Intersectionality - Definition and Discussion

Intersectionality refers to the simultaneous experience of categorical and hierarchical classifications including but not limited to race, class, gender, sexuality, and nationality. It also refers to the fact that what is often perceived as disparate forms of oppression, like racism, classism, sexism, and xenophobia, are actually mutually dependent and intersecting in nature, and together they compose a unified system of oppression. Thus, the privileges we enjoy and  the discrimination we face  are a product of our unique positioning in society as determined by these social classifiers. The Intersectional Approach Sociologist Patricia Hill Collins developed and explained the concept of intersectionality in her groundbreaking book, Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment, published in 1990. Today intersectionality is a mainstay concept of critical race studies, feminist studies, queer studies, the sociology of globalization, and a critical sociological approach, generally speaking. In addition to race, class, gender, sexuality, and nationality, many of todays sociologists also include categories like age, religion, culture, ethnicity, ability, body type, and even looks in their intersectional approach. Crenshaw on Race and Gender in the Legal System The term â€Å"intersectionality† was first popularized in 1989 by critical legal and race scholar  Kimberlà © Williams Crenshaw  in a paper titled, â€Å"Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrines, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics,† published in The University of Chicago Legal Forum. In this paper, Crenshaw reviewed  legal proceedings to illustrate how it is the intersection of race and gender that shapes how black men and women experience the legal system. She found, for example, that when cases brought by black women failed to match the circumstances of those brought by white women or by black men, that their claims were not taken seriously because they didnt fit perceived normative experiences of race or gender. Thus, Crenshaw concluded that black women were disproportionately marginalized due to the simultaneous, intersecting nature of how they are read by others as both raced and gender ed subjects. Collins and a â€Å"Matrix of Domination While Crenshaw’s discussion of intersectionality centered on what she has referred to as â€Å"the double bind of race and gender,† Patricia Hill Collins broadened the concept in her book Black Feminist Thought. Trained as a sociologist, Collins saw the importance of folding class and sexuality into this critical analytic tool, and later in her career, nationality too. Collins deserves credit for theorizing a much more robust understanding of intersectionality, and for explaining  how the intersecting forces of race, gender, class, sexuality, and nationality manifest in a â€Å"matrix of domination.† Privileges and Forms of Oppression The point of understanding intersectionality is to understand the variety of privileges and/or forms of oppression  that one may experience simultaneously at any given time.  For instance, when examining the social world through an intersectional lens, one can see that a wealthy, white, heterosexual man who is a citizen of the United States experiences the world from the apex of privilege. He is in the higher strata of economic class, he is at the top of the racial hierarchy of U.S. society, his gender places him in a position of power within a patriarchal society, his sexuality marks him as â€Å"normal,† and his nationality bestows upon him a wealth of privilege and power in global context. The Ideas and Assumptions Encoded in Race By contrast, consider the everyday experiences of a poor, undocumented Latina living in the U.S. Her skin color and phenotype mark her as â€Å"foreign† and â€Å"other† compared with the perceived normality of whiteness. The ideas and assumptions encoded in her race suggest to many that she is not deserving of the same rights and resources as others who live in the U.S. Some may even assume that she is on welfare, manipulating the health care system, and is, overall, a burden to society. Her gender, especially in combination with her race, marks her as submissive and vulnerable, and as a target to those who may wish to exploit her labor and pay her criminally low wages, whether in a factory, on a farm, or for household labor. Her sexuality too and that of the men who may be in positions of power over her is an axis of power and oppression, as it can be used to coerce her through the threat of sexual violence. Further, her nationality, say, Guatemalan, and her undocumen ted status as an immigrant in the U.S., also functions as an axis of power and oppression, which might prevent her from seeking health care when needed, from speaking out against oppressive and dangerous work conditions, or from reporting crimes committed against her due to fear of deportation. The Analytic Lens of Intersectionality The analytic lens of  intersectionality  is valuable here because it allows us to consider a variety of social forces simultaneously, whereas a class-conflict analysis, or gender or racial analysis, would limit our ability to see and understand the way privilege, power, and oppression operate in interlocking ways. However, intersectionality is not just useful for understanding how different forms of privilege and oppression exist simultaneously in shaping our experiences in the social world. Importantly, it also helps us to see that what is perceived as disparate forces are actually mutually dependent and co-constitutive. The forms of power and oppression present in the life of the undocumented Latina described above are particular not just to her race, gender, or citizenship status, but are reliant on common stereotypes of Latinas in particular, because of how their gender is understood in the context of their race, as submissive and compliant. Because of its power as an analytic tool, intersectionality is one of the most important and widely used concepts in sociology today.

Organizational Behavior ( Ob ) Studies The Influence That...

Organizational behavior (OB) studies the influence that individuals, groups, and organizational structure have on behavior within organizations. More succinctly, it is the study of how people interact in organizations. This paper will briefly review the following five topics that are included in the organizational behavior study process: 1. Managerial Functions 2. Corporate Culture 3. Organizational Culture 4. Strategic Planning 5. Tactical Planning Managerial Functions Management is the practice of attaining organizational goals by working with and through people and other organizational resources. This process has four basic managerial functions. The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Planning is the manner of setting objectives and deciding what actions will to accomplish them. Organizing is the process of assigning tasks, allocating resources, and arranging and coordinating the activities of individuals and groups to implement plans. Leading is the practice of touching individual’s enthusiasm to work hard and direct their efforts to fulfill plans and accomplish objectives. Controlling is the procedure of measuring work performance, comparing results to objectives, and taking corrective action as needed. Managers have ten types of managerial roles that they perform that help them manage their organizations personnel. There are interpersonal roles (figurehead, leader, and liaison) that involve interactions withShow MoreRelatedAn Introduction to Organizational Behavior1638 Words   |  7 PagesAn Introduction to Organizational Behavior 1. Define organizational behavior (OB) and explain its roots - a field of study that seeks to understand, explain, predict and change human behavior, both individual and collective, in the organizational context - includes 3 levels ï  ® individual: employee motivation and perception ï  ® group: teams, communication, job design, and leadership ï  ® organization-wide: change, culture and organizational structure ï  ® interorganizational (network): outsourcingRead MoreThe Importance Of Interpersonal Skills On The Workplace1695 Words   |  7 Pagesbecause the added organizational behavior element can help promote and improve awareness the social responsibility of a company. 2. What is the definition of organizational behavior (OB)? Per the textbook, organizational behavior is â€Å"a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations, for applying such knowledge toward improving an organization’s effectiveness† (Robbins 10). 3. How does systematic study contribute to our understandingRead MoreWhat Is Organizational Behavior?1458 Words   |  6 PagesOrganizational Behavior - a systematic study of a person’s behavior. Several issues of interest to organizational behavior researchers: Motivation, Emotions, Personality and Communication. (Self Assessment Library? IV.G.1) Interpersonal Skills: A. Importance of Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace. Previously, Business School focused on technical aspects of management, inc: econ, accounting, finance, etc. Human Behavior and People skills was barely covered. Last 30 years thoughRead MoreOrganizational Behavior : An Organization1054 Words   |  5 Pagestask of organizational structure is to encourage people to work hard and coordinate their effort to ensure a high level of organizational performance. To this effect the four key concepts that assistance in achieving the needed performance include understanding the meaning of organizational behavior; individual differences; values, attitudes, and moods and emotions; perception and attribution, and the management of diversity. Organizational Behavior (OB) Defining organizational behavior to be aRead MoreOrganization Behavior Disciplines/ Ob Disciplines1764 Words   |  8 PagesAs with most sciences, there exists a basis in which it is developed. As in Organizational Behavior it is â€Å"the study of the structure and functioning of organizations and the behavior of groups and individuals within them† and â€Å"drawing primarily on the disciplines of sociology and psychology† (Warner, 1994), that present it as a science that has strong ties to other disciplines. The history of Organizational Behavior (OB) can be traced back to the Scientific Management approaches from the IndustrialRead MoreStudy of Organizational Behavior and the Effective Management of People948 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Kseniia Derkach Organizational Behavior I believe that the relationship between the study of Organizational Behavior and the effective management of people in organizations is absolutely direct. It is impossible to manage people in organization effectively without knowledge about OB, organizational structure, communicational skills, empoyees’ satisfaction, motivation, change process, etc. It is impossible to solve any problem or conflict in the organization without understanding of the rulesRead MoreOrganizational Behavior Trends1619 Words   |  7 PagesOrganizational Behavior Trends Outline: 1. Definition of OB and related terminologies. 2. Role of decision making in OB environments. 3. Conflicts involved in decision making processes in organizations. 4. Rifts between managerial level staff and operations level workforce. 5. Stakeholders in decision making in a corporate hierarchy. 6. Self-inflicted ethical dilemmas and differences, causes for it. 7. Values and goals affecting causing ethical dilemmas in OB 8. Globalization and its strategic alliancesRead More Organizational Behavior Trends Essay1565 Words   |  7 PagesOrganizational Behavior Trends Outline: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Definition of OB and related terminologies. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Role of decision making in OB environments. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Conflicts involved in decision making processes in organizations. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rifts between managerial level staff and operations level workforce. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stakeholders in decision making in a corporate hierarchy. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Self-inflicted ethical dilemmas and differences, causes for it. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Values and goals affecting causing ethical dilemmas in OB Read MoreManagement and Page Ref11976 Words   |  48 PagesOrganizational Behavior, 14e (Robbins/Judge) Chapter 1 What Is Organizational Behavior? 1) Which of the following is not a reason why business schools have begun to include classes on organizational behavior? A) to increase manager effectiveness in organizations B) to help organizations attract top quality employees C) to expand organizations consulting needs D) to improve retention of quality workers E) to help increase organizations profits Answer: C Explanation: Understanding human behaviorRead MoreCase Study - All Star Sports Catalogue Division Essay1593 Words   |  7 PagesCase Study: All Star Sports Catalog Division 1 Case Study: Decision Making at the Top – The All Star Sports Catalog Division August 16, 2010 Case Study: All Star Sports Catalog Division 2 All-Star Sports Catalog Division (ASC) participated in a consultant-led study that reviewed the company‟s strategic decision-making process. As Hellings writes in his book of case studies for use by business schools, ASC sought improvement ideas to maximize utilization of successful elements from

Ethics - Professionalism and Governance for McDonalds Framework

Question: Discuss about theEthics, Professionalism and Governance for McDonalds Framework. Answer: McDonalds Framework is considered as a major framework for solving different ethical issues in the workplace. Five specific stages can be seen in this model to solve ethical dilemma in workplace and this model can be sued to solve the issues in the case study of Pico PCs Manufacturing Company. Collection of Information and Identification of the Problem The Australian Computer Society, commonly known as ACS, has mentioned about some major code of ethics or ethical values that the computer professionals are needed to comply with. From the provided case study, it can be observed that Kushlani is facing a major ethical dilemma regarding the manufacturing of 64 gold wires by the human labors. The CEO of Pico PCs wants to carry on with the manufacturing process in spite of knowing the fact that this could affect the eyes of the labors and can cause blindness. Specification of Feasible Alternatives In this case, there can be two feasible solutions. The first solution is to carry on the manufacturing process of wires with the help of robots and leave the idea to carry on the manufacturing process by the humans. The next alternative solution is to stop the manufacturing of 64 gold wires. Use of Ethical Resources to Identify the Significant Factors Some major ethical principles are involved in this provided situation. They are discussed below: The Primacy of the Public Interest: It is required to put the interest of public above all the business and professional interests. However, in the provided situation, it can be observed that the CEO of the company is only considering his own business interest and wants to continue the manufacturing process in the presence of serious health damages of the labors (Crane and Matten 2016). The Enhancement of Quality of Life: As per this code, the companies are required to enhance the quality of life of those people involves in the business. However, in the provided situation, the opposite of this rule can be seen. The quality of life of the labors will be largely affected in case the company starts manufacturing with humans (Zheng et al. 2015). Professionalism: Companies are responsible for enhancing the integrity of the society and to respect each member. However, the CEO of Pico PCs is trying to degrading the integrity of the society by staring the manufacturing process by humans. Test of Possible Solutions It is required for the company to identify the potential parties impacted by their business operations. In this case, the labors of island are the party (Zheng et al. 2015). The company is required to protect and promote health and safety of the employees and the protect parties. In this case, the CEO needs to consider the health issue of the labors of pacific island (Bolman and Deal 2017). The company is also required to understand and provide due regard to the affected people. Hence, the CEO should leave the idea of manufacturing the wires by human in the presence of extreme health issue. It is required to take appropriate action against the member violating the code of ethics. Thus, Kushlani needs to take correct action against the CEO (Bolman and Deal 2017). It is required to protect and promote professionalism. Thus, the CEO is required to comply with the ACS codes of ethics to protect and promote professionalism. In the provided situation, the most relevant Australian legislation is Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This act contributes to the development of national policies for improving the health and safety of the workers; and the arrangements of compensation all over the Australia (business.gov.au 2018) Make the Choice Thus, based on the above discussion, it needs to be mentioned that Kushlani is needed to convince the CEO about the negative effect of the manufacturing process by human so that he chooses to go with the first alternative (Zheng et al. 2015). References Bolman, L.G. and Deal, T.E., 2017.Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. John Wiley Sons. Business.gov.au. (2018).Work Health and Safety (OHS) acts, regulations and codes of practice. [online] Available at: https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/workplace-health-and-safety/whs-oh-and-s-acts-regulations-and-codes-of-practice [Accessed 13 Apr. 2018]. Crane, A. and Matten, D., 2016.Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press. Zheng, D., Witt, L.A., Waite, E., David, E.M., van Driel, M., McDonald, D.P., Callison, K.R. and Crepeau, L.J., 2015. Effects of ethical leadership on emotional exhaustion in high moral intensity situations.The Leadership Quarterly,26(5), pp.732-748.

Mass Extinctions On The Earth Essay Example For Students

Mass Extinctions On The Earth Essay Intro:Sixty-five million years ago, some phenomenon triggered mass extinctions on the lands and in the oceans so profound that they define the geological boundary between the older Mesozoic Era, often called the Age of Reptiles, and the modern Cenozoic Era, the Age of Mammals.On a finer scale, the extinctions define the boundary between the Cretaceous (geological symbol, K), and Tertiary (T) periods. This mass extinction is usually referred to as the K-T extinctions. The dinosaurs became extinct during the K-T mass extinction. To examine how the K-T extinctions fit into a broader perspective, please see the The cause of the K-T extinctions is one of the great mysteries in science, and many scientists have proposed theories to account for it. Theories span a vast spectrum of causes including: sea level change, supernova explosions, climate change, and on and on. Beginning in the 1980s, two new theories became the topic of an intense scientific debate. They are the K-T impact extinctio n theory originated by the Nobelist physicist, Luis Alvarez, and his team, and the K-T Deccan Traps extinction theory, which, for short, is called volcano-greenhouse theory. Details of the Impact TheoryIn the mid-late 1970s, Luis Alvarez and his impact team began searching for the cause of the K-T extinctions. His evidence of impact was enrichment of the chemical, iridium, in a thin layer of clay a few centimenters thick at the K-T boundary. His original theory held that a giant asteroid struck earth 65 million years ago, blasting so much dust into the atmosphere that it blocked out sunlight, and plunged earth into the blackness and cold of a sudden, short-duration, impact winter.According to Alvarez theory, the global blackout triggered extinctions among the plant kingdom, and then among herbivores that depended upon plants for food, and then among the carnivores that ate the herbivores. Those smaller animals that could hide and hibernate until the sun came out again must have sruvived and formed the animals that there are today. There is other evidence for this theory : there is a layer of iridium found on top of the fossils which can be found all over the world. this is important becouse there is a lot of iridium on asteroids while on earth it is only deep down inside the crater. Details of the Volcano Theory:Another less popular theory to explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs suggests that a drop in the oxygen levels in the lower atmosphere led to the gradual death of all kinds of species. Robert Barner and Gary Landis of the U.S. Geological survey determined that the air that the dinosaurs consumed contained 50% more oxygen than the air today. This can be the same for us as trying to breathe to the same air found at the sea level as compared to air at 3500 m. There was a lot of volcanoe eruptions at the same time (and since they took up soo much air it was hard for the dinosaurs to breathe , so they fianlly died. The evidence is that the fossils found in the ground contain traces of lager traces of Oxygen. How can humans stop this?Since mankind is much smarter than the reptiles it is obvious that we can stop these asteroids from colliding with the earth. The only question is how. Now we have nuclear devices which can be put on these asteroids so that they can explode just in time before its course is doomed towards earth.

A Peaceful Getaway free essay sample

Leaves crunch under my feet as I trudge through the woods trying to find the best spot to set up my chair and take in nature. The air is cool and the breeze stings my face as it rushes by, causing the ferns to dance around me. The monstrous trees surrounding me are a blanket of comfort and peace. I take a deep breath and the sweet smell of pine and bark fill my nostrils. I glance to my left and see a small dead popple tree sticking out of the ground. It comes out easily as I give it a tug. The different grays and textures of the decaying tree are intricate and detailed. The base of it is covered in green moss which is soft and looks like grass growing from the tree. I put the tree back on the ground. My feet begin to get chilled and the wind bites at my bare ankles. We will write a custom essay sample on A Peaceful Getaway or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Bending down to give them a rub, I notice dozens of little green plants. Each plant is unique. Some have little pink flowers, some have rounded leaves, and others are jagged. Looking up, and this time really taking in the nature around me, I suddenly realize how diverse the wilderness is. The little plants are barely noticeable amongst the tall towering poppel, pine, and oak trees throughout the forest. Among the lush greens of the forest are many dead trees and dried up leaves. So many grasses, trees, and flowers sprout from the decay of their fellow species. The dead stick I picked up had moss growing from it. My mind is blown to see both the living and the dead on one object. We are born, we grow, and one day die and return to part of the earth but our souls live on. From our death, new life sprouts and so on and so forth. My grandfather was a man of the land. He was an avid farmer and worked outside most of his life. He loved to be with the nature. My grandfather grew wheat, beans, and sugar beets. Everyday he would make sure everything was growing correctly and the plants were nourished. When he passed away we returned to Grafton for the funeral. I went to walk by his fields alone. I sat in the dirt and closed my eyes and in the wind I could hear his voice. He was at peace and at home. I knew then that he was living with the earth where he belonged watching over his children a nd grandchildren harvest the fields he once did. Sunlight escapes through openings that the pine trees provide and it is warm on my face. A small green plant, still wet from the morning dew, faces toward the sun basking in the light. It glistens as the sun shines, and my minds drifts into a state of tranquility. The very place I sit is allowing me to escape from the troubles and distractions of the day. The woods are silent; silent of modern day technology, silent of the busy hubbub of today’s lifestyle, and silent of the noises of cars and busy streets. In this silence the forest speaks to me. Instead of a phone ringing, the echo of a blue jay’s heartfelt song fills the quiet wood, leaves rustle brushing back and forth, touching each other as the wind disturbs their peace. Newly fallen leaves crunch under my feet as I trudge out of the forest and back into reality. The walk back is as beautiful as when I arrived. I feel calm and rejuvenated; sitting early in the morning doing nothing but gazing upon the beauty of this earth, and getting away from reality. I have a new sense of peace that makes me feel I can accomplish anything.

Recognition Speech Essays

Recognition Speech Essays Recognition Speech Essay Recognition Speech Essay To the ever steadfast director and school principal, Mr. Bartolome L. Avila, to the highly competent and deeply motivated teachers and staff; other officials who are present on this occasion;to the proud and loving parents; to the very important people- the stars, in today’s ceremonies, the awardees, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant morning. Like most of you today, my feelings are really overwhelming. I know, you guys are as excited about this event as I am so excited to speak before you today. Not so long ago, I was seating exactly where you are right now and hearing an inspirational talk from a guest speaker back then. Yes, I am but a proud alumna of Pililla Academy and soon you too will be part of the Alumni. Today, Pililla Academy will name those outstanding students who brought honors to themselves, and to this school. As we, you gather here and start viewing those simple and ordinary faces, you will realize that these achievers are exactly as everyone else. The only thing different is that, they have made their choices. That is to STAND and be recognized in the area where they choose to be the best one. It is a matter of CHOICE. It is between doing the right thing or not, or be recognized in good things or in all foolish activities. Sa ngayon, sa hirap ng buhay na dinaranas natin, tanging ang mga parangal na inyong matatanggap ang siyang magsisilbing tanglaw, gabay at pag-asa tungo sa magandang kinabukasan. Bawat medalya at sertipiko na inyong makakamit ay higit na mahalaga kaysa anumang kayamanan, sapagkat ito ang sumisimbolo sa natatanging kahusayan at galing na inyong pinamamalas. â€Å"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. †

Marketing Mix Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing Mix - Assignment Example Anyone with the ability to express themselves in a convincing manner would have easily passed for a good marketer. I then discovered that I did not know what the process of marketing entails (Huang, pg.47). It is a general assumption that marketing entails travelling, talking and most importantly convincing. Most of my friends think that marketing is an easy and straight forward process. On the part of my relatives, marketing involves them asking of questions and ensuring they are convinced before they spend their money. The real issue of marketing is however a complex process. Marketing involves more than just words and convincing (Huang, pg. 67). A successful marketing is subject to a variety of factors like technology and skill. For the customer-company exchange to be successful, the marketing has to be efficient and up to the task. Use of modern technology in marketing is advisable. Despite saving time and money, managers have confirmed technology as a very efficient means of marketing. The marketing labor has to have a high level of skill and education in that field of practice. Drafting my marketing mix is not going to prove an easy job. In the face of prospective employers, I may require patience and technique to sell myself successfully. Employees also require skilled and experienced labor. I am going t gain skill through education, but time has to be consumed in the process of gaining experience I am also going to use technology to market myself to my prospective employees. I will develop a website from where potential employees can access any information they need about me. In as much as it is important to market myself to potential employees, it is a relatively difficult

Analysis on musical scoring by Hans Zimmer Essay

Analysis on musical scoring by Hans Zimmer - Essay Example This "Analysis on musical scoring by Hans Zimmer" essay describes artistic heritage of Hans Zimmer. The main ideal which Zimmer uses in his music is the combination of electronic and orchestral music. The influences of partnering with Myers, as well as his background in playing the keyboards has led to the scoring alternatives for his music and has led into the combined focus. Zimmer believes that the use of acoustics is one which is irreplaceable because of the mood it creates. There is an understanding that the electronic sounds and arrangements are able to create a different mood and set of elements that are easily combined with the music. The main concept which Zimmer keeps in mind before scoring the music is when and where to use the specific instrumentation as well as how this will reflect the story line and mood that comes from the music. Keeping these in mind first then allows Zimmer to move into scoring with the right alternatives and arrangements while creating a specific a pproach to finding the right mood before beginning the process of scoring. The first step which is taken with the process of creating a score is based on collaboration with the film producers. Stills, shots and the plot line are sent for consideration to the work of the music artist, specifically so it creates an understanding of what the characters are about and the mood which needs to be created in specific sections. If it is a work where music is used for specific characters, then the shots are from the make-up and the specific plot line which follows the characters. However, if there are suggestions to add music at a certain point in the plot line, then this is broken down between the composer and those working on the set. The earlier collaboration between the two is able to create an understanding of what is needed for the music scoring while beginning the process of producing the right tone with the overall score (Zimmer, 2009: 1). After this original step, there is an approac h to creating a nature of the sounds that are being introduced. Zimmer uses the process of taking the sounds and adding them into a script, specifically by

Finland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Finland - Essay Example he largest lake in this country, holds the record of being the fourth largest in the all of Europe (see Statistics Finland http://www.stat.fi/index_en.html). As to its landscape, more of the areas of Finland are flatlands with few hills. Today, this country is one of the most progressive nations in Europe. Most of the areas of Finland are covered with forest trees (see Statistics Finland http://www.stat.fi/index_en.html). The culture of Finland is a mixture of indigenous heritage defined by its Nordic and European culture (see CIA World Fact Book). According to CIA World Fact Book, the culture of Finland has been strongly influenced by the adjacent countries of Sweden and Russia. The traditional Karelian melodies and lyrics are said to be the primary source of inspiration for the music of Finland (see CIA World Fact Book). Accordingly, the Karelian culture is said to be the purest expression Finnic culture (see CIA World Fact Book). In the field of visual arts, handicrafts and architecture, Finland has gained a reputation for its handicrafts and industrial designs (see CIA World Fact Book). Like many countries in Europe, Finland as its share of ethnic groups. According to the CIA Work Fact Book, 93.4% of people living in Finland are Finns or the natives of Finland, 5.6% are Swede 0.5% are Russian, .03% are Estonian, 0.1% are Roma or Gypsy and 0.1% are Sami. Based on the 2009 edition of the CIA Work Fact Book, the emigration rate of Finland is at .06 migrants /1,000 population. Since majority of the people in this country are Finns, the official language in Finland is Finnish while the second official language is Swedish (see Statistics Finland http://www.stat.fi/index_en.html). Other languages spoken in Finland are Russian, Estonian, Finnish Romani, Finnish Sign Language and Sami language (see Statistics Finland). According to Statistics Finland, there are three Sami languages spoken in Finland. These are the Inari Sami, Northern Sami and the Skolt Sami (see

Good And A Bad Oil And Petrol Service Economics Essay

Good And A Bad Oil And Petrol Service Economics Essay With reference to the case study, distinguish clearly between a good and a bad service. Answer A good service is customer oriented. In the case study companies such as Tesco, that offer blended petrol offer a good service. Blended petrol has a uniform price, is a renewable energy source, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, companies offering petrol offer a bad service since the prices of fuel vary between regions and increases pollution. Question 2. With reference to the production of either oil or bio-ethanol, explain the concepts of scarcity and opportunity cost. Answer The production of bio-ethanol requires resources such as corn, wheat, and maize. However, these resources are scarce, i.e. there are not enough of the resources to feed the US population and to produce bio-ethanol. Thus, the production or the non-production of bio-ethanol raises the issue of opportunity cost. The opportunity cost of production is the lack of corn, maize, and wheat to feed the population. The opportunity cost of non-production includes the lack of a clean atmosphere due to the consumption of oil, which is a pollutant. Question 3. Explain why the price of petrol is generally higher in rural areas, such as North West Scotland, than in urban areas. Answer There is a higher demand for petrol in rural areas compared to the urban areas. The rural area people travel longer by car and are more reliant on the car compared to the urban populations. Additionally, the rural population is not dependent on the public means of transport as is the case in the urban areas. These factors increase the demand for petrol and thus its prices. An increase in demand drives up prices. Question 4. Explain why the demand for petrol is price inelastic, whilst the cross-elasticity of demand for a brand of petrol is high. Answer Despite the price of petrol, people will use their cars. Thus, even doubling the price of petrol does not significantly affect the demand for petrol (Pindyck and Rubinfeld, 2008). This makes the demand for petrol price inelastic. Additionally, reducing the consumption of petrol requires significant changes such as driving less, purchasing a more fuel-efficient car, and using the public means of transport. However, the cross-elasticity of demand for a brand of petrol is high since the availability of petrol brands that are priced lower than petrol results to a shift in demand from petrol to the cheaper substitute. For instance, a reduction in the price of diesel would lead to a shift to diesel cars. Question 5. a] Draw a fully labeled diagram to show the impact on the demand for petrol of an increase in the price of diesel fuel. b] Clearly explain the impact on the demand for petrol of an increase in the price of diesel fuel. Answer The increase in price of diesel from P1 to P2 will result to an increase in the quantity demanded of petrol from Q1 to Q2. The increase in the price leads to a rise in the quantity demanded of the substitute good. Petrol and diesel are close substitutes and an increase in the price of diesel will lead to an increase in the quantity demanded of petrol. The price and quantity demanded of substitute goods have a direct relationship. Question 6 a] Draw a fully labeled diagram to show the impact on the demand for diesel powered cars of an increase in the price of diesel fuel. b] Clearly explain the impact on the demand for diesel powered cars of an increase in the price of diesel fuel. Answer Diesel and diesel powered cars are complimentary goods. For complimentary products, if the price of one commodity is increased, it results to the consumers demanding less of the complimentary good. Thus, an increase in the price of diesel fuel from P1 to P2 will result in a decline in the demand for diesel-powered cars from Q1 to Q2. The price and quantity demanded of complimentary goods are inversely correlated. Question 7 a] Do you consider petrol to be a normal good or an inferior good? Answer Normal good b] Explain your answer to question 7a]. Answer The quantity demanded for normal goods increase with an increase in income (Mankiw, 2008). The quantity demanded for petrol is likely to increase once income increases and vise versa. An increase in income will lead to more people purchasing automobiles. This will lead to a higher demand for petrol. The income elasticity of demand for petrol is positive. Otherwise, if the quantity demanded for petrol declines with an increase in income, petrol would be an inferior good. Question 8 a] Explain how an oil company might increase the supply of oil in the short-run. Answer The supply of oil is inelastic in the short-run because of the significant costs of production. Once an oil field has been constructed, the costs of running the field remain significantly the same irrespective of the capacity of operation. However, if the prices of oil increase in the short-run, the oil companies may increase the supply of oil since the marginal costs of production become insignificant. b] Explain the impact on short-run costs of increasing supply in the short-run. Answer An increase in the supply of oil in the short-run leads to an increase in the marginal costs of production. The quantity of oil supplied in the short-run depends on the ability of the price increase to cover the marginal costs. Question 9 Explain the profit maximizing output of a firm in the oil supply industry. The firm maximizes its profit at the point where MC=MR. This implies that the firm will continue to increase its production of oil until the point where no more profits can be generated (Mankiw, 2008). Question 10 a] Which market structure do you believe best describes petrol retailing in the UK. Answer Non-collusive oligopoly b] Explain your answer to question 10a]. Answer A small number of oil retailers characterize the market. The market is a high-volume, low profit margin implying that a variation in price by one firm affects the profitability of the other firms. c] Identify one strategy that a petrol-retailing firm might choose when competing with other petrol retailing firms. Answer A reduction in prices d] Explain the advantages and disadvantages of that strategy. A small discount on the price that is offered by the other firms in the oligopolistic market will lead to an increase in the sales of the firm offering the discount. The disadvantage of the strategy is that the other firms in the market are likely to follow suit and reduce their prices. This leads to Bertrand-Nash equilibrium where the long-run outcome is that the entire market will suffer a reduction in prices (Krugman and Wells, 2004). The firms can also compete on quantities. If a firm increases its quota of production, it will able to capture a larger market than the competing firms. However, it will lead to Cournot-Nash equilibrium when other firms adopt the same strategy (Krugman and Wells, 2004). An increase in prices reduces the prices in the market and firms suffer a reduction of prices. The use of petrol as a fuel for cars generates market failure in the form of externalities. Question 11a] Explain why ignoring the externalities can result in the over-consumption of petrol. Answer The consumption of petrol produces externalities such as pollution and traffic congestion. If these externalities are not included in the prices of petrol, the price of petrol will not reflect the total cost of production. Thus, in a competitive market, the existence of un-priced externalities in the market will result in under pricing of oil and its subsequent overconsumption. b] Explain how ONE policy instrument can reduce this market failure. Market-based instruments are among the policy measures used for reducing market failures. The strategy employs pricing and other economic variables to offer incentives for the reduction of negative externalities. The method seeks to eliminate market failure caused by negative externalities by incorporating external costs of consumption and production. This is done through various means such as taxation, charges on products, establishing property rights, and establishing alternative markets for the consumption of environmental services.

The Relevance Today of A Jury of Her Peers Essay -- A Jury of Her Peer

In "A Jury of Her Peers," Susan Glaspell illustrates many social standards women experienced at the turn of the century. She allows the reader to see how a woman's life was completely ruled by social laws, and thus by her husband. Glaspell also reveals the ignorance of the men in the story, in particular the sheriff and the county attorney. I think some examples are rather extreme, but in Glaspell's day, they would have probably been common. Women did not have many rights at the turn of the century. What few rights and freedoms they did have were dominated by social standards. They were expected to cater to their husbands' wishes and commands. I think their society oppressed them more often than their own husbands did. A good example of this in "A Jury of Her Peers" is Martha Hale. Lewis Hale treats his wife as an equal privately, but does not treat her as an equal in public. When Mrs. Hale attempts to interrupt her husband as he tells the county attorney what he experienced in the Wright household she does not treat him as a master, but as an equal (Glaspell 260). Clearly she is not afraid of him. Many women at this time would have never even attempted to distract or interrupt their husband while they talked. Clearly defined gender roles are prevalent throughout "A Jury of Her Peers." Men are supposed to work outside of the home, and women are supposed to work inside the home. Neither the men nor the women seem to appreciate the other's wo...

Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories Essay

In these stories we have three totally different villains, all with their own motives. Before we actually meet Dr Roylett we hear about him from his step-daughter, Miss Stoner. She describes his violent past and his current behaviour. Then, subsequently, we see his violence for ourselves as he storms in to Holmes’ office and bends the fire poker, threatening Holmes. During the di nouement , when we are told of his crime, we realise how clever and cunning he is, and how he had organised the murders; with the bell pull and ventilator. We can take from this that he was a very cold-hearted man who cared more about money, than his own kin. In â€Å"The Cardboard Box† Jim Browner commits a double murder out of jealousy. Miss Cushing gives a description of him. She says that â€Å"a little drink would send him stark, staring mad†. This makes us think that he could be a dangerous man. When he finds out that his wife is having an affair he threatens to kill her lover if he is ever seen in her company again. When he sees them together he goes mad and carries out his threat, in a spur of the moment, jealous rage. The villain in â€Å"Silver Blaze† is a different kind of criminal. We believe, at first that John Straker, is the victim of a brutal murder. At the end we find out that, in fact, he was attempting to sabotage the horse in his care, so he would win a bet that he had against him. Therefore, the motive in this story is money. John Straker never did win the bet because whilst trying to injure the horse, Silver Blaze put up a struggle and he was struck in the head by the horses hoof. The Sherlock Holmes stories all follow the classic structure of detective stories. The clues are set out throughout the stories so that the reader can try to work out the crime too. Red Herrings are often used, to throw the reader off the scent and make sure we don’t work it out too soon. These stories all have a di nouement, where Holmes explains the crime, and tells how he solved it. These three stories, especially â€Å"The Speckled Band†, have an emphasis on exotic features which would have intrigued the Victorian audience. The British empire in that time took up a large percent of the globe so they would be interested in the lands that their country owns. Things such as Dr Roylett’s â€Å"pets† would have fascinated them because in Victorian times, the majority of people didn’t travel, so they had no contact with exotic things. The reference to gypsies in two of the stories would have had an effect on Victorian readers because in those times, gypsies were believed to cast spells and would frighten the reader. For a Victorian reader justice would have been more important than how it was executed and in these stories, justice is always given. Although, Holmes sometimes takes the law into his own hands and becomes the judge and jury. â€Å"I am no doubt indirectly responsible for [his] death, and I cannot say that it is likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience. † The world that Holmes lived in is very different to the world we live in now. The methods of detection were very nai ve and weren’t nearly as accurate as the forensic detection we use today. Holmes is an upper class citizen as most detectives may have been in those days whereas the modern detective is either a member of the police force or a professional private detective. The age of the talented amateur has passed. Even though the Sherlock Holmes stories might not be as successful today as they were in Victorian times because of the difference in societies due to time, Sherlock Holmes is still one of the most famous fictional detectives of all time. I believe that this is because his stories set the basis for modern detective novels and films. I also think, that because it was one of the original detective stories it is more compelling. Overall, the likeable characters, intriguing plot, gripping climax and the sense of realism have made the Sherlock Holmes stories very successful, in the past and present. Kathryn Thompson Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Arthur Conan Doyle section.

Free Essays on Treasure Island

Treasure Island Contrast and Compare Essay In this essay I will be contrasting and comparing the two films we saw in class. The Muppet Treasure Island, and the Original Treasure Island. For the most part the two films were almost similar. However they had key differences worth writing about. In the Muppet Treasure Island version we are taken into the bar scene, and are shown Billy Bones, and Jim Hawkins; and of course the Muppets, Gonzo, and the mouse. They then need a ship to go on the treasure hunt. Jim Hawkins and the Muppets then visit a ship builder who provides the ship and their off. At the beginning of the voyage we are shown the captain, who other then Kermit the frog who plays Capitan Abraham Smallit. Also included is the first mate Mr. Arrow. In both film versions the names are the same. As for long john silver during the Muppet version they meet him on the ship with all of his crew men for the voyage. On the Original version of the film they meet with him in the little old tavern. They have no clue who he really is but are very suspicious. Jim remembers what Bill Bones told him about to beware of the man with 1 leg. During the voyage of the ship on the Muppet version Mr. Arrow sees land and decides to go about and discover it. He hops into a life boat and is off. John Silver then tells everyone that Arrow has gone over board and everyone believes that Arrow is dead. In the original version John Silver makes a rum cake and loads it with alcohol. He then offers it to Mr. Arrow. Arrow is very tempted to it since rum has been rationed on the ship. Arrow eats it, and washed it down with what else, more booze. When Arrow is done eating it he is drunk. It couldn’t have been at a worse time either. Since there was a bad storm and everyone was up top tending to rope, the sail etc. Arrow goes up top and is then thrown overboard since he can’t even walk in a straight line. The crew has a service to remember Arrow and ... Free Essays on Treasure Island Free Essays on Treasure Island Treasure Island Contrast and Compare Essay In this essay I will be contrasting and comparing the two films we saw in class. The Muppet Treasure Island, and the Original Treasure Island. For the most part the two films were almost similar. However they had key differences worth writing about. In the Muppet Treasure Island version we are taken into the bar scene, and are shown Billy Bones, and Jim Hawkins; and of course the Muppets, Gonzo, and the mouse. They then need a ship to go on the treasure hunt. Jim Hawkins and the Muppets then visit a ship builder who provides the ship and their off. At the beginning of the voyage we are shown the captain, who other then Kermit the frog who plays Capitan Abraham Smallit. Also included is the first mate Mr. Arrow. In both film versions the names are the same. As for long john silver during the Muppet version they meet him on the ship with all of his crew men for the voyage. On the Original version of the film they meet with him in the little old tavern. They have no clue who he really is but are very suspicious. Jim remembers what Bill Bones told him about to beware of the man with 1 leg. During the voyage of the ship on the Muppet version Mr. Arrow sees land and decides to go about and discover it. He hops into a life boat and is off. John Silver then tells everyone that Arrow has gone over board and everyone believes that Arrow is dead. In the original version John Silver makes a rum cake and loads it with alcohol. He then offers it to Mr. Arrow. Arrow is very tempted to it since rum has been rationed on the ship. Arrow eats it, and washed it down with what else, more booze. When Arrow is done eating it he is drunk. It couldn’t have been at a worse time either. Since there was a bad storm and everyone was up top tending to rope, the sail etc. Arrow goes up top and is then thrown overboard since he can’t even walk in a straight line. The crew has a service to remember Arrow and ... Free Essays on Treasure Island Treasure Island is an epic adventure: a tale of pirates, treasure, and exploration of an unknown and mysterious island. Throughout the course of the book, many lessons are learned that give the reader advice so he/she can better survive in the real world. The literal Treasure Island itself represents the world in which we live, a world with many hazards and scattered rewards to be found. The bookà ­s most important lesson to be learned though, is that a solid command of the language and knowing when to use it can make life much easier for a person. Although this story takes place centuries before our time now, this useful lesson found in it can still be applied to our lives today. This story is so realistic in its context of the time and its superb character dialogues, that it is very easy for the reader to be transported right in the middle of that age, and right in the company of sea-faring pirates. The authorà ­s vivid descriptions of Jim, the main character and narrator, the many Pirates and other characters he comes across during his adventures are painstakingly detailed. You can see young Jim's eager and excited face when he finds out he is going on a treasure hunt. You can also easily picture the rips and bloodstained rags of the pirates, and smell the foul alcohol on their breaths. The description of the island itself is extremely detailed also, and it seems like the author was looking straight off a geographical map when he wrote the in-depth account of it. However deep these descriptions of setting and character pull you into the plot, the dialogue the author places in the story is what makes the story more impressive and impossible to escape. It is so captivating and original to us because we hardly ever hear it, and the phrases are very creative. An example is this quote from Long John Silver: " But for two year before that, shiver my timbers! the man was starving. He begged, and he stole, and he ...

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) †Business Research Paper (400 Level Course)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Business Research Paper (400 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Business Research Paper (400 Level Course) In the early stages of American civilization, employers had little to no commitment to their employees. This spawned horrifying working conditions and multitudes of injustices. The United States government has been traditionally slow to react to the difficult and unfair work settings forced on its people. It took the civil rights movement of the 1960s to spark reform in many aspects of American life, including employee/employer relationships. One of the most radical, and recent, reforms the government has imposed is the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) went into effect on August 5, 1993. FMLA provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12 month period during which their jobs are protected. Job restoration is guaranteed unless the employee is unable to perform the essential functions of the job. FMLA covers a wide array of issues that we as humans face. Employees who are having a baby, adopting a child, are having serious health issues, or have a family member facing serious medical issues are eligible for the 12 weeks of unpaid time off that FMLA offers. Although the FMLA is a great tool that the general population can use, there are also some stipulations that can protect the employer as well. First, only employers with over 50 employees are required to give leaves under the FMLA. The FMLA also does not require restoration of any ones job in its original state if the employee is incapable of doing the basic job duties. Another stipulation of the FMLA is the length of employment required by the employee before they are eligible for the leave. An employee must be employed by the employer for at least 12 months and work a minimum of 1250 hours. As stated above, the FMLA was signed into law in 1993. This happened by no small effort of the American Association of University Women. The AAUW is a woman’s group that focuses on family life and the betterment of American home life. The AAUW had been a long time supporter of flexible work policies and from 1983 to 1992 were strong supporters of the FMLA. If it was not for the hard work the AAUW put into the propaganda and advertising of the FMLA than the American workers would of likely never have had the benefits that the FMLA offers. The great working environments we thrive in today are products of many individuals and groups of people, such as the AAUW, who fought for equality and fairness in the past. 40 hour work weeks, equality in hiring practices, wage fairness and the FMLA are all blankets of protection that the United States government shelters its work force with. Employers are also realizing the rules like the FMLA, which is of no cost to employers, are actually increasing productivity and profits for companies due to the increase in employee moral. Employees that are happy and content in home life and feel their employers are supportive of themselves are much more likely to become highly productive members of the work staff. Research Papers on The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - Business Research Paper (400 Level Course)Moral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesTwilight of the UAWThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationResearch Process Part OneNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaDefinition of Export Quotas

Summary response essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary response - Essay Example The Fourth Trust is a memoir of Dr. Jane Goodall that elaborates how her childhood experience in caring for all sorts of animals taught her important values in life such as respect and care for nature. The basic tenet of Dr. Goodall’s philosophy comes from this statement â€Å"Children’ relationship to animals then can be a means of teaching compassion and kindness† ( Jane Goodall and Mark Bekoff, The Fourth Trust,p.69). Even as a young child, Dr. Goodall learned about compassion by actively engaging with her natural surroundings. Living in apartment never stifled her interests for creatures as she kept a dog in their apartment. As soon as their family moved to a house with a backyard, she pursued her dream of caring for whatever animal needed her attention. Even her little misdemeanor that called the police into her house was the result of her curiosity about where eggs really come from. The Fourth Trust tells us that children who were exposed to animals â€Å"tend to be kind to animals as adults and to be loving and compassionate individuals â€Å"(Goodall and Bekoff, p.68). A concrete example of this was the case of the orphan named Peter. The child’s first experience with the white rabbit taught him a different perspective in life. He suddenly became concerned about the rabbit by asking if it was hurt when he stroked it. If all children coming from disadvantaged families have the chance to interact with creatures in a loving manner, perhaps, they can become more kind to other humans as well. An animal is a creature not capable of fighting back to a human being unless it is a wild animal of course. People learn tolerance and respect when they do not abuse their power and pick on weaker beings. Because of this situation, Dr. Goodall made it her life’s mission to spread to the world her philosophy. The dream became true when teen-agers in her community expressed their

Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Abortion - Essay Example But on the other hand, reasons for abortions have not always included health risks. The key questions continually in debate are about the constitutional rights to an abortion, whether the fetus is a person and the morality of an abortion. The legal and moral decisions are based somewhat on the whether one believes that the fetus is a person. Dr Schwarz contends that the fetus is a person, as he describes, â€Å"a fully real person, the same person he will later be. He is only smaller, less developed, in a different environment, and more dependent, in comparison to a born baby†. He believes that the term fetus means â€Å"young one† and so it indicates a young human person. We have to consider what is the difference between the fetus in the womb and the child that is born few minutes after. He argues that once the fetus exhibits the traits which determine personhood, i.e. consciousness, (especially the capacity to feel pain), reasoning, self-motivated activity and the capacity to communicate, then in fact it must be considered a person. This is in keeping with the views of the pro-life supporters who believe that the fetus is a human being from the moment of conception- once the egg and sperm unite. According to this view the fetus has legal rights from this moment of conception. On the other hand there are pro-choice defenders (who believe that the mother has the right to decide on an abortion) who believe the fetus is only a potential human being when it becomes viable, that is, able to survive outside its mother’s womb. Until then the mother carrying the fetus has legal rights over the fetus and can decide whether or not to have an abortion. However according to Encarta, there is no definite consensus on whether the fetus is a person on not. . As they explain, â€Å" Embryology, the study of fetal development, offers little insight about the fetus’s status at the time of

Script for Theater Class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Script for Theater Class - Essay Example (Velma was shaking her head as she looked at her friend.) Now, please do not think I am being pessimistic nor am I trying to discourage you even more. I am just trying to let you see clearly what could possibly be dimmed by your current situation and emotions. You can always find a foster parent or you can have the child adopted. In the future, you will see when you know that your child is living somewhere, that you have made the right decision. Velma: (Nodding) I have been thinking about the same things for the past days. I know it is not right for me to hurt my baby just because his father and I are cowards. I cannot bear the thought of having my child suffer a lot while I try to achieve my goals. I hate my boyfriend for abandoning me to have to deal with this alone. I just wish he had some heart enough to try to know how I am doing now. Emma: Well, I do not blame Jason. Perhaps, I f I were in his position, I would have done the same thing to you. So now you know that he really does not love you. I always had my doubts about him. I knew he will just use you as a decoration in his life, a trophy for being rich and handsome. I know it pains you a lot however, at least now, you know where you stand. I think it is best that you have known that he cannot stand up to fight for the love that he so much tried to show you only to get what he really wanted. I do not think he really is the man that people have always thought him to be. He is nothing but a selfish jerk who thinks about nothing but himself. See how easily he has exchanged you and your baby for his money? Anyway, I think it would be best for you to get him out of the picture as early as now and let us just concentrate on how you and your baby are going to survive. I think you can still try to conceal your baby bump until after graduation and still be cheered as t he most intelligent among the graduates. Then perhaps, we could speak again by then. Velma: It is always funny is it? (Velma had a strange look on

Types of Risk Essay Example for Free

Types of Risk Essay Additional useful information on types of risk Market or price risk relates to the uncertainty in markets and prices for both inputs (purchased for the production process), and outputs (products and services for sale by the firm). Market/price risk has always been a major problem in most businesses and results from the economic forces of supply and demand. Outcome of these forces are fluctuations in the price for a commodity and/or inputs in the production of that commodity. These fluctuations may be short-term and long-term. The degree of fluctuation and the length of time are critical to their effects on the business. Managers generally anticipate some degree of fluctuation in prices and plan accordingly. These plans may include spreading production and sales over time to average the effect of peaks and troughs in the market, establishing contracts to obtain a fixed price, and pooling sales with other producers to obtain a better market or an averaging of returns from the larger organisation. Low prices in the short term may be tolerated by a business if it has sufficient cash reserves to meet negative financial returns from lower prices. Low commodity prices in the longer term pose serious threats to the viability of the enterprise, and the business, should that enterprise form a major source of income. The growing impact of globalisation and opening of most world economics is also increasing the variability of market and price risk. Remember that this includes both opportunity and potential loss. Production risk is the variability inherent in the firms production processes. This is predominantly the variability of product yield, both in yield quantity and quality. Often quantity is considered but quality is also an important consideration – particularly for products where warranty and service support are provided. Variances in labour, weather, transport and inventory can all reduce (or increase) expected output, or cause delay in the production cycle of any business. Quality reduction, or delay in the production cycle, can further reduce the expected market or price returns for the unit of production. A delay in the production cycle can result in an inferior product or additional time and costs to finish the product, thus reducing the margin of returns from the enterprise. Technological risks: these relate to the uncertainty caused by rapid technological change. A production or investment decision made today may be affected by technical improvements in the future. This is particularly important for structures and high cost, long-life plant. A change in technology may place the business in a less efficient and less competitive situation against its competitors and the marketplace. Similarly not keeping up with technology can also make the business less efficient and less competitive. A business not utilising EFTPOS would find business quite difficult. Some investments can take upward of ten years for the planned commodity to settle into full production (e. g. horticultural products such as fruit or nuts. Agro forestry is a particularly long-term investment, as is mining). Human risks: humans are a key source of risk. Humans are prone to mistakes, misinterpretation, and health problems. The goals and objectives of management form the long- and short-term business plans for the firm. The fact that humans tend to change their goals and objectives often adds to the uncertainties facing the firm. Humans have skills limitations. The introduction of a new process or new technology may require new and sophisticated skills. Humans interpret, learn and respond to situations in different ways. Examples of human risk situations include: health and injury problems, particularly with key personnel. mistakes made in the production process. breakdown in interpersonal relationships within the workforce. misinterpretation in communication. esistance to change. An inability to learn. the existence of vices such as greed and selfishness. fraud, dishonesty, theft. there is also a growing value to a business of the intellectual property/knowledge of its workforce. Legal and social risks: these risks increase in developed society. Laws created to protect people, property and the environment can alter the business playing field. Decisions made and techniques used today may result in l itigation at some future date. There may be a close correlation between human, legal and social risks. For example: the duty of care in respect of others within our legal system. This is important from two management aspects: firstly a business has a responsibility to a persons physical well-being. There is the risk that a person or that persons property may be injured or damaged as the result of the business activities (public liability). Secondly there is a duty of care in respect to business advice that may be given to another. This is important in advice where You know, or should have known, that they might rely on that advice. Consider recent litigation against James Hardie as an example of such risks. The growing importance of OH;S obligations is another example. Some production processes often alter the physical environment, creating the risk of downstream detrimental effects on others (for example chemical spills, effluent disposal). The risk manager must consider environmental risks not only in relation to their direct effect on the business, but also for the potential damage to others property rights and the subsequent potential litigation which may ensue. Government policy risks: government policies help to define both the external and internal environments for the agricultural business. In addition to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies, Commonwealth and State governments have various policies—both general and industry specific. These risks can be particularly stressful on businesses as policy can be quickly introduced and are often unexpected. There can be a considerable production and time lag for the business to respond to the new or altered policy. Financial risks Financial risks result from the uncertainty in the finances of the business. The commercial manager has two sources of finance (capital): their own equity capital, or someone elses capital. Someone elses capital can be acquired through borrowing, leasing, and, in the larger firm, the issuing of shares. The use of non-equity capital creates opportunities for growth in the business. This will occur where additional finance can be used to increase productivity and subsequent income through the purchase of additional assets (resources). For example, funds may be borrowed to purchase additional stock, plant and machinery, or to expand production capacity. Leasing is another form of non-equity capital. In this situation the business acquires the use of additional productive assets, and pays a nominal rent for this usage. Non-equity capital also creates financial costs (liabilities such as rent, interest and capital repayments) which may place the business in financial difficulty. The business may not be able to meet its financial commitments (this is liquidity risk), or indeed become insolvent (where liabilities exceed assets). The use of non-equity capital involves the concept of leverage.

Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants :: Hills Like White Elephants Essays

In the story 'hills like white elephants' by Ernest Hemingway, we read about two characters, a girl and an American man. They have short conversations between them, and these conversations can hint of many clues about them and their relationship. In the story, we discover what the characters are like, through what they say, and also through the things they don't say. First, in the story, we understand that the American man has money, and he is an adult because he seems to knows what he is doing. He doesn't want to have a child. Therefore, he is asking his girlfriend to risk her life by having an abortion. The surgery's death rate was higher than its survival rate at that time. All this makes him very selfish, as well. He doesn't care about her, despite the fact that he says: 'well, I care about you.' (Hemingway, 255). He doesn?t even listen to her. She speaks to him, and he says some unrelated things back. We can assume that he always talks about drinking because he wants to get her drunk so she will accept the abortion. Also, we can understand from his comment: ?I?ve known lots of people that have done it?, (Hemingway, 255) that he had too many relationships with teenage girls before, and he has been through the same situation nemrus times. Secondly, the woman, who is called the girl in the story, has no identity. We don?t know where she is from, or if she has a family. We can understand that she is a teenager who depends on a careless man. Furthermore, it?s clear from her words: ?and if I do it you?ll be happy and things will be like they were and you?ll love me (Hemingway, 255), that she is a lonely desperate girl who still hopes for happiness. Nevertheless, she knows she will never have it. That?s why it?s obvious from her reply, ?I don?t care about me?, (Hemingway, 255), that she is depressed, and even ready to die by agreeing to the abortion.

Heaven and Hell Divided in C. S. Lewiss The Great Divorce :: Lewis Great Divorce

Heaven and Hell Divided in C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce    C. S. Lewis is known throughout the world for his ability to tuck theology into fantasy. He's the author of many books such as the Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity. One of his less popular books, but one that he considered among his favorites, was The Great Divorce. The title refers to the separation of Heaven and Hell.    Although a relatively thin book, it is packed with thought provoking questions concerning ones faith. In this story, the narrator and main character, embarks on a bus ride from the twilight of Hell to the outskirts of Heaven. Here he encounters many people, called ghosts, who have also been in Hell. The narrator observes their struggle with whether to stay in Heaven, or hold onto their petty sins and return to the lonely darkness of Hell. C. S. Lewis' descriptions and characters are what really make this story incredible.    The main character of the story never receives a name. This was done in order to make him seem less like another character, and more like a mirror image of oneself. He is the character that the reader seems to relate with the most. Not only does the audience relate to him but so do the other characters in the book. One such example of this is on Page 14, while the narrator is getting on the bus. "I thought you wouldn‚Äà ´t mind my tacking on to you . . . for I've noticed that you feel just as I do about the present company." This is interesting because the narrator has neither seen nor spoken to this character before. Another case is on page 29, "What's the sense of allowing all that riff-raff to float about here all day. Look at them." Here again, another ghost seems to be drawn to the narrator and speaks to him as if they had already met.    Those people who were already in Heaven the main character referred to as "solid people." He called them this because, unlike the ghosts, they were not transparent. The narrator‚Äà ´s solid person, or teacher as he calls him, is George MacDonald and is introduced at the beginning of chapter 9. George MacDonald is a famous writer and C. S. Lewis has never tried to hide the fact that he admires Mr.

“Monsters Inside Me” Review Essay

I watched â€Å"Monsters Inside Me† season 4 episode 5 called My Husband is Hallucinating. This TV show was founded in 1982 and still aspires to the original mission statement established by founder John Hendricks. â€Å"To satisfy curiosity and make a difference in people’s lives by providing the highest quality content, services and products that entertain, engage and enlighten.† The episode tells 3 stories about uncommon diseases that humans faced and the hardships doctors had in identifying the cause of those illnesses. The first story was about a young boy Tyler from Colorado, who got meningococcal meningitis. The symptoms were flu-like at first: high-temperature, weakness in the body, dehydration, etc. But then he got a shortness of breath, very low blood pressure, rush and eventually blisters on his limbs. Only after running multiple tests for five days that a boy spent on life control doctors finally got the answer. Meningococcal meningitis is an inflamma tion of the brain and infection of the bloodstream caused by bacteria that traveled through boy’s vessels releasing toxins that clotted his bloodstream causing his vessels to burst into the tissue, and because of the lack of oxygen his arms and legs began to rote. This disease strikes 15,000 children and teenagers in the US annually, the vaccine exists but are not always compulsory because some people with weakened immune system are more prone to get the infection . The new prescribed antibiotics helped Tyler to survive, but doctors had to amputate his dead front feet and fingers on the right hand. The second story was about a guy Sully from Alaska who started filling great muscle pain, sensitivity to the light and the noise, and even hallucinating. Then doctors discovered high eosinophils levels in his bloodwork(specialised white blood cells that became active when there are allergens or certain infection in the body) caused by trichinosis parasites in his body because he ate raw bear meat that was contaminated with those parasites. Doctors cured Sully with a powerful drug called mebendazole, but he will have dead parasites as cists till the end of his life in his muscles. Crystal Brown from Houston, TX had a curved deviated septum that required her to have a nasal surgery to ease her breathing. After the surgery she still had the problem and greenish-black discharge in addition to trouble breathing for the longest time. First doctors recommend ed decongestants and antibiotics, but neither could help  her. Then doctors found out that a piece of packing was left in her nasal cavity for a year and development of allergic fungal sinusitis that has no cure but the surgery once every couple of years. I got thrown by the first story that’s why I decided to devote a little more description of it. It’s truly scary to know that human bodies can be so fragile. I’m really glad I watched the show, not that I’m glad to know that the monsters can exist in our bodies, but this knowledge can help me to protect myself better. I noticed that all the characters in the show didn’t seek for medical assistance until the conditions became almost impossible to live with. They all tried to cure themselves with home remedies and painkillers. The show was very well put together; complete with a short history or summary of how a person has come in contact with their nemesis, whether there were parasites or bacteria that caused the problem. The narrator for the show was well informed and there was a medical explanation for what was happening in the body once a person has become a host for whatever monster has invaded them. The medical graphics are informative and detai led in a way that an average person can understand what is happening in an infected body. Although it was hard to watch it was worth it because the show can help us to avoid the invasion of a monster that can kill us. It is good to stay informed and parasite free. I think most people should pay more attention to their bodies and go to see the doctor when something unusual is happening in their system.

Free Essays on Effects of Rap on Today’s Youth.

I plan on researching the effects of rap on today’s youth. As Glenn Collins explains, â€Å"the influence of rap is now evident in the nation’s language, music, fashion and advertising† (C15). I also plan on researching the effects of good clean lyrics that Will Smith uses, compared to the vulgar and violent lyrics of past rap artists such as Tupac Shakur and Chris Wallace a.k.a. Notorious BIG. I became aware of this topic because I listen to rap music. I own 20 rap CD’s. I became concerned about rap lyrics bad influence when Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG were murdered in the middle of the 1990’s. Will Smith is also my favorite rap artist, because he does not use profanity and violence in his lyrics. According to Smith, â€Å"Good rap does not have to be vulgar† (qtd. in â€Å"Fresh Prince† 17A). I am also interested in learning the effects of unclean rap lyrics on today’s youth. There needs to be further investigation on this, because this important subject seems to have some how faded over the past five to ten years. According to Terry Teachout, â€Å"the actual content of rap, nobody talks about it much anymore-it seems far, far longer then seven years ago that Bill Clinton made political hay by attacking Sister Souljah-and it may well be that the sickening excesses of gangster rap have become as untrendy as Austin Power’s wardrobe† (14). We need to see if rap lyrics are in fact affecting our youth and how rap artists like Will Smith, can be a good role model. â€Å"And the same people who go out and say rap is negative, they don’t come and look at some of the good groups that are out there, who are doing positive things† (Williams C1). Will Smith is nearly the only rap artist not using profanity in his rap lyrics. Is Will Smith making an impact on today’s youth with his clean lyrics? The big â€Å"in† thing twenty or thirty years ago was rock & roll. How will people remember rap 50 years from now? ... Free Essays on Effects of Rap on Today’s Youth. Free Essays on Effects of Rap on Today’s Youth. I plan on researching the effects of rap on today’s youth. As Glenn Collins explains, â€Å"the influence of rap is now evident in the nation’s language, music, fashion and advertising† (C15). I also plan on researching the effects of good clean lyrics that Will Smith uses, compared to the vulgar and violent lyrics of past rap artists such as Tupac Shakur and Chris Wallace a.k.a. Notorious BIG. I became aware of this topic because I listen to rap music. I own 20 rap CD’s. I became concerned about rap lyrics bad influence when Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG were murdered in the middle of the 1990’s. Will Smith is also my favorite rap artist, because he does not use profanity and violence in his lyrics. According to Smith, â€Å"Good rap does not have to be vulgar† (qtd. in â€Å"Fresh Prince† 17A). I am also interested in learning the effects of unclean rap lyrics on today’s youth. There needs to be further investigation on this, because this important subject seems to have some how faded over the past five to ten years. According to Terry Teachout, â€Å"the actual content of rap, nobody talks about it much anymore-it seems far, far longer then seven years ago that Bill Clinton made political hay by attacking Sister Souljah-and it may well be that the sickening excesses of gangster rap have become as untrendy as Austin Power’s wardrobe† (14). We need to see if rap lyrics are in fact affecting our youth and how rap artists like Will Smith, can be a good role model. â€Å"And the same people who go out and say rap is negative, they don’t come and look at some of the good groups that are out there, who are doing positive things† (Williams C1). Will Smith is nearly the only rap artist not using profanity in his rap lyrics. Is Will Smith making an impact on today’s youth with his clean lyrics? The big â€Å"in† thing twenty or thirty years ago was rock & roll. How will people remember rap 50 years from now? ...

Hare Krishna Religion

Hare Krishna Religion Hindu religion has several gods, who manifest themselves in human form, and then come to rescue man during a time of trouble. The gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva form the trinity in Hindu religion. Brahma is in charge of creation, having grown from the navel of Vishnu. He later made himself a goddess to enable him create the world and human beings (Bryant, 12). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hare Krishna Religion specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Vishnu is the most powerful of the three and is supposed to sustain the status quo. They believe that everything is in place the way Vishnu wants, and he stays vigilant to ensure things do not go astray. So far, he has had nine avatars, and it is believed the next will be a white horse. Shiva is a god of destruction. He is believed to reside on at the top of the Himalayas. He facilitates reincarnation by destroying old things and men. All these gods are depicted differently , according to the roles they play. It is essential to note that Krishna was an avatar of Vishnu. Krishna worshippers identify themselves with devotion to Vishnu (Vaishanvism), and the religious philosophy of Vedi (Bryant, 12). Beliefs Krishna followers subscribe to (ISKCON) The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, an association created in 1966. The late A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada moved to America in his old age and settled in New York, where he started the society. The movement was originally founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who instructed people on excessive dedication to Vishnu. A. C. B. Swami Prabhupada was inducted to the movement by his friends at the Guadiya Matha Mission, which was based in Calcutta. They worship by chanting the Krishna mantra and performing sentient dance routines around statues of Krishna (Bryant, 12). They believe in aim towards salvation in the end, and carry out several practices to help them achieve this, most notably lacto-vege tarianism. They also abstain from illegitimate sex, gambling and intoxicants like tobacco, alcohol and many more. As observed from their beliefs and practices, we can conclude that Krishna followers are monotheist. This is unlike original Indian religion which had polytheistic characteristics. Mainstream Hindus believe in the existence of more than one god, and have gone further to categorize them either as major or minor (Bryant, 12). According to them, Krishna was only an avatar, and like his predecessors, he died. They are waiting for his successor, who will appear as a Kalki on a white horse bearing a sword that will be used to eradicate poverty and corruption. Krishna followers view him as their main deity. They do not have any regard for past avatars or future avatars, although they acknowledge god Vishnu’s existence.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is noteworthy that both Krishna followers and mainstream Hindus believe that life has a purpose, and we have to achieve this before the end of our lifetime on earth. For mainstream Hindus, the purpose of human life can be analyzed in four stages, namely; Dharma, which requires someone to fulfill their moral, religious and social obligations. Artha necessitates personal success by attaining financial stability, while Kama calls for restraint when laboring to satisfy our needs. Moksha is regarded as the ultimate purpose of life (Saliba, 45). Here, people aspire to avoid reincarnation, by strict adherence to frugal discipline of world denouncers, by direct knowledge of ones inner self. Krishna followers, on the other hand, lay emphasis on Dharma and Moksha. Drifting away Members of the ISKCON worldwide participate in numerous charity activities of different types, targeting different sections of society. They are universally involved in the provision of rations and accommodation for the famished and destitute. Their branches worldwide collect funds which are then used to achieve this goal. They use this as a means of coercion, hence their steady growth in numbers over the past years. Mainstream Hinduism is silent on the use of incentives to lure people to their religion. There is no documented record of their engagement with such activities explicitly. It is noteworthy that a silent rule exists, which grants native Hindus the right of entry into the temples of their gods. Krishna followers are the only sect who disregards this rule (Bryant, 12). Modern day Krishna followers engage in income-generating ventures, in order to sustain their temples and themselves. In Australia, for example, they operate restaurants, shops and other businesses. As a result, most of their establishments are autonomous, and they register themselves under ISKCON as a formality. The money they raise from these sources is used to finance their schools and for the upkeep of devotees and other full time temple employees. The remainder is donated to charities (Saliba, 45). Swami Prabhupada established a council to oversee the activities of the sect after he died, which is based in America. They were tasked with the responsibility of making momentous decisions and resolving all conflicts among followers. They were given the power to mediate on matters of doctrine. No records have been found among other mainstream Hindus of such organization levels. They engage in charity activities individually, and most of them do not have schools specifically dedicated for their children.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hare Krishna Religion specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The American chapter of the Krishna sect was embroiled in controversy, compelling them to file for bankruptcy. This showed some level of organization, the existence of a hierarchy, and most importantly, a strong financial base. Parents and victi ms accused the society of child molestation. Most of the other mainstream Hindu sects have not had allegations of such high magnitude against them. The mere fact that they filed for bankruptcy proves that they had financial ambitions and that their existence depended on their financial muscle. The American chapter sought for financial assistance from other societies worldwide to settle the claim. Numerous cases of child molestation had been reported, both in American and Indian schools. Cases of violence and neglect were also rampant in the said schools (Saliba, 45). Remote cases were reported in Australia, although they responded promptly by shutting down all their boarding schools. They later asserted that it was due to lack of sufficient funds. It is also striking that despite having its roots in primordial India, the Krishna society started from America where it is based, before spreading to India and many other countries. All other sects of Hinduism originate from India and are propagated by Indians, as opposed to the Krishna sect, which has placed emphasis on recruiting non Hindus to the sect (Saliba, 45). There have been cases of infighting, disagreements about the validity of doctrines they were propagating among members of the executive council. It has negatively affected the society’s standing. Surprisingly, the sect continues to grow steadily as converts from different walks of life are lured into it, hoping to find an alternative to Christianity, Islam and other mainstream religions. Hindus who migrate to other countries where their sects do not exist tend to join the Krishna band wagon. Bryant, Edward. Krishna: A Sourcebook. New York: Oxford University Press US, 2007 12Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Saliba, John. Understanding New Religious Movements. California: Rowman AltaMira, 2003 (2 illustrated) 45

The Ultimate Guide to the AP Statistics Exam

The Ultimate Guide to the AP Statistics Exam SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you taking AP Statistics? If so, you're likely wondering what to expect from the AP Statistics exam. Before you sit down to take the final test, it's important to understand how the AP Stats test is formatted, what topics it will cover, and how it'll be scored. This guide will explain all of that information, show you official sample problems and give you tips on the best way to prepare for the AP Statistics test. In 2020, the AP Statistics exam will take place on Friday, May 15th at 12:00pm. How Is the AP Statistics Exam Structured? How long is the AP Statistics exam? The test is a total of three hours long and contains two sections: multiple choice and free response. You're allowed a graphing calculator for the entire exam. Multiple-Choice Section 40 multiple-choice questions 90 minutes long Worth 50% of exam score You can spend an average of a little more than two minutes on each multiple-choice question and finish the section in time. Free-Response Section 5 short-answer questions 1 Investigative Task 90 minutes long Worth 50% of exam score The five short-answer questions are meant to each be solved in about 12 minutes, and the Investigative Task is meant to be solved in about 30 minutes. What Does the AP Statistics Exam Test You On? The content of the AP Stats exam and course is centered around four major topics. Below are the four topics, along with what percentage of the exam will be on them and all the topics that fall beneath each of them. The list covers every single topic that the AP Statistics exam could test you on. #1: Exploring Data: Describing Patterns and Departures From Patterns (20-30%) Constructing and interpreting graphical displays of distributions of univariate data (dotplot, stemplot, histogram, cumulative frequency plot) Center and spread Clusters and gaps Outliers and other unusual features Shape Summarizing distributions of univariate data Measuring center: median, mean Measuring spread: range, interquartile range, standard deviation Measuring position: quartiles, percentiles, standardized scores (z-scores) Using boxplots The effect of changing units on summary measures Comparing distributions of univariate data (dotplots, back-to-back stemplots, parallel boxplots) Comparing center and spread: within group, between group variation Comparing clusters and gaps Comparing outliers and other unusual features Comparing shapes Exploring bivariate data Analyzing patterns in scatterplots Correlation and linearity Least-squares regression line Residual plots, outliers, and influential points Transformations to achieve linearity: logarithmic and power transformations Exploring categorical data Frequency tables and bar charts Marginal and joint frequencies for two-way tables Conditional relative frequencies and association Comparing distributions using bar charts #2: Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and Conducting a Study (10-15%) Planning and conducting experiments Characteristics of a well-designed and well-conducted experiment Treatments, control groups, experimental units, random assignments and replication Sources of bias and confounding, including placebo effect and blinding Completely randomized design Randomized block design, including matched pairs design Overview of methods of data collection Census Sample survey Experiment Observational study Planning and conducting surveys Characteristics of a well-designed and well-conducted survey Populations, samples, and random selection Sources of bias in sampling and surveys Sampling methods, including simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling Generalizability of results and types of conclusions that can be drawn from observational studies, experiments, and surveys #3: Anticipating Patterns: Exploring Random Phenomena Using Probability and Simulation (20-30%) The normal distribution Properties of the normal distribution Using tables of the normal distribution The normal distribution as a model for measurements Probability Interpreting probability, including long-run relative frequency interpretation "Law of Large Numbers" concept Addition rule, multiplication rule, conditional probability, and independence Discrete random variables and their probability distributions, including binomial and geometric Simulation of random behavior and probability distributions Mean (expected value) and standard deviation of a random variable, and linear transformation of a random variable Combining independent random variables Notion of independence versus dependence Mean and standard deviation for sums and differences of independent random variables Sampling distributions Sampling distribution of a sample proportion Sampling distribution of a sample mean Central Limit Theorem Sampling distribution of a difference between two independent sample proportions Sampling distribution of a difference between two independent sample means Simulation of sampling distributions t-distribution Chi-square distribution #4: Statistical Inference: Estimating Population Parameters and Testing Hypotheses (30-40%) Estimation (point estimators and confidence intervals) Estimating population parameters and margins of error Properties of point estimators, including unbiasedness and variability Logic of confidence intervals, meaning of confidence level and confidence intervals, and properties of confidence intervals Large sample confidence interval for a proportion Large sample confidence interval for a difference between two proportions Confidence interval for a mean Confidence interval for a difference between two means (unpaired and paired) Confidence interval for the slope of a least-squares regression line Tests of Significance Logic of significance testing, null and alternative hypotheses; p-values; one- and two-sided tests; concepts of Type I and Type II errors; concept of power Large sample test for a proportion Large sample test for a difference between two proportions Test for a mean Test for a difference between two means (unpaired and paired) Chi-square test for goodness of fit, homogeneity of proportions, and independence (one- and two-way tables) Test for the slope of a least-squares regression line AP Statistics Sample Questions As we mentioned above, there are three types of questions on the AP Stats exam: multiple choice, short answer, and investigative task. Below are examples of each question type. You can see more sample questions and answer explanations in the AP Statistics Course Description. Multiple-Choice Sample Question There are 40 multiple-choice questions on the exam. Each has five answer options. Some questions will be accompanied by a chart or graph you need to analyze to answer the question. Short-Answer Sample Question There are five short-answer questions on the AP Stats test. Each of these questions typically includes several different parts you need to answer. You're expected to spend about 12 minutes on each short-answer question. Investigative Task Sample Question The final question on the exam is the Investigative Task question. This is the most in-depth question on the test, and you should spend about 30 minutes answering it. It will have multiple parts you need to answer and require multiple statistics skills. You'll also need to provide a detailed explanation of your answers that shows the strength of your statistics skills. Be sure to show all your work as you'll be graded on the completeness of your answer. How Is the AP Statistics Test Graded? For the multiple-choice part of the exam, you earn one point for each question you answer correctly. There are no point deductions for incorrect answers or questions you leave blank. Official AP graders will grade your free-response questions. Each of the six free-response questions is scored on a scale of 0 to 4 points, so the total section is out of 24 points. The free-response questions are graded holistically, which means, instead of getting a point or half a point for each bit of correct information you include, graders look at your answer to each question as a "complete package," and your grade is awarded on the overall quality of your answer. The grading rubric for each free-response question is: 4: Complete Response: Shows complete understanding of the problem's statistical components 3: Substantial Response: May include arithmetic errors, but answers are still reasonable and show substantial understanding of the problem's statistical components 2: Developing Response: May include errors that result in some unreasonable answers, but shows some understanding of the problem's statistical components 1: Minimal Response: Misuses or fails to use appropriate statistical techniques and shows only a limited understanding of statistical components by failing to identify important components 0: No Response: Shows little or no understanding of statistical components What does holistic grading mean for you? Basically, you can't expect to earn many points by including a few correct equations or arithmetic answers if you're missing key statistical analysis. You need to show you understand how to use stats to get a good score on these questions. Estimating Your AP Statistics Score If you take a practice AP Stats exam (which you should!) you'll want to get an estimate of what your score on it is so you can get an idea of how well you'd do on the real exam. To estimate your score, you'll need to do a few calculations. 1. Multiply the number of points you got on the multiple-choice section by 1.25 2. For free-response questions 1 through 5, add the number of points you got together and multiply that sum by 1.875 (don't round). If you need help estimating your score, the official free-response questions we linked to above include sample responses to help you get an idea of the score you'd get for each question. 3. For free-response question #6, multiply your score by 3.125. 4. Add the scores you got in steps 1-3 together to get your Composite Score. For example, say you got 30 questions correct on the multiple-choice section, 13 points on questions 1-5, and 2 points on question 6. Your score would be (30 x 1.25) + (13 x 1.875) + (2 x 3.125) = 68.125 which rounds to 68 points. By looking at the chart below, you can see that'd get you a 4 on the AP Statistics exam. Below is a conversion chart so you can see how raw score ranges translate into final AP scores. I've also included the percentage of students who earned each score in 2017 to give you an idea of what the score distribution looks like: Composite Score AP Score Percentage of Students Earning Each Score (2017) 70-100 5 13.6% 57-69 4 15.9% 44-56 3 24.8% 33-43 2 20.2% 0-32 1 25.5% Source: The College Board Where Can You Find Practice AP Stats Tests? Practice tests are an important part of your AP Stats prep. There are official and unofficial AP Stats practice tests available. Below are some of the best practice tests to use. Official Practice Tests 2012 Complete Practice Test 1997 Complete Practice Test Free-Response Questions 1998-2017 Unofficial Practice Tests Barron's Practice Test To learn more about where to find AP Statistics practice tests and how to use them, check out our complete guide to AP Statistics practice exams. 3 Tips for the AP Statistics Exam In this section we go over three of the most useful tips you can use when preparing for and taking the AP Statistics test. Follow these and you're more likely to get a great score on the exam. #1: For Free Response, Answer the Entire Question As we mentioned earlier, free-response questions on AP Stats are graded holistically, which means you'll get one score for the entire question. This is different from many other AP exams where each correct component you include in a free-response question gets you a certain number of points, and those points are then added up to get your total score for that question. The Stats free-response questions are graded holistically because there are often multiple correct answers in statistics depending on how you solve the problem and explain your answer. This means you can't just answer part of the question and expect to get a good score, even if you've answered that part perfectly. If you've ignored a large part of the problem, your score will be low no matter what. So instead of trying to get a point here and there by including a correct formula or solving one part of a question, make sure you're looking at the entire problem and answering it as completely as possible. Also, if you need to include an explanation, be sure it explains your thought process and the steps you took. If your explanation shows you understand important stats concepts, it could help you get a higher score even if your final answer isn't perfect. Aiming for the most complete response possible is also important if you can't answer one part of a question that's needed to answer other parts. For example, if you can't figure out what the answer to part A is, but you need to use that answer for parts B and C, just make up an answer (try to keep it logical), and use that answer to solve the other parts, or explain in detail how you'd solve the problem if you knew what the answer to part A was. If you can show you know how to solve the latter problems correctly, you'll likely get some credit for showing you understand the stats concepts being tested. #2: Know How to Use Your Calculator You'll need a graphing calculator to answer pretty much every question on the Stats exam, so make sure you know how to use it. Ideally, the calculator you use on test day will be the same one you've been doing homework and taking tests with throughout the school year so you know exactly how to use it. Knowing how to solve common stats functions on your calculator and interpret the answers you get will save you a lot of time on the exam. Your calculator will likely be most useful on the multiple-choice section where you don't need to worry about showing work. Just plug in the data you're given into your calculator, and run the right equations. Then you'll have your answer! #3: Know Your Vocabulary You may think that since AP Stats is a math course, vocab won't be an important part of the test, but you need to know quite a few terms to do well on this exam. Confusing right- and left-skewed or random sampling and random allocation, for example, could lead to you losing tons of points on the test. During the school year, stay on top of any new terms you learn in class. Making flashcards of the terms and quizzing yourself regularly is a great way to stay up-to-date on vocab. Many AP Stats prep books also include a glossary of important terms you can use while studying. Before the AP Stats exam, you should know all important terms like the back of your hand. Having a general idea isn't good enough. A big part of stats is being able to support your answers, and to do this you'll often need to use stats vocab in your explanations. Just stating the term won't earn you nearly as many points as being able to explain what the term is and how it supports your answer, so make sure you really know your vocab well. Summary: Statistics AP Exam The AP Statistics exam is three hours long and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and six free-response questions. The content of the exam covers four main areas: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. To prepare well for AP Stats exam questions, it's important to take practice exams and know how to grade them so you can estimate how well you'd do on the actual test. When studying for the AP exam, remember to answer the entire question for free response, know how to use your calculator, and be on top of stats vocabulary. What's Next? Feel the need to do some quick reviewing after looking through what'll be covered on the AP Stats exam? Take a spin through our guide to statistical significance to refresh yourself on how to run a t-test. How difficult is AP Stats compared to other AP classes? Get the answer by reading our guide to the hardest AP exams and classes. Wondering which other math classes you should take besides statistics? Math is often the trickiest subject to choose classes for, but our guide will help you figure out exactly which math classes to take for each year of high school. A prep book can be one of your best study resources for the AP Stats exam. But which prep book should you choose? Check out our guide to AP Stats prep books to learn which is the best and which you should avoid. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: