Free Essays on The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber

Character Analysis Of â€Å"The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomberâ€Å" Remember that guy from high school who had everything? He was the one with the brand new convertible, good grades, great looks, and beautiful girlfriend. How I wanted to be that guy. I never stopped to wonder what his life was really like or if he was what he appeared to be. Unless one gets close enough to a person to learn what goes on in his or her life the observer will never know what it’s like to walk in that person’s shoes. However, in writing it’s different. The author gives the reader a chance to become intimately acquainted with fictional characters and to know the characters better than would be possible in real life (Arp 169). The reader has the ability to glimpse the inner lives of the characters and to experience â€Å"†¦an exciting opportunity to observe human nature in all its complexity and multiplicity† (Arp 169). Such is true in Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber†. The main character, Francis Macomber, seems to have it all – wealth, success, good looks, and beautiful wife – but below the surface is a man with no self-respect or confidence. While on safari in Africa, Francis Macomber is overcome with fear when he is faced with stalking and killing a lion. When he fails to complete the task he is labeled a coward. However, as the story progresses Francis undergoes a transformation. The character of Francis Macomber evolves due the constant abuse from his wife, an inner struggle with fear and embarrassment, and the deep hatred that he feels for Mr. Wilson. The abuse Francis Macomber suffers from his wife in the story is a key aspect in the transformation that he undergoes. Early on in the story the reader learns that this is a marriage that was not made in heaven. In fact, it seems that their marriage exists from mutual need only. The narrator states, â€Å"They had a sound basis of un... Free Essays on The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber Free Essays on The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber Character Analysis Of â€Å"The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomberâ€Å" Remember that guy from high school who had everything? He was the one with the brand new convertible, good grades, great looks, and beautiful girlfriend. How I wanted to be that guy. I never stopped to wonder what his life was really like or if he was what he appeared to be. Unless one gets close enough to a person to learn what goes on in his or her life the observer will never know what it’s like to walk in that person’s shoes. However, in writing it’s different. The author gives the reader a chance to become intimately acquainted with fictional characters and to know the characters better than would be possible in real life (Arp 169). The reader has the ability to glimpse the inner lives of the characters and to experience â€Å"†¦an exciting opportunity to observe human nature in all its complexity and multiplicity† (Arp 169). Such is true in Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber†. The main character, Francis Macomber, seems to have it all – wealth, success, good looks, and beautiful wife – but below the surface is a man with no self-respect or confidence. While on safari in Africa, Francis Macomber is overcome with fear when he is faced with stalking and killing a lion. When he fails to complete the task he is labeled a coward. However, as the story progresses Francis undergoes a transformation. The character of Francis Macomber evolves due the constant abuse from his wife, an inner struggle with fear and embarrassment, and the deep hatred that he feels for Mr. Wilson. The abuse Francis Macomber suffers from his wife in the story is a key aspect in the transformation that he undergoes. Early on in the story the reader learns that this is a marriage that was not made in heaven. In fact, it seems that their marriage exists from mutual need only. The narrator states, â€Å"They had a sound basis of un...

Using the Spanish Word Bien

Using the Spanish Word Bien Bien is most often used as an adverb meaning well (i.e., in a good manner) although in a more flexible way than the English word. Bien also can be a noun whose meanings include goodness and asset. Here are some examples of where well is a good translation for bien: Raquel cree que canta bien. Raquel thinks she sings well. Un alimento bien cocinado puede contaminarse si tiene contacto con carnes crudas. A well-cooked food can get tainted if it has contact with undercooked meats. Aprende bien las reglas de manejar. Learn well the rules of driving. Mi bebe duerme bien. My baby sleeps well. No entiendo bien tu pregunta. I dont understand your question well. Bien often carries the idea of something occuring correctly, sufficiently or to a great degree: No puede reparar bien mi coche. He cant fix my car correctly. Llovià ³ bien hasta enero y despuà ©s se cortà ³. It rained a lot until January and then it stopped. La computadora no me funciona bien. The computer doesnt work right for me. Se sentir en casa con la comida deliciosa y las bebidas bien frà ­as. You will feel at home with the delicious food and well-chilled drinks. No estoy seguro de haber descargado bien el software. Im not sure the software was downloaded properly. La pelà ­cula est bien divertida y no tiene mensajes de doble sentido. The film is quite fun and doesnt have mixed messages. Often with estar (and sometimes other verbs), bien is sometimes translated as a positive adjective that varies with context: Estuvo muy bien el desayuno. The breakfast tasted great. Estoy bien hoy. Im feeling good today. Ests bien en tu foto de Facebook. You look good in your Facebook photo. Todos estamos bien. Were all fine. Todo est bien. Everythings OK. Te est bien la camisa. The shirt looks good on you. As an interjection, bien can have a similarly positive meaning. For example, fans at a sports context might shout  ¡Bien! as a way of saying Good job! As a noun, el bien can mean goodness or something similar: El mundo est plagado de gente que no hace el bien. The world is plagued by people who dont do the right thing. La à ©tica, por definicià ³n, busca el bien. Ethics, by definition, looks for the good. In financial matters, el bien can refer to various types of assets or goods. For example, un bien tangible is a tangible asset, and bienes raà ­ces refers to real estate.

Television in modern society has more negative effects than positive Outline

Television in modern society has more negative effects than positive effects. Discuss - Outline Example promoting truthfulness and as a source of highlighting societal issues and problems but with the passage of time, it evolved into the form of a central piece of global politics. Nobody is really concerned about the reality and everybody is casting his or her votes on the basis of a whim. The whim that is created in public by media (Jansen, Zhang, Sobel, & Chowdury, 2009) and the so-called social workers are promoting their meaningless activities as beneficial acts for the society. The media and television has recently transformed into a curse rather than a blessing in the current point in time (Kietzmann, Hermkens, & McCarthy, 2011). The audience has to realize the fact that media is indeed promoting violence, untruthfulness and even sexism in the youngsters in order to get higher ratings. Based on the above argument, it can be established that parents must intervene in the lives of their children on a deep level so that the damage that is done by media can be controlled and managed accordingly. Jansen, B., Zhang, M., Sobel, K., & Chowdury, A. 2009. Twitter power: Tweets as electronic word of mouth. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology Vol 60 No. 1,

Biometrics as an Important Part of Information Technology Essay

Biometrics as an Important Part of Information Technology - Essay Example The present study focuses on an understanding of the use of biometrics and the commercial factors associated with it along with the current trends in its growth and use. The Growing Need and Application of Biometrics: Need for Privacy and Security: In the present times, the use of information technology has increased to a great extent that calls for the need of privacy and security of all data and information that computers and other network systems hold. The use of biometrics has benefitted in the way it is capable of restricting the access of any unauthorized individual such that any kind of frauds may be prevented. The biometric systems are extensively used in military services as well as for governmental purposes. The applications of these systems are made available to the common people and hence can be found in use for prison visitor systems, driver’s licenses, administration of canteen, benefit payment systems, border control measures, voting systems as well as in areas of junior schooling. Future applications of these systems are also being considered to be made available in the use of ATM machines, workstation and network access, travel and tourism, public identity cards, telephone transactions, and internet transactions (Biometrics, n.d.). Strong methods of identity authentication enabled through digital transmission can be understood to be of great need thus raising the use of biometrics. With the world moving towards an era where cashless economy prevails in most cases, with the selling and buying being often taking place electronically, biometrics would prove to be real essential and beneficial in the near future (Willis, 2009, pp.103-129). Biometrics: A Trend in Authentication Technology: Overview: The future trends in the use of biometric technology and process can be clearly understood from the technique being publicized as the universal remedy for theft of identity, frauds in use of credit card, network hacking, terrorism, privacy being a ttacked, misuse of one’s personal information and all other atrocious things and crimes happening in the 21st-century that can be expected to occur if someone else influences a computer or a network system. The present century has effectively realized that traditional authentication measures like the use of passwords and pins are not enough in the current times to protect and secure important information that are stored in network systems. The need for measurement of physiological features has thus become highly necessary, that is provided by biometrics. Analysis of fingerprints, voices, retinas enable a proper authentication measurement since these features are unique to every individual. Thus once these are recorded in the system, they can be compared in order to determine the access of the correct person. â€Å"This type of authentication is considered to have more integrity than photo ID and username/password systems because even sophisticated fake IDs, clever social eng ineering and lazy security habits can't compromise it† (Haas, 2004). The overall benefits of biometrics technology have been obtained in authentication, control in access and attendance, control in travelling, in financial and other transactions, remote voting, is use of automatic working devices, and action control.  

Mixed-sex education Essay Example for Free

Mixed-sex education Essay Coeducation, also known as Mixed-sex education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution under same roof. Most of the older institutions of higher education were reserved for the male students but now changed their policies to become coeducational. The first co educational institute of higher education was Oberlin College in United States, which was established in 1833. In 1844, Hillsdale College became the second college to admit mixed-sex classes to four-year degree programs. The University of Iowa became the first coeducational public or state university in the United States in 1855. We have co education in many of our universities, a few colleges and some English type schools. It is mostly not available in most of our degree colleges up to intermediate level. Co education gives useful training to boys and girls to work together. While studying side by side in different classes, they learn to co operate for common aims and purposes. After completing their education, they can easily join different professions together. They can work together for common national aims and scientific research centres. Co education is good as it develops self confidence. Boys and girls studying together can discuss their subjects and can help each other in understanding them well. Co education can make boys and girls competitive with each other in studies. Both can try to learn more and do better in discussions and examinations. Co education can save some institutions and can save money and in such a developing country like Pakistan. At present, Pakistani govt. is not in the position to afford electricity for separate institutions for girls. Yet, co education has some disadvantages. First, it is totally against our religion. The system of co-education is not good in the Islamic States of the world. This system has been produced by the non-Muslim states. The concept of Hijab is not there, but in our religion Islam, Hijab (parda) is clearly ordered as presented in the Holy Quran in Surah Nisa. Meeting, talks, relations and other non-islamic tasks between the males and females (Muslim na-mahram) is prohibited in Islam. † A famous Hadith, When a na- mahram man and woman are standing alone, the third one is evil (Ebleese) among them. Finally, I will conclude that coeducation has some advantages as well as disadvantages. It is necessary to make a proper use of co education in our institutions of higher learning. It is possible to get the benefits of co education and avoid most of the disadvantages.

The Ashley Treatment Essay -- Medical Research

Parents, no matter their profession, are eternally in the business of raising their children. From their earliest ages, kids are told who they can play with, what they can eat, where they can go, and even when they have to go to bed. But is there a point where parents go too far? In other words, is there a time when in raising a child, a parent interjects in a child’s life so much that those actions become detrimental to the child’s development? This is the physically moral dilemma that comes out of the Ashley Treatment. The procedure that has opened up society’s view on human development brings with it an incredible amount of controversy. Turning to a more theological approach, this procedure raises so many questions regarding the human condition. For instance, how do humans accommodate those with severe disabilities without stripping them of certain natural human rights that every individual is afforded? To take it to a more fundamental level, what ought we to do as humans to help people with disabilities, while at the same time making sure we are treating them as equal beings? Once questions like these can be addressed, the more pointed question can be reflected upon: is the Ashley Treatment ethical? When answering this, it is important to remember that all people deserve a voice in the goings on in the world, particularly when those issues pertain to themselves. Additionally ponder the fact that there are unique cases in which someone else may need to speak on behalf of an individual for that person to be heard. Such is the case for many with profound disabilities like Ashley. The Ashley Treatment is a pretty novel and groundbreaking procedure with incredible ethical discord. This treatment was devised by the doctors of ... ... over their child, in particular regards to profound disability and the â€Å"Ashley Treatment.† Liao, S., Julian Savulescu, and Mark Sheehan. â€Å"The Ashley Treatment: Best Interests, Convenience, and Parental Decision-Making.† Hastings Center Report. 37.2 (2012): 16- 20. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. This essay weighs the benefits and consequences of the â€Å"Ashley Treatment† procedure. It looks at how it was created, why it was used, and ethical justification to validate its use. Ryan, Christine. â€Å"Revisiting the Legal Standards that Govern Requests to Sterilize Profoundly Incompetent Children: In Light of the Ashley Treatment, Is a New Standard Appropriate.† Fordham Law Review. 77.1 (2008): 287-325. Print. This article talks about the controversial â€Å"Ashley Treatment† from a legal and ethical standpoint. It uses the court decisions on this matter to create the author’s argument.

Effective teachers Essay

The list of dispositions associated with effective teachers Once you are prepared, use the My Dispositions Target (Figure 2. 1) from your text to organize and record the initial analysis of your dispositions. This document should be placed as an attachment to your discussion response. To include the document as an attachment, locate the attachment feature in the bottom left-hand corner of the discussion response box. In your response: †¢Describe which of these dispositions (as well as those noted in Chapter 10) you already exhibit on a regular basis. When working with toddlers myself and my co-worker use several of these dispositions listed in Chapter 10. For instance †¢Based on the discussion of career options in Chapter 10, identify at least two possible careers that interest you and that are a â€Å"good fit† based on your personal disposition reflection. Explain why you would be a good fit for both of your chosen careers. †¢Discuss which dispositions are still emerging for you and how will you plan to develop them for both of your possible future career choices. Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two of your peers. In your responses, suggest some further ways your peers can develop their emerging dispositions. Estes, L. A. , & Krogh, S. (2012). Pathways to teaching young children: An introduction to early childhood education. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Table 2. 1: Dispositions of effective teachers DispositionDescriptor ApproachableDemonstrates desire to interact through words and actions CommunicatorExpresses self clearly both verbally and in writing CompetentIs able to skillfully perform tasks related to teaching ConfidentIs self-assured and aware of personal abilities and strengths EnergeticMoves around frequently; participates fully in activities EnthusiasticDemonstrates passion for teaching, learning, and subject matter FunHas a sense of humor; smiles and laughs frequently InnovativeShows creativity when approaching tasks and solving problems InteractiveParticipates with others; talks with and listens to others KnowledgeableDemonstrates understanding of subject matter and teaching NurturingShows concern and caring to others; respects others OptimisticIs upbeat; has positive expectations for outcomes OrganizedPlans and prepares in advance; arranges things logically PatientShows tolerance for others; varies pace to accommodate others ProfessionalIs professional in dress, actions, and language; is polite Research has identified certain dispositions frequently associated with effective teachers. Personal Learning Insight 2. 1: My Dispositions Figure 2. 1: My dispositionstarget Individuals in the midst of becomingteachers should develop self-awareness oftheir own dispositions. After reading through the list of dispositions associated with effective teachers, pause a fewmoments to consider your own traits. Which of these dispositions are already evident in your demeanor? Do you believe these characteristics are part of who you are by virtue of birth or of experience? Are some dispositions still emerging, or needing to emerge? Because of the strong connection between dispositions and teaching styles, it is desirable forindividuals in the midst of becoming teachers to reflect and develop self-awareness of their owndispositions (Wadlington & Wadlington, 2011). As you complete this course and continue withother education courses, think about targeting some of the desirable dispositions as goals for yourongoing professional development. Use the My Dispositions Target (Figure 2. 1) to record yourinitial analysis of your dispositions. Many factors, other than desirable dispositions, are associated with learning how to successfully teach young children. The general public’sbelief that no specialized training is necessary to work with young children is simply a misconception. Research data has supported the positionthat teachers with specialized training and education in early childhood education is one of the more important factors in determining programquality for young children (NAECTE, 2008). Experts in the field of early childhood education rely on professional organizations for leadership indetermining what novice early childhood teachers should know (knowledge) and be able to do (skills).

High school student drop out Essay

The increasingly high rate of school dropout is worrying all the stakeholders in the education sector including parents, teachers and the government. This is because these people are aware of the challenges that will face students who drop out of school. Although leaders have called on communities, families and schools to make efforts to ensure that students remain at school, the rate at which the students drop out of school is still high. It is therefore important that we analyze the problem with a view of understanding it better, so that we may know how to resolve it once and for all. see more:research paper about tardiness The number of students who complete school in the US has been steadily declining over the years. In fact, over the last decades, this figure has only increased in seven states. In ten states, the percentage of students who did not complete school was 8% or higher, which reflects a disturbing trend. US is currently ranked tenth among the countries in the world which have the highest school completion rates. When a country that is considered to be the superpower is ranked tenth on school completion rates, this shows that there is a major underlying problem. Factors that contribute to the high school student drop out rate. Family cohesion and background. This is one of the major reasons why students drop out of school. Students who come from families where there is violence, abusive homes or poor parental relations have higher chances of dropping out of school, compared to those who come from stable homes. This is due to the fact that such children are more likely to have stress and depression because of the problems that they have. They are also likely to start abusing drugs at an early age, which may contribute to their dropping out of school. Statistics also show that children who come from single parent families are also more likely to drop out of school than those who have both parents. This situation is linked to low self esteem as well as problems that children who come from single parent families face. Early pregnancy. Early pregnancy is a major challenge for young girls, and is a contributor to their dropping out of school. This situation is compounded by situations where the young girls’ families are not financially stable, or cases where the boy responsible for the pregnancy is either unwilling or unable to support the girl. Many young girls who face this situation usually take breaks to give birth, but fail to return to school due to various reasons. The girls who are not financially well off are forced to drop out of school to take care of their children, while others fear going back to school due to stigmatization. School violence. This is a factor that is increasingly contributing to the dropping out of school by students. School violence has increased in the recent past, and takes various forms. It might take the form of serious security breaches that involve use of deadly weapons, like was witnessed in the 1999 Columbine high school massacre (Rosenberg 2008). It may also take the form of bullying and harassment of students by fellow classmates. Both these forms of violence have the potential to create fear to actual victims, and may discourage them from attending school. In these cases, there is genuine fear for their lives and they may drop out of school. Employment. Poverty or general unemployment of members of the family may make students drop out of school. This is because the students may be forced to work in order to support their family. In these cases, the students may not have adequate time to study due to the responsibilities that they have. Employment opportunities may not only be available to the students who are not well off financially. Some students come from financially stable families but look for employment opportunities so that they might save money. These students are also likely to drop out of school since it is difficult to work and study at the same time. Psychological or personal characteristics. There are certain characteristics that students may possess, which may make them drop out of school at an early age. These may be either physical or psychological characteristics. Psychological characteristics may include low self esteem, mental illnesses, depression and stress, among other problems. In case students have these problems and they are either not addressed early enough, or these students lack learning facilities that accommodate their unique needs, they are highly likely to drop out of school. According to Kenneth (35-39), students may also face physical disabilities that hinder the learning process. Such include blindness, deafness or other physical disabilities. If such students also lack facilities that can handle their needs, they are also likely to drop out of school. Substance abuse. According to David and Wayne (4-8), students who engage in substance abuse have very high chances of dropping out of school. Students who abuse alcohol or other hard drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine or other drugs are likely to drop out of school. This is due to the disciplinary problems that they are likely to face in school as well as the fact that such drugs hinder the learning capabilities. Such students are unlikely to perform well in school, and this has the effect of demotivating them. They are also more likely to face stress and depression, and all these factors work to increase their chances of dropping out of school. Perceived loss of value of school diplomas. The modern business environment has become very competitive, and this is attributed to globalization. Success in the modern world is increasingly based on merit and job performance. Employers are nowadays looking for very high academic qualification when recruiting employees. In this regards, high school diplomas are generally perceived to have lost value, and students need to pursue further education so that they might get employment opportunities in this competitive business environment. Some students therefore opt to drop out of school and pursue other interests due to this perception. Such interests include drama, movies, modeling or the music industry. However, what most students are not aware of is that one has to have basic education in order to be successful in these fields. High school education acts as a platform for pursuing further education and building a career. Limited number of counselors. Statistics point to the fact that the average number of students who are served by a single counselor is 500. In high school, the average number of students served by a single counselor is 285. These counsellors have many tasks to accomplish and have very little time to interact with students. According to Jill (311-317), students who are about to drop out of school may therefore not find someone to talk to and get advice regarding the situation. This is also compounded by the fact that most of these students have poor relations with their parents, since teenagers and parents usually have communication problems. Students therefore opt to drop out of school due to lack of advice on the consequences of making this decision. Solutions to these problems. Counseling. Most students may reverse their decision to drop out of school if they are advised on the consequences of making this decision by someone that they trust. In most of these cases, counselors are the best people to advice the students since there are young counsellors who understand the problems that these students go through. The government should ensure that there are enough counselors to serve all students. Sometimes students may be depressed and they only need someone to share their problems with. When they are unable to find someone, they take drastic steps like dropping out of schools. Counselors will advise students that education is very important for success in life. Safety. The government and all education stakeholders should also ensure that the school environment is safe for all people. There should be adequate controls that prevent and deal with security breaches, either involving deadly weapons or bullying. Some problems like bullying may appear to be petty and they are ignored in most academic institutions. However they are serious problems that should not be ignored, since they have high psychological impacts on the victims. When students can feel safe in the school environment, they will look forward to going to school to learn. After all, these students spend most of their time in schools, and once they feel that they are unsafe, they are likely to drop out of school. Family problems. According to Gail (211-216), it is evident that family problems is a major factor that contributes to dropping out of school. It is a very sensitive issue considering that there is a limitation to which strangers may involve themselves in family matters. It is however imperative that problems such as violence and abuse are reported to the authorities, and these will be addressed through the relevant laws. These problems cannot be condoned, since once students are not comfortable in their own homes, it will be difficult for them to concentrate in class and learn. Other family issues such as parental and child conflict should be addressed through dialog, either between the school administration and the individual families, or through counseling by qualified professionals. This dialog will enable the underlying problems to be identified and solved, so that the children may stay in school. Early pregnancy. This problem is best solved by preventing the issue, rather than addressing it after it has occurred. The young people should be told about the consequences of early sex, especially unsafe sex. These students should be made to understand that in addition to the risk of pregnancy, there is also a risk of contracting STIs such as HIV/AIDS. However, one a girl becomes pregnant, she should be allowed to stay in school until the time to give birth, after which she is given a break. She should resume school after giving birth, as this is very important. Counselors and parents should play a crucial role in guiding girls who are undergoing this experience. The government should also set up funds to help girls who are pregnant and do not have the resources to take care of the baby, and go back to school. Facilities for the handicapped. The government has a crucial role of ensuring that there are learning facilities that will take care of the needs of students who face either physical or mental disabilities. There should also be enough teachers who have been trained on how to take care of the needs of these students. This will ensure that these students learn just like their peers, and that they have equal opportunities in life. Value of diplomas. The stakeholders in the educational sector have a crucial role to play in publicizing the value of the high school diplomas. There should be regular talks between these stakeholders and the students regarding the issue. Students should be made to understand that although the modern world has become very competitive, it is imperative that they obtain at least the high school diploma. The reason is that the diploma acts as a platform in acquiring further employment opportunities and joining a profession. Employment. The government should enforce the laws that bar the employment of young people who are below the legal age. It should also hold regular forums with employers regarding employment of young people with a view of regulating the hours that they work. The employers should also be made to insist that young employees pursue education, since this will be the platform for promotions and advancement in the careers. This will enable that the young people who work have enough time to study. Conclusion and recommendation. The stakeholders in the education sector should join hands in ensuring the the drop out rate drastically reduces, and that each child knows the value of education. The solutions to the problems that have been discussed above should be implemented, so that this objective may be achieved. Above all, students should be made to understand that the high school diploma is a platform for opportunities in life.

Expanding Culture in the West and East essays

Expanding Culture in the West and East essays The Islamic civilization has been considered by any to be one of the greatest civilizations to survive. It is an excellent example of how a society can be influenced by ancient cultures and cosmopolitan ideas at the same time. The post-classical Arab world in the seventh century was known for its greatness but it also experienced rough times. Because the region had long been governed by Roman and Persian empires, the Arab society did not experience a stable political system. Individuals were members of small groups, or tribes, and this type of social structure in the Arab world was the foundation for an unstable economy. The Islamic culture was primarily influenced with the emergence of Muhammad. Muhammad was a very spiritual man who began teaching Islam in Mecca, a popular Arabian city. He was extremely dissatisfied with what religions offered people and declared that God called him to change how most Arabians believed. He claimed that Gabriel, a messenger of God, had delivered revelations to him. He was extremely popular among the people and influenced culture through his religious teachings. In 622, many of Muhammad's followers asked him to establish a haram in Medina, which he decided he would do. His journey from Mecca to Medina is considered by many historians to be the "beginning of a new era" (Noble 1994 p. 273) in the Arab world. It was necessary for Muhammad to control Medina as well as Mecca in order to convert as much of Arabia as possible. Muhammad's teachings reached far beyond Arabia and because other cultures were quite receptive, Muhammad's teachings survived. After Muhammad's death, Islam experienced great expansion. Abu Bakr was Muhammad successor and his greatest accomplishment was winning wars against the Bedouins. By the time Umar succeeded Bakr, Arabia was almost completely united. Umar instigated conquests of Roman and Persian empires ...

How Foreign Direct Investment Affects the Economy

How Foreign Direct Investment Affects the Economy According to the International Monetary Fund, foreign direct investment, commonly known as FDI, ... refers to an investment made to acquire lasting or long-term interest in enterprises operating outside of the economy of the investor. The investment is direct because the investor, which could be a foreign person, company or group of entities, is seeking to control, manage, or have significant influence over the foreign enterprise. Why Is FDI Important? FDI is a major source of external finance which means that countries with limited amounts of capital can receive finance beyond national borders from wealthier countries. Exports and FDI have been the two key ingredients in Chinas rapid economic growth. According to the World Bank, FDI and small business growth are the two critical elements in developing the private sector in lower-income economies and reducing poverty. The US and FDI Because the US is the worlds largest economy, it is a target for foreign investment AND a large investor. Americas companies invest in companies and projects all over the world. Even though the US economy has been in recession, the US is still a relatively safe haven for investment. Enterprises from other countries invested $260.4 billion dollars in the US in 2008 according to the Department of Commerce. However, the US is not immune to global economic trends, FDI for the first quarter of 2009 was 42% lower than the same period in 2008. US Policy and FDI The US tends to be open to foreign investment from other countries. In the 1970s and 1980s, there were short-lived fears that the Japanese were buying America based on the strength of the Japanese economy and the purchase of American landmarks such as Rockefeller Center in New York City by Japanese companies. At the height of the spike in oil prices in 2007 and 2008, some wondered if Russia and the oil-rich nations of the Middle East would buy America. There are strategic sectors which the US Government does protect from foreign buyers. In 2006, DP World, a company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bought the UK-based firm managing many of the major seaports in the United States. Once the sale went through, a company from an Arab state, albeit a modern state, would be responsible for port security in major American ports. The Bush Administration approved the sale. Senator Charles Schumer of New York led Congress to try to block the transfer because many in Congress felt that port security should not be in the hands of DP World. With a growing controversy, DP World ultimately sold their US port assets to AIGs Global Investment Group. On the other side, the US Government encourages American companies to invest overseas and establish new markets to help create jobs back home in America. US investment is generally welcome because countries seek capital and new jobs. In rare circumstances, a country will reject a foreign investment for fears of economic imperialism or undue influence. Foreign investment becomes a more contentious issue when American jobs are outsourced to international locations. Outsourcing of jobs was an issue in the 2004, 2008, and 2016Â  Presidential Elections.

Coca-Cola Coffeehouse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Coca-Cola Coffeehouse - Essay Example In the case of individual consumers, buying decisions are largely driven by the individual's needs, preferences, lifestyle, values, and other things which are innate to the customers. On the other hand, the buying decision process in organizational groups are more complicated, requires more formality, and seeks the approval of a set of decision makers based on the values and goals of the institution (Kotler 2002). In recognition of these various factors, Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will be creating two sets of strategies geared in capturing organizational buyers and individual consumers. Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will be serving organizational buyers like airports, commercial companies, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. As discussed above, these organizational buyers usually have their own formal procedures in their buying decisions. We have identified three important factors which Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will take into account in order to influence the buying decision process of these institutions: budget allocations; organization's culture and values; and product quality. Organizational buyers, whether profit-making or not, are often very much concerned with the cost of their purchases. Higher costs entail less profit and lower level of financial resources which can be allocated to other projects. Thus, in their buying decision processes, organizations seek proposals from different product providers in order to get an idea on the costs that they will be incurring. If a certain product is homogenous and standardized, organizational buyers will prefer to acquire it from the supplier with the lowest price. In consideration of this, Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will then strive to price its product more competitively than its rivals. An organization is highly influenced by its unique set of values and culture. In their buying decisions, companies always takes into account the image of their suppliers and ensure that it matches theirs. In order to do this, Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will position itself in the market as a drink which stimulates the spirit in order to boost productivity. The ambiance of the Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will also presents a calming and relaxing refuge from office works. Lastly, organizational buyers' transactions are very much dependent on the quality of the product offered. Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will aim to establish relationship with its buyers by maintaining product quality. The company will see to it that it fully delivers its promises. Individual Consumers As mentioned above, individual consumers are largely influenced by their values, needs, wants, preferences, lifestyle, and the opinions of other people. An individual purchases products which further strengthens his or her own set of values and reveals his identity and image. It is irrefutable that individual consumers usually associate a certain product to certain characteristics and qualities. With the wide range of customer in the market, Coca-Cola Coffeehouse will offer coffee products that will carry on the identity and image of its