Is College Education Worth It - 1460 Words

Is College Education Worth It? Have you ever wondered how much some of our nation’s top college presidents earn as compensations? If not, then the CNN documentary Ivory Tower is a good starting point. The continual increase of college tuition and student loans has made headlines in the news recently, mostly because of the alarming amount of student debt in the United States. According to the College Board, in 2010, students graduated from college owing an average of $25,250 in student loans; the highest amount ever. Needless to say that we are way pass this amount as of January 2016. As it stands, student debt is more than $1.2 Trillion dollars, higher than both credit card debt and auto loans. It is, thus, not surprising that the issue of the cost of a college education is at the forefront in this year’s presidential primaries. Democrat frontrunner Hillary Clinton is proposing a â€Å"debt-free tuition† and her opponent, Bernie Sanders, is offering â€Å"free tuition† for college stude nts. If they are not being just being â€Å"politicians† and remain true to their words, then like Europe, college education in the United States will be, for the most part free. However, if they fail to fulfill their promises, then God help America. In light of this, if the current trends in the unemployment rates among recent college graduates and the ever-increasing student loan debts are anything to go by, then a college education is not worth the cost. Contemporary research findings have shown thatShow MoreRelatedIs A College Education Worth It?1018 Words   |  5 PagesIn today’s society, the idea of receiving a college education has been pondered quite a bit as to whether or not it is actually worth it. According to Michelle Adam, many people â€Å"†¦today believe that getting a good education is key to success in our society, this revealed surprising issues that challenge the notion of higher education being worth its price tag† (59). Naturally, many high school graduates apply for college right before or after graduation. Others decide to go into the work force, armedRead MoreIs College Worth A Education?1140 Words   |  5 PagesIs college worth attending? Many graduating students are leaving college today with enormous amounts of student’s loans debt. Sometimes they do not obtain the college degree that they were going to school for. Today many induvial believe that getting a good education is the key to success in our society. There are issues that challenge the notion of higher education being worth its price. While in college, many students suffer stress from all the school work and responsibilities that is requiredRead MoreIs College Education Worth It?1366 Words   |  6 PagesIs College Education Worth It? Have you ever wondered how much some of our nation’s top college presidents are paid? If not, then the CNN documentary Ivory Tower is a good starting point. The continual increase of college tuition and student loans has made headlines in the news recently, mostly because of the alarming amount of student debt in the United States. According to the College Board, in 2010, students graduated from college owing an average of $25,250 in student loans; the highest amountRead MoreIs A College Education Worth It?1443 Words   |  6 PagesMarch 2016 Is a College Education Worth It? Is the American dream just a dream?The worth of a college education is arguably one of the most controversial topics in the country. Over the years, the American education system seems to emphasize and underline the importance of college education. The reality of the situation is that a college education can be appreciated through looking at the statistical numbers of people that have enrolled in to college education. A college education is valued becauseRead MoreIs A College Education Worth It?1533 Words   |  7 PagesIs a college education worth it? While it is important to get a college education, there are many people who cannot afford to go to college. Going to college leaves adults in millions of dollars in debt for many years. This results in adults working most their life to just pay off their education. However, starting work right out of high school instead of going to a 4-year college has been more appealing to some people. Going to a trade school is less expensive and l ess time consuming. However, notRead MoreIs College Education Worth It?1924 Words   |  8 PagesIs a College Education Worth It? Garrett Lazorchak Introduction The debate about whether a college education is worth it may have begun when the pilgrims first came over from Europe and founded â€Å"New College†, which was later changed to Harvard University in 1636. With over 19.9 million college students enrolled today and a combined student debt for the country of over 1.2 trillion dollars the debate continues today. People who argue that college is not worth it, point to the crippling debt thatRead MoreIs College Education Worth It1819 Words   |  8 PagesIs College Education Worth It? Hailey Mulligan October 24, 2012 Organization Communication MG320 Is College Education Worth It? Getting a â€Å"good† job is not straightforward as it used to be. In past generations, someone in an entry-level position could work their way up the ladder simply through hard work and determination; whether or not one had credentials or a diploma mattered very little. This is not the case today. Higher education is now critical to obtaining a better job because the demandRead MoreCollege Education Is Worth The Cost Of College926 Words   |  4 Pagesidea that they will go to college. However, few individuals take the time to think about the essence of a college education. For some people college education is worth it whiles for others it may not be worth the cost. General assumption of not making it to college and still making it in life has now become a wise saying for desperate people who have decided to chase money but not a career. A recent study emphasized that one can eventually make it without going to college but how many people do makeRead MoreIs A College Educati on Worth The Cost?1283 Words   |  6 PagesIs a College Education Worth the Cost? Have you ever just stopped to think about what it must be like to be â€Å"qualified† for a job yet be unemployed and homeless? Starving on the streets because you paid everything you had to an institution that was supposed to guarantee a better life, a more stable and successful career. Obviously this is an extreme case, not everyone who pays for college ends up living on the streets and broke, but almost every college graduate is in debt. For as long as collegeRead MorePursuing A College Education : Is It Worth It?1492 Words   |  6 PagesJohn McKeown AP Language, Period G Ms. Hasebroock December 4, 2014 Pursuing a College Education: Is It Worth It? Due to some recent events in my life, I have been strongly contemplating on whether or not college is the right choice for me. My father went to college at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin and shortly after he received a job as a clerk at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He slowly worked his way up to a trading position in the pit, which can be potentially very rewarding. When

Economics for Sa Free Essays

The balance-of-payments (BOP) accounts of a country record the payments and receipts of the people of the country in their transactions with people of other countries. If all transactions are included , the payments and receipts of each country must be equal. I. We will write a custom essay sample on Economics for Sa or any similar topic only for you Order Now E. Net Exports (NIX) always equal Net Capital Outflow (NCO). Although this is rarely the case. The BOP statement divides international transactions into three accounts: the current account, the change in reserve assets/capital account and the financial account. The current account and financial account are impacted by export/import of odds and services. Every international transaction results in a credit and a debit. Transaction that causes money to leave a country is a debit. Q: How many economists does it take to change a light bulb? A: Eight. One to screw it in and seven to hold everything else constant. Source: http://enter. Mac. AC. UK/ Joke. HTML When the US purchases South African diamonds, the AS Current Account will have a credit and the US current account a debit. However AS will have a surplus of Dollars and so will purchase US assets example US Bonds. This transaction will be recorded in the financial account in the balance of payments. If South Africa buys US Dollars or any other foreign currency as an asset, then this is also recorded in the financial account. 2. 2. 1 Net Capital Flows If South Africa buys more US assets I. E. Invests more in the foreign market than what foreign markets invest in South Africa, then South Africa has a POSITIVE net capital outflow. According to our example in the Market for AS Diamonds in the US , if South Africa has a trade surplus or current account surplus with the US then it will have POSITIVE net capital outflow as it will use the surplus of US dollars to purchase US assets. 2. 2. 2 South Africans Current Account Deficit Please refer to Diagram 4 in the Appendix. A current account deficit meaner that a country is importing more goods and services than it exports. This is an indication that an economy is â€Å"investing more than it is saving† and is borrowing from other economies to finance its spending. We are an emerging/developing economy so we borrow in order to produce more BUT our current account deficit is growing – and this is concerning. This is an indication that our economy is â€Å"unbalanced† and the governments’ efforts to redress this imbalance can be seen as they try to grow our local manufacturing industry. The deficits have been among the main reasons for the recent rand weakness as investors worry about South Africans ability to finance them. We will now examine developments in the foreign exchange markets and how they have impacted South Africa. 3. Please refer to diagram 9 for the historical trend of the last 5 years of the Sara’s exchange rate against the USED, YUAN, GAP and EURO. Economists can supply it on demand. Source: http://enter. Mac. AC. UK/Joke. HTML You can immediately notice that the Rand (CAR) is rapidly moving between peaks and roughs. This meaner that the Rand is not stable I. E. It is volatile. This is because South Africa is considered an emerging market. Any sudden change politically or globally will result in investors investing in more stable economies like the US (USED) or United Kingdom (GAP). We have greater † financial volatility because we swing between economic prosperity and economic decline. † The USED, GAP and Euro (RUE) are currencies of the most stable economies in the world and are predictable and considered a ‘safe bet’ by investors. Their currencies float freely. China however pegs TTS currency to the USED and deliberately keeps the YUAN weaker than the USED so that it can encourage exports of its goods and services. Please refer to Diagram 56. From Mid 2010 we see a consolidation or recovery of most countries from the 2008 Global Recession. This is due to the 2010 FIFE World Cup that created positive sentiment toward AS. This also created investor confidence which led to steady Direct Foreign Investment. This event was an ideal marketing platform for the tourism sector in AS. We see a peak in tourism during the World Cup. (Diagram AAA) This growth culminated at the end of 2010 (Diagram b), this reign interest increased the demand for AS goods and services which in turn increased the demand for the CAR which caused an appreciation of the CAR against foreign currencies. How to cite Economics for Sa, Papers

A Strange Role Model free essay sample

When a person has a role model, they look up to that special someone, adoring them, wanting and trying to be everything that person stands for. Little boys look up to Michael Jordan, the sports hero of our time. Little girls look up to models and Barbie, wanting to be beautiful, poised and sophisticated women. Me, I always thought that I had no role model, no one I wanted to be. Then one day my dad and I had a huge argument. Nickay! he always screamed, not yet having mastered the art of talking. Why didnt you wash the dishes last night? He barged into my room. I looked up from my homework and calmly explained that I had so much homework to do that I had fallen asleep. He screamed some more and, angered, I screamed back. He said Id better not let it happen again or I would see what would happen. We will write a custom essay sample on A Strange Role Model or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My father has always been a believer in ruling the household with a firm hand. When he left my room, I thought, boy do I dislike that man and click, it came to me. My influence is my father. This brazen, rough man is my role model for everything I dont want to be. When I grow up, I dont want to be anything like my father. Growing up was hard. When I was smaller, I tried desperately to be Daddys little girl. I wanted him to protect me. I wanted him to buy me a necklace with a charm that said Daddys Little Girl, and one day in return Id give him one that said Number One Father. I wanted to go out for ice cream and talk about different things. Sadly, it never happened. My father was nothing like I dreamed. He made many promises and broke them all. Growing up, I always studied hard and strived to be the best. My father would be proud some days but others, when he was mad, would tell me with a mean face, I dont care how many books you read or study, youll never be smarter than me. This from a security officer with a high school diploma. My father brought me up with a stern hand; I feel children should be allowed to be children, and should be loved, not beaten. Now that Im seventeen my dad doesnt hit me anymore, but he may slap me once in a blue moon. He feels I have no respect and wants to put me in my place. He is the parent and I am the child. Nothing more, nothing less. But in reality, I dont hold any respect for my father. In his house, my dad feels that his way is always right, and tries to enforce his brazen ideas. But somehow I have been able to develop an independent mind and believe in myself. The only thing we have in common is our love of sports. Still, its different. He wants me to run track in the Olympics and, while I love track, I value an education more. Today, I am a strong, independent, black-Hispanic woman. Unlike my father, I love different cultures, new ideas and concepts. I have grown to love classical and some alternative music music that he ridicules. However, I just lock my door and pop in Beethovens Symphony No. 9, or my favorite, Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture. I love Broadway shows and dream of the day my father will take me to see Miss Saigon, which some of my girlfriends have done with their dads. But I am forced to save money to see this play on my own. I love to read and discuss books, something my father would never do with me. So I discuss books with my teachers and my uncle, who is a bookworm. My father feels there is no life beyond the city, but I want to travel and see the world. I have always been fascinated by other cultures, which is why I want to study International Relations. This probably comes from my diverse background. I am Hispanic, but I look African-American and realize how different these two cultures are. My Hispanic friends are open to friendship and are more sentimental than my black friends. Ive lived in Panama (my birthplace), Costa Rica, Hawaii, Texas and now on the East Coast. But my main goal has always been to try to lend a helping hand. It hurts me to see all the troubles in countries like Serbia. I feel a nagging pain to want to help. Graduating from high school and college are my top priorities. I dont ever want to stop being who I have become, because I have grown to like myself. My father and I have come to an understanding leave him alone and he leaves me alone. Lately, he has been proud of my accomplishments. I was in an article in the city newspaper, and he showed it to his friends. It may seem a little late for my father to begin understanding me, but I will give him a chance because someday I would like to be someones role model. fl

The Negative Effects of Sex Abuse

There are so many cases that have been reported to have originated from domestic violence that is particularly afflicted to the youths, which expose them to many hardships. Many youths suffer a lot due to ill treatment that starts when they are still very young due to the fact that they are more vulnerable to violence at a tender age. Any abuse that is done to children, particularly sex abuse, leaves a scar in their lives.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Negative Effects of Sex Abuse specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This affects them for long time hence making most of the youth to lead a life full of problems while they do not have anything to do with what is going on in their lives. This paper will comprehensively discuss sex abuse as one of the most critical type of domestic violence that youths suffer and some of the negative effects of the vice. Sexual abuse is one of the common types of domestic violence that majority of the youth live suffering the aftermath of its perpetration. Youths who have suffered sexual cruelty in most cases happen to have been abused when they were young since at the tender age they are very prone to any kind of maltreatment due to the fact that they are weak and innocent. This kind of violence have been so unusual in the past years but it has come to be the most widespread case in society despite the fact it has not been put into limelight (Geffner, Jaffe, Sudermann 150). Most of the incidences that relate to this kind of violence are barely mentioned hence getting a better opportunity to continue breeding up. According to Carter, children who face sexual molestation tend to suffer several bad conditions that are propagated as they grow up to become youths and even at the later stages of life (1). The following paragraphs explain some of the hardships that the youths undergo due to sexual violence that is done to them in their childhood. To begi n with, youths who are harassed sexually are likely to suffer the lack of self esteem, especially in the case of female victims. This is whereby the girl who has undergone such kind of abuse may lack confidence in her feminine nature, and this may make her develop hatred towards men since she still reminisce what was done to her in the past. Such memories will remain to give her nostalgia which may result to her remaining unmarried (Deb Mukherjee 200). Stigma is another common problem that is likely to be experienced by youths who are abused sexually. This is a state where a victim of an abuse such as rape feel as if the public is aware of what was done to him or her hence feeling discriminated. People who suffer stigma will be so sensitive on any subject concerning sexual abuse that might be talked about in their presence.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They tend to feel as though people hate them and therefore rarely interact with their peers. Such condition may lead to severe stress which can result to depression and withdraw (Deb Mukherjee 200). Likewise, youths who are exposed to sexual abuse are susceptible to contracting various sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS which can cause short term or long term illness, or even lead to fatality. Many youth innocently contract such diseases and live suffering for the rest of their lives for actions that they did not consent to. There so many cases that have been reported in the hospitals and in the society in general of HIV/AIDS patients who have fell into this predicament due to sexual abuse from relatives or even strangers, thus passing the virus to them. Apart from contracting diseases, many female victims of sexual abuse are at high risk of becoming pregnant at a very early age. This does not capacitate them to handle the responsibilities that come with pregnancy and motherhood. Instances that lead to pregnancy of young girls are not planned for, hence making them to undergo hardships that are related to early pregnancy and child bearing. There have been cases of young girls developing severe complications due to conceiving and giving birth at very tender age. Some of girls might live to experience these conditions for the rest of their lives. Some of the victims of sex abuse can be stricken by poverty due to many demands that come up due to the responsibilities that emanate from early motherhood since most of them fail to continue with their education hence they cannot secure well paying jobs (Deb Mukherjee 200). Sexual abuse can also lead to many youths engaging themselves in the abuse of drugs and alcoholism. They do this with an intention of trying to forget the violence they were subjected to, which at most times makes them to suffer from depression. Others will decide to abuse drugs as a way of giving them the courage to avenge for the ha rassment they faced or else to have the confidence to come into terms with the reality of what happened to them. They can also intentionally abuse drugs or alcohol with an aim of withstanding the effects that are caused by stigma. In essence, the above research work on sex abuse can in a nut shell be concluded by arguing that many youth are suffering from domestic violence in the form of sexual abuse which makes their lives a living hell. This happens due to the fact they are very naà ¯ve and incapable of protecting themselves from such incidences.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Negative Effects of Sex Abuse specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The reason why they cannot avoid this abuse from happening is because it is perpetrated when they are children hence they are weak and without the power to discern right from wrong. With the rampant rise of cases about sex abuse to children, it becomes very imp ortant for the authority to impose heavy penalties on any person reported to have done such an act of inhumanity to innocent children. Works Cited Carter, Janet. Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, and Youth Violence: Strategies for Prevention and Early Intervention. 11 Jan. 2011.Web. Deb, Sibnath and Mukherjee Aparna. Impact of Sexual Abuse on Mental Health of Children, Chicago: Concept Publishing Company, 2009. Print. Geffner, Robert, Peter Jaffe, and Marlies Sudermann. â€Å"Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Current Issues in Research, Intervention, Prevention, and Policy Development.† Maltreatment Trauma, 5 Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment Trauma, New York:Routledge, 2000. Print. This research paper on The Negative Effects of Sex Abuse was written and submitted by user Kyler Blevins to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How Thanksgiving Came To Be.... essays

How Thanksgiving Came To Be.... essays In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The first Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated on April 15, 1872 in thanks of the recovery of the future King Edward VII from a serious illness. But the major reason why Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving is because we are thankful for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada than the United States, simply because Canada is further north. Harvest celebrations have been around for a long time. Ever since the very first harvest, about 2000 years ago, people have been thankful for a very prosperous bounty. In 1957, Parliament announced that on the second Monday in October that Thanksgiving would be a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed. During the American Revolution, Americans who were still loyal to England and the crown moved to Canada and brought over with them the traditional Thanksgiving rituals that were associated wi th an American Thanksgiving. Because of this, Canadian and American Thanksgiving have many characteristics and traditions that are very similar to each other. For example the tradition of the cornucopia and serving pumpkin pie are customs that both, American and Canadian Thanksgiving follow. The custom of serving turkey at the Thanksgiving table is widely debated. Some say that duck/goose was served at the first Thanksgiving, some say turkey, and some say venison was served at the first Thanksgiving. It doesnt really matter what you serve at your Thanksgiving table, as long as you are thankful to God for all that you have been blessed with and for all the good that has happened in your life so far. ...

Plastic Sulfur - Simple Sulfur Polymer Demo

Plastic Sulfur - Simple Sulfur Polymer Demo Did you know that you can make a polymer from an element? Turn ordinary sulfur into rubbery plastic sulfur and then back into its brittle crystalline form. Plastic Sulfur Materials 50 g sulfur  test tube (25 mm x 200 mm)burnertest tube clampbeaker of water (500 mL or so)tongs Procedure To Polymerize Sulfur Youll melt the sulfur, which changes from a yellow powder into a blood-red liquid. When the molten sulfur is poured into the beaker of water, it forms a rubbery mass, which remains in polymer form for a variable length of time, but eventually crystallizes into a brittle form. Fill the test tube with pure sulfur powder or pieces until it is within a couple of centimeters of the top of the tube.Using a test tube clamp to hold the tube, place the tube in a burner flame to melt the sulfur. The yellow sulfur will turn into a red liquid as it melts. The sulfur may ignite in the flame. This is fine. If ignition occurs, expect a blue flame at the mouth of the test tube.Pour the molten sulfur into a beaker of water. If the sulfur is burning, youll get a spectacular burning stream from the tube into the water! The sulfur forms a golden-brown string as it hits the water.You can use tongs to remove the mass of polymer sulfur from the water and examine it. This rubbery form will last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours before reverting to the usual yellow brittle rhomic crystalline form. How It Works Usually sulfur occurs in orthorhomic form as eight-membered cyclic rings of monomeric S8. The rhomic form melts at 113 °C. When it is heated over 160deg;C, sulfur forms high molecular weight linear polymers. The polymer form is brown and consists of polymer chains containing about a million atoms per chain. However, the polymer form is not stable at room temperature, so the chains eventually break and reform the S8 rings. Safety The sulfur is safe to recycle or dispose in any waste container.Use care when handling the plastic sulfur, as it may still be hot/molten for several minutes.Its best to perform this project under a hood or outdoors, since sulfur dioxide (SO2) will be released if the sulfur ignites. Sulfur dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which is irritating and toxic. Source: B. Z. Shakhashiri, 1985, Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry, vol. 1, pp. 243-244. Related Projects You can use sulfur from this project to make both a mixture and a compound with sulfur and iron. If the polymer aspect of the project interested you, other simple polymers you can make include natural plastic from milk or a polymer bouncy ball. Feel free to play with the ratio of ingredients in polymer and plastic recipes to see they affect the final project.

Analyse how 3 complementary therapies (Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Essay

Analyse how 3 complementary therapies (Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Massage) differs from conventional medicine - Essay Example 2003). It is also known as Western medicine or Allopathic Medicine. It follows proven scientific procedures and techniques in treating the symptoms of disease, unlike the former where the root cause of the disease is addressed. Conventional therapy is based on the fact that diseases are caused by Bacteria and Virus. It is very successful in acute conditions, accidents and surgery. Western medicine includes all types of conventional medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Nevertheless it is important to know about both possible benefits and potential harms of different system of therapies. †Herbal medicines include herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain parts of plants as active ingredients† (Traditional Medicine: Definition, 2013). Herbal products are gaining prominence in the recent years due to various developments in analysis and quality control. Herbal products come in the form of capsules, pills, teas, syrups, oils liquid extracts. Simple decoctions can be made at home for common ailments like cough, cold, sore throat, indigestion etc... â€Å"Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care† (Herbal Medicine, 2011). Acupressure is a procedure involving stimulation of vital nerve points on the body through the penetration of thin metallic needles on the skin. It gives instant relief for pain. It is a traditional Chinese practice. Massage is a technique intended to relax muscles by applying pressure on the f lesh. Generally, medicated oils are used for massage. It increases the flow of oxygen and helps to release toxins. Besides, it also help to relieve the body of any stress. Head massage is very popular to improve blood circulation and gives a general feeling of

Critical literature review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical literature review - Research Paper Example Globalization involves the process of globalizing which implies particularly the growth of a tremendous integrated global economy marked particularly by the free flow of capital, free trade and the tapping of low-cost foreign labor markets. The world has witnessed various advances in the field of communication and enhanced technology that have both made globalization possible. Globalization has become a common phenomenon in the world wherein the most production of goods and services has become international. A key element of the current wave of increased globalization is foreign production chains that presently allow workers to pair easily up across various borders. Although globalization has been seen to have benefits, there are various arguments put forward by lobby societies and protestors who oppose the conditions under which globalization operates. Likewise, the incidence of inequality has been on the rise with many nations not getting a fair share of this global trend. The foll owing literature addresses these concerns and provides more insight into the issue of globalization and inequality. Joyce (2008) in his research addresses the gap that exist between the richest and poorest nations in terms the average GDP per capita levels. The author argues that despite the tremendous increase in globalization, developing nations have continued to drag behind economic wise. In his research, the author provides a review of the evidence on the contributing factors of the disparities in GDP per capita, which has concentrated on the role institutions play in fostering development. These institutions mainly reflect prevailing domestic conditions; however, globalization, as indicated by the Joseph, has an impact on development of these nations. The work adds to the knowledge that globalization has direct effects on economic activity, which impacts the occurrence of poverty,

The Shame of Paying College Athletes Essay Example for Free

The Shame of Paying College Athletes Essay A salary should only be given to athletes that are at a professional level. Young college athletes don’t yet know the value of money and should be treated as such. College athletes should not be paid, due to the fact that most colleges would not be able to afford paying every player in their program, schools already provide free education and scholarships for athletes, and paying athletes is against NCAA regulation. First of all, athletes should not be paid because most colleges (besides big name schools) would not be able to afford paying all their players in their programs; not just football and basketball players. Out of the 120 FBS (formerly named Division 1) schools, only twelve broke even or made a profit after an athletic season†(Bokshan) If only twelve broke even how are these schools expected to cough up enough money to pay their players. They are not. If the National College Athletic Association or NCAA changed their rules, and forced all colleges to pay their athletic players; most would quickly fall into dept, and have to cut their entire sports program just to save their schools from having to close down. Leaving the college no choice, but to cut into their general funds; meaning cutting back on funding for cademic education. Many Universities like Miami of Ohio are going through huge budget problems, because of all the expenses from their college sports program (Northern Star). Miami University and many other schools can barely afford running a sports program, let alone paying all their athletes. Paying colleges would cost at least $200 million a year for Division 1, and that’s not including Division 2, and 3. (USA TODAY) $200 million dollars is an insane about of money, and â€Å"There are just to many important issues that schools need to address, and speeding oney on already spoiled athletes isn’t one of them? † (Northern Star). Therefore; colleges could never afford paying their athletes because of numerous reasons. In addition, colleges already provide free education and scholarships. â€Å"Full athletic scholarships cover a student athlete’s tuition, any fees, room, meal plans and required course related books†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bokshan). What else does a young student athlete attending a college need? They are already getting a college education for free. Their room and board is fully paid and study from books that can cost up to $500 dollars each. Student athletes also get erks other than the scholarship itself, like free tutors and special classes to help the player stay eligible to play (Daugherty). Most colleges already have systems set but to ensure that all there players have enough money to have cloths and other necessities. (Eagan, Mike). College athletes are already pampered enough. They don’t need a pay check to g with their already free- education (Cassavugh). Players also have the advantage of study with other members of their team that are most likely in the same free classes. Example of a pampered player- Star Kentucky freshmen Anthony B. Lavis already has a free-education, and an audition for the NBA (Daugherty). Actors don’t get paid for auditioning for a play, so why should a basketball player audition be paid? These college players are selfish, and should be honored that schools have offered them to play. They shouldn’t expect a salary to go with their scholarship. They can wait until the pros to get their $8 million dollar signing bonuses. Lastly, college athletes should not be paid because it is against NCAA regulation. The rule of colleges not being able to pay their players should be theft untouched, and for good reason. The NCAA is based off of amateurism and if players were paid they could no longer be considered amateurs (Crowley) and the whole NCAA foundation would be broken. College players are not professionals and should be treated as such. NCAA is about fairness and by paying players would be extremely unfair to smaller schools that would have no chance to pay for the highest caliber players. Division 1 would be treated with the most care and money leaving division 2, and 3 with also n money to pay their players, this is also unfair. Colleges couldn’t just pay their football and basketball teams. They would have to pay there acrosse, track, soccer, swimming etc. ; including all the women’s teams. If the college were to only pay the means teams the would be involution of one of the most important section of the NCAA rule book Title IX- A clause in the 1972 in the Education act stating that on one shall be denied the benefits of any educational program or activity that receives di rect federal aid because of their Gender (dictionary). College is a privilege that is earned, and income from that privilege can’t be bestowed only of some of the men (Daugherty). By paying college athletes players it will single handedly arnish not only the entire way NCAA college sports are run, but also infect it with politics and favoritism. College athletes shouldn’t be paid, due to the fact that most colleges would not be able to afford paying every player in their program, schools already provide free- education and scholarships for athletes, and paying athletes is against NCAA regulation. Money can and will destroy the college athlete program; there are too many things that can go wrong when it comes to distributing a pay check student athlete. The NCAA has its flaws, but enforcing the rule of not paying college athletes is not one of them. (Porto)

Christopher Columbus Essay -- History Columbus

Christopher Columbus is credited as the audacious voyager who challenged modern thinking and found the land now known as the Americas. Columbus not only discovered new lands, but also opened trade with native peoples and brought substantial wealth and glory to the major European powers. In addition his ventures not only enabled the spread of the gospel to pagan peoples, but also set the stage for the emergence of the United States of America. Without Christopher Columbus the United States would not have been a separate state for over 500 years or more or not at all. However, despite all that Columbus did, people still fail to recognize the journey he undertook before Columbus set off in his first ship. The public is still unable to comprehend, despite years of education, the internal and external struggle and the ridicule Columbus was forced to go through for just believing in what he thought was correct. His courage in the face of ridicule is what really makes Columbus a national he ro in that age as well as in this era. Christopher Columbus’ acts of perseverance, his moral courage, and his adventurous spirit continue to inspire the people of today. Through this intercourse, Christopher Columbus’ work has not ended, for it is continuous as it persists to imbue the people of today with the ability to succeed in the face of an unknown future. (Philips 13) Christopher Columbus’ perseverance and persistence have long been a part of the philosophy of modern thinking. Columbus displayed high acts of persistence as he rode the waves of uncertainty to the land of success. When Columbus sought audience with King of Portugal in 1485, he was humiliatingly denied funding for his proposed idea to sail west to get to India. If, Columbus had g... ... the various values that Columbus passed on to us. Works Cited 123Holiday. "Christopher Columbus Biography." Columbus Day. Microsoft Encarta, 23 May 2003. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Cohen, J.M. (1969) The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus: Being His Own Log-Book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narrative Drawn from the Life of the Admiral by His Son Hernando Colon and Others. London UK: Penguin Classics. Davidson, Miles H. (1997) Columbus Then and Now: A Life Reexamined, Norman and London, University of Oklahoma Press. Khurana, Simran. "Quotations: Hope." Quotes Quotations. 2001. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Phillips, W. D. and C. R. Phillips (1992) The Worlds of Christopher Columbus. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press.

Daewoo General Motors International Case Essay

Q 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hands-off, decentralized management approach? Advantages of Decentralization Decentralization will not work unless you really delegate both responsibility and authority. This means that the final decisions must be made at that lower level. You just can’t beat a decentralized system. It gets decisions closest to the level where the action really is. And it really does something for people. The executives are now essentially running business of their own. The companyhas confirmed their authority by making it very clear it will not let people dissatisfied with their decisions ‘jump’ over to the home office. Finally, getting the decision-making out of the home office creates something like a family feeling in the outlying location. People there begin to depend on each other. Disadvantages of Decentralization This means that the final decisions must be made at that lower level. Two things stand in the way of this working. One isthat the people who now have the authority may not let go of it. The other is that the people at lower levels may not want to accept it. One of the problems, which decentralization aims to solve, is that the chief executive never has enough time to think about the major problems affecting the future of the operation. Q2. How Can Daewoo Stay Competitive with the Japanese ? Auto industry is important to developing countries is this intensive linkage. Most of developing countries selected auto industry as one of the prime elements for launching industrialization in the country. An independent auto maker and to be global top ten as in Daewoo’s long range plan, with 3.5 million production indomestic (3.0 million) as well as in overseas plants (2.5 million) could not achieved without the success of globalization.The leadership in domestic market might be another important factor. Korean auto makers including Daewoo has tomeet the challenges from the Japanese auto industry in domestic market from the beginning 2012. The severecompetition in world auto industry induces the forecasting that only  global top ten auto makers could survive in near future. We need more time to see whether or not Daewoo could meet the success the globalization and how Korean automaker, Daewoo could getover the manifolds challenges to be a global auto maker & key to success is the policy of Globalization. Q.3 . What were some of the controllable and uncontrollable factors in this case? How should Mr. Kim have responded to those factors? Controllable factors  Kim deserves the most credit for the conglomerate initial success and responsibility for its ultimate failure Despite Daewoo’s initial achievements, the financial crisis fully exposed the weakness of its concentrated governancestructure. The concentration in decision-making power proved fatal when the conglomerate faced a crisis and Kim’s business acumen, ethics and principles faltered. Returning to its roots, Kim viewed the crisis as an opportunity for Daewoo to expand, not retrench, by acquiring distressed companies and turning them around. Kim’s autocratic control further centralized and decision-making suffered as a result of a generation change of his closest advisors. Kim had personally recruited many of these senior executives and they had grown together with the conglomerate expansion Until the mid-1990s, the key executives that surrounded Kim consisted of those that had been with him since Daewoo’s establishment. Uncontrollable factors The representative directors, boards of directors and statutory auditors of Korean conglomerates failed to fulfill their role as fiduciaries working on behalf of the interests of shareholders at large. They did not prevent controlling shareholders from taking advantage of non-controlling shareholders and other stakeholders as a result. Non-executive outside directors did not exist until they were required in 1998. This weakened potential checks and balances against the controlling shareholder Weak corporate governance of conglomerates and their vast network of companies had a devastating effect when the1997 financial crisis hit. Q4. What do you think of Daewoo Expansion into Europe? What are the advantages and risks for the company? Advantages Daewoo’s currently at the crossroads of its European expansion in the automobile market. GM Daewoo has been successful in managing to market essentially the same cars in many parts of the world, particularly in the NorthAmerican and Japanese markets. Executives are wondering whether they should adopt more localized product level opment in Europe or not. Risk The rebranding comes as GM seeks to make a comeback in the global auto market, after having been hit by the global financial crisis, completing the world’s biggest-ever initial public offering in November. Its South Korean unit said that itwill drop the badge â€Å"GM Daewoo,† dogged by negative publicity stemming from bankrupt South Korean automaker Daewoo Motor acquired by GM in the early 2000s. It will introduce the Chevrolet brand for all of its new products this year. The company name GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co will also be replaced by GM Korea Company in the first quarter. Q 5. Why do you think GM acquired the company, while Ford did not? In November 2000, the Korean government officially announced Daewoo’s bankruptcy and its assets were put on sale. Amid controversies and almost a year of negotiations with the Korean government, GM signed a preliminaryagreement in September 2001 to buy Daewoo’s assets for $1.2 billion. Reason why ford did not acquired Daewoo Ford pulled out of its planned $7bn ( £5bn) takeover of Daewoo Motor, the struggling South Korean car maker, daysbefore a deal was due to be signed.Company said that it had not been possible to agree on proposals which were in the interest of both companies and its with drawal was â€Å"a business decision†.Ford, which has been conducting diligent inquiries, had sought to reduce its original $7bn bid to about $ 5bn to reflectdeterioration in Daewoo Motor’s assets.Daewoo’s creditors estimated in that the group’s motor business had liabilities of $16.4bn, against assets of $ 10bn and as because company feels that It’s a costly decision and at that time in 2000 Ford also suffering for its near bottom share prices. Q.6 What problems can GM-Daewoo expect in the future? GM General Motors like many multinational automobile manufactures has made the decision to excel in many researchand development operations Although the countries relatively new political stage, increasingly stable economy and improving infrastructure has presented unique opportunities for increased foreign direct investment conducting business for the, still presents a number of unique challenges.General Motors was not the first or the last automobile manufacture to enter into global automobile market presenting the unique challenge of overcoming the unique conditions of global business practices while still maintaining competitive advantage. Lowered tariffs for automanufactures has cause an influx of assembly operations from nearly all the major automobile manufactures However unlike its competitors, General Motors General Motors has learned how to carefully and effectively conduct business.General Motor’s success with its joint venture agreements and research developments has even led them to into putthem global perspective.

Martha Rinaldi Essay

Martha Rinaldi has been an assistant product manager at leading beverage company Potomac Waters since graduating from business school. Rinaldi is frustrated by her relationships with her boss and a close co-worker. Even though she works hard to please her manager, she has received a negative performance evaluation for her first four months. Should Rinaldi leave Potomac for a standing job offer at a company she previously interned with or try to improve her current situation? Martha Rinaldi has been an assistant product manager at leading beverage company Potomac Waters since graduating from business school. Rinaldi is frustrated by her relationships with her boss and a close co-worker. Even though she works hard to please her manager, she has received a negative performance evaluation for her first four months. Should Rinaldi leave Potomac for a standing job offer at a company she previously interned with or try to improve her current situation? 30,000 Term Papers To Choose From.. Find Academic, Research, College, and University Term Papers Search Our Catalog For A Term Paper, Book Report, Case Study or Essay. We Provide Custom Research, Term Paper Writing, Pre-written Reports and Editing†¦ â€Å"$name† TERM PAPERS Academic Term Papers Catalog MARTHA RINALDI: SHOULD SHE STAY OR SHOULD SHE GO? HARVARD BUSINESS BRIEF CASE 4310 SOLUTION. 19150. MARTHA RINALDI: SHOULD SHE STAY OR SHOULD SHE GO? HARVARD BUSINESS BRIEF CASE 4310 SOLUTION. This paper provides a Berkeley Research analysis  and case solution to a Harvard Business organizational behavior case study by Linda A. Hill and Mark Rennella on the challenges of building power and credibility in a new job. The case focuses on the career and work frustrations of Martha Rinaldi, an assistant product manager at a leading beverage company. The case analysis includes problem identification, problem analysis, assessment of alternatives, and recommendations. APA Style. 12 pages, 7 footnotes, 7 bibliographic sources. 3,450 words. About Berkeley Research Case Solutions: Berkeley Research has offered authoritative case solutions to Harvard Business School case studies since 1984. We also feature solutions to case studies from other leading graduate business schools including Stanford, Darden, Wharton and Ivey. Our case solutions feature in-depth analysis drawing on appropri ate analytical tools including S.W.O.T., P.E.S.T. and Five Forces analyses, and include secondary references from scholarly journals and leading business periodicals. We do not offer student-written essays; all of our case solutions are professionally written by MBA and DBA –degreed writers with proven aptitude and long experience in writing insightful case solutions. Unlike other case solutions made available on the Internet without competent evaluation of their merits, Berkeley Research case solutions are peer reviewed by a panel of case analysts prior to being offered on our website. The strongest and most gratifying endorsement of the quality of our case solutions comes from our customers: over two-thirds of our case study sales are made to repeat customers, graduate students and executives enrolled in some of the most distinguished and selective graduate business programs, and who necessarily set a high bar for analytical rigor and expository clarity. The Berkeley Research case study solution is a premium product intended for a discerning audience. TAGS: Harvard business case solution, conflict management, interpersonal relations, pers onal strategy, talent management, communication, power and influence, leadership, career development, supervisor-subordinate relations RELATED PAPERS Kay Sunderland, Making the Grade at Attain Learning Harvard Case Solution Jamie Turner at MLI Harvard Case Solution Leadership and Team Development Research Paper Thomas Green: Power, Office Politics and a Career in Crisis Harvard Business Case Solution Terracog Global Positioning Systems: Conflict and Communication on Project Aerial Harvard Case Solution Bob Knowlton Case Study Solution

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) company internationalization essayEssay Writing Service

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) company internationalization essayEssay Writing Service China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) company internationalization essay China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) company internationalization essayEconomic success of China and its growing economic and political influence disturb many neighbors and competitors. China’s search of oil and gas resources around the world is one of the most controversial topics for geopolitical speculation. Politics of exit abroad in China officially existed since 2001. In the oil and gas sector, one of its leaders is China National Offshore Oil Corporation, as well as two more national oil companies CNPC and Sinopec.Tactics of the strategy consists of four main areas: purchase of assets and companies, alliances, transaction of resources for the market type and loans for oil. From 2002 to 2013, Chinese NOCs completed more than 50 mergers and acquisitions in 20 countries. Currently, Chinese oil companies operate in more than 30 countries, including 20 where they take part in the production.Basic information about CNOOCChina National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOO C) is the third largest national oil company of China after CNPC and Sinopec. It is engaged in production, processing and marketing of crude oil and natural gas in offshore China. It is engaged in development of offshore oil and gas resources on the basis of international cooperation and it is Chinas largest offshore oil and gas producer. It was founded in 1982 and employs consists of 57,000 people. It is a public company, as 70% of shares are owned by the Government of the PRC. CNOOC securities are also traded on the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and New York.HistoryCNOOC was formed in February 1982 as a result of the publication of Decree on January 30 by the State Council on cooperation with foreign enterprises in the development of offshore oil fields.Deputy Minister of oil industry Venkay Keane was appointed the first president of CNOOC. As a part of a national corporation, there were established in May 1982 in Tanggu Bohai Oil Corporation, in June in Guangzhou Nanhai East Oil Corporation, in Zhanjiang Nanhai West Oil Corporation, in July in Shanghai Nanhuanghai Oil Corporation. Since 1999, CNOOC has changed its strategic priorities, conducted a large-scale reorganization and listing of its assets carried on two stock exchanges. By 2003, the companys total assets exceeded 100 billion Yuan (Boisot Meyer 2008).ActivitiesChina National Offshore Oil Corporation is integrated energy company engaged primarily in oil and gas development, energy production based on oil and gas, refining, chemical fertilizer production, oilfield services and provision of other specialized technical services, financial services and new energy. At the moment, the corporation has a monopoly in the field of offshore oil and natural gas, as well as their processing.It owns 44 oil and gas fields in China, located in the Bohai Sea, the South China and East China seas. In 2008, its operating income was about 194.8 billion Yuan, total profit about 67.8 billion Yuan, the total assets o f the corporation amounted 409.5 billion Yuan (Tong 2009). Annual oil and gas production amounted 42.93 million tonnes of oil equivalent. The corporation in 2011 took 162nd position in the ranking of 500 largest companies in the world, compiled by the magazine â€Å"Fortune Global 500† (although in 2010 it took 252nd place) (Ling 2013).CNOOC has plans to expand its global presence to become one of the major energy companies in the world. In particular, in March 2010 it was announced the acquisition of 50% of the Argentine oil and gas producer Bridas Corporation for approximately $3.1 billion. In addition, CNOOC owns energy assets in Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.China National Offshore Oil Corporation internationalizationCNOOC is of great interest of many countries. Aggressive purchase of corporation  «Unocal » (USA) and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Argentine company  «Bridas » hit the road to the resources of America. After 6 years, during which CNOOC rapidly followed the path of internationalization, the idea of ​​overseas expansion was changing.In March 2013, the member of the CPPCC, chief geologist of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Mr. Zhu Ke in the interview to The first financial and economic newspaper said: China should be fully prepared to the high oil prices, there is no need to predict the course of industrial development after the price increase of oil. National Oil Company and other companies in China, entering the path of internationalization, can still make a big step forward (Moreira 2013).Internationalization of CNOOC from 1993 to 2004Internationalization of China National Offshore Oil Corporation has begun some time ago. In 1993, they approved the development of overseas regions and created appropriate department. And before that, in 1992, CNOOC had a strategy for the development and detailed study of foreign areas rich in oil and gas (Schuler-Zhou,  2009).Af ter 3.5 years, it adopted the cooperation with foreign oil companies registered abroad, under administration of China and selling in Singapore. The first successful acquisition of CNOOC was the purchase of shares on the oil field in Malacca.In October 1993, an international company  «Atlantic Richfield » ceded shares of Malacca field to China National Offshore Oil Corporation and provided all related materials. In May 1994, CNOOC with the international company  «Atlantic Richfield » has entered into an agreement to purchase 32.58% of shares of the deposit in the amount of 16 million US dollars. In 1995, CNOOC purchased from a Japanese Oil Company 6.93% of shares of the field in the amount of 2.95 million US dollars. These two purchases allowed China National Offshore Oil Corporation to become the largest holder of this oil field (Boisot Meyer 2008).In 1997, CNOOC with an international company  «Atlantic Richfield » and the company  «Environment, health and safety » signed an agreement on differentiated purchase of 5.9% stake in M7/M9 fields in Myanmar, 26.67% stake in four districts in the Gulf of Mexico and 20% of one more field there.Development of China National Offshore Oil Corporation was due to foreign cooperation to create transnational cooperation. In the beginning, the company was aimed at training and learning environment.However, in the initial period of the internationalization, the company missed some opportunities due to external influences. China National Offshore Oil Corporation reached an agreement with one oil company in Spain, Asian financial crisis stopped the process. The country worried about losing money and suspended the project.After Chinas accession to the WTO in 2001, the strategy of expanding outside the country has been framed as a political task, named exit abroad. It was announced that foreign investment became a major focus of the five-year development plan for 2001-2005 (West 2005).CNOOC conquest of the world m arket (2005 -2010)Although the first steps towards internationalization were made relatively early, but biggest success was mainly achieved in recent years. In 2005, China National Offshore Oil Corporation was going to buy the corporation  «Unocal ». Although it failed on the verge of success, that was regarded as a landmark event.This aggressive style of expansion surprised the world, but the loss taught general director of CNOOC Fu Chehnjuj a very useful lesson. Buying corporation  «Unocal » showed the determination and courage of the Chinese company, demonstrated its confidence in the future. However, looking back, I see that difficulties in purchasing were underestimated, - says Zhu Ke. Playing on the enemy’s and own field are two different concepts (Hong Sun 2006).In 2005, as a part of the strategy of â€Å"absorption†, CNOOC together with Sinopec got involved into the development of Canadian sandstones by purchasing assets of MEG Energy and Northern Ligh t. Later, during 2009 and 2010, the purchase of assets in oil sands continued.In 2007, China National Offshore Oil Corporation explored 10 new oil and gas fields in the Bohai Bay and the Gulf of Beibu. According to the statistical bulletin on the state of the marine sector in China, in 2007 the value added products industry operating offshore oil and gas resources reached 76.9 billion Yuan, having increased by 17.3 percent compared with 2006 (Haldis 2008).China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) company internationalization essay part 2

W7 discusion Mareting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

W7 discusion Mareting - Essay Example This point is highly justified in the sense that no shareholder wants to invest where there is no patronage to bring about profitability. Meanwhile, the current global market is so competitive that customers are highly selective of the organizations or companies they would do business with. Because of this, the need for creating competitive advantage that targets customer participation is very important. Meanwhile, Cooperrider, Whitney, Stravos and Fry (2008) in a recent study showed that because of the similarities that exists in classical modules of competitive advantage such as the emphasis on cost and quality, customers have started looking for something more than cost and quality, being assured that these two are likely to be found wherever they turn. In their new search, customers seem to have come to appreciate the place of customer satisfaction in selecting where to do business. Companies therefore have to have very high customer satisfaction scores in order to gain competitive advantage in the modern market. By gaining competitive advantage to, a company can be assured of highly profitability as it means cust omers will bring in more revenue through their patronage of services (Campbell, Whitehead and Finkelstein,

Consumer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Consumer Behavior - Essay Example This is an interpretation of the fact that purchases can not only be manipulated, but also predicted by psychologists. Behaviors are, therefore, inborn and can be manipulated to assess if the individuals will behave in any way. Among such aspects that can be influenced to assess behavior are inclusive of arousal feelings that emanate from within the individual and can be directed towards making purchases by the consumers. In light to this argument, the essay shall endeavor to highlight the motivation behind making purchases of tea and champagne, and, caviars and beef burgers by the consumers. One of the motivational models that describe consumer behavior is the equity model. According to the equity model, consumers tend to purchase products that are equivalent to the value of their money. In this case an employee pays a huge amount of money; in return, they expect that the goods they get are of high quality (Kirenz, pp.21). Consumers may end up purchasing caviars so as to get good va lue for their money, not necessarily for taste. This is due to the fact that there exists cheaper versions of caviars as well as ‘almost equivalents’ of the original. From this fact, consumers are much more concerned with the need to acquire the best caviars. As Kirenz (pp.21), indicates, the equity model is much more concerned with having the best among other products that might be of equivalent to that specific product. The example of caviar can be attributed to some confines of consumption; that is, a quality product from the seller. Need achievement is yet another motivation model that determines consumer behavior (Jansson-Boyd, .pp.115). This model works on the basis that consumers purchase goods so as to get to self actualization. This can be compared to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs on self actualization of needs. However, need achievement, according to Moonj (pp.138), allows for a chance that may lead to the consumer not getting the exact satisfaction that they may need. In essence, the need achievement model refers to a situation whereby the expectations of the consumer drive them towards making a purchase. This model may be applicable in the purchases of beef burgers by the consumers. After consumption of beef burgers, the consumers expect that they will manage to quench their hunger for food, but on the other hand, the consumers may not pleased with the burgers, a fact that explains that the consumers may not quench their need for food or appetite for burgers. An analysis of the consumer behaviors in terms of purchases regarding the beef burgers, the Herzberg theory of motivation has a great correlation with the behavior. The avoidance aspect of the Herzberg theory is related to the chances that the consumers may not be satisfied with beef burgers while; the approach aspect refers to a situation whereby, there is a great likelihood that the consumer may attain self actualization after consumption of the beef burgers. Consumer behav iors are motivated by the expectancy value model. According to Macinnis & Hoyer (pp.128), the expectancy value model relates to the desirability aspect of products by the consumer, and the expectations of the consumers as compared to the alternatives of the product. The expectancy value model also operates under the basics of the outcomes that the consumers expect from the product. This refers to the attitudes of the consumer on the particular product as well as the dilemmas that come along with the consumption of the product. This model works for purchases on tea, a product that if many consumers would have the funds, would go for coffee. This justifies the fact that this theory works with questions. On one hand, the consume

Profits and Supply and Demand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Profits and Supply and Demand - Essay Example The products consist of casual clothing of the 21st Century. It entails stylish watches, T-shirts, Leather bracelets, stylish shirts, rings, body con dresses for women and necklaces all in varieties and with the latest fashion. The products we offer are luxury fashions for both genders. The luxury items are mainly reliant on the need for the customer gain what they see and feel from the use of luxurious items. The idea is to make the consumer feel expensive and look great as well as bearing the consumers emotional speculations ‘I want people to notice me’, ‘this is a fifty dollar item’. The products supply depends on the consumer’s preferences and order basis for items above fifty dollars. The items distribution is through an online platform to allow placing orders, expressing interests and even a blog on fashion style. The product features include leather items and precious metals such as gold, silver and diamonds. Other resources needed include an online platform worth $1000, five retail outlets spread across the region targeting people in love with fashion and value. These outlets will stock of $2000 valued items each with varying stocks depending on the market flow and location. The other resources include annual marketing costs approximated to be 30% of the initial financing. These will cater for social media, print media such as magazines and other affiliate marketing options. The products supply is from wholesale outlets as well as imported, depending on the item location and perceived value of the products. The other sources of the items include buying used items from events that use them for a one-time event as well as from individuals with higher preferences. The initial financing is $14,300 to cater for startup costs. During the first year of operation, sales are targeted at $10,000, with an explicit cost of $6,000 that gives revenue of $4,000 (Boundless, 2015). The profits of the company are expected to grow with

Chronic condition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Chronic condition - Essay Example II diabetes then discuss the experience of the patient’s diabetes, and compare this with the typical lived experience of those suffering the same condition. It shall then present an outline of any differences in the perceptions held by the patient and their family members concerning their diabetes compared to that of the general community. Finally, it shall discuss what self-management the patient requires, as well as the discharge plan and community referrals. This case study is being carried out in order to establish clear pathways of disease processes, especially in relation to chronic diseases. Diabetes is a chronic disease which is currently affecting about 300 million people around the world. In fact, in 2004, about 3.4 million died from afflictions related to this disease. About 80% of these deaths have been seen in the poorer and middle income states and these deaths are seen to double by the year 2030 (WHO, 2011). According to the World Health Organization (2011), diabetes is a â€Å"chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces†. This condition then leads to increased blood sugar or hyperglycaemia which, if uncontrolled, can eventually cause serious damage to the body’s nerves and blood vessels. This disease is classified into type I, which is insulin-dependent diabetes with the body’s inability to produce enough insulin for normal functioning; and to type II diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes which is basically the body’s ineffective u se of insulin (WHO, 2011). Type II is the more common type of diabetes and is the type which is currently affecting Ronald. And despite the ominous gravity of this disease on the human body, it is however a preventable, if not a curable illness. Ronald was first diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 57. He recalls the initial symptoms which he felt before seeking consult included: excessive thirst,

Cruise Shipping Industry Impacts On Tourism In Jamaica Tourism Essay

Cruise Shipping Industry Impacts On Tourism In Jamaica Tourism Essay CHAPTER 1 Introduction of the Cruise Shipping Industry and how it impacts on tourism in Jamaica Tourism is the travel for leisure, business or recreational purposes outside of ones norms for no more than a year. It has become the largest and fastest growing industry in the global economy. In 1871 an American sea captain called Lorenzo Dow Baker sailed into Port Antonio and took with him a cargo of coconuts and 1,450 stems of bananas. The profit that he made in Boston quickly made him realize the potential for the area because profits from the sale of the bananas were great he soon built a thriving export business, called The Boston Fruit Company, which later became the United Fruit Company. He owned 40 banana plantations and shipped three million bunches annually at its peak. He later saw the potential for tourism in Jamaica and established the first cruise ship to and from Port Antonio. So he started sailing visitors from the freezing New England states to Jamaica of Port Antonio in his empty banana boats. He then built Jamaicas first hotel called the Titchfield Hotel in the e arly 1900s. In 1905 the hotel was 600 feet of open space and 400 rooms. It was said that no hotel on that side of the Atlantic Sea had provided with any of those amenities that minister so largely to the pleasure of travelers. This began to prosper in Jamaica after World War I, when improved methods of transportation made it easier for people to get from one country to the other. Indications are that in the early 1920s the number of tourists visiting the island annually probably did not exceed a few thousand. By 1938 the figure had risen to 64,000, and in 1952 the number of arrivals almost doubled to over 104,000; in 1966 the number exceeded 345,000, and in 1970 nearly 415,000. In 1982 it exceeded 600,000. Since the 1987 ­88 season, the number of visitors has exceeded one million a year and has continued to grow, partly as a result of the great increase in the arrivals of cruise-ship passengers. Total arrivals for 1993 were 1,616,430. The cruise shipping industry has many different impacts on the Jamaican tourism industry. It is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, is becoming more popular to tourists and has a good potential for growth. In Jamaica the industry appeals to the mass market cruises. These are the cruises which are moderately priced and appeals to just about every type of person. The Caribbean is one of the most tourism dependent regions in the world with Jamaica being the most dependent as the main source of income which brings 25 percent of GDP. Impacts faced by the tourism industry vary from the environmental point of view, socio- cultural, and economical. As it relates to the environment Cruise ships represent less than 1% of the global merchant  ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡eet yet it has been estimated that they are responsible for 25% of all waste generated by merchant vessels. This volume of waste produces pressures on the environment, particularly with respect to ship-generated waste disp osal at home ports and ports of call. Other negative impacts include carrying capacity which is the maximum number of persons recommended on a particular eco-system before this result in depletion of its natural resources. Negative socio-cultural impacts faced locals include the use of resources which may cause conflicts, such as competition between tourist and local populations for the use of prime resources like water and energy because of the scarce supply. Another negative impact is economic inequality, between locals and tourists, where tourists normally spend more than they usually do at home, locals may seem to feel inferior to the tourists as they cannot do such large spending which may cause cultural clashes. Positive impacts are locals and tourists get to share their cultural differences with each other. Economical impacts of cruise shipping in Jamaica are the increase of foreign exchange earnings, profit and taxes, employment, externalities, terms of trade, and economies of scale. In addition, cruise tourism requires less infrastructure compared to stopover tourism at a tourist destination. Negative impacts on the tourism economy are leakages of tourist expenditure which present a problem to cruise destinations. Leakages consist of tourist revenue flowing out of Jamaica in which it was spent. The main sources of leakages are consumer goods (especially food and drink), repatriation of profits, overseas promotional expenses and paying back of external debt. If the income from tourism goes to people who reside outside of the country, instead of residents, the benefits of tourism are small. Cruise tourism has been criticized for imposing local costs without compensating benefits. Cruise passenger spending is directed towards shopping where local content is low. Purpose of the study Jamaica is a beautiful island but in the past decades the country has been transformed into a monumental tourist destination, and in the process destroying a few of the natural beauty along the way. In investigating the cruise shipping industry, I am hoping to find out the positive and the negative impacts of the cruise shipping industry on Jamaica and if it can sustain all the cruise ships seen coming in to the ports, considering that it is a booming business. I will also seek to find out if Jamaica will be able to accommodate all the people coming to the island at once through each port. Impacts such as; what impacts does cruise ships have on the ecological system of Jamaica? What are the ecological impacts on the ports visited? What are the effects on consolidation going on in the cruise industry? 1.2 Significance of the Study The stakeholders that this study will benefit are the Jamaica Tourist Board, tourism students, the Cruise Shipping industry and the tourism sector as a whole, as this will assist them in making further decisions weighing the pros and the cons of this industry on not just its economic benefit but its impact on the environment. 1.3 Statement of the problem If sewage from the cruise ships is released in the ports at each visit, then the marine ecosystem will be damaged and cause harm to living organisms. If too many people visit the island at once from a cruise ship then the total amount of acceptable accommodation will be exceeded causing irreversible damages to Jamaica. 1.4 Research Questions At the end of this end of this research the questions I hope to answer are: What the plans are for the sewage control for each port in Jamaica? Who mostly benefits from the tourists when they visit the government or the public (locals)? If the criticism is true on whether or not has imposed local costs without compensating benefits. If the locals are deprived from water and electricity when cruise ships are at the ports. Definition of Terms Cruise ship- If the locals are deprived from water and electricity when cruise ships are at the ports. Consolidation- The process of maturation in some markets whereby smaller companies are acquired or run out of business, leaving only a few dominant players Ecological impacts- Effect on living organism and their non-living (a biotic) environment due to human activity or natural phenomenon Economical Impacts- Economy-wide (macroeconomic) effect on employment and incomes produced by a decision, event, or policy. GDP- Gross Domestic Product Leakages- leakage is the non-consumption uses of income, including saving, taxes, and imports Ports- a city, town, or other place where ships load or unload Port of call- A port visited by a cruise ship but where passengers do not begin or terminate their journey. Socio-cultural impacts- social and cultural problems

The Italian Essay -- Gothic Literature Italian Essays

The Italian Gothic literature changes from age to age to reflect the current socio-cultural situation of the time. Stories such as The Italian, The Monk, Vathek and writers such as Poe, Carter, Radcliffe and Shelley have presented facets of the Gothic. The Gothic is the representation of the darker side of awareness, a realm of neurosis and morbidity whereby it is a fantasy world that reveals secrets of the human personality. In this excerpt of The Italian, there are typical Gothic conventions of its age. From the setting, there is the idea of the Sublime in which it is a reflection of a situation of vastness in an imaginative, fantastical visual experience. The â€Å"grandeur† and the â€Å"proportions† in the â€Å"memorial† invoked Ellena’s awe and excess of emotions due to its majestic, grand and infinite characteristics that seems to overpower and pervade the environment for â€Å"everywhere prevailed†. From the imagery of infinite â€Å"proportions† and â€Å"mass†, man is seen as insignificant. The idea of the Sublime is further exemplified in Vathek, of the â€Å"immeasurable plain† that reveled in its â€Å"infinity† in which it had â€Å"overpowered† man until â€Å"he fell prostrate on his face†. The limitations of man are magnified in contrast to the environment thus challenging the senses and emphasizing the insignif icance of humanity. Ellena’s awe and appreciation of nature overwhelms her thus it rendered the preconceived notion that humanity is in control of the world and destiny as obsolete. Thus man is left hopeless and impotent. This idea of the irrelevance of man in comparison to nature is typically Gothic for it undermines man’s state universally. A recurrent characteristic is the internalization of decay and destruction. The setting itself reflected the â€Å"interior† of the villa in which it was projected as the â€Å"chamber of ruins†. The colour of the villa reflects the hollowness and the obscurity of the character. It foretells the idea that we cannot escape corruption for it is pervasive from the physical aspect to the intangible sense of â€Å"gloom†. This metaphorical sense of internalization of decay is seen in Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher in which the destruction of the Usher family is manifested in the â€Å"melancholy House of Usher†. Decay is manifested from its physical form to the innermost intrusive intangible form. Thus when corruption comes from deep inside in its mos... ...re such connection to the ideas of logic and reasoning is different in Gothic perceptions if human will triumph over the Gothic. Humanity prided itself as superior due to intellectual reasoning and will. In The Italian Ellena believed she could overcome â€Å"every fear for herself†. Thus there is the belief that will and reasoning would save her and her father but in the typical Gothic convention in which human logic and determination would fail no matter how good the odds. Therefore the shred of human resilience evident in Ellena even though there was â€Å"momentary hesitation† but she overcame it to face her fears and the possibility of death signified the failure of the Gothic. Another instance of the victory of human will was when she had nothing to hold onto except â€Å"hope†, nothing solid or tangible, only a shred of mental capacity that had held her through. However the loss of human capacity to reason would mean the loss of â€Å"hope† thus that in itself is considered as Gothic. In conclusion the passage is mainly Gothic due to a number of close characteristics to typical conventions. Nonetheless The Italian has unique qualities that distinguish it from mainstream Gothic literature.

Alvin Ailey Contextualisation Essay

Ailey used his culture and many childhood memories to base his choreography on. Church and worship played a huge role in the lives of black Americans and was the center of Ailey’s community. â€Å"The exuberance and poignancy of the black experience are well served in Ailey’s splendid. â€Å"The church was always very important, very theatrical, very intense. The life that went on there and the music made a great impression on me. † (A. P Bailey 1997 pg. 8) He grew up in Texas in the 1930s with both racial segregation and the economy being big problems of the time. â€Å"Black lives were as peaceful and secure as racism and poverty would allow. (Dunning, 1996) â€Å"In those days black people were forced into certain sections of the town†¦you couldn’t buy a house in other sections of the town, so you had to go to schools that were essentially segregated’’. In spite of the miserable living conditions   Ailey’s community and others alike were joyful in church and the drew drop inn which was where all the adults used to go on Saturday nights to dance to the blaring juke box. The dew drop inn was a rough place to be. My mother was in there, and everybody was doing what they considered to be the nasty dances†¦many of the same people who went to dew drop inn on a Saturday night went to church on a Sunday morning. In dance I deal with these two very different worlds: Blues suite and revelations. † (A. P Bailey 1997 pg23) At the age of 12 Ailey joined his mother in Los Angeles where she was to work as cleaner for a wealthy white family â€Å"I remember very well seeing my mother on her knees scrubbing these white folks’ rooms and halls. That image is in my ballet cry† (A. P Bailey 1997pg32) Here he experienced the theatre and heard the music of Duke Ellington for the first time, who’s music he later came to create a total of 14 dances to. Including The River’ â€Å"The River is a legendary collaboration between Ailey and Ellington†¦ was Ellington’s first symphonic score written specifically for dance†¦The legendary and highly acclaimed collaboration mirrors together the art forms beautifully. (http://www. exploredance. com/article. htm? id=1635) Creations of Two Masterful Artists, Alvin Ailey and Duke Ellington by Amber Henrie December 28, 2006. It was not until the 1940s that Ailey took a serious interest in dance, seeing the Dunham Company perform excited him in a way that nothing ever had before. Proving it to be a transcendent experience for him, he felt a connection with her and her dancers and was ‘lifted into another realm. I couldn’t believe there were black people on a legitimate stage†¦before largely white audiences†¦doing afro-Caribbean. Lester Horton not only inspired Ailey with his stylized technique and incredibly expressive movement but also in the way he offered his students a ‘complete education’ teaching them how to participate in all aspects of production from lighting and reading music to choosing the correct fabric for performances â€Å"He knew every fabric in the world and was extremely knowledgeable about color, design, dyeing and tailoring†¦I am still guided by Lester’s insistence that costumes must be made from extraordinary fabric† (A.P Bailey 1997 pg. 63) The Horton Technique focus’ on movements that lengthen the spine and the hamstring muscles with flat backs, lateral stretches, descending and ascending from the floor into horizontal positions, release swings, leg swings and deep lunges all of which appear in Ailey’s works regularly. Lester Horton has proved to be Ailey’s biggest influence; the similarities between the 2 choreographers are due to Ailey’s awe of Horton, his works and his attitude. As he just as Martha Graham had, had a mixed racial company â€Å"He realized that you have to use the best dancers regardless of color† (A. P Bailey 1997 Pg. 60) All of the above stylistic features are seen in works of Ailey’s such as Revelations, Cry and Witness to name a few. Each using deep plies and stunning lines to create interesting and meaningful viewing, using a combination of modern dance with jazz and classical ballet. Each with a meaning and a message to its audiences worldwide. Ailey (cited by De Frantz) said From his roots as a slave, the American Negro – sometimes sorrowing, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful – has created a legacy†¦ which have touched, illuminated and influenced the most remote preserves of world civilisation†¦ We bring you the exuberance of jazz, the ecstasy of his spirituals and the dark rapture of his blues. † Yet while Ailey drew lots of his choreography from his ‘blood memories’ he did create plot less works too, making more use of ballet technique which can be seen in Streams. After Lester Horton’s death, Ailey founded his own company and had great success that still lives to this day; he and his company toured worldwide and were awarded with numerous honours before settling In New York. Yet Thomas F DeFrantz (2004) said the unasked question, implicit in dozens of feature articles and reviews, seemed to be: how could a gay black man from dirt-poor. Rural, depression-era Texas, with limited dance training and no college degree found and run the most successful modern dance company in the idiom’s history?

Relationship Between Art and Religion Essay

Humans have since the very earliest time of their existence questioned various fundamental facts about their existence and the world around them. They have tried to answer the mysteries of life such as how they came into existence and what happens after their death. These questions they discovered could be only answered through religion and science. Religion went about explaining that all things were there because of some greater spiritual being which brought everything and everyone into existence. Religion especially during ancient times put God as the master creator of all things and beings, having created men on all other creations. The average person doesn’t usually think of art as something that influences religion yet in true facts art helps us visualize our beliefs since as humans we at times find it easier to believe that which we see. Even in the Bible we find that humans have made sculptures, statues and paintings of their god in order for them to have something that reminds them of that greater force and act as intermediaries between them as moral beings and God as a divine spiritual being. For example Early Christians used the fish as a symbol of God which is now replaced by the symbol of the cross; Ancient Egyptians who worshipped numerous god’s used a falcons head as a symbol of their sun god Ra, and Muslims with the symbol of a moon and star. In Ancient Greece it was customary for artists to represent the Olympian deities in perfectly-modelled men or women because they believed that the god’s were somewhat like humans but in perfect form and that they were immortal. Art helped (and still does) people visualize all that their religion was implementing so that they could understand, believe and have faith. It was also important because many people where illiterate and so through paintings and sculpt stories painted on the walls of churches, the word of God could be delivered to them as well. Art is still visible on many religious buildings for example the paintings found on the inside and outside of walls of churches illustrates a story from, in the case of Christians, the Holy Bible. Some examples of such would be the cathedral in Rome and that of Milan which are both of extraordinary aesthetic beauty. Art when it comes to religion is a way of spreading the word of God in a non-literal way. The beauty of art is that many people can interpret art work differently therefore a religious art piece can be inspiring and motivational to my life as well as to another in a whole different way because we would have both taken the same message but applied it to our lives in different ways. Therefore art is a language which anyone can speak, understand and interpret personally. Some worldwide renowned artists whose art was influenced by religion are Michelangelo in The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement, Leonardo Da Vinci in Virgin of The Rocks and Tintoretto in The Crucifixion. Apart from paintings and buildings religion also influenced music in fact nowadays we have multiple praise songs in different religions. In a nut shell whilst religion has left its mark on Art, art has been a helping hand and necessity when it comes to the delivering of the word of God.

Mayahuel - The Aztec Goddess of Maguey

Mayahuel - The Aztec Goddess of Maguey Mayahuel was the Aztec goddess of maguey or agave (Agave americana), a cactus plant native to Mexico, and the goddess of pulque, an alcoholic drink made from agave juices. She is one of several goddesses who protect and support fertility in its different guises.   Key Takeaways: Mayahuel Alternate Names: NoneEquivalents: 11 Serpent (post-classic Mixtec)Epithets: The Woman of 400 BreastsCulture/Country: Aztec, Post-classic MexicoPrimary Sources: Bernadino Sahagun, Diego Duran, several codices, especially the Codex MagliabechianoRealms and Powers: Maguey, pulque, drunkenness, fertility, revitalizationFamily: The Tzitzimime (powerful destructive celestial beings who embodied creative powers), Teteoinan (Mother of the Gods), Toci (Our Grandmother) and the  Centzon Totochtin (400 Rabbits, Mayahuels children) Mayahuel in Aztec Mythology   Mayahuel was one of several Aztec gods and goddesses of fertility, each of whom had specific roles. She was the goddess of maguey, and patron of the 13-day festival (trecena) in the Aztec calendar that starts with 1 Malinalli (grass), a time of excesses and a lack of moderation.   Mayahuel was known as â€Å"the woman of the 400 breasts,† probably a reference to the many sprouts and leaves of maguey and the milky juice produced by the plant and transformed into pulque. The goddess is often depicted with full breasts or breastfeeding, or with many breasts to feed her many children, the Centzon Totochtin or â€Å"the 400 rabbits,† who were the gods associated with the effects of excessive drinking.   Appearance and Reputation In the existing Aztec codices, Mayahuel is depicted as a young woman with multiple breasts, emerging from a maguey plant, holding cups with foaming pulque. In the Codex Borbonicus, she wears blue clothing (the color of fertility), and a headdress of spindles and unspun maguey fiber (ixtle). The spindles symbolize the transformation or revitalization of disorder into order.   The Bilimek Pulque Vessel is a piece of carved dark green phyllite completely covered in complex iconographic signs, and in the collections of the Welt Museum in Vienna, Austria. Made in the early 1500s, the jar has a large head projecting out from the side of the vase that has been interpreted as the day sign Malinalli 1, the first day of Mayahuels festival. On the reverse side, Mayahuel is illustrated as decapitated with two streams of aquamiel squirting out from her breasts and into a pulque pot below.   Other associated images include a stele from the great classic period pyramid of Teotihuacan dated between 500–900 CE which shows scenes from a wedding with guests drinking pulque. A rock painting at the postclassic Aztec site of Ixtapantongo illustrates Mayahuel rising from a maguey plant, holding a gourd in either hand. Her head is crowned with the head of a bird and a feathered head-dress. In front of her is a pulque god and Pantecal, the father of her 400 children.   The Myth of the Invention of Pulque According to the Aztec myth, the god Quezalcoatl decided to provide humans with a special drink to celebrate and feast and gave them pulque. He sent Mayahuel, goddess of maguey, to the earth and then coupled with her. To avoid the rage of her grandmother and her other ferocious relatives the goddesses Tzitzimime, Quetzalcoatl and Mayahuel transformed themselves into a tree, but they were found out and Mayahuel was killed. Quetzalcoatl collected the bones of the goddess and buried them, and in that place grew the first plant of maguey. For this reason, it was thought that the sweet sap, the aguamiel, collected from the plant was the blood of the goddess. A different version of the myth tells that Mayahuel was a mortal woman who discovered how to collect aquamiel (the liquid), and her husband Pantecalt discovered how to make pulque. Sources Garnett, W. The Paintings at Tetitla, Atetelco and Ixtapantongo. Artes de Mà ©xico 3 (1954): 78–80. Print.Kroger, Joseph and Patrizia Granziera. Aztec Goddesses and Christian Madonnas: Images of the Divine Feminine in Mexico. Ashgate Publishing, 2012.Milbrath, Susan. Decapitated Lunar Goddesses in Aztec Art, Myth, and Ritual. Ancient Mesoamerica 8.2 (1997): 185–206. Print.Miller, Mary, and Karl Taube. The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya: An Illustrated Dictionary of Mesoamerican Religion. London: Thames Hudson, 1993.Taube, Karl. Las Origines del Pulque. Arqueologia Mexicana 7 (1996) :71. The Bilimek Pulque Vessel: Starlore, Calendrics, and Cosmology of Late Postclassic Central Mexico. Ancient Mesoamerica 4.1 (1993): 1–15.

Sleeping Bags Essays - Camping Equipment, Insulators, Bags, Bedding

Sleeping Bags Essays - Camping Equipment, Insulators, Bags, Bedding Sleeping Bags Choosing a Sleeping Bag Listed below are descriptions of the key characteristics differentiating Sleeping Bags. Price We list the Average Street Price (ASP) for a sleeping bag. Although ASP may be higher than the best retail price you can find, it is a good indication of what you may pay at a typical retailer. When an ASP is not available we list the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. (MSRP). The price listed is for the standard size sleeping bag. Often there are long (and occaisonally short) versions of the bag as well. The long version typically adds an extra 10 to 20 dollars to the price tag, while the short version is either the same price or a few dollars less. Range: $20 to almost $800. 80% of sleeping bags are between $80 and $450, with a median price of $180. Brand Brand is usually the name of the company that makes the particular sleeping bag, although sometimes companies will produce several brands. Shape Have you ever had the desire to be wrapped up tight just like King Tut? Then look at the mummy shaped sleeping bag, which is specially designed to form fit the body. The mummy is the most popular shape for sleeping bags, with the advantage of being very compact and warm. Still, some people get a little claustrophobic with no room to toss and turn, in which case the semi-rectangular bag is a good choice. It gives you space to store a few things in the bag and move about, without sacrificing the tapered foot area or the mummy-style hood. However remember it is less heat-efficient and a bit heavier than the mummy shape. Rectangular bags are the bulkiest and heaviest of the bags, but they are cheap, roomy, and easy to zip together to form two-person bags. Range: Mummy, Semi-Rectangular, Rectangular Temperature Rating Temperature rating is a hotly debated subject in the outdoor world. It is the indicator of the lowest temperatures (in Fahrenheit) you can use the bag in and still be comfortable. There are no standardized ratings and so each manufacturer provides an estimate. In any case, this number may be different for you personally, according to whether you are a hot or cold sleeper. Use this number as a guideline, but keep in mind your own sleeping habits and choose conservatively according to the coldest weather you think you will encounter when camping. Range: -65 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill Type Do you prefer down or synthetic insulation? This is the big choice that everyone faces when buying a sleeping bag. Down fanatics will tell you there's absolutely no replacement for a sleeping bag filled with the down from a goose. Down bags are generally warmer, lighter, more durable and more compactible than synthetic bags. They mold to your body to fill the voids that steal heat and compress down to a little pouch at the bottom of your backpack. However, down bags are cold when they get wet, don't dry as quickly as synthetic bags, and can only be dry-cleaned. They are also more expensive. Synthetic bags are cheaper, machine washable, and more water resistant (it's even said they're comfortable when wet, although no bag is comfortable if soaked through). They dry quickly, resist mold and are non-allergenic. If you do a lot of camping in rainy conditions, a synthetic might be the way to go. However if money is no option and you want a high quality sleeping bag that will last three times longer than a synthetic bag, take a good look at down. Range: Down or Synthetic. Water Resistant Shell A wet sleeping bag is a miserable experiencecold and clammy to sleep in and sometimes difficult to dry. Some shells are made of a water resistant material that helps keep moisture out (blocking the wind as well). This is great in difficult weather. However, water resistant shells have their negatives as well. They are not as breathable as non-resistant shells, which means that you may be protected from the elements on the outside, but soaking your sleeping bag with sweat from the inside. They are also more expensive than the non-resistant shells, particularly the DryLoft shell, which can add over $100 to the price of the bag. When deciding if a water resistant shell is important to you, consider the weather you plan to be camping in to help you decide if the investment is worth it. Range: Yes or No. Insulated Draft