Influences of Extrinsic Motivation Techniques Essay

Introduction Parallon Workforce Management Solutions falls under the Workforce Management umbrella. An organization still in its infancy, and financially supported and entrusted by HCA, a hospital organization mogul in its industry. Currently, the DHP (Dependent Healthcare Professional) Credentialing department has begun to make its presence in the area since mid-2007; today it has gradually increased its employee base and has tremendously more than quadrupled its customer base. Having a centralized corporate office in Sunrise, FL has allowed for many job opportunities in the south Florida area. As the Finance Director, overall responsibilities include, but are not limited to overseeing the financial records of the department, communicating with staff accountants and accounts payable/receivable on a regular basis. Create process flows for financial purposes, create and decipher financial projections for the department. Accurately running and reading financial  reports and statements; and having an overall healthy attitude towards the organization. Organization Overview â€Å"Workforce Management Solutions is an industry leader in healthcare staffing management, enhancing our customers’ quality of care and providing unique technologies to deliver unparalleled efficiencies. Since our inception in 1993, we have been providing staffing resources for Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services. Currently, we serve hundreds of hospitals, ambulatory service facilities and outpatient centers nationwide, placing thousands of healthcare professionals each year. We offer every client full-service solutions that include contingent staffing, recruiting and enhanced productivity and scheduling technology. Our full-service, integrated business model encompasses: Per Diem Staffing – These comprehensive contracting services meet every need, from background checks and orientation to scheduling technology and systems training. We have 11 per diem staffing offices nationwide, having logged m ore than 3.3 million hours of work at pre-negotiated, below-market rates. Travel Staffing – Customers benefit from the services of 900+ traveling nurses and allied health professionals while Workforce Management Solutions takes on all the associated administrative and logistical burdens. Integrated Staffing and Scheduling Technology – Our custom-designed, proprietary online facility scheduling system enhances efficiency, saves money, provides for the optimization of schedules and empowers hospital staff members. Our Facility Scheduler allows employees to self-schedule with no hardware to purchase or software to install. Additional software components include volume forecasting. Staff Scheduling Redesign and Consulting – Our highly scalable, customizable technology helps managers create staffing schedules that accurately match rising and falling workloads. We train your team to plan, monitor and control staffing so needs and expectations are met efficiently and cost effectively. Permanent Placement and Recruiting – We are experts at providing professional staff and management-level recruiting solutions to our clients in the areas of nursing, medical imaging, allied health and case management† (â€Å"Parallon workforce management,† 201 1). In addition, Parallon Workforce Management Solution houses a wonderful portfolio under its umbrella of business  initiative: â€Å"Parallon’s full portfolio of unique business solutions includes group purchasing, staffing management, supply chain, project management, revenue cycle and other business processes. Parallon Business Solutions offers a comprehensive solution that no other company can claim. As partners, we work in parallel to deliver customized solutions that ensure your success. As fellow operators, we understand your challenges and continually innovate to respond to the needs of a dynamic marketplace. Business Performance Group est. 2000, offers end-to-end revenue cycle services from patient registration to billing and collections, and everything in between. To meet the needs of our providers we have expanded our capabilities to deliver a wide range of additional processes. We tailor our service to your needs—whether providing a single solution or dedica ting our full resources and scale as your outsourced partner. HealthTrust Purchasing Group, est. 1999, is the only committed model group purchasing organization. The foundation of our success is aligned decision making and compliance across our 1,400+ member partners. The result is a comprehensive portfolio that is consistently 10 percent better than any other purchasing alliance. Supply Chain Solutions has successfully transformed over 170 facilities with its shared services platform, resulting in over $1 billion in documented savings. With more than 10 years of progressive experience, the strength of Parallon is our people, processes and proven results. Because we are supply chain operators like you, we invite you to tour our facilities and see the innovation in action. Workforce Management Solutions, est. 1993, began as a provider to the largest employer of nurses in the country. We offer our services—training and credentialing, optimal high-caliber staffing placement, recruiting alternatives and industry-leading scheduling technology—creating unparalleled value and efficiencies† (â€Å"Parallon workforce management,â €  2011). Preliminary Problem Statement The DHP Credentialing department at PWMS has a poor management structure, unequipped to handle the influx of applicants filtering on a daily basis. Inability to create, and sustain acceptable customer service practices, constant increase workloads and entry level employees with no vision, direction, or view of elevation/ advancement within the organization. All of  these factors and determinants have led to overall employee dissatisfaction, resentments, disloyalty, and unenthusiastic with regards to the organization, department, and job. This paper will attempt to answer the following question: Can employee satisfaction, and productivity increase with the aid of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation? The paper will delve deeper into particular philosophies and studies as conducted by Abraham Maslow, who suggest these goals to be obtainable through a hierarchy of human behavior and needs. Literature Review/Synopsis Personal Mastery and Authentic Leadership falseDhiman, Satinder.Organization Development Journal29. 2 (Summer 2011) This paper links personal mastery and authenticity to effective leadership on the premise that our leadership style is an extension of who we are. The findings of humanistic, existential, and positive psychology are explored to suggest a pathway to the art and science of human flourishing. The paper utilizes a synergistic exploratory research design to understand the relationship between personal mastery, authenticity, and leadership within the overarching concept of human flourishing. It builds on the work of Abraham Maslow, Victor Frankl, Peter Senge, Steven Covey, and Michael Ray in illuminating the concept of personal mastery. It also briefly reviews the recent work of positive psychologists such Martin Seligman, Ed Diener, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to explore the emerging field of human flourishing by creating a conscious link between personal mastery, subjective well-being, and authentic happiness. Based on the findings, humanistic existential and positive psychology thinkers striking similarities are evident when it comes to the essentials of human flourishing. Maslow and Management: Universally Applicable or Idiosyncratic? falseJelavic, Matthew; Ogilvie, Kristie.The Canadian Manager34. 4 (Winter 2009) For scholars and practitioners of psychology, one of the most often-cited theories of human motivation is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s categorization of these human needs into physiological, safety,  love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization are not often referenced within the context of the management science, where a discrete hard science process of a formula is apparent for the answer in how a manager motivates their workers. Rather, instances cited are tied to context that varies from each situation presented, which also can change over time and culture. Yet recent disciplines, such as Organizational Behavior and Leadership, have begun to take from sociology and psychology the dynamics to understand the person, teams, and organizational effects of these theories. The integration between motivational theories, such as Maslow and differences between cultures, such as Hofstede (1980a, 1980b), bears discussion necessary to be applicable in today’s global environment. The implications of societal culture and needs to the management education field are particularly important. The Influence of Maslow’s Humanistic Views on an Employee’s Motivation to Learn falseWilson, Ian; Madsen, Susan R. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship13. 2 (Apr 2008) Continual employee training and learning is critical to the ability of organizations to adapt to an ever changing national and international business environment. What motivates employees to learn? Abraham Maslow has had a significant impact on motivation theory, humanistic psychology, and subsequently, adult learning in the workplace. This paper discusses the development of Maslow’s humanistic views and traces their impact on past trends in business training as well as the implications for current challenges that managers face in motivating employee learning in the workplace. Press the Escape key to close Analysis Intrinsic motivation relates to people who work more for the love of their job than for the money they receive. People who have a job that they love make a living from something that they find inherently satisfying. People more commonly find intrinsic motivation in careers that involve high levels of skill and creativity, aspects that increase a person’s absorption in their work. Employers provide extrinsic motivation in the form of pay, benefits and other programs designed to appeal to employees. A worker  motivated by extrinsic factors may be there solely for the money and other benefits. This doesn’t mean that people in high-paying jobs lack intrinsic motivation, but that extrinsic motivation in terms of pay and benefits may be enough to keep them working at a job even if they don’t like it. The ideal situation for most employees is to find a job that features high levels of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Before we delve into what Intrinsic and Ext rinsic motivation is, it is thus vital to understand what motivation is and why is it important to motivate employees. Hence so, motivation could be defined as the driving force within individuals that encourages them to go ahead and perform the tasks, in order to achieve their intended needs and expectations. In other words, it is a set of reasons that eventually drags an individual to perform a particular task convincing that they could fulfill their needs and expectations, once the task is performed. Motivating employees is not an easy task, due to the fact that what motivates employees seems to change overtime. To say, different employees are motivated in different ways according to their needs. For example, one employee will be motivated to do his task by way of responsibility, while on the other hand another employee will be motivated by monetary rewards. However, it is possible to motivate an employee only if they want to be motivated. As a result, it is thus vital to identify the reason and create the atmosphere that encourages the non-performing employees to refresh and motivate themselves. In other words, it is thus important to try and find out what really motivates the employee. Trying to motivate an employee by wrong means could thus lead to a waste of money, time and so on, while paving way to de-motivate the employee more. Having said that, highly motivated employees are considered to be true assets for any organization; once motivated, they basically tend to be more productive, energetic, and very mush eager to take on additional responsibilities, and thus pleasant to be with and work with. However, on the other hand it should be said that there also tends to be non performing employees as well almost in every organization. Therefore, in such circumstances they basically have to look for deal with the obstacles by going and identifying the unmotivated employees and turning them around if the organizations are to be successful. In spite of that; when it comes to motivating employees this could be done intrinsically or extrinsically by using either intrinsic or extrinsic  rewards. When it comes to intrinsic motivation, this basically means that employees are motivated to do a particular task because of the pleasure or satisfaction that they get in performing the task itself. In other words, intrinsic motivation comes from within an individual rather than from extrinsic rewards such as monetary incentives etc. An employee who tends to be intrinsically motivated could be motivated by internal factors such as recognition, responsibility, growth and advancement. If an employee is to be motivated by intrinsic rewards, then this means that what the employee really wants is a job that interests him, a challenging work environment, and the responsibility to perform the task etc. in order to motivate him. For example, an intrinsically motivated person will perform a task given to him willingly, either because he might find the task challenging or else interesting and satisfied with completing it. To say, and not with the intention of getting other rewards. This is due to the fact the external rewards hardly motivate these employees. As a result, intrinsic motivation tends to be very much effective in the long run as the employees perform the tasks willingly becau se it interests them, rather than trying to escape from it once the job is done. Extrinsic motivation on the other hand is when the employees are thus motivated by means of external rewards. External rewards basically consist of monetary incentives and grades etc. The employees are involved in performing a particular task is because of the external rewards that gives them satisfaction and pleasure, and not because they are interested in it. In other means, extrinsic motivation drives an employee to do things especially for tangible rewards or pressure, rather than for the fun of it. Extrinsic motivators can be either positive or negative. To say, it is thus possible to use positive motivators such as monetary rewards or negative such as threats or bribery to motivate them extrinsically. Extrinsic motivators basically focus the employees on rewards rather than actions. For example, employees will perform tasks though they are not quite interested in it, thus because of the rewards involved with it. To say, some people will not want to do the work willingly, but ra ther they are motivated to do so by external rewards. However in reality, extrinsic rewards do motivate employee’s only short term. This is because the extrinsically motivated employees will do their work only as long as they receive their rewards and thereafter will stop performing the tasks, once the rewards are  no longer there. Having looked at both the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, it could be said that intrinsic motivation is far stronger than extrinsic motivation when it comes to motivate employees in the long run. This is because the intrinsically motivated employees will continue to perform better day after day as long they find the work interesting and satisfied. It doesn’t mean that extrinsic motivation should not be used, but this is not the ideal way to long motivate the employees. To say, extrinsically motivated employees will only find what they do to interesting as long as they receive the rewards which can either be positive or negative. And hence in order to motivate them to increase performance, then they will have to be given more rewards than before. If not, they will only be de-motivated. Not only that, but once the employees are given extrinsic rewards they will no longer be intrinsically motivated, but rather depend on rewards to keep them motivated thereafter. That is why it is vital to try and motivate employees intrinsically by trying to explain how it will help them to develop and encouraging them by offering more challenging work, giving responsibility and recognition for the work done etc. This will in turn lead to enhance performance by motivating them to meet the long term success. Through exploration of motivational characteristics, it is shown that people are either intrinsically or extrinsically motivated. Upon further research, two theories explain how intrinsic motivation can be increased or decreased by extrinsic, or external, motivation techniques. In Theory I, external motivators (incentives, praise, rewards, or punishment) increase intrinsic motivation. In Theory II, extrinsic motivators decrease intrinsic motivation. The latter of this paper will determine what impact extrinsic motivation techniques have on intrinsic motivation. It will then identify the most effective and least effective extrinsic motivation techniques, and explain how intrinsic motivation can be affected by this. Finally, the importance of this exploration will be explained by three research studies. Definitions Intrinsic motivation inspires individuals to participate in an activity because of the internal enjoyment that activity brings. People who are  intrinsically motivated have a need for achievement and aspire to be self-determined and competent, without any perceived external motivator (Akin-Little, Eckert, Lovett, & Little, 2004). Extrinsic motivation encourages individuals, who do not necessarily enjoy an activity, to perform well in order to receive some kind of reward or to avoid negative consequences (Aamodt, 2007). Autonomy, or self-determination, is experienced when an individual feels they have a choice in performing the activity and feels personally responsible for the outcome (Cameron, Pierce, Banko, & Gear, 2005; Aamodt, 2007). Theory I – External Motivators Increase Intrinsic Motivation There has been a great deal of controversy concerning the impact external motivation techniques have on intrinsic motivation. External motivation techniques have been proven to significantly increase extrinsic motivation, which results in increased efficiency and performance for organizations (Aamodt, 2007). More research is needed to prove that external incentives primarily decrease intrinsic motivation. Proponents of Theory I declare that rewarding individuals for meeting absolute or normative standards, or for exceeding a criterion, greatly increases intrinsic motivation (Cameron, Pierce, Banko, & Gear, 2005). Along with this theory, quality-dependent rewards (verbal praise or tangible rewards) increase intrinsic motivation because they meet an individual’s needs, wants, and desires (Akin-Little, Eckert, Lovett, & Little, 2004). Although quality-dependent rewards have a positive effect on intrinsic motivati on in this theory, achievement-based rewards (rewards that individuals receive for achieving or mastering a challenging criterion) also increases intrinsic motivation. Achievement-based rewards are broken down into two categories: controlling and informational. The controlling aspect of a reward will be discussed in the next section on how external motivators decrease intrinsic motivation. Basing achievement rewards for informational purposes, such as feedback, boosts an individual’s perception of competence and ability (Cameron, Pierce, Banko, & Gear, 2005). Feedback provides individuals with the results of their efforts thereby increasing intrinsic motivation (Aamodt, 2007). This makes a person feel good about what they have accomplished and inspires them to continue achieving the goal. Even though reward for achieving goals increases  motivation, goal theorists distinguish between two causes for that motivation: present value (engaging in an activity that has present value or enjoyment) and future value (engaging in an activity that will be valued or enjoyed in the future). In other words, being rewarded for achieving a goal increases intrinsic motivation if the individual was performing the activity for its immediate effects. Alternatively, if the individual is motivated to perform the activity with only future benefits in mind, the motivator is external and will not increase intrinsic motivation (Simons, Dewitte, & Lens, 2004). Theory II – External Motivators Decreases Intrinsic Motivation On one hand, quality-dependent, achievement-based, and goal-based external rewards affirm responsibility for increasing intrinsic motivation. On the other hand, research indicates that these external motivators are detrimental to an individual’s intrinsic motivation. Proponents of Theory II agree that external rewards or incentives substantially increase extrinsic motivation, but unlike Theory I advocates, they do not concur that external rewards increase an individual’s intrinsic motivation. Theory II promoters contend that all extrinsic rewards including informational (verbal rewards), controlling (tangible rewards), and contingent (engagement-based or performance-based) are destructive to intrinsic motivation (Xiang, Chen, & Bruene, 2005). University of Chicago’s professor of behavioral sciences, Uri Gneezy, made an interesting statement that summarized this viewpoint. He said, â€Å"Extrinsic motivation might change the perception of the activity and destroy the intrinsic motivation to perform it when no apparent reward apart from the activity itself is expected† (Rothman & Rothman, 2006). In compliance with Gneezy’s idea that external motivation techniques decrease enjoyment in an activity; task-contingent incentives (rewards to encourage participation in an activity, solving a problem, or completing a task) are also found to decrease self-determination. This decline in autonomy, along with the perception that the motivator is controlling; account for extensive decreases in intrinsic motivation. Use of certain incentives such as money or acknowledgement; are not what some individuals need, want, or desire. When these people receive rewards, it discourages their intrinsic motivation (Akin-Little, Eckert, Lovett, & Little,  2004). In addition to the negative effects that task-contingent rewards have on intrinsic motivation, the controlling aspect of achievement-based rewards (awarding those who meet performance standards) results in a similar outcome. External rewards for performing an activity or meeting a standard are viewed as controlling, according to intrinsically motivated people. This external motivation approach is perceived as more of a restraint on self-determination, or independence, than a reward for achieving the goal. Achievement-based rewards can also pressure an individual to perform up to an expected standard. All of these feelings contribute to a decrease in intrinsic motivation (Cameron, Pierce, Banko, & Gear, 2005). Studies In order to distinguish between the two theories on how external motivation techniques affect intrinsic motivation, a variety of controversial journal articles on the topic were examined. Analyzing a few of these studies will reveal why it is imperative to know and understand how external motivators can negatively or positively influence intrinsic motivation. In a study located in the 2006 American Journal of Transplantation, activists for establishing a market for organs have suggested that financial incentives would encourage more people to donate their organs. Challengers of this concept proposed that financial incentives would result in a decline in organ donors, and that the extrinsic incentives would devalue the moral and unselfish obligations of intrinsically motivated individuals (S.M. Rothman and D.J. Rothman, p. 2). An article written by Nancy Folbre, sited in the 2006 Politics and Society Journal, uncovered the controversial issue of low-paid care givers and social service workers. Folbre found that external incentives would increase intrinsic motivation in care givers and social service workers. She also affirmed that the levels of intrinsic motivation and moral commitment in care givers and social service workers outweigh the supply of effort that a better wage would bring in. Her thoughts about the pay scale and treatment for care givers and social service workers were summarized by â€Å"they are being taken for granted,† and that â€Å"strong intrinsic motivation can ‘burn-out’ workers.† Opponents to Folbre’s opinion, such as Anthony Heyes in his article, â€Å"Why is a Badly Paid Nurse a Good Nurse?† wrote that a â€Å"good† nurse was willing to accept a lower wage. Heyes also challenged that raising nurses’ salaries would result in reduced intrinsic  motivation and decreased service quality. According to Folbre’s adversaries, â€Å"low pay helps screen out workers who lack the requisite motivation† (Folbre, 7 & 12). A study found in the 2004 School Psychology Review researched the effects of using extrinsic motivation techniques to maintain appropriate academic output and behavior in schools. Some researchers believed that instructors attempted to â€Å"bribe† students with external motivators to encourage them to perform and act a certain way in school. These theorists felt that bribing intrinsically motivated students, who do their best for their own fulfillment, decreased the students’ intrinsic motivation. In contrast, this study revealed that external motivation was not detrimental to students’ intrinsic motivation. In fact, the use of praise and rewards for doing well increased the students’ self-determination and encouraged them to continue to perform well. The only way tangible rewards have decreased intrinsic motivation, according to this article, was when they were not delivered immediately after a student’s behavior (Akin-Little, Eckert, Lovett, & Li ttle, 346 & 359). Summary/Conclusion To summarize this research, external motivation techniques have been found to both increase and decrease intrinsic motivation. To keep a healthy balance in an organization, the motivation techniques considered must be carefully selected so that extrinsically motivated individuals, as well as those who are intrinsically motivated, can be satisfied. From these articles, the most effective external motivators include quality-dependent rewards, informational achievement-based rewards, and goal-based rewards. External motivation techniques to avoid include task-contingent incentives and controlling achievement-based rewards. In conclusion, by examining the above referenced journal articles to find the effects extrinsic motivators have on intrinsic motivation, this research revealed that there are approximately the same number of theorists on both sides of the spectrum. There are just as many researchers who suggest external motivation techniques negatively affect intrinsic motivation as there are who imply external incentives positively affect intrinsic motivation. The debate over whether external motivation techniques either have a positive or a negative effect on intrinsic motivation continues. References Aamodt, M.G. (2007). Industrial/Organizational Psychology: An Applied Approach (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth Corporation. Akin-Little, A.K.; Eckert, T.L.; Lovett, B.J.; & Little, S.G. (2004). Extrinsic Reinforcement in the Classroom: Bribery or Best Practice. School Psychology Review, 33, 345-348. Cameron, J.; Pierce, W.D.; Banko, K.M.; & Gear, A. (2005). Achievement-Based Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Cognitive Mediators. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97, 642-643. Dhiman, S. (2011). Personal mastery and authentic leadership. Organization Development Journal, 29(2), 69-83. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/docview/899227431?accountid=6579 Folbre, N. (2006). Demanding Quality: Worker/Consumer Coalitions and â€Å"High Road† Strategies in the Care Sector. Politics & Society, 34 (1), 7 & 12 Hainsworth, K. (2002, Jun 22). Rise: Still striving for recognition and achievement? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The Guardian, pp. 4-RISE.4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/docview/245833355?accountid=6579 Harackiewicz, J. M., & Sansone, C. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the search for optimal motivation and performance. San Diego: Academic Press. Jelavic, M., & Ogilvie, K. (2009). Maslow and management: Universally applicable or idiosyncratic? The Canadian Manager, 34(4), 16-17. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/docvie w/846781461?accountid=6579 Maslow, A. H. (1971). The farther reaches of human nature. New York: Viking Press. Maslow, A., Stephens, D., & Heil, G. (1998). Maslow on management. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Parallon workforce management solutions. (2011, January 02). Retrieved from http://www.parallon.net/workforce_services.html Rothman, S.M. & Rothman, D.J. (2006). The Hidden Cost of Organ Sale. American Journal of Transplantation, 6(7), 2 Simons, J.; Dewitte, S.; & Lens, W. (2004). The Role of Different Types of Instrumentality in Motivation, Study Strategies, and Performance: Know Why You Learn, So You’ll Know What You Learn! British Journal of Educational Psychology, 74, 345-346. Stephens, D. (2000). The Maslow Business Reader. New York, New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The Influence of Maslow’s Humanistic Views on an Employee’s Motivation to Learn falseWilson, Ian; Madsen, Susan R. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship13. 2 (Apr 2008): 46-62.Press the Escape key to close Wilson, I., & Susan, R. M. (2008). The influence of Maslow’s humanistic views on an employee’s motivation to learn. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 13(2), 46-62. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/docview/203897252?accountid=6579 Xiang, P.; Chen, Ang.; & Bruene, A. (2005). Interactive Impact of Intrinsic Motivators and Extrinsic Rewards on Behavior and Motivation Outcomes. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 24, 180.

Reflection Paper on Sensory Evaluation

Corook, Mark Lester F. 2009-17733 FS 131 – Reflection Paper The journal article â€Å"Sensory food science in the changing society: Opportunities, needs, and challenges† written by Hely Tuorila and Erminio Monteleone is about the trends in sensory food science showing its history and its evolution over the past 15-20 years. The progress in research methods and instruments were also presented in the article. Also, it talked about the significance of sensory evaluation to the food industry, and the future opportunities and challenges in the field.The topic was a good one and is relatable to FS 131. As a Food Technology student, this article is of great help on appreciating the course and the role of sensory food science to the industry. According to Tuorila and Monteleone, sensory food science has extensive function to food production and marketing – no food or beverage is worth producing and marketing without at least an approximate idea of the acceptability of it s sensory quality. I strongly believe this statement since I think that consumer perceptions are highly relevant to commercial success of foods and beverages.By reading the article, I realized that sensory evaluation is of great value to both the tactical and strategic research goals of the food industry. A brief history of the field was also presented in the paper. Pangborn (1989) stated that sensory food science evolved from the need for scientifically sound sensory evaluation of foods. By reading this journal, I realized that sensory evaluation is really related to the behavioural sciences, such as psychology, and to biology, nutrition and heath sciences.I also realized that sensory evaluation functions like chemical, physical and microbiological characterisation of products. As I read the trends in the field, I realized that the research methods have grown immensely. I read from the article that for sensory evaluation to be scientifically sound, many skills and training are requ ired. But sadly, not all of us appreciate this fact. New methods and instruments were summarized in a big table. It can be seen that computers played an important part on the progress of these methods.They are very important since they make data entry more convenient and less prone to errors. Also, internet is also an essential part of the development due to its use in data collection for various sensory tests (home use tests, online FGDs). I recognized the potential of the discipline to enhance liking for healthy foods. â€Å"New foods for the weight control market naturally require sensory testing and consumer acceptance research. † Also, I believed that sensory research is a necessary tool in defining optimal sensory properties of a product. I realized the significance of sensory evaluation to catering services.Sensory evaluation can be utilized to gather systematic sensory information across cultural preferences and to define acceptable options. Thus, the discipline helps in understanding the character of cuisines of different populations, which is very essential for businesses. Also, through reading the paper, I realized that there are great opportunities for sensory research and that in our changing society, new issues relevant to sensory science are likely to emerge. Thus, I see the need for high level basic training and opportunities for college students to specialize in the field, and proper funding for sensory research.

Analysis of the Images of Mind in Society Essay

In our society, there are different images, icons and symbols of the mind, and one set of this are those that are portrayed by nerds and geeks. These types of symbols are popularly seen in movies and television shows. By definition, a nerd is â€Å"a person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept (Nerd 2009). † According to this article, it bears a derogatory connotation or stereotype. In television shows and movies, the nerds are the ones who are often ostracized by the more popular crowd. In this image (http://www. dougweb. org/images/blog/ Nerd_of_the_Year_2001. jpg), nerds are shown as having big eye glasses and are socially awkward. It can be seen in the picture that they seem to be a laughing stock since they â€Å"do not get laid. † I believe that people of intelligence are portrayed like this because only a small percent of population has only been made intelligent, or only a small percentage of people are willing to sacrifice their social image to pursue an endeavor (most especially academic ones). Because they are small in number, what they are doing is not popular to others. By doing these things, intelligent people do not get asked in proms and other social activities. This can also be seen in the show the Big Bang Theory, where the main characters are intellectuals (theoretical physicists). It is shown in this series that they are socially awkward, and do not know how to deal with girls (Picture: http://editorial. sidereel. com/Images/Pages/big_bang_theory. jpg). Other images/symbols of the mind that is portrayed in society are the Ivy League schools and the professors there. It shows that highly intelligent people need to have an exceptional environment where they could hone their skills. Also, these kinds of schools have high standards because not all students have the intellectual capacity to persevere in these kinds of schools. These schools are needed to produce exceptional work and researches and brilliant minds that could be helpful in improving the society. List of References â€Å"Nerd† The Free Dictionary. com. Available from [22 July 2009]

Marketing and health care Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing and health care - Research Paper Example However, healthcare industry is too diversified and complex which makes it difficult to be treated with a single perspective. Hence, the marketing management problems are also complex with no single solution. This paper looks into factors leading to marketing success of banking sector and has attempted to relate these strategies to healthcare marketing. The concept of marketing incorporates certain important variables like customer focus, profitability, integration as well as coordination of marketing along with other major functional areas like that of finance, human resources, logistics, purchasing and operations as well (Stahl, 2003, p. 348). Now, there is stark differentiation between marketing concepts in different industries and now we will be discussing the differentiation between marketing in banking sector and marketing in health care industry. The scope of marketing in the banking sector can be considered under the purview service marketing framework. Marketing in banking sector not only include the service selling of the bank but it is also deemed as a function reflecting personality and image for the bank on the mind of its customers. A sizeable number of banks are now applying more customer oriented approach as compared to the fast moving consumer goods marketing counterparts (Withey, 2012, p.33). The marketing concept s of the banks are applied in their price, distribution, promotion, personal selling, and advertising, public relations as well as selling promotional tools. These fall within the context of marketing mix within the banking sector (Jayarum & Kotwani, n.d., p.421). In terms of commodities and service, health care can be also defined as a product or service but the definition of health care is rather ill defined with the outcome attaches a large scale uncertainty. Larger segment of the industry gets

Composition of acid rain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Composition of acid rain - Essay Example Acid rain is the "atmospheric deposition of acidified rain, snow, sleet, hail, acidifying gases and particles, as well as acidified fog and cloud water".It also refers to precipitation that is much more acidic than natural, unpolluted rain."The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution and is determined by the hydrogen ion (H+) content" ("Measuring Acid Rain"). This scale ranges from 0 to 14, moving from strongly acid to strongly alkaline, respectively, with the point 7 representing neutral."The pH scale is logarithmic rather than linear". Hence, there is a tenfold increase in acidity with each pH point. Natural rain is mildly acidic because of the presence of carbon dioxide present in atmospheric moisture, which react together to form weak carbonic acid (H2CO3):H2CO3 is a weak acid and so it partially dissociates to release H+ (aq), resulting in the reduction of pH of the system. This partial ionization occurs in equilibrium, since carbonic acid on ly ionizes 1.7% ("Sources of Acid Rain"):The two dominant acids found in acid rain are sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). These acids are created from the primary pollutants sulfur dioxide SO2 and nitrogen oxides such as NO2. These pollutants are usually carried over long distances from their primary source, where they finally result in acid rain. The chemistry of both these pollutants from this source to the creation of acid rain is shown below:Sulfur dioxide is mainly released into the atmosphere through combustion of fossil fuels. The world over, sulfur dioxide is also released by volcanoes and also by the oxidation of sulfur gases released by the decomposition of plants. This natural sulfur dioxide is released very high into the atmosphere, and hence the concentration of the gas is very minimal in unpolluted air. But the sulfur dioxide produced from the combustion of fossil fuels, for example in electric power plants and mined coal containing 1 to 5% sulfur, is releas ed into the ground level air. The concentration of sulfur dioxide in the ground level air is, thus, quite high in certain areas, particularly in the northern hemisphere. This contributes to acid rain over large areas. 2. Nitrogen monoxide is produced as a byproduct of the burning of gasoline in car engines using air as the source of oxygen. The nitrogen present in air, when exposed to high temperatures inside car engines, is converted into the pollutant nitrogen monoxide (NO). A series of secondary reactions in the presence of sunlight produces nitrogen dioxide oxide and ground level ozone, which further precipitate acid rain reactions. NO2 (g) + O3 (g) NO3 (g) + O2 (g) The gaseous NO3 then combines with any reactive hydrogen donor (X) in the atmosphere, producing aqueous nitric acid (HNO3):

Explain why information systems project management requires careful Essay

Explain why information systems project management requires careful attention to quality management - Essay Example Second reason is that lack of focus on quality management within information systems project management can result in rework and high number of project changes. Such issues can cause delay in the completion of business processes which can consequently decrease the level of organizational efficiency. This is the reason why experts suggest adhering to the standards of quality while managing any information system project. â€Å"It certainly is a better and safer practice to plan quality in advance than hope that no quality gaps occur† (Mladinov 2012, p. 1). Therefore, we can say that quality management and IT systems project management go side by side in order to reap desired benefits from the projects. Quality planning process refers to the set of tasks that ensure quality of the project during all phases of the project. Some of those tasks include designing and checking the quality standards, using most appropriate resources for the project, and continuously monitoring the efficiency and quality of each of the completed tasks. Quality planning is a systematic process that interprets the policy regarding project quality into a set of measurable targets. The planning includes identification of all objectives and laying down a sequence of steps to meet those objectives. The techniques of quality planning include use of control charts, statistical sampling, flowcharting, designing of experiments, cost benefit analysis, benchmarking, cost benefit analysis, and use of quality management methodologies. The outputs of the quality assurance process include updated project management plan, updated organizational process assets, updated project document, and change requests in accordance with the results of analysis of processes. Mladinov, L 2012, Importance of Quality Management on IT Projects Within the Pharmaceutical Industry, viewed 16 December 2013,

Highlight problems and issues trade union face in the UK and recommend Essay

Highlight problems and issues trade union face in the UK and recommend practical solutionsto solve them - Essay Example Failure to come on an agreement on the negotiations made, the trade unions are entitled to strike. Capitalism is a form of governance where, the land, labor and other factors of production are privately owned states Clarke (1978). Trade unions can be defined from this perspective as the representatives of the employees’ terms of employment to employers and government from a given policy which is based on the person who privately owns the union. The trade unions here are not government controlled but privately controlled. Trade union from a radical perspective can be defines as the representation of employees from the industrial and commercial sectors only. These are the unions that only focus on the two business sectors but they are not necessarily privately owned. Marxism emphasises on the workers’ rights to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It thus defines trade unions as organs which represent work towards ceasing employees’ harassment at work place and ensuring they enjoy the benefits and results that come from their work. Lionel (1968) states that in the UK, most unions belong to the Trades Union Congress, which represents many unions, and hence has more power over issues effecting workers nationally. Therefore trade unions act as a voice for the employees and often take on the role of challenging and updating contracts and conditions for members and also protect the members from harassment and employment related legal issues. Rosen (1969) states the main sources of power of the trade unions as the government, employers, and employees. These are the key sources of trade unions as they are the determinants of the representatives in the trade unions and the legal issues that it should abide to. Stewart (1986) argues that if a union does not have a good collective bargaining style, then it will lose its members who are the employees. On the other hand, the employers and the

Youth Homelessness in Hawaii Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Youth Homelessness in Hawaii - Essay Example This paper has addressed homelessness amongst the youth in Hawaii, from various angles. The paper starts with an introduction to the issue, then looking down the historical perspective of homelessness in the United States. This is then followed by a narrowed down approach to homelessness among youths in Hawaii. The causes and the impacts as well as the demographics of the issue have been discussed. The paper ends with an insight into the social manner in which this issue can be approached. In this regard, the arenas of social policies have been visited, that is macro, mezzo and micro methods into intervening homelessness. Introduction According to the United Nations and the Conference for European Statisticians (CES) (2009), homelessness can be categorized broadly into two categories; Primary homelessness; this is also referred to as rooflessness. This refers to the group of people who live in the streets without any shelter that would qualify for a living quarter (United Nations, 20 09). Secondary homelessness; these are people who have no usual residence are usually hopping between various types of accommodation that would cater for them such as homeless institutions. The category also includes those who are in various private aboard but cannot quote a usual address during census (United Nations, 2009). Homelessness, can thus, according to the above two approaches, be defined as the condition of lacking a regular dwelling. Legal definitions of this term are very broad and vary from country to country. Various conditions lead to homelessness with the condition proliferating in the mid 80s due to strenuous economic conditions. Most countries, however, have put in place various measures to cater for the homeless. This is mainly and in form of provision of basic life commodities as food, clothing and shelter. This is done by community-based organizations through volunteers or through government agencies. According to Basuk & Rosenberg (1988), homelessness was a pr evalent issue in The United States in the 80s. In their article, they acknowledged presence of about a third of the homeless living in America. Despite these alarming figures, little was known in terms of the causes of the situation, consequences, and the antecedents of the problem. According to research, there are so many conditions being faced by the homeless that are still unmet. This paper focuses on homelessness in Hawaii. The paper will focus on the effects of the situation, demographics, economic trends, effects on families, and other related effects, and the social concern at various levels. Homelessness in Hawaii There has been a large increase in the number of homeless youth in Hawaii. The issue has trickled to Honolulu, a major city in tourism. The increase in the number of homeless people in Hawaii has led to a major outcry from concerned groups such as the church, public service, leaders of the community and the general public. Incidentally, the issue of homeless people in Hawaii is slowly becoming a public issue considering the high rates of publicity that its facing. Such continual cycles of homelessness within the youth in Hawaii is leading to deteriorating behaviors and a rise in crimes. It is a behavior that inflicts on youth in such a manner that one may find some running away from their homes due to the various problems. There are more detrimental effects of homelessness to the community such as increase in insecurity, and poor health and sanitation. It is a common factor to see homeless youth living in sewer lines (Kidd, 2006). Social personnel have the liability of abating this situation through looking into various solutions such as safe housing, access to health care, and maybe try to unite some of the homeless with their families, where

Culture Influence of the Food Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Culture Influence of the Food - Assignment Example The ingredients used are leftovers of a sheep after it has been slaughtered and meat extracted. Some people would have to be drunk or drugged in order to take haggis while it remains a cultural delicacy in Scotland. Different religious groups are known to use food as an expression of their faith. Fasting is believed to improve spiritual disciple among the Christians. Muslims are also known for not eating pigs. They consider pigs to be cursed and unholy. Hindus do not eat beef. They believe that the cow is holy(Kao and Elizabeth 87). The young generation has taken fasting to whole new level. Girls are known to fast so as to maintain their perfect physique. This is part of the food culture in today’s world and cannot be ignored. Chinese are known to use chopsticks to eat their food. In some countries around the world, the main meal is taken during the day. That is at noon. However, in America the main meal of the day is taken in the evening shortly before 7 P.M. The evening meal is referred to as dinner. In Spain, the evening meal (supper) is taken around 10 P.M. Some cultures prefer their food to be spicy. E.g. the Chinese. Some will enjoy their food more if it is either bitter, sour or sweet. Some cultures will also like their food to be boiled or fried. While some cultures like eat raw food. Some cultures like the French like eating in groups and holding festivals while some cultures leg Denmark people are allowed to eat alone and eating is not considered a social activity. However, in Denmark people emphasize eating healthy while in France people are more concerned with taste (Kao and Elizabeth 56). There are also some other factors that determine food culture. For instance, sportsmen and women have been known not to eat heavily.

Play Del Carmen Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Play Del Carmen - Assignment Example as diving and exploring the Cenotes reflects this style and classiness as an activity that requires high resource availability, shown in the activities occurring during the trip and the expensive hotels reserved for the group. Descriptive language such as brilliant and breathtaking by the narrator reflect this style common in this psychographic profile. It is not surprising that lifestyle and creativity in vacation selection played a part in the decision-making to explore the Cenotes, a vacation package well-suited for someone with enough self-esteem and confidence to explore. Those who fit the market profile of experiencers are those who are usually younger and rebellious, who maintain personality features that demand for thrill-seeking, are usually impulsive in decisions for consumption, and usually spend a great deal of their income on entertainment. This segment appreciates having cool stuff and enjoys taking risks. The photograph of this consumer on the posting website clearly shows a younger individual. There are many references to thrill-seeking activities which could have aided the decision to choose this particular type of vacation travel, with much appreciation for the diversity and risk factors that are part of the tours. That statements provided by the narrator such as â€Å"I was like a 4 year old at Christmas† and â€Å"he rocked!† shows the type of thinking of the experiencer profile. It would seem that largely for the thrill of adventure, this location was chosen as a destination. More evidence of a personality type that fits the experiencer is the impulse in decision-making that occurred during the trip. The group cancelled developed scheduled plans with an assigned diver guide in order to experience more enjoyable times with Cristobal, changing the entire scope of the day. The youths also fell asleep on more than once occasion, suggesting that the vacation was meant to be one that could be impulsive and free which all members of the group seemed

Main Pollutants emitted by vehicle Engines Essay Example for Free

Main Pollutants emitted by vehicle Engines Essay The hydroxyl radical then reacts with nitrogen dioxide and oxidises it to nitrate ions. The superoxide ion reacts with nitrogen monoxide to form nitrate ions. NO2 + OH H+ + NO3- NO + O2- NO3- These nitrates are then either washed away or absorbed by the blocks to form stable compounds. The crystals also catalyse the reaction because the surface of the block holds together the reactants. This increases the concentration of the reactants. Figure 2: NOX removal by titanium oxide crystals. x Three-way Catalytic Converters A three-way catalytic converter oxidises carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, and reduces the levels of nitrogen oxides. It does this by creating the right conditions for reactions of these emissions to occur. The air to fuel ratio must be carefully controlled as oxygen is needed for the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Oxygen sensors are fitted in engines with a three-way catalyst. Figure 3: The three-way catalyst system. xi Three-way catalysts are designed to produce more desirable reactions and less undesirable reactions. Desirable reactions reduce the harmful emissions from the car exhaust. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, and nitrogen oxides react with carbon monoxide to produce carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The products are already present in the Earths atmosphere. 2CO + O2 2CO2 C7H16 + 11O2 8H2O + 7CO2 2CO + 2NO 2CO2 + N2 xii Three-way catalytic converters contain the stoichiometric fuel mixture. This means that the catalysts have the right amount of oxygen to combust the fuel and react with the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Three-way catalysts also contain ceria, which stores oxygen when the mixture is lean, and releases it when the mixture is rich. This gives optimum conversion of pollutants because as the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are absorbed onto the catalysts surface, the oxygen stored by the ceria oxidises them even if there is not enough oxygen in the air to fuel ratio. xiii The future Scientists still have problems that need to be solved to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. One problem that needs to be addressed is how to prevent harmful exhaust emissions when the catalyst is still warming up. There are several ways that this could be dealt with, including operating the catalysts at lower temperatures and also heating the catalyst before the engine is started. xiv Scientists also need to develop a system that is able to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines. There are several ideas on how to go about this, including using ammonia in the exhaust, but nothing has yet been developed.  http://www.nutramed.com/environment/carsepa.htm

Of Mice And Men Language Essay Example for Free

Of Mice And Men Language Essay The importance of this passage, which introduces the closing section of the novel, is that it refers to what has happened earlier in the story and what is about to happen. It represents symbolically the characters, events and ideas of the story so far and prefigures the final tragedy. The setting is the same as at the beginning of the novel, a clearing on the banks by the deep green pool of the Salinas River. In the first paragraph Steinbeck conveys once more, now briefly, the beauty of the natural scene, the paradise from which mankind has been cast out. Now however the circumstances are very different and returning to the same setting suggests a circular movement of events, getting nowhere, but also as a downward spiral. Lennie is in trouble again and more seriously than ever before he has killed Curleys wife. The dream he and George shared is already dead. There is a disturbance to the scene, a far rush of wind and a scattering of leaves, the only sounds breaking the silence. The rivers surface is briefly disturbed, but as quickly as it had come, the wind died and the clearing was quiet again. By this Steinbeck reminds us of the smallness and insignificance of the events of the novel. They will quickly pass and be forgotten. A water snake glided swiftly up the pool, this represents Lennie, twisting its periscope head from side to side. Lennies vision is limited by his dull wits and he doesnt foresee the fate towards which he is blundering. A heron waiting in the shallows seizes the little snake by the head and swallows it while its tail waved frantically. Lennies size and strength are insignificant, uselessly matched against much larger forces, such as the society he lives in. This reflects another theme of the novel: the powerful dominate and prey upon the weak. This is the situation of the migrant labourers, who own nothing but their ability to work, in relation to the Boss who has wealth and land and who exploits his labourers. It is reflected too in the pecking order on the ranch: the weak ones Lennie, Crooks and Candy are at the mercy of the strong. Crooks dominates Lennie and Curleys wife dominates Crooks. Carlson, with Slims consent, dispatches Candys dog. Curly is ever present attempting to dominate everyone, except Slim, by physical violence and through his relation to his father. When Lennie appears out of the brush the heron flies off and a second little snake, representing George, finds refuge from the heron in the reeds. This signifies that George is clever enough to stay out of trouble, including that brought on by Lennie. Lennie has come to the river bank because George told him to meet him there if he got into trouble. This was in the opening section of the novel, where Steinbeck compared Lennie to a bear: he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. This suggests clumsiness, but now it is the bears stealth that he refers to: Lennie comes as silently as a creeping bear moves. He is directed now by his instinct, not just following George. The repeated bear simile reminds the reader again of the circular movement of the story; but Lennies soundless entry also makes us think of him as a spirit, anticipating his death. The passage reflects a number of ideas in the novel: the beauty of nature and the ugliness of human nature; the insignificance of human affairs; the futility of human effort and the fragility of dreams. The predatory nature of human existence, a major theme in the novel is represented symbolically in the action of the heron, reminding the reader of various episodes earlier in the story. The characters of George and Lennie are illustrated in the different fates of the two little snakes. Lennies death is prefigured in that of the first water snake, also in his spirit-like appearance on the scene. In this way Steinbeck sets the scene at the river bank in context. The reader sees the hopelessness of Lennie and Georges situation, their powerlessness in the circumstances they find themselves in and foresees the tragic end.

Gender and Age Difference in Profile Pictures Analysis

Gender and Age Difference in Profile Pictures Analysis Michael Ngo Abstract Does Gender affect the number of profile pictures posted on Facebook? Does age affect a number of subjects in a profile picture? This study seeks to find the potential motivation and personality traits associated with an online behavioral action. The hypotheses focus on age and gender, two factors that could explain some differences or similarities in behavior. A non-experimental content analysis was used as the design with a sample size of 50 participants (25 female and 25 males). The age group was divided into two constructs: young (11-20 years old) and old (21-30 years old). The statistical test found no significance in gender affecting the number of profile pictures and age affecting the subjects in profile pictures. Further investigation and limitations will be discussed later. Gender and Age Difference in Profile Pictures Content Analysis Media, a term encompassing broadcasting medium such as newspaper, TV, radio, and internet use, is constantly being scrutinized for its content and its effect on users cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. From the recent shootings of unarmed individuals to Trumps attempt at changing the health policies to local school charity successes, each media source provides an outlet for students to react and change their perspectives. Moreover, media use by students could potentially provide researchers important data on their social, emotional, and cognitive states. Social networking has grown and is continuing growing throughout the past decade. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and Tumblr are some of the most popular social networking sites currently (Pempek, Yermolayeva, Calvert, 2009). Students use social networks to express themselves through the use of pictures, status updates, posts, and chats. These online expressions could also affect the original posters viewers and the users themselves similar to the larger scale news outlet. Facebook, one of the most widely used network, can provide a great source of information, especially about school-aged students. Through Facebook, users can share their thoughts through posts and comments, share links and other media to groups, and upload pictures of themselves or their friends. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential motivations, psychological factors, and personality traits behind Facebook users profile pictures. It is important to note that to measure a persons motivation and personality, a researcher must compile a series of test, surveys, and physical interactions among other factors. The point of this research is to examine photo related factors and literature reviews to derive potential reasons for the users action. This current study presents the results of a content analysis addressing the following research question: do gender and age affect the number of profile pictures and the number of subjects in a profile picture? In the study, there are two hypotheses: Female users will have a higher number of profile pictures than male users in their albums and younger people (age 11-20) will have higher numbers of subjects in their profile pictures than older people (ages 21-30). Literature Review Over the past six years, there has been an increase in the number of peer-reviewed articles on social networking sites. Many of these studies explore how psychological factors such as personality traits influence the use of social networking sites. Personality traits include neuroticism, extraversion, low self-esteem, and narcissism when using Facebook (Skues, Williams, Wise, 2012). Some studies claim that participants who were members of more groups on Facebook had reported higher levels of extraversion than those with lower levels of extraversion (Skues et al., 2012). Extraverted people use Facebook to maintain relationships with their peers and engage in social activities offline and online. This would explain the smaller social group membership among introverts and the larger group membership for extraverts. Extraversion could explain why some people upload more profile pictures than others. With a larger friend group, an individual is more inclined to update their photos so that their friends can see what is happening in the users life. Students use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and to let others know more about themselves (Pempek et al., 2011). Users may upload pictures of themselves with multiple subjects to showcase their network and friendship. Subjects may include ones group of friends with studies showing that both the quantity and nature of photos displayed perception of closeness by viewers (Mendelson Papacharissi, 2010). The motivation behind why users would do this could be to seek peer feedback and validation from friends. An introverted individual may not find the necessity to frequently update their profile pictures for their friends. Neuroticism is another trait that has been found to affect how individuals use Facebook. Though there are conflicting findings. For example, a study has found that individuals with higher neuroticism levels were less willing to share any personal information, but preferred posting on the wall compared to uploading photos (Skues et al., 2012). Another study found that high neurotic individuals were more likely to not show their face in pictures than low neurotic individuals (Liu, Moghaddam, Preotiuc-Pietro, Samani, Ungar, 2016). Both individuals with varying neuroticism levels were inclined to share personal information when compared to a middle cohort. With contrasting data, it is difficult to use neuroticism as a factor for explaining the differences in profile pictures by gender (Liu et al., 2016). Self-esteem may be another trait that would serve to explain some individuals motivation for their profile pictures. However, there are mixed finding relating to the relationship between self-esteem and using Facebook. A study suggests that users with low self-esteem spent more time on Facebook and that Facebook may provide a medium to compensate for their low self-esteem (Thompson Lougheed, 2012). Other studies show that Facebook has a positive impact on self-esteem as users are allowed to post what they want the public to see. Oftentimes, users would post positive characteristics and edited photos of themselves to boost their self-esteem. Lastly, other studies found that there is no important association between Facebook and self-esteem (Skues et al., 2012). In Facebook, where disclosing information about oneself and interacting with others is the purpose, researchers found it necessary to examine narcissism and how it can play a role in a users profile. One study has shown that higher levels of narcissism predicted more user information and photos posted and more social interaction (Skues et al., 2012). Narcissistic individuals are more likely to check Facebook more frequently and spend more time on the site (Thompson Lougheed, 2012). There is a potential correlation between individuals with high narcissism and the number of profile pictures. The higher the number of profile pictures may relate to the individuals affection towards themselves. However, even with the increase in studies, there are still missing gaps in the literature relating to the personality and motivation analysis from profile pictures especially in the different age and gender groups. The studies mentioned above examines the effect of one or two psychological variables on Facebook use and not the concurrent effects of various variables. There is only a few select study that addresses this gap. One study claims from surveys taken by their participants that Facebook users are more extroverted and have higher levels of narcissism compared to non-Facebook users. However, a close review of this study shows that the correlation is weak and needs more research examining the psychological factors simultaneously. Since investigating the motivation and potential personality traits for gender and age differences in profile picture is a fairly new area of research, this paper serves to add to the ongoing studies and provide further analysis. This study will address the magnitude and existence of behavioral gender and age differences. Facebook was chosen as the main social networking site because Facebook users are diverse, culturally and socially, and their behavior is more natural than other traditional samples. (Tifferet Vilnai-Yavetz, 2014). Two hypotheses were studied through profile pictures analysis for different gender and age groups. H1 Female users will have a higher number of profile pictures than male users in their albums. H2 Younger people (aged 11-20) will have a higher number of subjects in their profile pictures than older people (aged 21-30). Method Research Design and Procedures A non-experimental analysis was chosen for this study. The profile picture data was collected from my list of an active Facebook friend by utilizing a random number generator online. Each random number represented a friend on my list. For example, the number four would correspond to the 4th friend on my friends list. A sample of 50 friends was used with 25 from females and 25 from males. The criteria for the subjects to participate in this study is to be within the age of 11-30. If a prospective participant was chosen and did not fit the age group, I would proceed to the next available person. Measures Whether age and gender affected Facebook users profile pictures was the focus of this study. Gender differences (male or female) and the number of profile pictures were the predictor variable and criterion variable, respectively, of the first hypothesis. Age differences and number of subjects in profile pictures are the main focus of the second hypothesis. Two age groups were defined, young with people ages 11-20 and older with people ages 21-30, for the predictor variable. The criterion variable, number of subjects in the profile picture, is divided into four constructs: single (themselves), couple (subject and one person), group (3 or more), and others (no people) (Hum, Chamberlin, Hambright, Portwood, Schat, Bevan, 2011). Statistical Analysis I listed the scale of measurement for Gender as nominal (female or male) and Number of Profile Pictures as a ratio. Because this is a group difference question, I chose to conduct an independent t-test for Hypothesis H1. For Hypothesis H2, I listed Age (young and older) and Number of Subjects (4 categories) as nominal and chose to conduct a chi-square test. Results There was no significant difference between Gender and Profile Pictures (H1) and Age and Subjects in Profile Pictures (H2). Using Levenes test, there were no similar variance between gender and profile pictures (construct, F(xx)=xx, p= 0.295). The variability in the conditions is not significantly different. Hypothesis H1 was not statistically significant. The independent t test disproved the hypothesis and the results can be viewed in Table 1. The t-test shows that the male (M= 46.40, SD= 49.79) and female (M=39.28, SD= 36.45) did not influence the number of profile pictures a Facebook user would have, t (0.577), p> 0.05. Females do not have a higher number of profile pictures than males in this case. Thus, Hypothesis H1 was not supported. Hypothesis H2 was not statistically significant, and the results are shown in Table 2. The statistics X 2 (5)>= 2.285 and p= 0.808 (P>0.05) indicates that there was no association found between age groups and subjects in profile pictures. Hypothesis H2 was not supported. Discussion The research behind the use of social networking sites is still growing especially with teenagers and college students population. Previous studies show that personality traits can be inferred from the use of Facebook and profile pictures (Skues et al., 2012). However, there is little research on gender and age differences and potential effects on Facebook functions like profile pictures. The purpose of this study is to explore if gender affects the number of profile pictures and if age determines the likelihood of a number of subjects in a profile picture to support potential data on personality traits and motivations. Two hypotheses were presented and statistically tested. Profiles based on gender and age were chosen and profile pictures were analyzed. Statistical results showed no significance for both gender and number of profile pictures and age and subjects in profile pictures. This meant that both gender and age group have more similarities than differences. This could be due to a separate set of social norms for online users compared to offline users. In real life, gender roles and expected behavior has been established; however, in the virtual world, there are nuances and a completely different subculture that has not been studied yet. These subcultures may disregard gender and may focus more on social structures and practices that shape behavior (Hum et al., 2011). This data may suggest that men and women have the same motivation or similar traits that dictate their actions. Further study would be required to collect more data and complete a thorough analysis, though this is a good start. Limitations The lack of significance can be due to limitations of the study. The sample size of the study was only 50 profiles. If there were more samples, then the data may have changed to show a significance result. In addition, because of Facebook and IRB regulations, I would need to get informed consent from participants (Hum et al., 2011). The way to avoid obtaining consent would be to use my own Friend list, making this sample population not random or representative of the Facebook population. A solution would be to conduct the study with the consent of random Facebook users. Further Research This study is an observational non-experimental design. The data and results could be used to explain with some potential theories about personality traits and motivation, but it does not show correlation or relationship. In order to a relationship or correlation to be determined, an experimental design is required. This study does provide a foundation for future research. A quasi-experimental design is recommended. The dependent variable would be how frequent Facebook users update their profile picture and statuses and the independent variables would be personality trait test results on Narcissism and Self-Esteem. The purpose of this study would be to determine a more direct approach between the personality trait and Facebook usage. This would explain how psychological factors can influence people to act a certain way and add on to online social and behavioral data. The sample size would be larger (n=200) and more diverse (from different regions of the world). This would provide a m ore representative sample of the Facebook community. The independent personality trait tests would have different operational definitions each and the dependent variable would also have different constructs. The age of Facebook users may be confined to a range (18-30) to study a specific populations behavior. References Hum, N. J., Chamberlin, P. E., Hambright, B. L., Portwood, A. C., Schat, A. C., Bevan, J. L. (2011). A picture is worth a thousand words: A content analysis of Facebook profile photographs. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(5), 1828-1833. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2011.04.003 Tifferet, S., Vilnai-Yavetz, I. (2014). Gender differences in Facebook self-presentation: An international randomized study. Computers in Human Behavior, 35, 388-399. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2014.03.016 Mendelson, A. L. and Papacharissi, Z. A. , 2010-06-22 Look at Us: Collective Narcissism in College Student Facebook Photo Galleries Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, Suntec Singapore International Convention Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, Singapore Online . 2014-11-27 from http://citation.allacademic.com/meta/p404764_index.html Skues, J. L., Williams, B., Wise, L. (2012). The effects of personality traits, self-esteem, loneliness, and narcissism on Facebook use among university students. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(6), 2414-2419. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2012.07.012 Pempek, T. A., Yermolayeva, Y. A., Calvert, S. L. (2009). College students social networking experiences on Facebook. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology,30(3), 227-238. doi:10.1016/j.appdev.2008.12.010 Liu, L., Moghaddam, M.E., Preotiuc-Pietro, D., Samani, Z.R., Ungar, L.H. (2016). Analyzing Personality through Social Media Profile Picture Choice. ICWSM. Thompson, S. H., Lougheed, E. (2012). Frazzled by Facebook? An Exploratory Study of Gender Differences in Social Network Communication among Undergraduate Men and Women [Abstract]. College Student Journal, 46(1), 88-98. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from http://web3.apiu.edu/researchfile/Research%20Materials/Communication/Frazzled%20by%20facebook-an%20exploratory%20study%20of%20gender%20differences%20in%20social%20network%20communication%20undergraduate%20men%20and%20women.pdf Appendix A Table 1 Difference Profile Pictures between Females and Males Gender Male Female t df Profile Pictures 46.40 (49.79) 39.29 (36.45) 0.577 48 Note.   P> 0.05.*=pà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ .05, **= pà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ .01,***=pà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ .001.   Standard Deviations appear in parentheses below means. Appendix B Table 2 Crosstabulation of Facebook Users Age and Number of Subjects in Profile Pictures Age Subjects in Profile Pictures à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2 à Ã¢â‚¬   Single Couple Group Others Young 9 6 0 2 2.285 .808 Old 19 9 1 4 Note. P> .05.  

Ray Charles Essay -- Biography Biographies Pianist Singers Essays

Ray Charles   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ray Charles was a revolutionary pianist and a soul singer who helped shape the sound of rhythm and blues. He brought a soulful sound to everything from country music to pop standards to â€Å"God Bless America.† His birth name was Ray Charles Robinson, but he shortened it when he entered show business to avoid confusion with the famous boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. I chose Ray Charles as the topic for my paper after seeing the movie Ray. After viewing this film I realized that there was a lot of interesting information about Ray Charles that I had never heard about. Therefore, the focus of my paper is to learn who Ray Charles really was and to discuss his life and achievements. The Early Years   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia. Around the age of five, Charles began to go blind and by age seven he was totally blind. I was shocked when I learned this information because I had always thought that Ray Charles was blind from birth. Although many are not certain to the exact reasons as to why Charles went blind, it was believed to be the result of glaucoma. Just before his eyes began to fail him, he had seen his younger brother, George, drown in a washtub. This part of his life was well portrayed in the movie Ray. Ray states, â€Å"We were out in the backyard one day while my mom was in the house ironing some clothes. We were playing by a huge metal washtub full of water. And we were having gun the way boys do, pushing and jostling each other around. Now, I never did know just how it happened, but my brother somehow tilted over the rim of this tub and fell down, slid down into the water and slipped under. At first I thought he was still playing, but it finally dawned on me that he wasn’t moving. He wasn’t reacting. I tried to pull him out of the water, but by that time his clothes had gotten soaked through with water and he was just too heavy for me. So I ran in and got my mom, and she raced out back and snatched him out of the tub. She shook him, and breathed into his mouth, and pumped his little stomach, but it was too late.† (Internet source, 1) Witnessing his brother drown also had a serious effect on him in his later years. Young Ray Charles attended school at the St. Augustine School for the deaf and blind in St. Augustine, Florida as a charity case. While there he learned how to read Braille and to write music and play various instru... ...thed. This theme is also apparent in all of the discussion that we had in class referring to the birth of African slave songs, the blues, jazz, and even spirituals. It seems that black people had to go through a struggle in order to produce great music. Black people also had to overcome their situations and I think Ray has proven to be a prime example. Despite of his handicap he did not let this bring him too far down. Ray Charles, eventually overcame sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll to live a long and prosperous life in the limelight, there are hundreds, if not thousands of anonymous artists who die of an overdose (even in this story, one of Ray's lovers ODs), waste away with a sexually transmitted disease, or simply wash out, unremembered and unfulfilled. Ray Charles may have passed away but his life and legacy along with his numerous musical hits will forever remain in our hearts. Bibliography Breznican, Anthony. Internet Source. November 5, 2004. http://www.suntimes.com/output/movies/wkp-news-Ray05.html. Ray Charles forever.com (I was not sure how to site this Because there was no author or title to the page however, The address is given) http://raycharlesforever.com.

Netscape Analysis Report Essay -- essays research papers

Netscape Analysis Report I. History Netscape Communications Corporation, originally named Mosaic Communications Corporation (MCOM) was founded in April 1994 by Jim Clark and Marc Andreessen. They released their first browser products free to Internet users in September 1994. Jim Clark is chairman of Netscape Communications Corporation. Before founding the company, Clark was the chairman of Silicon Graphics, a computer hardware manufacturer he founded in 1982. Marc Andreessen is vice president of technology for Netscape Communications. He helped develop the original graphical World Wide Web browser, Mosaic, while he was at the University Of Illinois at Urbana/Champlain. The Internet is a global network connecting thousands of networks by use of high speed digital lines called ATMs, T3s and T1s. It was just being introduced to the general public at the time of Netscape's conception and they would NOT have been successful if they had not had this timing advantage. II. Location Netscape's corporate headquarters are in Mountain View, California -- in the heart of the Silicon Valley. However, due to the nature of the global networks its software transmits over, Netscape is able to sell worldwide via the Internet. There are virtually no walls to its "retail outlets." Its software products are also distributed through computer stores worldwide. III. Product Line Netscape Navigator is a software program to browse information available on the Internet. It is available for all common computer system platforms, including 16-bit PC, 32-bit PC, Macintosh, and all UNIX systems. Navigator also allows people to check their e-mail on the Internet through use of a password (MIME) encoding scheme. Netscape Server is a piece of software that installs on UNIX and Windows NT based systems that allows serving of data on the Internet's World Wide Web. It also provides for secure transactions such as those involving credit cards. IV. Corporate Structure The founders, Jim Clark and Marc Andreessen, own 35% of the company. There are other major shareholders, and it is also publicly held. The board of directors and other executive management are listed in the following table: James H. Clark- Chairman of the Board James L. Barksdale- President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Marc L. Andreessen- Vice ... ...quarter of 1995, Netscape showed a profit. VIII. Graph Please see attached sheet IX. Other Information A. Netscape is involved in a project to put all of California's public schools on the Internet. (Star Ledger, "Net Day ‘96") B. America Online entered into a partnership with Netscape to have Netscape's browser software available to AOL users. (3/12/96, DJIN) C. CompuServe entered into a licensing agreement with Netscape to let CompuServe's users use Netscape as their primary browser software. (3/11/96, DJIN) X. Conclusion I would suggest this stock as a good investment in the Stock Market Game because its price fluctuates enough to earn a decent profit from trading it. I would not, however, suggest Netscape as a good investment in real life until its price becomes lower, because it seems to be on a downward trend. (Although Netscape is a good long-term investment as well, because of its potential and the demand for the Internet) Works Consulted Netscape 10Q Quarterly Report (4th quarter 1995) Netscape 1995 Annual Report Netscape Prospectus for Public Offering Of Stock Star Ledger, "Net Day ‘96", ? Dow Jones News Retrieval Service, (3/11/96, 3/12/96)

George Orwell and Animal Farm :: essays papers

George Orwell and Animal Farm The British author George Orwell, pen name for Eric Blair, achieved prominence in the late 1940's as the author of two brilliant satires. He wrote documentaries, essays, and criticism during the 1930's and later established himself as one of the most important and influential voices of the century. Eric Arthur Blair (later George Orwell) was born in 1903 in the Indian Village Motihari, which lies near to the border of Nepal. At that time India was a part of the British Empire, and Blair's father Richard, held a post as an agent in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service. Blair's paternal grandfather, too, had been part of the British Raj, and had served in the Indian Army. Eric's mother, Ida Mabel Blair, the daughter of a French tradesman, was about eighteen years younger than her husband Richard Blair was. Eric had an elder sister called Marjorie. The Blairs led a relatively privileged and fairly pleasant existence, in helping to administer the Empire. Although the Blair family was not very wealthy, Orwell later described them ironically as "lower-upper-middle class (Gross, p.109)." They owned no property and had no extensive investments; they were like many middle-class English families of the time, totally dependent on the British Empire for their livelihoo! d and prospects. Even though the father continued to work in India until he retired in 1912, in 1907, the family returned to England and lived at Henley. With some difficulty, Blair's parents sent their son to a private preparatory school in Sussex at the age of eight. At the age of thirteen, he won a scholarship to Wellington, and soon after another to Eaton, the famous public school (Gross, p.112). His parents had forced him to work at a dreary preparatory school, and now after winning the scholarship, he was not any more interested in further mental exertion unrelated to his private ambition. ^At the beginning of Why/Write, he explains that from the age of five or six he knew he would be, ^must be,^ a writer (Gross, p.115).^ But to become a writer one had to read literature. But English literature was not a major subject at Eaton, where most boys came from backgrounds either irremediably unliterary or so literary that to teach them English Literature would be absurd. One of Eric's tutors later declared that his famous pupil had done absolutely no work for five years. This was, of course, untrue: Eric has apprenticed himself to the masters of English prose who most appealed to him, including Swift, Sterne and Jack London (Gross, p. George Orwell and Animal Farm :: essays papers George Orwell and Animal Farm The British author George Orwell, pen name for Eric Blair, achieved prominence in the late 1940's as the author of two brilliant satires. He wrote documentaries, essays, and criticism during the 1930's and later established himself as one of the most important and influential voices of the century. Eric Arthur Blair (later George Orwell) was born in 1903 in the Indian Village Motihari, which lies near to the border of Nepal. At that time India was a part of the British Empire, and Blair's father Richard, held a post as an agent in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service. Blair's paternal grandfather, too, had been part of the British Raj, and had served in the Indian Army. Eric's mother, Ida Mabel Blair, the daughter of a French tradesman, was about eighteen years younger than her husband Richard Blair was. Eric had an elder sister called Marjorie. The Blairs led a relatively privileged and fairly pleasant existence, in helping to administer the Empire. Although the Blair family was not very wealthy, Orwell later described them ironically as "lower-upper-middle class (Gross, p.109)." They owned no property and had no extensive investments; they were like many middle-class English families of the time, totally dependent on the British Empire for their livelihoo! d and prospects. Even though the father continued to work in India until he retired in 1912, in 1907, the family returned to England and lived at Henley. With some difficulty, Blair's parents sent their son to a private preparatory school in Sussex at the age of eight. At the age of thirteen, he won a scholarship to Wellington, and soon after another to Eaton, the famous public school (Gross, p.112). His parents had forced him to work at a dreary preparatory school, and now after winning the scholarship, he was not any more interested in further mental exertion unrelated to his private ambition. ^At the beginning of Why/Write, he explains that from the age of five or six he knew he would be, ^must be,^ a writer (Gross, p.115).^ But to become a writer one had to read literature. But English literature was not a major subject at Eaton, where most boys came from backgrounds either irremediably unliterary or so literary that to teach them English Literature would be absurd. One of Eric's tutors later declared that his famous pupil had done absolutely no work for five years. This was, of course, untrue: Eric has apprenticed himself to the masters of English prose who most appealed to him, including Swift, Sterne and Jack London (Gross, p.

Conservation and Preservation Essay

The main distinction among the two points is conservation is utilizing an area’s supplies drawn upon at a sustainable proportion in array to gain from its resources and to additionally decrease environmental harms or changes. Preservation maintains natural uninhabited or inhabited only by wild animals, and relations and interactions between organisms and their environment without embarrassing it with anything unnatural. They are nature friendly all the same one allows us to work with natural resources by keeping up sustainability for coming generations although the other retains nature and its resources in their current condition. In a subject of belief, one is more excellent than the other for all that it may not capable of being done. I think we should be knowledgeable of our habitat and less dependent on resources from other countries. This appoints preservation least probable and conservation more beneficial. Provided that we could attain a different aspect to acquire the essentialities we need to carry on without bothering the natural state of the terrain, we will be capable to maintain and preserve. In the Bridger Teton (VLR) the folks think that the region is more priceless than the resources it may supply. They look at the land as incapable of being replaced in its natural condition even provided that nature friendly procedures were applied to acquire the resources it can contribute. We have developed into a civilization which has taken away beyond what we need. Being torn between the two sides I do not think that we must be taking any extra resources for our individual private boost, and I conclude that we should not be gathering more resources from the woodland area. All of it needs to be left alone. We should stick to working with the resources we have previously seized from the environment and economize rather than of taking more. A few methods we could preserve and conserve potential are working with wind or solar power when restoring even bring up to date constructed dwelling, making waste materials suitable for reuse, and  living an easier life in balance. Reference Chapter 2 Bridger Teton Video Learning Resource (VLR) https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/axia/sci275/multimedia/video/bridger_teton.htm

Of Mice and Men: Euthanasia

Death is one of the things humans have to understand in order to be able to live through life. Being born, growing up, learning to survive, and earning a living, these are all the milestones into becoming a statistic. Like dying, mercy is a fortunate circumstance that a person has in any situation towards a variety of offenders. Some say that mercy is a blessing resulting from a divine favor. In the story, â€Å"Of Mice and Men† by John Steinbeck, Lennie was euthanized by George, Lennie’s caretaker/ friend.I believe that George, as a friend, only killed Lennie in grand admiration of Lennie’s already ill-fated continuance, like Candy’s dog. In the world of â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, Candy’s dog represents the fate awaiting anyone who has outlived his or her purpose. Quotes from Carlson, a ranch-hand, reveals this saying, â€Å"†Whyn't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? †, â€Å"I can smell t hat dog a mile away. †, â€Å"Got no teeth, damn near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else†, and â€Å"He’s all stiff with rheumatism.He ain’t no good to you, Candy. An’ he ain’t no good to himself. † After this scene, Candy finally lets Carlson euthanize his dog. Both Lennie and Candy's dog would suffer if they lived. Candy's dog relates to the reason why Lennie was killed by George. Candy’s dog wasn't in good health and Lennie killed Curly's wife and would be in trouble with the law. Although Carlson promises to kill the dog painlessly, his insistence that the old animal must die supports a cruel natural law that the strong will dispose of the weak.Afterwards, Candy has regrets about the ordeal, and wishes he would have killed the dog himself instead. Like how Candy’s dog was euthanized, Lennie also was. He was killed with far greater compassion though. George loves his friend Lennie, whom he has looked after faithfully, and he doesn't want Lennie to die horribly. He euthanized him out of love, therefore he is justified. Since Lennie unwittingly killed Curley's wife, George knows that there is no way to save him now. Even if they do escape, Lennie will never be safe because he doesn't know how to avoid getting into trouble.Furthermore, if Curley gets his hands on Lennie, he will make his revenge be slow, terrifying, and painful. Therefore, George knows that the only way to protect Lennie is to shoot him. Lennie’s puppy is one of several symbols that also represent the victory of the strong over the weak. Lennie kills the puppy accidentally, as he has killed many mice before, by virtue of his failure to recognize his own strength. When Curley's wife screamed, he didn't know how to make her stop, except by force. Evidence supports that George must save his friend by mercifully killing him.†Of Mice and Men† reflects upon many situations of mercy in man y varieties. In this manner George is a divine favor over Lennie’s life bestowed upon him by Aunt Clara. As Lennie’s blessing, George had the god given right to distribute mercy upon his â€Å"other-half† in unfortunate circumstances. For this reason, Carlson and Curley represent the harsh conditions of a distinctly real world, a world in which the weak will always be vanquished by the strong and in which the rare, delicate bond between friends is not appropriately mourned because it is not understood. Of Mice and Men: Euthanasia Death is one of the things humans have to understand in order to be able to live through life. Being born, growing up, learning to survive, and earning a living, these are all the milestones into becoming a statistic. Like dying, mercy is a fortunate circumstance that a person has in any situation towards a variety of offenders. Some say that mercy is a blessing resulting from a divine favor. In the story, â€Å"Of Mice and Men† by John Steinbeck, Lennie was euthanized by George, Lennie’s caretaker/ friend.I believe that George, as a friend, only killed Lennie in grand admiration of Lennie’s already ill-fated continuance, like Candy’s dog. In the world of â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, Candy’s dog represents the fate awaiting anyone who has outlived his or her purpose. Quotes from Carlson, a ranch-hand, reveals this saying, â€Å"†Whyn't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? †, â€Å"I can smell t hat dog a mile away. †, â€Å"Got no teeth, damn near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else†, and â€Å"He’s all stiff with rheumatism.He ain’t no good to you, Candy. An’ he ain’t no good to himself. † After this scene, Candy finally lets Carlson euthanize his dog. Both Lennie and Candy's dog would suffer if they lived. Candy's dog relates to the reason why Lennie was killed by George. Candy’s dog wasn't in good health and Lennie killed Curly's wife and would be in trouble with the law. Although Carlson promises to kill the dog painlessly, his insistence that the old animal must die supports a cruel natural law that the strong will dispose of the weak.Afterwards, Candy has regrets about the ordeal, and wishes he would have killed the dog himself instead. Like how Candy’s dog was euthanized, Lennie also was. He was killed with far greater compassion though. George loves his friend Lennie, whom he has looked after faithfully, and he doesn't want Lennie to die horribly. He euthanized him out of love, therefore he is justified. Since Lennie unwittingly killed Curley's wife, George knows that there is no way to save him now. Even if they do escape, Lennie will never be safe because he doesn't know how to avoid getting into trouble.Furthermore, if Curley gets his hands on Lennie, he will make his revenge be slow, terrifying, and painful. Therefore, George knows that the only way to protect Lennie is to shoot him. Lennie’s puppy is one of several symbols that also represent the victory of the strong over the weak. Lennie kills the puppy accidentally, as he has killed many mice before, by virtue of his failure to recognize his own strength. When Curley's wife screamed, he didn't know how to make her stop, except by force. Evidence supports that George must save his friend by mercifully killing him.†Of Mice and Men† reflects upon many situations of mercy in man y varieties. In this manner George is a divine favor over Lennie’s life bestowed upon him by Aunt Clara. As Lennie’s blessing, George had the god given right to distribute mercy upon his â€Å"other-half† in unfortunate circumstances. For this reason, Carlson and Curley represent the harsh conditions of a distinctly real world, a world in which the weak will always be vanquished by the strong and in which the rare, delicate bond between friends is not appropriately mourned because it is not understood.