Price vs Attributes Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Price vs Attributes - Annotated Bibliography Example Moreover, this article highlighted that the business professionals work to develop such strategic approaches and techniques, which are based on the notions of MNCs and that assist policy makers while making decisions concerning FDI and role of multinational organizations aiming to gain competitive advantage for the country. Concepts of MNCs help policy makers to develop attractive approaches for gaining FDIs. Researchers have noticed that positioning mapping techniques help identify and understand the viewpoints and concepts of the map managers belonging to different Southern European Countries including France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. This article insights the predicted ideal mix of these countries and the vital factors that contribute while MNCs examines a country’s position. The authors have also discussed those actions and strategies that should be adopted by a country to maintain its position for favourable FDI flow in the state resulting in a rapid growth of multinational companies. In this article, the author has shed light on the concepts and practices of marketing intelligence and planning. This article analyzes the factors, which should be consider foremost while making plans of pricing of global brands. In the light of author’s opinion, emerging technologies and scientific advancements in the field of business and marketing have created deep impact on structure and functioning of international market. Thus, before setting prices for the international products or services it is highly important to identify competitive forces in the market and other barriers of the international business environment. Surveys, samples, and examples from the industry help professionals to identify the market challenges and fundamental changes required to make during strategy management and implementation. This article argues that in some states

A Critique of the Research Article Essay Example for Free

A Critique of the Research Article Essay A Critique of the Research Article: Methadone/Buprenorphine and Better Maternal/ Perinatal Outcomes: A Meta-analysis Abstract The purpose of this research article is to discuss lower risk drugs such as Methadone and Buprenorphine given to Heroin addicted pregnant patients to create better neonatal and maternal outcomes. This research articles discusses the gold standard of treatment for better neonatal and maternal outcomes. Keywords: heroin, neonatal, maternal, outcomes, methadone, buprenorphine, gold standard treatment A Critique of the Research Article: Methadone/Buprenorphine and Better Maternal/ Perinatal Outcomes: A Meta-analysis Methadone is a synthetic opioid. It is used medically as an analgesic and a maintenance anti-addictive and reductive preparation for use by patients with opioid dependency. It was developed in Germany in 1937. Methadone was introduced into the United States in 1947 by Eli Lilly and Company. The principal effects of methadone maintenance are to relieve narcotic craving, suppress the abstinence syndrome, and block the euphoric effects associated with opiates. When used correctly, Methadone maintenance has been found to be medically safe and non-sedating. It is also indicated for pregnant women addicted to opiates. (doi:http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/methadone) The theoretical study was not discussed in the articles but Roy’s Model identifies the elements considered essential to adaptation and describes how the elements interact to produce adaptation and thus health. Methadone helps the pregnant opioid dependent individual adapt to a lower risk drug and produces an overall healthier maternal and prenatal outcome. Middle Range Theory is less abstract and narrowed in the scope than conceptual models. These types of theories focus on answering particular practice questions and often specify such factors: patient’s health conditions, family situations and nursing actions. While researching this topic there were areas that were discussed, about patients being afraid to seek Methadone treatment and prenatal care because they were ashamed of how health care professionals would view them. It was also stated that patients in better overall health and less family related stress situations would more than likely be the ones to receive proper prenatal care and seek Methadone treatment. Opioid dependent pregnant patients and their fetus have more physical, mental and psychological issues. (Kaltenbach, Berghella, Finnegan, 1998). Opioid dependent pregnant patients are at an increased risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight. (Fajemiroku-Odudeyi et al. , 2005). To lower the health risks, pregnant women who are opiate dependent have been treated with methadone maintenance, the standard of care for several decades. (Jones et al. , 2005). Another treatment option became available when the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of buprenorphine maintenance therapy in 2002, which is another substitute for methadone. The research article â€Å"Opioid Dependency in Pregnancy and Length of Stay for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome† examines 152 opioid-dependent pregnant women on methadone maintenance therapy (n=136 the participants that are using methadone) or buprenorphine maintenance therapy (n=16 the participants that are using buprenorphine) during pregnancy and their neonates. The neonates were born between January 1, 2005 and December 2007. The use of methadone in opioid dependent pregnant women lowers maternal morbidity and mortality rates and promotes fetal stability and growth compared to the use of heroin (Ludlow, Evans, Hulse, 2004). Continuous methadone treatment during pregnancy is associated with improved earlier antenatal care (Burns, Mattick, Lim Wallace, 2007), compliance with prenatal care and better preparation for infant care and parenting responsibilities (Dawe, Harnett, Rendalls, Staiger, 2003). Stabilization on methadone avoids the dangers of repeated intoxication and withdrawal cycles. Methadone has to be picked up by the patient at the treatment facilities. Attendance at these facilities allow pregnant patients opportunities to receive essential antenatal care and advice for a healthy pregnancy, which some of the patients otherwise may not receive. While conducting this research it was not clearly evident what was being researched until the conclusion of the results was determined. Based on the number of participants depended on the outcome of the better treatment. Therefore the results are not as accurate as could be if there were a larger amount of participants. There were no violations of patient rights with the methods used. The research article â€Å"Methadone in pregnancy: treatment retention and neonatal outcomes† examines three different groups of women: a group who entered continuous treatment at least one year prior to birth, a group who entered continuous treatment in the 6 months prior to birth, and a group whose last treatment program prior to birth ended at least one year prior to birth. Births that occurred after 1994 were selected for this analysis. Overall, 2 993 women were on the methadone program at delivery. The number of births rose steadily from 62 in 1992 to 459 in 2002. A particular strength of the large sample size was the ability to examine the effect of treatment retention on key neonatal outcomes. Among mothers on methadone at delivery, early commencement on methadone was associated with increased antenatal care and reduced prematurity. This is consistent with previous research that has shown that methadone in conjunction with adequate prenatal care promotes fetal stability and growth. Ethics approval for the project was granted by the NSW Department of Health Ethics Committee. All data was provided to the researchers’ only once full identification of records had taken place with password protected computers and firewall protection. This method was used to protect patient’s rights. Based on a large sample size, researchers were able to examine the effects of treatment retention on key neonatal outcomes. Although researchers had a large sample size based on certain ethical restrictions, limited the amount of information given to researchers, which waived the outcomes of individual’s results not being totally accurate. The research article â€Å"Methadone and perinatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study† examines A total of 117 pregnant women on methadone maintenance treatment recruited between July 2009 and July 2010. Measurements information on concomitant drug use was recorded with the Addiction Severity Index. Perinatal outcomes included pre-term birth (

Sphere :: essays research papers

Title: SPHERE Author: Michael Crichton Copyright: 1987 Main Characters: Harry, Beth, "Jerry", Norman, Ted, Barnes Setting South Pacific under water 1,00 feet under in a cylinder habitat. My name is Norman Johnson and I am a Psychologist. I am 54 and I am married. I have been called to a crash scene before to administer but this wasn't just any crash scene it would change my life. I was called out by the military to a site in the south pacific. I didn't hear any reports of an airline crashes so I thought it must be military craft. When I got to the site there were military craft everywhere. The helicopter dropped me off on the main ship where I was meet by Captain Barnes the leader of this project. I found out I wasn't the only specialist called out on this project. He also called out a marine biologist and science professionals. I started to think that this wasn't just any airline crash. I knew something was up. Later Barnes called a meeting where I learned that we were all here for reason. Barnes told us that a UFO crashed. I was skeptical at first and didn't believe it. Then bares said we are going to go down and take a look at it, I thought this meant them but a few hours later I was going to the bottom in a submarine. The site is 1,000 feet under water which is shallow compared tot he rest of the pacific. At the site there was a huge grid on lights and a massive metallic fin sticking up out of the grid. It was part of the craft and it looked like nothing I have ever seen. We settled into he habitat it was more comfortable then I though it would be it had showers and beds and everything a house had. The only strange thing was your voice†¦ The air down here had a more helium concentrate so it made your voice funny. To prevent this we use ' Breathers" a device that goes around you throat to normalize your speech. At this depth there is almost no sign on life hardly any plants or fish at all. Barnes called a meeting. We have found a craft, which we believe, is 300 years old and may contain life that's why all of u have been called in. Right now we are looking for the "front door" he said.

Funds for the arts Essay

In a world that thrives on science, the neglect of the arts is somewhat uncommon. What is baffling though is that the arts could have societal contributions as well. Some would find it hard to agree especially when some of the people had been driven to think that the scientific breakthroughs would be sufficient enough for their existence. Governments would readily shed some funds for the scientific pursuits but were reluctant to shell out some for the arts. It is in my belief then that the artistic pursuit should be recognized as important. But if the government were to just shell out some funds for the arts that would reflect the majority of the people then this should be thought twice. The diversity in people would be reason enough for the government to rethink their position. This diversity would not help in pinpointing what the majority really wants. Besides, it was said that the government funding could lead the arts to become passive (Radbourn). If people were to focus more on the majority then the artistic input would not be an artistic input at all but an input for the government’s satisfaction. The government should fund the arts but they should not give out rigid demands that only the voice of the majority would be reflected. Funding the arts could have considerable outcomes. Arts could affect the educational system since it would help learning become more interesting, it could also preserve the culture, it could have economic benefits (arts plus industry), and many more (â€Å"Arts Funding†). The rigid demand for the majority then could not help portray other ideas that may become essential and/or helpful in the near future. It would seem that funding the arts with such rigid demand for reflecting only the majority of the people would mean that the hidden motives are for the profit that the art would bring. Most artists frown upon those who would use their creativity and label it art for the benefit of the fame and money that they will receive. In fact, it will only be an exhaustive task where its sincerity is highly questionable. Works Cited â€Å"Arts Funding†. 2002. August 22 2007. . Radbourn, Jennifer. â€Å"How Government Funding of the Arts Kills Leadership and Creativity†. August 22 2007. .

Education Is the Most Powerful Weapon Which You Can Use

Education is that plan that will improve living. Abraham Moscow said, Self actualization is the ultimate goal that man desires , then. Education is the best way to transform one s life. Discovering who you are. Breaks all form of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It gives you that hope to keep pushing on, knowing you will become a medical doctor. Astronaut, leaver. President, banker and so on, There are many problems in our world today, we as youth need to break Out Of Our shell, move away from Our comfort zone and bring Out that wonderful idea. Rite great books, Sing songs, invent devices that will be a blessing to mankind. True education ignites one s spirit to bring a positive change. Even Nelson Mandela knew the importance Of education that Why he Said, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world . Imagine if Mandela had no education, would he be able to change his country. In a country like ours where there are many cultural and tribal dive rsities, education is the connecting factor.Education in Nigeria is in a state of dilemma, strike by teachers and lecturers, poor facilities In our schools. This has made many youths to use their potentials for wrong purposes. O switch on your TV and radio set. Sad news Is what s see and hear, youths involved In arm robbery, oil There s always way out, we all have a parts to play, to end this consternating problems. The youths, governments, parent's. Reels. Us leaders, teachers and lecturers. Parent's should support the youths in their choc. E of career or what they love doing. The Nigerian government needs to make policies, provide funds and facilities that will revive the poor state of our education system. All teachers should be passionate in their job and keep all selfish desires away. We the youths have the biggest part to play, we should take all opportunity to learn, so as to use our potentials to create a positive change. In conclusion. Education is what we all need as youth s to improve on yourselves. Create ideas, and boost your talents. Learn new things.Remember that your potential is for positivist and not negativity. It all in your hands. Stay positive, dream big, be creative, be original. Be yourself. Use what you learn everyday as a tool to change your society, Nigeria and the world. Education Is the Most Powerful Weapon Which You Can Use to Change the Worldliness Mandela By Kamikaze From time past till now, man has always searched for some form of knowledge and skill.He has observed his environment, seen problems and improve his world. People say, education is the key to success , be it formal or informal. Changing the world is never an easy Job, but it all begins with that little step you take. Education comes from observation; you see a problem as an Abraham Moscow said, Self actualization is the ultimate goal that man desires , then, education is the best way to transform one s life. Discovering who you are, breaks all pushing on, knowing you will become a medical doctor, astronaut, lawyer, president, banker and so on.There are many problems in our world today, we as youth need to break out of our shell, move away from our comfort zone and bring out that wonderful idea, write great books, sing songs, invent devices that will be a blessing to Mandela knew the importance of education that why he Said, education is the most in Nigeria is in a state of dilemma, strike by teachers and lecturers, poor facilities in you switch on your TV and radio set, sad news is what is see and hear, youths involved in arm robbery, oil theft,terrorism,prostitution,fraud.There is always way governments, parent's, religious leaders, teachers and lecturers. Parent's should support the youths in their choice of career or what they love doing, the Nigerian poor state of our education system. All teachers should be passionate in their Job change. In conclusion, education is what we all need as youths to improve on yourselves, create ideas, and boo st your talents. Learn new things. Remember that dream big, be creative, be original, be yourself. Use what you learn everyday as a tool

How to Calculate Activation Energy

How to Calculate Activation Energy Activation energy is the amount of energy that needs to be supplied in order for a chemical reaction to proceed. The example problem below demonstrates how to determine the activation energy of a reaction from reaction rate constants at different temperatures. Activation Energy Problem A second-order reaction was observed. The  reaction rate constant at three degrees Celsius was found to be 8.9 x 10-3 L/mol and 7.1 x 10-2 L/mol at 35 degrees Celsius. What is the activation energy of this reaction? Solution The  activation energy can be determined using the equation:ln(k2/k1) Ea/R x (1/T1 - 1/T2)whereEa the activation energy of the reaction in J/molR the ideal  gas constant 8.3145 J/K ·molT1 and T2 absolute temperatures (in Kelvin)k1 and k2 the reaction rate constants at T1 and T2 Step 1: Convert temperatures from degrees Celsius to KelvinT degrees Celsius 273.15T1 3 273.15T1 276.15 KT2 35 273.15T2 308.15 Kelvin Step 2 - Find Ealn(k2/k1) Ea/R x (1/T1 - 1/T2)ln(7.1 x 10-2/8.9 x 10-3) Ea/8.3145 J/K ·mol x (1/276.15 K - 1/308.15 K)ln(7.98) Ea/8.3145 J/K ·mol x 3.76 x 10-4 K-12.077 Ea(4.52 x 10-5 mol/J)Ea 4.59 x 104 J/molor in kJ/mol, (divide by 1000)Ea 45.9 kJ/mol Answer: The activation energy for this reaction is 4.59 x 104 J/mol or 45.9 kJ/mol. How to Use a Graph to Find Activation Energy Another way to calculate the activation energy of a reaction is to graph ln k (the rate constant) versus 1/T (the inverse of the temperature in Kelvin). The plot will form a straight line expressed by the equation: m - Ea/R where m is the slope of the line, Ea is the activation energy, and R is the ideal gas constant of 8.314 J/mol-K. If you took temperature measurements in Celsius or Fahrenheit, remember to convert them to Kelvin before calculating 1/T and plotting the graph. If you were to make a plot of the energy of the reaction versus the reaction coordinate, the difference between the energy of the reactants and the products would be ΔH, while the excess energy (the part of the curve above that of the products) would be the activation energy. Keep in mind, while most reaction rates increase with temperature, there are some cases where the rate of reaction decreases with temperature. These reactions have negative activation energy. So, while you should expect activation energy to be a positive number, be aware that its possible for it to be negative as well. Who Discovered Activation Energy? Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius proposed the term activation energy in 1880 to define the minimum energy needed for a set of chemical reactants to interact and form products. In a diagram, activation energy is graphed as the height of an energy barrier between two minimum points of potential energy. The minimum points are the energies of the stable reactants and products. Even exothermic reactions, such as burning a candle, require energy input. In the case of combustion, a lit match or extreme heat starts the reaction. From there, the heat evolved from the reaction supplies the energy to make it self-sustaining.

Managing Change in Organization The Nestle Case Study

Managing Change in Organization The Nestle Case Study Executive summary Nestle is a multinational company that is involved in manufacturing products, in the nutrition, health and wellness industry. Since its establishment in 1886, it has undergone through several changes which its CEO, Brabeck-Letmathe, says are steady and well calculated. A recent change is use of GLOBE, system Codification-Based Strategy, in information use and sharing.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Managing Change in Organization: The Nestle Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was meant to improve productivity, efficiency and increase the quality of customer care services. This system changed the way information is accessed, used and shared among employees in various departments all over the world. This system called for a change in the way employees related with management and vice versa which necessitated a change in the organizational structure of the company. In this report I take a brief look at some of the changes that have occurred at Nestle over the years and the current change due to GLOBE system and the need for it. The structures of the organizational changes that occur at Nestle are discussed in detail. This process presented challenges for the implementers and Nestle in general since it was met with resistance and delay. This was countered with intensified campaigns to create awareness and lobby for the changes. Finally, an action plan of the change management activities in Nestle is outlined detailed what will be done in each program, who will do it, for how long and the cost to the company. The changing Nestle Nestle is a multinational company that is involved in manufacturing products, in the nutrition, health and wellness sector. The buzzword in nestle is ‘good food, good life’ which summarizes its mission of providing their consumers with a broad range of food and beverage products for all events that are the best tasting and most nu tritious. Another buzz word for Nestle is ‘creating a shared value’ which Broeckx, (2007) explains means that the corporation creates and pursues long term sustainable value in actions, strategies and processes to all stakeholders be it consumers, communities, shareholders, employees and business partners. Beside these, are the corporate, business principles where the company outlines its culture, which has been in use for more than 140 years, and are a manifestation of Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s thoughts on fairness, honesty and long-term thinking (Nestle, 2011).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The company was founded in 1866 by a Swiss national, Henry Nestle in Vevey, in Switzerland. During this time, marketing of products outside the country was through sales agents. This, however, changed in 1900s when the company started buying subsidiaries in foreign co untries. In America, the company launched its products after the First World War in response to increased demand for dairy products. This was done through acquisition of existing factories, and soon after the Second World War, many executives in the Vevey headquarters were transferred to the country. These moves were part of the changing strategies to increase efficiency and productivity for the company (Douglas Craig, 2009). The first major change came in 1974 when the company bought majority shares in the cosmetic giant L’Oreal. This was a well calculated move to increase the company’s growth and diversification. The company was criticized for investing in a company that was debt ridden, but soldiered ahead. The second major change was in diversifying to the pharmaceutical industry by buying a U. S company, Alcon Laboratories, who were makers of pharmaceutical and ophthalmic products. Many other changes came in the 1980s and 1990s when financial improvement through strategic acquisitions and diversifications. This necessitated the sale of non-strategic and nonperforming businesses while acquiring others such as the 1984 acquisition of Carnation (Nestle, 2011). Today the company is continually restructuring its business with an annual budget of $3000 million set aside for this. Nestle CEO, Brabeck-Letmathe says that steady and well calculated change is what Nestle implements and does not do this as a fashion thing but as a well thought long term strategy. He implemented a complete overhaul of the executive board and replaced them with 10 new executives so as to build on the company’s strength something that has guides the company’s organizational changes. Nestle managers’ commitment is what keeps the company steady with their â€Å"steeped in Nestle corporate culture† which orients them to focus on the long term goals of the company rather than short term profits.Advertising We will write a custom report samp le on Managing Change in Organization: The Nestle Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This corporate culture also established the company’s major strengths such management of corporate growth and its relation to technology. The executive focuses on strengthening and upholding the company’s strength, as opposed to their completed overhaul (Broeckx, 2007). The most recent change has been on using and sharing information which gave birth to the Codification-Based Strategy of which nestle chose GLOBE. This connects all Nestle departments around the world, and makes company information accessible to all its employees. This makes information available to all employees and, therefore, no one is more important than the other due to the information he has that others do not have. Information is power, as it allows communication flow between people in the company. However, in order to access specific information or data, one fill s request form. This means employees should be taught how to access and use this information. This also requires a change in the way communication is carried out in the company since the current model could not support the change in information sharing (Nestle, 2010). The nature of change As we have seen above, in order for an employee to access specific information or data, one fills request form. This means employees need to be trained on how to access and use this information. Further, the old organizational structure has to go, which in this case was the top-down approach. Top-down organizational structure used in Nestle had several limitations; professional development followed a vertical manner within a function which does not encourage networking, communication is done through the ranks which do not encourage contribution from employees, cooperation was shadowed by competition and the obedience orientation which discourages initiative (Broeckx, 2007). This change in the organ izational structure will need management strategies to allow employees to cope with change and contribute to the organization’s goals as they are now empowered.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The organizational structure changes that were implemented in Nestles the structurally changing processes approach that involved making substantial changes to the existing organizational structure. This meant that every employee will be oriented to focus on the changes introduced by GLOBE. This is in line with the corporate ‘Untouchables’ or strong points of the company that focuses on strengthening its strengths and the role of technology in the company. The GLOBE system was meant to improve productivity, efficiency and increase the quality of customer care services, therefore, need to position the organizational structure to meet these needs (Chaudron, 2006). The structural approach to managing change was implemented by forming steering committees of senior managers to appoint a multidisciplinary team that will design which actions to be taken in order to realize the goal of the company using this new change in information access. The team assessed the culture of the company, the system used, and the conditions prevailing in the company and came up with recommendations for action which were reported to the committee of senior managers. The recommendations focused on things such as self-directed work teams, pay for information and restructuring the company away from traditional roles to focus more on the products, customers and geographical point of reference (Management Decisions and Research Center, 2000). The advantages with this structure as explained by Chaudron, (2006) are that major issues arising in the company are dealt with upfront as opposed to being postponed to the next meeting or such, some aspects of the company such as direct communication flow from marketers to production and finance department improved the productivity of the company and showing the employees that the company really wanted to change the way the company is run. The disadvantage is that too much information was being revealed to employees and managers felt as if t hey were losing their bearing or that their power was being taken away from them (Durant, 2008). Change structures A traditional hierarchical, pyramidal organizational structure is what existed in Nestle before the GLOBE system was introduced. This system cannot function effectively and efficiently in such a structure. In order for nestle employees to match their goals with that of the company, share ideas with the management, act proactively and collaborate in making the goals of the company realistic, this structure had to change. Furthermore, the new system of sharing information required highly skilled and informed employees who will no longer need to be supervised. An organizational structure named ‘Nestle for the future’ was implemented (Chaudron, 2010). This structure focused on addressing four things that were identified as an impediment to organizational management; align employees’ goals with those of the company, utilizing employees’ insight and action, enhancing cooperation and encouraging employees to be proactive. To divert the employees towards a performance way of life, a program with five parts was then formulated. These programs were implemented simultaneously (Cummings Worley, 2008). The flat and flexible structures This involved dismantling the pyramidal structure and replacing it with a non-pyramidal structure that focused on networking between management and employees. This reviewed structures and retained fewer hierarchical levels worldwide that allowed flexibility and quickness in responding to issues while still sustaining its growth (Cummings Worley, 2008). Inspiring management A review of how management related with its staff showed that action was needed to encourage contributions and cooperation from the staff. This had to start from the way management saw the staff and in regard to this two programs were developed; Nestle leadership program and the grow people program. Nestle leadership program The lea dership program was done on four bases. These include change had to start with leadership at the top level managers needed to accept they can improve, outsourcing for the program providers and program to be based on feedback from those working close to the managers, colleagues, superiors and subordinates (Carley Hill, 2009). Grow people initiative This involved changing how people were assessed. These new developments were on the basis of cooperation, promotion of personal development and sharing of the information. This changed the way managers assessed by people by just ‘judging’ them as if they are not involved themselves to making them committed developers of people. A progress and development was introduced for this purpose. The traditional rating model, which focuses on the past rather than the future, was abandoned (Pries-Heje, 2005). Long-term development This was aimed at developing long-term careers not in the previous silo thinking model but in developing ta lents, and skill in a structure which is flexible and responsive to specific talents of skills. Previously careers moved in a vertical manner within one function which was not sensitive to talents and geographical integration. This was made possible by the network structure, and a talent pool was established which has more than 2000 names from across the globe (Broeckx, 2007). Dynamic compensation The new career paths were important, to achieve this, the flattened organization was structured through creation of a new remuneration model. This model allows staff to raise their salaries without the need for promotion. This involved laying down concrete measures for measuring pays and compensations which encompass not only past achievements but also long term incentives. In addition to this, a long-term incentive plan was introduced (Broeckx, 2007). Lifelong learning program This program involved ensuring continuous education and learning experiences for employees which is very importan t in the ‘Nestle for the future’ strategy. This is in line with nestles philosophy of continuous learning (Cummings Worley, 2008). Challenges in initiating changes and how they were managed Resistance to change by some managers was a major challenge the ‘nestle for the future encountered where some managers had problems with various aspects of the program. The elimination of the rating system for staff to be replaced by the progress and development guide was too much for them. They argued that, rating employees drive performance, but Nestle is for long term growth not short tern profits. Those that were unable to cope with this quit, while others were given early retirement. It, however, slowed down implementation of the program in some regions. The program was eventually embraced wholly when it benefits were understood and working become more exciting (Broeckx, 2007). Delay in program implementation was experienced. This was caused by the managers resisting the changes that were introduced. Though various aspects of this program were meant to run simultaneously, this was delayed for close to two years as the program was viewed with a lot of skepticism and others felt threatened by the changes. The steering committee composed of the senior managers and the team of employees carried out a vast campaign which included visiting different regions and affiliates and giving presentations on the changes and the benefits to be accrued besides other forms of communication. The Progress and Development Guide, which had brought a lot of issues was put on the website and operated there so as to aid its implementation (Cummings Worley, 2008). The unwillingness of the management to share their skills and gifts with other regions, functions and businesses was an impediment that was encountered in the process of implementing the process. In the flat and more flexible model, networking is the core word which means increased communication and sharing of inf ormation between the above. This took three years to see anything substantial which delayed the long-term learning aspect of the program. Communication was intensified through various channels until people were comfortable with the program (Carley Hill, 2009). Action Plan Program aspect Activities Actors Timeframe Cost in US dollars Designing and implementing flat and flexible structures Design fewer management level Seeking contributions from various actors Senior steering committee Multidisciplinary team Employees and managers 1 year $10 million Inspiring management Nestle Leadership programNestle grows people initiatives Carrying out self assessment program for managers Interviewing a section of subordinates, colleagues and superiors of managers in the self assessment programDeveloping Progress and Development guide activities for employees Organizing seminars, workshops for employees Managers A training and development company Steering committee Multidisciplinary team Ma nagers Employees Training and development consultant Long-term (5 years) Long-term (5 years) $125 million $250 million Longlife development Establishing horizontal career paths Establishing levels of networking Mentoring programs Identifying talent and developing it Training and development consultant Human resources department Steering committee Multidisciplinary team Employees managers Long-term $100 million per year Dynamic compensation Developing a new remuneration model Carrying out various communication activities Human resources department Steering committee Multidisciplinary team Finance department Nestle Workers union Short term (1 year) $50 million Lifelong learning Establishing the learning and education needs for the company Compiling and maintaining a database for Nestle talent pool Mentoring program for young talent to be included in the talent pool Identifying talents need for Nestle Identifying and establishing horizontal career paths Establishing review criter ia for talent pool and succession plans Training and development consultant Human resources department Steering committee Multidisciplinary team Employees managers Long term $70 million per year Reference List Broeckx, P., 2007. Perspectives for Managers. In R. Hooijberg, J. Hunt, J. Antonakis, K. Boal, Being There Even When You Are Not:Leading Through Strategy, Strctures and Systems (pp. 96-106). United States of America: IMD International. Carley, K., Hill, V., 2009. Structural Change and Learning Within Organisations.  United States of America: Carnegie Mellon University. Chaudron, D., 2010. Begin at the beginning in organizational change. Organized Change Consultancy. Web. Chaudron, D., 2006. Organized Change: A Tale of Three Vilages: Approoaches to Implementing Organisational Change. The Business Forum, 43-48. Cummings, T., Worley, C., 2008. Institutionalizing Structural Change at Hewlett Packard. In T. Cummings, C. Worley, Organisational Development and Change (pp. 20 8-216). United States of America: Cengage Learning. Douglas, S., Craig, S., 2009. International Brand Architecture: Development, Driver  and Design. New York: New York University. Durant, M., 2008. Managing Organisational Change. United States of America: CCE, CPA. Kezar, A., 2001. Understanding and Facilitating Organizational Change in the 21st  Centuary: Recent Research and Conceptualizations. United States of America: john Wiley Sons. Management Decisions and Research Center., 2000. Organisational Change.  Washington, DC: Department of Veteran Affairs. Nestle., 2010. Current Situation. Web. Nestle., 2011. History. Web. Pries-Heje, J., 2005. eGovernment and Structural Reform on Bornholm: A Case Study.  Electronic Government: 4th International Conference (pp. 124-145). Coppenhagen: university of Coppenhagen.

Fainting Goat Facts

Fainting Goat Facts The fainting goat is a breed of domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) that stiffens when startled. Although the goat may fall over and appear to faint, it remains fully conscious in a state of myotonia. Since it doesnt actually faint, the animal is properly known as the myotonic goat. Fainting goats have a hereditary disorder called myotonia congenita. Although the goat freezes when panicked, it suffers no harm and leads a normal, healthy life. Fast Facts: Fainting Goat Scientific Name: Capra aegagrus hircusCommon Names: Fainting goat, myotonic goat, falling goat, Tennessee goat, stiff-legged goatBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 17-25 inches tallWeight: 60-174 poundsLifespan: 15-18 yearsDiet: HerbivoreHabitat: Originally from Tennessee, USAPopulation: 10,000Conservation Status: Not Evaluated Description Fainting goats are a breed of small meat goats (heavily muscled). A typical adult ranges from 17 to 25 inches tall and weighs between 60 and 174 pounds. The breed has distinctive prominent eyes set in high sockets. While the most common fainting goat coat color is black and white, the breed occurs in most color combinations. Either long or short hair is possible, but there is no angora strain of fainting goat. Fainting goats come in a variety of colors and coat lengths. passion4nature / Getty Images Why Fainting Goats Faint All fainting goats have an inherited muscle condition called myotonia congenita or Thomsens disease. The disorder is caused by a missense mutation of the CLCN1 gene that reduces chloride ion conductance in the chloride channels of muscle fibers. When the animal is startled its muscles tense up and dont immediately relax, causing the goat to fall down. Specifically, startling the goat causes its eyes and ears to send an electrical signal to the brain initiating the fight or flight response. When the response is initiated, the brain determines whether to stay or flee and the voluntary muscles momentarily tense. In myotonic goats, the balance between positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions is out of balance, so muscles have enough sodium to relax, but not enough chloride. It can take 5 to 20 seconds for the ion balance to resolve and the muscles to relax. The severity of the condition varies according to individual, age, water availability, and taurine supplementation. Younger goats stiffen and fall more often than older goats, in part because mature individuals have adapted to the condition and are less easily startled. Based on understanding of myotonia congenita in humans, its known that the condition is painless and has no effect on the individuals muscle tone, consciousness, or life expectancy. Young kids are more susceptible to fainting than older adults. Redleg / Wikimedia Commons Habitat and Distribution Fainting goats were brought to Marshall County, Tennessee, in the 1880s. Today, they are kept throughout the world, although they remain most numerous in the United States. Diet and Behavior Like other goats, fainting goats are herbivores that feed on vines, shrubs, trees, and some broad leaf plants. While goats taste most objects to gain information about them, they dont actually eat everything. Nightshade plants and moldy feed may be deadly to fainting goats. Like other goats, this breed is naturally inquisitive. They are intelligent and can solve simple puzzles. Goat are social animals, but they will form herds with animals of other species, such as sheep, and can form close bonds with humans. Reproduction and Offspring Goats reach sexual maturity between the ages of 3 and 15 months, ideally when they have reached 70% of their adult weight. Females (does) come into estrus every 21 days and indicate willingness to mate by vigorous tail wagging. Males (bucks) curl their upper lips (flehmen response) and urinate on their forelegs and face to increase their odor. Gestation lasts around 150 days, usually resulting in twin births. Does start milk production when they give birth or kid. Domestic goats typically live 15 to 18 years. Conservation Status Because fainting goats are domestic, the IUCN has not evaluated the breed to assign a conservation status. However, the Livestock Conservancy lists it as threatened. According to the International Fainting Goat Association, there are around 10,000 fainting goats in the world. Fainting Goats and Humans Because of their rarity, fainting goats typically arent raised for meat. The animals are usually kept as pets or show animals. Fainting goats are easier to care for than most other breeds because they are smaller, have a friendly disposition, and dont jump fences over 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) high. Sources Beck, C. L., Fahlke, C., George, A. L. Molecular basis for decreased muscle chloride conductance in the myotonic goat. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 93(20), 11248-11252, 1996. doi:10.1073/pnas.93.20.11248Bryant, S. H. Myotonia in the Goat. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 1979.Conte Camerino, D.; Bryant, S.H.; Mambrini, M.; Franconi, F.; Giotti, A. The action of taurine on muscle fibers of normal and congenitally myotonic goats. Pharmacological Research. 22: 93–94, 1990. doi:10.1016/1043-6618(90)90824-wHegyeli, A., Szent-Gyorgyi, A. Water and Myotonia in Goats. Science, 133(3457), 1961. doi:10.1126/science.133.3457.1011Lorenz, Michael D.; Coates, Joan R.; Kent, Marc. Handbook of Veterinary Neurology (5th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier/Saunders, 2011. ISBN 978-1-4377-0651-2.

Affordable heath care act (obama Care) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Affordable heath care act (obama Care) - Essay Example Without this type of insurance, many American citizens would decline medical treatment from hospitals, resulting to the worsening of their condition and later death, a risk to the U.S economy. Reforms in the sector from 1965 by former President Lyndon Johnson to the reforms by the current Obama administration have shed light to their enactment and implementation as well as their receipt by the people. To counter the negativity of the past policies, the Obama Administration introduced the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, whose policy implementation has had disparities to the citizens and the business direction of America. President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010. The act has taken the center stage concerning healthcare system in America. It is crafted as the â€Å"ObamaCare† due to President Obama’s efforts to modify the Medicare and Medicaid that were introduced by his predecessor, Lyndon Johnson. The ACA’s full implementation is expected to change the entire scope of the health system in America. Due to controversial, political play by the opposition, the Act was contested in the U.S Supreme Court and upheld as valid to the people of U.S in June 28, 2012. The main goal of the care is to provide many American citizens with affordable accessibility to quality health insurance and to reduce the costs of health care to the citizens. The policy requires the health insurance companies to cover individuals with pre-existing conditions (Kayla 2). The major benefit of the ACA is to provide all Americans access to healthcare. According to Nick (2012), the current statistics from the government show that around thirty seven million citizens have no health insurance due to its expensiveness. The implementation of the law ensures a good health system and insurance for uninsured citizens. In addition, the Act will usher financial aid to the citizens in order to provide them basic coverage, through the Medicaid Program or by subsiding the health insurance system through exchanges. These exchanges will be set up in all states, especially for those that do not create their programs as upheld by the federal government (Nick 13; Leiyu and Douglas 20). The Affordable Healthcare Act reinforces normative out of control costs in the healthcare system. The high prices induced by the previous system were a setback to Americans accessing proper health care. According to statements by the Obama Administration, the ObamaCare cuts, approximately $716 billion wasted and implicated to American citizens from the Medicare. Such amounts, as advocated for by the ACA, are reinvested into the policy implementation and Medicaid. The costs previously utilized in healthcare makes it difficult for the citizens to afford health insurance, and therefore, weaken the nation due to rapid health expenditures. The reduction of such costs, which are got from the taxpayers, ensures that the nation’s budget o n health is reduced. Insurance companies are also kept on check from proposing unjustified rate hikes that affect the citizens (Janet 89). The Act implementation adds more consumer benefits and protections to its citizens. The stereotype that America has a great healthcare system is a dream to many of its citizens. ObamaCare acts as a security to glaring inequalities in the current system being used. Racial discrimination was often practiced towards the blacks and the Hispanics. It creates an impressive bulwark of new client safeguards and benefits. In addition, health insurance

Functional languages vs. imperative languages Essay

Functional languages vs. imperative languages - Essay Example Imperative languages are greatly influenced by the von Neumann architecture due to their high dependency on an instruction counter and a store. They have control structures, like for loops and while loops, which make incremental changes to the memory while iterating over instructions. Programs written in imperative languages are statement oriented, and their principle operation is the assignment of values to variables; in other words, computation is performed with side-effects (Lee 118). Unlike imperative languages, functional languages do not rely on the Von-Neumann architecture as they do not have any concern with variables but only data objects and values. The principle operation of functional languages is function application, and they treat functions as first-class objects that may be stored in data structures, passed as parameters, and returned as function results. Programs written in functional languages contain no variables, loop statements, and assignment statements, and use parameters and return values to communicate values; in other words, computation is performed with no side-effects (Lee 119). Imperative languages heavily rely on side-effects to implement their state and perform their operations. On the other hand, functional languages lack side-effects which allow them to always produce the same result when given with the same parameters. This characteristic of functional languages is called ‘referential transparency’ which makes the semantics of these languages far simpler than the semantics of imperative languages (Kedar and Thakare 6-4). In functional languages, the return value of the function can be of any data type including function type. But this is not possible in imperative languages; functions defined in imperative languages are restricted to return values of specific data types (Kedar and Thakare 6-4). Programs written

Titanic The Best Film I Have Ever Seen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Titanic The Best Film I Have Ever Seen - Essay Example Cameron weaves the tale of the ill-fated voyage around an intense love relationship between two mismatched and star-crossed protagonists whose affair seems doomed to failure because of class differences. Handsome Leonardo DiCaprio as the poor artist Jack Dawson and beautiful Kate Winslet as the American debutante Rose DeWitt Bukater give stellar performances, ably supported by outstanding acting by Billy Zane as Rose’s cold-hearted fiancà © Cal Hockley, Frances Fisher as Rose’s financial ruin-facing mother Ruth DeWitt Bukater, and Bernard Hill as the imposing ship captain Edward John Smith. By ensuring the tragic sinking of the Titanic does not eclipse the protagonists who are in priority focus from start to end, Cameron adroitly sidesteps a common failing in most epic disaster films – too many sub-plots interwoven around too many supporting characters. Two other contributors to the gripping nature of the film are its powerful visual effects whereby computer-sim ulated realities are used with devastating effect, and the outstanding soundtrack, especially â€Å"Hymn to the Sea† and the super-hit number by Celine Dion â€Å"My Heart Will Go On.† Although 80 percent of the 3-hour plus film comprises flashbacks, Cameron’s use of genuine documentary images traverses the thin line between illusion and reality so effectively that viewers do not just watch the film, but vibrantly experience it right from the day the ship was launched in Southampton to the time it sinks. The climax of the film is undoubtedly the overwhelming scenes of the mighty ‘unsinkable’ ship in its death throes as it slowly but surely sinks into a cold watery grave.  After viewing ‘Titanic,’ I was so awe-struck that it seemed James Cameron went to great lengths to specially construct a brand new ‘Titanic’ ocean liner, launch it with grand pomp and fanfare, and then let it sink with terrible grandeur†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦I ha ve no doubt ‘Titanic’ is the best film I have ever seen.

Finicial Evaluation of Techologies Speech or Presentation

Finicial Evaluation of Techologies - Speech or Presentation Example 3. Calculate the Present Worth (that is, the Net Present Value [NPV] of total costs) for each of the technologies for the real discount rates and periods of assessment as specified in the following tables (please present results in this format): 4. Using your answers to question 3, what are the lifecycle costs of both technologies over one lifecycle of technology A at (a) a 5% real discount rate; and (b) a 20% real discount rate. Which technology is preferred on this lifecycle cost basis in each case (a) Calculate the average unit cost of the power in present value terms (in cents/kWh) supplied by each technology over a period of 20 years at a discount rate of 5%. Hint: use the answers from question 3 again to find the NPV of total costs for each technology over 20 years and then divide this amount by the total electricity supplied over this period. 5. Discuss briefly some of points emerging from this analysis of relevance to the financial comparison of sustainable energy supply options (in particular renewable) and current fossil-fuel technologies. New technologies are being developed to replace use of fossil fuels used for power generation. Studies about renewable energies are being done by the authorities if its cost will compensate its use against cost of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels like coal and gas are the most commonly used around the world for power generation. 1. In terms of technology, the average cost per kWh is much higher in Technology B which is 1.41 than 1.10 of A which means fossil energy will be more costly to produce and will be a higher price to consumer to borne. 2. Technology B gives a higher NPV than Technology A for the same 20 year period. A high positive value is an acceptable project proposition, and between two proposals, one having a higher value is

The deterance the death penalty offers Research Paper

The deterance the death penalty offers - Research Paper Example The work at hand presents the point that death penalty indeed has the capability to control the prevalence of murder and other related capital crimes. Critical analysis of the available literature concerning the issue is included. Anti-death-penalty proponents like John Blume, a law professor with the Cornell Death Penalty Project, concludes that there is no credible evidence to support deterrence of murder and capital crimes with the implementation of death penalty. The main justification of their points stands on the ground that â€Å"If deterrence worked, how could Texas which executes a dozen inmates a year, have a higher murder rate than Colorado, which has executed one murderer in more than four decades?† (Booth). In 2009 survey, more than 88% of criminologists believe that the death penalty was not a deterrent to murder, a result showing strong link to the consistent lower murder rate of non-Death penalty states compared to those that are employing the Death penalty (Th e Death Penalty and Deterrence). Daniel Nagin, expert in criminology and statistics at Carnegie Mellon University, said in an interview, â€Å"The studies have reached widely varying, even contradictory, conclusions. Some studies conclude that executions save large numbers of lives; others conclude that executions actually increase homicides; and still others conclude that executions have no effect on homicide rate† (National Journal staff). In 2002, part of the annual Texas Crime Poll revealed that majority of the respondents showed support for the death penalty, but a substantial number of them also showed lack confidence on its use while others supported moratorium on executions (Vollum and Longmire 521). After concluding a research study that says each execution saves five lives, H. Naci Mocan, an economist at Louisiana State University, said, â€Å"I personally am opposed to the death penalty, but my research shows that there is deterrent effect† (Liptak). Mocan a dds, â€Å"Science does really draw a conclusion. It did. There is no question about it. The conclusion is there is a deterrent effect† (Tanner). However, legal scholars refuted this idea, specifying the point that theories of economists do not apply to the violent world of crime and punishment, as they might be linked to faulty premises, insufficient data and flawed methodologies (Liptak). This is all the same point which by Fox and Radelet state against the research study of Ehrlich and Layson. The measurement of the deterrent effect of death penalty has been critically considered from another wider point of view when Ehrlich’s and Layson’s works reveal the importance of using the economic perspective on the issue by employing economic model, which could show further that every execution may possibly deter as many as 18 homicides (Fox and Radelet 30). However, Ehrlich’s economic model is said to have failed to provide conclusive evidence supporting the deterrent effect of capital punishment (Chan and Oxley 1). However, Fox and Radelet scrutinized Ehrlich’s and Layson’s methodology by understanding the flaws involved in using econometric model, data quality, time period, negative bias, and aggregation bias and even the misinterpretation of Layson’s findings. Unconvinced of the above general claim, the proponents of the death penalty argued that the murder rate could

Finicial Evaluation of Techologies Speech or Presentation

Finicial Evaluation of Techologies - Speech or Presentation Example 3. Calculate the Present Worth (that is, the Net Present Value [NPV] of total costs) for each of the technologies for the real discount rates and periods of assessment as specified in the following tables (please present results in this format): 4. Using your answers to question 3, what are the lifecycle costs of both technologies over one lifecycle of technology A at (a) a 5% real discount rate; and (b) a 20% real discount rate. Which technology is preferred on this lifecycle cost basis in each case (a) Calculate the average unit cost of the power in present value terms (in cents/kWh) supplied by each technology over a period of 20 years at a discount rate of 5%. Hint: use the answers from question 3 again to find the NPV of total costs for each technology over 20 years and then divide this amount by the total electricity supplied over this period. 5. Discuss briefly some of points emerging from this analysis of relevance to the financial comparison of sustainable energy supply options (in particular renewable) and current fossil-fuel technologies. New technologies are being developed to replace use of fossil fuels used for power generation. Studies about renewable energies are being done by the authorities if its cost will compensate its use against cost of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels like coal and gas are the most commonly used around the world for power generation. 1. In terms of technology, the average cost per kWh is much higher in Technology B which is 1.41 than 1.10 of A which means fossil energy will be more costly to produce and will be a higher price to consumer to borne. 2. Technology B gives a higher NPV than Technology A for the same 20 year period. A high positive value is an acceptable project proposition, and between two proposals, one having a higher value is

Green Grass, Running Water Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Green Grass, Running Water - Essay Example What is that â€Å"authentic† Indian behavior? Does progress and modernity of the Native Americans mean that they need to say farewell to their original cultural traits? â€Å"Green, Grass, Running Water,† by Thomas King depicts what true Native American spirit is about. What is the nature of struggles of Northern Aboriginal people trying to keep in touch with their culture and/or move towards a more modern western culture—what are its limitations and how far influences of whites in some areas are inevitable? Lionel and his aunt Norma are engaged in an anxious and spirited conversation that has an undercurrent of racial tension. Norma represents the typical Native American in her thinking and she has great apprehensions about the change that she identifies in Lionel as for the white culture. Does she basically hate the white leanings of Lionel? The answer is both yes and no! Rather than hating the whites, she is deeply interested that Lionel should retain the Nat ive identity. They are in a car, and the casual comment by Lionel regarding Indian Council paving a dirt road, is seriously taken up for a racial debate buy Norma. Thomas King writes, (1994, p.7-8) â€Å"Lionel, if you weren’t my sister’s boy, and if I didn’t see you born with my own eyes, I would sometimes think you were white. You sound just like those politicians in Edmonton. Always telling us what we can’t do.† This indicates Norma’s deep-rooted dislike for white dispositions towards which she believes Lionel is moving. Her comparison of Lionel with politicians in Edmonton, gives the clear picture about how the whites perceive the Native American and have poor estimate of their abilities. Thus an unbridgeable gap is established between the Native Indians and White Americans. She sincerely wishes that Lionel remain associated with their heritage and she is apprehensive about his moving towards the other side of the cultural fence that div ides the whites and blacks. The argument between the nephew and the aunt thickens and reaches wider horizons as Norma picks up more issues concerning Lionel. She recalls, when Lionel was a boy, his tonsils were operated upon by a white doctor. She remarks, â€Å"Indian doctors weren’t good enough.†(p.32)This has an element of sarcasm, as well as worry for her about Lionel imitating the white traits, as his life was shaped and influenced by white culture. Her latent resentment towards all that is white is also evident. She doesn’t wish to â€Å"lose† Lionel under any circumstances, and desires to remind him that they should be proud that they belong to the heritage of Northern Aboriginal people of America. Her resentment towards the white race is evident when she sarcastically says addressing her nephew, â€Å""As if they [white men] were something special. As if, there weren't enough of them in the world already" (37) This is almost like a policy stateme nt of Norma as for her attitude towards the white race. It is evident that her concern has assumed serious proportions and she emphatically tells Lionel the desirability to retain his Native American heritage, and not try to imitate the white. Norma dominates in the conversation, speaks without intermission, and hardly gives any chance to Lionel to explain his viewpoints. In defense of her position, Norma gives one more argument from which she desires that Lionel take lessons. She gives the examples of his sister Latisha, who has stuck to the native roots, in establishing and running a good Indian restaurant

300 - Rationalism vs Empiricism - Summary and History Essay Example for Free

300 Rationalism vs Empiricism Summary and History Essay What is reality really like? A current running through much of the philosophical thinking around the time of Socrates and Plato was that there is a difference between how the world appears and how it is. Our senses reveal one layer of reality but it is our minds that penetrate deeper. The world of appearances is a world in flux but underneath there must be a stable reality. For there is much that is unchanging. We recognise kinds of things – badgers, daffodils, mountains – and whilst members of these kinds are born, change and die, and differ from one another in ever so many ways, the kind-defining essence doesnt change. We see here the key rationalist idea that knowledge is a priori knowledge of necessary truths Plato said that kinds were defined by the transcendental forms. He presented a number of arguments for the existence of these things. Prior to our incarnation, our souls existed in the realm of forms where we learned about these essences. In our terrestrial state, we cannot recall what we know. Socrates considered himself a midwife to knowledge instead of a teacher, helping his interlocutors to draw out what they dont know that they know. The example of Meno and the slave-boy shows this idea clearly. Like many philosophers, Plato was also fascinated by mathematics. We are able to tap into a universe of truths that are non-sensible: we do not see numbers and we do not see the perfect geometric forms. Once again, we see the difference between the powers of the mind and the powers of the senses. It was in the 17th century that the debate between the rationalists and the empiricists came to a head. Philosophers such as Descartes and Leibniz emphasised the power of reason over the senses. Descartes argued that our senses were fallible and that we could not rule out the possibility of the demon deception hypothesis on the basis of sensory evidence alone. Descartes argued that he knew he existed, as a mind, on the basis of reflection alone: when I think, I cannot fail to be aware of myself as existing as that thinker (cogito, ergo sum). Having proved that he exists, Descartes argued that God exists. Since God is no deceiver, he would not have given us senses that systematically mislead. But let us not overemphasise the powers of the senses. Descartes argued that even with material things, it is reason that exposes their essences. In his piece of wax reasoning, he argued that the senses merely reveal a succession of impressions: it is reason that grasps the underlying and enduring substance as extended (and filled space). Plato and Descartes believed that we are born with concepts and knowledge. In Descartes case, there was a religious motive: we are all born in the image of God. We discover more about the world primarily through metaphysical reflection. The philosopher Francis Bacon, an early empiricist, famously dismissed this rationalist approach to knowledge. He compared rationalists to spiders who spin complex metaphysical systems out of their entrails. Empiricists get their hands dirty: like bees gathering pollen, they gather knowledge about the world and only then reflect on it. Around the same time as Bacon, many new discoveries were being made that shook the prevailing views of reality. The Earth was dethroned from its position at the centre of the universe by Copernicus. A new star (a supernova) was observed by Tycho Brahe in 1572 – yet the heavens were supposed to be timeless and unchanging. Galileo discovered the moons of Jupiter – again, everything clearly didnt revolve around the Earth. Later in the 17th century, scientist-philosophers such as Newton, Boyle, Gassendi and Huygens would revolutionise our understanding of reality. The original empiricist manifesto was written by John Locke. In his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, he sought to show how a mind that was blank at birth – a tabula rasa or blank slate – could come to be filled. His first targets were the innate concepts and knowledge (ideas) of the rationalists. There are no such things. There are no truths everyone agrees on. Many people fail to grasp the supposed metaphysical truths. Instead, our senses deliver ideas to us. We store them, abstract from them to form general ideas, and compound and mix them to generate new ideas. Like Lego bricks, we build the meagre sensory data into ever more complex structures. Even Leibniz thought Locke was onto something here. He claimed that our minds were like blocks of marble that had to be carefully chiselled at to reveal the hidden structure (the innate truths). It is hard work and not everyone will end up well-chiselled. Hume took empiricism to its limit. Where Locke talked indifferently of ideas, Hume distinguished impressions and ideas. Impressions are the direct deliverances of the senses and are forceful and vivid in comparison to ideas, which are the copies our minds makes. (He also agreed with the Empiricist Berkeley that Lockes theory of general ideas was wrong. We do not abstract from particular ideas to a general idea but use a particular idea in a general way via a general name. ) What about the precious necessary truths philosophy is supposed to study? Locke argued that once we have ideas in our mind, our mind will perceive the necessary connections between them – e. g. that a triangle has internal angles that add to 180o? But where does the idea of necessity come from? Hume provided an answer. He distinguished statements into two categories: those expressing relations of ideas (analytic) and those expressing matters of fact (synthetic). The analytic truths express mere definitions: we simply are aware of an association between terms. The synthetic truths are the contingent truths. So what happens to interesting necessary truths, such as God exists or nothing exists without being caused to exist? Hume argued that if these werent analytic – and they arent – they arent necessary. We feel that they are necessary and this is all necessity is: a psychological property. When we say that X caused Y, we think we have said something about the universe. We think we have seen an example of a law of nature (e. g. the water in the bucket froze because it was cold exemplifies the law water freezes at 0oC). Science investigates these laws. Hume said that causation was all in the mind. We see one thing after another and when weve seen instances of a regularity enough, we develop the feeling that one thing must be followed by the other. Hume, like Locke, emphasised how all we can be certain of are our impressions – how the world seems. Scientists are really investigating how the world appears: they can never be certain that the world really is the way it appears. So, empiricism seems to lead straight to scepticism about the external world. Kant objected strongly to this. Science really is studying the external world and there really is an external world for it to investigate. Kant brought about a revolution in philosophy (he called it a Copernican revolution). He argued that the empiricists and rationalists were both right and wrong. The Empiricists were right: science requires the study of the world and the world is brought to us via the senses. The Rationalists were right: our mind is not blank but contains structures that enable us to interpret the stream of data from the senses. We may liken the mind to a mould and the data to jelly: one only has something structured by combining both. Or: the mind is a computer with an operating system and the data is the input from the user. A computer with just an operating system is inert. A computer into which data is inputted but which has no operating system is just data: it cannot be interpreted. Only when you combine both do you get something useful. Our minds contain the structures for space, time, objects and causation, for example. (In Kants terminology, space and time are the pure forms of intuition whereas the structures for objects and causation are pure concepts of the understanding. ) This means that we experience a world of spatio-temporally located objects in which causation happens because this is how our minds make it appear. Does this mean that the world as such is all in the mind? Or is the mind somehow tuned to the structure of reality, so that our pre-programmed minds mirror the structures of reality? This is a very difficult question over which there is no agreement amongst experts. The Empiricist movement came back with a vengeance in the 20th century. Philosophers such as Bertrand Russell agreed with Hume that our knowledge begins with our knowledge of sense-data (classical empirical foundationalism). Armed with new discoveries in mathematics and logic, and backed by the successes of science, the logical positivists argued that the only proper way to investigate the world was the scientific way. If I say p and p is synthetic and there is no objective, scientific way to verify my claim that p, then my claim is meaningless. (This is the celebrated verification principle). So, if it is true that there atoms, we should be able to find empirical – sensory – evidence of them. If it is true that nothing happens without being caused to happen, then we likewise need scientific evidence for this. We cannot discover whether it is true by pure reason. The Logical Positivist movement failed. There is much that seems meaningful that is not objectively verifiable by the senses, such as the occurrence of private sensations. The principle makes it impossible for general claims such as all mammals are warm-blooded to be true, as we cannot verify all of them. The very verification principle itself fails its own test! The Logical Positivists responded by watering down their principle: a meaningful claim is one we could gather some evidence for in principle and the principle itself is special – exempt from this rule. But it was not enough. (* Then Quine argued that the fundamental division between analytic and synthetic sentences was incorrect. Analytic sentences cannot be false. But no sentence enjoys this privilege. As we learn more and more, truths we thought were beyond doubt are rejected. Once upon a time, we would have thought it analytic that no object can be in two places at once or that there is no fastest velocity. Quantum physics and general relativity theory show that they are not true. Instead, we should have a web of belief. At the centre are those sentences least likely to be revised – our core beliefs. As we move out, we find those sentences that would be easier and easier to accept as false – that would cause less and less disruption to the rest of what we believe. ) In the 1950s, Chomsky became famous for suggesting that we are not born as blank slates when it comes to language. We are born knowing the fundamental structures of human language. When we are young, we hear our mother tongue and use our knowledge of language to pick up our language very quickly. (At 24 months, the average child understands 500-700 words; at 36 months, 1000; at 48 around 2500-3000; at 60 around 5000 words: thats around 7 words a day between 3 and 6). More recently, studies have shown that children are born with brains structured to expect the world to behave in certain way. Very young children expect objects to persist over time: not to disappear and reappear at two different places, for example. Is this a revival of rationalism? Not according to many people. Rationalists argued that we had innate concepts and knowledge. By reflection, we can discover them and manipulate them to gain new knowledge. But our knowledge of language is altogether different. None of us can easily articulate the rules we follow in generating syntactically-correct English. (And certainly none of us at all can articulate the common structure rules to all human languages. ) Our brains are certainly pre-programmed, but only perhaps in the same way that a computer is pre-wired: clearly something has to be there but nothing as advanced as software. So where are we today? No side is victorious: this would be to grossly over-simplify the debate between the empiricists and the rationalists. We definitely have minds in some way ready to receive the world – hardly surprising, perhaps, given the time it has taken for us to evolve. But when it comes to working out what is true? Few philosophers are rationalists in the old-fashioned way. There is no sharp division between metaphysics and science: our study of reality cannot be done from the armchair alone. But our capacity to grasp abstract mathematical truths has always been difficult to explain from an empiricist perspective. We seem to have an access to a mathematical realm and a cognitive or intuitive access instead of a sensory one. You cant see numbers, after all, and it is not easy to say what we could see that would lead us to generate the ideas of numbers.