British Pound of Sterlings - 1025 Words

The birth of the currency The pound is 1200 years old, born about 775AD, when sterlings or silver coins were the main currency in Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. If you had 240 of them, you had one pound in weight - a vast fortune in the 8th century. A century and a half later Athelstan, the first King of England, founded a series of mints and made sterling a national currency in 928. In 1124, a disgusted Henry I had 94 mint workers castrated for producing bad coins. Sterling retained importance through the middle ages. Before the foundation of the Bank of England, the Tower of London was the store for spare money. Silver penny were the only coins right through until the 13th century and silver was the currency standard till the 18th†¦show more content†¦After the war, rumours swirled that sterling was to devalue, and so many countries converted their pounds to dollars. The pound was devalued by 30 per cent in 1949. The enormous postwar balance of payments deficit was just too much for the UK. Sterling s weakness and decline became too obvious. National banks wanted dollars not pounds. Not a penny less: the 1967 Devaluation In 1967 the currency wasdevalued again, this time by 14 per cent. Overseas, the sterling currency was of lesser importance. Dollars were more alluring - and as many thought stable. But in 1971 President Nixon devalued the dollar - a response to damage done by the Vietnam War - and opened the gates to a new era of floating exchange. The stability of the postwar settlement was over. The currency snake Meanwhile 1972 saw the first efforts to fix the pound to other European currencies. At the start of the year the four major European Economic Community currencies - sterling, the deutschemark, the French franc and the Italian lira - formed the so-called snake . The economic bloc then floated their currencies together on the markets, each country having responsibility for the stability of its currency within parameters. The experiment failed, though, not long off the ground. Sterling dropped out after only six weeks, weaker than ever, bowing to the dictates of the markets. ERM to today Since 1992 the pound has floated free although the Government hasShow MoreRelatedU.S. Semiconductor Ltd.Case Study1036 Words   |  5 Pageskept producing their products domestically and delivered them to UK by plane. British firms also confronted exchange risk due to the difference between import costs and sales revenues. This case mainly involves the discussion on the method of debt funding. Discussion Learned from the analysts commands, there are two financing alternatives: through a five-year loan in USD at 8% per year or take a loan in pound sterling at 12% per annum. Both the difference of interest rates and the volatility ofRead MoreU.S. Semiconductor Ltd.Case Study1028 Words   |  5 Pageskept producing their products domestically and delivered them to UK by plane. British firms also confronted exchange risk due to the difference between import costs and sales revenues. This case mainly involves the discussion on the method of debt funding. Discussion Learned from the analysts commands, there are two financing alternatives: through a five-year loan in USD at 8% per year or take a loan in pound sterling at 12% per annum. Both the difference of interest rates and the volatilityRead MoreHistory Of Colonial New England Colonial Policy Essay1564 Words   |  7 Pagesbacking the paper bills, as opposed to a shock to the money supply was the rationale for inflation of colonial New England currency. New England colonial paper currency will be the predominant focus, but this paper will also examine the Pennsylvania pound. New England colonial currency experienced a considerable amount of inflation in the latter years of 1740. This can be attributed in part to large amounts of paper money issuance and the funding of King George’s War. Alternatively, this essay willRead MoreThe Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets1056 Words   |  5 Pageswhich have an important impact on the profitability of financial institutions. 15. How does a decline in the value of pound sterling affect British consumers? It makes foreign goods more expensive and so British consumers will buy less foreign goods and more domestic goods. 16. How does an increase in the value of the pound sterling affect American businesses? It makes British goods more expensive relative to American goods. American businesses will find it easier to sell their goods in the UnitedRead MoreSpeculative Bombing : Speculative Attack2034 Words   |  9 Pagesa speculative attack in which the government was forced to withdraw their currency. Black Wednesday happened on September 16, 1992 after the British government was unable to keep the pound above its agreed lower limit in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. George Soros, one of the speculators, made over 1 billion pounds in short selling the British Sterling. Before Black Wednesday When the European Exchange Rate Mechanism was starting up, the United Kingdom had initially declined to join. ThisRead MoreThe Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets1072 Words   |  5 Pageswhich have an important impact on the profitability of financial institutions. 15. How does a decline in the value of pound sterling affect British consumers? It makes foreign goods more expensive and so British consumers will buy less foreign goods and more domestic goods. 16. How does an increase in the value of the pound sterling affect American businesses? It makes British goods more expensive relative to American goods. American businesses will find it easier to sell their goods in the UnitedRead MoreMacroeconomic Affect On Uk From Long Term And Short Term Sides1590 Words   |  7 Pagesagreement after 2 years even the time may be extended. The European process has aroused strong concern in the world, the results have also been the uproar of the world, a variety of evaluation and attention has been following consistently. Obviously, British economy will be changed; whether it is long-term or short-term, and there must also exit some advantages and drawbacks back this time of leave European. This essay will analyse macroeconomic affect on the UK from long-term and short-term two sidesRead MoreRising Inflation in the UK1384 Words   |  6 Pagesproduction costs†¦ result[ing] [in] the purchasing power of money fall[ing]’ (Collin:101) is quickly becoming a problem for the government of the United Kingdom in these post-recess ion years. The economic recovery, essential to the wellbeing of the British economy, may be in jeopardy as inflation continues to rise, reducing the purchasing power of the public. This, in turn, reduces demand for goods and services, and could potentially plummet the UK back into recession. This essay discusses the causesRead MoreExorbitant Privilege : The Rise And Fall Of The Dollar1569 Words   |  7 Pagesdisadvantage of relying on the sterling as the banks in London preferred it over any other currency. Eichangreen presents this history in order to show just how far away the dollar was from its current status. This is important because it shows that America did not always have a powerful currency and in fact, that the dollar was quite weak originally. It also highlights that the previous currency that was considered the strongest was the sterling. However, the sterling did not have the same privilegeRead MoreThe African Ghana Empire1365 Words   |  6 Pagesfighting to gain c ontrol took place over the next centuries. In 1642 the Dutch captured Elmina, sending the Portuguese back home. By the 1700’s slave trade is extremely popular throughout the southern kingdoms, weapons and goods are traded by the British for enslaved Africans, these slaves are shipped across the Atlantic ocean, a cruel action that leads to an equally brutally journey. The inhumane treatment and travel takes more than five weeks to arrive in a new world where the survivors will continue

The Roman and U.S. Military - 1490 Words

The Roman Republic military was one of the first well-organized military of all time. Because of this, most succeeding militaries follow their example by adopting and adapting some of the same characteristics. The Roman and U.S. military are from different eras, but still share similar characteristics as well as vast modernized differences that have established the U.S. military as efficient and organized. Separating a military into unique specialized forces increases efficiency and the Romans knew that. The Roman legions consisted of: â€Å"10 cohorts to one legion, six centuries to one cohort, 10 tents to one cohort, eight soldiers to one tent, 120 cavalry† (Lloyd, 2013). The Roman formation was the triplex acies, which was the hastati,†¦show more content†¦The U.S. military uniforms are completely different from the Roman Republic; nothing is the same except for the use of a helmet. Warfare has changed since the ancient times and with that change, what soldiers wea r for protection had to change as well. The consistency of the same soldier is to maintain experienced soldiers. Constantly training new soldiers is a waste of time and money. Nations worldwide for every era understood the concept of a time in which soldiers must serve in the military. In the Roman Republic, it changed throughout the years. At first soldiers had to stay for six years with ten years nonconsecutive. Later it was changed to twenty years, but after the sixteenth year, the soldier was considered a veteran. The final change was twenty years with an additional five years as a veteran (Southern, 2006). Even though the Romans were very strict on the soldiers, the army was superior to any other nation because of this consistency in soldiers. The U.S. military is vastly different with their length of service. Citizens can be in the military for active or inactive duty, they can also be in the reserves where they would only be deployed if necessary. Soldiers can also have contr acts depending on the branch for two, four, six, or eight years. Soldiers can also do tours of duty for a length of time. There is also the possibility of having a long time career in the military. The U.S. military has a larger span of options to choose from for the length ofShow MoreRelatedSimilarities And Differences Between Greece And Rome1457 Words   |  6 Pages The two vocal points I feel strongly about are both their military and leadership. When talking about their militaries we have two of the strongest forces to ever grace the earth. When talking about their respective cultures we are talking about beliefs that spread nationwide. These are the similarities and differences between Greece and Rome. If there was anything that Rome and Greece where known for it was there brute military and ruthless violence that brought both empires to the topRead MoreCivilian Control Of The Military1386 Words   |  6 PagesCivilian control of the military is very essential in order to have a strong and successful form of government. If all of the major political decisions were up to the military, many wrong decisions might be made and it would have a poor effect on the society. Military commanders may not have all of the necessary knowledge of the situation to make the most beneficial decisions, and many problems would likely end in war and violence. Also, one person would not always see every aspect of the situationRead MoreClassical Rome And Classical Greece1498 Words   |  6 Pagesthe contemporary United States. The political system of Classical Rome was the base of the United States’ political system. Even though the founding fathers were also influenced by Classical Greece, Romans’ political system was developed to govern a larger population (Rome vs. US). The Romans were the ones to develop a form of government known as republic. In this type of government, officials are elected to govern the state and to represent the voters. Unlike the Greeks, which developed democracyRead MoreHannibal’s Tactical Defeat of The Roman Army at Cannae Essay1226 Words   |  5 Pagesbetween the Carthaginian general Hannibal and the larger Roman army under the command of consuls Lucius Aemilius Paulus and Gaius Terentius Varro, in 216 B.C., still serves as one of the most influential tactical battles in history. Two enemy forces were to face off using very different tactics. The Roman Empire had succeeded in amassing a staggering 50,000 or greater number of infantry troops and a dispu ted 6,000 cavalry troops. The Roman army was to use its vast numbers to subdue the smaller numberedRead MoreEssay on Hannibal’s Tactical Defeat of the Roman Army at Cannae1319 Words   |  6 PagesThe Battle of Cannae, between the Carthaginian General Hannibal and the larger Roman army under the command of Lucius Aemilius Paulus and Gaius Terentius Varro in 216 B.C. serves as one of the most influential tactical battles in history. Two enemy forces faced off using very different tactics. The Roman Empire had succeeded in amassing over 50,000 infantry troops and an estimated 6,000 cavalry troops. The Roman army planned to use its vast numbers to subdue the smaller numbered forces of theRead MoreEvolution Of The Purpose And Power Of Roman Military1701 Words   |  7 PagesPurpose and Power of the Roman Military In the lifetime of Rome, from a monarchy to a republic, and also its final days as a empire, it has shown to be one of the world s most powerful military forces against almost any enemy it faced, despite the losses that followed. Also that in the history of Rome has show to use the military as an instrument of power to gain leverage in the political status and standing of Rome. Throughout its history and different tactics it used, the Roman Army was shown toRead MoreGreek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government1361 Words   |  6 PagesGreek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government Joe Wickenden, Sarah Dowling, Ginger Snyder, Leone Hansen HIS/341 October 27, 2014 Joel Getz Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government The definition of citizenship in Greek and Roman cultures can be described much differently than the current democratic definition of contemporary nations. The Roman Empire differed from the Athenian Amphictyony and the Assyrian Empire as well as the sunder later emperors such as VespasianRead MoreThe Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire Essay1396 Words   |  6 PagesA Review of Edward N. Luttwak, The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century A.D. to the Third. Edward Luttwak’s The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire from the First Century A.D. to the Third gives a militaristic analysis of the tactics used by the Roman Empire while also highlighting parallels between Rome and contemporary U.S. military policy. Luttwak divides his book into three chapters, a chapter for each of the 3 identified systems; the first chapter discusses Rome’s useRead MoreWhy Was The Fall Of The United States Fall773 Words   |  4 PagesIt’s distressing to think about, but yes, I do think the U.S. will fall like Rome did. The problem is the mistakes that happen near the peak of prosperity and are only visible with the benefit of hindsight. Rome eventually fell because of Goth and Vandal invasion, power struggles, economics crisis, and other political troubles. The fall of the United States is unlikely to be an invasion, but rather a devaluing of government institutions, diverging regional and cultural groups. All backed by strongRead MoreTh e Tradition Of The Century Viking Wars993 Words   |  4 Pages1. Many of the Air Force’s customs, traditions, and procedures are traceable to the earliest warriors. The dining-in is one such military tradition that has its roots in the distant past. The pre-Christian Roman Legions probably began the dining-in tradition. Roman military commanders frequently held great feasts to honor individuals and military units. These get-togethers were victory celebrations where past feats were remembered and loot of new conquests paraded. The second century Viking war lords

Caryl Churchill (1686 words) Essay Example For Students

Caryl Churchill (1686 words) Essay Caryl ChurchillWho is she and where did she come from? Caryl Churchill is one of Englands mostpremier female, post-modern playwrights. She has strived throughout her careeras theatrical personality to make the world question roles, stereotypes andissues that are dealt with everyday, like, violence, and political and sexualoppression. She has been part of many facets of performance throughout heralmost sixty year career. Not only has she been a strong force on the stage, buthas also had strong influences with radio and television. She is truly atalented woman dabbling in not only a Brechtian style of theatre that has beencommented on time and time again, but also musicals of a sort. Churchill wasborn in London on September 3, 1938. She lived in England until the age of tenwhen her family moved to Canada. There she attended Trafalgar School in Montrealuntil 1955. At this time she moved back to England to attend Lady Margaret Hall,Oxford University. This is the key place that her career began. While studyingEnglish at Oxford she took an interest in theatre. She wrote her first threeplays while at the university. Where has she been? Radio plays When her careerin theatre and performance started at Oxford she began the first phase in hercareer. She was very focused on sounds and voice. Her first three plays,Downstairs, 1958; Youve No Need to be Frightened, 1959; and Having a WonderfulTime, 1959. All three of these plays, extremely focused on sound, propelled hercareer into radio. For the next ten years she concentrated her energy solely onradio plays, starting off with The Ants, which she, herself, thought of itas a TV play, but my agent Margaret Ramsey sensibly sent it to radio(Kritzner16). This focal point gave her many advantages in this time in hercareer. Most important, of course, was its openness to new playwrights. Inaddition, it offered an unusual freedom in that it placed few limits onlengthFinally, radio had already proved its potential for serious drama(Kr itzner 16). During the time of her writing for the theatre and hersounds phase, she was looking outward, investigating new places forher to take her art. She wrote a few stage plays during her radio stint, none ofthem being produced. She re-wrote some of her radio plays and eight of them wereproduced between the years of 1962 and 1973. She then moved on to televisionplays. She became very unsatisfied with it very quickly, commenting thatTelevisionattracts me very much lessIt has the attraction of a largeaudiences and being the ordinary peoples medium and not being the sort ofeffete cultural thing that no one ever pays any attention to anyway. But as anactual medium, as a physical thing that happens, I dont find it anything likeas exciting myself as the stage. I do like things that actually happen. (Kritzner45). It was then time for her to make a change. Stage plays After a dozen yearsof writing primarily for the radio, Churchill finally made her move to themainstage. She wrote Owner s for Micheal Codron. The play was produced by theRoyal Court Theatre in 1972. Her career went uphill from there. She becameassociated with a sphere of the sometimes conflict-ridden but alwayspolitically daring and artistically committed theatre often referred to simplyas the Court (Kritzner 61). Churchills reputation became paired with theRoyal Court. She became the first female resident dramatist, and later help withthe Young Writers Group program. During her time at the Royal Court she wrotemany plays, still focusing a great deal on sound and voice. At the same time asshe held position of resident dramatist, she also worked at other theatres andwith other groups. She founded the Theatre Writers Group, now known as theTheatre Writers Union, and had works produced by Joint Stock Theatre Group andMonstrous Regiment. Historical plays During her previous playwriting time shehad been very centered in time around her present. Starting a new phase in hercareer in the mid-1970s, she began to look at history and place her plots inappropriate time frames to make her objective, within each play, more vivid. Evil in Women and its Effect on Macbeth EssayOnce again it takes the role of a dramatic device to further the action and thethoughts of the audience. The characters, without Clive, in the second act tryto find out their own roles pertaining to themselves instead of dependent on aWhite, male figure telling them who they are.. This play is steeped withqualities and devices that help Churchills point ring with clarity. Where didshe go? Revisiting the Past After the acclaim of Cloud Nine Churchill made yetanother change to her style. She became focused on a broader range, dealing nowwith social critique instead of the feminist-socialist approach of earlier inher career. Her works during this phase, namely Top Girls, Fen, and SeriousMoney, showed her revisiting past personal styles and revising them. It showedher extracting elements from both the epic and personal areas of theatre,reshaping traditional devices, and melding all of these factors into a trulyoriginal style (Kritzner 138). These plays tend to have a lesser approachof optimism than those previous in her career, but she continues to question theset up of society. Revising Myth Revision of myth, as I have found, is a typicalelement in most feminist writings. The analysis and re-analysis of theconstruction of modern day thought is a device widely used. This was Churchillsnext implement. She wrote A Mouthful of Birds and Ice Cream under this style. Alicia Ostriker, a writer of mythical poetry, wrote that there are three mainreasons why women writers go towards the mythological side of life. to betaken seriously as a writer, to get at something very deep in herself, and torelease an imprisoned meaning not yet discovered in the previous versions of themyth (Kritzner 172). As far as many critics have found, this showsChurchills renewal of interest in the combination of personal experience andpolitical analysis and the knowledge of there inseparability of reason andemotion (Kritzner 172). Now Since her last known movementChurchill is still writing plays and changing her style. She has writtenmusicals and many plays with two unrelated acts that somehow are intertwined. She continues to question society with such works as Blue Heart, Hotel, and HotFudge. BibliographyAsahina, Robert. The Hudson Review, XXXIV 1981. Churchill, Caryl. Cloud Nine. Pluto Press, Ltd. London, 1979. Kritzner, Amelia Howe. The Plays of CarylChurchill. St. Martins Press, NY, 1991. Wandor, Michelene. FreeCollective Bargaining, Time Out, 30. March-4 April 1979.

Alignment To The Culture Of The Host Country †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Positive And Negative Relationships Between The Success Of Multinational Companies And An Alignment To The Culture Of The Host Country. Answer: Introduction: A company that operates in several nations but is managed from the home country is known as a multi-national company. As stated by Kostova et al. (2016), these companies derive at least a quarter of their revenue from its business operations outside of its home country. The approach of going multi-national is undertaken by many organisations in order to take advantage of certain benefits that are offered in the host countries. Those countries where a particular company enter and start doing business are called the host countries. These benefits can include cheap labourers, better market opportunities or the reason could be a mere expansion of the company to create worldwide presence of the company (Deresky 2017). When a company enters the host country, the company has to align its business operation and activities to the culture of the host country because the company uses the labour of the country as well as carries out its business in that particular country. Therefore, in doing so , aligning with the culture of the host country becomes an important point of consideration. Project Objective The objective of the project can be stated below: To evaluate the factors that creates a negative or positive impact on the multi-national companies when it comes to aligning its business with the culture of the host country. To find out the impact of the culture of the host country on the business operation of the multinational companies. To recommend better ways to improve the relationship of the multinational companies with the host countries based on the culture of the host country. Project Scope: The scope of the project is to find out the positive and the negative relationship between the success of the multi-national company and the alignment with the culture of the host country. The project can come up with better approaches that would benefit the multinational companies in operating in major other countries. The scope of the project is to find out the importance of the culture of a nation and to understand how the culture of a country can actually affects business of an organisation. This will create a clear image how the business activities are carried on in a multi-national organisation and how the culture of a country can actually affect the business activities of an organisation (Deresky 2017). The success of a company is always measured on the economic development of the company and its success rate in the profitability of the company. The ability to succeed in an international market is always defined on the basis of the ability of aligning the business of the organ isation with the culture of the country where it operates (Zhang and Harzing 2016). Thus, this particular project gives a clear understanding on how the success of a company can be achieved if the company align its business activities keeping the cultural aspect of the country into consideration. This particular project will highlight the same aspect of the business. Literature Review: Importance of culture of the host country for a multinational company: In the journal, Kostova et al. (2016) has defined the concept of culture of a country. According to Kostova et al. (2016), culture of a country defines the way the people of the country actually do things. It is the force that is set based on certain rigid set of parameters that are expected to be adhered by the people or the organisations working in the particular country. Culture resembles the religion that is followed by the people or the taste of music or clothing. Culture is a national identity and it has vital role to play in any such activity that is related to the people or the country. If the case of the multi-national companies is taken into consideration, it has to be said that when a company operates in another country apart from its homeland, it is important to consider the culture of the people of the host country as well. It is the only way of understanding the people of the country and how well the particular company can operate in that particular business environment . As stated by Zhang and Harzing (2016), the world has globalised and in the age of globalisation where the companies are no longer keeping themselves confined within a particular area or country but is going global. In such cases, culture of the host country plays an influencing role in an expressive form. It has to be understood that globalisation has even accelerated and intensified the flow of capital, labour as well as information. In order to homogenising the impact of the globalisation, it is important to cope up with the culture of the people of the particular hot country as well. In the article, Bcker et al. (2014) has highlighted how India and China have grown up to be the hub for hiring employees for the major multinational organisations from UK and USA. Considering the easy availability of skilled and cheap labour as well as the market size and demand, many organisations have been found to expand their business in these two countries. In doing so, these companies have defin itely considered the importance and the impact of the culture of these countries. Again, Bcker et al. (2014) commented that if these companies do not abide by the culture of these host countries, the success of the companies remain in turmoil condition. Impact of culture of host country over the multi-national companies: As commented by Harzing and Pudelko (2016), it has been quite a long time when the only objective of a multi-national company is just to follow the legal regulations of the host country in order to stay immune in the area of operation. There was no such scope of undertaking the importance of the culture that is followed in the host country because this factor does not fall under the consideration of making profitability of the company. When a company expands its business operation overseas or utilises the labourers those are available in the host company, it is equally important to consider the culture of the host country because the culture will have some positive or negative implications on the multi-national company. In the view point of Kostova et al. (2016), culture of a country is its intrinsic property and it definitely impact any activity that is associated with the culture of the country. The number of countries that are going global is very high. Every company or organisati on is finding better ways and opportunities to expand its business that would eventually lead to greater profitability of the business (Zhang and Harzing 2016). In such activities, the companies will have to face certain challenges in its business activity; aligning with the culture of the host country is one such challenge that is often faced by many companies in its business operations. In order to create a positive impact of the culture of the host country over the multinational organisation, it is important to carry out a detailed investigation of the particular market or the host country and then formulate the business strategy accordingly. It would provide a better opportunity for the multinational companies to operate in the host country. In this respect, Beugelsdijk et al. (2014) added that the expansion of an organisation takes place for various reasons, but culture of a country plays a vital role in overall business activities. The importance of considering the culture of the host country becomes important if the company wants to target the population of the country as their target market. For instance, when a product based company want to expand its business in other countries considering better market opportunities, the importance of understanding the culture of the people or the country becomes very important (Froese et al. 2016). For other reasons like u sing the labours or the space of the country, understanding the culture of the country might not hold great importance but it help to avoid certain unnecessary problems or conflicts that can occur at later stage of the business activity (Zhang and Harzing 2016). Thus, no matter what remains the purpose of entering into a host country of a multinational company, conducting a detailed research of the market and abiding by the culture of the organisation is important. Positive and negative effect of following the culture of the host countries on the multinational companies: The major motives of the multination companies to go global and operate in some other countries are either to use the labours of the particular country or to expand its business in global boundaries. In both the cases, culture of the country holds great importance and the multinational companies are expected to abide by the culture of the host country in order to avoid any kind of problems or issues that might take place while operating in the particular business market. In the view point of Deresky (2017), placing culture at the heart of the business activity will promote integration in the society. The business strategy of an organisation also includes the business strategies. Organisational culture is also a part of the business strategy that helps to integrate the people or the employees of the organisation. Thus, shaping an organisational culture should remain the primary priority at the time of setting the organisational strategy. As commented by Lu et al. (2014), if an organis ation operating in another country fails to adopt the culture of the host country, the company has to suffer. The reason behind this is that the employees, market and even the consumers are from the host country and so it is important to go alike with the culture of the country. Failure to this will lead to loss of uniqueness of the local culture that might lead to exclusion of the company and can even result in conflict among the companies and the communities. Thus, keeping a balance of the entire practice of setting the organisational culture by following the culture of the host country is important (Zhang and Harzing 2016). In the article, Narula and Pineli (2016) have argued that it is not always necessary to align the corporate culture or abide by the culture of the country where the particular organisation works. Keeping this point under consideration, same has provided the example of how Apple Inc. Works in the market of China. It has been pointed out that the Companys main operation in China is to manufacture the parts of the phones and other devices (Froese et al. 2016). In such cases, the company has a manufacturing hub and the process is carried on there. Thus, there is no such importance of abiding by the culture of the country as its business activities are limited to a particular operation area. However, there should always be a sense of responsibility and adaptability among the organisation in order to carry out the organisational activities in a decent and peaceful way (Beugelsdijk et al. 2014). Failing to which will lead to mismanagement and at times can lead to conflict among the employee s and the organisation as well (Harzing et al. 2016). It might be difficult for an organisation to align with the dominant culture of the host country but in the age of globalisation, these problems are no longer considered to be challenging enough and that the organisations have to come up with better strategies to operate in other foreign lands. Conclusion The findings of the literature review have lead to the conclusion that aligning the organisation activities of a multinational company with the culture of the host country is a vital component. In fact, in order to carry out the business activities in another country, it is expected to carry out a detailed research on the host country and then aligning the business activities according to the culture of the country. If this is done by the multinational companies, there would remain better chances of survival of the company in the host country and at the same time it would be able to fulfil its business objectives as well. References: Beugelsdijk, S., Slangen, A., Maseland, R. and Onrust, M., 2014. The impact of homehost cultural distance on foreign affiliate sales: The moderating role of cultural variation within host countries.Journal of Business Research,67(8), pp.1638-1646. Bcker, J.J., Furrer, O., Poutsma, E. and Buyens, D., 2014. The impact of cultural intelligence on communication effectiveness, job satisfaction and anxiety for Chinese host country managers working for foreign multinationals.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,25(14), pp.2068-2087. Deresky, H., 2017.International management: Managing across borders and cultures. Pearson Education India. Froese, F.J., Kim, K. and Eng, A., 2016. Language, cultural intelligence, and inpatriate turnover intentions: Leveraging values in multinational corporations through inpatriates.Management International Review,56(2), pp.283-301. Harzing, A.W. and Pudelko, M., 2016. Do we need to distance ourselves from the distance concept? Why home and host country context might matter more than (cultural) distance.Management International Review,56(1), pp.1-34. Harzing, A.W., Pudelko, M. and Sebastian Reiche, B., 2016. The bridging role of expatriates and inpatriates in knowledge transfer in multinational corporations.Human Resource Management,55(4), pp.679-695. Kostova, T., Nell, P.C. and Hoenen, A.K., 2016. Understanding agency problems in headquarters-subsidiary relationships in multinational corporations: a contextualized model.Journal of Management, p.0149206316648383. Lu, J., Liu, X., Wright, M. and Filatotchev, I., 2014. International experience and FDI location choices of Chinese firms: The moderating effects of home country government support and host country institutions.Journal of International Business Studies,45(4), pp.428-449. Narula, R. and Pineli, A., 2016.Multinational Enterprises and Economic Development in Host Countries: What We Know and What We Dont Know(No. jhd-dp2016-01). Henley Business School, Reading University. Zhang, L.E. and Harzing, A.W., 2016. From dilemmatic struggle to legitimized indifference: Expatriates host country language learning and its impact on the expatriate-HCE relationship.Journal of World Business,51(5), pp.774-786.

A short quiz Essays

A short quiz Essays A short quiz Essay A short quiz Essay In todays society, many are not aware that they fall In a category of personality regarding the self. The more one tries to answer the questions about their self, the more one beings looking further Into their self. From Walker Percy essay, A Short Quiz, the following paragraphs will include explanations of three of Perrys selves: the cosmological self, the role-taking self, and the scientific and artistic self. The cosmological self can be identified as one of the most common selves in todays youth. The self is either conscious of itself or only conscious of itself insofar s its identity with a cosmological myth or a classificatory system (14). In public media, many artist make appearances which leave a large Impact on people. Such include, first, Justine Bibber. He began singing In the corner of streets to catch the attention of those who walked by and ended up selling millions of records by the side of many other famous musical artists. Through the journey of finding his self, he brought along his fellow believers, or devoted followers. These followers felt as if identifying themselves as a believer, they would receive as well as give some sort of raise or recognition. Not only does the cosmological self apply to one person, but It also applies to a group of people. Take the Dodgers for example. The Dodgers are primarily famous throughout the Hispanic communities but also in California itself since that team has been placed there. As commuters are driving down the freeways in California, they are most likely to drive by a billboard with three large words printed across, Live, Breathe, Blue. Automatically, the word blue is affiliated with the Dodgers, being that their team color is blue. This billboard contrasts two important incepts, living and breathing, to the the color blue,which as discussed appertains to the Dodgers. The self ls_. _ only conscious of Itself Insofar as Its Identity with A classificatory system (14). In this way, people try to find themselves through the classification of others. And finally, the most common cosmological self, astrological signs. Various question the effect astrological signs have on the readers views of themselves. Astrological signs play a large role in many lives today. In a sense, it helps todays world to find themselves. The key phrase in that sentence Is in a ensue. The reality Is that astrological signs, as well as idols such as Justine Bibber and the Dodgers, are only used to fill up the empty space In ones mind which holds the definition of that persons self. The second of Percy selves is the role-taking self. One sociological view of the self is that the self achieves its identity by taking roles and modeling its own from the roles of others (15). A natural example of this is the relationship between a child and their parent. A childs first words generally originate from their parents speech. A arena may consistently ask the child If they want milk, a toy, or even their father. This occasionally results in the development of a childs first word. As a teenager, they begin to acquire some habits, good and bad, from their parents. This includes speech, organization, and work habits. As an adult, they may choose to raise their child in accordance to their parents early decisions. In all, a child imitating their parent Is typical in the role-taking self. A contrasting bond may take place in an employee to trainer setting. As there is no natural, or blood, relation In this type of mains the same. And finally, the role-taking self between a player and their coach. Not many people have the opportunity to experience the relationship between a player and their coach. It is what is commonly known as a love/hate relationship. The day a player win their match, race, or game, they are in love with their coach. But that love never last longer than two days when that player is back on the field or court wishing they had left the scene when they had the chance. Despite the adversities present in the role-taking self, it provides a template which one can always rely on. The third and final of Perrys selves is the scientific and artistic self. That self which is so totally absorbed in the pursuit of art or science as to be selfless. (16) To be selfless is to be concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with ones own. (ODD) There are two famous modern artists who fall into this category. The first is Stefan Joanne Germantown, openly known as Lady Gaga. She was rejected ma ny times before finally getting signed on a record deal which eventually led her to her millions. Her selfless led her to this point. She never gave up on herself because he knew that her music would change the lives of many. The second artist is without a doubt Mile Cyrus. In the pursuit of art, she has completely and utterly changed her whole lifestyle. She went from holding teddy bears and dreaming of rainbows to wearing teddy bears and visualizing rainbows. And last but not least the world famous Albert Einstein. His persistence can truly be marked as a perfect example for anyone fighting for what they know is right. Despite all the attempts to put him down and shut him up, Einstein continued to humbly research and discover wonders of the roll while locals roared about his obvious differences to normal society. True selflessness can be learned from the examples of Albert Einstein as well as Lady Gaga and Mile Cyrus in the scientific and artistic self. Muff have spent a lifetime with yourself, live in the century of the Self, and therefore ought to know yourself best of all (12). In his essay, Percy mentions that anyone can explore for their true self but no one will find it. The cosmological self, the role-taking self, and the scientific and artistic self all reflect Walker Perrys ideas on how people live and act in todays culture.

Free Essays on Mt. Vesuvius

For eight hundred years, Mt. Vesuvius, a volanco in what is now southern Italy, lay dormant. One clear August day in 79AD, however, it exploded with unbelievable force, darkening the sky and filling the air with flying rocks, poisonous gas and ash that swiftly buried the city of Pompeii and two other nearby towns. Ironically, the destruction of Pompeii by volcanic eruption also preserved it for later study. This research paper will examine what happened during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and what has been discovered about daily life in the Roman Empire by systematic archaeological excavations. Pompeii was a beautiful and important city in the Roman Empire located in what is now Campania, Italy. It was about six miles from Mt. Vesuvius, and covered about 160 acres laid out like a modern city. Its population was about 20,000 people. It was important of Pompeii economically because it produced wine, fruit, and garam, a fish. (Burgan 15) Although no one knew it, the earthquake of 62 AD should have been a warning sign of later tragedy. Around February 5th the town felt the ground moving and trembling. They thought soon realized it was an earthquake. Buildings that were unstable were collapsing. The cistem at the Vesuvian Gate broke and cascades of water flooded into the town. The Temple of Jupiter was damaged, statues were crashed and many homes were wrecked. (Andrews 44) No one heeded the warnings that occurred shortly before the tragic eruption of August 24th. Pompeiians noticed some wells and springs were dry and thought gods were displeased with them. The people of Pompeii also felt mild tremons also August 20th, the sea boiled and the ground shook again. (Andrews 44) Mt. Vesuvius literally blew its top on the clear calm morning of August 24th. In high atmosphere particles of magma expanded and released poisonous gases. According to scientist Harald Sigurrdson, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was one of the largest explosio... Free Essays on Mt. Vesuvius Free Essays on Mt. Vesuvius Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in southern Italy, near the bay of Naples and the city of Naples. It is the only active volcano on the European mainland. Vesuvius rises to a height of 1277m (4190 ft). Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is probably the most famous volcano on earth, and is one of the most dangerous. Mount Vesuvius is a strato-volcano consisting of a volcanic cone (Gran Cono) that was built within a summit caldera (Mount Somma). The Somma-Vesuvius complex has formed over the last 25,000 years by means of a sequence of eruptions of variable explosiveness, ranging from the quiet lava outpourings that characterized much of the latest activity (for example from 1881 to 1899 and from 1926 to 1930) to the explosive Plinian eruptions, including the one that destroyed Pompeii and killed thousands of people in 79 A.D. At least seven Plinian eruptions have been identified in the eruptive history of Somma-Vesuvius (1). Each was preceded by a long period of stillness, which in the case of the 79 A.D. eruption lasted about 700 years. These eruptions were fed by viscous water-rich phonotitic to tephritic phonolitic magmas that appear to have differentiated in shallow crustal conditions. They are believed to have slowly filled a reservoir where differentiation was driven by compositional convection. A minimum depth of about 3 km was inferred for the top of the magmatic reservoir from mineral equilibria of metamorphic carbonate ejecta (2). Fluid inclusions ([CO.sub.2] and [H.sub.2]O-[CO.sub.2]) in clinopyroxenes from cumulate and nodules indicate a trapping pressure of 1.0 to 2.5 kbar at about 1200 [degrees]C, suggesting that these minerals crystallized at depths of 4 to 10 km (3). The differentiated magma fraction was about 30% of the total magma in the reservoir, and a volume of about 2 to 3 [km.sup.3] was inferred for the reservoir (4). The magma ascent to the surface occurred through a conduit of possibly 70 to 100 m in diameter (5). A thermal ... Free Essays on Mt. Vesuvius For eight hundred years, Mt. Vesuvius, a volanco in what is now southern Italy, lay dormant. One clear August day in 79AD, however, it exploded with unbelievable force, darkening the sky and filling the air with flying rocks, poisonous gas and ash that swiftly buried the city of Pompeii and two other nearby towns. Ironically, the destruction of Pompeii by volcanic eruption also preserved it for later study. This research paper will examine what happened during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and what has been discovered about daily life in the Roman Empire by systematic archaeological excavations. Pompeii was a beautiful and important city in the Roman Empire located in what is now Campania, Italy. It was about six miles from Mt. Vesuvius, and covered about 160 acres laid out like a modern city. Its population was about 20,000 people. It was important of Pompeii economically because it produced wine, fruit, and garam, a fish. (Burgan 15) Although no one knew it, the earthquake of 62 AD should have been a warning sign of later tragedy. Around February 5th the town felt the ground moving and trembling. They thought soon realized it was an earthquake. Buildings that were unstable were collapsing. The cistem at the Vesuvian Gate broke and cascades of water flooded into the town. The Temple of Jupiter was damaged, statues were crashed and many homes were wrecked. (Andrews 44) No one heeded the warnings that occurred shortly before the tragic eruption of August 24th. Pompeiians noticed some wells and springs were dry and thought gods were displeased with them. The people of Pompeii also felt mild tremons also August 20th, the sea boiled and the ground shook again. (Andrews 44) Mt. Vesuvius literally blew its top on the clear calm morning of August 24th. In high atmosphere particles of magma expanded and released poisonous gases. According to scientist Harald Sigurrdson, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was one of the largest explosio...

Political and economic corruption in Africa and China Research Paper

Political and economic corruption in Africa and China - Research Paper Example The science and technology has eased the living standards of human generation and more luxuries are incorporated to the human life. All these luxuries are expensive and a normal person cannot enjoy such things in his life span without earning something from illegal sources. The thirst for better living standards and luxury has forced people to keep a blind eye towards morality and to run after money. Corruption always negatively impacts the society. The money meant for the growth of the society going into the pockets of some individuals is not good for the well being of the society. Corruption will increase the distance between the poor and the rich further and hence the social equality can never be achieved. No country or society is free from corruption. Even the socialist republics like china and Cuba where equality in living standards offered to the citizens, are not free from corruption. On the other hand democratic countries like India and America are also victims of immense corruption. African countries are generally considered as economically poor countries, but the intensity of corruption in this region is extremely huge. Only when we analyze the corruptions in two different countries, politically, socially and economically, we will get all the dimensions of corruption and hence China and Africa is taken as the examples to study various perspectives of corruption â€Å"The linkage between corruption and poor governance is well established. Corruption undermines the economic and political foundations of a modern state and hinders the growth of trade and investment needed for development. This is particularly true in Africa, where fragile public institutions, weak civil society organizations, the lack of an independent judiciary, inadequately paid civil servants and hiring and promotion systems that are not merit-based all interact to create a climate in which corruption can flourish.† (USAIDs Anti-Corruption Initiative in Africa) Most of the

Marine Liability Insurance and Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marine Liability Insurance and Law - Essay Example On the other hand, oil is leaking from the bunker tank of MV Othership, but it is proceeding to Singapore under own power. The collision occurred at 0613 Hrs, local time, when visibility was good and there was a wind variable force of 2. This may imply that one of the ship’s navigation equipment might have been faulty. From the records, both ships, MV Puffin and MV Othership have Hull and Machinery insurance, under standard Institute Clauses-Hull terms. It is also probable that these vessels do not have Liability Insurance and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance. Hull and machinery insurance covers the ship itself, the equipment on board, including propulsion and auxiliary machinery, cargo handling and navigation equipment (NEPIA, 2013). It also provides cover for the ship’s contribution to general average and salvage and part of the liability for damage to another ship in collision. On the other hand, Protection and Indemnity (P& I) insurance covers third party li abilities (NEPIA, 2013). The situation requires that the owners of the entered ships should take necessary steps to mitigate the hazards and prevent further losses from occurring. For instance, damage of MV Puffin’s bow and MV Othership’s bunker tank and hull amidships may pose great risks, if mitigation steps are not taken. Secondly, two MV Puffin crew members have been slightly injured while three crew members of MV Othership have been injured. Also, second-hand cars and trucks in forward spaces of MV Puffin have been damaged while pallets of canned foods in number 3’ tween deck of MV Othership have been damaged. This means that each of the two vessels has caused injury to people, and damage to property involving third parties. Therefore, there is third party liability involved in this situation. b) Initial Advice to the Owner of the Entered Ships MV Puffin in Relation to ensuring that Safety Obligations have been carried out The owner of the entered ships, MV Puffin has to take necessary steps to ensure that safety obligations have been carried out. The fact that crew members of the two vessels have been injured, and that MV Puffin’s bow has been damaged and that oil is leaking from the bunker tank of MV Othership, may imply that there are health and safety risks exist. The following advice and recommendations on how to ensure compliance with safety obligations may be helpful. First, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, section one, requires that the ship operator should provide for safe practices in ship operation and safe working environment (NEPIA, 2013). Therefore, the ship operator should establish safeguards against all identified risks, after correctly identifying the risks associated with this situation. This can be done by observing loss prevention through good practices and procedures, which should be applied to prevent occurrence of incidents that may lead to further loss (NEPIA, 2013).The operators should a lso seek to minimise the severity of the consequences when incidents occur. Secondly, this accident and all associated hazardous situations should be reported to the company. The ISM Code, section 9, requires that all non-conformities, hazardous situations and accidents should be reported to the company (NEPIA, 2013). This collision involving MV Puffin and MV Othership should be analysed. The accident should also be investigations so as to improve safety and prevent pollution. This

Identifying a Research-Worthy Problem Assignment

Identifying a Research-Worthy Problem - Assignment Example It is unfortunate that the school administrators who are charged with the responsibility of using school funds, either misuse, embezzle or abuse them. This has caused a lot of havoc to the ordinary American children who entirely depend on public education (Starr, 2014). Therefore, this paper will be about a research on the misappropriation of school funds by the public school administrators. Unlike private schools which are sponsored by their owners or supported by the fees levied directly from the learners, public schools need to get resources from the local, state and federal government. Without such interventions, they might not get money to use in running their day to day activities. The little money they get from tuition and catering services are not sufficient to sustain them throughout the year (Radin, 2006). Since each school has diverse needs and preferences, it would be better if their administrators are given an opportunity to have a direct control over their expenditure. They use such opportunities to identify priority areas and allocate them enough funds. According to the Department of Education, more than $500 of school funds have been misused, embezzled or abused since the year 1998. This has been proven by the unending scandals involving school principals and administrators since all along. Among these cases have been evidenced in schools like New Colonial High School, Kingsville High School and Springfield School in which the administrators were charged for stealing school funds. For instance, on her part, Olga Amaral of Springfield School, San Diego, was charged for using school money as gifts to her relatives and friends. Her action was so detrimental since it made the school to be unable to fully support its essential activities for which it was established. Although they are expected to be accountable for their school budgets, many of them can not effectively do so. This, in the long run, ends up affecting the

Evaluate Student Satisfaction With Different Course Modules Nursing Essay

Evaluate Student Satisfaction With Different Course Modules Nursing Essay To define the drivers of student opinions and satisfaction, one needs to initially understand the role of student in an educational setting in terms of academic life. Educational institutions worldwide use the form of satisfaction questionnaires to investigate student views, therefore this is the student satisfaction measurement conducted for masters programme (MSc International Business Management) to develop the programme and to improve the student satisfaction levels. According to Kotler, the rapid development in education industry, significant increases in colleges and universities and demographic shift in the population may force the universities to think about the role of student satisfaction for their strategic improvement and survival in the competitive education industry (Kotler Fox, 1995). According to (Crawford,1991) in UK Higher Education (HE) institutions students were considered to be primary customers of a university even before they were liable for payment of fees as direct recipients to service provided by a one year masters degree programme made up of number of modules at each level. So it confirms the status of students as customers and there is scope in this evaluation to include students experiences rather than limiting it only to assessment of quality of teaching and learning (Aldridge Rowley, 1998) According to statistics which indicates that more than 40 % of all entrants leave higher education without earning a degree, 75% of the students drop out in first two years of college and more recent 46.2% of freshmen do not graduate from college (Kara DE shields, 2004) So based on statistics we can see how important for university administrators and researchers to focus their attentions on service quality which gives rise to student satisfaction for better chance to compete Satisfying the students to retain them is important for educational universities. It might be argued that dissatisfied students may slash back on number of courses or drop out of university completely. The main aim of the study is to critically analyse the student satisfaction levels and quality dimensions in assessing the MSc International Business Management (IBM) programme. 1.1 Background of the Industry: Liverpool John Moores University have 180 years of experiences in delivering high quality superior educational services and have 24,000 students plus 4500 oversees students of which 4100 are pursuing their post graduation education. Since the majority of the student are pursuing their under graduate education and only 17% student are post graduate or masters education there is a chance that post graduate student may be left dissatisfied. To measure the satisfaction level there is a need of undertaking a research it offers full range of post graduate and under graduate programs, of which MSc International Business Management is one which is recently launched in the year 2009 so total eight students were enrolled in the first batch September intake. It is a post graduate program to provide theoretical and practical perspective on International Business Management issues, to enhance students potential with in todays dynamic behavior environment. This program has been designed to develop , achieve aims and objectives by integrating skills and academic knowledge with case studies taken from real world situation it has a range of assessment methods selected to be appropriate to what is being taught, and designed as far as possible to reflect the real-world tasks. These include written reports, individual reflection, class tests, group presentations, and dissertation. The analytical nature of the programme, particularly at the Research project stage, will require students to investigate a business or management problem that require independent research and the synthesis of acquired knowledge and data to address the problem (www.ljmu.ac.uk). The main intention is to critically appraise the student satisfaction levels, service quality and the development of the programme. 1.2 Problem Statement: As IBM is newly introduced programme in LJMU the student expectations are not up to level of satisfaction due to lack of in sufficient students enrolled in this programme and the tuition fees is also high and the time tables arranged were not up to satisfaction due to work life balance with studies and students part time jobs author want to critically analyze the student satisfaction quality levels in new course. 1.3 Research Aim: The main aim of the research is to critically appraise student satisfaction levels in MSc International Business Management (IBM), service quality measurement and to develop the programme at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). 1.4 Research Objectives: To investigate and evaluate student satisfaction with course modules of perceived program quality To investigate and evaluate student satisfaction with perceived quality of life with academic facilities and support To investigate the perceived quality of outcomes To propose recommendations to improve student satisfaction levels 2. LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review is a concise step by step guide to conducting a literature search (Ridley, 2008). 2.1 Student Satisfaction: According to (Danielson, 1998) student satisfaction refers to the attraction, pride, or positive feeling that students develop towards the program. But according to Kotler and Clarke (1987) defines satisfaction as a state felt by person who has experience performance that fulfils his or her expectation. According to (Stike, 1984) suggested that level of students positive feeling is associated with students being able to find adequate resources to meet their academic and social interests. But according to previous studies shows that students who report positive academic and social experiences expressed greater satisfaction with overall college experience. Interaction between faculty members and students is also a factor affecting student satisfaction in academic experiences (Tinto, 1993) which implies sufficient and positive faculty student interaction will contribute to overall student satisfaction (Danielson, 1998). The most student satisfaction studies focuses on perspective of customer oriented, researchers facing the problem of creating standard definition for student satisfaction which provides a basic need of theory to be selected and modified so that it can explain the meaning of student satisfaction. Even though there is a high risk involved in marketing place of higher education, there is a new moral prerogative that students have become customers as fees payers (Tuition Fees) which has a reasonable demand that their views be heard and acted upon (William,2002). 2.2 Service Quality in Higher Education: Quality may be defined as idea that quality has to be judged on assessment of user or consumer of the service. The focus on quality in services in this research is a broad aspect particularly service in higher education as it plays a key role in improving its services throughout the globe were urged to operate more commercially, quality been identified as core ingredient to success. Owlia Aspinwall (1996) pointed out that in order to measure quality, characteristics of quality need to be identified first. Whereas Cheng Tam (1997) emphasizes importance of defining characteristics of quality for measurement of education process. Zhao (2003) proposed the quality of a university online education to be evaluated from stand point of its course effectiveness, academic satisfaction and student satisfaction. But Devinder and Datta (2003) argue that organizations which want to deliver quality program and services to students must be concerned with every aspect of student experiences and support on campus. Quality in education not only includes lecturers, note taking and guidance but also includes student experience while interacting with various non academic personal components in university. Jones Suh (2000) concludes that transaction specific satisfaction influences overall satisfaction, repurchase retention. In fact students also found to place great importance degree acceptance and university reputation in selection of university and the course program (Chun, 2005). By taking different views into consideration the definition and dimensions of quality, researchers vary in measurement standards as they measure service quality used customer satisfaction as indicator for quality. 2.3 Conceptual Service Quality Models in Higher Education: From the past decades various service quality models were used and practised to cover the aspects of conventional services to latest web services, so total 19 service models were used so as quality management of higher education was handled differently from manufacturing industries. Popular service quality models were practised by business world. E.g: TQM has been applied to schools and universities in U.K and U.S.A According to (Chua, 2004) a model called SERVQUAL was used to measure the quality in education which is a well known fact that service quality is influenced by attitude and behaviour of a service customer. There are three methods available to measure the service quality in education First method adapts the SERVQUAL instrument second uses methods for assessing the quality of teaching and learning and the third method for assessing quality of the total experience. SERVQUAL is the well know tool to measure the satisfaction and the perception on the service quality. But according to (Jabnoun Al-saad, 2004) SERVQUAL is based on 5 quality dimensions which includes Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy. So it is best used for 5 point Likert scale to measure the student satisfaction and improve their satisfaction levels and development of the program. 3. METHODOLOGY According to (Kumar, 2005) methodology refers to the theoretical analysis of the methods appropriate to the area of investigation. The research is beneficial in two ways that is to maintain the whole research controlled, unbiased and straight forward and secondly to ensure that the audience conviction will be that the script is accurate and convincing. Research is seeking through methodological processes that adds to ones own body of knowledge and to that of others, by discovery of nontrivial facts and insight (Sharp, Peters and Howard, 2002) and have different layers and acknowledged as Research Process Onion and it is illustrated in Appendix (4), which consists of research philosophy, research approach, In order to improve the quality of the research (Saunders, Adrian Thornhill, 2003) explain that the research processes research strategies, time horizons and finally data collection methods 3.1 Research Approach: A research hypothesis refers to a pattern or a model for research. It involves the philosophy of research, practices of research, preferences of practices and beliefs and identification of research questions (Denscombe, 2010). According to (Leedy Ormrod, 2001) methodology is just an operating frame work within which the facts are placed so that they can be accurately measured, observed and interpreted, thereby find a solution. It is something that people undertake in order to find out new things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge. The research must be developed in such a way that it is able to make out and get all the key information which will help finding result for the research conducted. To be able to ascertain the aims of the research, it was envisaged mixed methods research design. According to Creswell Plano Clark (2007) mixed method research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing and mixing both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study to understand the research problem. By assessing both outcomes of qualitative and quantitative process we can develop a complex picture of social phenomenon (Greene Caracelli, 1997). The researcher uses Triangulation mixed methods design (Jick, 1979) in order to gathers both qualitative and quantitative data, analyzes both datasets separately, compares the results from the analysis of both datasets, and makes an interpretation as to whether the results support or contradict each other. Qualitative approaches to data collection, analysis and report writing differ from then traditional, quantitative approaches. Use of purposeful sampling, collection of open ended data, analysis of text or pictures, representation of information in figures and tables, and personal interpretation of the findings all inform qualitative procedures (Creswell, Research Design, 2003) Qualitative research lacks internal validity; qualitative analysis is not designed with an end goal of generalising to large group of population of people, times and settings (Charles Robert, 2009). Whereas the process involved in Quantitative methods are of collecting, analyzing, interpreting and writing the results of study. Specific methods exist in both survey and experimental research that relate to the sample and population, specifying the strategy of inquiry, collecting and analysing data, presenting the results, making an interpretation, and writing the research in a manner consistent with a survey or experimental study(Charles Robert, 2009). According to Hammersely and Martyn (1989) qualitative data analysis should not be viewed as a distinct stage in research but then it continues throughout the research from problem formulation to final writing up. The data that is being analyzed should not only be made of primary data collected from field work but also the relevant secondary data should be taken into account. This meaning is true for any analysis either qualitative or quantitative. The data analysis consists of three elements data reduction, displaying the data and drawing the conclusion and these are the same for any research (Miles and Huberman, 1994). For finding meaningful data in the gathered information surely the process of analyzation must include interpretation but not just techniques. Although there are similarities between different types of analysis it should be recognized that the selection of the analyzation technique depends on the type of research being done. 3.1.1 Data Collection: As (Morse Richards, 2002) point out, the volume of data that qualitative researchers must manager is enormous. Researchers tell stories of drowning in data of stacking piles of data in their basements, or of not being able to use their dining room table for several months while the process of analysis in ongoing. The clear explained in a detail way please refer Appendix (5). 4. METHODS The following methods and procedures will be used to collect data for Quantitative Analysis Qualitative Analysis 4.1 Quantitative Analysis: 4.1.1 Questionnaire Survey: 4.1.2 Questionnaire Design: Questionnaire provides a more structured approach to gathering data for quantitative analysis. It is a series of written question for which the respondent provides answers. A well defined questionnaire motivation the respondent to provide complete and accurate information (Sharp, Peters Howard, 2002). The survey questionnaire should not be viewed as a standalone tool. Along with questionnaire there is field work rewards for the respondents and communication aids, all of which are important components of the questionnaire process. The strength of closed questions is that they are quick to complete and analysis; the weakness is that the data obtained may be very superficial. Open questions allow the possibility of asking deeper questions and obtaining unanticipated perspective on an issue, but the corresponding weakness is that completion and analysis can be difficult and time consuming (Smith, Thorpe Lowe, 2006) 4.1.3 Sample selection: Sample selection is sub-group of population which is taken to represent the entire population. Most important feature of a sample is it is representative and displaying similar characteristics to the population as a whole they may be totally random or may be stratified to ensure that there are sufficient cases from each category example male/female students, different faculties, levels, modes of study. A purposive sample is the one where the researcher deliberately selects cases which are considered to be representative or relevant (Creswell J.W, 2008) In this instance the target population is that of those students enrolled on the post graduation MSc IBM program at LJMU and the sample population will be selected from this group. Quantitative analysis conducted for students in MSc International Business Management(IBM) by using 5 point Likert scale statements were presented to students they agree or disagree with in them on five point scale from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree and then total numerical value can be calculated using response. It consists of total 50 questions one through eight were concerned with gathering demographic data. Question 9 to 20 focused on Course content Assessment. Question 21 to 30 focused on Facilities. Question 31 to 40 focused on Lecturer Faculty. Question 41 to 50 focused on Social Activities Student support 4.1.4 Questionnaire Collection: The Questionnaires will be handed out within university to all the MSC IBM students to complete questionnaire. Complete questionnaire will be collected and then all information from questionnaires is imported and coded in to SPSS. Since the time scale is involved we will design the survey is survey monkey and also send the web page link via email. Statistical package for analysis and hypothesis were tested using analysis of variance that is ANOVA which is used to uncover the effects of independent variables on an interval dependent variable. This procedure employs the statistic (F) to test the statistical significance of the differences among the obtained means of two or more random samples from the given population where statistic (F) is a ratio, which if sufficiently larger than 1, indicates that the observed differences among the obtained means are statistically significant. It is important to note here, however the samples were not random, which reduces the generalization of our results. 4.2 Qualitative Analysis: Qualitative analysis was conducted on group of four students in MSc International Business Management (IBM) at LJMU based on Sample selection, Interviews, Interview preparation and setting and analyzing the interview. 4.2.1 Sample Selection: This piece of research will be carried by interviewing the students of MSc IBM group management. Total there were 25 students enrolled for this program out of 25 a group of four students were selected for interview process. Prior to the interview the organization permissions will be sorted and their ethical considerations will be abided and held confidential in the course of research. 4.2.2 Interviews: The author will carry out an interview with group of four students will be interviewed and data will be collected regarding the factors what they feel that are responsible for organization success and so on. The researcher will carry on a semi-structured interview where the researcher has a list of questions or fairly specific topics to be covered. Questions may not follow on the way outlined on the schedule. Questions that are not included on the list may be asked as they pick on things said by the interviewers. 4.2.3 Interview Preparation and Setting: As individual will design the questions as per the literature review because as he is the student representative for MSc IBM program in order to identify the appropriate questions. Prior to the interview pilot interviews will be done. The questions will be reviewed by experienced people as what is straight forward to you as the investigator may be baffling to another person not fully in the picture. Sometimes you are too close to something and others can be more objective (Wragg.E.C, 1978). The Interviewer will inform the participants before the date of interview and requests them to arrange a comfortable location for the interview. The interview will be a one-to-one interview. The answers will be recorded in a camcorder borrowed from the university. 4.2.4 Analyzing the Interview: All the interviewed information will be loaded into the computer and saved in RTF so that it can be loaded into the (QSRNvivo) where it can be analyzed. Then the necessary nodes will be developed by the individual and formulated to generate the necessary themes. 4.3 Instrument Reliability and Validity: A goal of good research is to have measures that are reliable several factors can result in unreliable data. To determine the form of reliability, the researcher test at two different times to same participants at a sufficient time interval. Validity means that the individuals scores from an instrument which enables the researcher to draw attention about conclusion. In quantitative analysis the questionnaire was designed by using survey monkey software tool through web services. Questions added to the survey were directly derived from existing literature pertaining to student satisfaction and course program evaluation because this survey was designed significantly to adapt the technology used in web based courses, the researcher performed a reliability analysis after data collection phase. The researcher will use an interval scale of a parametric test and he shall code words in numbers and further the program will examine the information and it will generate complex statistical resul ts in a reliable way. Utilising a t-test analysis for the questionnaires, an evaluation of means (gender and age) will be done. A value of p The data was examined according to statistical assumptions by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. In order to examine linearity, several bivariate scatter plots were generated and examined which reveals abnormalities between variables due to instrument being a Likert scale. The Pearson correlative coefficient was examined to correlation matrix in order to determine multi co linearity. In order to this pilot studies were performed in order to establish reliability and validity of the instrument. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to subtract factors relevant to student satisfaction to examine construct validity of satisfaction survey which includes Demographic data, Course content Assessment, Facilities, Lecturer Faculty, Social activities student support 5. RESEARCH SUITABILITY The researcher has software background from Computer Science Engineering and is currently pursuing his Masters in MSc International Business Management (IBM) at Liverpool john Moores university. Since author is doing research on the same university where he is studying and he is the student representative for that program with his experience as a student he is well known about students opinions and suggestions, so it makes him easier to collect all the required information and in taking interviews and having questionnaire with students .Author have knowledge in research as he done coursework as a part of study where he collected some statistical data .Author also feels that SUPERVISOR is the key resource to the success of research he wants to take guidelines of supervisor and keep in contact with supervisor physically or via mails. Through the self experiences of author by all his observations about student satisfaction and quality of studies in LJMU he feels that definitely this is an interesting area. 6. TIME SCALE AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT A draft of the project plan is showed in the appendix. The time taken by the research will be determined by the cross sectional time horizon i.e., the research will be based on the information gathered in a short period from group of students in LJMU. Coming to the resources required, all the travelling expenses will be beared by the researcher himself and the survey and questionnaire is carried out in university from group of people. The time line of the project starts on the 15th of June 2010 and goes through the various steps involved such as the literature review, the quantitative and qualitative research involving interviews, the collection and analysis of the data regarding the cases studied, report preparation, meeting with the supervisor and finally leading to the submission which has been set tentatively to the first week of December. The time factor is going to be the most important and decisive factor determining the execution of the dissertation 7. ETHICAL ISSUES Please refer appendix (1). 8. RESEARCH ORGINALITY There are very limited amount of researches available in this topic with concept of student satisfaction and development of the MSc International Business Management (IBM) program at LJMU University, researcher being a student representative research has a potential opportunity to provide a new view in student satisfaction which examines different dimensions in the Service Quality, satisfaction levels. More over this research used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Researcher feels that this research can provide the problems in MSc International Management program, satisfaction levels and the development of the program. 9. PROTOCOL Please refer appendix (2). 10. Bibliography

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay -- To Kill a Mockingbird Essa

Prejudice has caused the pain and suffering of others for many centuries. Some examples of this include the Holocaust and slavery in the United States. In to Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee racism was the cause of much agony to the blacks of a segregated South. Along with blacks, other groups of people are judged unfairly just because of their difference from others. The prejudice and bigotry of society causes the victimization of people with differences. Some who are discriminated against are those who are born differently than the majority. One person that is treated unfairly is Calpurnia, as you can see when Aunt Alexandra tried to get Atticus to fire Calpurnia, because in her eyes, Calpurnia wasn't a good enough female role model (p.136). This is a prejudice action, because Calpurnia is as good as a role model as Aunt Alexandra, if not better. Aunt Alexandra is a bigot and doesn't see the character of Calpurnia, just the color of her skin. Another person who is treated like an inferior is Scout by her teacher, because she knew how to read. "She discovered that I was literate and looked at me with more than faint distaste. (p.17)." Scout is treated like it is her fault that she knows more than the average child did. She learned earlier than others so she gets punished unjustly. Tom Robinson is also one who is discriminated by a biased community. Tom is found guilty by the jury in his case against the Ewells (p.211). The guilty verdict is a direct result of a racist...

The Golden Lily Chapter 6

â€Å"YOU SHOOK HIS HAND?† Adrian asked incredulously. I shot an accusing look at Eddie and Angeline. â€Å"Is nothing private around here?† â€Å"No,† said Angeline, as bluntly honest as ever. Eddie actually chuckled. It was a rare moment of camaraderie between them. â€Å"Was it supposed to be a secret?† he asked. We were over at Clarence Donahue's house for Jill and Adrian's biweekly blood feedings. Jill was off right now with Clarence's human housekeeper, Dorothy, who doubled as his feeder. I could take a lot of Moroi things in stride now, but drinking blood – human blood – made me shudder every time. My best coping mechanism was trying to forget why we were here. â€Å"No,† I admitted. Julia and Kristin had grilled me for date details a couple of days ago, so I'd given them some. I supposed I had to accept that once I told them anything, it would inevitably get back to everyone in the world. No doubt my Amberwood family had then passed it on to Adrian. â€Å"Really?† Adrian was still hung up on the end of my date. â€Å"His hand?† I sighed and sank back into a sleek leather sofa. Clarence's house always reminded me of some stereotypical haunted manor from the outside – but inside it was modern and well furnished. â€Å"Look, it just happened – okay, you know what? Never mind. This is none of your business. Just let it go.† But something in Adrian's expression told me he would not, in fact, be letting it go anytime soon. â€Å"With all that red-hot passion, it's a wonder you guys can stay away from each other,† said Adrian, deadpan. â€Å"Is there going to be a second date?† Eddie and Angeline looked at me expectantly. I hesitated. This was information I hadn't given up to Julia and Kristin, largely because it had only just been arranged. â€Å"Yes,† I said at last. â€Å"We're going on a, um, windmill tour later this week.† If I'd wanted to shut them all up, I'd definitely succeeded. They all looked stunned. Adrian spoke first. â€Å"I'm going to assume that means he's flying you to Amsterdam on his private jet. If so, I'd like to come along. But not for the windmills.† â€Å"There's a huge windmill farm north of Palm Springs,† I explained. â€Å"It's one of the only ones in the world that does public tours.† More blank looks. â€Å"Wind energy is a powerful renewable resource that could have a huge impact on our country's future!† I said in exasperation. â€Å"This is a cool thing.† â€Å"‘Cool,'† said Adrian. â€Å"‘Wind.' I see what you did there, Sage. Pretty clever.† â€Å"It wasn't meant to be a – â€Å" The sitting room's stained glass French doors opened, and Dimitri and Sonya entered with our host Clarence in tow. I hadn't seen him since I arrived and gave him a polite smile, glad for the distraction from my so-called love life. â€Å"Hello, Mr. Donahue,† I said. â€Å"It's nice to see you again.† â€Å"Eh?† The elderly Moroi man squinted in my direction, and after a few moments, recognition lit his features. He had white hair and always dressed as though he were at a formal dinner party from about fifty years ago. â€Å"There you are. Glad you could stop by, my dear. What brings you over?† â€Å"Jill's feeding, sir.† We did this two times every week, but Clarence's mind wasn't quite what it used to be. He'd been pretty scattered since we first met, but the death of his son, Lee, had seemed to push the old man even farther over the edge – particularly since he didn't seem to believe it. We'd told him gently – a number of times – that Lee had died, leaving out the Strigoi part. Each time we did, Clarence insisted Lee was just â€Å"away right now† and would be back. Scattered or not, Clarence was always kind and relatively harmless – for a vampire, of course. â€Å"Ah, yes, naturally.† He settled into his massive armchair and then glanced back toward Dimitri and Sonya. â€Å"So you'll be able to fix the window locks?† There had apparently been some other discussion going on before they joined us. Dimitri seemed to be trying to find a nice way to respond. He was as amazing to look at as ever, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, with a long leather duster over it all. How anyone could survive wearing a coat like that in Palm Springs was beyond me, but if anyone could, I supposed it was him. Usually he only wore it inside, but sometimes, I'd see it outside too. I'd mentioned this odd wardrobe choice to Adrian a couple of weeks ago: â€Å"Isn't Dimitri hot?† Adrian's response hadn't been entirely unexpected: â€Å"Well, yeah, according to most women, at least.† Dimitri's face was the picture of politeness as he addressed Clarence's concerns. â€Å"I don't believe there's anything wrong with the ones you have,† Dimitri said. â€Å"Everything is sealed up pretty tightly.† â€Å"So it seems,† said Clarence ominously. â€Å"But you don't know how resourceful they are. I'm not behind the times, you know. I know there are all sorts of technologies out there that you can put in. Like lasers that tell you if someone's breaking in.† Dimitri arched an eyebrow. â€Å"You mean a security system?† â€Å"Yes, exactly,† said Clarence. â€Å"That'll keep the hunters out.† This turn in conversation wasn't exactly a surprise to me. Clarence's paranoia had also increased recently – and that was saying something. He lived in constant fear of what he claimed were vampire hunters, humans who†¦ well, hunted vampires. For the longest time, he'd claimed they were responsible for his niece's death and that reports of her being killed by a Strigoi were incorrect. It turned out he was half-right. Her death hadn't been the result of a Strigoi attack – it had been caused by Lee, in a desperate attempt to change back from a Moroi to a Strigoi. Clarence refused to accept that, however, and persisted in his beliefs about the hunters. My assurances that the Alchemists had no records of any groups like that existing since the Middle Ages hadn't gone very far. Consequently, Clarence was always making people do â€Å"security checks† of his house. Since Sonya a nd Dimitri were actually staying with him throughout the experimentation, that tedious task often fell to them. â€Å"I'm not really qualified to install a security system,† said Dimitri. â€Å"Really? There's something you can't do?† Adrian's voice was so soft that I could barely hear him, and he was sitting right next to me. I doubted even the others, with their superior hearing, could've made out his words. Why does he still let Dimitri get to him? I wondered. â€Å"You'd have to call professionals,† Dimitri continued to Clarence. â€Å"I'm guessing you wouldn't want a bunch of strangers coming in and out of your house.† Clarence frowned. â€Å"That's true. It'd be very easy for the hunters to infiltrate them.† Dimitri was the picture of patience. â€Å"I'll do daily checks of all the doors and windows while I'm here – just to be sure.† â€Å"That would be wonderful,† said Clarence, some of his tension easing. â€Å"Admittedly, I'm not really the hunters' usual type. Not dangerous enough. Not anymore.† He chuckled to himself. â€Å"Still. You never know what could happen. Best to be safe.† Sonya gave him a gentle smile. â€Å"I'm sure everything will be fine. You have nothing to worry about.† Clarence met her eyes, and after a few seconds, a smile slowly spread over his face as well. His rigid posture slackened. â€Å"Yes, yes. You're right. Nothing to worry about.† I shivered. I'd been around Moroi enough to know what had happened. Sonya had just used compulsion – only a whisper of it – to calm Clarence. Compulsion, the ability to force your will on others, was a skill all Moroi possessed to varying degrees. Spirit users were the strongest, rivaling Strigoi. Using compulsion on others was taboo among the Moroi, and there were serious consequences for those who abused it. I was guessing Moroi authorities would overlook her soothing a nervous old man, but the small act still unsettled me. Compulsion in particular had always struck me as one of the most insidious Moroi powers. And had Sonya really needed to use it? She was already so kind and soothing. Wouldn't that be enough for Clarence? Sometimes I wondered if they just used magic for the sake of doing so. Sometimes I wondered if it was being used around me†¦ without me even knowing. Clarence's talk of vampire hunters always triggered a mix of amusement and unease around everyone. With him pacified (even if I didn't like the means), we were all able to relax a little bit. Sonya leaned back against the loveseat, drinking some fruity drink that looked perfect on a hot day like this. From her dirty clothes and haphazard hairstyling, I was willing to bet she'd been outside – not that she still didn't look beautiful. Most Moroi avoided this kind of intense sun, but her love of plants was so great that she'd been risking it to work on some of the ailing flowers in Clarence's garden. Heavy sunscreen could work wonders. â€Å"I'm not going to be around much longer,† she told us. â€Å"A few more weeks at most. I need to go back and work on some wedding plans with Mikhail.† â€Å"When's the big day again?† Adrian asked. She smiled. â€Å"It's in December.† That surprised me until she added, â€Å"There's a huge, tropical greenhouse near the Court that we're going to use. It's gorgeous – not that it matters. Mikhail and I could be married anywhere. All that counts is that we're together. Of course, if we're able to choose, then why not go all out?† Even I smiled at that. Leave it to Sonya to find a spot of green in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter. â€Å"Dimitri may stay on,† she continued. â€Å"But it'd be great if we could make some kind of progress before I go. The aura tests so far have been†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Useless?† suggested Adrian. â€Å"I was going to say inconclusive,† she replied. Adrian shook his head. â€Å"So all that time we spent was wasted?† Sonya didn't answer and instead took another sip of her drink. I was willing to bet it was non-alcoholic – she didn't self-medicate the way Adrian did – and that Dorothy could make me one if I wanted. Yet, I was also willing to bet it was terrible for me. Maybe I'd see if there was any Diet Coke in the kitchen. Sonya leaned forward, an eager glint in her eye. â€Å"Dimitri and I were talking and realized there's something obvious we've been missing. Actually, I should say avoiding, but not pursuing it would be a waste.† â€Å"What's that?† asked Adrian. â€Å"Blood,† said Dimitri. I winced. I didn't like it when this topic came up. It reminded me of exactly what kind of people I was with. â€Å"Obviously, there's something about restored Strigoi that protects them – us,† he said. â€Å"We've looked for magical signs, but the answer might be more physical. And from the report I read, the Strigoi had trouble drinking ll – his blood.† Dimitri had been about to say Lee, but had amended his choice out of respect for Clarence. The old man's dazed, happy look made it hard to tell if he understood what we were discussing at all. â€Å"They complained about it,† I agreed. â€Å"But that didn't seem to stop them from drinking it.† Strigoi could be forcibly created if a Strigoi drained a victim's blood and then fed Strigoi blood back to him or her. Lee had asked Strigoi to do this for him, but all draining him had achieved was death. â€Å"We'd like to take a sample of Dimitri's blood and then compare it to yours, Eddie,† said Sonya. â€Å"Blood can hold all sorts of magical properties, which might show us how to fight Strigoi.† I kept my face as blank as possible, praying no one would notice me. Blood can hold all sorts of magical properties. Hopefully, in all this talk, no one would recall the mystery of why my blood was inexplicably revolting to Strigoi. And really, why should they? I'd never been restored. I wasn't a dhampir. There was no reason at all they'd want me in these experiments. And yet, if that was true, why was I suddenly sweating? â€Å"We can send it to a lab for the chemical part and try to read any magical properties off it too,† Sonya continued. She sounded apologetic, but Eddie didn't look concerned. â€Å"No problem,† he said. â€Å"Whatever you need.† He meant it too, I knew. Losing blood was a million times easier for him than being inactive. Besides, he probably lost more blood in daily practice than he'd even need to give up for this experiment. â€Å"If you need another dhampir,† said Angeline. â€Å"You can use me too. Me and Eddie could help you. We'd be a team. Sydney wouldn't have to keep coming along, especially now that she's got a boyfriend.† There were so many things wrong with that, I didn't know where to start. The confidence Eddie had shown over giving blood vanished at â€Å"we'd be a team.† â€Å"We'll consider it,† said Sonya. There was a sparkle in her eye, and I remembered her saying she could see affection in auras. Could she detect Angeline's crush? â€Å"For now, I'd rather not take you away from your schoolwork. It's less important for Eddie since he's already graduated, but you should keep up with it.† Angeline looked unhappy about that. She'd had a number of difficulties with her classes, not to mention some outright embarrassments – like when she'd been asked to create a map of Central America and had shown up with one of Nebraska and Kansas. She put on a cocky face, but I knew Amberwood overwhelmed her sometimes. Jill joined us, looking bright and refreshed. Ideally, Moroi drank blood every day. They could survive on this twice-a-week schedule, but I'd noticed that Jill grew tired and rundown the farther she got from feedings. â€Å"Your turn, Adrian,† she said. He was yawning and looked startled at being noticed. I don't think he'd really been interested in Sonya's blood experiments. As he stood up, he glanced over at me. â€Å"Will you walk with me a sec, Sage?† Before I could even lodge my protest, he said, â€Å"Don't worry, I'm not taking you to the feeding. I just want to ask you a quick question.† I nodded and followed him out of the room. As soon as we were away from the others, I said, â€Å"I do not want to hear any more ‘witty' commentary on Brayden.† â€Å"My commentary's hilarious, not witty. But that's not what I wanted to talk about.† He came to a halt in the hallway, outside what I suspected was Dorothy's room. â€Å"So, it seems my old man's coming to San Diego on business next weekend.† I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms, already getting a bad feeling about this. â€Å"He doesn't know why I'm here, of course, or that I'm with Jill. He doesn't even know what city I'm in. He just thinks I'm partying in California, up to no good as usual.† I wasn't surprised that Mr. Ivashkov wouldn't know the true reason for Adrian being here. Jill's â€Å"resurrection† was top secret, as were her whereabouts. We couldn't risk any extra people – not even someone who might not mean her harm – finding out where she was. What did surprise me was that Adrian was working so hard to act like he didn't care what his father thought – but he obviously did. Adrian's face was convincing, but there was a note of bitterness in his voice that gave him away. â€Å"Anyway,† Adrian continued, â€Å"he said he'd meet me for lunch if I wanted. Normally, I'd blow it off†¦ but I'd kind of like to know what's going on with my mom – they never tell me when I call or e-mail.† Again, I picked up mixed emotions from him. Adrian's mother was serving time in a Moroi prison for crimes of intrigue. You wouldn't know it by his cocky attitude and sense of humor, but it must have been hard on him. â€Å"Let me guess,† I said. â€Å"You want to borrow my car.† I was sympathetic to those with difficult fathers, even Adrian. But my compassion only went so far and didn't extend to Latte. I couldn't risk any dents. Besides, the idea of being stuck without any way to get around scared me, especially when vampires were involved. â€Å"No way,† he said. â€Å"I know better than that.† He did? â€Å"Then what do you want?† I asked, surprised. â€Å"I was hoping you'd drive me.† I groaned. â€Å"Adrian, it takes two hours to get there.† â€Å"It's pretty much a straight shot down the highway,† he pointed out. â€Å"And I figured you'd drive a four-hour round-trip before giving up your car to someone else.† I eyed him. â€Å"That's true.† He took a step closer, a disconcertingly earnest expression all over his face. â€Å"Please, Sage. I know it's a lot to ask, so I'm not even going to pretend you'd benefit. I mean, you can spend the day in San Diego doing whatever you want. It's not the same as going to see solar panels or whatever with Brady, but I'd owe you – literally and figuratively. I'll pay you gas money.† â€Å"It's Brayden, and where in the world would you get gas money?† Adrian lived on a very tight allowance his father gave him. It was part of why Adrian was taking college classes, in the hopes that he'd get financial aid next semester and have a bit more of an income. I admired that, though if we were all actually still in Palm Springs come January, it'd mean the Moroi had some serious political problems. â€Å"I†¦ I'd cut back on things to come up with the extra money,† he said after a few moments of hesitation. I didn't bother hiding my surprise. â€Å"Things† most likely meant alcohol and cigarettes, which was where his meager allowance usually went. â€Å"Really?† I asked. â€Å"You'd give up drinking to go see your dad?† â€Å"Well, not permanently,† he said. â€Å"That'd be ridiculous. But maybe I could switch to something slightly cheaper for a while. Like†¦ slushes. Do you know how much I love those? Cherry, especially.† â€Å"Um, no,† I said. Adrian was easily distractible by wacky topics and shiny objects. â€Å"They're pure sugar.† â€Å"Pure deliciousness, you mean. I haven't had a good one in ages.† â€Å"You're getting off topic,† I pointed out. â€Å"Oh. Right. Well, whether I have to go on a slush-based diet or whatever, you'll get your money. And that's the other reason†¦ I'm kind of hoping the old man might agree to up my income. You probably don't believe it, but I hate always borrowing from you. It's easy for my dad to dodge phone calls, but face-to-face? He can't escape. Plus, he thinks it's more ‘manly' and ‘respectable' to ask for something directly. Classic Nathan Ivashkov honor.† Once again, the bitterness. Maybe a little anger. I studied Adrian for a long time as I thought about my next response. The hall was dim, giving him the advantage. He could probably see me perfectly while some details were more difficult for me. Those green, green eyes I so often admired in spite of myself simply looked dark now. The pain on his face, however, was all too apparent. He hadn't yet learned to hide his feelings from Jill and the bond, but I knew he kept that lazy, devil-may-care attitude on for the rest of the world – well, for everyone except me lately. This wasn't the first time I'd seen him vulnerable, and it seemed weird to me that I, of all people, was the one he kept baring his emotions to. Or was it weird? Maybe this was just my social ineptitude confusing me again. Regardless, it pulled at something within me. â€Å"Is that really what this is about? The money?† I asked, tucking my other questions aside. â€Å"You don't like him. There has to be something more here.† â€Å"The money's a big part. But I meant what I said earlier†¦ about my mom. I need to know how she is, and he won't tell me about her. Honestly, I think he just wants to pretend it never happened – either for that reputation of his or maybe†¦ maybe because it hurts him. I don't know, but like I said, he can't dodge if I'm right there. Plus†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Adrian glanced away a moment before mustering the courage to meet my eyes again. â€Å"I don't know. It's stupid. But I thought†¦ well, maybe he'd be impressed that I was sticking to college this time. Probably not, though.† My heart ached for him, and I suspected that last part – earning his dad's approval – was bigger than Adrian was letting on. I knew all about what it was like to have a father who continually judged, whom nothing was ever good enough for. I understood as well the warring emotions†¦ how one day you could say you didn't care, yet be yearning for approval the next. And I certainly understood motherly attachment. One of the hardest parts of being in Palm Springs was the distance from my mom and sisters. â€Å"Why me?† I blurted out. I hadn't meant to touch on those earlier questions, but I suddenly couldn't help myself. There was too much tension here, too much emotion. â€Å"You could've asked Sonya or Dimitri to drive you. They probably would've even let you borrow their rental car.† The ghost of a smile flashed across Adrian's face. â€Å"I don't know about that. And I think you know why I don't want to risk being trapped in a car with our Russian friend. As for the rest†¦ I don't know, Sage. There's something about you†¦ you don't judge like the others. I mean, you do. You're more judgmental than any of them in some ways. But there's an honesty to it. I feel†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The smile left his face as he faltered for words. â€Å"Comfortable around you, I guess.† There was no way I could stand against that, though I find it ironic he was allegedly most comfortable around me when Moroi gave me panic attacks half the time. You don't have to help, an inner voice warned me. You don't owe him anything. You don't owe any Moroi anything that isn't absolutely necessary. Have you forgotten Keith? This isn't a part of your job. The bunker came back to me, and I recalled how one vampire deal had landed Keith in Reeducation. How much worse was I? Social interaction was an inevitable part of this assignment, but I was blurring all the lines around it again. â€Å"Okay,† I said. â€Å"I'll do it. E-mail me what time you need to leave.† That's when the funniest part came. He looked totally floored. â€Å"Really?† I couldn't help but laugh. â€Å"You gave me that whole pitch and didn't really think I'd agree, did you?† â€Å"No,† he admitted, still clearly amazed. â€Å"I can't always tell with you. I cheat with people, you know. I mean, I'm good at reading faces, but I pick up a lot from auras and act like I just have amazing insight. I haven't learned to totally understand humans, though. You've got the same colors but a different feel.† Auras didn't weird me out as much as other vampire magic, but I still wasn't entirely comfortable with them. â€Å"What color is mine?† â€Å"Yellow, of course.† â€Å"Of course?† â€Å"Smart, analytic types usually have yellow. You've got a little purple here and there, though.† Even in the dimness, I could see a mischievous spark in his eyes. â€Å"That's what makes you interesting.† â€Å"What's purple mean?† Adrian put his hand on the door. â€Å"Gotta go, Sage. Don't want to keep Dorothy waiting.† â€Å"Come on. Tell me what purple is.† I was so curious, I nearly grabbed his arm. He turned the knob. â€Å"I will if you want to join us.† â€Å"Adrian – â€Å" Laughing, he disappeared inside the room and shut the door. With a shake of my head, I started to return to the others and then decided to seek out my Diet Coke after all. I lingered with it in the kitchen for a while, leaning against the granite countertops and staring absentmindedly at the brilliant copper pots hanging from the ceiling. Why had I agreed to drive Adrian? What was it about him that managed to crack all the propriety and logic I built my life around? I understood why I often had a soft spot for Jill. She reminded me of my younger sister, Zoe. But Adrian? He wasn't like anyone I knew. In fact, I was fairly certain there was no one in the entire world quite like Adrian Ivashkov. I delayed so long that when I returned to the living room, Adrian was on his way back too. I sat down on the couch, nursing the last of my Diet Coke. Sonya brightened upon seeing me. â€Å"Sydney, we just had a wonderful idea.† Maybe I wasn't always the quickest in picking up social cues, but I did notice this wonderful idea was addressed to me, and not Adrian and me. â€Å"We were just talking about the reports from the night of the†¦ incident.† She gave Clarence a meaningful look, and I nodded in understanding. â€Å"Both the Moroi and the Alchemists said the Strigoi had trouble with your blood too, correct?† I stiffened, not liking this at all. It was a conversation I'd lived in fear of. The Strigoi who'd killed Lee hadn't just had â€Å"trouble† with my blood. Lee's had tasted strange to them. Mine had been disgusting. The one who'd tried to drink from me hadn't been able to tolerate it at all. She'd even spit it out. â€Å"Yes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I said carefully. â€Å"Obviously, you're not a restored Strigoi,† said Sonya. â€Å"But we'd like to take a look at your blood too. Maybe there's something about it that could help us. A small sample should suffice.† All eyes were on me, even Clarence's. The room started to close in as a familiar panic filled me. I had thought a lot about why the Strigoi hadn't liked my blood – actually, I'd tried to avoid thinking about it. I didn't want to believe there was anything special about me. There couldn't be. I didn't want to attract anyone's attention. It was one thing to facilitate these experiments and another to actually be a subject. If they wanted me for one test, they might want me for something else. And then something else. I'd end up locked away, poked and prodded. There was also the fact that I just didn't want to give up my blood. It didn't matter that I liked Sonya and Dimitri. It didn't matter that the blood would be drawn with a needle, not teeth. The basic concept was still there, a taboo stemming from the most rudimentary of Alchemist beliefs: giving blood to vampires was wrong. It was my blood. Mine. No one – especially vampires – had any business with it. I swallowed, hoping I didn't look like I wanted to bolt. â€Å"It was only one Strigoi's opinion. And you know they don't like humans as well as†¦ you guys.† That was part of why the Moroi lived in such fear and had seen their numbers reduced over time. They were the creme de la creme of Strigoi cuisine. â€Å"That's probably all it was.† â€Å"Perhaps,† said Sonya. â€Å"But there's no harm done in checking.† Her face was alight with this new idea. I hated turning her down†¦ but my principles on this matter were too strong. It was everything I'd been raised to believe. â€Å"I think it's a waste of time,† I said. â€Å"We know spirit has to be involved, and I have no connection to that.† â€Å"I do think it would be helpful,† she said. â€Å"Please.† Helpful? From her point of view, yes. She wanted to rule out every possibility. But my blood had nothing to do with Strigoi conversions. It couldn't. â€Å"I†¦ I'd rather not.† A tame response, considering the emotions churning inside me. My heart was starting to race, and the walls were still closing in on me. My anxiety increased as I was visited by an old feeling, the awful realization that I was outnumbered here at Clarence's. That it was me and a roomful of vampires and dhampirs. Unnatural creatures. Unnatural creatures who wanted my blood†¦ Dimitri studied me curiously. â€Å"It won't hurt, if that's what you're afraid of. We don't need any more than what a doctor would take.† I shook my head adamantly. â€Å"No.† â€Å"Both Sonya and I have training in this sort of thing,† he added, trying to reassure me. â€Å"You don't have to worry about – â€Å" â€Å"She said no, okay?† All the eyes that had been on me suddenly jerked toward Adrian. He leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Sonya and Dimitri, and I saw something in those pretty eyes I'd never seen before: anger. They were like emerald fire. â€Å"How many times does she have to refuse?† Adrian demanded. â€Å"If she doesn't want to, then that's all there is to it. This has nothing to do with her. This is our science project. She's here to protect Jill and has plenty to do there. So stop harassing her already!† â€Å"‘Harassing' is kind of a strong word,† Dimitri said, calm in the face of Adrian's outburst. â€Å"Not when you keep pushing someone who wants to be left alone,† countered Adrian. He shot me a concerned look before fixing his anger back on Sonya and Dimitri. â€Å"Stop ganging up on her.† Sonya glanced uncertainly between us. She looked legitimately hurt. As astute as she was, I don't think she'd realized how much this bothered me. â€Å"Adrian†¦ Sydney†¦ we aren't trying to upset anyone. We just really want to get to the bottom of this. I thought all of you did too. Sydney's always been so supportive.† â€Å"It doesn't matter,† growled Adrian. â€Å"Take Eddie's blood. Take Belikov's blood. Take your own for all I care. But if she doesn't want to give hers, then that's all there is to it. She said no. This conversation is done.† Some distant part of me noticed that this was the first time I'd ever seen Adrian stand up to Dimitri. Usually, Adrian simply tried to ignore the other man – and hoped to be ignored in return. â€Å"But – † began Sonya. â€Å"Let it go,† said Dimitri. His expression was always difficult to read, but there was a gentleness in his voice. â€Å"Adrian's right.† Unsurprisingly, the room was a little tense after that. There were a few halting attempts at small talk that I hardly noticed. My heart was still in overtime, my breath still coming fast. I worked hard to calm down, reassuring myself that the conversation was done, that Sonya and Dimitri weren't going to interrogate me or forcibly drain my blood. I dared a peek at Adrian. He no longer looked angry, but there was still a fierceness there. It was almost†¦ protective. A strange, warm feeling swirled in my chest, and for a brief moment, when I looked at him, I saw†¦ safety. That wasn't usually the first sentiment I had around him. I shot him what I hoped was a grateful look. He gave me a small nod in return. He knows, I realized. He knows how I feel about vampires. Of course, everyone knew. Alchemists made no secret about how we believed most vampires and dhampirs were dark creatures who had no business interacting with humans. Because I was with them so often, however, I didn't think my cohort here in Palm Springs really understood how deeply that belief ran. They understood it in theory but didn't really feel it. They had no reason to since they hardly ever saw any evidence of it in me. But Adrian understood. I didn't know how, but he did. I thought back on the handful of times I'd freaked out around them since being in Palm Springs. Once had been at a mini-golf course when Jill had used her water magic. Another time had been with the Strigoi and Lee, when Adrian had offered to heal me with his magic. Those were small lapses of control for me, ones none of the others had even noticed. Adrian had. How was it that Adrian Ivashkov, who never seemed to take anything seriously, was the only one among these â€Å"responsible† people who had paid attention to such small details? How was he the only one to really understand the magnitude of what I was feeling? When the time came to leave, I drove Adrian home along with the rest of us Amberwood students. More silence persisted in the car. Once Adrian had been dropped off, Eddie relaxed and shook his head. â€Å"Man. I don't think I've ever seen Adrian so mad. Actually, I've never seen Adrian mad at all.† â€Å"He wasn't that mad,† I said evasively, eyes on the road. â€Å"He seemed pretty mad to me,† said Angeline. â€Å"I thought he was going to jump up and attack Dimitri.† Eddie scoffed. â€Å"I don't think it was going to quite reach that point.† â€Å"I dunno,† she mused. â€Å"I think he was ready to take on anyone who messed with you, Sydney.† I continued staring ahead, refusing to look at any of them. The whole encounter had left me feeling confused. Why had Adrian protected me? â€Å"I offered to do him a favor next weekend,† I said. â€Å"I think he feels like he owes me.† Jill, sitting beside me in the passenger seat, had been quiet thus far. With the bond, she might know the answer. â€Å"No,† she said, a puzzled note in her voice. â€Å"He would have done it for you regardless.†