Executions be replaced by life without parole Essay

In criminal law, life sentence or life without parole means putting to jail somebody for the rest of his/her life for the crimes committed whereas death sentence means executing those criminals who are found guilty of committing some very serious crimes like murder, attempted coup or raping. Myself I am not an advocate of capital sentence but I support life sentence. Life without parole is also known as determinate life sentence. It means being sentenced to life imprisonment without any possibility of being released in future. American government spends a lot of money by executing criminals than it spends in giving life sentence. For this reason and others I think executions in America should be replaced by life without parole. Execution in Texas is not something new. In 1980 there were two men who were alleged to have killed a clerk somewhere, both of them fired shots at the clerk but it is not clear who exactly killed the clerk though both of them admitted to have fired at the clerk. To the corridors of justice it did not matter whether it was one of them or both who killed so long as they agreed to have fired and killed the clerk. One of these men was called Mr. Nicholas he was twenty years old when he was arrested but was executed when he was forty five years old. In this case, I don’t think justice was done. This is a good example of many cases where justice is not allowed to take its course. The state should have tried to establish who between the two killed the clerk. In a case like this one a person who is innocent can be killed and he is not given a chance to argue his case. Therefore on this basis I condemn execution of prisoners instead, they should be given life sentence. This is the only practical thing and reasonable method whereby the offenders can be given time to reassess themselves. Again they continue living though they are not necessarily free. About half of the total criminals who are executed in America come from Texas. It has the highest number of executions in America. It contravenes one of the Ten Commandments that Moses was given by God In the past, capital sentence was highly valued but of late it is not. In fact many states in USA have abolished it. In the past decades the argument was that capital sentence deters crime, it was a religious conviction or what is called the Law of Moses an ‘eye for an eye’ or ‘tooth for a tooth’. It was also thought that the states were spending huge sums of money feeding, clothing and providing healthcare for murderers, rapists and other dangerous criminals. This seemed to be silly and outrageous but now the argument has changed. In fact the former supporters of capital sentence are now singing a different tune. Today, the argument is that USA is finding it very expensive to execute criminals than to jail them for life. Surely, this is something that any sensible person should see. All states should awake to the fact that USA is wasting a lot of money in executing criminals instead of using this money on development projects that can benefit all. For example in North Carolina (Gold R. 2002; 89) about two million dollars are spent on effecting execution. When you compare capital sentence and life sentence, a person sentenced for life only needs to be fed, clothed, treated and guarded. Therefore it is cheaper to life imprison than to execute. The reasons why capital sentence should be abolished are that, the death row convicts spend a lot of money trying to fight for their freedom. They must hire lawyers who charge them exorbitantly so that they could argue about their fate, the process of appealing has become more protracted. Like in the case mentioned above, the convict spent about 25 years in jail before his life was terminated. Justice delayed is justice denied. The state spent alot of money to keep him than it could have spent if he was jailed for life. The reason why the execution process is long is that an innocent person may sometimes be executed. Therefore a lot of time is taken to dig in for finer details that could prove beyond reasonable doubts that the person alleged to have committed the crime really did it. According to the governor of Maryland his country spent 22. 4 million US dollars to execute death penalties. This money could have been used to pay at least 500 extra policemen a year or provide drugs for treating 10,000 drug addicts. He said when this money is used on other projects that are useful apart from executing law breakers, it becomes an investment that save lives and reduce violent crimes (www. Amnestyusa. Org;/Abolish) Most of the methods used to carry out death penalties should be abolished for they contravene human rights. A person is subjected to a very nasty experience that even the executors could not like to imagine themselves in. For example in lethal injections, a person is subjected to excruciating pain. The poison is injected to the criminal. It contains pancoronium bromide for killing his nerves and potassium chloride which is used to stop the heart beat. Sometimes the dose injected might not be enough or not well mixed. In such a case the victim takes longer than it should to die. The prisoner dies in intense pain from asphyxiation. For example there was a case in Florida whereby the executor missed to inject the drug in a vein and put it in the muscle. The victim died after 34th minute. During this period the victim writhed, grimaced and groaned suggesting that he was in pain. Another instance that shows that capital sentence violates human rights is of Saddam Hussein; the former president of Iraq. He was executed on 30th December 2006 during his execution, when the platform dropped, Saddam’s neck was broken and it could be heard at a distance that indeed his neck was broken. His body was left suspended on the noose for a few minutes before it was confirmed by the doctor that he was dead. The actual pictures were posted on the internet are horrific. The crimes he committed could not be compensated by his life plus the amount of money that was spent since his search begun trial and execution. According to (Baicker K. 2001; 12-27) more than 100 billion US dollars were spent. All this money was spent just because of one person. His trial was complicated and protracted. The much that was spent on his trial was more than what could have been used to keep him alive for the rest of life or be used to take care of other prisoners. Another reason why I am an ardent supporter of life sentence over capital sentence is that the criminals who are executed are like any other citizens who contribute to the economic. They play vital role in the economy. Some of them are even businessmen, doctors, teachers etc. The part they played could not be played by another person. So when a person is executed, the nation at large goes at a loss. These people could be taken to prison hospitals, schools and other businesses to offer their services there until they die and these people are not paid so, it is like killing two birds with one stone. States should also know that most of these criminals who are executed, some of them are highly educated and have different professions. The state has used a lot of its resources in educating them. Thus instead of taking all this money to waste, it should take advantage of their education by reaping some benefits from it instead of incurring a double loss. That is by trying and executing somebody whom the state has invested its resources on. Governments should reconsider their decision on capital sentence by trying to look this issue from an economist stand point. While still on this topic, I think USA should look and analyze capital sentence from an economic perspective. For example when a criminal who is the sole breadwinner is executed, his/her family lands in a sea of troubles. A family that was capable of providing itself with food starts depending on the government to provide to it everything that it needs. This becomes a burden to the government because it has to increase its budgetary allocation on the orphans funds and other unfortunate members of the society. Currently, US government spends les on poor families. I think it is because of many reasons abolition of capital sentence included. I think if it could be used as in the past decades, this cost would amazingly go up In California (Maganini S. 1988; 750-902) death penalty spends 114 million US dollars which is more than what is spent on life sentence. In executions according to the 2005 Los Angeles times study, California tax payers part with more than 250 US million dollars to finance a single execution. This government spends 11. million dollars on appointed counsel for those convicts who are in the death row and 12 million US dollars are spent by the federal government on defending death row convicts who are presented to federal courts. In 2005 according to the governor of California (Los Angeles Times) he needed 230 million US dollars to construct a new death row. In Kansas it was estimated that in 2003, its government used 70% more than the cost of executing other non-death penal ties. With all facts and figures put on the table, I do not think there is any person who can still argue for the continuity of death penalty. It is costly, unfair and inconsequential.

Siemens Bribery Case

Ian Collins Survey of Global Business Professor Portillo BSAD 113W 18 February 2013 Assignment #3: Siemens Bribery Scandal Before 1999 the use of bribery in Germany was not illegal and could be deducted as a business expense in a company’s taxes. This allowed companies like Siemens to gain the upper hand and have an unfair advantage over their competition in acquiring business deals around the world. Then when the law changed, Siemens still utilized bribery, and employed bribery tactics in other countries where it was also illegal.In this case study I’m going to analyze the rationale and high levels of corruption that transpired in the Siemens bribery scandal and utilize the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises to illustrate the negative impact of bribery. Siemens use of bribery initially could have been justified by the fact that German laws allowed it and was not illegal until 1999; the issue wa s that Siemens continued to use bribery even after the law had changed.Corruption was deeply embedded in the business culture. Siemens transferred money into Swiss bank accounts to avoid detection and then hired contractors to set up the bribes. These actions were standard operating procedures for corporate executives who viewed bribery as a business strategy. Senior executives even made certain individuals that were directly in charge of the bribery funds sign compliance forms stating they had not engaged in that kind of activity, bribes were referred to as ‘useful’ money.The punishment Siemens faced involved paying fines totaling $2. 6 billion. In the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which sets voluntary principles and standards for business conduct, clearly outlines the negative aspects that comes from bribery. â€Å"Bribery and corruption are damaging to democratic institutions and the governance of corporations. They discourage investment and distort international competitive conditions.In particular, the diversion of funds through corrupt practices undermines attempts by citizens to achieve higher levels of economic, social and environmental welfare, and it impedes efforts to reduce poverty. Enterprises have an important role to play in combating these practices. † In defense of the Siemens employees, many of them just believed that was how business was done and had the best interests of the company at heart. It was about keeping the business alive and not jeopardizing thousands of jobs,† if this indicates the intention of the employees then the act is more justifiable than just doing the action out of greed. Siemens is a company that allowed greed to cloud their judgement to use bribery to gain the upper hand, as well as not evolving with the changing laws. You can only speculate as to the real thought process behind the choice to engage in bribery, whether i t was done knowingly to gain an unfair advantage or sincerely to protect the jobs of many employees, the action was still committed.A company needs to be aware of the laws, regulations and what is considered acceptable business conduct of the other countries it chooses to do business with and not violate them, including the use of bribery. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. http://lilymayunjue. blogspot. com/2012/06/summary-of-siemens-bribery. html [ 2 ]. http://www. nytimes. com/2008/12/16/business/worldbusiness/16siemens. html? _r=0 [ 3 ]. http://www. oecd. org/daf/inv/mne/48004323. pdf [ 4 ]. Article: Siemens Bribery Scandal

The analysis of EC Proposals and the Statutory Audit Essay

The analysis of EC Proposals and the Statutory Audit - Essay Example Blame was levied at rating agencies, directors of companies in the financial system and their regulatory agencies, as well as accounting and auditing professionals. This led to a number of regulatory responses that were aimed at strengthening controls over the operations of financial institutions and enhancing financial reporting. These responses have not only been limited to governments in the countries affected but to various bodies including standard setters for the accounting and auditing profession. Te European Commission (EC) which gives directives to 27 countries, made two proposals that could result in major changes in the auditing statutory audits and the audit of PIEs. They are aimed at the professionals whose opinion adds credibility to financial statements as well as supervisors of PIEs. Additionally, there was the Basle lll Accord which amended the capital requirements for financial institutions. Since then auditors have been required to provide more comfort to investors by carrying out additional procedures that would enhance financial reporting. Audit committees have also been challenged to provide the necessary support to ensure compliance. This paper provides information on the background to the financial crisis and the audited accounts of financial institutions. ... 2.0 Background to the financial crisis Several factors worked together to generate the crisis in the financial markets across the world since 2007. Jickling (2010) points out that there were multiple causes to the crisis as reflected in the policy responses taken in the US. One of these was the existing and anticipated credit losses on mortgages in the United States (Ellis 2010). These mortgages were made available to persons who would not have been able to obtain them under normal circumstances. The lowering of standards allowed them to obtain mortgages at relatively low rates so that they could own their own homes. However, one drawback was that the rates were adjustable. Therefore, persons who might have been able to repay in the initial stages soon found out that they could no longer service their mortgages. This coupled with the oversupply of houses on the market resulted in a reduction in their house values and therefore the values of the security for mortgage loans. In some ca ses the value of the houses was worth less than the loan balance and so homeowners ended up with negative equity. Therefore, there were no tangible benefits to be gained from holding on to properties that were not worth the amounts owed. A large number of homeowners defaulted on their mortgages and so it had a ripple effect which impacted the global financial system. Murphy (2008) referred to this as imprudent mortgage lending which caused a terrible shock to the financial system. Murphy (2008) also indicated that although imprudent lending paid a role, its role was not very significant. Another factor blamed for the crisis was global imbalances. Smaghi (2008) indicates that this is characterised by some countries like China and Germany having large surpluses

Film Nior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Film Nior - Essay Example Phyllis Dietrichson seduced Walter into killing her husband so that she could benefit from his insurance policy and this made him trick the husband into signing the policy that insured his life for $50,000. Walter accused her of trying to get him to kill her husband and refused but Phyllis convinced Walter how abusive her husband was thus making him agree to kill Dietrichson so that the amount could be doubled due to a fatal accident on a train (Wilder Film). When Dietrichson took the train to attend a college reunion, Walter killed him and posed as him before jumping off the train and placing the body on the tracks making it look like he had fallen off the train to his death. Walter's supervisor was suspicious of Dietrichson's death and further suspected that the wife must have organized the killing. Dietrichson's daughter also told Walter that she believes Phyllis murdered her mother in order to marry her father making him suspect that Phyllis has left him for her lover, Nino Zache tte. The crime falls apart because of the two characters’ absolute mistrust of one another prompting Walter to shoot Phyllis dead and drive to the insurance office to record his confession (Wilder Film). Brick Brick film was produced in 2005 and was written and directed by Rian Johnson that embodies a lot of visual traits of classic film noir and has a very dark plot. Rian was inspired by the hardboiled detective novels written by Dashiell Hammett, and set out to create a unique detective film like the Film Noirs prompting him to choose a contemporary Neo Noir in High School. Brendan Frye who broke up with his girlfriend Emily received a phone call from Emily asking him to assist her since she was in trouble. Emily mentioned some names such as "brick", "poor Frisco", "tug", and "the Pin" that Brendan did not know much about particularly after Emily abruptly and fearfully hanged up the phone conversation. As part of investigation, Brendan arranged to meet Emily at Dode’ s place but Emily refused to talk about the matter thus leaving Brendan in much suspense. Nevertheless, Brendan managed to secretly acquire a hint from Emily’s notepad when he was embracing her and this became very useful in his investigation particularly after she found Emily’s dead body (Rian Film). Brendan discovered that the names mentioned by Emily over the phone conversation were drug barons whom Emily was associated with and even asked the Pin to consider him for a spot in his operation when Laura told Brendan that The Pin had rejected Emily's attempt to join the group. According to Laura, refusal to admit Emily in the drug dealers’ group prompted her to steal the title's brick. As much as Laura offered to help Brendan in carrying out the investigation, he does not trust her especially after he sleeps with her and notices that she must be part of the group which he suspects to have murdered Emily. The fight between r Tug and The Pin, which caused the Pinà ¢â‚¬â„¢s death made Brendan to run away from the police and passes the trunk of Tug's car, where he had hidden the body to ensure that police pin Emily’s murder on Tug. Interestingly, Brendan was very much aware that Laura was a culprit he was looking for and he later went ahead to set Laura to the school administration and accused her of Emily’s murder (Rian Film). Self-Deception The two movies greatly show the aspect of self-deception in many ways living some one wonder whether

Discuss how Starbucks downsizing in the USA impacts their global Essay

Discuss how Starbucks downsizing in the USA impacts their global growth strategy - Essay Example It is worthwhile to mention that Starbucks considers factors such as purchasing power of potential customers, demographics, societal norms and standards, consumers’ attitudes, perceptions and inclination towards its brand, the competitors’ strategies and their pricing policy, the availability of raw material in host nations, the exchange rate fluctuations, corporate tax rates, interest rates and government support to formulate and implement its strategies and make decisions for long-term business growth and monetary gains. (Merced, 2008) and (White, 2008) The strategic planners at Starbucks started observing fall in sales revenue and volume in 2008 when USA suffered with a sub-prime property mortgage crises and trade deficits. This in turn resulted in bankruptcies and closures of many financial and production related business institutions thereby intensifying the unemployment issue and deteriorating future employment prospects. The skyrocketing international oil prices also resulted in inflation that then forced customers to tighten their belts and demand fewer luxurious products such as Automobiles and Coffee. Hence, Starbucks planned to expand its Chinese operations where a large pool of potential customers has an inclination towards branded products offered by supranational organizations. Chinese government also supported Starbucks so that it could enhance interaction and communication with Chinese farmers in Yunnan (an agricultural area), which produces over 30,000 tons of Coffee Beans. In simple words, this region alone accounts for over 95% production of Coffee Beans, so Chinese officials seek help and guidance of Starbucks in business management, production and marketing process to ensure higher yield per acre and premium quality for domestic use and exports. (White, 2008) and (Haoting, 2009) Indeed, China is a best available alternative for Starbucks since it has

Marketing report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing report - Essay Example This strategy, attributed mostly to Ford Chairman Alan Mullaly, provided the firm the necessary resources to develop a very conscious and deliberate branding strategy. The continuous marketing and development of Ford Focus- one of the leading international brands of the firm shall therefore be viewed from the perspective of this new change in focus and the approach. (Daye & VanAuken, 2010). The current brand management program for the car is mostly focused on exploring the brand name of the Ford itself as well as the new and renewed strategy of managing only those brands which can be successfully marketed. The new paradigm in Ford therefore is based upon successfully managing the existing brands by cutting down those brands which cannot be successfully marketed. This report will discuss critically the current brand management techniques adapted for this brand besides performing the external environment assessment and how the firm can actually improve its CRM as well as MKIS for this brand. Ford Focus- a brief Review Ford Focus is one of the most successful brands of Ford which is being successfully marketed all over the world under the same name. ... It is also important to note that the Focus is priced reasonably however, it is still considered as one of the luxury brands aimed at consumers who are willing to afford high priced luxury cars. Due to this market segmentation strategy, Ford has been able to consistently market this product across the different markets with relative success. One of the key aspects of the overall brand strategy for this brand is the deliberate strategy for not rolling out the different brand extensions. It is generally believed that the brand extensions in automobile industry tend to weaken the existing brands and it is therefore critical that the automobile firms must engage into the practice of brand consolidation in order to ensure that the existing brands continue to perform and develop into leading market brands.(Lambin, Chumpitaz, & Schuiling, 2007). Current Brand Management Program As discussed above that the Ford has adapted a deliberate strategy of managing its current brands by discarding th ose brands which are hard to sell and manage. Due to financial crisis, most of the automobile firms faced significant financial constraints and reverted to further rationalize their product lines in order to become more efficient and effective in managing only those brands which can be successfully marketed. An effective branding strategy requires the successful leveraging of the power of the brand in order to cover the market more effectively. (Aaker, 2002) In order to effectively understand and critically analyse the current branding strategy for the Ford Focus will suggest that it is a sub-brand of the Ford itself. Given the market power of Ford as well as its overall market reputation, Ford Focus therefore tends to thrive on the strong brand image of Ford itself.

Sexual harassmen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sexual harassmen - Essay Example The most common means of reprimanding employees found to be complicit in sexual harassment in the workplace are termination of employment, a verbal/written reprimand and a mandated apology. It has been found that employees of a company or organization that tend to lean towards harsher punishments for sexual harassment feel the company takes the problem seriously. This establishes a relationship of trust between employees and management that can create an atmosphere that discourages sexual harassment (Nelson, 2007). Organizations that avoid firing, reprimanding and mandating apologies risk alienating employees. Sexual harassment claims will be less likely to be made because of the perception that nothing will be done or it will be swept under the carpet by some sort of secret deal. Perceptions among employees that sexual harassment is tolerated as a result of the established organizational culture, combined with a that witnesses the harassment’s political beliefs can discourage reporting of observed sexual harassment (Benavides, 2010). Considering that the NRA is a pro-business lobbying group, the current president needs to take the probable political affiliations of employees as a consideration when considering changes to the sexual harassment policy at the NRA. Also of importance in this incident is how the current president of the NRA reviews the existing sexual harassment policy. This is important because individuals outside of the organization tend to judge the organization being accused of providing an unsafe work environment more harshly if they are not playing by their own rules. If there is a sexual harassment policy that had been violated, or if there is no sexual harassment policy at all, jurors tend to award the plaintiff more monetary damages (Cass, 2010). The lesson that needs to be learned from this finding that can be applied to the current situation is this: the public and

Web Design and User Experience Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Web Design and User Experience - Research Paper Example b Web administrators should aim to provide plausible and original content. Content on web pages should be researched and proven to be accurate so as to provide credible information to the users. Pages with original content stand a better chance of being revisited over and over. c Graphics should be used sparingly on the web pages. Pages with a lot of graphics takes a lot of time and bandwidth to load which to the users is a waste of time. Great websites uses graphics where necessary and text where necessary and not replacing one for another. d Text should be easy to read and colours wisely chosen. Easiest most readable page is black text on white background but this may seem too formal or dull so designers may try to pimp up their web pages but should be careful not to choose a background that makes it difficult for users to read or hides some text. e Web pages should be secure. Designers should take into consideration the security of user’s information especially where user uses some of their critical information like in online banking and money transfer. Security will provide a sense of trust with the web users who are assured their information is safe. f Make searching available on web pages. This will let users use the minimal time to find a particular information that they require. Designers should therefore use keywords on particular information that user may use to find the item. g Webpages should be interactive. Websites that allows users to be interactive automatically generate content that the users requires from this interactions hence keep bringing back users to the site. Designers can make use of chat software and integrate them to their pages. h Compatibility with most web browsers and also future browsers. Designers should use defined acceptable standards and valid programming languages that are compatible with most browsers, this will

The Influence of Society Essay Example for Free

The Influence of Society Essay Without society we don’t have some form of structure to keep us from overcoming selfishness. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley and Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the obsession for power and knowledge is well brought forth in the characters of the text. In the beginning Macbeth and Victor Frankenstein are well respected. Then, the two characters remove themselves from society causing their great obsessions to over-power them, in which they lose control. Macbeth and Frankenstein lose their original reputations when they remove themselves from society and their own identities become consumed by an obsession for power. Both Macbeth and Frankenstein are originally well-respected members of their community. Macbeth is a loyal friend to the king and was known for his bravery in fighting. â€Å"Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly/ and shall continue our graces towards him. †(I. V. 30-31). Duncan is saying how he thinks very highly of Macbeth and favors him, proving Macbeth’s honorable reputation. Victor Frankenstein is a well-known man for his knowledge and understanding in the sciences. Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember. (Shelley 31). Frankenstein’s reputation was based on his fascination for science and his commitment to it. Macbeth and Victor Frankenstein were both well known in their communities and highly thought of. Soon both Macbeth and Victor lose the connection they have to society by removing themselves from it so they can focus on their individual goals. Macbeth unconsciously slowly starts to remove himself from society when his desire for ultimate power takes over as he decides he will stop at nothing to be in control and become king. â€Å"The prince of Cumberland! That is a step/on which I must fall down, or else oerleap,/for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;/let not light see my black and deep desires. /The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be/Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. †(I. IV. 50-55). Macbeth is at the point where he starts to remove himself from society and is becoming consumed with his obsession of being king and having power. Frankenstein’s love for science turns into an obsession when he gets to the point where he attempts to play god. After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. (Shelley 30). Frankenstein has cut himself out from the world and is consumed in his obsession to give life. Macbeth and Frankenstein seclude themselves from society because of Macbeth’s obsession for power and to have control, and Frankenstein’s obsession to be god and create life to prove his knowledge. Both Macbeth and Frankenstein ev entually lose their identities in society when they give in to their obsessions for power. Macbeth loses his identity after giving into his obsession of being king and killing Duncan and Banquo. â€Å"Prithee, see there! Behold! Look! Lo! How say you? /Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too. /if charnel houses and our graves must send/those that we bury back, our monuments/shall be the maws of kites. †(III. iv. 72-76). Macbeth has officially lost his identity when he sees Banquo’s ghost and starts acting crazy infront of his guests and they are starting to question if Macbeth is guilty for Duncan’s death. Victor Frankenstein has a loss of identity when he becomes a mad scientist and digs up graves for corpse, sew pieces together, and then brought the results to life. )We can see how a person who lives within a society, interacting on a regular basis with others, tends to follow and respect the standards, morals and cultural traditions of their society. When a person removes themselves from society because they have become obsessed with singular or private pursuit, and that obsession is greater than everything and everyone else in their life, they can become very selfish, self-cent ered, self-serving, and in the case of Frankenstein and Macbeth, evil. In the case of Frankenstein, he came from a loving family, who supported him and was a good man until he became obsessed with creating a monster and isolated himself from his family and others as he built his monster. In the end Frankenstein realizes that he has disrupted the balance of nature and confesses to it: â€Å"How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to be greater than his nature will allow. †(Shelley, 87). In the case of Macbeth, he had a pretty good life. He had a good marriage and was good friends with the king, until he became obsessed with being king and ruined his marriage and his life. Macbeth and Frankenstein obsession for power results in the removal from society, which makes them lose their original reputation. The two characters go from having a good reputation in society to being consumed by their obsessions for power of control and power of giving and creating life. This caused Macbeth and Frankenstein to lose their identities.

Holey Soles Essay Example for Free

Holey Soles Essay This case analysis will focus on the issues surround the lifestyle product company Holey Soles. Psychologist Ann Rosenberg founded the company in September 2002. She initially operated in her garage and backyard, until she recruited Joyce Groote (now current CEO of Holey Soles) and expanded the company into other parts of North America. Holey Soles focuses on creating innovative footwear made from their trademarked technology SmartCel and SoleTek, which is an injection-molded foam technology. As of July 2007, sales had grown at 300% in each of the last two years and the company was ranked number four in the 2006 Profit magazine ranking of Canada’s Emerging Growth Companies. However as they continue to operate, they find themselves getting pushed back by their number one competitor, Crocs. By mid-2007, Crocs sales were 33 times the sales of Holey Soles. Holey Soles has a revenue target of $40 million by 2009, and to achieve this target, they will need to focus on the issues surrounding their company and hindering its growth. We have decided that the core issue surround the company is how to reach the goal of $40 million. They need to address the possible alternatives of either expanding into other products besides footwear, implementing a more aggressive marketing strategy, changing their 2-year goals completely, or maintaining the status quo. These alternatives will depend on the assessment of the time frame, cost, and current and potential competition. Upon analyzing all situations and alternatives, we have decided that the best solution for Holey Soles would be to expand the company by creating other product lines made form their trademarked technology. Only through this method will they be able to generate enough revenue to meet their $40 million goal. Issues The issues surrounding Holey Soles include the inability to have a high market share due to dominance from Crocs, how to reach the goal of $40 million revenue, and deciding upon expansion. We think the core issue is how to reach the goal of $40 million. Decision Criteria 1.Time frame of implementation: They only have 2 years to make reach their intended goal of $40 million. Considering the high target number, 2 years is a very short time frame, and therefore is an important decision criterion. Sourcing from China to other parts of the world also takes a long time, so it factors in how much product can actually be made in the time frame given. 2.Cost of expansion: To reach a goal of $40 million, an expansion of the company would have to take place. This poses the problem of where capital is going to come from. 3.Current competition: Their number one competitor is Crocs. During the 2-year period to reach a goal of $40 million, Crocs will still be selling at the rate they have been, and may also be working towards goals of expansion. 4.Threat of potential competition: In the 2 year time frame given, what’s to say that new competitors will not enter the market? As the clog fad continues, more companies are producing similar products as Holey Soles . Even though most of them aside from Crocs have a poorer design with lower quality materials, the possibility of a company suddenly entering with a whole new technology is always possible. Alternatives Assessments 1.Expand by increasing a more diverse range of products sold. By relying on selling the clogs alone, they will never be able to reach their goal of $40 million, nor be able to overtake Crocs since Crocs has taken so much more of the market share already. With their trademarked foam-injection technologies SmartCel and SoleTek, they should put those towards creating newer and more innovative lifestyle products aside from footwear. They already started with the beach bag, so it proves that it is possible to create other products. They already have an advantage due to their company being defined as products that are â€Å"lifestyle† centered, rather than simply a â€Å"footwear manufacturer†.

Methods of Social Research

Methods of Social Research Methods of Research The correct choice of research methods to use in answering researcher set questions investigating a topic is one of the most crucial and vital elements to the successful conduct of a research exercise, (McNeill, 2005). While much attention can be paid to theory within the methodology employed by the researcher it is also critical to consider the actual research tools which back up the theoretical decisions made and provide the raw data against which the hypotheses of the research can betested. For much research the research tools will be a decisive factor in thesuccess or failure of the project. In many instances the choice of research tool is not assessed correctly with the result being data is generated which is of little or no use to the researcher, (Ruane, 2005). This occurs both due to the research method not suiting the particular needs of the researcher and the improper administering of the research method itself. For many,  choice of research tool is influenced however not by the objective needs of the research but by the ability and capabilities of the researcher in terms of time, cost or other related factors such as familiarity with the processes and techniques involved within specific sets of research tools. In this essay, we examine three research methods, show how they can be constructed in a holistic manner toachieve triangulation in relation to a research question and illustrate ethical concerns and the manner in which they can be resolved in the successful deployment of these research methods, (Somekh and Lewin, 2005). We discuss these methods as a process and thus relate our discussion to the manner in which theycan be integrated and successfully deployed. In this sense then we examine howfocus groups can provide insights into theoretical observations, how theseobservations can be explored within semi-structured interviews with a selectedsample and how these observations from interviews can be developed intogeneralised into hypotheses tested against larger samples through the use of questionnaires.However it should be noted that a critical element in deciding on whichmethodologies should be used in a research project and the relative strengthsand weaknesses of using those methodologies will depend to a large extent onthe specific circumstances involved in conducting the research, (Bryman, 2004). By this it ismeant that weaknesses for example within the conduct of questionnaire may infact be a positive element for certain projects and negative for othersdepending on the contextual basis for the research. We explore this and otherfeatures of research methods subsequently. Focus Groups Focus groups are atype of qualitative based research method based loosely on the generalprinciples which apply to interviews. However while interviews are generallyone-to-one situations involving a interviewer and interviewee relationshipfocus groups employ a one to many dichotomy, (Holloway and Jefferson, 2000). Indeedfocus groups resemble semi or unstructured interviews more particularly thanstructured interviews as one of the primary objectives of the researcher withinfocus group interviews is as a facilitator or moderator of group discussionbased on sets of general themes identified as being related to the research objectivesfor which the focus groups are being used to generate data, (Bloor et al, 2001).In particular focus groups are a very useful method to consider in theexploratory stages of research to help form ideas related to theoreticalobservations upon which later research can be based. While notoriginally a tool familiar to the social sciences focus group methodologieshave been long deployed and successful elements within business andspecifically marketing research. From these origins however their utility for socialscientific research has come to be recognised within many sections for specificinstances for which they are useful, (Fern, 2001). Focus groups havea number of advantages and disadvantages when applied towards collecting datain answering sets of research questions. Let us discuss the advantages of usingthis methodology to begin with. Perhaps a fundamental strength of focus groups istheir interactive nature when designed and implemented properly. In this mannerthe researcher can set general themes and topics and also ask specificquestions of the group related to the research topic by facilitatingintra-group discussion arising out of the topics mentioned by the moderator. Subsequentlyrecording and monitoring the discussions and interactions which occur withinthe group as the issues raised by the researcher are thrashed out can provide immenselyvaluable qualitative data and also critically have the possibility of offeringtheoretical insights or considerations missed by the researcher. In terms of aspecifically action research or ethnographic research outlook focus groups areeven more element as the interactive nature of focus groups allows the groupand its participants to actively engage with the research and even when plannedfor adequately by the researcher allow them to shape the outcomes and processesof the research itself, .(Czarniawska, 2004) Some of the keydisadvantages we can associate with the use of focus groups are internal groupdynamics, participant and interviewer bias and transcription related problemsin codifying and making the data generated amenable to analysis. However the primarydrawback to this method is related to the interactive nature discussed above inthat the researcher has much less control over the type and nature of datagenerated during the course of the research. Again as mentioned planning andgood moderating skills are essential in the use of this method, (Litosseliti, 2003). Internal groupdynamics can play a vital role in determining the success or failure of using focusgroups as a means of answering research questions. The specific disadvantagesbeing spoke of here include a common feature of socials groups wherebyindividual members of that group through personality and group dynamics come tolead and dominate discussions, (Vaughn, Shay, Sinagub, 1996).An interviewer needs to be aware of such situations and develop tactics andstrategies which are inclusive in terms of encouraging all of the individualswithin a group to participate as equally as possible in the discussion as it isbeing held. With larger groupsand to some extent even smaller groups as well due to possibilities of manypeople answering at the same time, especially in more animated discussions thenecessity of effective recording allowing for accurate transcription isessential. Bias can occur both in terms of the moderator and participants inthat moderator may lead the discussion too much in their desire to gatherrelevant data or otherwise colour the responses of participants who in turn maydesire to satisfy what they perceive to be the wishes of the moderator duringthe course of the discussion. Such considerations are not isolated to focusgroups and should be a common concern for any research exercise, (Morgan, 1997). Ethically similarsafeguards that are used in other types of research methods need to be employedwithin focus groups with some specific concerns. As with other types ofresearch informed consent needs to be adequately collected from theparticipants and in particular with focus groups if the topic is sensitive orcovers material of a private nature it must be remember that other people willbe present and thus the moderator must take further care in considering theethical implications of this feature, (Gregory, 2003). Semi-structured interviews If a researcherhas used a focus group in order to identity common themes and concerns associatedwith his or her choice of questions a useful follow on from focus groups can bethe use of more in depth and detailed semi structured interviews. Theinterviewees could perhaps be drawn from a representative sample from which thefocus group was composed. Semi structured interviews are a popular form of qualitativeresearch much relied upon within social scientific as well as otherdisciplinary investigations. The general purpose of such interviews is toexplore in details specific topics relevant to the interviewees knowledge andalso relevant to the research questions and objectives forming the focus of theresearch project, (Silveman, 2004). The normalstructure for such an interview is a one to one situation with an interviewereither having a list of some predetermined questions which are then used to branchfurther questions outwards during the conduct of the interview or alternativelythe interviewer is equipped with a set of general topics from which questionsare generated during the course of the interview. While not as interactive asfocus groups good semi-structured interviews are however in some way reliant onparticipant determination for the tenor and tone of the conduct of theinterview. This can be a principal strength of using this method in that it canbe a highly fruitful manner of exploring topics with which participants arefamiliar The advantages ofsemi structured interviews can be surmised under a number of headings. Thefirst of these is the opportunity it gives to both interviewer and intervieweeto explore in depth and detail the substantive issues for research within agiven project mentioned above. Not only though do semi-structured interviewsafford the opportunity to discuss themes in detail but the semi-structurednature also gives the interviewer freedom to dynamically adapt and respond tothe flow of the discussion as it occurs. In this sense the interviewer canexplore themes not suggested by the structure of the interview which wasoriginally planned; this is an important difference from structured interviewswhich lack this interviewer flexibility and freedom. A semi-structuredinterview can thus be said to allow for frank discussion, is a flexible and adaptivemeans as the interviewer and interviewee can respond and explore topics as theyoccur during the interview and as such can be a useful source of data for anyresearch project. Disadvantages withsemi-structured interviews again like those common to focus groups are thosewhich need to be taken account of with the use of any research method. Some ofthe main disadvantages we can associate with the use of semi structuredinterviews include participant bias, interviewer bias and the reliability ofany data generated during the course of the interview. Like focus groups theinterviewer needs to be aware of their responses and comments to theinterviewee so as not to colour or bias the responses given. Similarly aninterviewer needs to display a manner which does not indicate to theinterviewee preference supposed or otherwise for a particular set of responses.Reliability is a concern with qualitative research in general and aninterviewer needs to be cognisant of the type and form of data generated duringthe conduct of the interview. Ethically again similar principles which appliedto focus groups apply to semi-structured interviews in that the participants insuch interv iews give full informed consent to the interview taking place andthat confidentiality is ensured on the part of the interviewer in terms of anydata generated from the participant. Questionnaires Perhaps the mostfamiliar of research methods both to researchers and the general publicquestionnaires as part of a survey strategy have long held a dominant role inthe conduct of research projects, (Frazer Meredith, 2000). Questionnaires come in a variety of forms from postal, totelephone administered, to interviewer administered and so on but they are all characterisedon a reliance on a predetermined set of questions with predefined answers whichmake the data amenable to later statistical analysis either by hand or throughthe use of the many statistical computer programs which now exist. Questionnairesexcel at the testing of hypothesis concretely formed and outlined as well atgathering opinion based data from large samples, (McQueen, 2002). Questionnaires area form of quantitative research and thus they involve many statistical elementsin terms of carrying out research using them. Some of the fundamental concernswith using questionnaires include the need for sampling, ensuring effectiveresponses and a high response rate. In turn these three elements are related tothe principal advantages and disadvantages of using this method, (Oppenhiem,1992). Or in other words the success or failure and the degree to these for aparticular questionnaire is determined to a large extent by the successfulsampling of a target group and having a well-designed questionnaire with clearinstructions for participants in order to ensure correct responses and a highnumber of responses from the sample. The primary advantageof using a questionnaire lies in the amount of data which can be collectingallowing for varying degrees and sophistication in statistical analyses whichcan be performed on the data, (Gillham, 2000). The primary disadvantage ofusing questionnaires is the inverse of this strength in statistical termsrelated to the rigid and inflexible way in which data must be collected in thatthe researcher is unable to benefit from any interactivity in the research andeven when the questionnaire is interviewer administered there is a rigidity tothe questionnaire format which must be adhered to, (Houtkoop-Steenstra, 2000). Questionnaires in terms of the triangulation discussed above couldusefully be deployed in order to test hypothesis generated from theexplorations and conclusions reached during the use of focus groups. Conclusion As can be gatheredfrom our discussion then all of the research methods we have discussed are possessedof both positive and negative aspects in the case of their deployment in orderto answer research questions set by the researcher. It is argued that perhapsthe best means in which to consider the use of any of these research methods isto see them as part of a cyclical process related to the triangulation ofcertain research objectives, (yen, 1990). It can be arguedthat by using a combinational method then in the approach of constructing aresearch methodology has the benefit of playing various research methodsagainst each other, by this it is meant that certain methods will be strongothers weak and that a combinational approach will allow for the strongestpossible methodology to emerge and thus have the best chance of generatinguseful data for the research questions at hand, (Gorard and Taylor, 2004). However asmentioned in some of the limitations we discussed previously with regards tothe methods each of these particular methods require certain skills of the researcherfor them to be truly effective methods. Thus projects which would seek to useall of these methods as well as possible others would need to draw upon skilledresearchers in terms of their ability to conduct quantitative and qualitativeresearch in equal measure. Similarly using a combinational method increases therange of ethical considerations for the researcher with the possibility ofthere being a complex network of ethical issues that need to be resolvedcontinuously across the range of research methods used in the project (deMarrais Lapan 2004). Similarly for acombinational method to be effective as well as the use of any of these methodssolely also a strong methodology in terms of a plan for the research and itsconduct will need to be in place in order to generate truly relevant data forthe research questions which the researcher wishes to investigate, (Andrews,2003). In conclusion the organisation of research methods in terms of their deploymentis the most critical determinant of the success of the researcher in gathering datawhich will be of use in their subsequent and later analysis based on theresearch questions they have tasked themselves with answering. Organisation it canthus be argued is one of the principal determinants of whether the selection ofany research methods will be successful in collecting relevant and valuabledata for that project, (Ragin, 1994). References Andrews, R.J.(2003) Research Questions, Continuum, London Bloor, M. et al (2001) Focus Group inSocial Research, SAGE Publications, London. Bryman, A. (2004) SocialResearch Methods, Oxford University Press, Oxford Czarniawska, B.(2004) Narratives in Social Science Research, Sage, London deMarrais,K. Lapan, S.D. (2004) Foundations for Research: Methods of Inquiry inEducation and the Social Science, Mahwah, N.J. : L. Erlbaum Associates. Fern,E.E. (2001) Advanced Focus Group Research, SAGE, US. Frazer,L. Meredith, L. (2000) Questionnaire Design Administration : aPractical Guide, John Wiley, London. Gillham,B. (2000) Developing a Questionnaire, Continuum, London. Gorard, S. andTaylor, C. (2004) Combining Methods in Educational and Social Research,Open University Press, Maidenhead Hollway,W. Jefferson, T.(2000) Doing Qualitative Research Differently: FreeAssociation, Narrative and Interview, SAGE, London. Houtkoop-Steenstra,H. (2000) Interaction and the Standardized Survey Interview: the LivingQuestionnaire, Cambridge University Press, UK. Litosseliti,L. (2003) Using Focus Groups in Research, Continuum, London. Gregory, I. (2003)Ethics in Research, Continuum, London McNeill, P. (2005)Research Methods 3rd Edition, Routledge, London McQueen, R. (2002)Research Methods for Social Science, Prentice Hall, Harlow Morgan,D. L. (1997) Focus Groups as Qualitative Research 2nd edition,Sage Publications, US. Oppenheim,A. N. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interviewing, and Attitude Measurement,Pinter Publishers, New York. yen,E. (1990) Comparative Methodology: Theory and Practice in InternationalSocial Research, Newbury Park, London. Ragin,C.C. (1994) Constructing Social Research: the Unity and Diversity of Method,Thousand Oaks, Pine Forge Press, US. Ruane, J.M. (2005)Essentials of Research Methods, Blackwell Publications, Malden MASS Silveman,D. (2004) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice, SAGE,London. Somekh, B. andLewin, C. (2005) Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Sage,London Vaughn,S., Shay, J. Sinagub, S.J. (1996) Focus Group Interview in Educationand Psychology, SAGE, US.

Reaction to the Movie, Camille Claudell :: Film

Reaction to the Movie, Camille Claudell This is one of the saddest movies I have ever seen. She wasted her life, for a man. Camille was a great sculptor. In her family, she always had the support of her father. She helped her brother with his poems because he liked to write, but that was not very well seen. As well Camille passion for sculpture was not well seen at all, her own mother despite her for what she did. However, she was very strong and always kept going. Everything in her life was going mostly ok until she met Robin, a very prestigious and recognized sculptor. He recognized her talent, so he took her as a pupil. They felt in love and had a passionate affair, but he was married. She became pregnant and since Robin had no intention to marry her, she had an abortion. After this she left Robin for good. She started working on her own works, but she became obsessed with Robin. It seems to her that everything that happened to her was a complot he had against her because he was afraid of her talent. I think that was not true. She produced a huge amount of work, and she got the chance to expose. By this time, her brother had become, thanks to her help, a world famous poet. In the opening of her exposition, she appeared dress very eccentrically. She scandalized everyone in the exhibition, and made her brother ashamed and ran off the room. She got good reviews, but her brother walking out on her, and not selling any of her pieces really disappointed her. So, when she got home, she destroyed, and then buried all of her pieces. Years after that, her father died and her mother and brother decided she was insane, so they secluded her in a Metal Institution where she stayed until her death. Camille Claudell, I think, was one of the best sculptors in the world. She was a genius, and this was mention a couple of times in the movie. It is too bad that she felt desperately in love with Robin, and she wasted all her life and talent loving him. She became delusional; she though everything was a complot against her prepared by Robin.

Community Values Essay -- Medicine College Admissions Essays

Community Values Imani. Broken windows carelessly hidden by weather-tormented wood, chunks of bricks randomly sprawled across dry plots of grass and doors barely hanging onto one hinge create the backdrop for a bright yellow sign with the Swahili word for faith painted in large red letters. Old tires, pipes, waste material and junk cars are unfortunately not the only residents of the New Orleans housing project, as it initially appears. Without any warning, underneath all of the public health hazards small chocolate faces emerge with big smiles completely oblivious to their dangerous surroundings. Although their playground lacks a swing, monkey bars, slides or even a hopscotch area these children continue to play with makeshift toys. Being outnumbered by junkyard waste forces them to create new games with the debris that coexists in their safe haven. While viewing this housing project, I realized the trigger for change lay deep within the heart of the community. I was also reminded of the words I heard during the address given at my high school graduation speech, "a community can only be as strong as those who build it." Therefore, I joined Mobilization at Xavier, which created an outlet for me to share my excitement about learning wi... ...the remarkable mechanisms within the human body that work towards fighting off this disease. My future is centered on being a changing force in my community through the gift of medicine. A medical education will equip me with a powerful tool to improve health disparities in underserved communities. A physician is not solely a provider of medical care but a source of faith and a symbol of reassurance. Each activity I have been a part of has fostered and nourished my motivation towards becoming a part of a sector of society focused on renewing and maintaining strength within families, which are the core unit of a community.

A gift called “Wife”

Somewhere, I remember, to have read about the Orientals’ concept of an ideal wife: â€Å"A real wife is like a minister for the personal affairs of her husband, a friend in executing his tasks, in affectionate dealings she is like his mother and in his bed she is like a courtesan. Such a wife is auspicious† (Garuda Purana, 1.64.6). Is there a word in English that adequately describes – such a paragon of virtues in the form of a beautiful, female, human-being, playing the role of a wife? If there is one, then few women indeed, would qualify to be described thus. Blessed indeed is the man, who is bestowed with such a woman, capable of enriching his entire life, filling it hope, happiness and healthy attitude. Personally, I must say, that I, am one of those lucky husbands who has been graced thus.   My wife is my savior, guide and friend; she is my albatross, averting the turbulent disasters that threaten to drown me in the ocean of my troubles, and guiding me to the shores of safety; very much like the woman praised by the Orientals. Ever since I met her, I have been drawn to her like a magnet. A young, beautiful woman, with a gorgeous body, lovely soft eyes and sensual lips, that make heads turn round instantly. Eligible suitors sought her, as do butterflies circle an attractive flower. Her eyes shone like stars, and her heart was filled with dreams – dreams of making it big, in the Hollywood. She has a sweet demeanor that hides the tensile nature of the resolute strength of her character and, little did I realize this invaluable asset at the time of our marriage. Nevertheless, I felt elated when she reciprocated my love and we walked down the Alter, as man and wife. But, I was to discover that, more than beauty, there were other things that contributed to her attractive personality. The adept professionalism in her single-handed management and smooth execution of our wedding plans to the last detail, unfolded a new aspect of her strength, to me. Our wedding day also revealed to me, the adamant streak in her. I remember, when all was ready and, I was about to enter the premises, she bid me on her mobile-phone, to fetch a particular candle she wanted lit on this special occasion. Unable to refuse the plea in her voice, I turned and started back. I remember, it was a chill, winter day, and a gust of cold wind pierced my face sharply, while searching for her car and groping with the keys. Sweat broke out on my forehead and my breath became heavy, as it was getting late, and I still couldn’t find candle in the place where she had supposed it to be; neither my words of counsel nor the advice of her bridesmaids (which got carried through on the mobile quite clearly), to proceed with the ceremonies without the candle, had little effect on her. It rather made her more stubborn, to have the candle fetched and lit, and she pined that none of us understood the deep significance of her actions. Whew! How I heaved a sigh of relief, when I finally found it. Thankfully, I dabbed away the sweat on my forehead with my handkerchief, and straightened my jacket, now that all was well. Later, I took ill and was down in bed requiring extra attention and care. There she was, by my side, with a soothing smile on her lips and a warm grasp on my wrist, feeling my pulse, monitoring my temperature, administering the drugs advised by the doctor, reassuring me all the time with kind words, that all shall be well. My heart was touched and eyes filled with unshed tears, when she made it to the doctor’s appointment, traveling across half the city – through peak traffic, despite her heavy schedule, to apprise the doctor regarding the status of my health and explore the options of my speedy recovery. The very same adamant streak came to the fore here in albeit in a very agreeable manner; with tenacity she clutched on to hope, never giving up, and adamantly pushed away pessimistic thoughts. Her son depends on this unique trait of hers, to prop him up during the defeating bouts of his mental-illness, and to keep him going. However, we her close kin and kith are not the only recipients of her kindness. She is surely a tower of strength, to many a friend and I personally know of few instances in which she has pulled some friends back from the brink of ruin. Now, am I not right in feeling that I have been graciously granted a rare and â€Å"auspicious† present in the form of a tenacious life-partner? Bibliography Garuda Purana, 1.64.6 –   Tr. J.L. Shastri/A board of scholars, Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology 12-14, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi 1982. (extracts with notes in [] by JanM, 1997). Retrieved on 24th May, 2006, from website address:                     

Taco Bell: Reengineering

| | |[pic] | |Taco Bell- A Reengineering Success Story | |A Reengineering Success Story | | | | | | | Contents 1. About Taco Bell3 2. The Problem Starts3 3. Reengineering to the Rescue3 4. The After Effects6 About Taco Bell The franchise, Taco Bell is an eatery that needs no introduction. Taco Bell Corp. based in Irvine, California is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. , and the United States’ leading Mexican style quick-service restaurant. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos signature Quesadillas, grilled stuft burritos, nachos, and other specialty items such as the Crunchwrap Supreme, in addition to a wide variety of Big Bell Value Menu items. Taco Bell serves more than 2 billion consumers each year in the more than 5,800 restaurants in the US. In 2005, Taco Bell generated sales of $1. 8 billion in company restaurants and $4. 4 billion in franchise restaurants. More than 80% of their restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. There are currently more than 278 restaurants operating in Canada, Guam, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Asia, Europe and the Philippines. The Problem Starts In 1983, analysis showed that the Taco Bell’s total cumulative growth since 1978 was a shocking negative 16% compared to a positive 6% of the total industry. This prompted the management to pinpoint immediately what was going wrong and where. This led them to identify the following factors: †¢ Lack of business vision for the company †¢ Reliance on obsolete management and operational practices, which focused more upon the processes rather than the customers themselves †¢ Top-down structure with multiple levels of management †¢ Following traditional approaches, which assumed what customers wanted without even asking them All the above factors were resulting in slower and costlier service. Having identified some of the key areas that needed improvement, Taco Bell started reengineering itself out of troubled waters. The more they listened, the more they found out that what customers wanted was very simple- good food, served fast and hot, in a clean environment and at a price they could afford. Reengineering to the Rescue The old system of operations at Taco Bell was based upon traditional operational practices, which were grossly insufficient for the economic and business climate of the 21st Century. This entire set-up was based upon certain assumptions, which include the following: †¢ Assuming that the restaurant knew what the customer wanted without even asking them. This led them to falsely believe that the customer wanted fancier decor, broader menus, outdoor playground etc. , instead of quality food at affordable prices. Investing in large kitchen areas, which in some instances covered over 70% of the total area in the mistaken belief that it would improve customer satisfaction †¢ Operating the restaurant along the lines of a manufacturing company rather than a retail outlet. Doin g away with this concept led to the development of novel ideas like K-Minus and TACO. †¢ Believing that the only segment they could target was the one within the restaurant’s premises. This translated into $78 million, whereas outside the restaurant, the total market came to about $600 billion in the USA alone. †¢ Limiting themselves to the goal of becoming a value leader in the quick-service restaurant industry rather than the value leader for all foods for all occasions. Reengineering the setup at Taco Bell involved several steps, including: †¢ Complete reorganization of human resources †¢ Dramatic redesign of operational systems †¢ Doing away with entire levels of management †¢ Creation of jobs like â€Å"market manager† †¢ Replacing area supervisors with market managers and reducing their numbers †¢ Eliminating district managers and promoting restaurant managers †¢ Reduction in the costs of everything about the business except the cost of the food and its packaging The management process was completely and dramatically reengineered–three layers were eliminated, including the entire â€Å"district manager† supervisory level. Every job in the system was redefined. Restaurant managers were given greater latitude to run their own businesses, and ultimately became â€Å"Restaurant General Managers. † In short, Taco Bell followed only one rule during the entire process of reengineering- â€Å"Enhance those things that bring value to the customer and change or eliminate those that don’t. † With this motto their corporate vision became clearer, â€Å"We want to be number one in the share of stomach[1]. † This was a vision of the company becoming a leader in the restaurant business and not just the Mexican food business was articulated. They also changed their restaurant structure by: †¢ Limiting kitchen area from 70% to 30% †¢ Increasing the customer area from 30% to 70% †¢ Doubling the seating capacity in the area available Additionally, reengineering led Taco Bell to introduce two new methodologies, namely K-Minus and TACO (Total Automation of Company Operations). [pic] Figure 2 Taco Bell’s two new methodologies K-Minus means kitchen less restaurant, based on the nature of the company. All of their food was cooked outside the restaurant in central locations. This stemmed from the concept that food should be retailed instead of manufactured. TACO (Total Automation of Company Operations) provides each restaurant with a Marketing Information System (MIS) and empowered the employees with computer know-how. It eliminated paper-work and allowed more time to be spent on customers. It helped keep track of sales minute by minute. Such programs served as agents of change for more innovative ideas such as new and varied points of distribution (like street corners and concessions stands) etc. This case study brings forth the following conclusions: Reengineering businesses is very much a reality and is not limited to the confines of a textbook. If done properly, it can virtually turn around any business; be it consumer goods (Kodak), restaurants (Taco Bell) or financial institutions (IBM Credit). The customer must be the starting point for all reengineering methods, concepts, ideas and processes. Resistance to change must be anticipated and appropriate steps must be taken to deal with it. Every company that seeks to be reengineered should seek a motto that makes its corporate vision clear, like that of Taco Bell. The After Effects These changes have had a huge impact on the company. Taco Bell went from a failing regional Mexican -American fast food chain with $500 million in sales in 1982, to a $3 billion national company 10 years later, with a goal to expand further to $20 million. While the environment was not a factor in Taco Bell's reengineering, it has benefited through the reengineering process. For example the TACO program (Total Automation of Company Operations) provides sophisticated MIS technology for all employees, saving thousands of hours of paperwork — and thus paper — as well as promoting self-sufficiency and reducing time spent on administration. The K-Minus program, or kitchenless restaurant, established a system where the large majority of food preparation occurs at central commissaries rather than in the restaurant, pushing 15 hours of work a day out of the restaurant, improving quality control and employee morale, reducing employee accidents and injuries, and resulting in substantial savings on utilities. The K-Minus program saves Taco Bell about $7 million a year. ———————– [1] The company introduced a new performance measurement called â€Å"the total share of stomach. † Instead of measuring success as market share of the fast-food market, Taco Bell set the goal of becoming the value leader for all foods for all meal occasioned. That created a broader vision and stimulated the development of new innovations.

The Life of Mikhail Gorbachev

Kelsey Murray World History 26 February 2013 Nick Williamson The Life of Mikhail Gorbachev Mikhail Gorbachev’s life began much like many children in the small village of Privolnoye. His parents were peasant farmers but when the collectivization program took action, Gorbachev’s father went to work for the government. Only ten years old when the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union, Gorbachev experienced his father being drafted into the Soviet military. After four torturous years in the military, Gorbachev’s father survived. Mikhail Gorbachev was known as a hard worker, excellent student and did his best to help support his family.His interest in politics lead him to join the Komsomol. Gorbachev wanted to exceed in everything he did. He decided to apply to the prestigious Moscow State University to further his education. After being accepted he decided to study law in order to better his speaking and debating skills, which would help in his political career. While in co llege he met Raisa Titoenko and fell in love. The two married in 1953 and four years later had their first and only daughter whose name was Irina. The start to Gorbachev’s political career began with the promotion into the Communist Party.He eventually received the highest position, first secretary. National politics is what he was striving for and at age 47 he obtained the position as the youngest member of the Politburo. Gorbachev had lots of experienced behind the scene working with General Secretary Yuri Andropov and felt that he was ready to achieve the title, General Secretary. After failing once he tried again and became the leader of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev had a strong belief that the Soviet economy needed reforms. He did something many citizens never saw coming. He allowed and encouraged citizens o freely voice their opinions. He also allowed Soviet citizens to travel, cracked down on alcohol abuse, and pushed for the use of computers and technology. He’s most impressive movement was the deal he made between the Soviet Union and the United States. The two countries competed with each other over who could produce the largest cache of nuclear weapons. He met with Regan and agreed to stop making nuclear weapons, to end the arms race. Gorbachev did many good things for the Soviet Union and was even awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 but yet many citizens disliked Gorbachev having ower and continued to be critical towards him. Did the citizens have a reason to be critical? The answer is yes. Gorbachev’s reforms did not help the Soviet Union’s economy but actually weakened it. This caused many countries to abandon Communism and many republics within the Soviet Union demanded independence. All the pressure from the failing economy proved too much for Gorbachev and he resigned as president of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. (Rosenberg) Works Cited Rosenberg, Jennifer. â€Å"Mikhail Gorbachev. † About. com. 26 February 2013. http://history1900s. about. com/od/people/p/gorbachev. htm

City or Countryside

In my opinion, one has not experienced life until one has lived in the city. There is so much to see and experience in the bright lights of the city that you cannot get in the countryside. Here in the city, you can learn about how to get along with people of different types, encounter varied situations and solve problems. All these help a person to grow in maturity. After all, experience is the best teacher. In the countryside, however, you only move around people you are used to. So, you seldom encounter strangers or new and demanding situations.Life is more mundane and routine-like. Staying in a secure, safe place does not allow for one to gain new experiences and grow in maturity. Furthermore, young people need a life that is exciting and pleasurable. It is the city that offers you entertainment- cinemas, parks and eating places. Here you can hang out with friends and family members. Life as fast-paced and this keeps you active and alert all times. And when it comes to educational opportunities, the city abounds in this. There are good school and libraries that are necessary for your mental development.Furthermore, there are places like museums and educational centres where you can go, to increase your knowledge. Such places that offer you entertainment or learning opportunities are of course not available in the countryside. For entertainment, there is only the occasional festive celebration or marriage feast or fishing outing. Some may find this appealing but not me. Moreover, opportunities to widen your knowledge are limited in the countryside. Another point in support of living in the city is the available of jobs.In the city, you can find a job that suits your qualification or interest. If you find a job unsuitable, you can always move to another. This, naturally, increases your earning power and you have better chances of a more comfortable life. Of course, one may argue that one can live in the countryside and work in the city but this will only incur extra expenses and unnecessary inconveniences. Thus, for all the reasons mentioned above, I think that life in the city is better than living in the countryside. After all, you are young only once.

African American History in America

From slavery to freedom (2007), it was said that the transition from slavery to freedom is the subject in the history of African-Americans (1). The history of African Americans plays an important role not only for the civil rights movement but also for American history as African Americans strive to lead a good life and courage in America. African Americans have been in this country since the early 1600s and since then have been making history. The history of African Americans is the history of America. This is an echoed message from the Smithsonian National African American History and Culture Museum in Washington DC, opened in September after a century of planning. Americans' achievement brings the history of slave trade beyond the Atlantic that began hundreds of years ago and continues to today's popular culture. American African American History 1865 - 1960 Georgian Roots HIS 204: American History Mark since 1865 D. Bowls March 18, 2013 American African American History 1865 - 19 60 America African American History Americans experienced many difficult times in attempts to progress from slavery, freedom, and equal rights. In this article I will explain some of the important events of the time to clarify the role of African Americans in a wider range. Documentary Film Analysis Worksheet History 221 - 1877 Before describing the history of African-Americans: Your movie list can be selected in the course section of the course. †¢ Go to the list and select a movie. You have to see the whole movie. If you are unable to access the movie for placement, geographical location, or for any other reason, please contact your faculty to request alternative work. †¢ Please enter the answer on this form. I need to send a worksheet Black - African American history, as well as American history, is also the center of the United States and should be consistent with American history. The history of ancient Africans and African Americans must be part of our elementary sch ool and the introduction of high school curriculum is consistent with the national history of the United States. It is the basic cognitive discipline of psychology and tells us how to change the way people think eventually change behavior. This cognitive process depends greatly on who can identify themselves. Therefore, it is said that people with strong cultural identity are better at changing life than those who do not improve their lifestyle.

Unmasking Victorian Monsters Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Unmasking Victorian Monsters - Research Paper Example In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Henry Jekyll begins experimenting on himself by drinking a potion that unleashes his dark side, a violent, brutish misanthrope named Edward Hyde. Eventually, he becomes unable to control the shift in personality chemically and it begins to overtake his upstanding persona and psyche as Dr. Jekyll. The novel itself is in the form of Dr. Jekylls last will and testament as it has fallen into the hands of his solicitor. The Island of Dr. Moreau tells the story of Edward Prendick who is shipwrecked in the South Pacific and finds himself on the island of Dr. Moreau. Moreau was a famous London physiologist who was shunned when his experiments in vivisection were revealed. He has exiled himself to this island where he can continue his experiments in vivisection unhindered by public opprobrium. Prendick learns that Dr. Moreau has created a collection of Beat Men who may, or may not, be under his control and resistant to their animal tendencies. Bram Stokers Dracula has multiple narrators although its principle one is Jonathan Harker, a London solicitor. Harker journeys to Transylvania to assist a client, Count Dracula, with a real estate transaction. Subsequently, Dracula arrives in England and begins to work his evil on a British woman, Lucy Westenra. As she wastes away the Dutch vampire expert, Abraham Van Helsing, eventually joined by Harker and his fiance, Wilhelmina Mina Murray, wages war against Dracula. Lucy and her mother both die after a wolf attack; the struggle eventually returns to Transylvania where Dracula is exterminated; one of his hunters, Quincy Morris, is also killed; and, Mina is freed from the mental and emotional thrall of the evil vampire. Indicatively, Moreaus creations are known as the Beast Folk. They appear to be neither people nor beasts but rather an

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Critical Analysis - Essay Example The purpose of the article is to inform Americans about the failure of the health care industry and demonstrate the need for a universal health insurance. Through a simple format and style, the authors reveal the lack of insurance of many Americans and how the high cost of benefits causes many problems. However, despite some weaknesses, the article uses successfully evidence to establish credibility and present universal health care as the solution. II Summary Millions of Americans do not have insurance or are underinsured, which exposes them to illness and premature death. The rising cost of insurance premiums leads many businesses to file bankruptcy. Moreover, most Americans agree that the health care system is broken, and they also understand that the United States is the only industrialized nation without a national health care, which political leaders do not seem to perceive. Some studies indicate that the overwhelming majority of Americans want a universal health insurance, a s ystem that makes the government the single bill payer, reduces paperwork cost, gets rid of expensive insurance organizations and saves millions of dollars in CEO compensation. In the current system, doctors spend more time filling insurance paperwork than with patients. The choice of a universal health insurance stems from the recognition of the failure of the industry and its disastrous effects but also a deep understanding of the necessity for people to get help when they need it. The health care issue gets highly politicized during electoral times, and many groups advocate different options all of which are better than the existing system; however, universal health insurance is still the best. Besides, the lobbies of politicians who depend on the financial support from the health care industry prevent the project from becoming a reality. III Interpretation and Evaluation The article has an unusual organization that does not follow the traditional paragraph format. Instead, it is made of short segments of different length throughout the whole essay. However, it does contain some specific parts that present different aspects of health care. The article adopts the form of a dialogue with questions and answers; the authors address readers as â€Å"you† and themselves as â€Å"we† as if they engage in an open discussion with them. The format and style of the article are very effective because they allow readers to clearly understand the message through the short segments and feel comfortable as if the authors were present through this conversational approach. Even though the article is relatively short, the authors have thoroughly treated the topic and addressed its most important points. They have clearly shown the failure of the current health care system that has left millions of Americans uninsured, which exposes them to disease and premature death: â€Å"An estimated 50 million Americans lack medical insurance, and a similar and rapidly growi ng number are underinsured. The uninsured are excluded from services, charged more for services, and die when medical care could save them† (Pibel & Gelder). They also demonstrate the negative impact of the broken health care industry on businesses and how it leads them to bankruptcy: â€Å"Businesses are suffering too. Insurance premiums increased 73 percent between 2000 and 2005, and per capita costs are expected to keep rising†

Posing a problematic question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Posing a problematic question - Essay Example Putting up a home requires flat and leveled ground. According to the picture, the area in question does not hold this characteristic as it is on a steep area hence making it not suitable for human habitation. Other details in the picture are controversial to these assumptions. The leaves could indicate the possibility of trees growing in the area. Another feature is the landscape that is steep in nature. Trees and steep landscape are usually associated with high rainfall that is essential for human existence. The boy in the picture shows human existence in the area despite the harsh conditions surrounding the boy. The boys’ good health demonstrates that there could be possible measures put in place rendering the area harmless by use of mosquito nets to prevent malaria (Oberlender 10). The area in question has more advantages for human habitation than hindrances. In conclusion, we see that with intervention, this area is able to support conditions required for good and healthy living

Bible Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bible Story - Essay Example In spite of the prohibition, Eve and Adam disobeyed God through the prodding of Satan, disguised as a serpent. As punishment, God banished them from paradise and they became mortals. They had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain, being the envious one, killed Abel because God likes Abel more. God cursed Cain. The third son was Seth and they had more children that the Earth was populated. However, the people became decadent and sinful. God decided to wipe out the population of the Earth with the exception of Noah and his family, plus pairs of animals who were to be saved in the ark that was ordered by god. For 40 days and 40 nights, the flood cleansed the Earth. After that, god promised that there won’t be anymore floods and Noah thanked him. Noah’s children filled the Earth again and they, again, became decadent and sinful. They worshipped many gods and idols including the Tower of Babel. God punished them by confusing their languages and scattered them all over the Earth. The n God chose Abraham to start a people that would worship him including instructions to go to Canaan, promising Abraham that he would be leader of the Canaanites. He also told Abraham to circumcise himself and all of his male descendants as a sign of faith.

Government response to terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Government response to terrorism - Essay Example There have been numerous controversies surrounding legal definition of terrorism. Left-wing critics claim that use of a nation’s armed forces in crushing an opponent’s political progress amounts to terrorism. In this context, a ruling government which uses indiscriminate violence to destroy an opponent’s progress engages in terrorism. Apart from a ruling government, terrorism comprise of violent activities used by nationalists fighting an oppressive regime. In fact the late Nelson Mandela was once branded as a terrorist by the white government in South Africa. This means that these controversies undermine existence of a definite boundary between justifiable uses of violence for political progress. Fraser and Staniforth (2012) says that from a legal perspective, UK law defines terrorism as any act of violence that causes or threatens to cause indiscriminate loss of lives, property damage and create a serious risk to health and safety of the public. The UK governme nt takes any such form of violence which seeks to influence governmental institutions or the public as acts of terror. Terrorism is not new in Britain. In the last decade, British security forces arrested approximately 1800 people in connection to terror related cases. Most of these individuals arrested are British citizens involved or associated with accomplishing assistance roles in extremist activities. Demographics show that a substantial portion of those arrested are radical youth lured by perpetrators towards a path of violent extremism.

Technology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Technology - Research Paper Example There are various benefits that have been offered by different technological advancements, but these advancements have been severally criticized by the opponents of the debate of technology being beneficial or harmful to the society and its members. The opponents as well as the proponents of the debate use various researches in order to support their claims. The benefits of technological advancements have been well documented but at the same time the negative effects of technological advancements have even been well researched and these negative effects have been as severe as being the cause of death amongst the members of the society. As new technological advancements enter the society the concern of how negatively these advancements are impacting human beings has increased within stakeholders and policy makers. Technological advancements may have several benefits to offer but it is severally damaging the educational, social, physical and psychological life of human beings. The use of technological devices has increased quite steadily and these advancements are being used by people of all ages including teenagers, young adults, older adults as well as seniors. Steinberg in his article has cited various studies that have been conducted in order to provide insight regarding the benefits of video game technology and in these researches the populations that were survey and observed included children ageing 4 to 6 years old, children who were in the middle years of the school life, individuals who were working as adults and various others (Steinberg 1). Similarly, Winteman focuses on the use of technology of internet amongst the population of teenagers while discussing the impact of technology on members of society (Winteman 1). Technological advancements have severally damaged the psychological wellbeing of its users. The proponents of technology argue that technological developments have impacted the psychological development of the members of the

COMBATING COMPASSION FATIGUE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

COMBATING COMPASSION FATIGUE - Essay Example If the connection is prolonged, the practitioner develops compassion fatigue. Yoder (2010) describes compassion fatigue as a vice that minimizes the efficiency of the practitioner due to their increased connection with their duties. Moreover, compassion fatigue develops a nature in a practitioner that tends to ignore the requirements of the patient. The practitioner is overburdened with emotional and spiritual connections to a point that they do not feel the need to perform exemplarily in their position. 16% – 85% of health care workers in different fields suffer from compassion fatigue (Yoder, 2010). This describes the extent of the crisis in the industry. This paper will provide signs that depict signs of compassion fatigue. In addition, I will analyze the problems that may be caused and aid that may relieve caregivers. There are numerous signs that may depict compassion fatigue in a caregiver. Firstly, the performance of the practitioner deteriorates significantly. This is because the focus of the caregiver is shifted to address their emotional problems. Additionally, the caregiver does not concentrate on their work. This decreases their effectiveness to perform. Apart from physical signs, caregiver may suffer from psychological effects. For instance, they find it difficult to stop thinking about their patients and job. Walton & Alvarez (2010) is of the assumption that a caregiver should be able to have a life beyond their job description. A failure to achieve this depicts compassion fatigue. In other occasion, the caregiver becomes obsessed with their patients. In a worst case, of compassion fatigue, the caregiver has trouble sleeping. This is caused by memories and over thinking about their job and patients. Another sign is that the caregiver does not have the energy and will to work. In addition, they become less satisfied with their work. This

Past Year Question Essay Example for Free

Past Year Question Essay PART A Public Awareness is the Key to Fight Pollution Pollution in the most basic form littering of rubbish or clogged drains to that of higher level such as dumping of hazardous waste and illegal logging, is chiefly attributed to lack of public awareness, so contends Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. As Malaysia joins the ranks of industrialized nations, pollution is fast becoming a menace that the country has to cope with. No amount of law can succeed in deterring people from polluting the environment so long as they are unaware about the adverse consequences of their action, he said. Although we have come down hard on the culprits, we can never be satisfied as we keep on raising the bar by benchmarking against developed nations in the likes of Japan, Sweden and New Zealand where every citizen is fully aware of their role in environmental preservation, he adds. As for water pollution, once a source of drinking water, many rivers in Malaysia have become dumping grounds for various types of hazardous wastes. Of all natural resources, water is the most severely threatened by pollution in this country. In 2006, gypsum, oil and hydrocarbon, dross, heavy metal sludge, mineral sludge and e-waste were the main categories of waste produced in the country. Of the total wastes produced, 110,814 metric tonnes were treated and disposed at Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd, 9,360 metric tonnes (0.8%) at Trinekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and 11,364 metric tonnes were incinerated at licensed off-site facilities. Source: Malaysian Business 16/9/2007 QUESTION 1 a) As Malaysia joins the ranks of industrialised nations, pollution is fast becoming a menace that the country has to cope with. Based on your knowledge on the Materials Balance Model, explain this statement. (5 marks) Â © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 3 BM/OCT 2010/ECO656/646 b) Water pollution in Malaysia is caused by point and non-point sources. What is the difference between the two? Which classification does the group of water pollution sources mentioned in the last paragraph of the article belong to? (5 marks) What type of pollution control method can be implied from paragraphs 2 and 3 in the article? Describe the method and give an example. (5 marks) Pollution is chiefly attributed to lack of public awareness. Assuming you are an environmental economist, do you agree or disagree with the statement? Elaborate. (5 marks) c) d) e) What is the difference between positive and normative economics? Suggest one sentence in the article that reflects a positive statement. (5 marks) Â © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL PARTB 4 BM/OCT 2010/ECO656/646 QUESTION 1 a) What is sustainable development? Define and illustrate with an example. (5 marks) b) How is green gross domestic product (GDP) different from the traditional GDP? What are the arguments for the use of green GDP as growth indicator? (10 marks) With the help of relevant diagram, explain social welfare in the form of consumer surplus. (10 marks) c) QUESTION 2 a) What is meant by allocative efficiency? Explain. (5 marks) b) How does a deposit-refund system work in controlling domestic solid waste disposal? Explain with the assistance of a diagram. (10 marks) Define deforestation and its causes. Why is accelerated deforestation a concern in many countries? (10 marks) c) QUESTION 3 a) Describe the occurrence of global warming. (5 marks) b) What are the challenges faced by countries in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their countries? Explain. (10 marks) Explain the efforts done at international level to reduce ozone depletion problem. (10 marks) c) Â © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL QUESTION 4 5 BM/OCT 2010/ECO656/646 a) Market failure can be associated with externalities. Define market failure and externalities. (5 marks) Explain how free-ridership leads to market failure of a public good such as clean air. (10 marks) b) c) Palm oil refineries generate social cost to society in the form of smoke and particles. Explain and model in a diagram the efficient equilibrium for palm oil in the presence of these atmospheric emissions. (10 marks) QUESTION 5 Briefly explain the following: a) b) c) d) e) Explicit and implicit environmental costs (5 marks) Coase theorem (5 marks) Environmental Kuznets curve (5 marks) Polluter-Pay-Principle (5 marks) Acid deposition (5 marks) END OF QUESTION PAPER Â © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL

Mise-en-scene, Psycho | Analysis

Mise-en-scene, Psycho | Analysis Mise-en-scene, psycho The mise-en-scene, a French term roughly translated as what is put into the scene (put before the camera), refers to all those properties of a cinematic image that exist independently of camera position, camera movement, and editing (although a viewer will see these different dimensions united in one image). Mise-en-scene includes lighting, costumes, sets, the quality of acting, and other shapes and characters in the scene. The Major reason that we tend to overlook or undervalue mise-en-scene in the movies is the powerful illusion of realism that is at the heart of the film medium (Corrigan, Timothy.45). Mise-en-scene usually involves some planning, but the filmaker may be open to unplanned events as well. An actor may add a line on the set, or an unexpected change in lighting may enhance a dramatic effect (Bordwell, David and Thompson, Kristin.156). Setting, costumes, lighting, and staging-these are the components of mise-en-scene. Yet one element seldom appears in isolation. Each usually combines with others to create a specific system in every film- (Bordwell, David.175). Mise-en-scene functions not in only isolated moments, but in relation to the narrative organization of the entire film (Bordwell, David.184). Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho (1960), a suspense horror film is one of the famous film which explores the conventional characteristics of film which are relevant to mise-en-scene. The film is encountered between two characters, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) a secretary and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) the owner of the motel. Psycho starts with a title which is sliced up into halves from the middle, which depicts the split personality of Norman, who has been portrayed as psycho in the movie. The title is a reflection on his character. Psycho starts with showing the city of Phoenix, then the buildings and cars are shown from the top angle and then the camera pans to the window which is half closed , this also reflects the duality and shows that something suspicious is going to happen. Inside the room Marion is shown wearing a white underwear. In the next scene when she steals money from her employer and gets back home, she is then shown wearing a black underwear, which shows the difference b etween purity and evilness, because in white underwear she was shown pure, but after she steals the money, the black underwear signifies that she has done a crime and her sin has replaced her purity, and stealing money also shows an authority , as she got what she wanted and now she has control on things. And when she runs away from her home after stealing money, we see her wearing black dress, bag and shoes. Moreover her car was black as well portraying everything as evil. This beginning scene holds a grip on the audience which makes them stick to the screen. Psychos crucial and important scene is the murder of Marion in the shower, which is known as the Shower Scene. 77 camera angles are featured in this scene, and most of the shots are close ups and extreme close ups. When Marion enters the bathroom, everything is shown completely white, which shows purity, where as Marion is not pure so it signifies that she is taking a shower to clean all of her sins Then the scene starts continuing in different shots and camera angles which shows that something is about to happen, and then there is a silhouette shot of Marion which signifies that things are going to go on a darker side from white. The use of close shots is to make the scene feel longer and more subjective. There are some mediums shots, which are shot before and after the murder, the reason they are not shot between the murder is to show violence and to make the audience feel as they are seeing a murder in reality and while the murder is happening, the audience can feel the helplessne ss of Marion, and that she is in danger and needs help but there is not one to help her, so audience feel like going into the scene and help her out. Hitchcock is famous for using these kind of shots to make the audience go crazy and feel the reality and here comes the suspension of disbelief which makes the scene more interesting for the audience. The murder ends with a medium shot where blood is pouring into the drain of the tub which shows the end of Marions life. One of the other important scene is the parlor scene, when Marion is eating her sandwich the camera is placed on her eye level so the audience could feel that they are sitting with Marion and having a conversation with her, and for Norman the camera is low angled which shows that his life is out of balance, and something wrong is going on, because nobody is comfortable on viewing the world from such a position. Then the props and costume has played an important role in this scene, especially the eagle and other stuffed birds on the wall. This portrays the motel as a mad house, builds up frightening moment of the scene and signifies that something wrong is going to happen. Marions clothes are light in color, and her posture is very relaxed where as Norman is wearing dark clothes which portrays him as dominant, wicked evil man and it also shows that Marion will be soon victimized by the hands of Norman. The use of mise-en-scene in this scene is very effective as it previews what is goi ng happen next in the narrative. There are many things which are used as motif in Psycho with in the mise-en-scene. For example, the use of bathroom in the beginning, then the bathroom is shown twice and then the most important murder scene which also occurs in the bathroom. The use of close up shots of the eyes to show the emotions and the nature of the character that the audience could feel. These eye shots are the key shots of the film and nicely used as motif, and the eye with close up is a perfect way to show the goal for violence act. For example after the murder, when we see the blood draining into the drain of the tub, the drain transforms into the eye of the victim, who is lying dead on the bathroom floor. The shots of mirrors are also repeated couple of times to show the mirror image and the dual personality of the character. Birds have been used as a motif, be it stuffed birds in the parlor or the frames in the motel room, this signifies that Marion who came in the motel, she was not less than a stuffed b ird on wall or a frame, who could not fly back ever again, as she was murdered by the psycho man. Even when Norman was taking her dead body out of the room, the frame falls down, which shows the end of her life. The car was also used a motif, it was Morains death that was calling her into the motel and it was the car that took her into it. Then the use of low angle and high angle shots through out the course of the film as a motif to make audience feel comfortable and uncomfortable in different situations throughout the movie. Further looking towards the lighting in Psycho, Hitchcocks artistry in lighting and mise-en-scene created a world that is submerged with duality. For example, the parlor scene, where there is a small place, and it is occupied with a lot of stuff, just to show an uncomfortable situation between Marion and Norman, and there is only one source of light which is coming from the lamp, which is the key light in that whole frame. The way these characters are lit by only one source of light and the way they are positioned is done so well that their emotions are valid, and the audience can tell whats going on in the characters mind. For example, when Marion is sitting on a chair, on that time her face is very well lit, which doesnt hide her in shadows as she has stolen 40,000 dollars, but the high key lighting on her face shows that she is not on a darker and evil side, it creates softness and shows that shes having an intension of returning the stolen money. Where as Norman is not well lit in this scene, the back and fill lightening is very minimum because of which he is in shadows, which shows his dual personality and that he is hiding something. In the last scene, when Norman is shown in the jail, we see that he is clad in a black blanket portraying him as a villain and wicked facial expressions on his face shows the evilness of his character and that he is not guilty of what he did, infact he was a truly psycho man. The movie ends with the last scene where we see the car carrying Morains dead body emerging out of the water, which has been used as motif throughout the film. Overall, Hitchcock has done an amazing job with Psychos mise-en-scene with the mixture of camera angles, lightening and editing, and the use of these elements from the beginning till end, and the contribution of these all have added sense to the concept, as the use is justifiable and gain audiences interest. Stages of Decomposition: Effect of Time and Temperature Stages of Decomposition: Effect of Time and Temperature Chapter I INTRODUCTION Watson, can you determine cause and time of death? I knelt over the woman and began a cursory examination â€Å"Rigor mortis has set in, so Id estimate shes been dead about 10 to 12 hours. Holmes stood up and brushed himself off with his hands. So, that puts her death between midnight and 2 am†(Anonymous 2007). After the question of cause of death; the question of time of death is the most sought after piece of information associated with a medical death investigation. As a consequence, death investigators find themselves in need of a means of ascertaining the period of time between when an individuals body is found and when they died, sometimes referred to as the post mortem interval. Establishing the time of death through the determination of post mortem interval may have a direct bearing on the legal questions of guilt or innocence by confirming that a suspects alibi covers the period when the victim died, or demonstrating that it does not. If the time of death can be established to within hours, days, months or even years, an individual may be able to prove that they were at some other place at that time. On the other hand, if the suspect is known to have been in the vicinity of the victim during the appropriate time period, then they can be shown to have had an opportunity to commit th e crime. Currently, there are multiple techniques for determining post mortem interval that incorporate methods in almost every discipline of forensic science. Depending on the circumstances, these techniques can yield results that vary from a narrow accurate estimate (video of the victim, the victims stopped watch etc.) to a wide range estimate (counting tree rings on trees growing over or through the remains). Regardless of the of the method used, the calculation of post mortem interval is at best an estimate and should not be accepted as accurate without considering all of the factors that can potentially impact the result. Post Mortem Interval Estimation â€Å"For everything there is a season, And a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 The techniques currently utilized for estimating post mortem interval can be broken down into two broad categories based upon the methodology used. The first of these categories are the concurrence-based methodologies. Concurrence based methods relate or compare the occurrence of a known event, which took place at a known time, with the occurrence of death, which took place at an unknown time. Examples of concurrence-based methods include the determining the years of manufacture of clothing found on a body, tree ring development, dates on personal effects, etc. Concurrence based methods rely on both evidence associated with the body, and anamnestic evidence such as the deceaseds normal pattern of movements. The second grouping of techniques include rate of change methodologies. Rate of change-based methodologies measure some aspect of a evidence, directly associated with the body, that changes at a known or predictable rate and is started or stopped at the time of death. Examples of the rate of change based methods include body temperature, tissue decomposition, insect succession and bone weathering. Some of these methodologies can be considered to fall into both categories. Examples of these would be tree ring development (Coyle, Lee et al. 2005) and insect succession. Previous post mortem interval Estimation Methods The variety of approaches for estimating post mortem interval spring from the varied expertise and experiences of their proponents as such the different methods tend to be focused on the immediate needs of the investigator, and limited to a particular stage of the post mortem interval or type of observation. As a consequence, the period of time for which a procedure is effective will overlap others. Algor, Rigor and Liver Mortis â€Å"Tis after death that we measure men.† James Barron Hope The earliest recorded methods for estimating early post mortem interval were a rate of change methodology based on the most easily observed changes. The cooling of the body after death (algor mortis), the gradual stiffening of the body (rigor mortis) and the fixed pooling of the blood resulting in discoloration of the lower portions of the body (livor mortis) can be easily assessed with minimal or in some instances no instrumentation. Since the time of the ancient Greeks when the following rule of thumb was developed: Warm and not stiff: Not dead more than three hours; Warm and stiff: Dead between 3 and 8 hours; Cold and stiff: Dead between 8 and 36 hours; Cold and not stiff: Dead more than 36 hours; (Starkeby 2004) until modern times, the basis of most temperature based post mortem interval analyses is the assumption that the human body, which averages 98.2 oF +/- 1.3 oF (Mall and Eisenmenger 2005), was at 98.6 oF (Mackowiak, Wasserman et al. 1992) at death and that after death the body looses heat in a predictable manner. There have been many temperature based methods for estimating post mortem interval. As early as the 1800s, Dr. John Davy had developed a method using the fall in body temperature (algor mortis), measured rectally, to determine the post mortem interval (Henssge and Knight 2002). This method was refined by De Saram by recording detailed temperature measurements collected from executed prisoners (De Saram G. 1955). More recent approaches to this technique have included measuring rectal temperature, body surface temperature, ear canal temperature, eye socket temperature and liver temperature (Simonsen, Voigt et al. 1977; Henssge and Knight 1995; Baccino, De Saint Martin et al. 1996; Kanetake, Kanawaku et al. 2006). Improvements to these techniques have included multiple progressive sampling, and the introduction of concepts such as the initial temperature plateau, core temperature, heat gradients, the effects of insulation, the ratio of surface area to volume, the effects of humidity and the effect of conductive surfaces, Microclimates and postmortem skin cooling (Green and Wright 1985; Nokes, Flint et al. 1992; Nelson 2000). However, most methods that attempt to use body temperature changes to determine the post mortem interval are hampered, as most methods are, by individual variability. Even when complex calculations and algorithms have been designed to model for tissue density, initial temperature distribution, post mortem exothermic reactions and heat loss, these refinements have not appreciably narrowed the estimate window for post mortem interval. Multiple studies outlining instances of initial temperature increase of a body soon after death (Hutchins 1985) associated with post mortem chemical changes such as rigor mortis, cell lysis and the conversion of cellular energy production to anaerobic respiration (Nelson 2000); variations in the core body temperature ranging from 0.5 1.2  °C during a 24 hour period (Chisholm 1911; Mackowiak, Wasserman et al. 1992); the effect of variable environmental temperatures (Green and Wright 1985; Green and Wright 1985); and the effect of environmental temperatu re on overall body surface temperatures (Mall, Hubig et al. 2002) have all contributed to limit the usefulness temperature as a consistent indicator of post mortem interval. Additionally, once the body has reached ambient temperature temperature ceases to be a factor. Marshall said it best when he said ‘‘It would seem that the timing of death by means of temperature can never be more than an approximation(Henssge and Knight 1995). Soft and Hard Tissue Decomposition â€Å"Now, a corpse, poor thing, is an untouchable and the process of decay is, of all pieces of bad manners, the vulgarest imaginable†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Aldous Huxley Cadaveric decomposition is a complex process that begins immediately following death and proceeds beyond the time when recognizable human remains have ceased to exist. Decomposition can be broken down into two major stages. The first stage, soft-tissue decomposition, is caused by autolysis and putrefaction. Autolysis is the digestion of tissue by cellular enzymes and digestive processes normally present in the organism. Putrefaction is the digestion of whole tissues systems caused by the enzymatic activity of fungi and bacteria that are either present in the organism or the environment that opportunistically invade the tissue. Both autolysis and the microorganisms responsible for putrefaction are normally held in check in living organisms. However, when an organism dies the cellular and systemic mechanisms responsible for regulating autolysis and inhibiting putrefying microorganisms stop. â€Å"Without these controlling processes the body becomes fancy (bacterial) culture media† (Carayannopoulos 1992). These early postmortem changes in soft tissues can be used to provide an estimate of the post mortem interval from death until skeletonization. However, the rate of soft tissue decomposition can be dramatically affected by both internal and external factors that affect the body (i.e. ambient temperature, cause of death, scavenging, trauma, environmental conditions, clothing, body size, mummification and adipocere formation) (Rodriguez and Bass 1985; Micozzi 1986; Mant 1987; Vass, Bass et al. 1992; Komar 1998; Campobasso, Di Vella et al. 2001). There are reported instances of rapid decomposition associated with acute illness (Frisch 2001) and the author is personally aware of an instance of a post mortem interval of less than eleven days resulting in complete skeletalization of an individual that died of complications related to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Watson 1994). Additionally, there are a number of examples of bodies remaining intact for year s after death (Bass and Jefferson 2003). Beyond gross observation for assessing decomposition, researchers have developed multiple morphometric and chemical methods for assessing soft tissue decomposition. These have ranged from early (ca.1800s) methods such as the Brouardel method which examined the shift in flammability of putrefaction gases in the early post-mortem interval, and the Westernhoffer-Rocha-Valverde method examining the formation of crystals in the blood formed after the third day of putrefaction (Cengage 2006); to more modern methods such as ultrasound assessments of organ condition (Uchigasaki, Oesterhelweg et al. 2004) and the use of electron microscopy to examine measurable physical changes in mitochondria (Munoz, de Almeida et al. 1999) and platelet count (Thomsen, Kaatsch et al. 1999). Chemical methods used to assess time since death include the assessment of volatile organic compound formation (Vass, Bass et al. 1992; Statheropoulos, Spiliopoulou et al. 2005; Statheropoulos, Agapiou et al. 2007; Dekeir sschieter, Verheggen et al. 2009); the concentrations of non-protein nitrogen (Sasaki, Tsunenari et al. 1983; Gallois-Montbrun, Barres et al. 1988) and creatinine (Gallois-Montbrun, Barres et al. 1988; Brion, Marc et al. 1991). Bony tissue decomposition, the second major stage of decomposition, consists of a combination of surface weathering due to environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight) and erosion from soil conditions (pH, mineral content, etc.) (Behrensmeyer 1978; Janjua and Rogers 2008). While not much detailed study has been done on the environmental factors that affect bony tissue breakdown, it has been established that environmental factors such as pH, oxygenation, hydrology and soil flora and fauna can affect the long term stability of collagen (Garlick 1969; Henderson 1987; Bell, Skinner et al. 1996). Collagen, the primary protenatious component of bone, slowly hydrolyzes to peptides and then to amino acids leading to the breakdown of the collagen-mineral bonds which weakens the overall bone structure leaving it more susceptible to environmental weathering (Henderson 1987). By examining the effects of related changes (cracking, flaking, vacuole formation, UV-fluorescence of compa ct bone) the investigator can estimate the period of time a bone sample has been exposed to weathering (Yoshino, Kimijima et al. 1991; Bell, Skinner et al. 1996; Janjua and Rogers 2008; Wieberg and Wescott 2008). Current methods of assessing time since death using bone weathering rely heavily upon the experience of the investigator (Knight and Lauder 1969) and are limited to immediately post skeletalization to 10 to 100 years based on environmental conditions (Haglund and Sorg 1997). As with the assessment of soft tissue decomposition for time since death, investigators examining bone decomposition have supplemented observational methods with quantifiable testing techniques that analyze changes that are not directly affected by the physical environment (Lundquist 1963). Radiocarbon dating of carbon-14 and strontium-90 have been used to group remains pre and post 1950 (Taylor, Suchey et al. 1989; Maclaughlin-Black, Herd et al. 1992). Neis suggested that, with further study of strontium-90 distributions, determination of times since death should be possible (Neis, Hille et al. 1999). Bradley suggested that measuring the distribution of 210Pb and 210Po in marrow and calcified bone could prove forensically significant (Bradley 1993). This work was built upon by Swift who evaluated using 210Pb and 210Po distribution in conjunction with trace element analysis to provide a meaningful estimate of the post-mortem interval (Swift 1998; Swift, Lauder et al. 2001). Maclaughl in demonstrated that chemical changes due to environment could measurably affect isotope levels (Maclaughlin-Black, Herd et al. 1992). In addition to radionucleotide studies, investigators have also measured the changes in both organic (amino acids, urea, proteins, DNA) and inorganic compounds (nitrogen, potassium, sulphur, phosphorous) in bone. (Jarvis 1997; Prieto-Castello, Hernandez del Rincon et al. 2007). Stomach Contents/Rate of Digestion â€Å"Govern well thy appetite, lest sin surprise thee, and her black attendant Death.† John Milton The presence or absence of food in the stomach is often used as an indicator of post mortem interval. Its use as an indicator of post mortem interval is predicated on the assumption that under normal circumstances, the stomach digests and empties at a predictable rate taking from two to six hours to eliminate a full meal (Jaffe 1989). If a person had eaten a light meal the stomach would empty in about 1.5-2 hours. For a medium-sized meal the stomach would be expected to take about three to four hours to empty. Finally, a large meal would take about four to six hours to exit the stomach. Regardless, it would take from six to eight hours for the initial portion of the meal to reach the large intestine (Hallcox 2007). This information, coupled with reliable ante-mortem information relating to when an individual last ate is used by some pathologists when providing an estimate of the times since death. It is for this reason, among others, that comprehensive autopsies usually include an ex amination of the stomach contents (Batten 1995; Siegel 2006). Although it provides another useful indicator of time since death, there are serious limitations to the assessment of the stomach contents as an accurate indicator of time since death. Its reliance on reliable anamnestic evidence such as eating habits, the extent to which the victim chews their food (Pera, Bucca et al. 2002), the physiological state of the victim (Troncon, Bennett et al. 1994; Jayaram, Bowen et al. 1997; Lipp, Schnedl et al. 1997; Phillips, Salman et al. 1997) and the state of mind of the victim (Jaffe 1989); as well as verifiable antemortem evidence such as what the last meal consisted of (protein vs. fiber vs. fat)(Dubois 1985; Tomlin, Brown et al. 1993), the amount of liquid consumed with the meal, alcohol consumption and the time when it was consumed limits its usefulness to a small number of cases (Jaffe 1989). These factors combined with evidence that digestion can continue after death (Koersve 1951) makes the estimation of post mortem interval using stomach co ntents difficult at best. Insect Succession â€Å"Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms.† Clint Eastwood from the Outlaw Josey Wales Insect colonization of a body begins within hours of death and proceeds until remains cease to be a viable insect food source. Throughout this period, multiple waves of colonization by different insect species, as well as multiple generations of previously established species can exist. Forensic entomologists can use the waves of succession and generation time to estimate the postmortem interval based on the variety and stage of development of the insects, or insect remnants, present on the body (Archer and Elgar 2003). In addition to information regarding time since death, forensic entomology can provide useful information about the conditions to which the body was exposed. Most insects have a preference for specific conditions and habitats when colonizing a body and laying their eggs. Modifications to that optimal habitat can interrupt the expected insect colonization and succession. The presence of insects or insect larva that would typically be found on bodies colonized indoors o r in shade on a body discovered outside in direct sunlight may indicate that the body was moved after death (Sharanowski, Walker et al. 2008). Aquatic insects found on bodies discovered on land could indicate the body was originally in water (Wallace, Merritt et al. 2008; Proctor 2009). Although insect succession varies by season, geographical location and local environmental conditions, it is commonly assumed to follow a predictable sequence within a defined habitat. While there are a multitude of studies that have examined regional succession patterns (Archer and Elgar 2003; Tabor, Brewster et al. 2004; Tabor, Fell et al. 2005; Martinez, Duque et al. 2007; Eberhardt and Elliot 2008; Sharanowski, Walker et al. 2008) these studies use different approaches towards defining habitat and assessing insect succession making cross-comparisons of their data difficult. Also, the majority of these studies do not rigorously address the statistical predictability of a species occurrence making their results of limited use as post mortem interval indicators (Michaud and Moreau 2009). Additionally, beyond the presence or absence of clothing, the majority of the post mortem entomological studies conducted do not examine non-habitat external factors that may affect succession. For example, only a few studies have been conducted that assess the affect of drug ingestion (George, Archer et al. 2009) or the presence of chemicals (bleach, lye, acid etc.) used to cover-up evidence (Charabidze, Bourel et al. 2009) on the insect life cycle. As with other means of assessing time since death, more extensive studies with different insect species and drugs in a wider variety of habitats is necessary. Electrolyte Concentration â€Å"Death is a low chemical trick played on everybody†¦Ã¢â‚¬  J.J. Furnas Cellular activity does not immediately cease when an organism dies. Rather, individual cells will continue to function at varying metabolic rates until the loss of oxygen and metabolic substrates caused by the cessation of blood flow results in hypoxia (low oxygen). As cell metabolism shifts from aerobic to anaerobic, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP generation, the cellular processes keeping autolysis in check, begin to decrease and eventually cease all together. Without energy to maintain osmotic gradients membranes begin to fail. As lysosomal membranes begin to fail the enzymes within are released and begin consuming the cell from the inside out. With autolysis comes a cascade of metabolic chemicals, released ions, originally bound up in various cellular processes begin to diffuse due to the diffusion gradient according to Ficks law into the intracellular spaces (Madea 2005). Forensic researchers have used the presence, absence or effects of inorganic ions such as potassium, phos phorous, calcium, sodium and chloride as a means of estimating time since death (Schleyer and Sellier 1958). In most instances the higher the concentration gradient, the more suitable is the analyte for the estimation of the time since death. When analyzing body fluids for the purposes estimating post mortem interval, early researchers tended to focus their studies on body fluids such as, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and pericardial fluid (Schleyer and Brehmer 1958; Coe 1972; Henssge and Knight 1995; Yadav, Deshpande et al. 2007) with a few others examining other compartmentalized bodily fluids (Madea, Kreuser et al. 2001) and the largest numbers focusing on vitrious humor (Madea, Henssge et al. 1989; Ferslew, Hagardorn et al. 1998; Madea and Rodig 2006; Kumagai, Nakayashiki et al. 2007; Thierauf, Musshoff et al. 2009). Chemical methods used to assess these analytes in blood and spinal fluid as an indicator of post mortem interval have failed to gain general acceptance because, for th e most part, they failed to produce precise, reliable, and rapid results as required by the forensic community (Lundquist 1963). Current chemical methods which have primarily focused on vitreous fluid tend to suffer from the same limitations demonstrated by the fact that with notable exceptions (Pounder 1995) very few statistically rigorous field studies on the reliability and precision of estimating post mortem interval are available in the literature (Coe 1993; Madea 2005). Enzyme Activity As previously discussed, cellular activity does not cease when clinical death occurs. In any circumstances where the cellular metabolism shifts from a homeostatic balanced state to an imbalanced state biochemical changes occur. Changes in the levels and/or activity of enzymes (i.e. cardiac troponin, c-reactive proteins, and G proteins) have long been used as indicators of cellular stress (Li, Greenwood et al. 1996; Katrukha, Bereznikova et al. 1998; Tsokos, Reichelt et al. 2001; Uhlin-Hansen 2001). Assessing similar changes in cellular biochemistry as a function of time since death provides investigators with a wide variety of tissues, testing methods and analytes for consideration. As a consequence, forensic investigators have assessed and suggested enzymes from heart, pancreas, muscle, blood and brain as potentially suitable markers for time since death (Wehner, Wehner et al. 1999; Wehner, Wehner et al. 2001; Kang, Kassam et al. 2003; Jia, Ekman et al. 2007; Poloz and ODay 2009). C omparisons of total proteins analyzed ante and post mortem analyzed using two dimensional gel electrophoresis and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight have demonstrated changes in metabolic enzymes, (Jia, Ekman et al. 2007; Hunsucker, Solomon et al. 2008). Assessing the changes in enzyme activity provides examiners a means to assess time since death, in many instances long before visible cellular changes. However, in at least a few of these studies results indicate that enzyme degradation during extraction and partial enzyme activity observed with degradation products these markers better suited to qualitative analysis rather than quantitative analysis (Sabucedo and Furton 2003). Muscle/Nerve Excitation Both neurons and myocytes retain the ability to respond to electrical stimulation for at least a short period of time after organism death. (Sugioka, Sawai et al. 1995; Briskey, Kastenchmidt et al. 2002; Sams 2002). The response of nervous and muscle tissue to external electric stimulation has also been investigated and proposed as means to estimate time since death (Kline and Bechtel 1990; Straton, Busuttil et al. 1992). Methods developed to investigate myocyte excitability assess the relative magnitude and duration of the muscle contraction during the application of external stimulation. To assess the contractile response, a combination of observational based assessments (Madea 1990; Jones, James et al. 1995) and measurement based assessments (Henssge, Lunkenheimer et al. 1984; Madea 1992) have been suggested and reported. Similar investigations have examined post mortem excitation of nervous tissue by measuring a variety of neurological reactions to stimuli. These include the alteration of Compound Muscle Action Potential (Nokes, Daniel et al. 1991; Elmas, Baslo et al. 2001; Elmas, Baslo et al. 2002), lengthen of the refractory or non-propagating period immediately following the CMAP (McDowall, Lenihan et al. 1998), the extracellular impedance/resistance (Querido 2000), the chronaxie measurement or the time over which a current double that necessary to produce a contraction is applied before the contraction occurs (Straton, Busuttil et al. 1992) and the changes in the amplitude of the F-wave (the secondary CMAP observed after the initial CMAP) have all been examined, and been suggested as potential indicators of time since death. The results of studies examining the response of excitable tissue to electric stimulation have been consistent in that the stimulation response varies predictably over time. However, suitability for absolute indicators of time since death remains in questions as investigators have reported contradictory results related to the effect of the manner of death on the stimulation response (Madea and Henssge 1990; Elmas, Baslo et al. 2002). RNA Degradation RNA degradation, both antemortem and postmortem, is a complex process that is not well understood. Unlike with DNA degradation, continuous degradation of inducible mRNAs by native ribonucleases is used as a means of translational control. After cell death these ribonucleases, no longer kept in check by the mechanisms of cellular homeostasis, combine with exogenous ribonucleases from bacteria and fungi to begin un-inhibited digestion of all cellular RNA. Investigators have noted extensive variability in RNA degradation rates in different tissues (Bauer 2007). Not surprisingly such variability appears to be related to the antemortem ribonuclease activity of the tissue; with relatively ribonuclease poor tissues such as brain and retina exhibiting greater RNA stability (Johnson, Morgan et al. 1986; Malik, Chen et al. 2003) when compared to ribonucleases rich tissues such as liver, stomach and pancreas (Humphreys-Beher, King et al. 1986; Finger, Mercer et al. 1987; Bauer, Gramlich et al. 2003). Additionally, but also not surprisingly, some constitutively expressed mRNAs have been shown to be more stable, or perhaps simply more prevalent, than inducible mRNAs (Inoue, Kimura et al. 2002). Additionally, while intrabrain mRNA levels are fairly constant, interbrain levels vary considerably (Preece, Virley et al. 2003). As a consequence of these observations, the degradation of RNA (total and/or mRNA) have been suggested as a potential analyte to assess time since death. Researchers examining the effect of post mortem interval on RNA stability have examined a variety of targets (mRNA, both tissue specific and constitutively expressed, and total RNA) with an assortment of methods including Reverse Transcriptase (RT) PCR(Ohshima and Sato 1998; Fleige, Walf et al. 2006; Haller, Kanakapalli et al. 2006; Zhao, Zhu et al. 2006), RNA (cDNA) microarrays (Bahn, Augood et al. 2001; Catts, Catts et al. 2005; Son, Bilke et al. 2005; Popova, Mennerich et al. 2008) and quantitative RT-qPCR (VanGuilder, Vrana et al. 2008). Based on these studies, there are indications that beyond time and temperature, factors such as hypoxia, tissue pH, antemortem physiological conditions (coma, seizure activity and injury) postmortem transcriptional activity and RNA sequence can dramatically affect the stability and measurable levels of RNA (Burke, OMalley et al. 1991; Harrison, Heath et al. 1995; Ohshima and Sato 1998; Catts, Catts et al. 2005; Bauer 2007). When examining the sem inal question regarding time since death and temperature some researchers have reported temperature and time as significant factors affecting mRNA levels (Burke, OMalley et al. 1991), while others have reported the reverse (Harrison, Heath et al. 1995; Preece and Cairns 2003). These contradictory data are not surprising given the changes in the specificity, sensitivity and application of the assays used; however, the ultimate question has not been resolved. What is clear from the research is that RNA degradation (mRNA or total) is a complex process (Preece and Cairns 2003; Preece, Virley et al. 2003; Heinrich, Lutz-Bonengel et al. 2007) effected by multiple factors indicating more study will be required before RNA degradation can be considered a reliable indicator of time since death. DNA Degradation and its Effect on DNA Typing Since the initial application of molecular biology techniques to samples of forensic significance in the latter half of the 1980s, forensic scientists have noted that increased exposure to environmental insults can negatively impact DNA quality. Developmental validation studies performed to evaluate the efficacy of new typing techniques (SWGDAM 2008) have found that environmental variables such as heat, high humidity, direct moisture, fungal/bacterial contamination and ultraviolet light can impact the quantity or quality of the DNA sample making them unsuitable for DNA analysis (McNally, Shaler et al. 1989; Graw, Weisser et al. 2000; Takayama, Nakamura et al. 2003; Bender, Farfan et al. 2004; Schneider, Bender et al. 2004; Niemcunowicz-Janica, Pepinski et al. 2007). During transitions in technology from Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based testing, researchers noted that samples too degraded to produce an RFLP pattern could still produce profiles using a variety of PCR based markers that evaluated loci shorter in length (Hochmeister, Budowle et al. 1991). This finding supports the hypothesis that degradation in the forensic setting is (not surprisingly) processive. Additional research found that while the DNA in some samples like cadaveric blood and kidney tissue could degrade to the point where it was no longer suitable for DNA fingerprinting after as little as a week (Ludes, Pfitzinger et al. 1993); other samples such as bone (Hochmeister, Budowle et al. 1991; Frank and Llewellyn 1999) and teeth (Schwartz, Schwartz et al. 1991; Pfeiffer, Huhne et al. 1999) could, under most conditions, provide typeable DNA for months. The fact that DNA degradation has a detrimental effect on larger genetic loci, and affects different tissues at different rates is considered to be of extraordinary forensic significance is evidenced by the numbers of studies that seek to examine, and overcome this effect (42 validation studies specifically mentioning DNA degradation from 1995-2009 in PubMed). This makes perfect sense when the observer considers the impact that degradation can have on selecting suitable samples and evaluating the resultant DNA profiles. However, a number of researchers have looked beyond the simple question of how degradation affects the typing of samples to broader questions such as the mechanisms of postmortem degradation (De Marà ­a and Arruti 2004; Foran 2006) and synthesis (Oehmichen, Frasunek et al. 1988) and how that knowledge can be used to assist in the assessment of time since death. DNA degradation by RFLP: Since Sir Alec Jeffreys first applied Southern blotting (Southern 1975) techniques to the testing of forensically significant samples in 1985 (Jeffreys, Brookfield et al. 1985) DNA analysis has revolutionized forensic science. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism DNA analysis relies on variations in the lengths of DNA fragments generated by enzyme restriction. With restriction fragments ranging from approximately from 2 33 kilobases (Baird, Balazs et al. 1986) successful typing and analysis requires high quality (un-fragmented) DNA. Researchers noted from the outset that in some cases involving older and/or postmortem samples that DNA degradation, tied to the exposures of higher temperatures, resulted in the gradual disappearance of the longer fragments reducing the evidentiary value of older samples (Bar, Kratz