specifies another type of authenticity that, as opposed to the first and third person ones, is being justified by the artists capability to successfully express the experiences of the listeners (1992). Thus, it is the audience that recognises the authentic by basing on their own feelings and thoughts that are presented by an artist. Moore exemplifies this approach by mentioning the 1980s rock scene, which was dominated by synthesisers. The dedication to traditional rock was therefore exposed by the focus on the guitar based instrumentation used by the bands like U2, Big Country, Simple Minds, The Alarm or Bruce Springsteen, who derive from socially disadvantaged areas. By using the guitar, that was easily reachable, they tried to metaphorically escape from their reality (2002). This means, that it is culturally constructed process of artists authentication made by the audience that seeks for the validation of their own experiences in art. 2.3.4 Authenticity as a renewable resource Richard Peterson (1997) introduced the concept of authenticity as a renewable resource, claiming that it is renovated with every era and expansion of popular music with its production. He states that the shifting conditions are reflected by the meaning of authenticity, which is defined by a collective argumentation of fans, performers and producers. It is argued that authenticity is not inseparable in the recording, or a performance, which intend to be authentic by design. In popular culture, the particulars of the words meaning are not controlled by specialists and authorities; it aims to be credible qualified to a explicit model and simultaneously remain original. In other words, it has to fit within fixed framework, not being an imitation of it at the same time. Thus, what is authentic, varies continuously renewing all the time and never remaining static. However, Robert Gardner (2005) disagrees with the generalisation of authenticity as renewable resource. He points out that even the genre on which Peterson has based his research, should not be considered authentic in the contemporary state of it, having been deprived of its integral roots, which displays for example on ABCs Monday Night Football, which uses Hank Williams Jrs theme song. 2.4 Digital audio Todays recording systems, like Pro Tools, Cuebase or Logic, are using the digital way of sound capturing. It is then saved as samples, which are small bits that recorded sound consists of. Frank D. Cook describes sound samples as analogical to pixels in digitally saved images (2009). In order to understand digital audio, it is important to present what sound essentially is. When a human ear hears a sound, it in fact experiences variations of the air pressure around it. These are result of vibrations of objects, that are moving in cycles. If the object is vibrating at a frequency that falls within the range of human hearing, we perceive it as a sound (Cook, 2009, p 21). The actual character of the sound depends on the waveform, frequency and the vibrations amplitude. 2.4.1 Waveform The waveform is the very thing that creates the humans perception on the shape of the sound. This means that one can find out what is the source of the sound, as every object vibrates differently, giving the waveform the distinctive nature and tone (Cook, 2009). 2.4.2 Frequency Human hearing has the range of approximately 20 and 20000 cycles (the whole back-and-forth vibrations) per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). This determines the pitch of the sound, where lower frequencies generate lower sounds; while higher frequencies produce higher pitches (Cook, 2009). For example, the frequency of 130 Hz is assigned to the musical note C3, whereas the semitone lower B2 names the frequency of 123 Hz. 2.4.3 Amplitude The loudness perceived by the human ear depends on the pressure or intensity of the sound variations and is measured in decibels (dB). Thus, the sound becomes louder as the amplitude of vibrations increases. For example, the loudness of a regular conversation is 60 dB. In order to double the loudness, the amplitude would have to be increased to 70 dB (Cook, 2009). 2.5 Modern studio production techniques Dan Daley suggests that listening to the recorded vocals on the radio nowadays brings to mind the increasing popularity of guitar effects in the 1970s, when fuzz, distortion, flanging and wah-wah processors overwhelmed traditional sounding guitars (2003). As it was argued then, whether the non-purist approach is inauthentic or rather an artistic expression of modernity, it is arguable if changing recorded vocals or instruments digitally can be perceived as genuine representation of art (Daley, 2003). The turning point of pitch correction technique came along Chers single Believe in 1998, on which digital vocal processing has been not only used, but made very noticeable. Since then, the number of artists using these features is continuously increasing, as well as there are more and more ways of using them, even to the point of intentional distortion of recorded sound (Daley, 2003). 2.5.1 Pitch correction The pitch correction feature, available by both DAW plug-ins as well as standalone programs allows automatic or manual change of recorded sounds pitch. The most common use of pitch correction is fixing a vocal performance; if a singer sings a false note, the digital technology allows the producer to fix it quickly, without another take. There are two ways of correcting pitch. Automatic mode usually lets the user to choose a musical scale according to which both flat and sharp notes should be corrected. Manual mode provides a graph of the notes that allows the producer to change the pitch of separate sounds manually, by moving the graphical representation of them up and down (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2009). 2.5.2 Elastic audio Huber and Runstein point out another feature that provided by digital technology. Elastic audio allows the change of the timing of recorded sound (2009), for example fixing a guitarists performance, who might have recorded a solo slower than the actual song and then speed it up. This tool does not only generate a change of a tracks speed, but also each sound can be stretched or shrunk separately and manually by the producer (Huber and Runstein, 2009). Such a tool can repair a poor performance that is out of time and make it sound technically perfect. 2.6 Contemporary production techniques and authenticity An American singer and songwriter, Neko Case, expressed her views on auto-tune in the interview for Pitchfork. She claims that singing is not important anymore, as instead bad singing is fixed by the producer (2006). Case also argues that an artist who uses shift correction on vocals cannot be taken seriously, losing all the integrity. Moreover, the singer clearly points out that an artists craft needs more work and thus, those who do not spend this extra hour in the studio trying to hit the note are not valid (Case, 2006). Allison Moore, a singer from Nashville, goes one step further in her proclaiming about using modern production tools on records. She put a sticker on the front cover of her LP release, Miss Fortune, which states Absolutely no vocal tuning or pitch-correction was used in the making of this record (2002). She is a keen supporter of the view that albums should be recorded and mixed in the old way, that is becoming progressively rare (Daley, 2003). On the other hand, the guitarist of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, Jack White argues that pop artists, like Britney Spears can be more authentic than Tom Waits or Bob Dylan (2009). His rationale for such a controversial opinion was that he finds more authentic an artist whose musical expression is made the way they best know and feel. In other words, White points out that in the modern music world somebody who has grown listening mainly to pop (thus commercial, manufactured and by definition inauthentic) music, knows it as their primary way of articulating feelings and experiences and therefore is not pretentious, which leads to perceiving them as authentic (2009). Some genres can be more focused on the authentic side of studio recording. An example of such an approach is Pearl Jam, representing grunge music. The bands drummer, Matt Cameron called their album Riot Act is an anti-Pro Tools record: Its more interesting hearing musicians in a room playing hard, with the tempo fluctuating slightly as the band heats up. Perfection is boring (2009). He pointed out a significant thing about the modern technology by recalling one of the most popular DAWs as a synonym of commercial and unreal music. Josh Binder argues that the features of pitch/timing of a recorded track does not have to be used only as a tool for fixing a bad performance. This young producer, who has been learning his profession in the world that has already accepted the existence of digital retuning, claims that he uses Auto-Tune (one of the leading digital tools used for pitch correction) to enrich the vocal sound of even a perfectly sung track (2009). An engineer, Michael Brauer, applies no limitations in terms of using available technologies to make a good-sounding record. He states that he is employed for the purpose of helping to make songs that can be sold, regardless of the artists abilities (2009). Nevertheless, he still believes that one needs talent to be an artist and if they cannot sing or play at all, no technology can help them (2009). 2.7 Conclusion The subject of authenticity alone has generated vast amount of theoretical angles of consideration. This has been motivated by the very nature of it, assuming that perception of what is honest, genuine or integral depends on the actual perceiver. Moreover, three basic ways of interpreting the authentic have been specified, which determined further research direction. Furthermore, the digital music production techniques have been described, clarifying how recorded sound can be changed or fixed by contemporary recording and mixing tools. The chapter also presented different perceptions on the relationship between digital production techniques and authenticity of an artists craft. Chapter III describes the methodology used for this study. A review of the studys purpose and investigated questions was presented. This is followed by an outline of the research design and the survey instrument used for it, along with the procedures for data collection and analysis. CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter reflects the studys selected research methodology. As will be seen, the methodology is the subject of the purpose of this study and is supported by the evaluation of the most beneficial approach responding to the research questions. As such, this chapter presents the purpose of the study, the research questions and hypothesis, as well as discusses the data collection and data analysis procedures and the limitations of the research. 3.1 Purpose of the study The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of authenticity with specific focus on its perception as influenced by applying digital studio production techniques. The reason for doing so is determining what impact changing the recorded sound has on authenticity of an artists craft. To fulfil this purpose, it was significant to review literature on authenticity, as well as on contemporary music production techniques. This necessitated an exploration of the nature of perceiving authenticity by music fans, producers (record manufacturers), as well as artists themselves. At the same time it was important to explore the ways in which recorded sound, being the performance can be edited, fixed and generally changed. All of this was done in order to fulfil the primary purpose of the study, which was the identification of the influence modern production practices can have on authenticity of an artists skill. As it can be presumed from the above, the current research has an explanatory purpose. According to Silverman, the aim for explanatory research is needed to define an occurrence or make a complex subject comprehensible (2006). This can be done by clarifying the correlations between variables. The purpose of the study aims to explain th