Demonstrate understanding of the events, circumstances, causes, and Essay

Demonstrate understanding of the events, circumstances, causes, and effects of the significant events of U.S. History Since 1877 - Essay Example One of the events that shaped America history is the 15th amendment that prohibited discrimination or denying the right to vote by American on the excuse of race or colour. This event happened after the whites had passed a legislation that disallowed people of black origin not to vote in elections. Black human rights activists, who put pressure on the government to amend the legislation opposed this move. As a follow up to the 15th amendment, a 19th one was made on the constitution that allowed women to vote in national and local elections. These amendments were made under the congressional reconstruction, which saw the southern states divided into military districts. Under this period, Andrew Johnson was impeached for violating the tenure of office act by removing Staton but the main reason was his defiance for reconstruction of the congress; 18th amendment was also enacted in 1930’s , and it banned production and sale of alcohol in United States of America. Although this ame ndment received huge support from the masses, there were not enough police officers to enact it, and therefore the leaker takers found a way to brew their own beer. With time, the authorities found out that prohibition of production and sale of alcohol contributed a lot to law breaking, this led to the abolishment of the regulation. During the period from 1877 to 1913, United States grew in terms of industrialization to become the leading industrial nation with well-organised railroads, labour and industries. The income of non-farm workers grew by about 75 per cent by 1900 and grew further by 33 per cent by 1918. The first industrial revolution that occurred in America saw production move from artisan to factories, while the second revolution saw the expansion of the factories to in terms of size, coordination and organisation to industry level, which was facilitated by advancements in technology and improvements in transport networks1. New technologies in iron and steel manufacturi ng such as Bessemer process and open-hearth furnace combined with other new technologies in other areas led to increase in productivity. In order to finance these large-scale businesses corporations, mergers, joint ventures of competing firms which created monopolies were a common practice. This period of industrialisation also led to emergence of powerful industrialists such as john Rockefeller, Jay Gould and Andrew Carnegie among other industrialists. The period after 1877 is also referred to as the Gilead age, which was enjoyed by a large number of American elites after the recovery from the 1873 panic, which threatened the industrial revolution in the country. This period was characterised by a massive transfer of wealth, which led to changes in the social organisation in the society as it created a class of super-rich individuals, who controlled the industry and whose networks of business, family and friends ruled the Anglo-Saxon white protestants2. Some reformers started to ar gue that the Gilead age had created corrupt and powerful parties and encouraged voters to participate in the elections. This was evident in voter enthusiasm in elections of 1882 where almost all persons allowed to vote participated in the elections where the main issues were modernization, money, corruption and railroads. Immigration of people from other areas of the world characterised this period up to 1918. It is estimated that about 27.4 million people moved to United States of America in this period with 89 per

Work Group Performance And Satisfaction At Utp Management Essay

Work Group Performance And Satisfaction At Utp Management Essay For the purposes of completing on my report about work group, performance and satisfaction, I was selecting my workplace as a organization requirement to evaluate. My workplace is UTP. Base on references from www.utp.edu.my, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) was established on January 10, 1997. UTP offers a wide range of engineering and technology programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels complemented with a strong focus on Research and Development. Due to assess of performance and satisfaction of a work group, I was selecting one of the UTPs department which is IT Multimedia Services Dept. or ITMS. Under ITMS dept, it has sub division called Information Technology and Facilities Operation, named as ITFO. Furthermore, ITFO has 3 work groups which consist of Inventory Management, Deployment Production and IT Helpdesk Training. These groups are classified as Formal Groups and characterized as Task Groups. All the said groups have interdependence from each other as illustrated in Figure 1.1. Figure 1.1: ITFO Work Group: source: UTP ITMS Dept. 1.1 Explanation of work group, performance and satisfaction Based on reference from Wikipedia.com, the definition of work group is a group of people working together toward a common goal, also known as a  working group. Another definition of work group is a group which consists of two or more individual that interacts primarily to share information and to make decision to help each member perform within his or her area of responsibility. Work group have no need or opportunity to engage in collective work that requires joint effort. So their performance is merely the summation of each group members individual contribution. There is no positive synergy that would create an overall level of performance that is greater than sum of the input. (Robbins, 2004) With regard to Group Behaviour Model which I will elaborate later in this report, can lead members of a group towards developing effective groups where it can improve performance and satisfaction of its members and ensure success of the organisation. Effective groups are groups that have creative ideas, accomplish their tasks and can adapt to any changes. Group members will be more involved with the group and goals of the organisation. As a manager, he or she need to see and assess the strategies required to develop effective groups in an organisation. Elements that need extra attention are those involving people, organisation and the assigned task/s. A high degree of understanding between the group leader and his/her members also has a positive effect on the performance and satisfaction of group members. 2.0 Five Components of GBM being practices from selected company Figure 2.1: Group Behaviour Model. Source: Robbins, S.P.(2003) Group Behavior Model or GBM as illustrated on figure 2.1 are the main components which are influencing to the performance and satisfaction levels of groups. I will explain each components of GBM where the company being practices. 2.1 An external condition is imposed on group Every work groups is influence by external conditions imposed by outside it. This external conditions include organizations overall strategy, the structure of authority, formal regulations, resources, employees selection process, performance appraisal and reward system, culture and workplace condition. Organizational Strategy, typically, overall strategy of the  organization  is usually determined  by top management. They  have  developed  the organizational goals  and how to achieve  these  goals.  For example,  they  can  direct the  organization  to reduce costs, improve  quality, etc. These  strategies  can  affect the  power of  the various  working groups, particularly in  determining  the resources  needed  to  carry out from them.  For example, termination of contract to IT maintenance vendor and UTPs employees need to take over. This action  will affect the  work group  which will  increase  their  anxiety  and further potential to  improve  the  internal  conflict. The organization has the authority structures that define who reports to whom, who make decisions, and the types of decisions can be made by individuals or groups. This structure determines where a working group placed in a hierarchical organization, the formal leader of a group, and as well as formal relationships between the groups. Organization established rules, procedures, policies, job descriptions and other forms formal regulations to standardize the behavior of workers. The more rules formally applied to all workers, the more consistent and predictable behavior from them. Meanwhile, organizations resource such as money, time, materials, and other equipment have a major impact on group behavior. Some organizations have a lot of resources on which the employee obtained modern tools and equipment, sufficient and high quality. Organization with limited resources will affected of group activities. For employee selection process, A member of a work group is also a member of the organisation because the group is a part of the organisation. Accordingly, the criteria employed by the organisation for employee selection purposes will also be used to decide who becomes part of a group. Another variable that can affect all employees is the performance appraisal and reward system. The company provided specific, challenging and achievable goals. Reward will be given to both individual and groups for their achievement. Since groups are part of a bigger organisation, the behaviour of group members are also influenced by the manner in which organizations appraise a certain task that has been achieved and the kind of behavior that is rewarded. Each organization has their own culture in which it has defined standard behavior is acceptable and not acceptable to the employee. After a few months joining the organization, most employees will begin to understand the cultural practice in the organization. Group members are also part of the organization must follow dominant cultural practices of the organization although they have their own subculture. Subculture refers to a culture that received only adopted by certain groups within the organization. Finally, work group behaviour is also influenced by the workplace condition where condition of the workplace as provided by the organisation. Physical layout of employees work space, the location of equipment, etc are provided with amicable work environment. All these can simultaneously be obstructions and opportunities for the interaction of work groups. 2.2 Resources for Group Members Figure 2.2: General resources available to group members The potential level of achievement of the group is dependent on the resources carried by each member of the group. In this section, we will look at two sources generally highly significant, the ability of self and personality characteristics. Personal Capability means the knowledge, skills and abilities that exist in an individual. A large part of the groups performance can be predicted by assessing the knowledge and skills that exist in each of its members. It is true, even though a group of players who are moderate, but because the best coach, team spirit is high, they can finally beat a group of players much better. But this does not always happen. Evidence shows that there is a positive correlation between good interpersonal skills and group achievement. This refers to the management and resolution of conflict, cooperation in problem solving and communication skills. According to the ITFO group members, the manager has been selecting each member following their skill and capability. Many  studies  about personality traits have shows that  there is  a  clear  relationship between the characteristics personality  and attitude  and  behavior of  the group.  The properties  have a  positive relationship  with our culture  also  showed  a positive relationship  with productivity, morale and  closeness  or  solidarity  groups.  These features  also  include features  such as  easily hang out,  take initiative,  openness, and  flexibility.  On the other hand,  negative features  such as  authoritarianism, dominant, and  not  according to  custom (unconventionality)  showed  a negative relationship  with productivity, morale  and the closeness of  the group.  These  personality traits  affect  the performance of the  group  by the way  people interact  with  other  members of  the  group. 2.3 Group Structure The working group has a structure that could form the behavior of group members. It also enables the majority of individual behavior and group performance groups described and predicted. The structure of the group include formal leadership, roles, norms, group status, group size, composition and the degree of closeness of the group. (Please refer Appendix for the main Group Structure and function of ITMS dept.) (a) Formal Leadership Nearly all work groups have a formal leader. ITMS dept has managers, supervisors, project leader and head of a particular committee such as ITFO. Leaders play an important role in the success of a group. (b) Roles Each member of a work group has his/her own role to play with a set of expected behavior patterns accompanying his/her position and responsibilities within the group. It found that, each person of ITFO have more than one role to play at any given time within his/her different groups. Beside of ITFO task, the members from level 2 and 1 (figure 1.1) have their main job such as computer lab administration. (c) Norms All groups have established norms. These norms, which strongly influence work behavior was defined as acceptable standards of behavior. An effective work group will establish norms on quality, punctuality, absenteeism, safety, honesty in giving ideas and others. (d) Group Status Status is a socially defined position or rank given to groups or group members by others. Awarding of status can influence the behavior of groups. ITFO practicing the title hold of the workgroups leaders are depending of staff grade such as grade ST3 in level 2 and ST2 and ST1 at level 1 (figure 1.1). (e) Group Size Smaller groups are more productive than larger ones. On the other hand, larger groups deal better with problem solving since more ideas are put forth. ITFO is a small group that consists of 3 to 6 members of each workgroups. (f) Group Composition Most group of ITMS and ITFO have their skill and knowledge. When the group consists of various personalities gender, age, education level and experiences, the greater the chances are for that group to accomplish its task successfully. Heterogeneous groups are more effective compared with homogeneous ones because they possess more abilities, skills, and information as a result of having members from a variety of backgrounds. However, it is also worth noting that both heterogeneous and homogeneous groups have their own strengths and weaknesses. (g) Cohesiveness ITFO workgroups are differ in their level of cohesiveness, which is the degree of members being attracted to each other and are motivated to stay in the group. For instance, some work groups are cohesive because the members have spent a great deal of time together, the groups small size facilitates high interaction or the group has experienced external threats, which has resulted in its members becoming very close. Cohesiveness is important since it has proven to be positive towards the productivity of a group. 2.4 Group Processes Figure 2.3: General resources available to group members When the working group in which each member contributions are not clear, there is a tendency for individuals to reduce effort. In other words, social loafing describes the loss of certain processes as a result the group. However, the processes also can produce results positive such as the group could produce output exceeds input used. Heterogeneous group are potential to generate various creative alternatives. Figure 2.3 and 2.4 illustrated the resource of group members and effects of group process. Figure 2.4: Effects of group processes. Source: Adapted from Robbins (2003). 2.5 Group Task Tasks can be classified as either simple or complex. A standard task or routine is usually simple. A complex task is usually unusual as not in the norm and is seldom carried out. With simple or routine, group members simply need to follow the standard procedure in performing the task without the need to discuss the alternatives. Similarly, group members need to interact more often if the degree of task dependency is high. Group performance relies on effective communication and minimum level of conflict among members. 3.0 Evaluation of the 5 components of GBM in UTP organization All evaluation findings are based on personal interview and observation from the members of the ITFO work group (figure 1.1). The evaluations resulted were obtained without difficulties because selected company is my workplace and I am one of the members of ITFO work group. These are the evaluations findings based on the GBM model: 3.1 An external condition is imposed on group. a) Organizational Strategy Overall strategy of the  organization  is usually  determined by top management. They  have  developed  the organizational goals  and  how  to achieve  these goals.  For example,  UTP has reduced costs of operation instead of hired outsource to organized convocation ceremony by build a certain group to handle it. ITFO group is formed to support such event directly. b) Authority structures Is defined who reports to whom, who make decisions, and the types of decisions are clearly stated to groups members. This structure was cleared to ITFO to follow hierarchical organization (figure 1.1), the formal leader of a group, and as well as formal relationships between the groups. UTP has established standard rules, procedures, policies, job descriptions and other forms. c) Formal Regulations UTP has employee regulation and personal conduct which is cleared to all employees. Its help to the company to determine group behaviour. d) Organizations Resource It found that, money is the major concern need to pay attention. such as when group request budget which is required from the task like purchase high end computer to accelerate particular job, it always take longer time to approve. Thus, activities of the group will effect. e) Employee Selection Process ITFO has selected member to enter the group is within UTPs staff and recommended by ITMS managers. f) Performance Appraisal and Reward System. The UTP management provides specific, challenging and achievable goals such as, become Research University in 2013 and also practiced cleared mention about Performance Appraisal and Reward System. Behavior of group members is influence by the manner in which organizations appraise a certain task that has been achieved and the kind of behavior that is rewarded. g) Culture. The ITFO followed the UTP standard culture which has no obstacle to be effective work group. All members are Muslim and also most of UTP Top management. Thus, culture is same among them. h) Workplace Condition UTP has provided better and amicable employees work environment. The opportunity for the interaction for the all work groups is excellence. 3.2 Resources for Group Members a) Personal Capability- According to the ITFO group members, the manager has been selecting each member following their skill and capability. For example, group of IT Helpdesk and Training (figure 1.1) is consist of capable members who are able to develop System Helpdesk and maintain. They have strong programming language. b) Personality Traits ITFO manager and supervisor which are support level and level 3 (figure 1.1) has determined each members from level 2 and 1 are based on personality trait. For example of some members which have lack of communication skill are not really suitable in Deployment and Production which is required good communication skill to interact outside from the groups. 3.3 Group Structure (a) Formal Leadership ITFO Leaders play an important role in the success of a group. (b) Roles Each member of a work group has their own role to play with a set of expected behavior patterns accompanying their position and responsibilities within the group. It found that, each person of ITFO have more than one role to play at any given time within their different groups. Beside of ITFO task, the members from level 2 and 1 (figure 1.1) have their main job such as computer lab administration. From the evaluation made, the level acceptance and satisfaction of tasks are moderate. (c) Norms In terms of quality, punctuality, absenteeism, safety, honesty in giving ideas and others, it was found the situations of all characteristic is fare, which means there are no big issue arise in the group. (d) Group Size It found that, the ITFO group size is acceptable to the tasks requirement. (e) Group Composition All group members of ITMS and ITFO have their skill and knowledge. It consists of various personalities gender, age, education level and experiences. Heterogeneous groups such ITFO IT Helpdesk and Deployment groups are more effective compared with homogeneous such as Inventory Management sub group because they possess more abilities, skills, and information as a result of having members from a variety of backgrounds. However, each group members have their own strengths and weaknesses. (f) Cohesiveness It found that, cohesiveness among ITFO is excellence because they interact well each other and the tasks given which is interrelated flows effectively. For example, the IT Helpdesk assigned task such as troubleshoot customer (lecturer) computer problem to the Deployment Production group. The result found they are easily interacts each other without conflict. 3.4 Group Processes ITFO work group has formed base on decision made from Support Level and Level 3 in figure 1.1. The main objective is to accelerate and give better IT Media services to UTP organisation. Based on the result since a year ITFO been established, effectiveness of the work group is still being monitored by ITMS manager. Support level has claimed that, there is positive movement in terms of efficiency of task given. For example, Deployment Production group (figure 1.1) has given task on migration of new computer laboratory instead of the custodian of the laboratory do their own migration which is consumed longer time and more effort. 3.5 Group Task Result from the findings, it found, with a simple or routine task, group members did well in term of follow the standard procedure in performing the task without the need to discuss the alternatives such as, how to log user problem in the Helpdesk system or how to install MS Office to the user computer. Similarly, group members have interact more often if the degree of task dependency is high. For example, available version of software like MATLAB cant be installed to the new OS computer. Thus, ITFO work group (inventory management and Deployment group) need to work together to find alternative and decision have to be made. Group performance of ITFO is having effective communication and minimum level of conflict among members. 4.0 Workgroups Performance and Satisfaction Based on the Group Behavior Model which I was elaborated above, can lead members of a group towards developing effective groups where it can improve performance and satisfaction of its members and ensure success of the organisation. From the findings, ITFO it closely to be an effective group due to the creative ideas among members, accomplish their tasks and can adapt to any changes such as IT revolution. As a IT manager on Support level in figure 1.1, he was able to see and assess the strategies required to develop effective groups in an organization. For example, he encourages the workgroups member to attend suitable training to particular area of their expertise such as inventory management system to the inventory management workgroup. Nevertheless, the level 3 (figure 1.1) need extra attention in cohesiveness matter to their subordinate group which resulted less cohesiveness. Then, a degree of understanding between the group leader and his/her members is moderate. For example, biasness occurred and favorable practices. If the situation can be eliminate, positive effect on the performance and satisfaction of group members will increase. 5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation to improve performance and satisfaction From the findings, it concluded that, better GBM approaches from selected company can lead members of a group towards developing effective groups where it can improve performance and satisfaction of its members and ensure success of the organization. External condition imposed on the group such as better performance appraisal and reward system is the most concerned into effectiveness of the work group performance and satisfaction. These are the three recommendations on how to improve performance satisfaction from the selected company: a) The performance appraisal and reward system from the company can be said stated clearly, but the result at the end is not the same of what members group has expected. Thus, misjudge about performance evaluation of the particular group must be eliminate and required accuracy. b) Cohesiveness of superior and support level 3 (figure 1.1) to their subordinate group members must be strength. According to Robbins (2004) Cohesiveness is importance because it has been found to be related to the groups productivity. To strengthen cohesiveness, the leader must frequently meet groups member such as conduct meeting twice a month, or involved external activity such as team building and sport event. c) From the findings, group task of each work group is claimed to be bias from certain member. For example, Deployment Production work group perceived that their task load is heavy compared to Inventory Management. Thus, leader must clearly state about task segregation and be balanced to each work groups member due to workgroup productivity and job satisfaction. Total number of words: 3387 References Dr. Faizuniah Pangil, Dr. Fais Ahmad, Dr. Ooi Yeng Keat, Hanisah A. Razak, Naslina Zakaria, Zulufli Aziz, Ruhana Busu, Assoc Prof Dr. Husna Johari (2010). BBGO4103 Organisational Behaviour. (2nd Edition). Meteor Doc. Sdn. Bhd. Selangor Darul Ehsan. Robbins, Stephen P (2003). Organizational Behavior (10th ed.). Pearson Educational, Incorporated. Schermerhorn, J.R., Hunt, J. G., Osborn, R. N. (2003). Organizational Behavior (8th ed.). USA: Wiley, John Sons, Incorporated. Collela, A., Hitt, M., Miller, C. (2006). Organisational behaviour: A strategic approach. USA: John Wiley Sons, Inc. Whai is workgroup. (n.d). Retrieved March 3, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workgroup

Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports Essay -- Steroids Drugs Sport At

Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports When involved in sports, you have to be competitive. You need to win more than anybody else. However, athletes are taking winning to the extreme. As the use of performance enhancing drugs is becoming more popular amongst athletes, many of them do not understand the risks involved in taking these drugs. Many people are looking for a quick way to build muscles, or to get stronger the fastest way possible. Using these performance aids may very well be a quick fix for many athletes, but taking the drugs is unethical and dangerous. Using special drugs to boost an athlete’s performance is degrading to sports and to the athlete, but after they stop using the drugs and lose some strength, you become trapped in the steroid cycle. Steroids were developed in Europe around 1930 to treat undernourished and healing patients after surgery. Steroids are a synthetic version of the human hormone called testosterone. It stimulates development of bones and muscles. Competitive weightlifters began using these steroids around the 1950s as a way to increase their athletic performance and gain an upper hand on the rest of their competitors. After its initial use in bodybuilding, the drug spread like fire through the rest of the sports world, ranging from sports in high school to professional athlete in the Olympic Games. Steroids may be taken by injection or orally. Steroids can be divided into two types: anabolic and androgenic, but the distinction in some ways is artificial. Anabolic steroids mainly affect the metabolism, immunity and muscle, while androgenic steroids have strong masculinisation effects on women and sometimes feminisation on men. Athletes should not take steroids or supplements as they can lead to addiction and severe health problems and other side effects. Some of the health problems include sterility, heart or liver disease, kidney damage, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and cancer in males and females. Other common side effects are increased aggressiveness and paranoia. The list can go on and on. Female users face even more problems than male users. In females, many physical changes may occur such as growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, diminished breasts, and abnormal menstrual cycles. If taken by to early, anabolic steroids may stunt growth, by fusing the growth plates. ... ...ce today, but the laws against steroids should be enforced more often. While users believe it is their decision to use drugs to gain strength, their friends and family will have to deal with the consequences as well as the user because of the side effects and possible death of the user. A person can use steroids just one time, but that one time can kill him twenty years down the road. References American Fitness Magazine. (2004, September/October). Out of Control. Retrieved February 10, 2005, from EBSCOhost database. [Journal article] Leshner, A.I. (n.d.) Anabolic Steroid Abuse, National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Steroids/Anabolicsteroids.html [Online] Mishra, R. (June 1, 1995). Steroids and Sports Are a Losing Combination, US Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved February 10, 2005, from http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00107.html [Online] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Anabolic Steroid Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2005 from http://www.steroidabuse.org [Online] â€Å"Steroids.† http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/steroids/index.html [Online] â€Å"Steroids.† Britannica Online Encyclopaedia [Online] Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports Essay -- Steroids Drugs Sport At Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports When involved in sports, you have to be competitive. You need to win more than anybody else. However, athletes are taking winning to the extreme. As the use of performance enhancing drugs is becoming more popular amongst athletes, many of them do not understand the risks involved in taking these drugs. Many people are looking for a quick way to build muscles, or to get stronger the fastest way possible. Using these performance aids may very well be a quick fix for many athletes, but taking the drugs is unethical and dangerous. Using special drugs to boost an athlete’s performance is degrading to sports and to the athlete, but after they stop using the drugs and lose some strength, you become trapped in the steroid cycle. Steroids were developed in Europe around 1930 to treat undernourished and healing patients after surgery. Steroids are a synthetic version of the human hormone called testosterone. It stimulates development of bones and muscles. Competitive weightlifters began using these steroids around the 1950s as a way to increase their athletic performance and gain an upper hand on the rest of their competitors. After its initial use in bodybuilding, the drug spread like fire through the rest of the sports world, ranging from sports in high school to professional athlete in the Olympic Games. Steroids may be taken by injection or orally. Steroids can be divided into two types: anabolic and androgenic, but the distinction in some ways is artificial. Anabolic steroids mainly affect the metabolism, immunity and muscle, while androgenic steroids have strong masculinisation effects on women and sometimes feminisation on men. Athletes should not take steroids or supplements as they can lead to addiction and severe health problems and other side effects. Some of the health problems include sterility, heart or liver disease, kidney damage, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and cancer in males and females. Other common side effects are increased aggressiveness and paranoia. The list can go on and on. Female users face even more problems than male users. In females, many physical changes may occur such as growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, diminished breasts, and abnormal menstrual cycles. If taken by to early, anabolic steroids may stunt growth, by fusing the growth plates. ... ...ce today, but the laws against steroids should be enforced more often. While users believe it is their decision to use drugs to gain strength, their friends and family will have to deal with the consequences as well as the user because of the side effects and possible death of the user. A person can use steroids just one time, but that one time can kill him twenty years down the road. References American Fitness Magazine. (2004, September/October). Out of Control. Retrieved February 10, 2005, from EBSCOhost database. [Journal article] Leshner, A.I. (n.d.) Anabolic Steroid Abuse, National Institute on Drug Abuse. http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Steroids/Anabolicsteroids.html [Online] Mishra, R. (June 1, 1995). Steroids and Sports Are a Losing Combination, US Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved February 10, 2005, from http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00107.html [Online] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Anabolic Steroid Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2005 from http://www.steroidabuse.org [Online] â€Å"Steroids.† http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/steroids/index.html [Online] â€Å"Steroids.† Britannica Online Encyclopaedia [Online]

Analysis of Urban Composition using Space Syntax and Computer Techniques

A esteemed axiom from Winston Churchill goes that people shape edifices, and so edifices transform people. The affects from edifices, or more specifically, from the built environment to people is widely-belive in the thought of architectural and urban forms. It has led to some phantasies that trying to reform society by bettering design, such as the Claude-Nicholas Ledoux’s thought of â€Å"cites ideales† in 18Thursdaycentury and the thought of â€Å"reforming the environment alternatively of reforming the people. Peoples could alter themselves if the environment bend to be correct† by Buckminster Fuller in the sixtiess. The overtures to polish the interior relationship between built environment and societal life are truly uncommon apart from above. Under this circumstance, infinite sentence structure, a theory started twenty old ages ago which seting forward by Hillier and Hanson ( 1984 ) , being developed at the Laboratory of University College London and globally distribute over the old ages. Space sentence structure is to analyze the urban composing by utilizing computing machine techniques. In the words of Hillier et Al, infinite sentence structure is a group of techniques which contains the comprehensive cognition of some facets in edifices and colonies, such as quantitative analysis, representation and spacial constellation account. As a broadly definition of constellation, on one manus, it should see one tierce of the relation between two infinites at least, on the other manus, it should see complex dealingss among all infinites at most. Hence, spacial constellation is far more than merely a simple thought of spacial relation and demand to mention non merely a brace of related infinites ( 1987, p.363 ) . Harmonizing to Hillier ( 1984 ) , the 1 who made a breakthrough beyond others, in that infinite sentence structure had by now developed a precise method to depict topological dealingss, locally and globally at one time, in one graph, for edifice and colonies, as a social-spatial issue, with a witting theory about a deep construction in societal infinite in the built environment, in the original signifier of infinite sentence structure, it chiefly emphasized urban forms of the motion of prosaic. It was subsequently generalized to a figure of other countries, such as urban conveyance mold, calculating the grade of air pollution, measuring different vicinities burglaries occurred, and gauging the possibility of development of retail around the streets. In the work of â€Å"Space sentence structure: a different urban perspective† ( 1984 ) , Hillier mentioned three different facets. The intelligibility of infinite, the continuity of business and the predictability of infinite. He thought the spacial organisation of urban countries affects forms of motion and usage harmonizing to good defined rules. And he went on presenting how infinite sentence structure works. It is based on a dweller or a human organic structure in a local point, sing two points, visibleness and the permeableness and doing two waies, the longest axial line and the smallest bulging infinite to develop two maps, axial map and convex map, for urban colonies or edifices. In this manner of analysis, every point in the system has both a one- and two- dimensional facet which means every point has a local and planetary dimension. Now allow us concentrate on most widely used technique of infinite sentence structure in urban analysis, the axial map. Harmonizing to Hillier, in order to understand the â€Å"axial map† , the significance of â€Å"axial lines† and the word â€Å"integration† should be understand clearly. â€Å"Axial line† is basic elements of infinite sentence structure analysis, which is from unconditioned two human inherent aptitudes, visibleness and permeableness. ‘Axial line’ represents the lower limit and longest ocular line associating the different ‘convex space’ . The word â€Å"integration† is initial of import in infinite sentence structure. To explicate it, the construct of deepness should be known first. Take the five different plane types in Figure 1 ( from left to compensate 1-1-1, 1-1-2, 1-1-3, 1-1-4, 1-1-5 ) for illustration, each program consists of three indoor infinites and an out-of-door infinite O. The Justified Graph , which show the relation between out-of-door infinite O and the remainder of infinites, is shown blew each program. The syntactic characteristics of infinites of five different program could be discerned from the Justified Graph. Comparing with F1-1-5 ( F= figure ) , F1-1-1 is a deep sentence structure. Therefore, F1-1-5 is a shallow sentence structure. However, F1-1-1 and F1-1-5 are deep tree sentence structure when comparing with F1-1-2 and 1-1-3. And F1-1-2 and F1-1-3 are two different deep ring sentence structure. Besides, F1-1-4 is a sentence structure between shallow tree sentence structure and shallow ring sentence structure. From the Justified Graph, convenient grade of different convex infinite could be easy shown. In F1-1-2, bulging infinite b2 locates on a deeper and less convenient topographic point comparing with a2 and c2. Although b4 locates on a shallow place, the convenient degree is inferior to infinite O. Because it is two justified stairss off from c4. However, c4 is the most inconvenient topographic point of the system, which is two justified stairss to a4 and b4. It should be noticed that the â€Å"deep† , â€Å"shallow† and â€Å"step† being discussed donnot stand for the existent distance. It is a construct of morphological. â€Å"Deep† and â€Å"shallow† merely show the degree of artworks and â€Å"step† means the figure of infinites from one convex infinite to another in the artworks. The value of integrating of a line linked to its deepness to other lines in one system. To be more specific, the integrating value in infinite sentence structure means how good of the system integrated, how good the elements within the system connect with each other. The most incorporate systems are those with shallowest lines on norm, and the most detached are those with deepest lines ( Hillier et al, 1993, page 35 ) . Integration is the chief portion of the analysis of axial map. The motion of people strongly depend on the integrating value of each line. Integration values play a important function in understanding the map of urban systems in line maps since it result in that the Numberss of motion which pass down each line has a high grade of influence by its integrating value. From some of the point of view, infinite sentence structure is to widen the construct of web analysis to architecture design and urban planning. Its prognosis of motion is controversial. However, the map of infinite sentence structure can non be negated. To be more thorough, I read the book of â€Å"Space is a machine† , anther one written by Bill Hillier. In this subdivision some reappraisals of this book will be illustrated. 1. The position of â€Å"configuration† In the debut at the beginning, Bill Hillier stated that the most critical consequence in these surveies is the construct of â€Å"configuration† bit by bit enter into the centre of the phase. In short, the â€Å"configuration† is intended as a set of relationships. Each of them depends on all others’ association with it. New techniques of spacial analysis have been developed from these, which brings the spacial logic of architecture and urban to visible radiation. What is more, it besides quantifies a truth of the cardinal point being â€Å"how to form things together. Similar with the word â€Å"pattern† , constellation stress the overall construct of complex systems instead than partial. However, we do non utilize the word â€Å"pattern† due to the fact form means to follow regularity. The construct of â€Å"spatial configuration† means the unity of a relationship with any of the relationship depends on the relationships of all other relevant. Here showing a formal but simple definition: for two infinites, if we define the spacial relationship of any sort of connexion between them, such as next or exchange, the relationship between them will alter depend on the manner of any one or both of these two infinites linking with the 3rd infinite. Wherein the constellation is present ( p.14 ) . In the book, Hillier aimed to suggest a new design method, which the constellation is the nucleus construct. It insists that architecture design or urban planning is a procedure with constellation, which means the local alteration promote the overall alteration. Even if merely rely on the cognition of constellation can back up the design. Hillier recalled the infinite sentence structure theory and methodological analysis of some of import new accomplishments in the preamble. These consequences make a more solid and effectual theoretical foundation for infinite sentence structure.Space as a thing in itselfSpace is an nonsubjective property of houses, which can be independently described as material things. However, in architecture, it is rare to depict infinite wholly independent, such as â€Å"enclosed space† is to depict the infinite trusting on the physical signifier instead than to specify infinite as a unrestrained signifier. Roger Scruton see the construct of infinite is a consequence of an chesty architect’s systematic mistake. In the position of Scuton, infinite is non a thing in itself, but simply the antonym of physical entities, that is, the staying of the houses. The infinite of the Fieldss and interior infinite within the church seem no difference except the ornament of the church. Hillier made an illation about the beginnings of Scruton: Descartes thought that the first property of material objects is their â€Å"extension† , which are the properties can be measured, such as length, tallness and breadth. All of these do non trust on worlds. And the 2nd property is, to some extent, dependant on the subjective feeling of worlds, such as â€Å"green† or â€Å"good† . Widening to the construct of infinite, taking the objects from the infinite it occupies, the extension still exist. And this is an property of infinite. Therefore, infinite can be summarized as an extension without object. So when we remove the object from the infinite it occupies, we do non believe that the extension of the infinite has besides been removed. In this position, infinite is matching to the physical properties being defined so it becomes a mensurable belongings of material objects. Hillier believes that one time look upon the infinite from this position, you can non understand how it works in the infinite of human events. From the position of civilization and society, infinite is non merely a impersonal model of societal and cultural concept, but to the full integrated into the societal and cultural signifiers. Human behaviour is non easy occur in the infinite, but has its ain spacial forms. In the subdivision of â€Å"space as configuration† , the relationship between infinite and society does non be on the degree of a individual infinite or the person ‘s activities, but in the constellation of human and infinite. From this subdivision, the layout of spacial relationships is converted into J-diagram ( Figure accommodation ) to make analysis ( p. 11 ) . The demand for an analytic theory of architectureArchitectural theory is to utilize the constructs, words and Numberss to depict the unexpressible intuition, seeking to uncover one or a few unexpressible regulations. Possibly we can state that architectural theory is seeking to make a â€Å"inexpressible technology† , which we can manage those unexpressible signifiers, figuration and spacial forms. At least in some facets, architectural theory describes and steer the design. So in the footings of design, we can state architectural theory is an effort to command edifice design. The architectural theory discussed more in standardized in the yesteryear. They are deficiency of analysis. This is because those unexpressible engineerings merely depict a certain type of figuration. P36 After tonss of treatment about construct of â€Å"rule† and â€Å"theory† , the first measure of seting frontward the theory is the standardization of construct. And so get down to construct our â€Å"inexpressible technology† . The method Hillier used is turning the existent infinite into abstract infinite, to acquire a clear apprehension of these features. Using abstract co-ordinate system replace the infinite with object. In this system, the axis represent the belongingss which can be ruled. P38 With this co-ordinate system, change overing the belongingss of object into coordinate infinite and turn uping the object by utilizing a series of points. So the regularity of the belongings was revealed. This is a basic recording method, which can enter the similarities, differences and relationship between objects in an nonsubjective and independent manner. However, it should be noticed that what we have seen is non the theory. It is the procedure theoretical accounts produce those regulations. In the book, many of the constructs are divided into two different dimension of belongingss by â€Å"dichotomy† , such as the scientific and artistic of the architecture ( p.31 ) . For illustration, architecture is defined as a object and a activity at the same clip ( p.5 ) . And the most of import conceptual differentiation is the standardisation and analytic of architectural theory. Architectural theory by and large appears in normative manner. However, on a deeper degree, it is no less than scientific theories about analytic. Architectural theory is non and can non be a simple regulation. At least, it is a composite of analytic and normative. If the analysis of the theory is incorrect, so the design will non be successful. Architectural theory Tells us how the universe should be like, but we foremost have to cognize what sort of universe it is. ( p.29 ) Why architectural theory should utilize in this alone signifier? The reply lies in the kernel of the work of designers. To be more specific, it is the design. The kernel of design is an activity. It raises all sorts of issues, and architectural theoretician using theory in the signifier of analysis and normative and propose solutions to these jobs. The kernel of the procedure of design is create and anticipation. Theories are used to back up the procedure of create and the analysis of calculating procedure. R. A. Scruton, A Short History of Modern Philosophy: from Descartes to Wittgenstein, ARK Paperbacks,1984.

Forensic Science Unit Two Text Questions Essay

1. What is a questioned document? Describe at least one example of something that might be a questioned document. – A questioned document is when a handwritten or any other type written document is questioned by its authenticity. A great example would be a passport. 2. What is an exemplar? What are the best types of exemplars? -Exemplars are samples that are authentic that are compared with the document that’s questioned. 3. What are natural variations? Describe how these may happen. -They are small differences that appear repeated samples of someones handwriting. Overtime our handwriting changes because every time we write something our hand changes the way we write. 4. How are stamped signatures different from written signatures? -Stamped signatures are always the same and written signatures change every time that you write them. 5. What are some of the typescript machines that document examiners may have to investigate? Choose one of these machines and describe what document examiners may look for when comparing the machine to a questioned document. Some of the typescript machines are called the Daisy Wheel Printer and the Dox Matrix Printer. A Daisy Wheel Printer is very similar to a ball-head typerwriter. They may look for a disc which is either made up of Plastic or Metal, thats where characters stand out. 1. Why are questioned documents important in forensic science? What is one example of a situation where a questioned document might be an important part of a criminal case? – Questioned Documents are important in Forensic Science because it can help figure out if a signature is Forged or not. For example if somebody steals money through a check, they can check the signature and see if the signature is forged or not which will help know if the check is real or not. 2. What are some of the ways that a document examiner might try to match a questioned document to a specific typewriter? What aspects might they look at? – Some of the ways that a documented examiner might try to match a  questioned document to a specific typewriter would be to match the handwriting,they could also look at different changes made in the handwriting. 3. Imagine that you have been asked to determine whether a signature on a check is authentic or a forgery. What steps would you take in doing this? What aspects would you examine? I would first examine the signature and get a hold of any papers that were signed by the same person and see how many similarities they have and how many differences they have. I would examine every little change that happens. 4. Imagine that you have been asked to determine whether a will written fifty years ago is authentic or a modern-day forgery. How would you go about doing this? What aspects would you examine to help you make your determination? -I would examine the handwriting and I would also use a Daisy Wheel Printer to figure out all of the information. 5. A law enforcement agent is in charge of getting a writing sample from an uncooperative suspect. The agent puts the suspect in a comfortable room and has the person choose from a bunch of pencils and ink pens. The agent takes the questioned document and dictates the information to the suspect, having the suspect write down what she says as she reads from the questioned document. After several paragraphs, the agent stops and has the suspect rewrite the material two more times. What did the agent do wrong in this situation? What did the agent do right? – What the agent did wrong is that he made him write it two or more times because every time that he writes it over again the handwriting changes. What he did do write was make him write everything he says as he dictates the information to the suspect. That way they can see whether the handwriting matches it or not.

No Exit essays

No Exit essays Sartre's most popular play is undoubtedly the one-act drama No Exit, which is a discussion of such familiar negative existentialist themes as bad faith, self-destruction, and the impossibility of interpersonal relationships. It is in this play that Sartre's famous line, "Hell is other people," occurs. Although many nineteenth century philosophers developed the concepts of existentialism, it was Sartre who popularized it. His one act play, Huis Clos (Closed Doors) or No Exit, first produced in Paris in May, 1944, is the clearest example and metaphor for this philosophy. There are only four characters: the Valet, Garcin, Estelle, and Inez and the entire play takes place in a drawing room, Second Empire style, with a massive bronze ornament on the mantelpiece. Sartre begins his philosophy with the assertion that existence precedes essence. It contains three basic ideas: 1. L'Ã ªtre-en-soi (Being-in-itself), 2. L'Ã ªtre pour-soi (Being-for-itself), 3. L'Ã ªtre-pour-autrui (Being-for-others). Existence is the process wherein a thing becomes what it will be. It is through the process of existence that a person defines himself. Humans are "condemned to be free" that is, without the existence of an absolute god or a pre-existing universal definition, they are free to define themselves through their actions and choices. Such freedom, which is at the heart of human existence carries with it the burden of personal responsibility, because of this Sartre refers to it as a condemnation. Freedom is not freedom from, but is, freedom for. Existence is a process of becoming that projects into the future. One's existence is always a projection of possibilities to choose from. Thus, freedom is always a projection of future possibilities for po ssible action. Nothingness lies at the heart of being and creates a yearning for fulfillment, nothingness is the origin of freedom and the origin of human existence ...

gender sexuality essays

gender sexuality essays A.) In the article, Human Sexuality: How do Men and Women differ? by Letitia Peplau discusses gender difference in four different aspects; sexual desire, sexuality and relationships, sexuality and aggression, and sexual plasticity. These differences affect mental states, and they define not only heterosexuals, but homosexuals, as well. The first difference mentioned between males and females is sexual desire. Peplau (2003) describes sexual desires as the subjective experience of being interested in sexual objects or activities or wishing to engage in sexual activities (p. 37). Men seem to exhibit a much higher sexual desire in their life-span, than women do. Men are also more stimulated sexually by visuals than women are. Many tensions about the frequency of sex arise between married couples. The husband is typically the one who demands sex more than the woman. Also, another indicator for men having a larger sexual desire is the fact men masturbate more frequently, and begin at an earlier age. The second difference mentioned between the sexes is sexuality and relationships. Women prefer to be sexual only in committed relationships, where as men seem to have a liking for casual, and premarital sex. To emphasize it more, women are more likely to fantasize about love and affection, where as men are more likely to fantasize about acts and sex organs. Commitment is the key for most women when it comes to sexuality and relationships, but for men it is more about sex. The third gender difference discussed concerns sexuality and aggression. Men tend to view themselves as characters of aggression and dominance when it comes to their sexual role. Women, however, do not exhibit the same traits. And because men possess these traits they are more likely to initiate an attempt for sex. The last gender difference covered is entitled sexual plasticity. Women are much more easily manipulated by soc ...