The key strands of thought in Sociology Essay Example

The key strands of thought in Sociology Essay Example The key strands of thought in Sociology Essay The key strands of thought in Sociology Essay In this assignment I intend to examine in detail some of the main strands of thought associated with industrial sociology. To avoid the notion of schools of thought within sociology the term strand has been coined which allows to bring together the different contributions with whom a pattern has appeared and have something in common (Watson, 2003, p. 21) In exploring this topic in further detail one can see that there are six main strands. These include the managerial-psychologistic strand in which Watson points out is a strand in which contains what are usually seen as quite separate and indeed contrasting styles of thought (Watson, 2003 p. 21) Other stands include work by influential and renowned figures of sociology who include Durkheim in the Durkheim-systems strand, Marx in the Marxian strand and Weber in the Weber-social action strand. Lastly the sixth strand which will be examined within the assignment is that of the postmodernist perspective and poststructuralist. The first strand that will be explored is the managerial-psychologistic strand. This strand can be broken down into two key developments in this strand which are Scientific management and Psychological humanism. In looking at this one could argue that this strand does not strictly cover the work of sociology at work but rather it looks at the human side and is one in which sociologists look to and indeed critique to provide alternatives. The scientific managements advocate was F.W Taylor whom was an American engineer and consultant between 18-56-1917. Essentially what Taylor tried to do was develop an efficient work-force by cutting the unnecessary workers which became surplus to requirements due to the experiments he conducted which focused on the time being the factor. Taylors formulation signified producing more for lower cost per unit, usually by eliminating unnecessary workers. Similarly, how quickly signified that time and money were equivalent. Above all, efficiency was a science (Norton, 2006 p. 468) According to Watson (2003, p. 21) psychologism is a tendency to explain social behaviour based solely on terms of the psychological characteristics of the individual. This leads onto an important sociologists work; Mc Gregors theory X and Y. Essentially what this theory is trying to establish is that workers have a need to find fulfilment at work (Parker et al. 1967 p, 158) Theory X suggests that individuals need to be controlled by managers whereas Theory Y suggests that managers should adapt a strategy of worker self-fulfilment. If they do not, they will feel deprived, resulting in a work force negatively inclined to managements goals. (Parker et al. 1967, p, 158) Another aspect of the psychologistic strand in the people with needs, democratic humanism is that of Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper hierarchy of needs. Essentially what Maslow was implying was that a person has a basic set of needs that need to be fulfilled before one can move onto the next level of needs. As people move up the pyramid the needs become more social and psychological as opposed to the base levels which are effectively very basic needs like shelter, food and sleep. One can see that the humanistic nature of the psychological strand leads onto and indeed can be linked to that of the Durkheim-systems strand which will now be explored. Durkheim-systems styles contrasts with that of the psychologistic in that it looks at the social system in which the individual is a part. Watson (2003, p, 27) describes the social system as society as a whole, or, alternatively, it may be the work of the organisation or even a subunit of the organisation. The key idea within this concept is that the relationship patterns within a society are explored rather than the actual individual. One of the leading sociologists who pioneered this work is Emile Durkheim. Durkheim explored the concept of anomie which as Watson (2003, p, 28) describes a form of social breakdown in which the norms that would otherwise prevail in a given situation cease to operate. Durkheim gave rise to a concept which is coined as systems thinking. Watson (2008, p. 44) describes systems thinking as social entities such as societies or organisations which are viewed as if they were self-regulating bodies exchanging energy and matter with their environment in order to survive. It can be argued that the greatest benefit of systems thinking gave rise to the development of study on work organisations which became recognised as a part of a social environment. Two important strengths from recognising the organisation as an environment where relationships have to be developed and maintained in order for the organisation to continue and also the fact that any factor affecting relationships in subunit of the organisation can be impacted on in another part of the organisation. The influence on systems thinking has a long reach into industrial relations and played a key part in many of the reports commissioned and indeed had its roots planted deeply in the Fox report of 1972.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story â€Å"​The Yellow Wallpaper,† tells the tale of an unnamed woman slipping slowly deeper into a state of hysteria. A husband takes his wife away from society and isolates her in a rented house on a small island in order to cure her â€Å"nerves.† He leaves her alone, more often than not, except for her prescribed medication, while seeing to his own patients.​ The mental breakdown that she eventually experiences, likely triggered by postpartum depression, is supported by various outside factors which present themselves over time. It is probable that, had doctors been more knowledgeable of the illness at the time, the main character would have been successfully treated and sent on her way. However, due in large part to the influences of other characters, her depression develops into something much deeper and darker. A type of chasm forms in her mind, and we witness as the real world and a fantasy world merge. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a superb description of the misunderstanding of postpartum depression before the 1900s but can also act in the context of today’s world. At the time this short story was written, Gilman was aware of the lack of understanding surrounding postpartum depression. She created a character that would shine a light on the issue, particularly for men and doctors who claimed to know more than they actually did. Gilman humorously hints at this idea in the opening of the story when she writes, â€Å"John is a physician and perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster.† Some readers may interpret that statement as something a wife would say to poke fun at her know-it-all husband, but the fact remains that many doctors were doing more harm than good when it came to treating (postpartum) depression. Increasing the danger and difficulty is the fact that she, like many women in America at the time, was absolutely under the control of her husband: He said I was his darling and his comfort and all he had, and that I must take care of myself for his sake, and keep well. He says no one but me can help myself out of it, that I must use my will and self-control and not let any silly fancies run away with me. We see by this example alone that her state of mind is dependent upon the needs of her husband. She believes that it is entirely up to her to fix what is wrong with her, for the good of her husband’s sanity and health. There is no desire for her to get well on her own, for her own sake. Further on in the story, when our character begins to lose sanity, she makes the claim that her husband â€Å"pretended to be very loving and kind. As if I couldn’t see through him.† It is only as she loses her grip on reality that she realizes her husband has not been caring for her properly. Although depression has become more understood in the past half-century or so, Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† has not become obsolete. The story can speak to us, in the same way, today about other concepts related to health, psychology, or identity that many people do not fully understand. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a story about a woman, about all women, who suffer from postpartum depression and become isolated or misunderstood. These women were made to feel as if there was something wrong with them, something shameful that had to be hidden away and fixed before they could return to society. Gilman suggests that no one has all the answers; we must trust ourselves and seek help in more than one place, and we should value the roles we can play, of friend or lover, while allowing professionals, like doctors and counselors, to do their jobs. Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a bold statement about humanity. She’s shouting for us to tear down the paper that separates us from each other, from ourselves, so that we may help without inflicting more pain: â€Å"I’ve got out at last, in spite of you and Jane. And I’ve pulled off most of the paper, so you can’t put me back.†

What are the main practical considerations which are likely to Essay

What are the main practical considerations which are likely to influence a firm's capital structure - Essay Example Their study was based upon the assumption that perfect capital markets existed, i.e, there was an absence of taxes, bankruptcy costs and other market friction. Under such a condition, their conclusion was one of capital structure irrelevance, which means that the kind of capital structure chosen by a firm will not impact upon its value and hence there is no advantage to be gained through the creation of debt. The value of the firm will be totally dependent upon its assets and their expected value, as well as the risk of cash flow generated from those assets. However, these same authors later took taxation into consideration and their conclusion then was that one of the features that would promote an optimal capital structure for the firm was the employment of as much debt capital as possible. (Modigliani and Miller, 1963). Once corporate earnings taxes are introduced, then there is an advantage to the firm to be gained by the firm, because the tax shield that can be provided by debt results in a gain from leverage. In this context, Miller (1977) also introduced personal taxes into the equation and he discerns three distinct tax rates in the United States that determine the total value of the firm, which are (a) corporate tax rate (b) tax rate imposed on income of dividends and (c) tax rates imposed on the inflows of interest. Miller stated that the capital structure of a firm will depend upon the relative height of each of the tax rates as compared to the other two. When tax rates on income from stocks and bonds are equal, then the advantage from leverage is zero, hence capital structure of the firm becomes irrelevant. However, for example when the tax rates on the income from the stock is lower than the tax rate on incomes from the debt, then leverage will negatively affect the value of the untaxed firm. With non trivial bankruptcy costs, the introduction of leverage creates a negative effect of debt financing

Idealism vs. Realism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Idealism vs. Realism - Essay Example The study proposes to employ an analytical descriptive approach to trace the elements of morality and immorality in the views of Niccolo Machiavelli and Martin Luther King with reference to the works mentioned. According to Machiavelli, institutional and dictatorial authorities are part of the ruling of a principality. A leader has to adopt pragmatic solutions to the disruptions among people. His statement that â€Å"all armed prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed prophets have been destroyed† (26) shed light on his belief that it is necessary to resort to force to gain and maintain power. The governance of the populace will thus fall in the hands of the powerful rulers who cater to the needs of the majority in most cases to please them. However, Machiavelli foresees instances where the majority too will have to be suppressed when they rise against the interests of the sovereignty: †¦let it here be noted that men are either to be kindly treated, or utterly crushed, since they can revenge lighter injuries, but not graver. Therefore the injury we do to a man should be of a sort to leave no fear of reprisals (9). The suggestions to use extreme measures to crush the popular movements against the regime and even to behead their leaders (33) to frighten and calm down the followers exhibits the cold, clinical approach Machiavelli adopts to analyze the governance of principalities. The lack of morality owes much to the realist stance he takes on the issues which call for mutual understanding. He is not worried by the idealistic aspects of morality and justice in the deeds of princes, since the ultimate aim of his narrative is to harden the conscience of them so as to procure and sustain power. The amoral, totalitarian views presented in The Prince have in fact attributed a diabolic identity to Machiavelli, underlying his lack of concern for morality. Martin Luther King shows his strong disappointment towards the

Emerging markets Essay Example for Free

Emerging markets Essay Emerging markets are nations with social or business activity in the process of rapid growth and industrialization. The economies of China and India are considered to be the largest.[1] According to The Economist many people find the term outdated, but no new term has yet to gain much traction.[2] Emerging market hedge fund capital reached a record new level in the first quarter of 2011 of $121 billion.[3] The seven largest emerging and developing economies by either nominal GDP or GDP (PPP) are China, Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey. [pic] An emerging market economy (EME) is defined as an economy with low to middle per capita income. Such countries constitute approximately 80% of the global population, and represent about 20% of the worlds economies. The term was coined in 1981 by Antoine W. Van Agtmael of the International Finance Corporation[pic] of the World Bank. Although the term emerging market is loosely defined, countries that fall into this category, varying from very big to very small, are usually considered emerging because of their developments and reforms. Hence, even though China is deemed one of the worlds economic powerhouses, it is lumped into the category alongside much smaller economies with a great deal less resources[pic], like Tunisia. Both China and Tunisia belong to this category because both have embarked on economic development and reform programs, and have begun to open up their markets and emerge onto the global scene. EMEs are considered to be fast-growing economies. What an EME Looks Like EMEs are characterized as transitional, meaning they are in the process of moving from a closed economy to an open market economy while building accountability within the system. Examples include the former Soviet Union and Eastern bloc countries. As an emerging market, a country is embarking on an economic reform program that will lead it to stronger and more responsible economic performance levels, as well as transparency and efficiency[pic] in the capital market. An EME will also reform its exchange rate system because a stable local currency builds confidence in an economy, especially when foreigners are considering investing. Exchange rate reforms also reduce the desire for local investors to send their capital abroad (capital flight). Besides implementing reforms, an EME is also most likely receiving aid and guidance from large donor countries and/or world organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. One key characteristic of the EME is an increase in both local and foreign investment (portfolio and direct). A growth in investment in a country often indicates that the country has been able to build confidence in the local economy. Moreover, foreign investment is a signal that the world has begun to take notice of the emerging market, and when international capital flows are directed toward an EME, the injection of foreign currency into the local economy adds volume to the countrys stock market and long-term investment to the infrastructure. For foreign investors or developed-economy businesses[pic], an EME provides an outlet for expansion by serving, for example, as a new place for a new factory or for new sources of revenue. For the recipient country, employment levels rise, labor and managerial skills become more refined, and a sharing and transfer of technology occurs. In the long-run, the EMEs overall production levels should rise, increasing its gross domestic product and eventually lessening the gap between the emerged and emerging worlds. Portfolio Investment and Risks Because their markets are in transition and hence not stable, emerging markets offer an opportunity to investors who are looking to add some risk to their portfolios. The possibility for some economies to fall back into a not-completely-resolved civil war or a revolution sparking a change in government could result in a return to nationalization, expropriation and the collapse of the capital market. Because the risk of an EME investment is higher than an investment in a developed market, panic, speculation and knee-jerk reactions are also more common the 1997 Asian crisis, during which international portfolio flows into these countries actually began to reverse themselves, is a good example of how EMEs can be high-risk investment opportunities. (For more insight on getting into emerging economies, read Forging Frontier Markets.) However, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward, so emerging market investments have become a standard practice among investors aiming to diversify while adding risk. (For more details on the advantages and disadvantages of making foreign investments, see Is Offshore Investing For You? and Going International.)

A Clash of Cultures in A Passage To India Essay -- A Passage To India E

     Ã‚  Ã‚   A Passage To India is a classic example of how different cultures, when forced to intermix, misunderstand each other, and what consequences stem from those misunderstandings. All of Forster's greatest works deal with the failure of humans being able to communicate satisfactorily, and their failure to eliminate prejudice to establish possible relationships. A Passage To India is no exception. (Riley, Moore 107) To understand Forster's motive, it must be established that he is a humanistic writer. Harry T. Moore states "Of all imaginative works in English in this century, Forster's stand highest among those which may properly be called humanistic." (Riley, Moore 107) His main belief is that individual human beings fail to connect because the humanistic virtues, tolerance, good temper, and sympathy are ineffective in this world of religious and racial persecution. However, he also believes that personal relationships aan succeed, provided they are not publicly exposed, because values and noble impulses do exist within human nature. "Life is not a failure but a tragedy principally because it is difficult to translate private decencies into public ones." (Riley, McDowell 108) Forster is conscious of the evil that exists in human nature. Forster feels men do not know enough to control that evil, and he takes on the humanistic responsibility to secure internal and external order by utilizing reason. f orster depended on the individual's conscience and sense of identification with others as equal components of the human race as his basis for maintaining that order. He also gives the individual social, political and metaphysical worth, and favors the individual when in conflict with society. (Riley, McDowell 108) It is fo... ...ia University Press, 1979. Riley, Carolyn, ed., Contemporary Literary Criticism. 4. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research, 1975. Bradbury, Malcolm, "E. M. Forster as Victorian And Modern: 'Howard's End' and 'A Passage To India',"     Possibilities: Essays on the State of the Novel (1973 by Malcolm Bradbury; reprinted by permission of   Oxford University Press), Oxford University Press, 1973. Riley, Carolyn, ed., Contemporary Literary Criticism. 3. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research, 1975. Johnstone, J. K., "E. M. Forster (1879-1970)"" The Politics of Twentieth Century Novelists, edited by George      A. Panichas (reprinted by permission of Hawthorn Books; 1971 by the University of Maryland;)   Hawthorn, 1971. Riley, Carolyn, ed., Contemporary Literary Criticism. 1. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research, 1973.   McDowell, E. M. Forster, Twayne, 1969.   

Electronic Communication Essay

The effect of electronic communication on everyday publication has increased the impact of mass communication, the change from verbally talking face to face and receiving and sending important things quicker. Some of the earliest forms of communication devices included runners and pigeons. With these communication devices, a message could take weeks before reaching its destination. Thanks to technology, all you have to do these days is send an email and your message will reach its destination within minutes. Email, social networking websites, instant messaging, cell phones and blogs are a few examples of communication devices that have been made possible by technology. Communication utilizing technology is referred to as â€Å"mediated communication.† Talking on a cell phone, sending an email and watching television all require a technological element to deliver the message. â€Å"Technology is constantly offering new methods for communication; therefore the amount of mediate d communication in our lives is expanding. The term â€Å"mass communication† refers to any message that is shared with a large audience.† (Lane). The message may be limited to a specific time or accessible over a large time period. Frequently, mass communication requires the use of some form of technology, especially for enduring messages. However, mediated communication is not always mass communication. Talking on a cell phone or sending a personal email does not involve providing a large number of people with a message. Receiving a mass email, watching the news or visiting an Internet site are all examples of mediated communication that is also mass communication. This has resulted in the emergence of the term â€Å"mediated mass communication.† Media convergence plays an important role in the evolution of mass communication. Media convergence occurs when established forms of communication technology merge to create new technologies offering new methods of com munication. The advent of the Internet allowed newspapers and magazines to merge with computer technology to increase the frequency and ease of reporting information to readers. E-readers, such as Amazon’s Kindle, combine the medium of books with both electronic display technology and cell phone-based Internet technology to offer convenient new methods of reading. As forms of media converge, previously unavailable methods for communication emerge, changing the way we send and receive messages. Every day we are exposed to numerous sources of mass communication. Television, billboards, Internet advertisements and various other sources of mediated mass communication pervade our lives daily. Due to this level of immersion, many communication scholars have studied the potential effects of media consumption on the lives of viewers. Two areas of affect emerged through these studies: cultures and individuals. George Gerbner’s Cultivation theory states that extensive exposure to television programming leads to cultures believing in increased violence and crime. Going further into cultural studies, critical media theorists believe that mass communication messages reinforce repressive ideas of power over those exposed to them. Theories regarding individual exposure to media tend to address the role viewers play in the message exchange. Uses and Gratifications theory maintains that we, as media consumers, have a choice over the media we consume and, therefore, exert power over what mass communication exists. Agenda Setting theory places more power over the media provider, suggesting that those providing the media message can determine what is considered important in our lives. Frequent examples of mediated mass communication in our lives, as well as theories that suggest the powerful effect they have on our lives, require us to be more discerning consumers of mediated mass communication. Considering the message, the technology being used to communicate it, the sources of the message and ourselves as the audience are all critical to successfully receiving mediated mass communication messages while minimizing the potential for harmful effects on our lives. Technology will continue to move forward, and with it so will the methods we have for communicating. The onset of social networking technologies ushered in another era of communication in our lives, not only increasing the ways that we can communicate with each other, but increasing the opportunities we have for receiving mass communication messages. As technology evolves, our society will continue to develop new ways to convey messages to each other. Taking time to consider the effects of technology on our ability to communicate, and the potential influences those methods will have on our lives, is crucial as we move forward.

Patient Narratives Essay

â€Å"Narratives† or stories have been used throughout the history of the human race to allow and help people to express themselves in ways that promote personal growth and enhance physical well-being. Even in the simplest of contexts, narratives are a core factor in the advancement of the humanity/society and all of its facets. An illustration of this can be seen in the transfer of a family’s lineage, history, and values from generation to generation. This allows for the recipient of this information to have a greater knowledge of his/her own family and the history surrounding it. Oral narratives and writings, such as journals, stories, or speeches to others are stress-relieving mechanisms that can reduce the external stress. The narrating of one’s thoughts definitely does not initially affect the external stressors one is facing. Narrating does, however, allow one to share these feelings with others and to organize one’s thoughts around these issues. More significantly, narrative opportunities such as these, work to encourage and advance constructive contexts in which individuals such as a mother and daughter or father and son can openly communicate any differences, worries, or problems one might be having with daily living. A more important and serious issue interlaced with narratives is the â€Å"personal issue of telling stories about illness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Frank, ch.1 pg.2) Narratives are the beginning to the process of healing. See more: how to start a narrative essay introduction By definition, the term â€Å"healing† is best understood as a natural process by which the body repairs itself. Although rather simplistic sounding, healing’s true definition or meaning is a much more complicated issue. When analyzing healing, it is imperative for an individual to not view the words â€Å"healing† and â€Å"curing† as the same words. Healing raises much deeper, hidden issues than curing does. I once was talking with a buddy about his recent misfortune of breaking his leg. After tens, if not hundreds of hours put in to rehab, he had his leg cast removed in a much anticipated doctor visit. After the doctor removed his cast, the first words out of his mouth were, â€Å"I’m healed!† Normally, a statement like this would cause no fuss, or evoke any further debate. But today it is time to turn things straight. Unfortunately for my buddy, his statement was far from the truth. He was not healed, but cured! Medicine, fortunately for him, was able to cure him. But medicine did nothing to heal him from the multiple breakdowns and personal  angst caused by his broken leg. Healing goes much deeper than curing. A cure is almost a â€Å"quick fix† in a sense. If someone was to burn their hand, the cure for this would be something along the lines of burn cream or ice. But when someone has something severe happen to them, such as a life threatening illness or disease, healing must take place in order for that person to recover. My point is that deep illness interrupts life in all aspects. To start the healing process, one must find a new equilibrium or sense of who you are in relation to the people around you. This calls upon the ever-healing powers of personal narratives to allow for insight into what is going on in your life. â€Å"Stories have to repair the damage that illness has done to the ill person’s sense of where he/she is in life, and where she may be going.† I’ll people have to learn â€Å"to think differently.† (Frank, ch.1 pg.1) This can be learned by an ill person by hearing themselves tell their story to others and in turn, understand the listeners’ reactions and experience their stories for themselves. When an ill person tells a story, it is incongruent to telling a story when they are not ill. â€Å"The story was told through a wounded body.† (Frank, ch.1 pg.1) The need of ill people to express and tell their stories to create a new â€Å"equilibrium† as stated earlier is essential to their recovery. More imperative is the need for listeners of the story to understand that it is told not only about the body, but through the body. â€Å"One of our most difficult duties as human beings is to listen to the voices of those who suffer.† (Frank, pg. 25) For the average human, listening to stories as told through the body of an ill person is not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. These stories told are, on most occasions, easily neglected or brushed aside by listeners because of their own feeling or thought of the possibility that they too might one day be afflicted with a disease or illness similar to the sufferer. â€Å"Listening is hard, but is also a fundamental moral act; to realize the best potential in postmodern times requires an ethics of listening. In listening for the other, we listen for ourselves.† (Frank, pg. 26) In lesser words, this statement depicts the need to listen as a moral act. In a sense, it is a person’s duty to listen to the stories of the ill. In doing so, one can more fully comprehend the story  being told and in turn, be able to relate in some way to the patient. This allows for a more full understanding of what the patient is going through and opens the eyes of the listener in ways that are beneficial for him/her. This way of thinking often deteriorates when the listener is not just a friend or family, but the appointed physician or doctor. Narrative ethics is a term that has recently been abundant in the field of medicine. The term â€Å"narrative ethics† is often used in union with how a physician listens or goes about listening to a patient’s story. It is easily understandable, that after years of practicing medicine, a physician may grow indifferent to the many stories told by patients. It is rather clear to see that after multiple repetitions of something, such as stories told to an attorney or lawyer by their clients, each new story has less and less or an effect on the listener. If a defending lawyer hears stories about client after client killing someone or stabbing someone, they will soon become indifferent to the stories being told. This is a huge problem afflicting modern medicine and physicians. In order for patients to become healed, it is essential for physicians to have a â€Å"narrative sensitization† towards their patient’s narrative. The goal is to create empathy for the pat ient to allow for a full understanding of the patients illness, and also to create a bond between physician and patient that will allow for further quickening of the healing process. Without this, it would be hard for a physician to adjust or find alternative treatment and medical decisions that would play to the â€Å"specificity of each patient’s life.† (Frank, pg. 156)†Thinking with stories is the basis of narrative ethics.† (Frank, pg. 158) Many times a physician will listen to what the patient has to say, but only to a â€Å"professional† extent. By this, I mean that physicians often look at each patient’s narratives and/or illness objectively. They don’t look at any deeper truth or emotion that a particular narrative may express; they only look at the observable truths and obvious implications. In the notes written by Renee Anspach on the Sociology of Medical Discourse, she states that, â€Å"Cases are objects of professional scrutiny. In presentations of cases, professionals talk about people’s stories; the story is an object of analysis, and professionals believe themselves to be the only ones qualified to carry out this analysis.† For example, a physician may listen to what  his/her patient has to say but not think with the story. In this way, the physician could empathize with the patient’s true feelings and better understand his/her condition. If instead, the physician would have listened to the story and actually thought subjectively about the patient’s words said such as, â€Å"Can you give me the courage I need?† then he could have thought about the possibility of medicating his patient for possible depression. (Frank, pg. 158) Existing in and throughout patient illness and healing, religion has been a topic that has been somewhat overlooked. Religion plays a significant role in many people’s recovery and healing process that doesn’t necessarily go un-noticed, but unaccredited. Religion itself is a means of healing, but is usually not documented because of the simple fact that there is no hard evidence to link the two. Religion is a narrative all of its own. Possibly the most powerful narrative, religious narrative allows an individual to place every hope of healing and progression through illness or disease in a single word that has no boundaries; faith. It has been common, for example, for religions to be the sole source of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological healing for adherents. Although religion and prayer are unable to deliver the resources of modern medical science, it is able to alter the way people perceive and process their experiences. This, in turn, can change the course of a disease or illness simply because of the influence our attitudes have on our physical well being. Regardless of if you believe in God or maybe just a higher-power of sorts, faith in something that you truly believe, will better your condition and will prove beneficial in almost any situation. Religion is possibly the most powerful, yet least used form of narrative existing. With faith in God, anything is possible. As has been explained, patient narratives are an integral part of patient healing in the face of illness or disease. Not only is the patient’s stories essential, but a listener that really tries to understand the patient and takes an active role in story-listening will better the given situation by ten-fold. Only when all of these factors combine into a single entity do the patient’s hopes and healing abilities fully render. Narratives are the beginning, middle, and end to the process of healing. Bibliography for Patient Narratives Paper1.http://www.cancerlynx.com/storyteller.html2.http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sgQEb9AObS4C&oi=fnd&pg=PP13&sig=GodeUXE92NJX3OH0I9thPOJBtpA&dq=%22The+Wounded+Storyteller%22#PPP1,M13.http://muse.jhu.edu/demo/perspectives_in_biology_and_medicine/v048/48.1connelly.pdf4.Porterfield, Amanda. Healing in the History of Christianity. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2005. 3-185. 5.Frank, Arthur. The Wounded Storyteller. The University of Chicago Press, 1997. 1-185. Topic:Analyze the importance of patient narratives in healing experiences. How can personal illness narratives help patients move toward healing? What narrative options has modern biomedicine (or â€Å"orthodox† medicine) provided?

The Essay Experts LinkedIn Advice Covered by U.K. Career Blog!

The Essay Experts LinkedIn Advice Covered by U.K. Career Blog! Last Sunday I was interviewed by Luca Rosi, Editorial Manager at Hays, a leading global professional recruiting group based in the U.K., for his career blog, Keeping ahead of the game. I answered 13 questions and Mr. Rosi published 12 of them in two blog articles on December 1 and 2: How to write a KILLER LinkedIn profile 1 and How to write a KILLER LinkedIn profile 2. If you’re curious to read my answers to the questions below, please visit Luca’s blog. You might also like his most recent entry on how to make an impact at an interview! How to write a KILLER LinkedIn profile 1 Has the role of the traditional CV now diminished given the stellar rise of LinkedIn? Is it as simple as uploading my CV and sprinkling a few keywords to make my profile search friendly? What’s the biggest mistake professionals make with their LinkedIn profiles? What three things can I do today to build my personal online brand? Do I really need 500+connections? What can I do to boost my numbers? If I’m unemployed, should I reveal this in my headline for example? How to write a KILLER LinkedIn profile 2 Would you recommend that I upgrade to a premium account to boost my chances of finding a job? What’s the protocol for recommendations? Surely I shouldn’t have to ask Apart from joining groups (the QA section is no longer), how else can I demonstrate my expertise? How regularly should I be sharing updates and do they all have to be related to my industry? Should I be using more of partner applications such as Slideshare? And finally, what’s the best piece of career advice that anyone has given you? What happened to the 13th question and answer? Here it is: The average age of a LinkedIn user is 41. Is this the platform for graduates or first jobbers? BB: Some of those 41-year-olds are recruiters and hiring managers. So absolutely! Also some new features on LinkedIn are more specifically geared toward younger job seekers. Are there questions you want me to answer? Please post them in the comments!

About CAD and BIM Software for Architects

About CAD and BIM Software for Architects The letters CAD stand for computer-aided design. BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling. These applications are the software tools of architects, drafters, engineers, and builders. Various types of software can create plans, construction drawings, precise lists of building materials, and even instructions on how and when to put together the parts. The first two letters of each acronym define the software and their derivatives - CA- is Computer-Aided software for many design projects, including computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided design and manufacturing (CADAM), and computer-aided three-dimensional interactive application (CATIA); BI- is all about Building Information. CAD and BIM are usually pronounced like words. Before the art of papermaking made its way from China to Europe, structures were built with no written plans or documentation - a process that no doubt introduced the change order. Hundreds of years ago, before the age of computers, drawings and blueprints were drafted by hand. Today, every architecture studio is filled with computers, as well as paper. Lines are still drawn to represent the length and width of walls and openings, but the information about the lines is also kept by computer programs. For constructing and designing things, CAD and BIM are more efficient than paper and pencil because the application records lines as vectors based on mathematical equations. Using algorithms or sets of directions, software programs allow designers to twist, stretch, and move portions of a drawing, testing a design under a variety of conditions and circumstances. The digital lines automatically adjust in 2D (height and width), 3D (height, width, and depth), and 4D (3D plus time). What is called 4D BIM brings efficiency to the construction process by adding the element of time  - sequencing events in the architecture process. About CAD The idea of designing with the help of computers began in the 1960s with the growth of automobile and aerospace companies. The CAD industry became firmly established in the 1970s with software and hardware sold together in very expensive, dedicated machines. It wasnt until the 1980s that personal computing (PC) was possible and affordable, with the goal of having a PC on every desk in the office. CAD is also known as CADD, which stands for Computer-Aided Design Drafting. Patrick Hanratty is the name you hear most as the developer of a usable drafting software system. CAD software let the designer become more efficient, and in business time is money. With CAD a designer could switch between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) views; zoom in and out for close-up and distant views; rotate images to view them from different perspectives; manipulate the shape of images; and  change the scale of images  - when one value changed, related values automatically adjust. About BIM Many building and design professionals have moved from CAD to BIM or Building Information Modeling applications for many reasons, including its advanced capabilities for parametric modeling. All components of built structures have information. For example, imagine a 2-by-4. You visualize the component because of its information. A computer can do this for thousands of components, so an architect can easily change a design model by changing the information that makes up the design. This flexibility without redrawing can produce interesting and daring designs that can be tested without risk and at little cost.   The construction process is integrated with the design process. After a design is complete, the BIM application lists the component parts for the builder to put together. BIM software not only digitally represents the physical, but also the functional aspects of a building. Combined with file-sharing and collaboration software (cloud computing), BIM files can be tweaked and updated across all parties in the project - sectors of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry.  BIM keeps track of the nuts and bolts of design, literally. Some call this aspect of the process 4D BIM. In addition to the length, width, and depth dimensions, the fourth dimension (4D) is time. BIM software can track a project through time as well as the three spacial dimensions. Its clash detection abilities red-flag system conflicts before construction begins. BIM software doesnt do anything that architects and designers havent been doing all along - the integrated databases of information simply improve a projects productivity and safety. Another dimension that can be manipulated is pricing of labor and cost of materials - sometimes called 5D BIM. What if the windows and doors are different? or the bay window is prefabricated? or the tile comes from Italy? Integrated budgeting can lessen cost overruns - theoretically. Some call BIM CAD on steroids, because it can do what 3D CAD can do and more. Its most common use is in commercial construction. If a project is very complicated, more complicated software is often used in order to save money in the form of time and effort. So, why doesnt BIM always save money for the consumer? Dollars saved on design can be moved into more expensive construction materials (why not use marble?) or overtime pay to hurry the pace of construction. It can also line the pockets and coffers of other projects, but thats another story. BIM Has Changed the Way We Work As architectural firms have made the change in software, BIM use has also demonstrates a philosophical change in doing business - from paper-based, proprietary ways (the CAD approach) to collaborative, information-based operations (the BIM approach). Construction law attorneys have addressed many of the legal concerns surrounding an inclusive, shared process of design and construction. Issues of risk and liability should be clearly defined in any contract where information is shared and design drawings can be freely manipulated. Who owns all of this information when the project is complete? Sometimes called 6D BIM, the operations and maintenance manual collated from a projects information can be an invaluable byproduct for any owner of a new building. CAD and BIM Programs Popular CAD programs used by architects, engineers, builders and home designers include:AutoCAD by autoDeskMicrostation PowerDraft by BentleyArchitectural Home Design Software by Chief ArchitectSketchup by Trimble.Simplified versions of CAD tools can be found in home design software tailored for nonprofessionals. Home Designer  by Chief Architect is one such product line.Popular BIM programs used by architects, engineers, and builders include:Revit by AutodeskAECOsim Building Designer from Bentley SystemsARCHICAD by GraphisoftVectorworks Architect  from Nemetschek Vectorworks CAD and BIM Standards in the United States The National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART allianceâ„ ¢ develops and publishes consensus-based standards for both CAD and BIM. Standards help the many groups involved in building projects to more easily share information. They are The United States National CAD Standard (NCS) and The National BIM Standard - United Statesâ„ ¢ (NBIMS-USâ„ ¢). Help Deciding Change is difficult. It was laborious for the ancient Greeks to write down their temple plans. It was frightening for human drafting machines to sit next to the first personal computer. It was awkward for the CAD specialists to learn BIM from the intern right out of architecture school. Many companies make changes during construction slowdowns, when billable hours are few and far between. But everyone knows this: many commercial projects begin with a competition put out to bid, and a competitive edge becomes more difficult without change.   Computer software is complicated even for the technically savvy architect. Private companies have grown up around these complications, with the aim of helping small businesses and corporations buy the appropriate software for their needs. Companies like the online Capterra will help you find the right software for your business -   for free by using a business model similar to travel agents helping you for free. Capterra is free for users because vendors pay us when they receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Capterra directories list all vendors- not just those that pay us- so that you can make the best-informed purchase decision possible. A good deal, if you trust and respect your consultant and know what youre getting into. The Capterra.list of Architecture Software is a good start.

PERSONAL STATEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PERSONAL STATEMENT - Essay Example As a citizen of United Kingdom, I wanted to deliver all of my faculty to the safety of the country. This is the sole reason why I educated myself in criminology . I have seen in many neighbor hoods of UK, people are killed and plundered and they are less helpful about this. I always have pondered why crime occurs and what the real reason behind it is. For understanding that, I have questioned my dad and he told me it is mainly illiteracy and ignorance triggers crime. But in my mind ,I was assuring that some people are born with criminal instincts. But these people are a small percentage and the real criminal gangs are conditioned by the society. This inquisitive nature of mine led to the research of crime and the working of criminal minds .In my youth I used to go to the library and pick up books which elaborated about crime .Then I found that I had an unquenchable thirst within myself to know everything about crime and criminal acts. Graduall, I understood that drug abuse is also a primary reason for the increase of crime in the country. It is not only the men who are indulged in crime but even the women are indulging in it. By research and reading , I acknowledged that ,illiteracy and ignorance of family can detoriate the infrastructure of a well bred society. The crime based statistics showed that, the crime occurs more in the black and Hispanic neighborhood. And it is a known fact that people of these regions are illiterate from generations. One day for my experience I visited the black and Hispanic neighbor hoods to acknowledge the information I had was true. . After my undergraduate studies, I discussed with my mother and father about my urge to join Bachelors in criminology. My father was amazed knowing my excitement towards learning criminology. For this very same reason, I underwent an evaluation and assessment of the aftermath of criminology study. I really had to plan my future based on this studies. I was always keen on providing social service to m y society and I believed that graduation in criminology would definitely confer to my mission. It is when I studied criminology I realized that world needs more from me. It is around the second year of criminology graduation, I thought about joining master in International relation. I understand that international relation will take me to the position which I always wanted to hold. I always wanted to hold a position where I can use my skills and knowledge to eradicator drug abuse, illiteracy and poverty from my country and the world. During my study of International relations, I can acquire knowledge about the role of government in the progression of a nation and world as a whole. In my criminology study I learned that the role of government in upgrading the status of the society is crucial. My ambition is to get employed in an International body like WHO or UNICEF where I can analyze the intricate elements which provoke crime and violence in a society. I believe that my graduation in criminology will allow me to acknowledge that crime is a man made affair and it is the duty of every man to wipe out this hellish attitude from the face of earth. With masters in international relation, I can study the foreign policy agenda of the country and also regulate non –