BUSINESS PROJECT MANAGEMENT Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

BUSINESS PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Assignment Example Secondly, it was supposed to be completed in 2001 and ended up being completed in late 2004 after a prior completion period of 2005 had been rescinded and pushed back to that time in 2004. The building was to play host to a total of 129 members of the Scottish parliament and more than 1000 workers as well as civil servants. Its building and construction had been controversial right from the start. The points of controversy lay with the location choice, the design, the architect and the entire construction; everything was fully criticised. An enquiry into why the project took that long was construed and determined that the project was all flawed right from the start to the end in terms of management, finance, competence of the project management and many other aspects and issues. The location details are to it that the building was supposed to be erected on a 1.6 ha piece of land and located just 1 km east of the city of Edinburg. The Spanish architect sought a design that was representative of the national identity. This issue of design was the beginning of the project problems given that the design was delivered late and not in line with the requirements of the project previous historical requirements. Suffice is to say, what was discovered was a complex non-hierarchical low lying, organic collection of buildings that intended to integrate the environment and Scottish people. The building was later found out to be a complex of several buildings with varying designs of architecture including a section providing accommodation for the members of parliament, their staff and researchers. Many features were attached to the building and this made it very expensive attracting critical acclaim from the people and other leaders including some members of parliament t hat used it. The estimation cost of the building was put to the bar way back in 1997 before the ideal construction started. However, it was noted

Oxford Don and Half Caste Essay Example for Free

Oxford Don and Half Caste Essay The poems, Listen Mr. Oxford Don and Half Caste were both written by John Agard, and in both of these poems, Agard challenges the status quo. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, he challenges the use of language and in Half Caste, he challenges views of ethnicity. In the poem Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard characterizes Mr. Oxford Don as the Guardian of English, and the idea of a person who uses the correct form of English. In this poem, Agard challenges the view that Standard English is the correct form of English, and other forms of English are of a lesser status. In the poem Half Caste, Agard challenges the reader prejudices towards people of mixed ethnicity. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard uses repetition of particular words and imagery to help him convey his ideas. He uses the phrase, is a dangerous one twice in the poem. He also uses sentence like, I ent have no gun to create the image of violence. Words such as, bashing and slashing are also used by Agard which suggest him being very threatening. The reason that Agard creates all these violent images is because he wants us to know that hes a peaceful man, but he can be very dangerous if people think that English has to be spoken in a particular way. Unlike Listen Mr. Oxford Don, in Half Caste Agard concentrates more on using imagery to make his point. An example of imagery used by Agard, when yu say half-caste yu mean tchaikovsky mix a black key wid a white key? Here, Agard is saying to the reader that Tchaikovsky uses both white and black notes, but no one calls him half caste because hes respected by others. Agard is asking the reader that if you can mix a black and white key, then why cant you be of mixed race? As the poem goes on, Agard carries on using examples to make his point, but this time it relates to his body. He says, why I offer yu half-a-hand an when I sleep at night I close half-a-eye. Hes saying this in a way that he can only have half a hand and half an eye because hes half caste or half made. When people call him half caste, hes offended because its like saying that hes not a complete human being, hes only half made. He wants these people to review the term half caste, and think about it before using as its the wrong term to use. Agard uses non-standard English in Listen Mr. Oxford Don. He uses a lot of double negatives for example, Me not no Oxford Don. Many of his spellings also comes from the Caribbean dialect: de, dont, ent, etc. Both double negatives and Caribbean dialect spellings are informal and non-standard. The purpose of him using these words is to show that hes against the academics because he knows that the academics would never write in a non-standard way like this. Agard also uses colloquial language, Im not a violent man Mr. Oxford Don. This type of language is used to speak not to write so its informal and non-standard. Agard uses non-standard English throughout the poem; this shows that hes unashamed to use it, and shows that hes challenging Standard English which is the accepted form of English. Alternatively, in Half Caste, non-standard English is used for different reasons. In this poem, Agard also uses words from the Caribbean dialect, for example, dem, yu, etc, but the effect of this is to show that hes not fully English and hes of a mixed race. Agard also uses the direct address; he refers to himself as I and refers to the reader as you as shown in this quotation, but yu must come back tomorrow wid de whole of yu eye an I will tell yu de other half of my story. Agard makes the reader feel as though the point is being made directly to them, and makes them feel more challenged that if they want to hear another half of his story, they need to be more open minded. Most importantly, they must not judge people because of their race. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, theres no clear structure to the poem. There is not the same number of lines in each stanza, and theres no fixed number of syllables in each line like there would be in a Standard English poem. He also doesnt use any form of punctuation, and he even adds a slash in the middle of the line: to split/ up yu syntax. This makes it even more non-standard because slash breaks the rhythm of the poem. All of these things shows the fact that he doesnt believe Standard English is the only form of English; there are other forms of English which are equally legitimate. In Half Caste, the lines throughout the poem are generally quite short, the effect of this is to make the poem go faster, and make us receive short quick messages. Agard also uses many commands, for example, Explain yuself wha yu mean when yu say half-caste. The effect of this is to grab peoples attention, but its also asking the reader what do we mean when we say half caste. Do we say it because we feel prejudiced towards people of mixed ethnicity? In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, the tone starts off lightly; this is when hes talking about who he is and where hes from. As the poem goes on, he begins to talk about violence, I ent have no gun, I ent have no knife. This is when his tone starts to become quite aggressive and threatening. After this he says, I dont need no hammer to mash up your grammar, his tone becomes even more threatening because he says that he will speak whatever he wants. The word mash up implies violence, Agard is threatening to destroy the English language. Unlike Listen Mr. Oxford Don, the tone of Half Caste is lighthearted, only towards the end of the poem that the tone starts to get serious. This is when he says that we need to give people full respect if we want to understand them completely as human beings. If were categorizing them into groups, were not giving them respect. In both of the poems, Agard uses clever humor to grab our attention, but at the same to provoke our preconceptions. Both of these poems are very political, and have a social impact. In Listen Mr. Oxford Don, Agard is challenging the traditional institutions to say that theres no such thing as the correct form of English anymore. Society has moved on, and now we need to embrace other forms of English language as well because we all have different dialects, but each dialect is as valid as the other. The traditional form of English doesnt mean its more superior or more acceptable in society. In Half Caste, Agard not only wants to address the reader, hes challenging the reader into questioning their own preconceptions and prejudices. Hes also getting them to think about the implications of the words they use, because most people do not know the full meaning of it, and do not realize the weight of what theyre saying. For example, the word half caste can seriously offend the people who are of mixed ethnicity.

Socio Cultural Impacts on Ethical Advertisement

Socio Cultural Impacts on Ethical Advertisement Advertising ethics affects the practice of our lives, and also the practice of business, in prominent ways. Advertising ethics concerns us all-academicians, ad agency personnel, advertisers, consumers, media personnel, and regulators-in one way or another. Moreover, advertising has become a race for creating a unique, cutting-edge, and enticing way of passing on relevant information to customers to facilitate and positively influence their buying decisions. Specifically, TV advertising has long focused on ethical choices faced by news practitioners as they deal with conflicting pressures and goals. Recent scholarly attention to media ethics has focused mainly on case studies of TV advertisers actions regarding such issues as invasion of privacy, ef ­fect of profit motive on advertisement content, and advertisers relationships to their sources Research Objectives Find the determinants that lead to unethical advertising Identify various impacts of unethical advertising on the organization Identify the social and cultural impacts of unethical advertising in particular To understand the importance of ethical advertising for business How ethical advertising is affected by the social and cultural values? Impacts of unethical advertising on the children Impacts of unethical advertising on the society and culture Reasons why firms get involve in unethical advertising To analyze the need of ethical advertising for business Literature review George M. Zinkhan (Sep1994) stated that buying behavior of consumers which is influenced by cultural and social factors include social class, family, demographics and geography. Culture is a combination of tangible factors and intangible values that articulate the lifestyle of a person. Social class is defined as the income group the individual belongs too which depends on the income earned, which determines buying behavior of a person. Reference group would usually include celebrities who endorse brands, members of the family and close friends etc. Family is totally different from the former ones because of the preferences, norms and values of a family in which the individual resides. Moreover the individuals buying decision is influenced by the ambience of his family and also values are grasped unconsciously in a particular family setting. Thus, the individuals buying decision is collectively and unconsciously is influenced by the family. Demographics are specific details about a p erson which include gender, income, age etc. this also include the geographical location of a person which influences the buying behavior of a person. Factors which can affect a persons decision making include climate, weather etc. These tangible and intangible factors affect the marketers in making ethical decisions about marketing. Bowie (2002) stated in his article that marketing ethics is subset of business ethics and deals with the application of moral standards marketing decisions, behaviors and also the institutions at large. Marketing ethics examine the moral issues that marketers faces in organizations. Important topics include advertising honesty and truthfulness, fairness in pricing, safety and liability and forthrightness in selling. During recent years positive developments in marketing ethics include recognition of the difference between normative, descriptive and analytical work in the field. Normative ethics deal with articulating and defending basic moral norms. Descriptive ethics deals with the scientific study of ethics conducted by social scientists while analytical marketing ethics include works that examine basic ethical marketing concepts and norms. Moreover there are five core virtues listed; integrity, fairness, trust, respect and empathy. These are relevant for marketing in a multi-cultu ral and multinational context. There are many different theories which were tested. Amongst them which received substantial attention is Kohlbergs theory of cognitive moral development (CMD).this study found out that marketing practitioners are similar to professional groups on the CMD scale and secondly highly educated female workers score highest on CMD and thirdly those marketers most advanced in moral reasoning also exhibit socially responsible attitudes and behavior. Marketers must accept moral responsibility for their strategies as well as for marketing efforts aimed at that segment. Cecilia (April 1999) stated in his article that in western countries conflicts between ethical/moral and social/economic values are observed. Many professionals see themselves disoriented concerning the correct attitude to take when facing dynamic and diversified possibilities for their marketing strategies. The explanatory study was conducted titled The Moral Themes in Advertising was conducted to know what actually the marketers think or what is their perception about the concept of ethics in their ethical performance, social responsibility in marketing and the standards and guidelines. This study was conducted through mailing questionnaires to 78 foreign countries. This questionnaire had 170 questions, most of them had to be rated 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest .The results were gathered and variance was analyzed. There were a lot of variations in the results of different countries. Some countries had more moral values and therefore were more ethical in their marketing strategies. The social uses do influence the human behavior, since they reflect and condition the values system of a society. The morality of these uses and means correspond to the dignity of the social and human nature. It justifies that advertisers and other marketing practitioners or professors throughout the world study a way of becoming more sensitive to the grave responsibility they assume, concerning their apparent alienation about ethical duties and obligations toward the citizens. Fritzsche (November 1995) stated in his article that personal values significantly influence the decision making process of a person. The article studies the relationship that exists between personal values and ethical dimensions of decisions. There are numerous studies that show that that personal value plays an important role in influencing the behavior of marketing managers. Studies also suggest that managers should be screened out on the basis of their values while hiring. The basic definition of values is defined as A value is a conception, explicit or implicit of the desirable that influences the selection from available modes, means and ends of action. Another definition states that a value is an enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct or end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse mode of conducts or end state of existence. Studies by numerous scholars suggest that behavior is a result of values and attitudes and that value p rovide a basis for the development of individual attitudes which lead to specific decision making. A personal value questionnaire was developed in England in which managers were asked to evaluate the performance of 66 values. This was measured on a success scale, a right scale and a pleasant scale, which showed a high variation in values of different people. Becker(November 1990) states in this article that ethical behavior of marketing managers can be examined by their reactions and responses to a varied sequence of ethical dilemmas presented to them. These include coercion and control, conflict of interest, physical environment paternalism and personal integrity. To conduct this study the respondents were selected from a random sample of 593 marketing practitioners from American Marketing Association.Memebers who were listed were either consultants or academics were not included in the sample. Total of 124 questionnaires were received and processed. The results were evaluated on three broad categories which were the individual, the individuals peer and the individuals top management. However there were some limitations to this study because the response rate was very low. Secondly the data was based on statements of what the respondents. The managers responded to coercion and control dilemmas differently than they responded to conflict of interest problems. This response in turn differed from their response to personal integrity dilemmas. The paternalism response did not differ significantly from either the conflict of interest or the personal integrity response. Therefore care should be taken when interpreting past and future empirical studies of ethical behavior to avoid generalizing across categories of ethical problems. Desmond (2004) stated in his article that regardless of argumentative concerns of marketing ethicists, a societal based morality continues to suffer because of marketing practices. This article in the light of ethicist and egoist elements of moral theory discovers the outcomes of marketing actions relative to the normative elements. Ethicists are the scholars arguing that better moral outcomes can be reached via the embodiment of the maxims of moral philosophy within management theory. Whereas egoists those who profess Adam Smiths view that the pursuit of different forms of self-interest will eventually lean towards the best, or least worst, of moral consequences in economic situations. Ahmed (May 1996) in this paper examines the features, similarities and differences in advertising expressions and strategies. The study is on a cross cultural analysis which compared USA a high context culture with India a low context culture. A random sample of advertisements were chosen for this research, consumer products were selected which were from nationally circulated newspaper and magazines of each country. The study found out that there are substantial differences in the advertisements produced by the two countries and reflections of their cultural values could be seen in their advertising expressions. Moreover it was revealed that US advertisements were direct, distinctive in which sexual portrayals of women were used whereas in Indian ads indirect style was used with combined visuals and stereotypical portrayals of women were more frequently used compared to US ads. Furthermore it has been said that most of the cross cultural empirical studies that have been conducted to date compared either two or more Western industrialized countries or Western and Eastern industrialized countries. Other cross cultural analysis were also conducted which compared US with UK. Every analysis showed a different and varied result. Hayman (September 1994) stated in his article that the practice of our lives and businesses is affected by advertising ethics in prominent ways. Advertising ethics concerns too many people which include consumers, academicians, ad agency personnel, advertisers, and media personnel somehow. Recent articles have scrutinized the ethicality of ads with exploitive appeals, persuasive appeals and stereotyped actors. Other articles studied the ethicality of ads for professional services, politicians or political causes and questionable products like cigarettes. Different tests were carried out which showed different results. Respondents said that they value funding constraints and concomitant reliance on convenience significantly more than other impediments. Moreover the use of dishonesty, advertisement for children, tobacco ads, use of stereotypes should also be avoided according to the respondent. Buijzen (2003) in his article introduced a model on the unintended effects of advertising and conducted tests to test the validity of three hypothesis about the impact of advertising on materialism, parent child conflict and unhappiness. It was observed that there was a moderate relationship between advertising and materialism and advertising and parent-child conflict however no significant relationship was found between unhappiness and advertising. Moreover it is stated that television advertisements aimed at children were a subject of concern in US and Europe in early 1970s. Furthermore it is discussed that effects of advertising directed toward children are based on two paradigms; paradigm of empowered child and paradigm of vulnerable child. In paradigm of empowered child, children are viewed as skilled consumers critically processing commercial messages whereas in paradigm of vulnerable child assumes that children lack cognitive skills to protect themselves against advertising m essages. It was also examined that children are more susceptible than adults to the seductive influence of commercials. Robert Bartels (1997) stated in his article that he contributed the first comprehensive model for ethics in marketing. This conceptualization of the variables that influence marketing ethics decision making determine the logical basis for marketers to determine what is right or wrong. In this article a schematic plan for analyzing the variables inherent in the ethics of decision making; and provided a framework for social and personal ethics in marketing decisions. This model was successful in outlining variables that influence ethical decision making, including participants, cultural influencers, role expectations, and the complexity of ethical decision making. Chapter 3: Methodology This section outlines and elaborates on the research and how it was conducted. It covers the details of the research design, methodology for collecting the data, population, questionnaire development and data analysis. 3.1 Research Design The aim of the paper is to figure out how Socio cultural factors affect ethical advertising. The basic idea is to equip ourselves with additional research on the phenomenon of consumer response with respect to unethical advertisements; this makes the research a basic research. Since the objective is to find socio cultural factors affect ethical advertisements, this research was termed as descriptive and casual in nature. 3.2 Data Collection Method Data can be collected from primary or secondary sources. A primary data refers to information collected firsthand by the researcher based on the variables of interest for the specific purpose of study. Whereas a secondary data refers to information collected from sources already existing. This research was based on primary data collection approach. Questionnaires were used for collecting data. Personally administered questionnaires were used. They were distributed to a total of 29 people of different ages, occupation and income. Once the questionnaires was filled they were collected from the respondent, the researcher was accompanying the respondent so that queries from respondent can be answered. The anonymity and confidentiality of the researcher and their responses was ensured and were analyzed at the aggregate level only. Close ended questions were used in the questionnaire which helped the respondents to make quick decisions to choose among the several alternative before them (Sekaran, 2000). Such type of questionnaires also helps the researcher to code the information easily for subsequent analysis. Likert-style rating scale was used; it consists of subsequent options: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. Different statements were made in the questions and respondents were asked the degree as to what they agree or disagree upon. 3.3 Questionnaire Development The layout of the questionnaire is very important to reduce the biases in the research (Sekaran, 2000); due to this the layout is kept simple and limited to 4 pages only. Questionnaire starts with an introduction of research. The design of the questionnaire is attached in Appendix 2. Theoretical framework Operational Definitions 1) Industry Standards: Industry standards are orderly and systematic formulation, adoption, or application of standards used in the industry. An industrial standard is a generally accepted requirement to be met for the attainment of a recurrent industrial objective. These standards would be evaluated through secondary data obtained from Internet. 2) Personal Conscience: It explains the concomitant moral judgment that determines the morality of actions; it can be right, correct, doubtful or scrupulous. Data would be gauged by asking indirect questions from the respondents and their answers would reflect their conscience. 3) Company Policy: Company policies are guidelines-statements (guide to plans decision making) to facilitate predetermined objective on the mode and manner in the structural functional aspects to achieve the objective formulated as plans at all levels of management in the business organization. Data related to company policy would be gathered by visiting Telecom companies like Telenor and Warid. 4) Moral values: Moral values explain the standards of good and evil, which govern an individuals behavior and choices. Every person has different morals and it is difficult to judge a persons moral values therefore data for moral values would be gauged by asking indirect questions from the respondents and their answers would reflect their moral values. 5) Government laws and regulations: Government is a system of social control which grants a particular group of society the right to make laws, and the right to enforce them. Laws and regulations are rules that order human activities and relations through systematic application of the force of politically organized society. Data would be gathered through Internet and Government publications. 6) Regulatory agencies: Regulatory agencies are independent government bodies formed or mandated under the terms of a legislative act to ensure compliance with the provisions of the act, and in carrying out its purpose. Data related to regulatory agencies would be gathered from secondary data available on internet and government publications. 7) Religion: Religion is defined as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects. Religion is an important factor that affects advertisements. Data would be gathered through Questionnaires and focus groups. 8) Cultural values: Cultural values are Commonly held standards of what is acceptable or unacceptable, important or unimportant, right or wrong, workable or unworkable, etc., in a community or society. Data related to Cultural values would be gauged through Questionnaires and focus groups. Hypotheses 1 Socio-Cultural factors have a significant/insignificant impact on ethical advertisement Ho: Socio-Cultural factors have a significant impact on ethical advertisement H1: Socio-Cultural factors have an insignificant impact on ethical advertisement Multiple Regressions Q6 Dependent variable: Q6 Independent variables: Q12 Q13 Q15 Q19 Standard T Parameter Estimate Error Statistic P-Value CONSTANT 0.00863931 0.355308 0.024315 0.9808 Q12 0.391237 0.171878 2.27624 0.0320 Q13 0.321197 0.12931 2.48393 0.0204 Q15 0.0993521 0.179206 0.554402 0.5844 Q19 0.19747 0.0812598 2.43011 0.0229 Analysis of Variance Source Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F-Ratio P-Value Model 7.96444 4 1.99111 44.66 0.0000 Residual 1.07004 24 0.044585 Total (Corr.) 9.03448 28 R-squared = 88.156 percent R-squared (adjusted for d.f.) = 86.1821 percent Standard Error of Est. = 0.211152 Mean absolute error = 0.127206 Durbin-Watson statistic = 2.18452 (P=0.6825) Lag 1 residual autocorrelation = -0.0946458 The StatAdvisor The output shows the results of fitting a multiple linear regression model to describe the relationship between Q6 and 4 independent variables. The equation of the fitted model is Q6 = 0.00863931 + 0.391237*Q12 + 0.321197*Q13 + 0.0993521*Q15 + 0.19747*Q19 Since the P-value in the ANOVA table is less than 0.05, there is a statistically significant relationship between the variables at the 95.0% confidence level. The R-Squared statistic indicates that the model as fitted explains 88.156% of the variability in Q6. The adjusted R-squared statistic, which is more suitable for comparing models with different numbers of independent variables, is 86.1821%. The standard error of the estimate shows the standard deviation of the residuals to be 0.211152. This value can be used to construct prediction limits for new observations by selecting the Reports option from the text menu. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.127206 is the average value of the residuals. The Durbin-Watson (DW) statistic tests the residuals to determine if there is any significant correlation based on the order in which they occur in your data file. Since the P-value is greater than 0.05, there is no indication of serial autocorrelation in the residuals at the 95.0% confidence level. In determining whether the model can be simplified, notice that the highest P-value on the independent variables is 0.5844, belonging to Q15. Since the P-value is greater or equal to 0.05, that term is not statistically significant at the 95.0% or higher confidence level. Consequently, you should consider removing Q15 from the model. Multiple Regression Q6 Dependent variable: Q6 Independent variables: Q12 Q13 Q19 Standard T Parameter Estimate Error Statistic P-Value CONSTANT 0 0.350015 0 1.0000 Q12 0.453202 0.128754 3.5199 0.0017 Q13 0.369458 0.0942868 3.91845 0.0006 Q19 0.187192 0.0780131 2.39949 0.0242 Analysis of Variance Source Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F-Ratio P-Value Model 7.95074 3 2.65025 61.14 0.0000 Residual 1.08374 25 0.0433498 Total (Corr.) 9.03448 28 R-squared = 88.0044 percent R-squared (adjusted for d.f.) = 86.5649 percent Standard Error of Est. = 0.208206 Mean absolute error = 0.123662 Durbin-Watson statistic = 2.1867 (P=0.6811) Lag 1 residual autocorrelation = -0.0951858 The StatAdvisor The output shows the results of fitting a multiple linear regression model to describe the relationship between Q6 and 3 independent variables. The equation of the fitted model is Q6 = -6.99441E-15 + 0.453202*Q12 + 0.369458*Q13 + 0.187192*Q19 Since the P-value in the ANOVA table is less than 0.05, there is a statistically significant relationship between the variables at the 95.0% confidence level. The R-Squared statistic indicates that the model as fitted explains 88.0044% of the variability in Q6. The adjusted R-squared statistic, which is more suitable for comparing models with different numbers of independent variables, is 86.5649%. The standard error of the estimate shows the standard deviation of the residuals to be 0.208206. This value can be used to construct prediction limits for new observations by selecting the Reports option from the text menu. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.123662 is the average value of the residuals. The Durbin-Watson (DW) statistic tests the residuals to determine if there is any significant correlation based on the order in which they occur in your data file. Since the P-value is greater than 0.05, there is no indication of serial autocorrelation in the residuals at the 95.0% confidence level. In determining whether the model can be simplified, notice that the highest P-value on the independent variables is 0.0242, belonging to Q19. Since the P-value is less than 0.05, that term is statistically significant at the 95.0% confidence level. Consequently, you probably dont want to remove any variables from the model.

Performance and Permanence in Sixties Literature Essay -- Sixties 60

Performance and Permanence in Sixties Literature      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What is art? Any generation of artists defines itself by the way it answers this question. The artists of the 1960s found their answer in the idea of art as experience. Art was not something that happened; it was something that happened around you, with you, to you. In the moment of creation, and in that moment alone, there was art. For artists of the Sixties, art was vibrant and alive, and thus to say a product was finished was simply to say it was dead. For literary artists this obsession with the fleeting now translated to a fascination with performance itself-a fascination that in turn cuts at the very heart of art itself. For if work must be performed to be truly experienced, then art is transient and irreproducible, and therefore barren. Art becomes local and mortal, tied to the life and influence of a single artist-unable to speak to those who were not there at the time. One cannot have it both ways; if we accept the preeminence of "the happening" and reje ct the notion of reproducibility, then art seemingly becomes smaller, diminished. This struggle between performance and permanence, between moment and monument, can be see as one of the central questions of the literature of the 1960s.    Experimental theater provides a useful example of the extreme form of this perception about performance art. Drama has sometimes been praised, sometimes been maligned, but it has undeniably been a type of literature for as long as literary study has existed, as important in its own way as poetry, and prose. Experimental theater challenged this notion in its sheer irreproducibility; it begs the question, "Can something be literary which only happens once, which fails to... ...who would never and could never be touched by a single performance in a single place. For all its raw emotional power, perfomance art is unreachable to many in the present and totally inaccessible to audiences in the future. To truly matter-to exert any real change over the present, to reach past its moment of creation into the future-art must be more than its performance alone.    Works Cited Biner, Pierre. The Living Theater. Takin' It To The Streets: A Sixties Reader, pp. 288-293. ed. Alexander Bloom and Wini Breines. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. Kerouac, Jack. The Dharma Bums. New York: Pengiun Books, 1958. Rader, Dotson. "Notes of Andy Warhol: His Life and Work as Death in America." Takin' It To The Streets: A Sixties Reader, pp. 305-309. ed. Alexander Bloom and Wini Breines. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.   

Pinnacle case study part ii Essay

The company is privately held, but there is a large amount of debt, so the financial statement -may be used extensively. Also, management is considering selling the Machine-Tech division, which has the potential to result in extensive use of the statement by buyers. 2. Item 6 in the planning phase indicates plans for additional debt financing. Likelihood of financing difficulties: 1. The solar power engine business revolves around changing technology, therefore making it inherently more risky than other business, with a better chance of bankruptcy. The first item in the planning issues raises a concern about the viability of the division, but not the entire company. 2. Part 1 of the case was that the likelihood of financial failure is low, even with the issues of the company. 3. Item 9 in the planning phase requires a current ratio of 2.0 and if fall below that, this could result in the loan being called. Management integrity: No major issues exist that would cause the auditor to question the integrity of the management. However, auditor should have done client acceptance procedure before accepting the client. There are a few factors in which fraudulent financing reporting may occur. b. Acceptable audit risk is medium to low because of the factors listed in part (a) and the planned increase in financing and the potential violation of the debt covenant agreement. This might be low because this is the first year audit. c. 1. Inherent Risk: No effect on inherent risk 2. Inherent Risk: The primary concern is the possibility of obsolete inventory, which affects the valuation of inventory at the lower of cost or market. Account Affected: Inventory, cost of goods sold Audit Objectives: Transaction-related 3. Inherent Risk: There is potential related party transaction, which could  affect the valuation of the transaction, which could affect the valuation of the transaction and may require disclosure as a related party transaction. Account affected: Manufacturing equipment, footnote Audit objectives: Transaction-related, presentation and disclosure-related 4. Inherent Risk: This involves a nonroutine transaction where there is a risk that materials, labor, and overhead are incorrectly applied to the property accounts. Account affected: Property accounts, inventory, cost of good sold Audit objectives: balance-related 5. Inherent Risk: There may be a major collection problem with outstanding receivables of 15% from a customer for several months. This could result in an understatement of the allowance for uncollectible accounts. Account affected: Account receivable, bad debt expense, and allowance for uncollectible accounts. Audit objectives: balance-related 6. Inherent Risk: No effect on inherent risk 7. Inherent Risk: There may be a related party transaction, which could affect valuation of the transaction and may require disclosure. Account affected: Account payable, Repairs expense Audit objectives: Transaction-related 8. Inherent Risk: This does not affect inherent risk directly, but it is possible that the turnover of internal audit personnel could increase the risk of fraudulent financial reporting. The turnover may also affect the auditor’s assessment of control risk. Account affected: All accounts Audit objectives: transaction, balance, presentation and disclosure-related 9. Inherent Risk: In addition to affecting AAR, the auditor should be concerned about the risk of fraudulent financial reporting due to incentive to make certain that all debt covenants have been met. Account affected: All accounts Audit objectives: transaction, balance, presentation and disclosure-related 10. Inherent Risk: An ongoing dispute with the IRS might require adjustment to income tax liability or a disclosure in footnotes for a contingency, depending on the status of the dispute. Account affected: Income tax expense and income tax payable Audit objectives: balance-related 11. Inherent risk: This situation involves related party transaction because this transaction was not conducted with an outside party. It is possible that the related receivable and payable might not have been properly eliminated on Pinnacle’s consolidated financial statements. Account affected: Notes payable, notes receivable, interest expense, and interest income. Audit objectives: Transaction and balance-related

History of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

History of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars After the French Revolution transformed France and threatened the old order of Europe, France fought a series of wars against the monarchies of Europe to first protect and spread the revolution, and then to conquer territory. The later years were dominated by Napoleon and France’s enemy was seven coalitions of European states. At first,  Napoleon first bought success, transforming his military triumph into a political one, gaining the position of First Consul and then Emperor. But more war was to follow, perhaps inevitably given how Napoleon’s position was dependent upon military triumph, his predilection for solving issues through battle, and how the monarchies of Europe still looked at France as a dangerous enemy. Origins When the French revolution overthrew the monarchy of Louis XVI and declared new forms of government, the country found itself at odds with the rest of Europe. There were ideological divisions - the dynastic monarchies and empires opposed the new, partly republican thinking - and family ones, as relatives of those affected complained. But the nations of central Europe also had their eyes on dividing Poland between them, and when in 1791 Austria and Prussia issued the Declaration of Pillnitz - which asked Europe to act to restore the French monarchy – they actually worded the document to prevent war. However, France misinterpreted and decided to launch a defensive and pre-emptive war, declaring one in April 1792. The French Revolutionary Wars There were initial failures, and an invading German army took Verdun and marched close to Paris, promoting the September Massacres of Parisian prisoners. The French then pushed back at Valmy and Jemappes, before going further in their aims. On November 19th, 1792, the National Convention issued a promise of assistance to all people looking to regain their liberty, which was both a new idea for warfare and the justification to create allied buffer zones around France. On December 15th, they decreed that the revolutionary laws of France – including the dissolution of all aristocracy – were to be imported abroad by their armies. France also declared a set of expanded ‘natural borders’ for the nation, which put the emphasis on annexation rather than just ‘liberty’. On paper, France had set itself the task of opposing, if not overthrowing, every king to keep itself safe. A group of European powers opposed to these developments was now working as the First Coalition, the start of seven such groups formed to fight France before the end of 1815. Austria, Prussia, Spain, Britain and the United Provinces (Netherlands) fought back, inflicting reverses on the French which prompted the latter to declare a ‘levy en masse’, effectively mobilizing the whole of France into the army. A new chapter in warfare had been reached, and army sizes now began to rise greatly. The Rise of Napoleon and the Switch in Focus The new French armies had success against the coalition, forcing Prussia to surrender and pushing the others back. Now France took the chance to export the revolution, and the United Provinces became the Batavian Republic. In 1796, the French Army of Italy was judged to have been underperforming and was given a new commander called Napoleon Bonaparte, who’d first been noticed in the siege of Toulon. In a dazzling display of manoeuvre, Napoleon defeated Austrian and allied forces and forced the Treaty of Campo Formio, which earned France the Austrian Netherlands, and cemented the position of the French-allied republics in North Italy. It also allowed Napoleon’s army, and the commander himself, to gain large amounts of looted wealth. Napoleon was then given a chance to pursue a dream: attack in the Middle East, even on into threatening the British in India, and he sailed to Egypt in 1798 with an army. After initial success, Napoleon failed in a siege of Acre. With the French fleet seriously damaged in the Battle of the Nile against British Admiral Nelson, the Army of Egypt was greatly restricted: it could not get reinforcements and it could not leave. Napoleon soon left – some critics might say abandoned – this army to return to France when it looked like a coup would take place. Napoleon was able to become the centerpiece of a plot, levering his success and power in the army to become First Consul of France in the Coup of Brumaire in 1799. Napoleon then acted against the forces of the Second Coalition, an alliance which had gathered to exploit Napoleon’s absence and which involved Austria, Britain, Russia, the Ottoman Empire and other smaller states. Napoleon won the Battle of Marengo in 1800. Along with a victory by French general Moreau at Hohenlinden against Austria, France was thus able to defeat the Second Coalition. The result was France as the dominant power in Europe, Napoleon as a national hero and a possible end to the warfare and chaos of the revolution. The Napoleonic Wars Britain and France were briefly at peace but soon argued, the former wielding a superior navy and great wealth. Napoleon planned an invasion of Britain and gathered an army to do so, but we don’t know how serious he was about ever carrying it out. But Napoleon’s plans became irrelevant when Nelson again defeated the French with his iconic victory at Trafalgar, shattering Napoleon’s naval strength. A third coalition now formed in 1805, allying Austria, Britain, and Russia, but victories by Napoleon at Ulm and then the masterpiece of Austerlitz broke the Austrians and Russians and forced an end to the third coalition. In 1806 there were Napoleonic victories, over Prussia at Jena and Auerstedt, and in 1807 the Battle of Eylau was fought between a fourth coalition army of Prussians and Russians against Napoleon. A draw in the snow in which Napoleon was nearly captured, this marks the first major setback for the French General. The stalemate led to the Battle of Friedland, where Napoleon did win against Russia and ended the Fourth Coalition. The Fifth coalition formed and had success by blunting Napoleon at the Battle Aspern-Essling in 1809, when Napoleon tried to force a way across the Danube. But Napoleon regrouped and tried once more, fighting the Battle of Wagram against Austria. Napoleon won, and the Archduke of Austria open peace talks. Much of Europe was now either under direct French control or technically allied. There were other wars – Napoleon invaded Spain to install his brother as king, but instead triggered a brutal guerrilla war and the presence of a successful British field army under Wellington – but Napoleon remained largely master of Europe, creating new states such as the German Confederation of the Rhine, giving crowns to family members, but bizarrely forgiving some difficult subordinates. The Disaster in Russia The relationship between Napoleon and Russia began to fall apart, and Napoleon resolved to act quickly to overawe the Russian tsar and bring him to heel. To this end, Napoleon gathered what was probably the largest army ever assembled in Europe, and certainly a force too big to adequately support. Looking for a quick, dominant victory, Napoleon pursued a retreating Russian army deep into Russia, before winning the carnage that was the Battle of Borodino and then taking Moscow. But it was a pyrrhic victory, as Moscow was set alight and Napoleon was forced to retreat through the bitter Russian winter, damaging his army and ruining the French cavalry. The Final Years With Napoleon on the back foot and obviously vulnerable, a new Sixth Coalition was organized in 1813, and pushed across Europe, advancing where Napoleon was absent, and retreating where he was present. Napoleon was forced back as his ‘allied’ states took the chance to throw off the French yoke. 1814 saw the coalition enter the borders of France and, abandoned by his allies in Paris and many of his marshals, Napoleon was forced into surrendering. He was sent to the island of Elba in exile. The 100 Days With time to think while exiled in Elba, Napoleon resolved to try again, and in 1815 he returned to Europe. Amassing an army as he marched to Paris, turning those sent against him to his service, Napoleon attempted to rally support by making liberal concessions. He soon found himself faced by another coalition, the Seventh of the French Revolutionary and Napoleon Wars, which included Austria, Britain, Prussia and Russia. Battles were fought at Quatre Bras and Ligny before the Battle of Waterloo, where an allied army under Wellington withstood the French forces under Napoleon until a Prussian army under Blà ¼cher arrived to give the coalition the decisive advantage. Napoleon was defeated, retreated, and forced to abdicate once more. Peace The monarchy was restored in France, and the heads of Europe gathered at the Congress of Vienna to redraw the map of Europe. Over two decades of tumultuous warfare had finished, and Europe would not be so disrupted again until World War 1 in 1914. France had used two million men as soldiers, and up to 900,000 had not come back. Opinion varies on whether the war devastated a generation, some arguing that the level of conscription was only a fraction of the possible total, others pointing out that the casualties came heavily from one age group.

The Lottery essays

The Lottery essays 27 June bisects the summer soltstice and Independence Day, which is a contrast between superstitious paganism and rational democracy. The sunny day and the blooming of flowers indicate a happy, festive occasion. The reader does not realize that The Lottery is not a happy occasion until its tragic end. The reader can never perceive something so holocaustic happening in 20th Century America. Initially, the reader thinks that the lottery is a modern day lottery in which something of monetary value is won. Ironically, the only thing that is won is the head of one of the members of the village to satisfy traditional belief and practice. At no point does the author indicate the location of The Lottery; However, the Salem witch trials in 1692 in Massachusetts which resulted in 14 women and 6 men being executed indicates that The Lottery could have taken place in New England. Historically, there was a well-known New England woman named Anne Hutchinson. The General Court of Massachusetts tried Anne Hutchinson in 1637 for her antinomian beliefs. She was found guilty, excommunicated from the church, and banished from the colony. Ironically, Tessie Hutchinson shares Anne Hutchinsons last name who is from New England. Both women were excommunicated in some manner, Anne by the church and Tessie from the community by sacrifice. They both had some individual beliefs. Annes belief was antinomian and Tessies belief is that of self-survival that is manifested by her hypocritical outburst, it isnt fair, it isnt right (322). Tessie Hutchinson belief is self-survival because her nonchalant attitude towards the lottery shows when she runs to the square because she was late, and joking around with the crowd. When it is her family time to draw from the box, she urges her husband to get up there, Bill (319). She would have eagerly pa...

Why Students Hate Monday

Why Students Hate Monday Hashtag: #FelizLunes (Happy Monday) Thank God Its Friday Not Monday So what is #FelizLunes about? We frequently hear of TGIF or Thank  God its Friday but we seldom find people excited about Monday. In fact, lyrics of the Bob Geldof’s â€Å"I don’t like Mondays† proposes that†nobody gonna go to school today†. The definition â€Å"Manic Monday† suggest that the day is commonly associated with depression, a feeling caused by the significant emotional pressure of coming to school or work. No wonder why the Bangles wished â€Å"it were Sunday cause that’s my fun day†, Fleetwood Mac’s â€Å"Monday Morning† see people â€Å"look more like a zombie on Monday†, and The Mamas The Papas are â€Å"crying all of the time† whenever Monday comes. A study of students’ perception of Monday morning suggests that their hesitation to come to school is not exactly about the day but the confusing and frustrating subjects scheduled on Monday. Others hate Monday because they need to wake up early, nothing interesting to do, and too tired from Sunday’s activities. WHY SOME STUDENTS HATE THEIR TEACHER? The difference between Monday and Friday according to literature disappear when someone developed a sense of personal growth or when work and life become inseparable. This model of personal growth and creativity suggest that students who hate Monday and seeing the difference between weekday  and weekend, and school day and holiday are not yet interested in personal growth. The work-based model of education, which is generally to developed students’ natural growth and creativity in one’s work, for instance, focuses on giving students the best professors, online resources, communication facility, and infrastructure where they can, in self-determined phase, collaborate, explore, and research. The Role of Teachers in Creating Happy Monday Most students hate the first day of school simply because Monday marked the end of the two enjoyable leisure day and beginning of long and challenging school week. However, Monday according to one article can be a day to look forward to if one can turn it into a less depressing day. Motivation plays an important role in TGIM or â€Å"Thank  God Its Monday† and for students, this is about looking forward to something enjoyable at school. For instance, a student who is really motivated about learning will wake up early and come to school Monday. In contrast, if the student is fearful of the classroom and more concern over his or her safety rather than education then Monday is a hateful day. Choices that students make and their drive to satisfy their needs for education are significantly affected by the school environment. For instance, a positive attitude towards learning can be developed by facilitating a learning environment that meets student needs. These include making the classroom an environment where mistakes are occasions of learning rather than opportunities for criticism. Classroom competition is also a motivational factor for adopting a more positive attitude for coming to school. Broadening the curriculum to include topics that interest students can improve a boring reading and writing classroom. Other motivating factors include a use of examples with which students can easily connect, an inclusion of more relevant reading materials, and students’ assignments with topics that they have not yet explored. Moreover, classroom activities that occasionally involved parents or members of the community can satisfy students’ social needs and eventually change their attitude towards learning positively.

Othello - Character Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Othello - Character Analysis - Essay Example With this dark side he is also very extroverted, and not very bright. He isn't observant and the schemes of Iago work well on him. Though he doesn't brood too much on his past, except occasional ventures of wars fought, he does let his emotions run his life. "Othello's condition as a black man--whatever shade of blackness he was--is further complicated by his condition as a colonial subject who wishes to adopt western culture. The play dramatizes the apparently unlimited possibilities of self-fashioning available to man in the Renaissance, only to deconstruct this optimistic self-fashioning or self-creation when race issues come into play. It is Iago's exploitation of the politics of colour and of Othello's double nature (proper to a colonial subject) that brings about Othello's downfall." ( Ana Mara Manzanas , Miscelnea: A Journal of English and American Studies Vol. 17 ,1996) For all the dangers and encounters he has been involved in, this man is still naive of the corruptness of people around him. Othello has a trusting nature in which he gives it all. He put all his trust in Iago during times of war and during Othello's marriage to Desdemona. This wasn't very wise of Othello, even if he wasn't trusting or more corrupt he still wouldn't realize Iago was lying. Everyone considered Iago as honest, and would be out of character for Othello to believe any different. One Othello's strong characteristic is the ability to take control over any situation. For example, when Barbantino comes to kill him he shows astounding power by saying: "Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter" (I, ii, lines 80-3) Through the whole first act he is portrayed as a man with so much power and natural leadership and the drastic change in his personality towards the end is unbelievable. For example, when Lodovico had witnessed Othello hit Desdemona, he said: "Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance could neither graze nor pierce" (IV, i, lines 264-8) Another place where Shakespeare shows Othello taking control over a situation is when Cassio and Montano are fighting after Roderigo antagonized him. You must feel sorrow for Othello because with all the power he has and the endless trust he gives, you try to reach out and show him the truth. Taylor makes an apt comparison with King Lear and Hamlet as follows: "There is no ferocity in Othello; his mind is majestic and composed. He deliberately determines to die; and speaks his last speech with a view of showing his attachment to the Venetian state, though it had superseded him. Schiller has the material Sublime; to produce an effect, he sets you a whole town on fire, and throws infants with their mothers into the flames, or locks up a father in an old tower. But Shakspere drops a handkerchief, and the same or greater effects follow. Lear is the most tremendous effort of Shakspere as a poet; Hamlet as a philosopher or meditator and Othello is the union of the two. There is something gigantic and unformed in the former two; but in the latter, everything assumes its due place and proportion, and the whole mature powers of his mind are displayed in admirable equilibrium". ( COLERIDGE, SAMUEL TAYLOR, 1822, Table Talk, Dec. 29). Othello had a dominant streak of jealousy in him. He was told

Free Market Commitments of the European Union on a Pragmatic Practice Research Paper

Free Market Commitments of the European Union on a Pragmatic Practice Basis - Research Paper Example The European governments had to remove all forms of tariffs and measures equivalent to quotas. Restrictions on the freedom to supply services are lifted. However, the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)still since the Rome Treaty provided the Community institutions with powers to control the NTBs. The SEM had a common currency. The euro, which was introduced in 2002, is the single European currency which had replaced the national currencies of the 27 member countries of the European Union (euroland) that began on 1 January 1999. The exchange rates of the euroland countries were fixed to the euro. While marking a milestone in the European Union's economic integration process, the launch of the euro has significance beyond Europe. Some economists and financial experts believe the euro could become a major international currency that can pose a threat to the US dollar. The European Competition Policy applies rules to make sure that companies compete with each other and, in order to sell their pr oducts, innovate and offer good prices to European consumers. The economic core of the EEC called for the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people among its original members. For instance, Article 81 of the Maastricht Treaty, which helped establish the EU, refers explicitly to the prohibition of practices which "limit or control production, markets, technical development, or investment." To implement the EU’s competition policy, there are designated competition commissioners. All 27 national competition authorities in the EU are able to apply EU rules at their local level in consultation with the Competition Commission.

Investigation of 2 evidences of the climate conditions of the last Research Paper

Investigation of 2 evidences of the climate conditions of the last Deglaciation - Research Paper Example Therefore, the paper presents an investigation of evidences and uses them to make inferences about the impacts of the last deglaciation away from the margin of the ice sheets, especially the formation of Scablands. Arguments from the Documentary In the documentary, the author attributes their formation to gradual soil erosion through the actions of rivers (NOVA, 2005). It is also assumed that it was formed by the action of glaciers during the ice age. Under the assumption, enormous sheets of gradual-moving ice that originated from Canada curved new landscape as it moved down-hill (NOVA, 2005). According to Harlen Bretz’s theory that reflected the scientific convention, Channeled Scablands resulted from an overnight enormous catastrophe, which is more Bible-inspired, but not gradual geological evolution, which is more scientific, oriented (Anderson & Anderson, 2010). He seemed to be discrediting the geological or scientific beliefs that the formation of such landscape might hav e resulted from a gradual process that would last for a long time. The Use of Scientific Evidence to Reconstruct Conditions of the Last Deglaciation According to Edmiston, Scablands are some of the prehistoric features (Edmiston, 2005). He argues that Pardee was among the early geologists to offer explanation regarding the formation of Scablands (Edmiston, 2005). He was of the opinion that the features might have resulted from the actions of ice-age glaciers. Particularly, glacial erosion could be responsible for the formation of such features (Soennichsen, 2008). In fact, he argued that normal erosion could not explain the formation of Scablands. He categorically explained that the deep gorge, large portholes resembling small lakes and sharp hanging dry falls are scientific evidences of glacial erosion (Bretz, Smith & Neff, 2006). Another scientific evidence to reconstruct Bretz’s theory was the enormous discharge from glacial lakes such as Missoula could yield such great vo lume of water, which might be responsible for the formation of channeled Scablands (Geological Survey, 2010). Later, scientists, through the analysis and application of hydrological principles, discovered that open-channel hydraulics was consistent with Bretz’s qualitative observations. Therefore, Bretz got support from the scientific evidence (Bretz, 2003). The other scientific evidence was the Columbia gorge that the scientists believed had significant discharge attributable to channeled Scablands (Summerfield, 2001). Yet, in different and convincing evidence, the geologists found another large lake believed to have been formed from glacial activities (Young & Stearley, 2008). The lake is situated in the West of Montana. Evidently, it empties catastrophically due to glacial actions (Burr, Carling & Baker, 2009). Subsequently, its waters spill over into the Scablands through the channels. The Relevance of Scientific Studies Due to the nature of the Channeled Scablands, thus being deep and containing many other physical features (Young & Stearley, 2008). Therefore, the gradualist explanation offered better account of the events, which might have led to the formation of the feature (Furtwangler, 1999). The Violent and rapid assumption theory of Bretz could not have scientific evide

When Texting While Driving is to be Seriously Considered Essay

When Texting While Driving is to be Seriously Considered - Essay Example As a technological device that is considered a necessity these days, the cell phone is so indispensable it is already causing deaths because of its use even when a person is busy driving. Driving on the other hand, is an activity that requires the full attention of individuals even if one is considered an expert on it so that using the phone or doing other things than driving lessens the required attentiveness the driver should have. Christopher Cooper investigates the possibility of texting while driving being considered as a crime as suggested by the McDonald’s legislation (msn.com), authored by Joyce McDonald, a Republican member of the Washington House of Representatives. The bill has a strong argument eyeing receiving and sending messages as possible distractions to the driver especially that the practice is prevalent among teenage drivers who may be breaking up with their lovers over the phone, a possible circumstance that could affect a person’s attention on the road. Despite the aforementioned plausible argument, the bill still has many flaws that make it questionable, unable to be passed as a law that will punish drivers who use their cell phones while on the road. For instance, texting as a reason for the banning of the use of cell phones while driving is very specific while the use of the device is quite wide, making it difficult for officers to determine what the driver could have been using the mobile phone for in case one is apprehended. On another note, while it is true that cell phones distract the attention of drivers, there are also other possible causes of car accidents that also need to be considered like eating, drinking (texting-while-driving.org) and the like. Texting-while-driving.org considers texting while driving as a dangerous activity comparable to Russian roulette. Although the site points on other activities of drivers that may cause car accidents, it sets the use of the cell phone on a high level because when textin g, one has to use the other hand to compose messages or to manipulate the cell phone in order to read the messages. In addition, the driver has to look away from the road to his phone when he needs to read or compose a message, causing his attention to be divided which consequently places him in a dangerous situation. A phone call is also counted as a great cause for the distraction of a driver’s attention from the road even if one claims the phone is a hands-free device because the conversations that take place require the driver to think and concentrate about what is being discussed thus, having a divided attention. Michael Austin (caranddriver.com) tries to explain the situation through an experiment where drivers where the speed of reaction of their reactions to lights were taken into consideration when they were concentrating on the road, when they were reading a message aloud and when they were encoding the text message. This has shown that texting distracts a driver to react to light in a longer time while reading a message takes even longer. Compared to being intoxicated which was also performed in the said experiment, by the same drivers, the difference was not significant, meaning texting while driving is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. A similar experiment was performed by a group from the University of Utah where they measured the response of participants to traffic rules and other road conditions as they use their cell phones to plan an evening activity together. The participants were given the instructions and were made sure that they knew how to use their short messaging services which was the primary means to the communication that was to take place while they were

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams Research Paper

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams - Research Paper Example The Wingfield family is torn apart due to the failings of its breadwinner – Mr. Wingfield. The play has garnered critical acclaim both as a work of written word as well as an enacted play. The further adaptation of this play into a movie is a testament to its enduring essence. But many critics believe that the play is best experienced through theatre performances. Consequently, many production houses have performed it time and over during the last seventy odd years. The intricate design of the plot and superlative performances from star casts of previous productions is now part of legend. Laurette Taylor’s performance as Amanda Wingfield is now acknowledged by many veterans as the best of the century. Just as the powerful script and excellent acting contributes to the success of the play, so does the direction, visualization, music, sound effects and other technical features. The rest of this essay will present the ideal approach to each of these facets to the play, so that the end product would capture all the definitive qualities behind the play’s resounding success. There are a few things to remember while choosing the cast for the play. The character of Amanda is central to the play and it should be assigned to someone who can portray the rugged southern belle image. She should be a strident and bold personality to fit with the description of someone who drove her husband away. The accent too should be spot on to reflect the southern mindset and sensibility. The actor playing Tom Wingfield should reflect the dreamy nature of his character, because he has to deliver the dialogues and monologues equally efficiently. The final speech by Tom in the final act of the play is especially crucial to the overall effectiveness of the play, for this passage is one of the most poetic, intensive and poignant in the entire play. The virginal daughter Laura Wingfield is someone whose dreams are as fragile as the animals in her precious glass collection. The actor for this role should thus play with sensitivity and a restrained sense of quiet tragedy. The chall enge in shaping the character of Tom is to bring to life the idea that the viewer is watching Tom turn his memories, his pain and guilt, into a work of art. To this extent it could be said that author Tennessee Williams was attempting to create a non-realistic theatre, using the literary devices and technical production tools available to him in the 1940s. Hence, modern productions of the play can incorporate some changes, without actually losing the essence of the narrative. For example, rather than a typewriter, Tom's means of turning the stuff of his life into art can be through a video camera. It can always be with him, even when he's disengaged from the action or sets the camera down momentarily. The other characters are seen from Tom's viewpoint, and the projections of what he sees come to represent the layers of his memory. By removing the burden of realism, one is able to hear the play anew. Coming to the scenic design, the director should ask ‘To what degree do we wan t to follow Williams's copious stage directions about lights, clothes, projections and so on?’ The fact that walls and furniture don't seem to be that useful for actors, makes the director look for less literal ways of solving the world of the play – in other words, capturing its essence without total adherence to author’s original and preferred mise-en-scenes. Lighting design for the play can also be challenging at times. For

Developing an Implementation Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Developing an Implementation Plan - Essay Example Therefore, it is expected that the care facilities would offer support for the proposed change. It offers a number of benefits to these care institutions. First, it reduces the cost of care. Patient falls require additional care not anticipated by the care facility. It results in longer hospital stay and is resource-intensive. Besides, it will increase the patient turnover, ensuring efficiency of running the institution. There are absolutely no risks posed by the proposed change. In order to obtain an approval from the organization’s administration, these potential benefits will be explained and discussed. It is expected that the organization will adopt the proposal and thus give an approval. Secondly, the proposal will be discussed with the staff. As it is anticipated to reduce the hospital work load, naturally the health care staff will give an approval to the proposal. By increasing the patient turnover, health care staff gets to experience newer experiences in care from a variety of clinical situations. Such a turnover is beneficial to them as it kills monotony. In lieu of the potential benefits expected to be accrued from the proposed change, the proposed solution is likely to get an approval. Currently in the United States, the American Geriatrics Society’s clinical guideline provides a template for fall prevention among the elderly. The strategies adopted by the society include fall risk assessment and the development of incorporating fall prevention strategies into practice. Additionally, it supports continuing medical education to health care providers on risk assessment and how to educe the risk of falls among the elderly. Furthermore, it refers health care providers to evidence-based fall prevention programs (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2014). In states such as Minnesota, policies enshrined in the Minnesota Hospital Association ha developed a policy named SAFE from

When Texting While Driving is to be Seriously Considered Essay

When Texting While Driving is to be Seriously Considered - Essay Example As a technological device that is considered a necessity these days, the cell phone is so indispensable it is already causing deaths because of its use even when a person is busy driving. Driving on the other hand, is an activity that requires the full attention of individuals even if one is considered an expert on it so that using the phone or doing other things than driving lessens the required attentiveness the driver should have. Christopher Cooper investigates the possibility of texting while driving being considered as a crime as suggested by the McDonald’s legislation (msn.com), authored by Joyce McDonald, a Republican member of the Washington House of Representatives. The bill has a strong argument eyeing receiving and sending messages as possible distractions to the driver especially that the practice is prevalent among teenage drivers who may be breaking up with their lovers over the phone, a possible circumstance that could affect a person’s attention on the road. Despite the aforementioned plausible argument, the bill still has many flaws that make it questionable, unable to be passed as a law that will punish drivers who use their cell phones while on the road. For instance, texting as a reason for the banning of the use of cell phones while driving is very specific while the use of the device is quite wide, making it difficult for officers to determine what the driver could have been using the mobile phone for in case one is apprehended. On another note, while it is true that cell phones distract the attention of drivers, there are also other possible causes of car accidents that also need to be considered like eating, drinking (texting-while-driving.org) and the like. Texting-while-driving.org considers texting while driving as a dangerous activity comparable to Russian roulette. Although the site points on other activities of drivers that may cause car accidents, it sets the use of the cell phone on a high level because when textin g, one has to use the other hand to compose messages or to manipulate the cell phone in order to read the messages. In addition, the driver has to look away from the road to his phone when he needs to read or compose a message, causing his attention to be divided which consequently places him in a dangerous situation. A phone call is also counted as a great cause for the distraction of a driver’s attention from the road even if one claims the phone is a hands-free device because the conversations that take place require the driver to think and concentrate about what is being discussed thus, having a divided attention. Michael Austin (caranddriver.com) tries to explain the situation through an experiment where drivers where the speed of reaction of their reactions to lights were taken into consideration when they were concentrating on the road, when they were reading a message aloud and when they were encoding the text message. This has shown that texting distracts a driver to react to light in a longer time while reading a message takes even longer. Compared to being intoxicated which was also performed in the said experiment, by the same drivers, the difference was not significant, meaning texting while driving is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. A similar experiment was performed by a group from the University of Utah where they measured the response of participants to traffic rules and other road conditions as they use their cell phones to plan an evening activity together. The participants were given the instructions and were made sure that they knew how to use their short messaging services which was the primary means to the communication that was to take place while they were

Developing an Implementation Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Developing an Implementation Plan - Essay Example Therefore, it is expected that the care facilities would offer support for the proposed change. It offers a number of benefits to these care institutions. First, it reduces the cost of care. Patient falls require additional care not anticipated by the care facility. It results in longer hospital stay and is resource-intensive. Besides, it will increase the patient turnover, ensuring efficiency of running the institution. There are absolutely no risks posed by the proposed change. In order to obtain an approval from the organization’s administration, these potential benefits will be explained and discussed. It is expected that the organization will adopt the proposal and thus give an approval. Secondly, the proposal will be discussed with the staff. As it is anticipated to reduce the hospital work load, naturally the health care staff will give an approval to the proposal. By increasing the patient turnover, health care staff gets to experience newer experiences in care from a variety of clinical situations. Such a turnover is beneficial to them as it kills monotony. In lieu of the potential benefits expected to be accrued from the proposed change, the proposed solution is likely to get an approval. Currently in the United States, the American Geriatrics Society’s clinical guideline provides a template for fall prevention among the elderly. The strategies adopted by the society include fall risk assessment and the development of incorporating fall prevention strategies into practice. Additionally, it supports continuing medical education to health care providers on risk assessment and how to educe the risk of falls among the elderly. Furthermore, it refers health care providers to evidence-based fall prevention programs (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2014). In states such as Minnesota, policies enshrined in the Minnesota Hospital Association ha developed a policy named SAFE from

Cyber Bullying Essay Example for Free

Cyber Bullying Essay Cyber bullying has become an increasing issue in the last few years in the United States. The reason why this type of bulling is the worst because the bully could come from someone anonymous as well as it could come from any place and at any time. As a result, the victim that is being bullied will suffer some short and long term problems such as: mistrusting of others, anxiety, depression, poor performance at school, and can result in suicide. Due to the increasing number of teenagers being cyber bullied, it should be a criminal, punishable offense in the United States in order to protect the Nation’s children and teenagers. What is Cyber Bullying? In the rapid development in technology, there have been some issues that have come to light about the use of these products in the hands of adolescences. It has been found through some research that cyber bullying is a new form of violent behavior (Bendixen, Endresen, and Olweus, 2003). Cyber bullying behavior is described as violent behavior that is against an individual or group that is demonstrated through the usage of internet and mobile phones (Vandebsch and Cleemput, 2008). This type of violent behavior includes an individual hacking onto another individual’s personal website, leaking out damaging information through the use of communication technology such as: mobile phone, email, and sending messages. The Effects of Cyber Bullying Although cyber bullying does not occur in person, it can still have the same emotional and psychological effects of regular bullying. A child that has been bullied/cyber bullying more than likely to experience loneliness, unhappiness, anxiety, depression, and problems sleeping (Keith Martin, 2005). Many times the effects of bullying often go unnoticed due to the fact the victim feels embarrassed and/or afraid the bullying will continue. Often times, the victim tends to act anxious, less confident, and become very quiet in class (Keith Martin, 2005). As a result, the child has a significant hurdle in their development and it also can be a hindrance in their academic success. They have a fear that anything they put on any social site may be used against them by individual they know or don’t know. Punishing Cyber Bullying Cyber bullying has become a serious widespread problem that has become more savage than a schoolyard bullying (Vandebsch Cleemput, 2008). The adolescents lack the maturity to understand the consequences of their actions and feel that it is okay to retaliate without being caught (Vandebsch Cleemput, 2008). The increase stories of tragedies where children being bullied over social media sites have also increased in awareness. Stories such as Amanda Todd are coming out more and more in which the child has been bullied and the child commits suicide. Such tragic stories and nothing was ever done to the bullies or the bully was never found. As a result to the recent deaths of these children that have been bullied, many parents have pushed the government officials to do something and to criminalize cyber bullying. Amanda Todd’s mother is one that has established the Amanda Todd Trust Fund in which the donations is used to support and educate anti-bullying awareness. Many states like California has a law that makes it a misdemeanor to impersonate anyone through the web on social sites with the intent to threaten, harm, or intimidate other individuals (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). It is very difficult to make cyber bullying a federal crime in which the bullied committed suicide. The legal system is built to where the punishment fits the crime. Although cyber bullying does have its consequences and some cases do end in suicide we as a society, we must find a way to punish those that commit these crimes. Conclusion There are many different ways in how they’re exposed to the harsh life lessons of this world from predators to scam artists. Cyber bullying has come to light and it has many parents worried. One thing is for sure, it’s important for parents to be aware and learn how to navigate social media in order to help their children avoid cyber bullying and to be safe. The reason is that in the adolescence’s life, the most important stage is the period in where they develop relationships among their peers. They become more aware f issues in trying to have a place in their social world. This has a huge effect on their psychological development. Therefore, if adolescence has a positive relationship will lead to them having a successful identity and live in harmony with society (Sahin, Aydin, Sari, 2012). On the other hand, if the adolescence has a negative relationship such as bullying from their peers will harm their emotional, social, and psychological development (Sahin, Aydin, Sari, 2012). Therefore, as a society we should try the punishment that fits the crime.

DNA Transformation in Bacteria

DNA Transformation in Bacteria 1.0 Introduction and Objectives The ability of bacteria to incorporate DNA from external sources is the primary reason for their survival and proliferation. Bacteria can take DNA from their surroundings or from other bacterial cells by cell wall-transfer. While an interesting phenomenon to examine for scientists, practically it is of great concern for the human race and a source of constant challenge for the Pharmaceutical Industry. The ability of bacteria to modify their genetic information has given rise to problems such as antibiotic resistance wherein bacteria become resistant to medications that were once effective in eliminating them. In this experiment, we examine the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Circular DNA called plasmids are introduced in bacteria whose cells have been modified to promote uptake of plasmid DNA. This plasmid DNA will give rise to antibiotic resistance in the bacteria, which can be observed by allowing the bacteria to proliferate in an environment containing the antibi otic. Modification of genetic information in bacteria may be a source of concern, but that ability in the hands of humans has always been coveted. Genetic engineering is an increasingly popular research area given the breakthroughs made in recent years and the potential for commercial application. Various applications require large quantities of specific DNA sequences and this is where the bacterial ability to uptake DNA and reproduce it is beneficial. Introducing plasmids containing desired sequences into bacteria, allowing bacteria to reproduce and then isolating the required DNA is a common method used to obtain large quantities of particular DNA sequences. This aspect is also explored in this experiment. 1.1 Objectives The objectives of this experiment are to: a) Observe and examine the phenomenon of DNA Transformation. b) Observe the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria through the process of gene transformation. c) Inculcate proper Sterile Technique for laboratory procedures involving bacterial strains. 2.0 Principles This section explores the underlying concept behind the experiment. Genetic Transformation is a process of horizontal gene transfer whereby DNA from the environment is taken up by a host cell. In this experiment bacterial cells are transformed. Escherichia Coli bacteria, which are generally non pathogenic are used in this experiment. The plasmids which constitute the external DNA contain a gene that makes the cell ampicillin resistant. Ampicillin is a bacteriostatic and will normally prevent the reproduction of E. Coli bacteria. This provides us with an easy way to test if gene transformation has occurred and to what extent by means of calculating the transformation efficiency. The introduction of genetic material within the bacterial cell is done by the process of electroporation. Electroporation involves applying an electrical voltage across the bacterial cells containing the plasmids. The ionic concentration of the DNA is kept low to prevent arcing. When the voltage is applied, holes open up in the walls of the bacteria. The plasmids can then enter the bacterial cells through these holes. Application of the voltage is done for a very short period of time. As soon as electric current stops flowing, the holes in the cell wall begin to close. A nutrient rich medium is then added to the bacterial cells, some of which will have transformed, to aid cell recovery. Incubation is then carried out, after which the cell suspension is diluted further and applied to agar plates containing the antibiotic. The cells are left to incubate for up to 24 hours and then the number of colonies determined. Calculating the transformation efficiency gives us a method to determine the extent to which the transformation occurred. 3.0 Methods and Materials 3.1 Materials The equipment and materials required for this experiment are outlined in this section. Equipment Required: A shaking incubator operating at 37ÃÅ'Ã…  C A non-shaking incubator An electroporator Materials Required: Cells treated for competency 2 agar plates with ampicillin with a concentration of 100 Â µg/ml pUC-19 plasmids 0.1 cm cuvettes Ice in an ice-box Deionised ultrapure water S.O.C. medium at room temperature 2 tubes with snap caps with a volume of 15 ml 3.2 Sterile Technique Sterile Technique is a must when handling pathogenic strains of bacteria. In this experiment, nonpathogenic bacterial strains are employed. However, using sterile technique is still good experimental procedure and promotes safety. Using sterile technique prevents errors in experimental results by preventing contamination from the surroundings. It also prevents contamination of the surrounding environment by the bacterial strain. Steps employed to prevent contamination included: Carrying out the experiment in an uncluttered area. Utilizing a fume hood to perform all procedures involving the bacteria. Washing hands both before as well as after the experiment Disposing off all bacterial waste in the appropriate container for bio-hazardous materials. 3.3 Procedure 3.3.1 Preparation for Electroporation The 0.1 cm cuvettes were cooled on ice. The electroporator was prepared based on prescribed settings. In order to bring the S.O.C. medium to room temperature, it was removed from the ice box. The cells and plasmids were allowed to thaw in the ice-box. Plates were heated at 37ÃÅ'Ã…  C to prepare for the incubation process. 3.3.2 Procedures I Â µl of pUC19 control DNA and 1 Â µl of ultrapure water were added to 2 separate microcentrifuge tubes with the aid of a pipette. The tube was then placed in the ice-box. 25 Â µl of competent cells were added to each of the microcentrifuge tubes. The contents of the tubes were gently mixed. Care was taken to avoid usage of the pipette for mixing. The tubes were then returned to the ice-box for 1 minute. The contents of each microcentrifuge tube were transferred to a cuvette using a pipette. It was ensured that the cells made contact with the cuvette walls and that no air-bubbles were present. This step was done rapidly to prevent heating up of the cells. The cuvettes were then electroporated. 250 Â µl of S.O.C. medium was added to the cells immediately after electroporation. Each of the two suspensions was transferred to a 15 ml tube. The shaking incubator was then set to 225rpm and used to incubate the cells for an hour to allow expression of the acquired antibiotic resistance. 10 Â µl of the transformed sample was then added to 90 Â µl of S.O.C. medium. The plates containing the ampicillin were then used. 20 Â µl of each of the two diluted samples from step 7 was added to a plate. Even spreading of the sample on the agar medium was ensured. Using the non-shaking incubator, the plates were incubated at 37 ÃÅ'Ã…  C for a day and the results recorded. 4.0 Results and Discussion 4.1 Results Answers to Questions (1) Schematic of observations of the agar plates: Figure 1: Results as Indicated by the Agar Plates (2) Count the colonies and calculate the transformation efficiency. Number of colonies observed = 13 Figure 2: Calculation of Transformation Efficiency Using the formula shown in figure 2, Transformation efficiency = 1.78 1010 transformants/Â µg plasmid DNA 4.2 Discussion Answers to Questions (1) Define the vocabulary used in this experiment: transformation, electroporation, host, plasmid, and competent. -Transformation Transformation is a process of horizontal gene transfer whereby DNA present in the environment of a cell is taken up by the cell. In this experiment the transformation involves the uptake of a plasmid containing a marker that results in ampicillin resistance by E. Coli bacteria through electroporation. -Electroporation Electroporation involves subjecting cells to an electric voltage to create holes in the cell wall. External material can then enter the cell through these holes. Natural processes then cause the hole to close and return the cell to its original state. -Host An organism that harbours a parasite is called a host. -Plasmid A plasmid is circular extra-chromosomal DNA. -Competent A competent cell is one which can internalise DNA present in its external environment. Competence can either be natural or artificial. (2) State why E. coli is used in many genetic engineering experiments. The popularity of Escherichia Coli for genetic experiments is due to various reasons. Firstly, most E. Coli strains are non-pathogenic and pose no harm to humans. Safety is a significant factor in the laboratory and E. Coli use is generally safe. Secondly, E. Coli grow easily and can be duplicated through metagenics. Thirdly, their genetic make-up is relatively simple and can be manipulated with ease. Fourthly they have been extensively studied and a lot is known about them. This makes it easier for researchers and they therefore prefer to use E. Coli for genetic engineering experiments. (3) Explain why competent cells, ampicillin, and S.O.C. medium were used for the transformation. Competent cells are necessary as transformation involves taking external genetic material into the cell. If cells are not competent this cannot happen and the experiment cannot be carried out successfully. Ampicillin is an antibiotic. Specifically, it is a bacteriostatic for E. Coli. It helps distinguish between bacteria that have taken up the plasmid and those that have not. This is because the plasmid contains a marker that causes ampicillin resistance. E. Coli cells do not naturally contain the genetic sequence that causes ampicillin resistance. Thus, ampicillin selection is possible to distinguish between transformed cells and untransformed cells. S.O.C. medium contains the nutrients required to help cells stabilise after electroporation. Electroporation introduces holes into the cell wall of the cell and therefore causes destabilisation of the cell. S.O.C medium contains yeast extract and other nutrient sources that help the cell recover. Once the cell has recovered and if the plasmid has entered the cell during electroporation, the cell will multiply and give rise to a colony during the incubation period. (4) Explain the purpose of the controls in this experiment. The control in this experiment constitutes bacteria without the plasmid that inculcates antibiotic resistance. Without this extra piece of genetic information to enable the bacteria to mount defences against the attack of the antibiotic, ampicillin is this case, the bacterial cells will be unable to multiply in a medium that contains the antibiotic. The cells that were treated such that they could incorporate the plasmid DNA into their genetic make-up will be able to multiply in a medium where ampicillin is present as long as there are enough nutrients available for growth. Thus, the control helps us show that the DNA plasmid was indeed taken up and incorporated into their genetic make-up by the bacteria. The only way for E. coli to have survived with ampicillin present is if they had taken up the plasmid and transmitted it to all generations when they reproduced after uptake of the plasmid. Hence, the control serves to confirm uptake of the plasmid as well as its transmission to fol lowing generations by comparing it to cells in the control that did not have the extra DNA. (5) Explain how the colony growth relates to gene transformation. A colony of bacteria stems from the binary fission of one single bacterial cell. When bacteria reproduce vertical genetic transfer occurs whereby the offspring has the exact copy of the genetic material of the parent. In this experiment, bacteria are introduced into a medium containing the antibiotic ampicillin. E. Coli bacteria with their original genetic make-up will be unable to reproduce due to the presence of the antibiotic as they do not have the means necessary to resist antibiotic attack. This is what is expected in the control sample as ampicillin is a bacteriostatic.. The positive sample on the other hand has bacteria which have undergone horizontal gene transfer by transformation. The plasmid DNA that was used for the transformation process contains genetic code that results in E.Coli developing ampicillin resistance. Thus, bacteria that can incorporate this plasmid and pass it on to their offspring by vertical gene transfer can grow in the environment. This is how colony growth relates to gene transformation. (6) Describe how ionic strength of DNA solution affects electroporation. The ionic strength of DNA solution comes into play due to the electroporation stage where holes are created in the bacterial cell wall to allow uptake of the plasmid by transmission of an electric voltage. For this step, the ionic strength of the solution must be low. If the ionic strength is high, arcing will occur. Arcing is visible during the experiment by sparks and a sound like a micro-scale thunderclap. It can cause cell death as well as equipment damage. Thus, for the experiment to be carried out successfully and to safeguard the apparatus, the DNA solution must be of low ionic strength. (7) If your transformation efficiency is lower than 1 109 cfu/ÃŽ ¼g, conjecture and explain potential reasons for the low efficiency. The transformation efficiency is greater than the benchmark stated above. This corresponds to good transformation efficiency and indicates a successful transformation process. However, the close clustering of the colonies makes it possible that some of the colonies are satellite colonies rather than transformed colonies. The experiment could be repeated with a higher concentration of ampicillin to obtain more reliable results. (8) Discuss current and potential applications of gene transformation techniques in biotechnology. Gene transformation techniques play a crucial role in biotechnology. This is because gene transformation provides a method to produce copies of desired DNA sequences. This is especially useful in the pharmaceutical industry to develop medications that are target specific. Also, this could potentially lead the way to genetic engineering, where defects to the genetic code could be repaired and desired traits inserted through addition of the corresponding DNA sequences. Gene replacement therapy could prove to be the cure for nearly all diseases that take human lives contemporarily. In the future gene transformation could be used to engineer human beings and other animals and plants according to desired specifications. Genetic transformation is also used in the development of pest-resistant crops, which could potentially increase the productivity of the land. This could be key to feed the ever-growing population as the quantity of agricultural land decreases. Understanding the evolution of drug resistance could help us devise ways of preventing drug resistance as well as developing drugs that can overcome resistance. In this arena gene transformation plays an important role horizontal genetic transfer is a natural process in bacteria. 4.3 Sources of Error and Suggestions for Improvement There are a few sources of error that could result in incorrect conclusion being drawn from experimental results. (i) The number of colonies seen need not correspond to the bacteria that transformed. This could be due to the growth of satellite colonies. Large bacterial colonies will secrete beta lactamase, which is what causes ampicillin resistance. Thus, the area around the colony will contain this secretion and be ampicillin-free. A satellite colony could grow in this area from untransformed cells. To avoid this problem, the incubation period should strictly be restricted to 24 hours. Satellite colonies emerge after a delay. By ensuring that results arr recorded promptly, the interference in results brought about by satellite colonies can be minimised. Another method is to use a higher concentration of ampicillin. More time will be required to create a antibiotic-free zone around a colony if the concentration of antibiotic is high. (ii) Identifying the number of colonies can be difficult, especially if the size of the colony is miniscule. This could result in an incorrect calculation of transformation efficiency. In order to increase accuracy of results, a different selection marker can be used. Some selection markers have properties that can be distinguished by shining UV light and other such techniques which result in a high contrast. Using these markers may result in higher reliability of results. (iii) Distinguishing between colonies can be difficult if they grow close to one another and appear to be one large colony. Also, closer colonies would also result in a higher chance of there being satellite colonies. To minimise this problem, crowding on the plate must be minimised. For that, a higher concentration of ampicillin could be used, carbenicillin selection could be used instead of ampicillin selection (although expensive) or the nutrient dilution could be adjusted such that it discourages very rapid proliferation. 5.0 Conclusions The objectives of this experiment were to explore the phenomenon of gene transformation and the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria as well as to inculcate the practice of sterile technique for handling bacteria. Gene transformation was observed with the development of ampicillin resistance in transformed Escherichia Coli bacteria. The bacteria not exposed to the plasmids containing the genes for antibiotic resistance did not grow in an environment containing the antibiotic while the transformed bacteria formed colonies in the same environment. A calculation of transformation efficiency returned a value of 1.78 1010 transformants/Â µg of plasmid DNA, which is greater than the threshold of 109, indicative of a successful experiment. However, the possibility of some of the 13 colonies of bacteria being satellite colonies as opposed to transformed colonies reduces the reliability of the results. Methods to increase reliability of results were therefore suggested. References 1. Port, Tami. (2008, June 14). Bacteria Horizontal Gene Transfer. suite101.com. Retrieved 3rd April, 2010 from http://bacteriology.suite101.com/article.cfm/bacteria_horizontal_gene_transfer 2. Metzenberg, Stan. (2002). Bacterial Plasmids. California State University Northridge Department of Biology. Retrieved 4th April, 2010 from http://escience.ws/b572/L2/L2.htm