After Visiting Local Museum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

After Visiting Local Museum - Essay Example Visiting the museum, I had two agendas, one was an academic agenda, while the other was having a good time in the place and getting to know more about different things about the Native Americans. What caught my attention most was the atmosphere of the museum. The outside of the museum was serene and extremely quiet. The compound was dotted with different types of trees and shrubs that gave the compound an anaesthetic look and feeling. Its paved walkways gave the museum a decent feeling and look, which was captivating to the visitors. There were different species of flowers planted in close intervals, with the well-trimmed glass surrounding its compound. The first instance, the place looked less of a museum, with the neat compound with the extra efforts extended towards making it a beautiful place to captivate the attention of the people and the visitors. The outside walls of the one storey building housing the museum were red, with large windows that let in adequate light into the interior of the museum. The architectural design of the museum was very similar to that of a learning institution. Its interior walls were coloured bright, making it brightly lit from the inside. The arrangement of the collection was appealing. The arrangement of the collection pieces were in accordance to their respective categories. The professionalism used in the arrangement and the labelling of the artefacts as well as cultural pieces was amazing. Not a single piece appeared mistakenly placed, as their descriptions matched with the categories placed in.

The Da Vinci Code Essay Example for Free

The Da Vinci Code Essay Also searching for the Grail is a secret cabal within Opus Dei, an actual prelature of the Holy See, who wishes to keep the true Grail a secret; the revelation of this secret would certainly destroy Christianity. The Da Vinci Code film, like the book, was considered controversial. It was met with especially harsh criticism by the Roman Catholic Church for the accusation that it is behind a two-thousand-year-old coverup concerning what the Holy Grail really is and the concept that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene were married and that the union produced a daughter. Many members urged the laity to boycott the film. Two secret organizations, the Priory of Sion and the Council of Shadows, whose existence is a polarizing issue, figure prominently in the story. In the book, Dan Brown insists that the Priory of Sion and all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate. The Da Vinci Code was met with largely negative critical response upon its release on May 19, 2006. However, this did little to hamper its box office performance; it earned US$230 million in its opening weekend and was the second highest-grossing film of 2006 behind Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest. Cast * Tom Hanks as Professor Robert Langdon * Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu * Ian McKellen as Sir Leigh Teabing * Paul Bettany as Silas * Jean Reno as BezuFache * Alfred Molina as Bishop Aringarosa * Charlotte Graham as Mary Magdalene * Jurgen Prochnow as Andre Vernet * Etienne Chicot as Lt. Jerome Collet * Jean-Yves Berteloot as Remy Jean (RemyLegaludec in the novel) * Jean-Pierre Marielle as Jacques Sauniere * Hugh Mitchell as Young Silas * Seth Gabel as Michael the Cleric * Marie-Francoise Audollent as Sister Sandrine Plot In Paris, Jacques Sauniere is pursued through the Louvres Grand Gallery by albino monk Silas (Paul Bettany), demanding the Priorys clef de voute or keystone. Sauniere confesses the keystone is kept in the sacristy of Church of Saint-Sulpice beneath the Rose before Silas shoots him. At the American University of Paris, Robert Langdon, a symbologist who is a guest lecturer on symbols and the sacred feminine, is summoned to the Louvre to view the crime scene. He discovers the dying Sauniere has created an intricate display using black light ink and his own ody and blood. Captain BezuFache (Jean Reno) asks him for his interpretation of the puzzling scene. Silas calls a mysterious man known as The Teacher, revealing that he has killed all four protectors of the keystone and that all confirmed the same location. He dons a metal cilice on his thigh and proceeds to flagellate himself with a whip for the sins of murder. Facilitated by Bishop Manuel Aringarosa, Silas then travels to Saint-Sul pice and is admitted by an elderly nun; left alone, he excavates beneath the floor of the church to find a stone saying only JOB 38:11. He confronts the nun, who quotes the passage: Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further. Realizing that he has been deceived, Silas is enraged and kills the nun. Sophie Neveu, a cryptologist with the French police, enters the Louvre as well and slips Langdon a message which leads him to the bathroom. There, Sophie meets him and tells him that he is being tracked, a GPS tracking dot has been (unknown by him) slipped into his jacket and that he is a primary suspect in the murder case because of a line of text found by the corpse (P. S. find Robert Langdon). Sophie however, believes that Sauniere, who is revealed to be her grandfather, wanted to pass a hidden message on to her (Princesse Sophie, P. S. , was the nickname he used for her), and that he had wanted to bring Langdon into the equation so that he could help her crack the code. Buying some time by throwing the tracking device into the back of a truck, the pair begin exploring the Louvre, finding more anagram messages that Sauniere had left behind. Many of these relate to Leonardo da Vincis art, and the pair find a key with a Fleur-de-lis behind Madonna of the Rocks. Langdon deduces from this that Sauniere was a member of the Priory of Sion, a secret society associated with the Knights Templar. Pursued by the French police and cut off from the United States Embassy, the pair escape to the Bois de Boulogne where Langdon closely inspects the key. He notices an inscription on the side – an address. The address directs them to the Depository Bank of Zurich where the key is used for a safety deposit box. In the bank, they find Saunieres deposit box and open it using the 10 digit Fibonacci numbers in order (1123581321). Inside the box, they find a rosewood container, which contains a cryptex: a cylindrical container with five alphabetical dials which must be arranged in the correct sequence to spell out a 5-letter code word, in order to open and access the papyrus message inside. Using force to open the cryptex would break a vial of vinegar inside, which would dissolve the papyrus and destroy the message. Unfortunately, the police are called by a security guard and they are forced to leave. The bank manager, Andre Vernet, assists them in escaping by taking them as passengers in an armoured van to escape the routine checks of the police. In the back of the truck Langdon and Neveu have a lengthy discussion about the cryptex and Neveu says that her grandfather often played games with her involving cryptexes. Langdon says that the cryptex might hold valuable information or another clue about what they are trying to discover. Eventually, they come to a sudden stop and Vernet forces them at gunpoint to give him the cryptex. Langdon tricks Vernet and disarms him and he and Sophie escape with the cryptex in their hands. Langdon suggests that they visit his friend, Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen), for assistance to opening the cryptex. Leigh Teabing turns out to be an enthusiastic seeker of the Holy Grail, which he believes is not actually a cup but instead Mary Magdalene. Mary was pregnant at the time of Christs crucifixion, and Teabing tells Sophie that the Priory of Sion was formed to protect the descendants of Jesus. Jacques Sauniere was believed to be a part of this society and Teabing suspects that he was training Sophie to join it also. Silas, meanwhile, breaks into Teabings mansion and attempts to steal the cryptex. Teabing uses his cane to knock Silas out and they escape again, taking the butler, Remy Jean, and Silas with them. The group escapes in Teabings plane, following the next clue to London. Fache learns of their destination, and alerts the London Metropolitan Police to apprehend them at the airport. But Teabing manages to slip the party past the police with a trick of misdirection. Teabing leads Langdon and Neveu to the Temple Church in London, which is shown to be a red herring. Silas is freed by Remy Jean, who is revealed to be a follower of The Teacher as well. The two take Teabing hostage, and Silas, believing Remy to be The Teacher, holes up in an Opus Dei safehouse. Remy is killed by the mysterious man after deceiving Silas. Silas accidentally shoots Aringaros and is shot by the police. Aringarosa is taken to the hospital and apprehended by Fache. Langdon is betrayed by Teabing, who is revealed to be the true Teacher. He escapes with the Cryptex, and attempts to find the next clue at Isaac Newtons tomb in Westminster Abbey, as Newton was another member of the Priory. Langdon and Neveau catch up with him, and chase him into the nearby hapter house. Teabing explained that he wanted to find Mary Magdalenes remains to prove he was correct about the Holy Grail and threatens to shoot Sophie if Langdon does not open the cryptex. Langdon throws the cryptex into the air, and Teabing fumbles and destroys it. Distraught at not receiving the code, Teabing is arrested, but Langdon had cracked the code (Apple, a reference to Newton) and removed the cl ue from the cryptex before destroying it. Using the clue, they travel to Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland where Magdalenes remains had previously been hidden. The remains had since been moved, but they meet other members of the secret organization that protected her. Sophie is actually Magdalenes descendant and therefore is the current living descendant of Jesus Christ. They vow to keep her safe before going their separate ways. In Paris, Langdon accidentally cuts himself while shaving and the line of blood on the sink reminds him of the Rose Line. He follows the Rose Line and finds the location of the Holy Grail, buried under the pyramid in the Louvre. Langdon then kneels above Mary Magdalenes tomb as the Knights Templar did before him. first-rate thriller . The exposition is actually the best and most valuable part of the film A great film to look at and Salvatore Totinos cinematography is pitch-perfect. This is a servicable enough adaptation, but like many others, the book is of course far better. Robert Langdon is a symbology professor who gets called into a criminal investigation that gets him wrongfully implicated. On the way to figu ring things out for himself, he begins a quest to discover the truth about the Holy Grail, the details having some very shocking revelations. I really liked the book. Its a standard thriller sure, but its so well written and thought provoking. In the end, you need to just put personal beliefs aside (same here) and just accept it as riveting and entertaing fiction. Even though it is just fiction, the details of the truth behind the Holy Grail are so well argued that Dan Browns ideas actually do seem like a realistic and plausible scenario. With this adaptation, it seems a little stiff, and more overly serious than the book, but its mostly faithful, for the most. Some details had to be changed for time concerns, others for content, but the end result here could be far worse. I enjoyed this a fair amount when I first saw it, but in revisiting it, some of that has worn off, and the films not as good as I initially thought, but its hardly a failure. Its just not as gripping and suspenseful as the book. The film is really well cast though, and their performances are better than average, especially those by Bettany and McKellan. The location shooting is good, the direction is fair, and having Howard as director ensures that the film has some decent clout and production values. All in all, its okay. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (commonly referred to as Breaking Dawn – Part 1) is a 2011 romanticfantasy film directed by Bill Condon and based on the novel Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. The first part of a two-part film forms the fourth installment in the The Twilight Saga series. All three main cast members, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, reprise their roles. Plot Further information: Breaking Dawn The film starts out as Bella Swan plans her wedding with the Cullen family. Before the wedding, Edward Cullen tells Bella that he has murdered people in the past. Undaunted by this, Bella and Edward go ahead with the wedding. During the reception following her wedding to Edward, Bella is visited by her friend Jacob Black. When Bella admits that she and Edward plan to consummate their marriage during their honeymoon, Jacob becomes angry but is held back by his pack. He then runs off into the woods, and Edward takes an upset Bella back to the reception. The couple spends their honeymoon on the Cullens private Brazilian island. Although hesitant, Edward has sex with Bella for the first time. After, Edward realizes that he bruised Bellas arm, back and shoulders during sex and he vows to never be intimate with her again, much to her disappointment; he later gives in to her seductions. Two weeks into their honeymoon, Bella discovers that she is pregnant with a baby growing at an extraordinarily accelerated rate. After consulting with Carlisle, they rush back to Forks. Bella refuses to consider having an abortion, and enlists Rosalies help to protect her wishes. Opposed to Sam Uleys plans to kill Bella and her child, which is thought to be a demon, Jacob angrily leaves his pack and arrives at the Cullens to protect Bella; Seth and Leah Clearwater join him, forming a new wolf pack. As the pregnancy progresses, Bellas health severely deteriorates. As a last resort, she begins drinking blood, which satisfies the fetus vampiric thirst and allows her to regain some strength. Soon afterward, Bella goes into a painful labor and gives birth to her child, Renesmee, anconflation of the names of Bellas mother, Renee and Edwards adoptive mother, Esme. To save her life, Edward injects Bellas heart with his venom to transform her into a vampire, but nothing seems to happen and Bella is thought to be dead. Greatly distraught, Jacob attempts to kill the baby, but stops when he realizes he has imprinted on the child. When the werewolves learn of Bellas death, they attack the Cullens house in an attempt to kill the baby. They are forced to stop after learning Jacob has imprinted on Renesmee (imprinting is the involuntary response when a werewolf finds his soul mate; thus under their wolf law, Renesmee cannot be harmed).

Process Essay - How to Reduce Plagiarism and Cheating -- Expository Pr

Process Essay - How to Reduce Plagiarism and Cheating Recent studies have shown that a steadily growing number of students cheat or plagiarize in college -- and the data from high schools suggest that this number will continue to rise. A study by Don McCabe of Rutgers University showed that 74 percent of high school students admitted to one or more instances of serious cheating on tests. Even more disturbing is the way that many students define cheating and plagiarism. For example, they believe that cutting and pasting a few sentences from various Web sources without attribution is not plagiarism. Before the Web, students certainly plagiarized -- but they had to plan ahead to do so. Fraternities and sororities often had files of term papers, and some high-tech term-paper firms could fax papers to students. Overall, however, plagiarism required forethought. Online term-paper sites changed all that. Overnight, students could order a term paper, print it out and have it ready for class in the morning -- and still get a good night's sleep. All they needed was a charge card and an Internet connection. One response to the increase in cheating has been to fight technology with more technology. Plagiarism-checking sites provide a service to screen student papers. They offer a color-coded report on papers and the original sources from which the students might have copied. Colleges qualify for volume discounts, which encourages professors to submit whole classes' worth of papers -- the academic equivalent of mandatory urine testing for athletes. The technological battle between term-paper mills and anti-plagiarism services will undoubtedly continue to escalate, with each side constructing more elaborate countermeasures... ...tter grades and more advantages with less effort. Honest students lose grades, scholarships, recommendations and admission to advanced programs. Honest students must create enough peer pressure to dissuade potential cheaters. Ultimately, students must be willing to step forward and confront those who engage in academic dishonesty. Addressing these issues is not a luxury that can be postponed until a more convenient time. It is a short step from dishonesty in schools and colleges to dishonesty in business. It is doubtful that students who fail to develop habits of integrity and honesty while still in an academic setting are likely to do so once they are out in the "real" world. Nor is it likely that adults will stand up against the dishonesty of others, particularly fellow workers and superiors, if they do not develop the habit of doing so while still in school.

Reflections for Creativity Essay

1. What reflections will you need to make before you can start brainstorming ideas? We will need to reflect on each team members personal skills. Evaluate the team’s needs and what the team wants to acheive. 2. Why is it important to acknowledge and learn about the backgrounds and skills of the team members within your group? Its important to know the skills of the people in the group to know what their strong points are and to delegate them to task to efficiently work together. 3. as team leader, give 5 examples of ground rules you would establish, after consulting with the other members of your team. 1) All team members should respect each other’s ideas. 2) Hold each person accountable and responsible. 3) Communication and information sharing procedures 4) Encourage creativity and the development of effective relationships between members of the team. 5) Accept that each member comes from diverse backgrounds, must treat each other with fairness and honesty. 4. Name 5 characteristics you believe you need to possess in order to be an effective team leader? 1) Must be fair and honest 2) Knowledge of how to encourage team members to produce effective results. 3) Provide resources, time and support for the team to form and develop. 4) Teach winning strategies and tactics for the team 5) run interference and remove barriers in order to let employees do their jobs. 5) It is important to utilize external stimuli, to effectively generate new ideas and solutions. Name 5 sources of external stimuli that you could access? 1) Legislation 2) Research data 3) Customer, supplier, shareholder and other stakeholder feedback 4) Best practice information  5) Political and socio-economic information that will impact on operations 6) Describe 3 methods of encouraging your team members to share their knowledge and experience. 1) Celebration of successful innovation 2) Employee recognition, such as employee of the month program 3) Rewards, could be monetary incentive 7) Why is debriefing an integral activity that should be exercised regularly? It is necessary to debrief regularly to ensure that team members are confident of their own abilities and those of other team members. This allows them to reflect individually and as a team on what they have achieved and what is needed to be improved. 8) Your team is generating ideas that you believe have been over used by other fundraising volunteers. List three constructive ways that you can push your team to generate more innovative ideas? 1) We can hold a drawing, and the person with the most innovative idea wins a large prize. 2) Suggest to the team to use external stimuli or other resources to come up with more innovative ideas. 3) Suggest to the team to network and attend seminars to build on more innovative ideas.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 11

Arizona was as hot and barren a state as Elena had imagined. She and Damon drove directly to the Juniper Resort, and Elena was depressed, if not surprised, to see that Matt was not checked in. â€Å"It can't have taken him longer than us to get here,† she said, as soon as they'd been shown up to their rooms. â€Å"Unless – oh, God, Damon! Unless Shinichi caught him somehow.† Damon sat down on a bed and regarded Elena grimly. â€Å"I guess I hoped I wouldn't have to tell you this – that the jerk would at least have the courtesy to tell you himself. But I've been tracking his aura ever since he left us. It's been getting steadily farther away – in the direction of Fell's Church.† Sometimes, really bad news takes a while to sink in. â€Å"You mean,† Elena said, â€Å"that he's not going to show up here at all?† â€Å"I mean that, as the crow flies, it wasn't all that far from where we got the cars to Fell's Church. He went in that direction. And he didn't come back.† â€Å"But why?† Elena demanded, as if logic could somehow conquer fact. â€Å"Why would he go off and leave me? Especially, why would he go to Fell's Church, where they're looking for him?† â€Å"As for why he'd leave: I think he got the wrong idea about you and me – or maybe the right idea a little early† – Damon raised his eyebrows at Elena and she threw a pillow at him – â€Å"and decided to let us have some privacy. As for why Fell's Church†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Damon shrugged. â€Å"Look, you've known the guy longer than I have. But even I can tell he's the Galahad type. The parfait gentil knight, sans peur et sans reproche. If I had to say I'd say he went to meet Caroline's charges.† â€Å"Oh, no,† Elena said, going to the door as a knock sounded. â€Å"Not after I told him and told him – â€Å" â€Å"Oh, yes,† Damon said, assuming a slight crouching position. â€Å"Even with your sage advice ringing in his ears – â€Å" The door opened. It was Bonnie. Bonnie, with her petite frame, her curly strawberry hair, her wide, soulful brown eyes. Elena, in a state to disbelieve the evidence of her own eyes, and still not through with the argument with Damon, shut the door on her. â€Å"Matt's going to get lynched,† Elena almost screamed, vaguely annoyed that some knocking was going on somewhere. Damon uncrouched. He passed Elena on the way to the door, said, â€Å"I think you'd better sit down,† and then sat her down by putting her in a chair and holding her there until she stopped trying to get up again. Then he opened the door. This time it was Meredith knocking. Tall and willowy, with her hair falling in dark clouds around her shoulders, Meredith radiated the intention to go on knocking until the door stayed open. Something happened inside Elena, and she found that she could get her mind around more than one subject at once. It was Meredith. And Bonnie. In Sedona, Arizona! Elena leaped up from the chair where Damon had put her and flung her arms around Meredith, saying incoherently, â€Å"You came! You came! You knew I couldn't call you, so you came!† Bonnie edged around the embrace and said to Damon in an undertone, â€Å"Is she back to kissing everyone she meets?† â€Å"Unfortunately,† Damon said, â€Å"no. But be prepared to be squeezed to death.† Elena turned on him. â€Å"I heard that! Oh, Bonnie! I just can't believe you two are really here. I wanted to talk to you so much!† Meanwhile, she was hugging Bonnie, and Bonnie was hugging her, and Meredith was hugging both of them. Subtle velociraptor sisterhood signals were being passed from one to another at the same time – an arched eyebrow here, a slight nod there, a frown and shrug ending with a sigh. Damon didn't know it, but he had just been accused, tried, acquitted, and restored to duty – with the conclusion that extra surveillance was necessary in the future. Elena snapped out of it first. â€Å"You must have met with Matt – he had to tell you about this place.† â€Å"He did, and then he sold the Prius and we sort of packed on the run and got plane tickets here and we've been waiting – we didn't want to miss you!† Bonnie said breathlessly. â€Å"I don't suppose that would have been just about two days ago that you bought your tickets here,† Damon asked the ceiling wearily as he lounged with an elbow on Elena's chair. â€Å"Let me see – † Bonnie began, but Meredith said flatly, â€Å"Yes it was. What? It made something happen to you?† â€Å"We were trying to keep things slightly ambiguous for the enemy,† Damon said. â€Å"But as it turns out, it probably didn't matter.† No, Elena thought, because Shinichi can reach inside your brain whenever he wants and try to take away your memories and all you can do is try to fight him off. â€Å"But it does mean that Elena and I should start off right away.† Damon continued. â€Å"I have to do an errand first. Elena should pack. Take as little as you can, just the absolute essentials – but include food for two or three days.† â€Å"You said†¦starting now?† Bonnie breathed, and then she sat down abruptly on the floor. â€Å"It makes sense, if we've already lost the element of surprise,† Damon replied. â€Å"I can't believe you two came to say good-bye to me while Matt watches over the town,† Elena said. â€Å"That is so sweet!† She smiled radiantly before adding, in her own mind, And so dumb! â€Å"Well – â€Å" â€Å"Well, I still have an errand,† Damon said, waving without turning around. â€Å"Let's say we'll leave here in half an hour.† â€Å"Stingy,† Bonnie complained, when the door was safely shut behind him. â€Å"That might have only given us a few minutes to talk before we start.† â€Å"I can pack in less than five minutes,† Elena said sadly, and then got tangled up in Bonnie's previous sentence. â€Å"‘Before we start'?† â€Å"I can't pack just essentials at all,† Meredith was fretting quietly. â€Å"I couldn't store everything on my mobile, and I have no idea when I'll be able to recharge the batteries. I've got a suitcase of stuff on paper!† Elena was looking back and forth at them nervously. â€Å"Um, I'm pretty sure I'm the one who's supposed to be packing,† she said. â€Å"Because I'm the only one going†¦right?† Another look back and forth. â€Å"As if we would let you set off into some other universe without us!† Bonnie said. â€Å"You need us!† â€Å"Not another universe; only another dimension,† Meredith said. â€Å"But the same principle applies.† â€Å"But – I can't let you come with me!† â€Å"Of course you can't. I'm older than you,† Meredith said. â€Å"You don't ‘let' me do anything. But the truth is that we have a mission. We want to find Shinichi's or Misao's star ball if we can. If we could do that we think we could stop most of the stuff going on in Fell's Church immediately.† â€Å"Star ball?† Elena said blankly, while somewhere in the depths of her mind, an uneasy image stirred. â€Å"I'll explain later.† Elena was shaking her head. â€Å"But – you left Matt to deal with whatever supernatural stuff is going on? When he's a fugitive and has to hide from the police?† â€Å"Elena, even the police are scared of Fell's Church now – and frankly, if they put him in custody in Ridgemont it might be the safest place for him. But they're not going to do that. He's working with Mrs. Flowers and they're good together; they're a solid team.† Meredith stopped to take a breath, and seemed to be considering how to say something. Bonnie said it for her in a very small voice. â€Å"And I was no good, Elena. I'd started – well, I started to get hysterical and see and hear things that weren't there – or at least to imagine them and maybe even make them come true. I was scaring myself out of my mind, and I think I actually was putting people in danger. Matt's too practical to do that.† She dabbed at her eyes. â€Å"I know the Dark Dimension is pretty bad, but at least I won't be able to put houses full of innocent people in danger.† Meredith nodded. â€Å"It was all†¦going bad with Bonnie there. Even if we hadn't wanted to come with you I would have had to get her out. I don't want to be overly dramatic, but I believe that the demons there were after her. And that since Stefan's gone, Damon may be the only one who can keep them away. Or maybe you can help her, Elena?† Meredith†¦overly dramatic? But Elena could see the fine tremors running under Meredith's skin, and the light sheen of perspiration on Bonnie's forehead that was dampening her curls. Meredith touched Elena's wrist. â€Å"We haven't just gone AWOL or anything. Fell's Church is a war zone now; it's true, but we didn't leave Matt without allies. Like Dr. Alpert – she's logical – she's the best country doctor there is – and she might even convince somebody that Shinichi and the malach are real. But besides all that, the parents have taken over. Parents and psychiatrists and newshounds. And they make it almost impossible to work openly anyway. Matt's not at any disadvantage.† â€Å"But – in just a week – â€Å" â€Å"Take a look at this week's Sunday paper.† Elena took the Ridgemont Times from Meredith. It was the biggest paper in the area of Fell's Church. A banner headline read: POSSESSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY? Under the headline were many lines of gray print, but what really caught the eye was a photo of a three-way fight between girls, all of whom seemed to be undergoing seizures or contortions impossible to the human body. The expressions of two of the girls were simply those of pain and terror, but it was the third girl who froze the blood in Elena's veins. Her body was humped so that her face was upside down, and she was looking directly at the camera with her lips skinned back from her teeth. Her eyes – there was just no other way to put it – were demonic. They weren't rolled back in her head or malformed or anything. They weren't glowing eerily red. It was all in the expression. Elena had never seen eyes that made her sick to her stomach before. Bonnie said quietly, â€Å"Do you ever sort of slip and get that feeling like, ‘Oh, whoops, there goes the whole universe'?† â€Å"Constantly, since meeting Stefan,† Meredith said. â€Å"No offense meant, Elena. But the point is that all this has happened in just a couple of days; from the minute the adults who knew that there was something really going on got together.† Meredith sighed and ran fingers with perfectly manicured nails through her hair before continuing. â€Å"Those girls are what Bonnie calls possessed in the modern sense. Or maybe they're possessed by Misao – female kitsune are supposed to do that. But if we could just find these things called star balls – or even one – we could force them to clean all this up.† Elena put the newspaper down so she wouldn't have to see those upside-down eyes staring into hers. â€Å"And while all this is happening, what is your boyfriend doing during the crisis?† For the first time, Meredith looked genuinely relieved. â€Å"He may be on his way as we speak. I've written to him about everything that's happening, and he was actually the one who said to get Bonnie out.† She flashed a glance of apology at Bonnie, who simply lifted her hands and face to the heavens. â€Å"And as soon as he's finished with his work on some island called Shinmei no Uma, he's coming to Fell's Church. This kind of thing is Alaric's specialty, and he doesn't get spooked easily. So even if we're gone for weeks, Matt will have a backup.† Elena threw her own hands up in a gesture similar to Bonnie's. â€Å"There's just one thing you'd better know before we start. I can't help Bonnie. If you're counting on me to do any of the things I did when we fought Shinichi and Misao last time – well, I can't. I've tried over and over, as hard as I could, to do all my wings attacks. But nothing has ever come of it.† Meredith said slowly, â€Å"Well, then, maybe Damon knows something – â€Å" â€Å"Maybe he does, but, Meredith, don't push him right now. Not right this minute. What he knows for certain is that Shinichi can reach in and take his memories – and who knows, maybe even possess him again – â€Å" â€Å"That lying kitsune!† Bonnie spat out, sounding almost proprietory. As if, Elena thought, Damon was her boyfriend. â€Å"Shinichi swore he wouldn't – â€Å" â€Å"And he swore he'd leave Fell's Church alone, too. The only reason I have any faith at all in the clues that Misao gave me about the fox key, is that she was taunting me. She never thought we'd do a deal, and so she wasn't trying to lie or be too clever – I think.† â€Å"Well, that's why we're here with you, to get Stefan out,† Bonnie said. â€Å"And if we're lucky, to find the star balls that will let us control Shinichi. Right?† â€Å"Right!† Elena said fervently. â€Å"Right,† Meredith said solemnly. Bonnie nodded. â€Å"Velociraptor sisterhood forever!† They laid their right hands over one another's quickly, forming a three-spoked wheel. It reminded Elena of the days when there were four spokes. â€Å"And what about Caroline?† she asked. Bonnie and Meredith consulted each other with their eyes. Then Meredith shook her head. â€Å"You don't want to know. Really,† she said. â€Å"I can take it. Really,† Elena said in almost a whisper. â€Å"Meredith, I've been dead, remember? Twice.† Meredith was still shaking her head. â€Å"If you can't look at that picture, you shouldn't hear about Caroline. We went to see her twice – â€Å" â€Å"You went to see her twice,† Bonnie interrupted. â€Å"The second time I fainted and you left me by the door.† â€Å"And I realized I could have lost you for good, and I've apologized – † Meredith broke off when Bonnie put a hand on her arm and gave her a little push. â€Å"Anyway, it wasn't exactly a visit,† Meredith said. â€Å"I went running into Caroline's room ahead of her mom and found her inside her nest – never mind what that is – eating something. When she saw me, she just giggled and went on eating.† â€Å"And?† Elena said, when the tension got to be too much for her. â€Å"What was it?† â€Å"I think,† Meredith said bleakly, â€Å"that it was worms and slugs. She would stretch them up and up and they'd squirm before she bit them. But that wasn't the worst. Look, you had to have been here to appreciate it, but she just smirked at me, and said in this thick voice, ‘Have a bite?' and suddenly my mouth was filled with this wriggling mass – and it was going down my throat. So I was sick, right there on her carpet. Caroline just started laughing, and I ran down again and picked Bonnie up and ran out and we never went back. But†¦halfway down the path to the house, I realized Bonnie was suffocating. She had the – the worms and things – in her mouth and her nose. I know CPR; I managed to get most of them out before she woke up vomiting. But – â€Å" â€Å"It was an experience I would really rather not have again.† The very lack of expression in Bonnie's voice said more than any tone of horror could. Meredith said, â€Å"I've heard that Caroline's parents have moved out of that house, and I can't say I blame them. Caroline's over eighteen. All I can add is that everybody's sort of praying that somehow the werewolf blood will win out in her, because that seems at least to be less horrible than the malach or the – the demonic. But if it doesn't win out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena rested her chin on her knees. â€Å"And Mrs. Flowers can deal with this?† â€Å"Better than Bonnie can. Mrs. Flowers is glad to have Matt around; like I said, they're a solid team. And now that she has finally spoken to the human race of the twenty-first century, I think she likes it. And she's been practicing the craft constantly.† â€Å"The craft? Oh – â€Å" â€Å"Yeah, that's what she calls witchcraft. I have no idea whether she's any good at it or not, because I don't have anything to compare her to – or with – â€Å" â€Å"Her poultices work like magic!† Bonnie said firmly just as Elena said, â€Å"Her bath salts certainly work.† Meredith smiled faintly. â€Å"Too bad she isn't here instead of us.† Elena shook her head. Now that she had reconnected with Bonnie and Meredith she knew she could never go into the Darkness without them. They were more than her hands; they were so much more to her†¦and here they were, each prepared to risk their life for Stefan and for Fell's Church. At that moment, the door to the room opened. Damon walked in, carrying a couple of brown paper bags in one hand. â€Å"So everybody's said bye-bye nicely?† he asked. He seemed to have trouble looking at either of the two visitors, so he stared particularly hard at Elena. â€Å"Well – not really. Not as such,† Elena said. She wondered if Damon was capable of throwing Meredith out a fifth-story window. Best to break it easily to him, by degrees†¦. â€Å"Because we're going with you,† Meredith said, and Bonnie said, â€Å"We forgot to pack, though.† Elena slid quickly so that she was between Damon and the others. But Damon just stared at the floor. â€Å"It's a bad idea,† he said very softly. â€Å"A very, very, very bad idea.† â€Å"Damon, don't Influence them! Please!† Elena waved both hands at him in a gesture of urgency, and Damon raised one of his hands in a gesture of negation – and somehow their hands brushed each other's – and tangled. Electric shock. But a nice one, Elena thought – although she didn't really have time to think it. She and Damon were both trying desperately to get their hands back to themselves, but didn't seem to be able to. Little shockwaves were running from Elena's palm all through her body. Finally, the disentanglement worked and then they both turned, in guilty unison, to look at Bonnie and Meredith, who were staring at them with enormous eyes. Suspicious eyes. Eyes that belonged in faces saying â€Å"Aha! What have we here?† There was a long moment when no one moved or spoke. Then Damon said seriously, â€Å"This isn't some kind of pleasure trip. We're going because there's no other choice.† â€Å"Not alone, you're not,† Meredith said in a neutral tone. â€Å"If Elena goes, we all go.† â€Å"We know it's a bad place,† Bonnie said, â€Å"but we are definitely going with you.† â€Å"Besides, we have our own agenda,† Meredith added. â€Å"A way to cleanse Fell's Church of the harm Shinichi has done – and is still doing.† Damon shook his head. â€Å"You don't understand. You won't like it,† he said tightly. He nodded at her mobile. â€Å"No electric power in there. Even owning one of those is a crime. And the punishment for just about any crime is torture and death.† He took a step toward her. Meredith refused to back away, her dark gaze fixed on his. â€Å"Look, you don't even realize what you have to do just to get in,† Damon said bleakly. â€Å"First, you need a vampire – and you're lucky to have one. Then you'll have to do all sorts of things you won't like – â€Å" â€Å"If Elena can do it, we can do it,† Meredith interrupted quietly. â€Å"I don't want either of you to get hurt. I'm going in because it's for Stefan,† Elena said hastily, speaking partly to her friends and partly to the innermost core of her being, which the shockwaves and pulses of electricity had reached at last. Such a strange, melting, throbbing sweetness for something that had started out as a shock. Such a fierce shock for simply touching another person's hand†¦. Elena manged to tear her eyes away from Damon's face and tune back into the argument that was going on. â€Å"You're going in for Stefan, yes,† Meredith was saying to her, â€Å"and we're going in with you.† â€Å"I'm telling you, you won't like it. You'll live to regret it – if you live, that is,† Damon was saying flatly, his expression dark. Bonnie simply gazed up at Damon with her brown eyes wide and pleading in her small heart-shaped face. Her hands were clasped together at the base of her throat. She looked like a picture on a Hallmark card, Elena thought. And those eyes were worth a thousand logical arguments. Finally, Damon looked back at Elena. â€Å"You're probably taking them to their deaths, you know. You, I could probably protect. But you and Stefan, and your two little teenage girlfriends†¦ I can't.† Hearing it put that way was a shock. Elena hadn't quite thought of it like that. But she could see the determined set of Meredith's jaw and the way Bonnie had gone up a little on her toes to try to look bigger. â€Å"I think it's already been decided,† she said quietly, aware that her voice shook. There was a long moment as she stared into Damon's dark eyes, and then suddenly he flashed his 250-kilowatt smile at all of them, shut it off almost before it had begun, and said, â€Å"I see. Well, in that case, I have another errand. I may not be back for quite a while, so feel free to use the room – â€Å" â€Å"Elena should come to our room,† Meredith said. â€Å"I have a lot of material to show her. And if we can't take much with us, we'll have to go over it all tonight – â€Å" â€Å"Then let's say we meet back here at dawn,† Damon said. â€Å"We'll set off for the Demon Gate from here. And remember – don't bring money; it isn't any good there. And this is not a vacation – but you'll get that idea soon enough.† With a graceful, ironic gesture, he handed Elena her bag. â€Å"The Demon Gate?† Bonnie said as they went to the elevator. Her voice shook. â€Å"Hush,† said Meredith. â€Å"It's only a name.† Elena wished she didn't know so well when Meredith was lying.

Why do Acquisitions Fail Essays

Why do Acquisitions Fail Essays Why do Acquisitions Fail Essay Why do Acquisitions Fail Essay Name: Course: Instructor: Date: Why do Acquisitions Fail? Merger can be described as the integration of two or more companies to form a single but larger company. The success of the merger depends on the ability of the new company depends on numerous factors which cannot be attained without the necessary cooperation between the merged entities. Control leads to conflicts in the merger because one company views itself as bigger than the other does. Among the reasons for failure among the mergers can be attributed to the presence of condescending attitudes among the merged entities. Some feel superior due to their market capitalization of asset base hence prompting them to look down on their junior entities (Straub, 34). Such attitudes have negative psychological effects because the merged companies feel inferior to the larger companies thus affecting the level of productivity of the smaller entities in the merger. The reasons for the mergers determine the success of the mergers. Some entities fear becoming irrelevant and losing their market shares to larger entities. Fear of losing out in the market due to competitiveness drives companies to seek refuge in the umbrella of a merger. A merger promises an entity continued existence within the respective market. The larger entities on the other hand view merging as a means of becoming larger in the market. The failure of mergers can be attributed to the increase in the responsibili ties of the entity, managerial duties increase exponentially and the new organization becomes too large to mange effectively (Very, 48). As organizations form mergers, they enforce bureaucratic systems for management to ensure that all entities which have formed the new company are able to have their needs met. The new company is formed under bureaucratic systems ensure that all the interests the entities are taken care of and no single entity has personalized needs and gains to be met (Levinson, 27). As the organization ages, the bureaucratic systems are not changed hence the company is unable to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market. Obsolescence can be described as the reasons for failure in some mergers because the formed bigger entity fails to overcome its bureaucratic systems to attain growth and relevance in a market. Vested interest among the entities which form the merger can be described as among the reasons as to the failure of mergers. Control in the new merger is usually a source of conflict and disagreements as the existing entities fight for control to establish their ideals and interests provided by control over the entities. The need for control can be attributed to arrogance among the entities because either the companies do not want to be viewed as juniors of another company or they do not want to lose their control (Christensen et al, 29) Reluctance to change is also another factor, which contributes to the failure of mergers because some of the companies within the merger do not want to relinquish their traditional ways of doing things. Traditional conduct of business among the entities can be attributed to a sense of comfort as the entities seek to maintain their respective market relevance. Such creates vested interest among the entities, which still want to maintain their stature in the market. In addition, the need for a single company to maintain control over other companies has devastating effects on the business model because they are able to assert the authority to satisfy their won egos by considering themselves as in control (Badrtalei, Bates, 41). Manipulation of personnel is described as another major factor, which affects the success of a merger. The need for the larger company to manipulate workers to achieve selfish interest has negative effects because the employees lack self-drive and motivation. Hence, it becomes a norm for the larger entity to assert control by manipulating the employees to achieve its objectives; this leads to failure, which become the norm for the company until it crumbles for many reasons such as cost overruns and wrong decision-making. This is because decisions are not made out of respect to the existing agreements but are made out of individual thought due to pride to fulfill individual needs and satisfy egos. Work cited Badrtalei, Jeff Bates, Donald, L.â€Å"Effect Of Organizational Cultures On Mergers And Acquisitions: The Case of Daimler Chrysler†. International Journal of Management. June 2007: Vol 24(2). Print. Christensen, Clayton M, Alton, Richrad, Rising, Curtis Waldeck, Andrew.† The Big Idea: The New Merger and Acquisition Playbook† Harvard Business Review. 2011. Print. Levinson, Harry. â€Å"A Psychologist Diagnoses Merger Failures† Harvard Business Review, 2000. Print. Straub, Thomas. Reasons for Frequent Failure in Mergers and Acquisitions: A Comprehensive Analysis. Wiesbaden: Deutscher Universita?ts-Verlag, 2007. Print. Ve?ry, Philippe. The Management of Mergers and Acquisitions. Chichester: John Wiley Sons, 2004. Print.

The Essence of Success (Great Gatsby Essay) Essays

The Essence of Success (Great Gatsby Essay) Essays The Essence of Success (Great Gatsby Essay) Essay The Essence of Success (Great Gatsby Essay) Essay so they resent some information to affect peoples opinions. In addition, female respondents put emphasis on fashion clothing in the importance of first Impression. To identify motives that influence consumers to purchase fashion clothing. It is worth emphasizing that ages, occasions and body figure can affect consumers motivation toward fashion clothing. Most of respondent think that they should dress maturely since they become older. Also, dressing manly or female may be not main considerations for all respondents because some people prefer to dress comfortably and suitably. It should be doted that when clothing promotion, like discount, people would buy relative expensive clothing. To understand fashion clothing purchase behaviors. Female respondents would not avoid buying designer clothing because they focus on quality and outstanding brand logo. However, male respondents are partly different. After decision they made in mind, no matter what they buy, they just go to shopping center for looking around and select. .2 Implication for management. It is recommended that the Apparel industry should take relevant actions accordingly OPS marketing mix. In terms of the relation between products ND people, various preferences between different genders, garment enterprises ought to research peoples needs and expectation, developing market segmentation and design new products to satisfy different aged and gender groups requirement.

A Quick Guide to Getting a Pay Raise

A Quick Guide to Getting a Pay Raise Are you thinking about asking for a raise? Before you do, make sure you have positioned yourself as strongly as possible for a yes. Consider when raises are generally granted at your company. Is it at the end of the year? On the anniversary of your start date? Take a look at the following infographic to determine whether you are ready, or you need to wait a bit for a higher salary. Don’t Do ThisAfter you have decided that you will ask for more money, be careful how you position yourself. Check out the following video from Fast Company to see how you really sound when you ask for a raise.Do ThisSo what’s the right way to ask for a raise? You have to prove your worth to the company. Enter the meeting with a well-thought-out justification for a salary increase. It should be based solely on performance, whether it is exceeding established goals, or bring in new business. Check out the following video to learn how to best ask for a raise.This article is part of Bulk Up Your Career in 2017Â  campaign. Access the entire guide here to help you succeed in 2017.

Instructional Project Analysis Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Instructional Project Analysis Report - Essay Example Reading activities are aimed at increasing reading comprehension, developing vocabulary and research skills. Writing activities are aimed at developing accuracy in written information through simple compositions and accomplishing forms. The course consists of 12 modules. According to Chamut (1995), cognitive language learning fosters school achievement of students who are learning through the medium of a second language. Non-native English speakers face problems in learning academic subjects which use English as the medium of instruction. Due to the widespread use of English worldwide, language courses in English have become part of the academic curriculum in most countries. However, the English course in these situations take on the nature of a foreign language course and fails to really develop language proficiency skills in terms of comprehension, vocabulary and research skills due to limited usage of the language in everyday life. The instructional problem that arises therefore, is how to build on the existing language knowledge of English and implement a training strategy that hones English literacy skills allowing the participants to develop the ability to use oral and written English for daily needs, develop basic conversation skills and voca bulary, and use simple sentence patterns. The training is based on cognitive learning theory in which learners are mentally active participants in the teaching-learning process. Mental activity in the learners occur when they apply prior knowledge to new problems and search for meaning in new information. The instructional problem relates to a cognitive domain performance issues that can be solved by training. The goal of instructional programs is to build knowledge and skills that can be re-used for later learning or in various life situations, such as career. ESL training to help improve academic performance

Business Communication and ICT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Business Communication and ICT - Essay Example Contrary to this widely held notion, most messages are communicated through nonverbal clues. Empirical research conducted on this topic suggests that almost 90% of meaning of a message is transmitted in nonverbal forms. Verbal as well as non verbal communications stimuli are critical when transacting business. The two may determine its success or failure in equal measure. Nonverbal communication forms an integral part of communication within businesses. Most businesses utilize the following elements of nonverbal communication: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, appearance and dressing, posture, and written communication. Nonverbal communication underlines the power relationships in the business setting. The key function of nonverbal communication is to facilitate relationships within the business. These relationships incorporate managers, authorities, staff, and customers. The triumph of a business is pegged on effective communication between within these relationships (Goby 2 007, p.432). Goby (2007, p.432) concludes that, in business interactions, appropriate eye contact is critical in businesses since it helps the audience to build trust in the sender. In a business setting, the receivers of a message rely on visual clues in deciding whether to attend to or dismiss the message. Communicators should establish a close eye contact with their audiences as it promoted openness. Good eye contact also enhances building of trust between sender and receiver. People will unlikely buy products or services from a sales person who declines to make constant eye contact. The buyer may deem the seller to be unconvinced about the product and hence treat him/her suspiciously. Facial expressions also form part of nonverbal... This essay focuses on discussing the issue of nonverbal communication that expresses thoughts without using spoken words. Good communication is the groundwork of successful relationships, whether personal, professional, or even in business Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool of communication. This type of communication also utilizes clues that make the message appealing to the recipient as it is stated in the essay. Effective nonverbal communication has an immense contribution to businesses since it provides the parties with a means of interpreting their thoughts and attitudes. Employees within a business engage in frequent communication with its clients, suppliers, personnel, government personnel, and the media. The researcher discusses that Information Communications and Technologies that are a main focus of the second part of the essay enhance the ability of businesses to reduce transaction costs while improving speed and dependability. It is also mentioned in the essay tha t such communication type also cuts down on inefficiencies arising from poor coordination between firms in the value chain hence extracting highest value from transactions. Information Communications and Technologies today also avail effective communication tools for communication between managers, employees, and clients. In conclusion, the researcher mentiones that when well integrated, ICTs has the potential of improving the firm’s performance in terms of amplified market share, extended product range, and tailored products for clients.

Whiteness in Americas Geographic Structures Essay

Whiteness in Americas Geographic Structures - Essay Example This paper highlights that   the way cities were planned and the direction taken by governmental decisions segregated black Americans from white Americans. The same trends can be seen taking place even after the civil rights movements especially when it comes to living in the suburbs which appear to be dominated by white people with African Americans few and far between. Lipsitz does not say that this division is out in the open, nor does the writer suggest that governments actually enforce this division but there is some blame given to the policy lines adopted by the powers that be. For example, more African American areas in the suburbs had been targeted for demolition during the constructions of highways than homes owned by white Americans and even though it may not really be a conspiracy, the statistics given by Lipsitz are quite startling. Perhaps the most important question raised by Lipsitz is the idea of enforcement of the law since the laws to ensure fair housing are certainly there on the books even today. However, it is the enforcement of these laws which is lacking and needs help from outside sources to support the case of those African Americans and other races who feel disenfranchised and left out of the housing system. Clearly, the African American / Caucasian American question still remains to be answered and housing is not the only issue which faces American in terms of race relations.  

Communication in Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Communication in Practice - Essay Example Her affect was inconstant, shifting from a blunted to euphoric to inappropriate, and his insight, as well as judgment, was partial. She did not have thought insertion, broadcasting, withdrawal, and no thoughts of reference. She often made comments that were grossly inappropriate and had problems engaging with peers. She had poor concentration, initial insomnia, and high energy. The manifestation of the mood disorder threw me aback leaving me in a situation of deep thought regarding the best way to handle the patient in a professional manner. I chose to draw lessons from Gibbs model of reflection, allowing me to make a quick description, analysis, and an assessment of the experience helping me to make sense of the experience at hand and examine my practice. The reflection was not enough, and I had to employ other skills gained during training to formulate an action plan. I knew that I had to apply logic to exhibit the fallacy of the hallucinations and delusions in the client, be neutral in case the service user neglected my contact and use non-verbal communication methods such as smiling, facial expressions, and tactile tactics to win the trust of the patient (Peschken & Johnson, 1997). I asked questions, made comments, and focused on what was happening. I also found it necessary to communicate acceptance to the patient, even though many people at the setti ng did not understand the perceptions and thoughts of the client. In this paper, I expound on the application of theories of reflection in the clinical practice to learn from experiences and to make the best decisions in stressful situations. Within the clinical setting, reflection is regarded as the active process of analyzing, reviewing, and evaluating experiences, drawing from theoretical models or past learning. The purpose of applying reflective models is to inform current as well as future actions in the healthcare milieu (Reid, 1993. A

Marketing Plan on E-Recycling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Marketing Plan on E-Recycling - Essay Example of getting rid of the waste, as well as getting a reusable product in return. Hence recycling is a very powerful tool to use resources that would have probably gone to waste and would have caused a lot of damage. Recycling also plays a major role in reducing the greenhouse effect because when recycling takes place the gas emission is very small as compared to when the goods are produced for the first time, this too is because it takes lesser resources to recycle a good. For example, paper can easily be recycled and reused. ... It refers to recycling the electronic products that are no longer in use for many a reasons like outdated technology or any technical or machinery problem etc. E-recycling is becoming one of the most important area in the field of recycling nowadays as more and more electronic items like computers, cell phones etc are being used by more and more people. These devices are becoming more accessible, more affordable and more popular among people as the buying power of people increases and so does their awareness and interest in such products. Moreover, since the technology is changing much more rapidly than it has ever had, people switch to newer products after very short span of using older ones and dispose the used products off. This factor is also adding to the e-waste. Thus, the need of e-recycling is increasing day-by-day and it is time to take as many steps as possible to help solve this issue in order to help reduce pollution. Some examples of goods that are commonly e-recycled th e world over are electronic circuits and gadgets, computers, cell-phones, batteries and other such items. MARKETING PLAN A Marketing Plan is one of the most important parts of a business plan. A good Marketing Plan is a complete set of decisions, strategies and marketing techniques and tactics that would be necessary in order to market a product, brand, service or a product line in the most effective and efficient manner. It is a list of all the necessary actions needed to achieve one or more marketing objectives. The time period of a marketing plan may stretch from one year up to five years. Although listing down the necessary actions, tactics and techniques is very important while formulating a sound marketing plan, but if a marketing plan lacks relevant and

Communication in Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Communication in Practice - Essay Example Her affect was inconstant, shifting from a blunted to euphoric to inappropriate, and his insight, as well as judgment, was partial. She did not have thought insertion, broadcasting, withdrawal, and no thoughts of reference. She often made comments that were grossly inappropriate and had problems engaging with peers. She had poor concentration, initial insomnia, and high energy. The manifestation of the mood disorder threw me aback leaving me in a situation of deep thought regarding the best way to handle the patient in a professional manner. I chose to draw lessons from Gibbs model of reflection, allowing me to make a quick description, analysis, and an assessment of the experience helping me to make sense of the experience at hand and examine my practice. The reflection was not enough, and I had to employ other skills gained during training to formulate an action plan. I knew that I had to apply logic to exhibit the fallacy of the hallucinations and delusions in the client, be neutral in case the service user neglected my contact and use non-verbal communication methods such as smiling, facial expressions, and tactile tactics to win the trust of the patient (Peschken & Johnson, 1997). I asked questions, made comments, and focused on what was happening. I also found it necessary to communicate acceptance to the patient, even though many people at the setti ng did not understand the perceptions and thoughts of the client. In this paper, I expound on the application of theories of reflection in the clinical practice to learn from experiences and to make the best decisions in stressful situations. Within the clinical setting, reflection is regarded as the active process of analyzing, reviewing, and evaluating experiences, drawing from theoretical models or past learning. The purpose of applying reflective models is to inform current as well as future actions in the healthcare milieu (Reid, 1993. A

Business Strategy - company analysis Assignment

Business Strategy - company analysis - Assignment Example Over the period of time, Foster’s Group has expanded into its existing as well as current markets by acquiring new businesses and developing its existing business lines. Due to this, firm has been able to launch different brands of beer, wine and soft drinks in Australia and other parts of the world. It is also critical to note that the Foster’s Group’s wine business specially in US is not doing well and it has also written down the value of the division in order to recognize the losses incurred. Firm has also been charged for the violation of the occupational health and safety Act of Victoria, Australia and was fined heavily due to the death of one of the workers. This report will present an external and internal analysis of Foster’s Group besides identifying three important strategic issues faced by the firm. This report will also identify two important strategic actions which firm can undertake beside presenting the recommendations. External Analysis Tw o of the most important tools for performing external analysis include PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces Analysis. ... Australia has one of the richest sources of natural resources and it is because of this reason that most of the foreign investment comes in the mining and minerals sector. During the current financial crisis, Australian economy remained well guarded due to the fact that majority of its trade takes place with China. (Economy Watch, 2011) Social Factors Total population of Australia is over 21 million1 with majority of population falling in the age bracket of 15-64 years. Such large population chunk therefore provides a really available market for the beer and other associated products manufactured and marketed by Foster’s. 92% of the population of the country is based upon White Population whereas 7% are Asians and 1% of the population comprises of aborigines. These statistics suggest that the social factors may be conducive for the firm to conduct its business with ease. Technological factors Industry for Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks does not particularly depends upon the techno logical changes however, technology can play its part in terms of advertising and marketing the products. Legal Factors Courts in the country are independent and put a real check over the unethical and illegal practices of the companies. Legislations such as occupational health and safety as well as anti-trust laws are in place to ensure that health and constructive competition exists within the economy. Environmental Factors Environmental factors in this industry does not directly affect the industry however, the overall impact of the industrial waste as well as the dumping of empty beer cans can pose significant threat to the environment. Porter’s Five Forces Threat of New Entrants This industry

The Rhetorical Image of Free

The Rhetorical Image of Freedom Essay In Phillis Wheatleys poem, To the Right Honorable William†¦, evokes a spirit of an American vision that undermines that of Thomas Jeffersons Declaration of Independence, by reminding the Earl of Dartmouth that all should have freedom but for those who have obtained it, should not forget to thank God. Thomas Jeffersons vision of America is almost the same as Wheatleys with one major difference, his version doesnt include African Americans nor for that matter, equality for women. The words expressed, written, and agreed upon by our founding fathers, regards the vital importance to being free from Britain but ignore that the word man can mean mankind, human and not just white male (Arnold 2) Wheatleys version of America has a major difference with Thomas Jeffersons vision of America, she speaks for equality of African Americans and yet as she illustrates, freedom should be thanked by acknowledging God (Lauter 1243). In 1765 when the first echoing of dispute to British authority became obvious to Parliament, the frontier in America consisted of thirteen separate colonies. Each had a resident legislature which served on provincial soil, but which served only at the pleasure of a governor appointed by the crown. By July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted the resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee and John Adams, which actually declared independence from Great Britain. It declared, in part, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved/ (Arnold 4) The Declaration, which explained why the Colonies that were now states declare their independence, after which was adopted by the Continental Congress July 4, 1776. The leading draftsman was Thomas Jefferson, assisted by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Some of the text follows:We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or  to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness (GA 1). Jefferson, as others had complained that they felt King George of Britain had enslaved the people in the colonies and had forgotten their needs. When he wrote the crucial points of needing Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, they were radical ideas written on paper but aired the need to justify that their Creator (God) was the authority who approved that men were created equal/ Hence, the reasoning behind the need to be liberated on their own terms (Arnold 2). Jeffersons message, forever written in our countrys history, uses strong language acknowledging the fact that people need to be free. On the other hand, history tells another story. Jeffersons vision of a free America is freedom for white men against their oppressor and failed to grant freedom to African Americans. Jefferson at the time argued that blacks were 3/5 humans and owned 200 slaves (7). He wasnt impressed with Phillis Wheatleys poetry or anything else she had to say (9). The Declaration of Independence immediately became the worlds foremost manifesto celebrating human rights and personal freedom. The fact of the matter is that America still had real slave issues to deal with (8). Wheatley, a former slave, wrote, the 1773 publication of Phillis Wheatleys Poems on Various Subjects established her as a young prodigy and defied the major justification for enslavement of Africans the European assumption of African inferiority. One of the best-known poems in the collection is dedicated To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth, His Majestys Principal Secretary of State for North-America, Etc. Wheatley was encouraged by the appointment of Dartmouth, whom she had met in London. She knew that he was friends with the abolitionist Countess of Huntingdon and of the late Reverend George Whitefield, who had helped initiate the Great Awakening (VanSpanckeren 2). The poem opens with hopefulness that under Dartmouths blissful sway, the  colonies will see Freedoms charms unfold and experience an end to the reign of wanton Tyranny that meant tenslave the land. Those lines provide a subtle yet powerful segue into the next verse, in which she proposes that her love of Freedom and by the implication, that of the black Patriots, springs from the anguish Africans have known as slaves. In here lies vital information that she too loves freedom. To find this freedom, her parents in Africa, she notes, What pangs excruciating must molest, What sorrows labour in my parents breast?/ describe what they may have felt after she was kidnapped and brought to America. Perhaps including her experiences in the poem she reinforces that she too knows what it is like to come through the Atlantic and then be sold into slavery. She was a slave who found freedom. She has empathy for those had to make the difficult voyage to get here; fought to separate themselves from Britain because they felt enslaved and needed to be free just as the Declaration of Independence proposed (1243). The vision Wheatley wanted for America is just like that of Jefferson except for the fact that she wanted to include African Americas. The question she provokes to undermine the author of The Declaration of Independence would be how can he argue the need for freedom from bondage of your motherland and not free the African Americans he has in his own backyard (Arnold 8). For example, when she writes, And can I then pray others may never feel tyrannic sway?/ She asserts to the response that there are still enslaved people around. She wants them to obtain the same freedom America will have. She writes strong and eloquent words to the fact that she, like America, who were brought here and suffered with under the monarchy, was now free. Her journey on being brought here, although hard, still afforded her to overcome these experiences through finding God (1243). Jefferson mentions God as the Creator and permits his creations (man) to seek liberty (GA 1). Wheatley notes that through the celebration of finding liberty, one must thank God for it. The spirit of liberty and the disruptions of the Revolutionary era encouraged African American men and women to choose sides. They were either Patriots or Loyalists. They were a fundamental part of what this nation would become  (Arnold 10). This same spirit of liberty propelled Jefferson to write, The Declaration of Independence and Wheatleys, To the Honourable William†¦, which combines one ideal for America. This principle which the country was founded upon speaks volumes about the need of man to be free from their tyrant, whoever this tyrant is. Jefferson saw it as King George of England. Wheatley saw it as some people in power in America who didnt want African Americans free from their bondage. She used kinder words to express her opinions. In an ironic twist, Jefferson, whose final draft of The Declaration of Independence, was altered when he used very strong language referring to the Monarchy as enslaving the colonies and its people, helped establish equal rights for all minorities . It was his words that helped minorities win the case the first of equal rights in the Supreme Court in 1896, Plessy v. Ferguson, and the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that separate but equal accommodations were constitutional. (Hendrickson 2)Works CitedArnold, H. J. ed. The life of Thomas Jefferson. From Revolution to ReconstructionHTML project. http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/ (November 16, 2005)Lauter, Paul, ed. The Heath Anthology of American Literature: Volume A. Boston, MA:Houghton Mifflin Company. (2006)The Government Archives. http://www.archives.gov/. (November 5, 2005)Hendrickson, B. The Beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement. NAACP: Voices inAmerica.http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/projects/discrimination/AfricanAmerican/cvrights.html. (November 11, 2005)VanSpanckeren, Kathryn. Democratic Origins and Revolutionary Writers, 1776-1820:Phillis Wheatley (c.1753-1784). An Outline of American Literature. http://www.rlc.dcccd.edu/annex/comm/english/mah8420/ColonialPage.htm. (November 2,2005)

The Choice Of Qualitative And Quantitative Psychology Essay

The Choice Of Qualitative And Quantitative Psychology Essay This chapter presents a detailed justification of the research approach used to answer the research questions and achieve the aim and objectives outlined in chapter one. The chapter begins with an overview of social research design. Section xxx discusses the research paradigm as the theoretical research approach. Section xxx discusses the research methodology. Section xxx discusses the methods adopted in this research for data collection. The chapter outlines the sampling techniques, piloting study and analysis techniques. The chapter also illustrates the research validity, reliability, triangulation, ethical consideration and generalizability of the study. Research Design: Research is defined as an in-depth study of a particular issue or phenomenon which the researcher investigates to solve problems related to that issue/phenomenon Marshall, 1997; Brewerton and Millward, 2001; Wilkinson and Birmingham, 2003; Creswell, 2007; Bryman and Bell, 2007). In the social sciences, various researchers present the research overview the theoretical and practical approaches in different ways. The differences in presentation can be clearly identified between the models of Sarantakos (1998); Crotty (2005) and Saunders et al., (2007). These authors agree that social research can be thought of in terms of the theoretical and practical approaches. However, the terminology adopted varies between. For instance, they use different terminology which can be confusing for other researchers. This section explains three different research designs in other to choose the appropriate research design for the study. Sarantakos (1998) identified three levels of research (see Figure xxx). The first level includes the researchers theoretical approach which combines the epistemology and theoretical perspective, which Sarantakos calls the research paradigm. The second and third levels represent the practical approach which contains the research methodology and methods respectively. Figure xxx: Sarantakos social research design, adopted from Sarantakos (1998) Crotty (2005) named four different research levels for the social research (see Figure xxxx). The first two stages comprise the theoretical approach which contains the research epistemology and theoretical perspective. The following two stages comprise the practical approach the research methodology and methods. Based on Crotty (2005), the four levels are interdependent, as the choice of the research epistemology is followed by the choice of theoretical perspective, the choice of study methodology and the choice of specific methods of data collection and analysis. The last two stages methodology and methods of Crotty and Saratakos model are very similar. However, in terms of theoretical approaches, Crotty outlines two levels epistemology and theoretical perspective are merged into one level the research paradigm in Sarantakos model. Figure xxx presents Crotty (2005) research design. Figure xxx: Crotty social research design, adopted from Crotty (2005) Saunders et al., (2007) offer a different model for social research design which they call the research onion. According to this model, there are six levels in social science research. The research levels are philosophies (e.g. interpretivism); approaches (contain either inductive or deductive); strategies (the research methodology); choices (types of research methods); time horizons (cross-sectional or longitudinal) and techniques and procedures (which includes data collection and analysis techniques). In this model, the theoretical approach contains research philosophies and approaches (inductive and deductive). Meanwhile, the practical approach contains the strategies as a methodology and the other three levels contain the research methods. The methods include both data collection methods and data analysis methods. Figure xxx presents the research onion according to Saunders et al., (2007: 132) Figure xxx: Research onion, Saunders et al., (2007: 132) The three research designs have considerable overlaps in their consideration into the theoretical and practical approaches. This research focuses on Sarantakos model, since it reflects more appropriately the research design adopted in this study. The following sections discuss in details this research design. The Research Paradigm: As mentioned early in Sarantakos research design, the first level reflects the theoretical approach and is named the reseach paradigm (Sarantakos, 1998). The paradigm is a particular theme that is used to test and understand social phenomena (Gephart, 1999; Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). Guba and Lincoln (1994) classified social science research into two models; a subjectivist qualitative (constructivist) model and an objectivist quantitative (positivism and post-positivism) model. Guba (1990) explained that there is a third relativist paradigm called pragmatism which combines the subjectivist qualitative model and objectivist quantitative model and its a paradigm on its own. Later, several authors (e.g. Reichardt and Rallis, 1994; Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998; Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Pansiri, 2005; Creswell and Clark, 2007) agreed that the paradigm which mixes qualitative and quantitative approaches is pragmatism. Table xxx compares positivism, post-positivism, constructivism wit h pragmatism. Table xxx; Compares different positivism, post-positivism, constructivism with pragmatism (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998: 23) Paradigm Positivsm Post-positivism Pragmatism Constructivism Methods Quantitative Primarily Quantitative Quantitative + Qualitative Qualitative Logic Deductive Primarily deductive Deductive + Inductive Inductive Epistemology Objective point of view. Knower and Known are dualism Modified dualism. Findings probably objectively true Both objective and subjective point of view Subjective point of view. Knower and Known are inseparable. Axiology Inquiry is value-free Inquiry involves values, but they may be controlled Values play a large role in interpreting results Inquiry is value-bound Ontology NaÃÆ' ¯ve realism Critical or transcendental realism Accept external reality. Choose explanations that best produce desired outcomes Relativism Causal Linkages Real causes temporarily precedent or simultaneous with effects There are some lawful, reasonable relationships among social phenomena. These may be known imperfectly. Causes are identifiable in probabilistic sense that changes over time. There may be causal relationships, but we will never be able to pin them down All entities simultaneously shaping each other. Its impossible to distinguish causes from effects Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a term derived from the Greek word pragma meaning action, from which the words practice and practical come (James, 2000). Dewey (1920) explained that pragmatism philosophy discover the meaning of idea that needs to be checked consequently. Therefore, when researcher judges a phenomenon, they must follow its empirical and practical consequences and note its impact on the study population (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998). Moreover, Easterby et al., (2008) explained that, by using pragmatism, researchers have to study individual experiences very well in order to develop an understanding of a particular phenomenon. Moreover, Krauss (2005) explained that the pragmatist paradigm focuses on qualitative versus quantitative data and that to answer research questions, researchers have to mix objective and subjective approaches. Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) clarified that by using pragmatism, the research logic contains deductive and inductive approaches. Therefore, the pragmatism philosophy rejects the use of particular research philosophies, such as positivism, post-positivism and constructivism. In addition, Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) explained that pragmatism focuses on both the meaning and the truth of ideas. Truth is what works at the time and it is not based on a dualism between whether reality is independent of the mind or within the mind. Therefore, when judging ideas, pragmatists consider their empirical and practical consequences. Pragmatism is a research philosophy that eliminates the need of making a forced choice regarding the research epistemology between constructivism and positivism (including post-positivism). A pragmatic paradigm dismisses traditional assumptions about the nature of knowledge, truth and the nature of inquiry. Furthermore, for pragmatists, the research question is more important than the research method that is used (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Creswell (2003) explained that the choice of the research paradigm (pragmatism) related mainly to the purpose and nature of the research questions. The pragmatism allowed the researchers to study different interested areas by employing different sources of evidence (methods) that are appropriate and explain the study findings in a positive manner (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998 and Creswell, 2003). Therefore, pragmatism is classified as one of the suitable research philosophies in social and management research that investigates beliefs and attitudes using mixed methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (Creswell, 2003). Reichardt and Rallis (1994) explained that there is much debate about whether pragmatism is in fact a research philosophy because it holds the centre-ground between two well-established social research philosophies. Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004) and Robson (2005) confirmed that pragmatism is no longer a debatable philosophy but has achieved widespread use in social research. To achieve the aim of this research, pragmatism has been chosen as a research philosophy. The next part will discuss the mix between the qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The Choice of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approach: Discussions have been held by series of researchers in connection with the difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches, including Brewer and Hunter (1989), Silverman (2000), Brewerton and Milward (2001), Holliday (2002), Thomas (2003), Corbetta (2003) and Cooper and Schindler (2005). While quantitative researchers base their accounts on figures and numerical information, according to Gelo et al., (2008), qualitative researchers rely on non-numerical data, for instance words, narrative and feelings. Maanen et al., (1982: 32) introduced a verbal picture to help readers understand the difference between both research types as follows: Quality is the essential character or nature of something; quantity is the amount. Quality is the what; quantity the how much. Qualitative refers to the meaning, the definition or analogy or model or metaphor characterizing something, while quantitative assumes the meaning and refers to a measure of it. Furthermore, Bryman (1996) and Cooper and Schindler (2005) noted that quantitative and qualitative approaches are both valid and researchers can use either. Clarke and Dawson (2000) and Gray (2009) suggested that according to the nature of the research, researchers can mix different approaches, as it hard in deciding the better or more useful approach. Miller and Brewer (2003) confirmed that using a mixed method approach decreases the weaknesses and limitations of the research. Table xxx compare quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods procedures (Creswell, 2003: 19). Table xx: Comparison between quantitative and qualitative research (Source: Creswell, 2003:19) Tend to or Typically Qualitative Approaches Quantitative Approaches Mixed Methods Approaches Use these philosophical assumptions Employ these strategies of inquiry Constructivist/Advocacy /Participatory knowledge claim Phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, case study, and narrative Post-positivist knowledge claim Surveys and experiments Pragmatist knowledge claim Sequential, concurrent, and transformative Employ these methods Open-ended questions, emerging approaches, text or image data Closed-ended questions, predetermined approaches, numeric data Both open-and closed-ended questions, both emerging and predetermined approaches, and both quantitative and qualitative data and analysis Use these practices of research as the researcher Position himself or herself and collects participant meanings. Focuses on a single concept or phenomenon Bring personal values into the study Studies the context or setting of participants. Validates the accuracy of findings Makes interpretations of data Creates an agenda for change or reform Collaborates with the participants Tests or verifies theories or explanation Identifies variables to study Relates variables in questions or hypotheses Uses standard of validity and reliability Observes and measures information numerically Use unbiased approaches Employs statistical procedures Collects both quantitative and qualitative data Develops a rationale for mixing Integrates the data at different stages of inquiry Presents visual pictures of the procedures in the study. Employs the practices of both qualitative and quantitative research. Additionally, there are different ways to implement quantitative and qualitative approaches in one study. Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004) summarized these in Figure xx. This study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in a sequential and equal way. The study starts with a qualitative approach through the analysis of mobile payment players (banks and mobile operators) documents and websites. This will then be followed by a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey of potential consumers of mobile payment services. Time order decision Concurrent Sequential Paradigm emphasis decision Equal Status QUAL + QUAN QUAL à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAN QUAN à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAL Dominant Status QUAL + quan QUAN + qual QUAL à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ quan qual à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAN QUAN à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ qual quan à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAL Figure xxx: Mixed methods approach design matrix (the design used in this study is shown in bold). Note. qualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ stands for qualitative, quan stands for quantitative, + stands for concurrent, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ stands for sequential, capital letters denote high priority or weight, and lower case letters denote lower priority or weight. Source: Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004:22. Notation based on Morse, 1991. The Research Methodology: Crotty (2005: 3) identified the research methodology research process as: the strategy, plan of action, process or design lying behind the choice and use of particular methods and linking the choice and use of methods to the desired outcomes. Furthermore, Crotty (2005) made a clarification of research methodology as a strategy built on it, the data collection methods, and linking between the use of research methods and research outcomes. In addition, Crotty (2005) explained that there are different kinds of research methodology, and researchers should select the most suitable for their research topic. The research methods for this study: Having reviewed series of literatures, several factors led to the choice of methods used for this research. Triangulation methods have been proposed for this research and this will complement each other in order to yield a quality result. According to Tshakkori and Teddlie, (2003), triangulation is one way that involves a combination of data collection to get good results. Although the term triangulation has different meanings, it is associated with using combinations of methods with a strategy of convergent validity being common (Bryman 2004). Kholoud (2009) cites Johnson et al., (2007) who identified four types of triangulation: data triangulation, investigator triangulation, theory triangulation, and methodological triangulation. Kholoud further cites the same authors for defining ways in which quantitative and qualitative methods can be combined. From research on technology acceptance perspective, technology acceptance has a dominant theoretical urge which is positivist in nature. The current research aim is to design a predictive viable model of behaviour intentions of users of technology services (in this case mobile payment). This objective requires the means of a structured, well-defined framework, and definite measurements that could establish relationships between variables, such that inferences could be made from the research study sample to a larger population. Most of these qualities can be addressed by quantitative research methods (Johnson et al., 2007). The stimulus of this study is to test hypotheses which relates to the proposed conceptual framework model as well as different hypothesized relationships previously accepted in technology acceptance context. The conceptual drive of this research is deductive in nature. The research proposes to follow a confirmatory strategy of research that needs empirical analysis (a way of proving or disproving previously assumed hypotheses related to mobile payment acceptance). Despite the fact that this study will be mainly quantitative, qualitative methods will be employed at the initial stages of the study. Structured observations will be employed allowing for in-depth assessment of mobile payment schemes in the country in order to determine those that could be researched. Figure xxx shows the eleven main steps in a quantitative research process. To answer the research question, this study aim to follow the path in the order in which they appear as shown below. However, the steps at times might overlap during the course of the research. Figure xxx: Process of Quantitative Research as outlined by Bryman Bell (2007). In this study, theories and literatures underpinning this study will be advanced to guide the research deductively. Research Designs: The major reason of this research is in testing the hypotheses which could explain the variance in the dependent variables. Such analyses fit a correlation study design as described herein. Correlation Designs: Correlational design measures two or more variables with the eventuality of measuring the dependent variables. It does not manipulate one or more independent variables. The major premise of this research was that if a statistical significant relationship was in existence between the independent and the dependent variables, there would be the possibility of predicting the dependent variable using information available in the other variable. Within quantitative methods, the investigation used correlation research design (see Figure xxx) to determine if there was an existence of some relationship between independent constructs and the dependent constructs of behaviour intention to use mobile payment. Figure xxx: Illustration of the Research Designs according to Mugenda (2008, p. 65) In this kind of scenario, the research study will apply reliability coefficients, multiple correlation coefficients, generalized linear regression model coefficients; and path model coefficients for different study assessments of the collected data. These will be discussed below: a) Reliability analysis will be carried out using Cronbachs Alpha commonly called coefficient for Internal Consistency (IC) and inter-item correlation coefficient. According to De Vellis (1991), reliability is a measure of the degree to which a research instrument would yield the same results after repeated trials. Cronbachs Alpha provides information on the degree to which each item in the construct correlates with at least one other item of the construct. The analysis can estimate the proportion of true score variance that is captured by the indicators by comparing the sum of indicator variances with the variance of the sum scale. Cronbachs statistic was computed as follows: Cronbach = ÃŽÂ ± = number of items * number of items ÃÅ' ¶ 1 Where s ² denotes the variance for the number of individual items; s2 denotes the variance for the sum of all questions or items (which is esoteric and unique, and, therefore, uncorrelated across respondents), then the variance of the sum will be the same as the sum of variances of the individual questions/items. Therefore, coefficient alpha will be equal to zero. If all items are perfectly reliable and measure the same thing (true score), then coefficient alpha is equal to 1. In this investigation, the construct would demonstrate an acceptable level of reliability if the Cronbachs alpha was at least 0.6. b) Multiple correlation coefficients (R ²), will be used to describe the extent to which a dependent variable was explained by a set of independent variables. The statistic was used to measure the predictive power of the model that has been estimated. The value of R ² ranges from 0 to 1, and in this study, neither threshold nor the minimum value is pre-determined but instead the statistic only state the percentage variation in the dependent variables as explained by the independent variables. Symbolically, the (R ²) statistic is defined as follows: R ² = Where observ is the measurement of random variable observ on individual i. The est.observ and est.mean are the predicted measurements and mean values respectively. The mean of measurements for the n individuals is also factored into the calculation in equation 3.1 in order to obtain R ². A complete analysis of the entire model requires an examination of the goodness of fit using R ² and adjusted R-squared. The goodness of fit measures how well the model parameter estimates is able to explain the variations in the dependent factor of the model and reproduce the sample covariance matrix. The adjusted R ² equally measures the goodness of fit as does the R ², but instead, the former statistic takes into account the degrees of freedom (expressed as the number of observations and number of estimated coefficients) as stated in equation 3.2. Thus, Adjusted R ² = 1 c) The Generalized Linear Regression model (GLM) coefficients are weighted coefficients that indicate the magnitude, direction and significance of the possible linear relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The techniques measures both direct and indirect effects of the independent variables on dependent variable respectively. The technique handles the moderating effects in the analysis of linear models. The GLM was appropriate because of its nature of handling fixed factors, covariates and the interaction effects. The model results, will allow a direct comparison of the variance explained from both estimation measures. In the context of this study, it was hypothesized that three factors; performance expectancy, relevancy and social influence (culture) determine behaviour intentions. On the other hand, behaviour intentions together with facilitating conditions (technical support/training) determine usage. It was further postulated that the independent variables in the model were moderated by gender, age, experience and awareness, all of which required an appropriate modelling technique. Thus, the GLM that handled both direct and indirect effects were used in the form of the following equation (Eq. 3.4). Y = X ß + (X * M) ÃŽÂ ¸ + U Where Y is a matrix with multivariate measurements of the response or dependent variables X is a matrix of the block of independent variables; ß is a matrix of parameters to be estimated; U is the vector of the error terms. d) The path model employs the path analysis statistical technique for decomposing correlations into different pieces for interpretation of effect. It allows one to compare the direct effects of variables in a complex system of relationships. The path model measures direct effects or the possible inclination of the independent variables on the dependent variable in the network of variables. The path model only establishes linear relationships between variables and also indicates the predictive power of the model being evaluated. The mathematical relationships between the variables may be expressed as a set of linear equations, called the path model. According to Keeves, (1972) the fundamental principle of the path model that allows the linear equations to be estimated is: rà ¡Ã‚ µÃ‚ ¢ = Æ © p * r Where i and j denote two variables in the network and the index k includes all variables from which paths lead directly to the dependent construct (j), r is the correlation coefficient and p is the path coefficient. Equation 3.5 can be expanded by successive applications of the formula itself to r. In this case, the errors from behaviour intentions and facilitating conditions all point at usage behaviour. Expressed in expanded form can be read directly from the path diagram by using the following direct relationships in this study: BIC = ÃŽÂ ±PEC + ÃŽÂ ±REC + ÃŽÂ ±SOC BUC = ÃŽÂ ±FOC + ÃŽÂ ±BIC EBC = ÃŽÂ ±BUC Where BIC is Behavioural Intention, PEC is performance expectancy, REC is relevance, FOC is facilitating conditions, BUC is usage behaviour and EBC is expected benefits constructs respectively. In this study, a path coefficient with a negative sign implies an inverse relationship between constructs whereas a coefficient with a positive sign implies that there is a direct relationship between two constructs. Survey Designs: There are two types of surveys used when evaluating acceptance and use of technology as discussed in 3.2.1. These are longitudinal surveys and cross-sectional survey. Since mobile payment services being investigated are in their early years of introduction, the best survey method is a cross-sectional. By using cross-sectional survey, the study would be able to predict future usage. i) Cross-sectional survey The study proposes to use a survey approach to collect data that could be a representative of the real phenomena in the population from which the study sample will be drawn. The study will focus on the link between end-users behaviour intentions to use mobile payment services. In IS/IT evaluation studies, cross-sectional survey methods are not new because they have been used by several authors, Gefen et al., (2002), Chau and Hu (2001), Venkatesh and Davis (2000) and Venkatesh and Morris (2000). A cross-sectional survey design will be utilized to gather quantitative data to assess the relationships between the study variables. A cross-sectional study/research involves data collection that covers a one-off time period. Data collection of individual observations can occur at one point in time or may be over a period of days, weeks or months. In the case of the current study, the data collection aim to be for a period of three months. According to Mugenda (2008), Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), this sort of survey helps to establish whether significant associations among variables exist. The additional value of this type of survey is that one can generate testable hypotheses, which the current study aims to do. Cross-sectional designs have three distinctive features: there is no time dimension, only differences between groups are measured rather than changes over time; there is reliance on existing differences rather than change following any intervention and there is no allowance for differences to emerge over time; and grouping individuals in the sample is based on existing differences or according to a category or the independent variable to which they happened to belong rather than random allocation. The researcher was aware of the limitations of this type of investigation, but the research timeframe might not permit the use of a longitudinal study. When data is collected at more than one point in time and then later on, the study is considered longitudinal (Crestwell, 2003). Longitudinal studies are feasible when there is need to describe the pattern and direction of change and stability (De Vaus, 2001). The objective of this study is to understand usage behaviour as a dependent variable that would predict the actual usage of the services in future. The current study will employ cross-sectional survey and college students will be used for this study. Behaviour intention is associated with self-predicted future usage of a new technology. Furthermore, measuring behaviour intention as a predictor of future usage behaviour is also important. The researcher believes that the experience college students will gain in using mobile payment services would impact on their behavioural intentions if they intend to use the service in future. As reported in the conceptual framework section, behaviour intentions as a dependent variable measured in a cross-sectional study can help to identify future usage of mobile payment services. It is because of these reasons that the current study proposes to use a cross-sectional survey method which will be carried out over a period of three months. STUDY POPULATION Methods of Data Collection: This section presents the final research level namely the research methods. Crotty (2005) defined research methods as the techniques used by researchers to collect and analyse the data required to answer the research questions. Moreover, according to Saunders et al., (2007), research methods are the various procedures used to collect data, such as questionnaire, observation and interviews, and to analyse it, e.g. statistical and non-statistical techniques, according to the nature of the research. Since this study is basically quantitative in nature, questionnaires will be used. Furthermore, to determine the research reliability and validity, the researcher will use multiple sources of evidence. The research method to be applied will be in accordance with the research objective. For this study, the practical objective will be to identify the main elements that influence consumer acceptance and use of mobile payment services. This objective will be achieved by designing a comprehensive questionnaire to identify the main factors that impact on consumers behavioural intentions towards the acceptance and use of mobile payment. In this regard, about 1000 questionnaires are proposed to be distributed to college students willing to participate in this research study. Structured Interviews: Researchers prepare themselves in advance by setting up a predetermined list of questions with limited option responses (closed questions). Usually structured interviews are associated with social surveys which aim to interview as wide range of respondents as possible to collect large volumes of data (Bernard, 2000; Denscombe, 2003). Saunders et al., (2007) classified the structured interview as a type of questionnaire which is administered face-to-face. Questionnaire Survey: Based on the proposed research model, the research questionnaire will be designed to identify the main constructs that impact consumer behavioural intentions towards the acceptance and use of mobile payment. Thus, a questionnaire survey method will be applied in this study. Robson (2005) clarified the full benefits of using questionnaires in business research within a survey strategy. Fink (1995:1) identified survey as: A survey is a system for collecting information to describe, compare, or explain knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Survey involves setting objectives for information collection, designing research, administering and scoring the instrument, analysing data, and reporting the resul