Choosing a topic for Admission Essay

Admission Essays are quite different from the essays students got used to in high schools. And so are the topics for them. But in all cases they have one thing in common: they are all related to writers personality, skills, achievements and willingness to study in a particular college. The most common topics for Admission Essays are: Tell us about yourself. Describe your personal, professional and academic goals. Do you have a Role Model? How did he/she come to be one? Describe an event that influenced your life a lot. Why do you wish to study at our college and how do you explain the major you chose? What can you offer to our University? Describe your strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate one specific experience that strongly influenced your academic life. What particular skills can you offer? How are they related to your major? What made you decide to continue your education and go to university? This list may be much greater depending on the policies and requirements of precise institution. There are hundreds of topics for this kind of Essays, but to choose the right one you will need to consider following instructions: Your Essay has to be personalized as much as possible. Evaluators have spent so much time reading generalized information that they do not want to hear it again. Never write too many jokes and gimmicks. When using jokes in your essay make sure people will laugh at them. Otherwise it will have only negative effect on you. Do not list your achievements and data which are provided in your application forms. Make sure you stay close to the topic throughout the entire essay. Make sure you can do it when choosing a topic. Do not admit your weaknesses. Instead list your strengths. Try not to use excuses in the essay, better provide a specific reason for any of your bad scores in the application form. Do not make things up in your essay. Just think about your experiences well and you will find examples from your experience. Open yourself to the reader. He needs to understand what kind of person you are and have a good impression about you. Do not overdo your Admission essay. You can not be a perfect person and nobody will believe you to be one. The entire paper is to be interesting. Make sure you connect the sentences and paragraphs in such way that it will be a one EXCITING story. If you think about all of these instructions before you choose a topic you will definitely find the right topic for yourself, have a good grade and get into the college of your dream!!!

Graduation Speech - Original Writing - 969 Words

When I first joined this English class, it wasn’t completely by choice. Since this was my very first semester of college (having just graduated high school in June), my dad helped me pick all my classes. I needed an English class to meet state requirements. While searching through the class catalog online, I discovered that my old English teacher was teaching an English class in the morning. I greatly anticipated joining the class, but, unfortunately, I wasn’t qualified to enter (I had to be in the ‘Camino program’, whatever that is). I informed my dad, so he rushed to find myself a new class at the last minute. English 1A - 41066 was open, so I tried sitting in for the day. The class (and the teacher) seemed interesting enough that I decided to try and get an open seat. Fortunately, as more students left, I was able to officially enroll in the class. The first assignment we had this semester was the ‘Rice Project’. Over the course of four week s, I had to praise, scold, and ignore three respective jars of steamed rice and monitor how they reacted. I, like many of my classmates, was confused; I was just told to talk to rice. My family was also quite baffled, and my parents questioned how it was related to English. (I never told them about the spiritual aspect of the project.) Despite my cynicism, I went along. There were certain days when I neglected to talk to my rice, but I made up for it by giving them extra time the next day. None of this mattered, however, because I wasShow MoreRelatedGraduation Speech - Original Writing1036 Words   |  5 PagesIn the back seat, intently listening to the words coming through the speakers, what is this I hear? Something so soulful, full of emotion, and life, it s as if I entered into another dimension, floating on a cloud of serenity. This feeling abruptly ended with a goodbye kiss as I prepare to enter the school building. I was enjoying my early morning schedule, learning about sim ple mathematics, how to get along with my peers, playing at recess, but I couldn t wait to get lost again, leave the earthlyRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing980 Words   |  4 PagesBy the time that Landon and I arrived to his mansion, the party had already started. Crazy, intoxicated teenagers were swaying their hips and doing every provocative move they could think of to the beat of the horrid, meaningless music. Guys were desperately trying to get laid and the girls were loitering around, all over the place, taking photos and slurring their every word. Nothing good ever came out of partying-I could already tell that I was going to regret my actions by tomorrow morningRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing1385 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Natalia! we have to go to this dance! Please!† â€Å"You got money Roxy? because I sure do not!†. â€Å"Well no, but your mom will buy us tickets! Ha-ha!† â€Å"Well that is true, but you are asking her!† â€Å"What why she s your mom!† â€Å"But that s your mom! Lights flashing day and night, cars and taxi’s stuck in the day rush and the night to endure the spotlight, but in North Brooklyn there was to girls, two girls who were friends since 6th grade. They went through many hardships but still always managed to comeRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing898 Words   |  4 PagesAs long as I can remember I ve never been good at writing essays, especially under a time limit. There s just something about the pressure that makes me freeze up and I end up writing barely anything. I’ve struggled with it for the longest time, and I’ve tried to get better, but it’s a challenge for me. It all started in the third grade. I was deskbound in my third grade classroom with my friends, looking at all the decorations on the walls. It was approaching Thanksgiving break, so there wereRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing953 Words   |  4 PagesIt s the minute details that are vital: the small things are what make big things happen. There are certain flashbacks of one’s childhood that stay forever in one’s mind. There is one day in particular that is still fresh in my mind. It was the fall of third grade, and I forgot to pray Shacharit that morning. My evident passion for Tefillah began at a young age. As the realization dawned on me, tears were suddenly streaming down my face. This had never occurred to me before, and I felt nervousRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing992 Words   |  4 Pagesother alumni are in jail, died in the zombie apocalypse a while back, or have been wiped off the face of the earth somehow, I don’t know, I cou ldn’t possibly care any less about those that I went to high school with and that are there after me. Graduation was one of the better days of my young life. If you haven’t figured it out, I was not a fan of high school. They couldn’t pay or beg me enough to teach at any high school here in the county, hence why I am teaching at the middle school level, asRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing943 Words   |  4 Pages It was my 5th grade ceremony at Anthony Burns Elementary School, and I was standing in line to get my certificate. The school’s principal called my name to accept my certificate for â€Å"AB Honor Roll† and â€Å"Excellence in Math.† I was looking into the massive crowd, and my mother, along with my Uncle Chris and Aunt Saundra, were cheering me on with jubilant faces. I remember how intense the moment was, and the overwhelming feeling’s of love i received; I was proud. As I made my way across the stageRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing800 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Wake up,it’s time to go to Tennessee!† my mama exclaimed.I couldn’t believe that this day had come.It felt like I had waited forever for this much needed vacation from the hectic schedule of school. †I need to make sure I have everything.† I yelled.My brother was going,along with some of the church youth group.I was so excited that I could barely think straight.We were gone from September 4-6,which was Labor Day weekend.The reason we were going to Tennessee was to white-water raft.When we got toRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing1036 Words   |  5 Pages It had been a long hot summer, and I was very excited for school to begin, I even found a new backpack on the internet that I wanted to buy, although this never would happen, I was still happy that the summer was almost over. I couldn t wait. Every day of August I had checked the mail. But one day when I saw the mail truck, I sprinted down the driveway, I would ve been hit by a car is one was there. I opened the mailbox, grabbed the mail, and ran back up, well I should say tried. I trippedRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing1311 Words   |  6 PagesSetting my suitcase and bags next to my bed, I glanced around seeing that most of the things I kept here were where I left where I ha don t them two months ago. summer break recently ended and class was scheduled to resume on Monday. It was my last year here at Maxwell College of Arts and I could already tell that this year was going to be stressful. Being 21, almost 22 in September, I was ready to take on life. Ever since I was 15, I knew I wanted to be a singer. I wanted to share my music with

Cells and Movement of Substances Free Essays

All living things are formed by cells, the structure of these cells varying depending on their function. Animal and plant cells have common features such as a nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane. Dissolved substances pass into and out of cells by diffusion Diffusion Diffusion definition: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a high concentration to a low concentration. We will write a custom essay sample on Cells and Movement of Substances or any similar topic only for you Order Now Dissolved substances have to pass through the cell membrane to get into or out of a cell. Diffusion is one of the processes that allows this to happen There are many examples of diffusion occurring in our bodies; two of these are: 1. Digested food particles in the gut moving from the gut cavity to the blood in capillary of villus 2. Oxygen particles in the lungs moving from the Alveolar air space to the blood circulating around the lungs Particles continue to move from a high to a low concentration while there is a concentration gradient*. In the lungs, the blood will continue to take in oxygen from the alveolar air spaces, so long as the concentration of oxygen there is greater than that in the blood. Oxygen diffuses across the alveolar walls and goes into the blood, where the circulation takes the oxygen-rich blood away. Osmosis Osmosis Definition: A process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semi permeable membrane* from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on each side of the membrane. Eventually the level on the more concentrated side of the membrane rises as the molecules move through the membrane, causing the level on the less concentrated side to fall. When the concentration is the same on both sides of the membrane the movement of water will be the same in both directions, and a balance has, in effect, been found. At this point, the net exchange rate of water is zero and consequently there is no more change in the level of the liquids. How to cite Cells and Movement of Substances, Papers

Impact and Advantages of Encryption-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Concept, Impacts, Advantages and Future Prospects of Encryption. Answer: Encryption is a method to encode some information by using codes. It is used to prevent unauthorised access of other persons to any secured data. Encryption is a very important feature that is added in most of software now days to prevent unwanted access of other people. Encryption should be added in that software which mainly deals with the public personal information. Encryption was initially used by the terrorists, anti social people to secretly communicate among them (Li et al. 2013). Then it was also used among the military during war to communicate among them and to restrict the information only among them. In this report an overview about the concept, impacts, advantages and future prospects of encryption is discussed in details. Encryption can be defined as the method to secure some information by encoding with several codes. These codes can be of different types that depend upon the developer who created the codes. Encryption is done by using some particular algorithms. Thus once the information is encrypted, it cannot be decoded by other system or person who does not know about the algorithm (Shmueli et al. 2014). The information can only be accessed when it is decrypted buy using that algorithm. The originator may provide some keys that can only allow some users to decrypt the information. These users are called authorized users. Other unauthorised users cannot access the information since they do not have the keys provided by the originator. Encryption can have several types of keys. In case of a symmetric-key system, the user and the originator keys are same. In case of communication in an organisation or community the users must have same keys and those keys should be secured (Bellare, Keelveedhi and Ristenpart 2013). The keys may be of public key encryption, the encryption can be public key encryption type. In this case the receiving team gets the access to the decryption key that enables message to be read. The main users of the encryption were initially the military and the governments person who use encryption to communicate among them. Other opponent military or the outside country governments were obstructed by using encryption method (Brakerski, Gentry and Vaikuntanathan 2014). In modern era of information technology many software and applications deal with publics information that should be kept confidential. It is seen that the uses of the encryption is increasing day by day in several applications. It is claimed that the software companies and most of the organisations have started doing the encryption. The use of encryption is also made compulsory in most of the software and applications (Gentry, Sahai and Waters 2013). From a survey it is seen that 71% of the companies have utilized encryption in their software system. It is also seen that the 53% of the organisations utilised encryption to secure the information in the organisation. To prevent unauthorised access to this info rmation encryption is also used in the civilian systems. Encryption is used in most of the applications in modern technology. Different applications in mobile phones use encryption for their security of public personal information (Garg et al. 2016). Many popular applications like Whatsapp and Facebook use encryption to protect the information. Encryption is also done in case of transaction of money among the banking sectors. There are also many issues related to encryption. Many hackers are still able to overrule the encryption method by using the cryptographic approach. Sometimes the hackers also destroy the whole information that is encrypted. Sometimes the organisations only allow the information that is encrypted and for this reason the other branch organisations sometimes face the problem to transfer information (Brakerski, Gentry and Vaikuntanathan 2014). In case of transaction of information among different organisations encryption can be a real problem. There is also a dilemma for an organisation to put the encryption in case of e-mails. Naturally the system loses its fluency in case of encryption of e-mails (Daniel et al. 2014). It is seen several times that the e-mails are not able to be seen due to encryptions to normal users or clients. It happens when the users or the clients do not have the keys of the encrypted file. There are different types of encryption that is used in case of an organisation. Those are file and folder encryption, E-mail encryption, Full-disk encryption, Mobile data encryption and application encryption (Brakerski and Vaikuntanathan 2014). There are also many different ways of doing encryption like end-to-end method and gateway method. In case of gateway encryption method the e-mail encryption is possible for the users outside the organisations. The gateway based encryption provides security to most vulnerable point in case of the message as it was in transit, outside the boundaries. In case of more secured communication of the information the organisations use the end-to-end encryption method that is used for organisations which need inter organisational communication (Daemen and Rijmen 2013). There are also many solutions which can make the messages secured with the en d-to-end encryption. The gateway based solution should be able to deliver the message which can be off diff erent solutions that can give only one or other. There are also many future scopes of making the encryption method more useful in our daily life. There may be of different types of encryptions like autonomous encryption, transparent encryption and content-control encryption. The autonomous encryption simply encrypts everything, by default and automatically (Boneh et al. 2014). Autonomous encryption needs a lot of computing resources that can be used to make the internal me-mails and the system information more secured. In case of the transparent encryption the operations are encrypted without the direct action of the user (Bellare, Keelveedhi and Ristenpart 2013). It actually does not affect the way of the work of the users. It is often important component for large applications of the encryption system. In case of Content-control technologies the secured or sensitive information is detected and then it apply for the appropriate decision regarding the encryption. Finally it can be concluded from the above discussion that encryption is necessary for the security of public and organisational information. The use of encryption in various software and applications has increased in large extent. The advantages of making the system encrypted are also discussed. The issues related to the encryption method are also discussed and should be overcome for better reliability. References Bellare, M., Keelveedhi, S. and Ristenpart, T., 2013, May. Message-locked encryption and secure deduplication. InAnnual International Conference on the Theory and Applications of Cryptographic Techniques(pp. 296-312). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. Boneh, D., Gentry, C., Gorbunov, S., Halevi, S., Nikolaenko, V., Segev, G., Vaikuntanathan, V. and Vinayagamurthy, D., 2014, May. Fully key-homomorphic encryption, arithmetic circuit ABE and compact garbled circuits. InAnnual International Conference on the Theory and Applications of Cryptographic Techniques(pp. 533-556). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. Brakerski, Z. and Vaikuntanathan, V., 2014. Efficient fully homomorphic encryption from (standard) LWE.SIAM Journal on Computing,43(2), pp.831-871. Brakerski, Z., Gentry, C. and Vaikuntanathan, V., 2014. (Leveled) fully homomorphic encryption without bootstrapping.ACM Transactions on Computation Theory (TOCT),6(3), p.13. Daemen, J. and Rijmen, V., 2013.The design of Rijndael: AES-the advanced encryption standard. Springer Science Business Media. Daniel, W.K., Chen, D., Liu, Q., Wang, F. and Wei, Z., 2014, September. Emerging issues in cloud storage security: Encryption, key management, data redundancy, trust mechanism. InInternational Conference, MISNC(pp. 297-310). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. Garg, S., Gentry, C., Halevi, S., Raykova, M., Sahai, A. and Waters, B., 2016. Candidate indistinguishability obfuscation and functional encryption for all circuits.SIAM Journal on Computing,45(3), pp.882-929. Gentry, C., Sahai, A. and Waters, B., 2013. Homomorphic encryption from learning with errors: Conceptually-simpler, asymptotically-faster, attribute-based. InAdvances in CryptologyCRYPTO 2013(pp. 75-92). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. Li, M., Yu, S., Zheng, Y., Ren, K. and Lou, W., 2013. Scalable and secure sharing of personal health records in cloud computing using attribute-based encryption.IEEE transactions on parallel and distributed systems,24(1), pp.131-143. Shmueli, E., Vaisenberg, R., Gudes, E. and Elovici, Y., 2014. Implementing a database encryption solution, design and implementation issues.Computers security,44, pp.33-50.

Why lie to the history books Review Essay Example

Why lie to the history books Review Paper Essay on Why lie to the history books To learn how to choose, it is necessary not only to read a lot, we must also be able to distinguish between science and ideology, or else an illusion impossibility of scientific knowledge the result of the triumph of ideology over science in a single mind. In science and ideology there are common: both this knowledge is given in the system, two kinds of systematic consciousness, but the system of scientific knowledge aimed at establishing the truth and ideology to protect the interests of (groups of) people. That is why it is wrong that Mukhin object of protection has long vanished is not Stalin, but in the interests of the class, that group of people, material interests are represented by Stalin at the very top class supreme bureaucracy (the so-called decision-makers), the nomenclature or otherwise (to use a more accurate scientific terminology) politaristov. Modern Russian politarizm enjoys the ability to mimic their ideology as science, to issue its own system of scientific knowledge. It is this and claim all ideologues. Their joint interest to discredit the scientific knowledge per se. For example, identifying a plurality of views and pluralism of truths. every ideology boast reasonable true and embellishes it profitable lie true, if you do not have in mind a scientific ideology. Scientific ideology is possible when society there are people who are interested in a simple question, but what was really? However, it happens not always. the mass believes myths about the famine and gulags but this is not the myths. Here, for example, the work of historians pros: pay attention to the conclusion there. Or thats gulag, and more. Why lie to the history books Review Essay Example Why lie to the history books Review Paper Essay on Why lie to the history books I probably would have noticed immediately 1) YI Semenov: no common ownership of the means of production was not in our society. I absent in it, and the distribution principle: from each according to ability, to each according to his work. In other words, our society was not socialist in any sense of the word. No socialism we had not, it was not his, and no country in the world. Society, which we persistently called socialist, in fact, or have been, or still are still politarnymi. Listed a little sign of communism, which was not possible to build a really, but to call it socialism signs completely dare not. If we take socialism as a coupling medium between capital and communism, we must realize that in socialism such features as from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs are in bud. Before society eat these conditions provide for work, must undergo a long process of nationalization. This is firstly. Socialism on the entire planet does not work, it must run in slowly, and then in the socialist countries should have trade relations with the capitalist countries. This is just one more aspect of slowing down the appearance of signs described by Semenov, you forgive, but he wrote illiterate nonsense. As for contemporaries of Stalin, so everything is very simple; were talking about the ideological war that was then, so the representatives of both sides of his contemporaries combined status or even witnesses, but the information they provide is absolutely contradictory. I am referring to the fact that not a few contemporaries of Raskolnikov, his mouth shut. There is a little book from the same series of mystery 37go year, it is called Stalins Testament. On its back is written a little anecdote: After the death of Stalin left two envelopes, one says to open at a difficult time, the other To be opened at a critical time. There comes a difficult time, and opened the first envelope, there is written: Bring down all on me. There comes a critical ti me, it opened the second envelope and is written in it: Do as I do. Why lie to the history books Review Essay Example Why lie to the history books Review Paper Essay on Why lie to the history books It seems that you do not is aware that is socialism, not to mention how to write frantically about Semenov, saying, ignorant stupidity well, well, well actually funny! about the author of Economic ethnology (a link to the electric version Heres a list of his scientific works -.? Not ashamed?) a man for the first time disclosed the full range of existing and existing forms of exploitation of man by man (and a half dozen note can immediately call at least half a dozen?). No, I am far from simple links to authorities and is ready to do without them. But there is the view that, at least, deserve close attention. And you its not just lack of tact, it is immediately obvious, and bad faith, but excuse me Your will return and a real nonsense. And now, in fact. Socialism is not determined by the combination of features remember how Hattabych old man was trying to create a phone booth in the image and likeness but somehow did not work. So it is with definitions they should work! Th e meaning and essence of socialism, precisely on the classics, Marx, including socialist ideas, ranging from the 19th century, first of all, the implementation of the principle of social justice (and this is the most current Western idea until now, the center of speculation and lies all the authorities and ideologies), which in the language of the economic theory of socialism a classless society, that is, one in which the means of production are owned by society, not the state. Thats about it and lied, and lying Stalinist propaganda (and it is clear why the death of his reeks of such a theory, or rather, with the subsequent dying off = falling asleep all the state functions assumed by the Companys control, in the language of orthodoxy the dictatorship of the proletariat remember Lenins opinion about it ? Forgot?). Therefore impossible demagoguery about the socialist state of this nature can not be (in ME and Lenin). State is politarnaya forms of private property, including pe ople, reaching to the slaves in the Gulag (this is just a scientific truth from the 20th century). Corporate Ownership nomenclature is precisely private property in accordance with its definition. Semenov wrote about the socialist principle of distribution according to work, as an economist, as a researcher and expert on pre-class and early class economies (though it is something to take the sense and think that it is not likely, but is something you do not understand ). What is behind it quite clearly the impossibility of class relations, including politarizma this is where the bureaucracy robs the people and fattening, portraying servants of the people, under the guise lied about the public property, humanism and justice. And you wonder inserted on demand, but by the way, this principle has already proved its necessity and effectiveness of one of the existing types of economic relations in the primitive state. Stalinist state works because liberally lubricated with blood, but the current level of production and technology completely eliminates this shovels mode of production, hence the vital need to destroy a huge parasitic superstructure over society, called the state. Socialism immediately on the planet will not work, who told you? In general, how do you ponabrali all this confusion about socialism, the impossibility of historical science, truth, etc. Stalinist blyagi? Just trouble, I must say. And remember, you have a large inflated and this is in the best case. And in my opinion, the destruction of the global class relations between the two countries is possible only once and everywhere, and hence it is clear that capitalism and politarizm two sides of the same coin and the fate they will have a common a quick death, either with mankind or separately if the latest smart enough. And yet to me the most lovely of the covenants of Stalins contemporaries, an honest man to kill Stalin he wrote with his blood on the walls of the chamber shortly befor e the death of Artur Artuzov, I hope you know who this is? If not would highly recommend steeper any fiction.

The eNotes Blog Are You Listening Poetry Slam and SocialCommentary

Are You Listening Poetry Slam and SocialCommentary For  National Poetry Month we were tempted to pay homage to classics like Poe, Whitman, Neruda, and all the other greats. But  much of the buzz in the poetry world is not around words on a page, but rather the voice and performance of the poet. Were talking about  poetry slam, and its been  growing in popularity thanks to the web and social media. You no longer have to head to a club to see a live performance YouTube brings the hottest slam poets right to your screen. And if youve never heard of this art form, prepare to emote (hard). So what is a  poetry slam? According to Poetry Slam, Inc., its  the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what theyre saying and how theyre saying it. The live performance encourages poets to be expressive and emotional not only in the words they choose to say but also in how they say them. Because slam poetry often includes an element of competition, poets strive to bring as much energy and passion as they can to their readings in order to beat out the competition. Of course, performance poetry  isnt a new concept, as its  vibrant and varied history encompasses ancient  Greek lyric and Shakespearean plays (and lots in between). And most,  if not all, art forms throughout global history have  continually reflected and were influenced by their political, cultural, and economic  contexts. Similarly, slam poetry  can  take any format, theme, or topic of the poets choosing (within the confines of any  competition parameters). Unsurprisingly, the most popular topics tend to be  unapologetic social commentary, recited through the lens of personal experience and delivered with  raw  emotion. Then whats so new? Well, couple  all of the above  with sharable video tools  like the aforementioned YouTube and youve got an undeniable platform calling for social revolution. We put together some of our favorite spine-tingling (and in my case tear-inducing, no shame) poems below. Let us know your favorites, any that we missed, and your reactions in the comments! Happy National Poetry Month! Want to get involved? Find a Poetry Slam near you. Gender and Sexuality *This video has some language that may be offensive. *Dear Straight People by Denice Frohman  |  A call for equality. Pride by  Sibel Sayiner and Violet Trachtenberg |  Criticism of corporate sponsorship and a lack of  intersectional and inclusive pride. Hir by  Alysia Harris and Aysha El Shamayleh  | The dual identities of a transgender person. Misogyny  and  Gender  Roles *The Period Poem by Dominique Christina  | Response to a boys disgust over female anatomy. *10 Responses to the Phrase Man Up by Guante  | Criticism of telling men and boys to man up. The Type by Sarah Kay  | Urging women not to define themselves through men. Race and  Ethnicity What Kind of Asian are You? by Alex Dang  | A response to ignorant questioning. *Cuz Hes Black by Javon Johnson  | Commentary on hardships of Black men and young boys. *Mixed, Not Exotic by Sarah ONeal |  A response to ignorance on mixed ethnicities.

Genre Switching Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Genre Switching - Essay Example In this project, chapter 12 of the book: A visit from the goon squad, chapter 12 was deemed preferable as it can relate to the Facebook genre that we found it more related compared to other genres that are available. The 12th chapter of this material is a caption of the thoughts and life of young girl; Alison Blake. Alison has a family consisting of her parents and her brother who is a year older. The thoughts of Alison and the various activities she undertakes have been reflected on powerpoint slides, these slides have been illustrated in a way that it allows the reader to actualize and put to perspective what the young girl goes through as she interact with her family. These PowerPoint presentations can be transferred to a Facebook profile whereby they fit as they are more or less the same thing from Alison’s presentation. A Facebook account profile ranges from a status update file where the users can update their friends and family of the current things that they are undertaking in their lives. From this provision with the Facebook accounts, one is able to let their friend know what they are doing and at what time.The Facebook page then has a provision whereby there are spaces allocated to allow friends to respond to the status updates. They can respond to the specific update their friend has illustrated on their ‘walls’; the page from where the details of a person appears along with the updated status of that person.There are other aspects of a Facebook profile such as the ‘like’ button option whereby people can choose to click where it indicatively show that the person who has read the profile like it and lets the profile owner know it. The Facebook status has also dialog boxes where people can share their thought. like using short messages. Alison’s powerpoint slide s transferred to Facebook profile The tense used Powerpoint: The tense that Alison Blake uses in her slides is in present continuous, throughout the profile; she updates her life by referring the immediate things that are taking place. ‘Dad is working’; she states what activities her dad is currently undertaking. This means, she records these activities as they are happening. There is the use of passive voice in some parts of her slides, these signifies that the conversation is taking place at the immediate time. Facebook: The tense that Alison uses can qualify for the usage in a Facebook profile, on Facebook, Alison’s updates on might have sufficed on the status update where, she can allow the friend knows what is going on around her at the immediate time. The same update from the powerpoint slide might can fit in a status update letting her friends and family know that currently her dad is working on something. The profile on the Facebook status then has simila rity to the PowerPoint slide as it allows one to update whatever the person is undertaking in her life, this is facilitated by the use of tense whereby the update involves the ongoing activity. Relationship PowerPoint slides In the slides there are indications of the

Reflection in Two Pictures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflection in Two Pictures - Essay Example It could show his dream to visit the Avant Grade graveyard among other places. From this art work, people need to reflects about their life’s, from where they have come from, how far they have gone, different challenges they have experienced and what awaits them in the future. Peter Beard by Ray Johnson is the second image for reflection in this paper. Johnson, another seasoned artist, creates imaginative works based on what he thinks to reflect on different issues about life. Peter Beard is an exceptional art work, illustrated on board through ink wash and combined with acrylic, collage and pink, it is easy for anyone to know what the image intends to communicate. The image, shows an individual with a single idea on his mind, sees the idea in different dimensions, in this case reflected by use of different colours, and wants to use it to buy his dream car. The image show a frustrated individual, his head full and probably unable to implement the idea. This teaches us to only reflect on a single idea that we can

Auditor independence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Auditor independence - Research Paper Example Without independence, Arya & Glover (2014, p. 188) believes that there is no need for external auditors attestation to the purported accuracy and the completeness of the company financial information. The adverse effects of auditors providing services to clients that pay them directly question the impairment of auditor independence. An association between fees received by the audit firms directly from the clients will possibly impair auditor independence with particular interest to the going concern reporting decision that continues to have considerable interest to the regulators and others. This paper studies Arthur Andersen clients and investigates whether the decline in Andersens problems due to a criminal indictment can adversely affect the stock market perception of its audit quality. The reputations concerns are an issue on the impairment of the auditors independence. Arya & Glover (2014, p. 190) investigates the relationship between abnormal market returns for the Andersen clients and the fee-based measures of auditor independence. The empirical results support the ideology that auditor independence and reputation can significantly affect the perceived auditor quality and credibility in the audited financial statements as well as the market prices. The paper will also provide empirical evidence on the efficacy of auditors and directors that apply aggressive financial reporting that have accruals. In that light, the paper will investigate a sample of United States firms to evaluate the auditors independence on the clients. According to (), aggressive financing reporting will only occur when multiple governance mechanism fails. The overreliance of SOX-type legislation cannot act as a substitute for strong governance mechanisms in the regulation. Paterson & Valencia (2011, p. 1510) assert that Arthur Andersens perceives audit failure of Enron and other publicized accounting

Planning And Strategic Management Management Essay

Planning And Strategic Management Management Essay Nestle is the worlds leading nutrition, health, wellness company. The headquarter of Nestle company is located in Vevey, Switzerland. That is in 1866, there was a first European condensed milk factory opened in Cham, Switzerland. The name of the company is Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company which established by brothers George Page and Chatles Page. After that year, the founder of Nestle, Henri Nestle, a German pharmacist, developed a combination of cows milk, wheat flour and sugar, which name as Farine Lactee. The launched of Farine Lactee had become the largest competitor of Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. In 1905, Nestle merged with Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company after a couple of decades as fierce competitors to form the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. In 1929, the chocolate company Peter, Cailler , Kohler Chocolats Suisses S.A. joined Nestle. And in 1947, Nestle change its name to Nestle Alimentana S.A after merged with Maggi, a well-known manufacturer of seasonings and soups. In 1974, Nestle for the first time diversified outside the food industry and they become a major shareholder in LOreal, one of the worlds leading maker of cosmetic products. And then finally, the last name change that the company would endure was in 1977, where it adopted the name Nestle S.A. The first product that launched by Nestle is Farine Lactee Nestle, a combination of cows milk, wheat flour and sugar. Farine Lactee was launched by Henri Nestle in 1867 and it was supported by the public. After that, Nestle also launched Milo in 1934. Milo is a chocolate and malt powder which is mixed with hot or cold water to produce a beverage and it is developed by Thomas Mayne in Sdyney, Australia. After the launched of Milo, another product launched by Nestle that famous among the world which is Nescafe. Nescafe is a powdered coffee that was introduced in Switzerland on April 1, 1938 after being developed for seven or eight years by Max Morgenthaler and Vernon Chapman. Another product that pull Nestle toward success is Nestle Pure Life, a bottled mineral water that launched in 1998. The smart strategy of Nestle had bring them toward the road of success. In 2012, Nestle has around 8,000 brands on the market included coffee, bottled water, milkshakes and other beverages, breakfast cereals, infant foods, performance and healthcare nutrition, seasonings, soups and sauces, frozen and refrigerated foods, and pet food. Organizational chart Chairman P.Brabeck-Letmathe Chief Executive Officer Nestle Health Science P.Bulcke L.Cantarell Corporate Governance Compliance Corporate Human Corporate Services Communication Resources D.P.Frick R.Ramsauer J.M. Duvoisin Operations Finance Strategic, Business Units, Innovation Technology and RD Control Marketing and Sales J.Lopez W.L. Martello P.Bula W.Bauer Nestle Waters Nestle Nutrition Nestle Professional J.J. Harris K.Schmidt M.Caira Zone EUR: Zone AOA: Zone AMS: Europe Asia/Oceana/Africas Americas L.Freixe N.Nandkishorr C.Johnson The organizational chart of Nestle showed that it is a hybrid structure. Hybrid structure is the combination of functional structure and divisional structure. A functional structure is a structure that make grouping by similar work specialties. This structure group people together because they hold similar positions in an organization, perform a similar set of tasks, or use the same kind of skills. The functional structure in the organization chart of Nestle was shown in the upper part that is from the chairman until the level of the Operations, Finance Control, Strategic, Business Units, Marketing and Sales as well as Innovation Technology and RD. A divisional structure is a structure that make grouping by similarity of purpose. This structure group departments according to organizational outputs such as by product type, customer, or geography. The divisional structure in the organization chart of Nestle was shown in the lower part. There are product divisional structure that is Nestle Waters, Nestle Nutrition, and Nestle Professional. After that, it continues with the geographic divisional structure that is Zone EUR: Europe, Zone AOA: Asia/Oceana/Africas and Zone AMS: Americas. The hybrid structure of Nestle consists all the advantages of functional structure and divisional structure. This structure helps to creates unity among the staff members which is very important for all the large-scale business as well as Nestle. This structure also make the management more flexible as the senior management can communicate with the junior employees easily and maintain good relationship between each other. Besides that, the resources can be allocated and used efficiently. Therefore, wastage of time and resources can be avoided. Planning and Strategic Management Basic strategies used to respond to uncertainty Nestle is a company that mainly act as a prospector while responding to uncertainty. Prospectors focus on developing new products or services and in seeking out new markets, rather than waiting for things to happen. Nestle had create many brands and many different types of products to satisfy consumers needs and wants. The table below showed the list of product of Nestle. Types of Products Brand Baby foods Cerelac, Gerber, Gerber Graduates, NaturNes, Nestum Bottled water Nestle Pure Life, Perrier, Poland Spring, S.Pellegrino Cereals Chocapic, Cini Minis, Cookie Crisp, Estrelitas, Fitness, Nesquik Cereal Chocolate confectionery Aero, Butterfinger, Cailler, Crunch, Kit Kat, Orion, Smarties, Wonka Coffee Nescafe, Nescafe 3 in 1, Nescafe Cappuccino, Nescafe Classic, Nescafe Decaff, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Nescafe Gold, Nespresso Culinary, chilled and frozen food Buitoni, Herta, Hot Pockets, Lean Cuisine, Maggi, Stouffers, Thomy Dairy Carnation, Coffee-Mate, La Laitià ¨re, Nido Drinks Juicy Juice, Milo, Nesquik, Nestea Food service Chef, Chef-Mate, Maggi, Milo, Minors, Nescafe, Nestea, Sjora, Lean Cuisine, Stouffers Healthcare nutrition Boost, Nutren Junior, Peptamen, Resource Ice cream Dreyers, Extrà ªme, Hà ¤agen-Dazs, Mà ¶venpick, Nestle Ice Cream Petcare Alpo, Bakers Complete, Beneful, Cat Chow, Chef Michaels Canine Creations, Dog Chow, Fancy Feast, Felix, Friskies, Gourmet, Purina, Purina ONE, Pro Plan Sports Nutrition PowerBar Weight management Jenny Craig In the effort of seeking out new markets, Nestle had employed around 330 000 people in over 150 countries and have 461 factories or operations in 83 countries. Nestle also becomes one of the sponsors in many events. For example, on 27 January 2012, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced that Nestle will be the main sponsor for the further development of IAAFs Kids Athletics Program for the consecutive of 5 years starting from January 2012. This is one of the biggest grassroots development programs in the world of sports. In the year 2012, Nestle expect that it will be a challenging year as they will face many uncertainties in the global economy and. However, as a prospector, the company had made specific plans to overcome the uncertainties. They believe that they have good fundamentals and can will be able to diversify the global uncertainties. Nestle aim to continue the innovation and renovation of their products as well as launching further promotion of nutritional diets and healthy lifestyles Nestle will remain vigilant and will take all necessary method to soften any impact on their business due to the volatile commodity prices that were expected to continue in 2012. Besides that, Nestle company can also be consider as an analyzer. Analyzers let other organizations take the risks of product development and marketing and then imitate or perhaps slightly improve on what seems to work best. For example, Nestle was Gail Bordens most successful imitators in the production of milk. Nestle imitate and make changes based on the condensed milk manufactured by Bordens first canned milk factory. Nestle invented a powdered milk food that primarily composed of cows milk and then mixed with water. By 1868, this product was being sold in Switzerland, Germany, France and England. After five year, the product was available throughout Europe. Eventually, Pet Milk and Carnation Milk were produced and sold in United States. In the 21th century, humans wants are unlimited. Therefore, Nestle create new brands on the products that already exist in the market and are needed for the consumers to widen their choice. Mission and Vision Nestles mission is to be the recognized leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness and the industry reference for financial performance. Good Food, Good Life is the promise they commit to everyday, everywhere to enhance lives, throughout life, with good food and beverages. Nestles vision is As the leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company we enhance lives by offering tastier and healthier food and beverage choices at all stages of life and at any time of the day, helping consumers care for themselves and their families. This is the foundation of our promise of Good Food, Good Life and puts nutrition at the heart of everything we do. It is our firm belief that, for a company to be successful over time and create value for its shareholders, it must also create value for society. We call this Creating Shared Value. Built on strong foundations of compliance and sustainable business practices, this is our way to do business and to be the trusted leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. SWOT analysis Grand Strategy Grand strategy is a systematic, comprehensive, long-term plan of all the company use to achieve their goals. Market, product, and organization development is the main element of this strategy. There are three types of strategy such as growth strategy, stability strategy and defensive strategy. Growth strategy involves the expansion of a company. Stability strategy is a strategy there are no-change strategy or little change strategy. Defensive strategy is a control to reduce the probability of loss. Nestle is a company that apply growth strategy. Nestle started the business in the year 1866 with the first European condensed milk factory and today becomes the worlds biggest food producer. The products of Nestle such as milk, beverages, coffee, ice-cream, confectionery and chocolate as well as junior food, has make a sales of CHF 44.1 billion in 2012 from CHF 74,660 million at 1999. The net profit increased by 8% to CHF 9.5 billion with the latest update on 9 August 2012. Now, Nestle had employed around 330,000 people in over 150 countries and have many operations or factories in the world compare to the number of employees in 1998 that only have 299,800 people. Besides that, Nestle is increasing the size of their company year by year. One of the strategies is organizing many different types of promotion. They give discounts to customers by using coupons. For example, Nestle Toll House Birthday Sugar Cookies can save 55$ if we print out the coupons to buy it. In addition, Nestle also provide food samples to customers during promotion. For instance, free samples of Maggi MeeGoreng were given out on 2nd  July 2012 to 2nd  August 2012. These were the successful strategy of Nestle nowadays. Nestle begin the business in 1866 with the combination of cows milk, wheat flour and sugar. After 1 year, infant cereal developed for a whole new world to babies. Next, Milo, Nescafe, Nestea, Nestle Pure Life, and Power Bar were launched in the years after 1929. Although these products launched, they merged with another company such as Maggi merged with Ursina-Franck. Nestle took the high risk of investment in the following year such as joint venture with LOreal, General Mills, Coca-Cola and Fonterra. In conclusion, Nestle is trying their best in the sales of products. they have smart plans to overcome the uncertainties. Growth strategy was used to increase their capital and Nestle will invest new products and new markets in the future. Competitive Strategies Nestle mainly focused on differentiation strategy. Nestle is a quality focused company. They differentiate their products with their competitors by giving them better customer satisfaction and quality with in an acceptable price limit. All their market is based on quality products and customer satisfaction. The main factor that motivates a customer is to buy their goods is the nutritional content in their products. They also focused on creating a strong brand by creating brand equity. In order to have a better quality on their products, Nestle had created Nestle Nutrition, which is a global business organization designed to strengthen the focus on their core nutrition business. They believe that strengthening their leadership in this market is the key element of their corporate strategy. In order to reinforce their competitive advantage in this area, Nestle created Nestle Nutrition as an autonomous global business unit within the organization, and charged it with the operational and profit and loss responsibility for the claim-based business of Infant Nutrition, HealthCare Nutrition, and Performance Nutrition. This unit aims to deliver superior business performance by offering consumers trusted, science based nutrition products and services. In order to produce a better quality product, Nestle had made an effort on research and development. Research and development is a key of competitive advantage for Nestle. Without research and development, Nestle could not have become the leader in food and beverage industries. With 29 research, development and technology facilities worldwide, Nestle has the largest research and development network compare with other food company. Based on the research and development done by Nestle, they are able to produce many products that have a high quality in nutrition, wellness, taste, health, texture or convenience. Besides that, Nestle also use cost-leadership strategy for minor products. Nestle had used a new strategy called Nestles Popularly Positioned Products (PPPs) strategy that provide consumers with high-quality, nutritious products, regardless of where they sell them and the price point at which they sell them. PPPs focuses on the specific needs of 3 billion lower-income consumers worldwide. PPPs offer these consumers the opportunity to consume high-quality food products that provide nutritional value at an affordable cost and appropriate format. With a range of locally adapted distribution methods, including street markets, mobile street vendors and door to door distributors, PPPs are a source of income for street traders and individual distributors and contribute to the creation of local jobs. Recommendation Utilizing the identified strengths and opportunities Overcome the identified strengths and opportunities Conclusion Overall achievement Firstly, on 21 May 2012, Nestle was in the rank of No. 18 in The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25. The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 is about leadership. Nestle has created a successful supply chain segment for its popular Nespresso line. Nestle is also highly advanced and integrated in its raw material sourcing strategies, and has invested significantly in supply development and innovation. Moreover, on 12 April 2012, Nestle becomes the first food and beverage company that receives A+ rating, which is the highest standard in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for Creating Shared Value report. This shows that Nestle do take seriously their responsibility to create shared value and conduct their business in a sustainable way. Next, Nestle won the ACCA Malaysia Sustainability Reporting Award 2011. This was because Nestle use Sustainability Reporting to communicate to stakeholders regarding the progress of their Creating Shared Value strategy, which is to create value simultaneously for society and their shareholders while carrying out our business activities. On 19 May 2011, Nestle receives top environment award which is the 27th World Environment Center (WEC) Gold Medal award for its commitment to environmental sustainability. This shows that Nestle was recognized as a global company that has demonstrated an example of sustainability in business practice. Furthermore, on 7 June 2011, Nestle became winner of the Stockholm Industry Water Award for its leadership and performance to improve water management in its internal operations and throughout its supply chain. Nestle also has a leading role in the 2030 Water Resources Group. Besides that, in July 2010, Nestle Malaysia was crowned as a winner of the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2010 (AREA). This awards show that Nestle was recognized as an organization that have shown a lot of efforts, perseverance and courage in corporate social responsibility initiatives. Last but not least, Nestle won the StarBiz-ICR Malaysia CR Awards in the year 2009. Nestle was one of the seven public-listed companies which were recognized and honoured for their outstanding Corporate Responsibility practices at the StarBiz-ICR Malaysia CR Awards 2009 presentation ceremony. (Management, 2012) (Brands, 2012) (Nestle is, 2012) (Nestle becomes main sponsor of IAAF Kids Athletics programme, 2012) (Message to Shareholders (Annual Report 2011), 2012) (Reports Downloads, 2011) (Nestle is, 2011) (The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2012, 2012) (Insight: The challenges of achieving greater transparency, 2012) (Nestle Wins ACCA Malaysia Sustainabiliti Reporting Award 2011, 2011) (Nestle receives top environment award, 2012) (Nestle Wins the Stockholm Industry Water Award, 2012) (Awards and Recognition, 2012) References and Appendixes

Shakespeares Macbeth - A Tragic Hero :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth: A Tragic Hero         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Macbeth character in Macbeth by William Shakespeare can be played many ways.   Macbeth's relationship with other characters in the play and Aristotle's theory of a tragedy are ways in which Macbeth is shown as a tragic hero.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At the very beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are returning to Scotland from a fierce battle between the Norwegians and the Scottish. They have just won the war for Duncan.   This shows a noble virtue of Macbeth, a requirement of a tragic hero according to Aristotle.   It shows that Macbeth is a loyal person to the King and that he is a great warrior. As they are returning to Scotland, three witches appear and make prophecies about Macbeth and Banquo.   The three witches say â€Å"All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!   All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!   All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!† (A 1, S 3, 48). Here, Macbeth is interested in what the witches have to say, but he does not really believe them.   A few minutes later, Ross enters.   He tells Macbeth that the thane of Cawdor is in line for death and that Duncan has named Macbeth the new thane of Cawdor.   Now, Macbeth is absolutely shocked. The witches prophecy has come true!   He can not believe it!   But now Macbeth has a lot more on his mind; the third prophecy about becoming the King.   Macbeth knows that if something were to happen to Duncan, Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, would be the rightful heirs to the throne. How can Macbeth be King when he is nowhere near the next in line to the throne?   Another requirement for a tragic hero is that he must have a tragic flaw.   Macbeth's tragic flaw is that of ambition; Macbeth's ambition will cause him to decline.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At this point, Lady Macbeth knows all about the witches prophecies. She really wants to be Queen of Scotland so she encourages Macbeth to do what he has to do to get rid of Duncan.   Lady Macbeth is putting an enormous amount of influence on Macbeth.   He thinks that Duncan is a great King and he considers Duncan to be a good friend.   Finally Macbeth gives in to Lady Macbeth and decides that he will kill Duncan while he is visiting Macbeth's castle that same night.   That night, Macbeth kills Duncan. However, afterwards, Macbeth is feeling very sorry for himself.   He can not believe what he has just done.   His ambition has caused him to kill a good friend and even worse, the King!   Here, Macbeth is going crazy.

Guests of the Sheik

Ethnocentrism: The Cultural Differences between Western and Middle Eastern Cultures Through its ethnocentric tales and family based beliefs, Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s Guests of the Sheik suggests that to find the true representation of Islamic culture, one must leave ethnocentrism behind. Not only will we discuss ethnocentrism and the cultural differences between Western and Middle Eastern societies, we will also take a look at the women of El Nahra and family within the differing societies. Fernea entered El Nahra naive to the culture.However, was an innocent bystander, she became indignant because of the reference of wearing the abayah, â€Å" because she viewed the â€Å"abayah† as not being a part of her culture and did not have to wear it, â€Å"Why should I have to wear that ugly thing–it’s not my custom† (1965: 5). However, through her stay in the small Iraqi village, she gained cultural insight to be passed on about not only El Nahra, but to all foreign culture. As Elizabeth entered the Sheik’s village, she was viewed with a critical eye, â€Å"It seemed to me that many times the women were talking about me, and not in a particularly friendly manner† (1965: 70).The women of El Nahra could not understand why Elizabeth was not with her entire family, and why it was just her and her husband Bob: â€Å"Where is your mother? Kulthma asked. I told her she was in America far away, and when Selma repeated this in a better accent, the women clucked in sympathy. Poor girl, they said. Poor child. To be alone without any of one’s womenfolk was clearly the greatest disaster which could befall any girl† (1965:36). The women did not recognize her American lifestyle as accurate.This is not only ethnocentrism on the part of the El Nahran women because of their belief system that you are suppose to have your parents living with you or near you but American’s do not see this as a bad thing to live far from ones parents. Conversely, Elizabeth–BJ or Beeja, as named by the village and Bob did not view the El Nahra lifestyle as particularly proper either. They were viewing each other through their own cultural lenses. However, through their constant interaction, both sides began to recognize some benefits each culture possessed.It takes time when you are immersed in a particular community to understand the cultural ethos and eventually the community as a whole. Through Elizabeth Fernea’s ethnography on Iraq’s El Nahra village, we learn that all cultures have unique and equally important aspects. In El Nahra, for example, the cultural ethos is family honor. The actions of the community are based on the solid family bonds that exist throughout. However, individualism drives the majority of America. Our actions seem to be a direct result of the cultural ethos.In this, lied much of the uncertainty between Bob, BJ and the El Nahran people. In America, we spend a grea t deal of the time away from home and our families and completing tasks that will further the success of the individual. Generally, Americans are willing to sacrifice a lot of their family solidity for individual success. A sacrifice of this magnitude would be unheard of in a community such as El Nahra. Their relationships, both marriage and friendship are based on their family, and no one seems to know any other lifestyle. Marriages in El Nahra were, for the large majority, predetermined.This tradition in America would be strongly questioned and completely disregarded, based on the cultural ethos of individualism. Americans put a large emphasis on courting their own spouse. However, based on El Nahra’s cultural ethos of family honor, the people trusted their family unit to make quality choices for them. Obviously, from an American perspective, a women’s freedom of choice in this facet of El Nahran culture is lacking. However, viewing marriage cross-culturally, their p riorities as a tribe and culture are different and we cannot view them through American eyes.We should understand that family is the most important feature of each of their lives, and the preservation of the family line is of the utmost priority to them. In El Nahra, it may have seemed to Beeja that women have no power in their society. However, power may have multiple meanings as one travels from culture to culture. In America, a woman may view power in terms being able to obtain and maintain a stable, high-paying job on her own. We may also view a woman of no power as one without a job, simply satisfied being a common housewife. However, in El Nahra, as Beeja finds out, the women have more power as housewives.Their power comes from their ability to please their husband, and it is known, who were the preferred wives. As a favored wife, bearing children gives the woman power in her community amongst both women and men. â€Å"A typical well-respected wife would have served and respe cted her husband, worked hard, kept herself beautiful for him, made him laugh, and of course borne him sons (1965:169). They also obtain their power and respect from their capability to do what American women may consider to be menial chores. Preparation of meals and the cleanliness of ones home are essential to how a woman is viewed in El Nahra.When the sheik visited BJ and Bob’s home, BJ experienced this concept of power first hand. To make a good impression and understand the customs better, she had her servant Mohammed helped with Sheik Hamid’s feast. â€Å"Then Mohammed and I dished up the food, the chicken, the kebab, the meat dishes, the vegetables and salad and yogurt†, (1965:96). â€Å"We piled the platters, twelve of them, onto the tray. Mohammed mopped his brow, readjusted his headdress, then lifted the heavy, steaming tray to his shoulder and set out for the other room†, (1965:97).These feasts are very imperative to the reputation of a woman i n El Nahra. There are benefits to being a woman in El Nahra. Many women in American communities do not have the opportunity to experience the support and close bond between other women in their community. In America, it is hard for women to find enough time to spend with other women in the same manner as the women of El Nahra. The lifestyle is slower paced, and the importance is more on relationships instead of money and individualism, as in America. These close groups of women are a result of purdah, the veiling and seclusion of women. They say an uncovered woman is an immoral woman,† Bob explained, â€Å"and the tribesmen ask why a woman should want to show herself to anyone but her husband†, (1965:6). Predictably, Americans would perceive this behavior as degrading, while El Nahran women identify with it as a part of life. El Nahran women do not view it as degrading; rather, from BJ’s many interactions with the women of the community, they recognize it makes t hem stronger. The time they spend together is precious. They all gather together in a seemingly jovial atmosphere.Most American women never get to experience that kind of bonding with such a large group of women. Granted, American women some times gather for tea parties to catch up with each others lives, but the women of El Nahra are in constant daily contact, and already know each others lives inside and out. The bonds that the women make are unique outlooks of El Nahran culture that make it equally as important as any other culture in the world. El Nahran women have many unique and important aspects of culture, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.These aspects are unique to their village and create a positive environment for them to live. However, members of foreign cultures may disagree. At that point, people must understand that cultures can be equally as productive and beneficial no matter the means they use to achieve their particular goals. Elizabeth Fernea conducted her self as a respectful and somewhat open individual within the Iraqi community, she accepted the change of culture in which she was not accustomed and experienced the concept of Iraqi culture.I believe Elizabeth started out with strong ethnocentric views: â€Å"Thus, although I balked at wearing an all-enveloping black abayah, I had elected to live like the women of El Nahra-in relative seclusion behind walls, not meeting or mixing with me† (1965:5), but left with a more opened mind and respect for different cultures, especially the Middle East culture: â€Å"when I came to Selma, heavy and clumsy with the child she was carrying, she smiled politely in a set way and then as I smiled back, her face changed and she threw her arms around me and cried aloud.At this my own reserve broke and I found myself weeping, passing from one abayah-clad figure to another in a welter of embraces and tears†, â€Å"they were bidding me goodbye† (1965:331). This shows how Elizabeth s tarted ethnocentric coming to El Nahra, but her interactions with the women of El Nahra mad her more culturally relative to the Iraqi culture of El Nahra. Guests of the Sheik Ethnocentrism: The Cultural Differences between Western and Middle Eastern Cultures Through its ethnocentric tales and family based beliefs, Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s Guests of the Sheik suggests that to find the true representation of Islamic culture, one must leave ethnocentrism behind. Not only will we discuss ethnocentrism and the cultural differences between Western and Middle Eastern societies, we will also take a look at the women of El Nahra and family within the differing societies. Fernea entered El Nahra naive to the culture.However, was an innocent bystander, she became indignant because of the reference of wearing the abayah, â€Å" because she viewed the â€Å"abayah† as not being a part of her culture and did not have to wear it, â€Å"Why should I have to wear that ugly thing–it’s not my custom† (1965: 5). However, through her stay in the small Iraqi village, she gained cultural insight to be passed on about not only El Nahra, but to all foreign culture. As Elizabeth entered the Sheik’s village, she was viewed with a critical eye, â€Å"It seemed to me that many times the women were talking about me, and not in a particularly friendly manner† (1965: 70).The women of El Nahra could not understand why Elizabeth was not with her entire family, and why it was just her and her husband Bob: â€Å"Where is your mother? Kulthma asked. I told her she was in America far away, and when Selma repeated this in a better accent, the women clucked in sympathy. Poor girl, they said. Poor child. To be alone without any of one’s womenfolk was clearly the greatest disaster which could befall any girl† (1965:36). The women did not recognize her American lifestyle as accurate.This is not only ethnocentrism on the part of the El Nahran women because of their belief system that you are suppose to have your parents living with you or near you but American’s do not see this as a bad thing to live far from ones parents. Conversely, Elizabeth–BJ or Beeja, as named by the village and Bob did not view the El Nahra lifestyle as particularly proper either. They were viewing each other through their own cultural lenses. However, through their constant interaction, both sides began to recognize some benefits each culture possessed.It takes time when you are immersed in a particular community to understand the cultural ethos and eventually the community as a whole. Through Elizabeth Fernea’s ethnography on Iraq’s El Nahra village, we learn that all cultures have unique and equally important aspects. In El Nahra, for example, the cultural ethos is family honor. The actions of the community are based on the solid family bonds that exist throughout. However, individualism drives the majority of America. Our actions seem to be a direct result of the cultural ethos.In this, lied much of the uncertainty between Bob, BJ and the El Nahran people. In America, we spend a grea t deal of the time away from home and our families and completing tasks that will further the success of the individual. Generally, Americans are willing to sacrifice a lot of their family solidity for individual success. A sacrifice of this magnitude would be unheard of in a community such as El Nahra. Their relationships, both marriage and friendship are based on their family, and no one seems to know any other lifestyle. Marriages in El Nahra were, for the large majority, predetermined.This tradition in America would be strongly questioned and completely disregarded, based on the cultural ethos of individualism. Americans put a large emphasis on courting their own spouse. However, based on El Nahra’s cultural ethos of family honor, the people trusted their family unit to make quality choices for them. Obviously, from an American perspective, a women’s freedom of choice in this facet of El Nahran culture is lacking. However, viewing marriage cross-culturally, their p riorities as a tribe and culture are different and we cannot view them through American eyes.We should understand that family is the most important feature of each of their lives, and the preservation of the family line is of the utmost priority to them. In El Nahra, it may have seemed to Beeja that women have no power in their society. However, power may have multiple meanings as one travels from culture to culture. In America, a woman may view power in terms being able to obtain and maintain a stable, high-paying job on her own. We may also view a woman of no power as one without a job, simply satisfied being a common housewife. However, in El Nahra, as Beeja finds out, the women have more power as housewives.Their power comes from their ability to please their husband, and it is known, who were the preferred wives. As a favored wife, bearing children gives the woman power in her community amongst both women and men. â€Å"A typical well-respected wife would have served and respe cted her husband, worked hard, kept herself beautiful for him, made him laugh, and of course borne him sons (1965:169). They also obtain their power and respect from their capability to do what American women may consider to be menial chores. Preparation of meals and the cleanliness of ones home are essential to how a woman is viewed in El Nahra.When the sheik visited BJ and Bob’s home, BJ experienced this concept of power first hand. To make a good impression and understand the customs better, she had her servant Mohammed helped with Sheik Hamid’s feast. â€Å"Then Mohammed and I dished up the food, the chicken, the kebab, the meat dishes, the vegetables and salad and yogurt†, (1965:96). â€Å"We piled the platters, twelve of them, onto the tray. Mohammed mopped his brow, readjusted his headdress, then lifted the heavy, steaming tray to his shoulder and set out for the other room†, (1965:97).These feasts are very imperative to the reputation of a woman i n El Nahra. There are benefits to being a woman in El Nahra. Many women in American communities do not have the opportunity to experience the support and close bond between other women in their community. In America, it is hard for women to find enough time to spend with other women in the same manner as the women of El Nahra. The lifestyle is slower paced, and the importance is more on relationships instead of money and individualism, as in America. These close groups of women are a result of purdah, the veiling and seclusion of women. They say an uncovered woman is an immoral woman,† Bob explained, â€Å"and the tribesmen ask why a woman should want to show herself to anyone but her husband†, (1965:6). Predictably, Americans would perceive this behavior as degrading, while El Nahran women identify with it as a part of life. El Nahran women do not view it as degrading; rather, from BJ’s many interactions with the women of the community, they recognize it makes t hem stronger. The time they spend together is precious. They all gather together in a seemingly jovial atmosphere.Most American women never get to experience that kind of bonding with such a large group of women. Granted, American women some times gather for tea parties to catch up with each others lives, but the women of El Nahra are in constant daily contact, and already know each others lives inside and out. The bonds that the women make are unique outlooks of El Nahran culture that make it equally as important as any other culture in the world. El Nahran women have many unique and important aspects of culture, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.These aspects are unique to their village and create a positive environment for them to live. However, members of foreign cultures may disagree. At that point, people must understand that cultures can be equally as productive and beneficial no matter the means they use to achieve their particular goals. Elizabeth Fernea conducted her self as a respectful and somewhat open individual within the Iraqi community, she accepted the change of culture in which she was not accustomed and experienced the concept of Iraqi culture.I believe Elizabeth started out with strong ethnocentric views: â€Å"Thus, although I balked at wearing an all-enveloping black abayah, I had elected to live like the women of El Nahra-in relative seclusion behind walls, not meeting or mixing with me† (1965:5), but left with a more opened mind and respect for different cultures, especially the Middle East culture: â€Å"when I came to Selma, heavy and clumsy with the child she was carrying, she smiled politely in a set way and then as I smiled back, her face changed and she threw her arms around me and cried aloud.At this my own reserve broke and I found myself weeping, passing from one abayah-clad figure to another in a welter of embraces and tears†, â€Å"they were bidding me goodbye† (1965:331). This shows how Elizabeth s tarted ethnocentric coming to El Nahra, but her interactions with the women of El Nahra mad her more culturally relative to the Iraqi culture of El Nahra.

International Management Group

International Management Group International Management Group is a business venture that was rapidly expanding with Southeast Asia being its latest phase of tremendous growth. Its founder and president Mark McCormack was reflecting on the journey the company had taken to become one of the most popular group in the entire globe.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on International Management Group specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As for the year 2000, the corporation’s market value of American sports stood at $200 billion and with this making it the nation’s eleventh largest industry. Among IMGs achievements was the fact that the business was a representative of talented and powerful athletes. These include tennis players Venus and Serena Williams and golf superstar Tiger Woods. In an effort to develop, the company had ventured in to other kinds of business such as owning and managing sporting events, television production, operating sp orts training academies, and engaging in other businesses apart from sports related ones. At the age, of 71 years, McCormack was on the verge of preparing for retirement, but, this was not the main issue at hand. The first issue was for the founder and president of IMG- McCormack to prepare the following board on ways to add value to the company’s clients and strengthen the company’s competitive position. The company having already broadened its scope of business the next crucial step is to maintain and preserve the current clients. At the same, the business needs to attract more top talent to the business. The new leadership that will come in place together with the current administration should focus on bringing on board more sports celebrities. This recruitment will be an indication of their excellent work and development. For instance, bringing on board other top golfers aside from Tiger Woods will be beneficial to the company, as it will enhance their credentials. Sports and musical fields are areas that grow with time meaning that today Tiger Woods could be the greatest golfer, but, in the next two years, someone else will have the title. Having some top golfers on board will broaden their scope of activities and, therefore, maintain the company on the market. On the other hand, restricting the size and diversity of IMG’s portfolio will only work against the company’s already popular name.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are several competitors in the sports market for instance; the formation of Octagon was through merger of Advantage and API and its time IMG cemented its roots by employing various management tools. For instance, re- structuring the company’s management team will help boost the business’s idea, as most people will be on the management board. Since the business is focu sing on expansion and growth through venturing in to other businesses, it is essential that it consider obtaining highly trained and experienced specialists who will be responsible for guiding the business team in the other areas of business. For instance, the thought of venturing in to a new sport apart from golf and tennis will call for experienced people in those fields that the founder McCormack is not familiar. The employment of experienced people will minimize cases of agents stealing clients, as was the case in 1999 when agent Jeffrey Schwartz quit IMG and left with three tennis stars. Experienced legal firms with specialization in entertainment and sports contracts would have been critical in the above situation. The re-structuring of the business management will allow other people to contribute towards the administration of the business and avoid the aspect of the company trying to work out everything on its own. In as much as the venturing into other sports is a questionab le step, the company will take necessary measures to ensure there is no divergence of interests in its services. This will avoid cases such as the 1991 lawsuit by Dorothy Hamill. The expansion approach that the IMG has taken by exploring untapped international market in sports and entertainment will sustain the company in the business for another longer period. The broader the business it enters in the international market the more they require highly trained and experienced specialists to help them handle the international business affairs.

Druids essays

Druids essays In 390 BC Gallic Tribes crossed the Alps swept down through Italy and sacked and burnt Rome. The Gauls left the city but for a time they held the northern part of the Italian peninsula. The region south of the Alps became known to the Romans as Cisalpine Gaul or Gaul this side of the Alps. The Gauls were brave and warlike but proved no match for the well trained Romans and were defeated in Italy in 200s BC. Roman invasions of Transalpine Gaul began and they succeeded during the 100s BC in gaining mastery of the strip of Gaul along the Mediterranean Sea. Gaul later suffered heavily through civil wars and barbaric invasions but it passed on a rich cultural tradition to its new masters. Chief among the invaders were the Franks, who came in the late 400s AD. From that time most of Gaul was called France after the Franks. Druids were created by the Celtic settlers in Gaul around the fourth century BC these original druids then mixed their own culture with those of native Gaelic peoples and was later enriched when they reached the According to Caesar the druids held their assemblies in the land of Carnutes, the center of Gaul. Although the Celtic body as a whole was organized into a strict hierarchy, the individual druid lived alone and shared the life of the people. Teaching, School ages, religion, sacrifices Caesar described the Druids as an itinerant priest hood that moved from tribe to tribe exempt from having to pay taxes or taking up arms. Their membership was exclusive. Young men flocked to join their ranks but only those of intellectual aptitude were chosen. Often their numbers were drawn from the Celtic nobility. It is believed that women could also become Druids just as they could warriors and queens. A would be Druid normally entered training at about seven or eight years of age. During the course of this training the student was required to memorise imm ...

Cultural relativism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cultural relativism - Research Paper Example The customs, for example practiced by many cultures and religions such as infanticide, human sacrifice or self-mutation are considered right in those particular cultures and religions, while at the same time they are abhorred in other societies. In cultural relativism there is considered no concept of universal truths. The relativists claim that since every culture has its own distinct and diverse moral and ethical codes therefore there cannot be any universal standards to judge anything other than to consider it in the context of that particular culture. As in the case of abortion, which is highly abhorred and considered illegal in many countries, is considered completely legal and an act of birth control in Japan and many such countries. The idea of cultural relativism advocates the idea that everything is valid and right in its cultural context. This means that there is nothing truly right and wrong or moral and amoral, rather there is only different cultural aspects which may or may not validate an act or practice. The anthropologists, who contradict the idea of cultural relativism, consider the ethical subjectivism more appropriate in term of morality of actions. Ethical subjectivism implies that whatever an individual does or feels is right as far as he considers it right. This means that one thing that is morally justified for one person may not be so for another person. In other words the concept of right and wrong on a culture basis shrinks to an individual basis. For example extra marital relations or open marriage may be considered right for some while it will not be a justified act for others (Rae, 2009). There is another term of situational ethics generally applied by anthropologists which implies that morality is situation based. This term is introduced by Joseph Fletcher, advocating that all morality is relevant to the particular situation in which an individual finds himself. The most cited example of situational ethics is that of a woman impris oned in Nazi camp. She asked a guard to make her pregnant so that she could be released and meet her family (Rae, 2009). All these terms of cultural relativism, ethical subjectivism or situational ethics are valid in their own context, yet they can’t all be correct. If we truly follow ethical subjectivism, it would mean that there is no concept of society or culture but individual choices. This would only alienate individuals from one another. If everything has to be justified according to individual choices and preferences than no one will think of the consequences of their actions, rather there will only prevail selfishness and biased natures. To accept the individuality and diversity of different cultures and to give space and freedom of practice is essential, but to accept all the aspects of a particular religion or culture whether they are right or wrong is definitely not essential. Respecting cultures does not mean we respect their inhumane practices as well. Every cult ure teaches the basic doctrines of humanity and justice and they should be appreciated for whatever is good and humane in them. Yet there can’

Religion Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religion - Coursework Example Smith further said that religion is indeed, nothing more than an outcome of the study of many scholars, who utilize it as a means to carry out analysis of various social aspects, otherwise, it does not exist outside the academic world. Smith’s generalization of religion as an academic myth is an overt expression of his association with the school of thought that negates the existence of religion in practical world. Another scholar who belongs to the same school of thought but came up with a more philosophical explanation of the reason of its people’s belief in religion is Edward Burnett Taylor who visualized the religion as an animated concept developed by humans in an attempt to conceive the physical world around them in a better way while Sigmund Freud said religion exists simply because people want to believe in it. (Anon., 2010). However, there are other scholars that do believe in religion and make reasonable arguments for the purpose of the existence of religion and acknowledge its role and impact in the society. One such scholar has been Mircea Eliade who believed in religion and expressed the opinion saying that religion is something too special to be limited to social, cultural or psychological concerns alone. (Anon, 2010). In addition to them, there have been scholars who simply referred to religion as an outcome of some phenomenon. For example, James George Frazer explained that religion surfaced when magic failed to address people’s longing for spiritual satisfaction. (Anon., 2010). Frazer said that the psychology of some people caused them to trust spiritual beings and seek help from them. This resulted in the formation of religion. An in-depth analysis of the opinions of various scholars in the history of literature suggests that many saw religion as a man made concept. A vast majority of philosophers and educationalists denies the belief in religion and refers to it as an animated

International Marketing Strategy for Multinational Company Essay - 1

International Marketing Strategy for Multinational Company - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the global expansion helps a company in many ways. It increases the brand value in the global market, due to globalization an organization can earn huge revenue and can maximize the profit. Moreover, global expansion can give a huge market share to the operating company. The companies may face several internal and external challenges while practicing international business. Depending on the core competency, strengths, and competitive advantages the particular organization has to develop their global business plan. Wal-Mart is the largest American multinational retail chain established in the year 1962 currently headquartered in Bentonville, United States. The company has ranked top in the list of fortune 500 in two consecutive years. It is the third largest public limited company in the global market. The employee strength of Wal-Mart is more than two million internationally. Wal-Mart has made its position on New York stock exchange in the year 1972. The c ompany operates on their own in countries like Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. They have the outlets in China, South America, UK. They have ventured into countries like South Korea and Germany. ASDA, one of the leading UK based retail chain is the Subsidiary of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart offers different luxurious and consumer durable goods to its customers. The broad range of different product categories that include crafts, movie DVDs, gift items, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, garments, home appliance, video games, outdoor living, grocery, college essentials, toys and much more are available in a Wal-Mart outlet globally. The various product ranges have increased the core competency of Wal-Mart in a global market.

Comparison of The Raven and The Erlking Essay Example for Free

Comparison of The Raven and The Erlking Essay In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast the two famous poems, The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe and The Erlking by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Raven is a one hundred and eight line poem about a lonely man who is unstable after losing his wife and comes across a raven who only speaks the word, nevermore. The Erlking is a poem about a man in a small girls nightmare as he torments her but nobody else can see him. There are many similarities and differences between the two poems. Both poems have a gothic atmosphere and can be compared strongly in this way. However, both are of different lengths and differ fro9m each other. In this essay, I am going to discuss how the two poets create tension and suspense and make a conclusion after studying these poems. The first element I am going to compare and contrast is the storyline of the poem and the impression it is meant to have on its reader. I am going to start by analysing each poem individually and then make a small conclusion when I will see how they are similar and how they differ. I will be using this structure for each point I will discuss. I will start by analysing The Raven. The main principle of Edgar Allen Poes poem was to have a lasting effect on its reader. Shortly, before he wrote The Raven, Poes wife had been diagnosed with an illness. This illness was later the cause of her death soon after he had finalised is poem. It is said that this poem is his forecast of what was going to happen to his wife. This is, therefore, the reason why he chose a raven to be the main character, because it was thought to be the most evil bird. The Raven is meant to be a representation of Edgar Allen Poe reflecting his responses to the bad news of his wife. The Erlking is a very dark poem and starts by giving a notion that the boy is simply imagining the Erlking and is dying of a strange disease. However, the poem takes a sinister twist when the boy dies at the end of the poem. Goethe had many reasons of writing such a dark poem. Such a reason is that the night before he wrote the poem he saw a local farmer carrying a bundle. This turned out to be a man who was carrying his sick child to hospital. This was where the main inspiration for the storyline for the poem of the Erlking came from. Also in German mythology there is meant to be a spirit/ supernatural power that is meant to cause controversy and ruin the minds of children. These two factors were merged together to make the Erlking. They are both dark poems and want to create a mysterious mood for the reader. Both had an individual reason of why they were written but then their similarity grew because they had the same atmospheric impression. The second point I am going to examine is the linguistic techniques used by the poets. The Raven has a lot of alliteration and is used very frequently. Examples of this alliteration is:- While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Both are examples of alliteration but in different ways, one very simple and the other has more complexity. The first quote is just three consecutive words starting with the same letter. The second quotation, on the other hand, uses two words consecutively starting with the same letter. However, the third word is part of the alliteration. The un is not part of the alliteration but the second part is. Although this part of the word starts with a c, it is pronounced as the letter s. This is still part of the alliteration because this poem was obviously written to be read aloud. The Erlking is very different to the Raven, in this way, as it does not contain hardly any alliteration used for boosting the atmosphere. The Erlking does use a linguistic technique that the Raven does not use as much is repetition. An example of this is:- Dear father, oh father, and do you not see, This is a technique very similar to alliteration as it created the same type of tension and both are meant to be read fairly slowly. Later on in The Erlking, this repetition phrase is repeated, showing that there is internal repetition (with the word father) and also phrasal repetition. The third I am going to consider is the rhyming scheme of each of the poems. The Erlking has a different rhyming scheme to the Raven. The Erlkings rhyming scheme is a very common one but the one of the Raven is very peculiar. Many poems have the rhyming scheme the same as the Erlking because it is very basic. This rhyming scheme is:- 1. A 2. A 3. B 4. C An example of this rhyming scheme in the poem is:- 1. Who rides so late where winds blow wild? 2. It is the father grasping his child; 3. He holds the boy embraced in his arm 4. He clasps him snugly, he keeps him warm. The rhyming scheme of the Raven is very different and unusual, not many poems have the same rhyming scheme. This rhyming scheme is:- 1. AA 2. B 3. CC 4. CB 5. B 6. B An example of this rhyming scheme is:- 1. Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, 2. Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- 3. While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, 4. As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door- 5. Tis some visitor, I muttered, tapping at my chamber door. 6. Only this and nothing more. The two poems differ greatly in their rhyming schemes and have similarities. The Erlking has a very simple rhyming scheme with only two lines that rhyme out of the four. However, the Raven has a much more complex rhyming scheme with internal rhymes as well as end-of-line rhyming. The Ravens rhyme scheme, however, has an effect on how the poem is read. The Raven is a very gothic poem and this rhyme scheme changes the way the poem is read, especially when the enunciation is used. The Erlking is very different and is a lot easier to read, compared with the Raven. This could mean that the poem is meant for a younger audience because of the simplistic reading ability needed. The other issue I am going to study is the excess of patterning. The Raven uses this several times, however, the Erlking does not. Excess of patterning is when a sound is repeated in a line to give an emphasis of those particular words. An example of this in the Raven could be:- Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, This quotation from Poes poem gives emphasis on the description to make this highlighted when the poem is read. This could have been a good technique that could have been added to the Erlking poem to make a part of the poem more prominent. The final factor I am going to consider is the length of the poems. The Raven is considerably longer than the Erlking. The Raven being 108 lines long compared to the Erlking which is a mere 32 lines long. The length of the Raven allows Poe to go into a lot of depth in his descriptions. However, this style of writing does not suit the Erlking as well. The reason for this is that the Erlking is meant to leave questions unanswered and a sense of mystery. If it had gone into the depth that the Raven did in its length, this would have been taken away. Over all, I can see that both poems are very individual but still contain some similarities. Both poets had very different inspirations of why they wrote their poem but they still had a very similar atmosphere that was created. They also use different linguistic techniques, although they create a very parallel effect. I can see that Edgar Allen Poe uses many more techniques in his poem than Goethe does, this may be because the Raven is longer and may have more room to use more effect without over-doing them.

Consumer’s Perception of Risk of Online Transactions

Consumer’s Perception of Risk of Online Transactions Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate whether a consumers perception of risk in transacting on the internet (Perceived Risk) would have an influence on their trust of a banks e-banking website (Specific Trust) and their willingness to use e-banking. Data were collected from a survey and a usable sample of 202 was obtained. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the model. The results showed that Perceived Risk has a direct influence on a consumers willingness to use e-banking and Specific Trust has a positive moderating influence on the relationship between Perceived Risk and a consumers willingness to use e-banking. Consumers who have low perceived risk of transacting on the internet are generally more willing to use e-banking. Their willingness to use e-banking was also shown to be more pronounced in cases where the consumer also trust their banks e-banking website. These findings are of particular relevance to banks. It highlights that a consumers wil lingness to use e-banking primarily depends on their perception of risk in transacting on the internet; trust of the specific e-banking website was secondary. This suggests the need for banks to not only employ mechanisms to build trust for their specific e-banking website, but that banks should first take measures to educate their customers and manage general consumer perceptions of the risks of transacting on the internet. Keywords: Trust, Perceived Risk, Internet, E-banking Adoption. Introduction In recent years, the advancement in technological developments in information technology has lead to the evolution of e-banking in the banking industry. The evolution of e-banking has fundamentally transformed the way banks traditionally conduct their businesses and the ways consumers perform their banking activities (Eriksson et al., 2008; Sayar and Wolfe, 2007). Today e-banking has experienced phenomenal growth and has become one of the main avenues for banks to deliver their products and services (Amato-McCoy, 2005). E-banking reaps benefits for both banks and its customers. From the banks perspective, e-banking has enabled banks to lower operational costs through the reduction of physical facilities and staffing resources required, reduced waiting times in branches resulting in potential increase in sales performance and a larger global reach (Sarel and Mamorstein, 2003). From the customers perspective, e-banking allows customers to perform a wide range of banking transactions electronically via the banks website anytime and anywhere (Grabner-Kraeuter and Faullant, 2008). In addition, customers no longer are confined to the opening hours of banks, travel and waiting times are no longer necessary, and access of information regarding banking services are now easily available (Hamlet, 2000). However the success of e-banking isnt without its problems. Firstly the adoption of e-banking has not kept pace with that of internet usage (White and Nteli, 2004). This gap is attributed to the lack of trust among bank customers, particularly among internet users age 65 and older (Ilett, 2005; Perumal and Shanmugam, 2005). Secondly, customers still prefer face to face interaction (Asher, 1999) due to reasons such as fear of the online environment and lack of trust in the internet. Recent literature on e-banking showed that the formation of trust can help reduce the impact of key inhibiting factors such as fears about using the online service among non-eÂÂ ­banking customers (Vatanasombut et al., 2008). Moreover, even with the increased usage of e-banking in recent years, banks are faced with a conundrum whilst e-banking does have its benefits of convenience and cost savings; the ease at which e-banking allows for switching back to traditional ways of banking consequently reduces long term customer commitment (Sarel and Mamorstein, 2003). The commitment-trust theory of Morgan and Hunt (1994) proposes that trust leads to commitment in relationships, and so, if trust is built amongst existing customers, over time they will become committed to the e-banking service, reducing the chances of customers jumping ship (Mukherjee and Nath, 2003; Vatanasombut et al., 2008). Evident in past literature is the fact that risk plays a role in the formation of trust (Chen and Dhillon, 2003; Pavlou, 2003), but what is not evident is the relationship risk has with trust especially in regards to the perceived risk consumers have in transacting on the internet. Past research studies into the area of risk found that it is not objective risk, but perceived risk which matter in the formation of trust (Bauer, 1960 as citied in BÃ ¼ttner and GÃ ¶ritz, 2008; Garbarino and Strahilevitz, 2004). A recent research study found that, perceived risk is directly related to an individuals adoption of e-banking with many past research studies showing that intention to use e-banking is often times affected by fears of theft or fraud (Gerrard et al., 2006). The relationship between perceived risk and trust is an underdeveloped area in the literature. Past work in the area of trust and perceived risk has not yet managed to fully determine the exact relationship which risk has on trust, as whilst risk is necessary for the formation of trust, it is not an antecedent of trust (Chen and Dhillon, 2003). Moreover, trust has been shown in the past to effect perceptions of risk, as well as having mediating effects through risk (Pavlou, 2003). Hence the purpose of this research is to investigate whether a customers perception of risk in the internet would have moderating effects on trust and a customers willingness to use e-banking. As noted by BÃ ¼ttner and GÃ ¶ritz, (2008), there is a lack of empirical studies in this area. Moreover by understanding the nature of risk and trust, banks can ascertain the steps necessary on their part to ensure that the trust which they have built in their services will indeed influence customers adoption and commitment to e-banking. Literature Review Trust in E-banking Trust is essential in situations where risk, uncertainty and interdependence exist (Mayer et al., 1995), and the online environment certainly encapsulates these factors. In an online environment, there is no direct physical contact between buyer and seller. This spatial distance means that consumers cannot use the physical cues, such as observing the sales staff or the physical office/store space, in order to judge trustworthiness (Reichheld and Schefter, 2000). Due to the global nature of the internet, consumers and e-retailers often face spatial and temporal separation as a result transactions carried out online often do not involve a simultaneous transaction of goods (or services) and money (Grabner-Kraeuter, 2002). This delay in time means that consumers can become increasingly uncertain whether the other party will actually perform their side of the transaction. Another reason for the increased need for trust in the online contexts is consumers fear for the sa fety of their personal information due to hackers or other harmful possibilities (Hoffman et al., 1999; Yoon, 2002). Apart from the necessities of trust in order to get consumers to purchase online as per the theory of reasoned action (Azjen and Fishbein, 1980), trust is also important for businesses to grow and maintain profitability, as per the commitment-trust theory of relationship marketing by Morgan and Hunt (1994). Past research studies have identified that one of the benefits of trust are committed customers (Casalo et al., 2007; Morgan and Hunt 1994). Loyal repeat customers are highly beneficial to organizations, as it is much cheaper to retain customers than it is to find and attract new customers (Reichheld and Schefter, 2000). In the online arena where substitutes are readily available, the benefits to businesses of having committed customers are plenty, hence the amount of research into the area (e.g. Casalo et al., 2007; Jarvenpaa et al., 2000; Vatanasombut et al., 2008). Numerous research studies have been conducted to identify what factors drive or inhibit the adoption of e-banking by consumers (Gerrard et al., 2006; Hernandez and Mazzon, 2007; Lichtenstein and Williamson, 2006; Sayar and Wolfe, 2007). It has been identified that the lack of trust was one of the main reasons why consumers are still reluctant to conduct their financial transactions online (Flavian et al., 2006; Luarn and Lin, 2005; Mukherjee and Nath, 2003; Rotchanakitumnuai and Speece, 2003). In order for e-banking to be a viable medium of service delivery, banks today must try to narrow the trust gap due to the higher degree of uncertainty and risk in an online environment compared to traditional settings. Research studies conducted examining the role of trust in e-banking (e.g. Vatanasombut et al., 2008; Casalo et al., 2007; Lichtenstein and Williamson, 2006; Rexha et al., 2003; Suh and Han, 2002), found that trust plays a key role in the adoption and continued use of e-banking. Furthermore, it was found that trust not only affects the intent to use e-banking (Liu and Wu, 2007; Suh and Han 2002), but trust in e-banking has also been found to be an antecedent to commitment in e-banking (Vatanasombut et al., 2008; Kassim and Abdulla, 2006), and is therefore useful to reduce the perceived risk that consumers feel is present in an online environment (Pavlou 2002). Perceived Risk and Trust Perceived risk is depicted as a concept that is complex, multifaceted and dynamic (Zhao et al., 2008, p.506). Perceived risk is defined as a consumers perceptions of the uncertainty and the possible undesirable consequences of buying a product or service (Littler and Melanthiou, 2006). In the online context, past research studies suggest the inclusion of perceived risk due to its importance in influencing online consumer behavior (Cunningham et al., 2005; Pavlou, 2003; Salam et al., 2003; Schlosser et al., 2006) and more so in the area of e-banking (Cunningham et al., 2005). As mentioned earlier, perceived risk is important in the formation of trust (Bauer, 1960 as cited in BÃ ¼ttner and GÃ ¶ritz, 2008; Garbarino and Strahilevitz, 2004). The body of the knowledge on trust has identified that risk is the element which gives rise to the need for trust when engaging in an activity which means that if there were no perceptions of risk, trust would not be necessary to engage in an activity, as actions could be taken with complete certainty (Yousafzai, 2003; Chen and Dhillon; 2003). There are two different types of risk that have been identified in relation to trust risks associated with a partner and risks associated with a type of transaction (BÃ ¼ttner and GÃ ¶ritz, 2008). Risks associated with a partner in general are perceptions that a particular interaction partner in a transaction will not perform their end of the bargain, and are formed from perceptions of the attributes of that interaction partner this type of risk should be inversely related to trust of that partner (Jarvenpaa et al., 2000). Essentially, the higher the trust one has in a partner, the less perceived risk in dealing with that partner. However, risk associated with a type of transaction has a different association with trust. The more risky a type of transaction is perceived to be, the more trust is required in order to engage in an interaction with that partner (Mayer et al., 1995). The relationship between risk and trust is a complex one, whilst risk is necessary to the creation of trust, it is not an antecedent to trust which means the presence of risk does not automatically equate to the formation of trust (Pavlou, 2002). According to Mayer et al. (1995, p.711) It is unclear whether risk is an antecedent to trust, or is an outcome of trust. Clearly, a gap of knowledge exists in this area, and further research is required so as to determine the relationship which risk has with trust, especially in the context of e-banking. However the area that interests the authors of this research is the work by Pavlou (2002) which found that the effect of trust on transaction intention could be moderated through perceived risk. This is a relationship which was originally proposed by Mayer et al. (1995), who postulated that the level of trust needed to engage in a risk taking behavior is influenced by the perception of risk inherent in that behavior. Pavlous (2002) work also called for future research so as to examine the complex interrelationships among trust, perceived risk and behavioral intention to reach definite conclusions. (Pavlou, 2002, p.125). This research aims to answer that call by testing perceived risk in the internet as a moderator in the relationship between a consumers trust in a banks e-banking website and the consumers willingness to use e-banking. Theoretical Framework The investigation of the role of trust in the use of e-banking necessitates the examination of two key theories the theory of reasoned action by Azjen and Fishbein (1980) and the commitment-trust theory of relationship marketing by Morgan and Hunt (1994). The theory of reasoned action states that a persons behavior is determined by their behavioral intent, which is in turn shaped by attitude and subjective norms (Azjen and Fishbein, 1980). Increased trust means that when a persons attitudes towards a particular behavior (in this case, using e-banking) are positive, it will likely increase a persons intent to perform that behavior. This has been supported by research in both the e-retailing context (Jarvenpaa et al., 2000), and also in the e-banking context (Liu et al., 2005), where trust has been shown to lead to a purchase intention. Further, Morgan and Hunt (1994) purports that by building trust over time, customers become committed to the relationship built, and will subsequently reciprocate with continued business. Past research in this area have extended the applicability of this commitment-trust relationship to the e-banking context (Casalo et al., 2007; Mukherjee and Nath, 2007; Vatanasombut et al., 2008). This gives rise to the first hypothesis for this research which forms the basic relationship between a consumers trust in a banks e-banking website (Specific Trust) and the consumers willingness to use e-banking. H1: Specific trust in e-banking has a direct effect on willingness to use e-banking Perceived risk is defined in this research as a consumers perceptions of risk in transactions using the internet, and is hypothesized to have a moderating role in the relationship between specific trust and the willingness to use e-banking. As mentioned previously in the literature review, there is little empirical research on the moderating effect of risk in the e-banking context. Work by Pavlou (2002) found that the effect of trust on transaction intention could be moderated by perceived risk, but called for further research in this area to confirm the complex interrelationships between these three constructs. Therefore, the authors of this research proposed the second hypothesis as: H2: Perceived risk has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between specific trust and willingness to use e-banking. Methodology To test the model, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken using an instrument containing 15 items. The 15 items used were established scales adapted from Doney and Canon (1995), Chow and Holden (1997), Jarvenpaa et al. (2000), Suh and Han (2002), Kim and Ahn (2006) and Verhagen et al. (2006) measuring specific trust, willingness to use and perceived risk. Great care was taken when adapting the scales to ensure that the original concepts being measured by the scale had theoretical congruence and relevance to this study. Each item is measured on a 7-point Likert scale with 0 denoting the low end and 6 the high end. The questionnaire was then preÂÂ ­tested on a non-probability sample of university staff. Refinements were made to the questionnaire based on feedback from the pre-test. All items in the final instrument were then reviewed by marketing academics for content validity. Measures The scale used to measure perceived risk was adapted from a number of scales which have similar theoretical congruence with the definition of risk perception in the theoretical framework. A few of the items in the scale used was sourced from Verhagen et al. (2006), which measured intermediary risk and was defined as the belief of a probability of suffering a loss due to the inability of the intermediary to provide sufficient protection against fraudulent and/or opportunistic sellers (p.545) which is similar to the definition of the perception of risk on the internet. In that, the consumers belief in a possibility of loss or harm as a result of the medium internet is being measured. The nature of the internet is such that, there is insufficient protection to consumers from fraudulent and/or opportunistic people, and so the use of items from Verhagen et al.s (2006) scale on intermediary risk was appropriate. Other items in the scale were sourced from the work of Jarvenpaa et al. (2000 ), Kim and Ahn (2006), and Chow and Holden (1997), which measured concepts such as risk perception and web-shopping risk, all of which was similar to the concept of perceived risk being operationalised. Minimal alterations were made to the items due the similarity of the concepts being measured. Whilst it would have been ideal to operationalise the construct of perceived risk in the internet with a singular scale, but there is a lack of scales in this area (Verhagen et al., 2006), therefore the use of a composite scale was necessary. To measure specific trust in e-banking, items from work of Doney and Canon (1995), Suh and Han (2002) and Jarvenpaa et al. (2000) were adapted. These items were chosen due to their semantics and wording. Items directly relating to interpersonal trust including the service of e-banking, and a belief in the benefits and trustworthiness of e-banking were used as part of the scale. Lastly, in measuring the willingness to use e-banking, items that measure at titudes and intentions towards using e-banking were chosen. Items in the scale were sourced from scales published by Verhagen et al. (2006), Pavlou (2003), and Kim and Ahn (2006). Demographic data were also collected for the purpose of classification and determining the generalisability of the results. Sample and Data Collection Representativeness, reliability of results as well as time and resource restraints were considered in determining the sample. The final sample was a non-probability sample of administrative and academic staff in ten departments across the five faculties of a large Australian university. University staff was chosen, as they were deemed to be more educated and informed about a range of issues. Therefore it is concluded that university staff would likely have a higher chance of responding to the survey, with more accuracy and honesty in their replies. Surveys were distributed physically and via online. Data collection took place over two weeks. A total of 218 returned questionnaires were yielded of which 202 passed manipulation checks and were usable. The response rate was 34.8%. Results Adoption of Internet and E-banking Descriptive analysis was used and a bar chart (Figure 2) was constructed to compare the year of adoption of the internet and the year of adoption of e-banking. In relation to internet adoption, the results showed that there was a slow growth in the adoption of internet prior to 1995. The rate of adoption increased significantly in the years 1995 to 2000 and dropped significantly after. As for the adoption of e-banking, the results showed that there was no apparent usage of e-banking till the late 1990s and after which the adoption of e-banking rose reaching its peak in 2006. Figure 2 illustrates how the adoption of e-banking has not kept up with the pace of internet usage this is consistent with the previous finding of White and Nteli (2004). Furthermore results also showed that there were still a significant number of people who have not adopted e-banking. Demographic variables were examined across the three constructs of specific trust, perceived risk and the willingness to use. The results in Table 1 showed that there were significant differences between gender and specific trust (sig. value 0.010, t-value 2.588) and perceived risk (sig. value 0.029, t-value 2.206) constructs. The means scores showed that males have higher specific trust (5.2748) and higher perceived risk (4.2916) as compared to females towards e-banking and the internet. For age, the results showed a significant difference between age and willingness to use (sig. level 0.017, f-value 4.161). The difference was found between respondents of age groups 29 and under, and 50 and above. The means scores showed that respondents who were age 29 and below (mean 5.603) were more willing to use e-banking as opposed to respondents who were 50 and above (mean -4.8571). For qualification, significant differences were present in the perceived risk (sig. level 0.020, f-value 4.991) and willingness to use (sig. level 0.030, f-value 4.932) constructs. In regards to perceived risk, the difference was found between respondents who have completed secondary school and respondents who have a post-graduate qualification. The means scores showed that respondents who had a post-graduate qualification (4.4355) have a higher perceived risk compared to those who had completed secondary school (3.4006). In relation to willingness to use, significant differences were found between three groups of respondents those who had a trade qualification/diploma, a tertiary degree and a post-graduate qualification. The means scores showed that respondents who had a post-graduate qualification has a higher willingness to use e-banking (5.6871) compared to those who had a trade qualification/diploma (4.5259) and those who had a tertiary degree (5.5925). Finally for income, significant differences were found between the different income groups in the perceived risk (sig. level 0.049, f-value 2.249) and willingness to use (sig. level 0.003, f-value 3.788) constructs. The two groups of respondents with income levels of $15,001 -$ 30,000 and $70,001 -$90,000 were found to be significantly different in the perceived risk construct. The means scores of the two groups showed that respondents with an income level of $70,001 $90,000 had a higher perceived risk (4.6057) compared to respondents with an income level of $15,001 $ 30,000. In relation to willingness to use, significant difference was found between two groups $30,001 $50,000 and $50,001 $70,000. A comparison of the means scores showed that respondents who had an income level of $50,001 $70,000 (5.8625) were more willing to use e-banking compared to those who had an income level of $30,001 $50,000 (4.6513). Model Testing In order to validate the measures of each construct, exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal components extraction with varimax rotation. The items in each factor were then tested for scale reliability using standard Cronbach alpha indices. As the items for both perceived risk and specific trust in e-banking were used together as a single scale in the survey instrument, factor analysis was ran on them both, to ensure that the two different factors were still valid. To check for the appropriateness of the data for factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartletts Test of Sphericity was examined. Results showed that the KMO statistic for the data set was 0.885 and the Bartlett test showed that non-zero correlations exist at the 0.000 significance level. This indicates that the data is appropriate for factor analysis. The results of the factor analysis showed that two factors were indeed present, however, one of the items from the scale measuring specific trust in e-banking Compared with other forms of banking, e-banking would be more risky had moved to the factor measuring perceived risk (see Table 2 , item marked with asterisk). A reliability analysis was conducted on this adjusted factor; a Cronbach alpha ind ex of .926 was obtained. The factor loading of the item, whilst not very high at .651 was much higher than the items alternate factor loading which was .253. The item content was examined, and was found to also be applicable to the context of perceived risk due to the items wording which could be interpreted as a higher perception of risk in the medium of the Internet in comparison to other mediums. Given all these results, it was decided that the adjusted factor would be used as is in the analysis. Items measuring the construct of willingness to use e-banking were also analysis to ensure that it was indeed a singular factor (Table 3). The results showed that the KMO statistic for the data set was 0.873 and the Bartlett test showed that non-zero correlations exist at the 0.000 significance level. This indicates that the data is appropriate for factor analysis. The results revealed a uniÂÂ ­dimensional structure, and corroborated that all five items in the scale loaded onto one factor. The factor loadings of each item were high, indicating strong relevance of each item within the scale. When in combination with the high Cronbach alpha of .957, the results of the analysis show that this factor is a highly useful measure. Regression Analysis To test the relationship between the constructs of specific trust, perceived risk and willingness to use e-banking, hierarchical moderated regression was conducted. This method was proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986) to examine moderating effects. In conducting hierarchical moderated regression analysis, a series of regressions were performed. The first regression (Model 1) involved regressing the dependent variable (DV) on the independent variable (IV); the second regression (Model 2) involved regressing the DV on the IV and the moderator; and the final regression (Model 3) regressing the DV on the IV, the moderator, and a cross-product of the DV and the moderator. The three regression models were tested for explanatory power, and yielded R-squared values of 0.396, 0.454, and 0.508 respectively (see Table 4). Results of the R-squared comparisons showed that Model 3, which included specific trust, perceived risk, and the cross product of specific trust and perceived risk, had significantly improved R-squared values from Model 1 and Model 2. The analysis yielded results quite different to what was hypothesized. Besides Model 1 where specific trust was the only IV in the regression, specific trust was shown not to have a direct influence on the DV of willingness to use e-banking. Rather, perceived risk was shown to have a direct influence on the DV of willingness to use e-banking in Models 2 and 3. Model 3, which had the greatest R-squared value, suggests that it is not specific trust that influences a consumers willingness to use e-banking, but rather perceived risk. The regression coefficients from Model 3 (see Table 5) showed that perceived ris k had a significant negative impact on willingness to use e-banking (p = 0.000, Beta = -1.179, t = -5.588). Specific trust in e-banking instead was found to have a positive moderating influence on the relationship between perceived risk and willingness to use e-banking (p = 0.000, Beta = 0.759, t = 4.386). The results derived from the regression analysis thus do not support the two hypotheses H1 and H2. It appears that the roles of the independent variable and the moderator have swapped. Figure 3 shows the amended model reflecting these new roles, where the independent variable of perceived risk is shown having a primary role with a direct influence on a consumers willingness to use e-banking and specific trust in the banks e-banking website having a secondary role as a moderator. Discussion and Implications Adoption of Internet and E-banking The results showed that there was no apparent usage of e-banking till the late 1990s. This was firstly attributed to the late adoption of e-banking facilities by the four major banks in Australia. It was only at the end of 1997 when e-banking facilities were provided by the banks in Australia (Sathye, 1999). Secondly, a report by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (1999) stated that the use of internet by adults to pay bills and transfer funds were only approximately 2 per cent during that time. These findings deserve attention, as Australians were considered to be technology savvy being at the forefront of United States as the worlds third highest users of electronic point of transfer (Eftpos) in the 1990s (Macfarlane, 1997). However there were other reasons for the late adoption of e-banking in Australia. These reasons include the lack of knowledge of service availability, the internet website being not user friendly, and security concerns (Sathye, 1999). In the last decade, banks have addressed these problems through the use of effective marketing strategies, education and adopting innovative technology in security measures and information technology. It has proven to be effective as the latest statistics showed that approximately 40% of the internet users in Australia have adopted e-banking (comScore, 2008). This proportion however is still relatively low, and concurs with the results of past research such as White and Nteli (2004), Lichtenstein and Williamson (2006), and the current research showing that the adoption of e-banking has not kept up with the pace of internet usage. This is despite figures for internet access quadrupling from 16% to 67% in the last decade from 1998 to 2007/08 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). Demographics and Specific Trust, Perceived Risk and the Willingness to Use Constructs Results showed that respondents who are aged 29 and below, earning an income level of $50,001 $70,000 and with post graduate qualifications were more willing to use e-banking. This finding is congruent with the findings of past studies that claimed that consumers who are well educated and with higher incomes are more willing to engage e-banking services (Kolodinsky et al., 2000; Gartner, 2003). Furthermore results of this study concur with past research studies on the unwillingness to use e-banking by the older/elderly generation (Ilett, 2005; Perumal and Shanmugam, 2005). Further examination of the results showed that respondents who are unwilling to use e-banking have a trade qualification/diploma and are earning an income of $30,001 $50,000. In relation to the perceived risk constructs, males who have a post graduate qualification and earning $70,001 -$90,000 have higher perceived risk. This finding is rather surprising as it does not concur with previous studies which found females to have a higher perceived risk. Females were found to be more concerned on the level of risk in technology (Lichtenstein and Williamson, 2006), more anxious with privacy protection and ethical standards (Shergill and Li, 2005) and have greater fears in new technologies such as the internet (Morahan-Martin, 2000) compared to males. Further examination of the results showed that respondents who have a lower perceived risk are females, earning an income of $15,001-$30,000 and have completed secondary school. Results from this research showed that males have higher specific trust than females regardless of income, age and qualification. Drawing from the findings of the perceived risk construct, an interesting discovery was made males have higher perceived risk as well as higher specific trust compared to the females. The authors of this study propose that a possible reason for this may be explained by a higher level of involvement in banking services in males. This should be con