Nature and Nuture Essay - 713 Words

The question is this: How can we distinguish between the environmental causes of behavior and heredity causes? This question embodies the nature-nurture issue. John B. Watson argued that each is made, not born. He discounted the importance of heredity, maintaining that behavior is managed entirely by the environment. Indeed he boldly claimed: Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own special world to bring them up in and Ill guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select-doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief, and yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations and race of his ancestors. I am going beyond my facts†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, the work of behavioral geneticists and the theories of evolutionary psychologists have influenced developmental psychologists. Both behavioral geneticists and evolutionary psychologists have highlighted the importance of heredity in influencing human behavior. Clearly, the relationship between heredity and environment is far from simple. As a consequence, developmental psychologists typically take an interactionist position on the nature-nurture issue, suggesting that a combination of heredity and environmental factors influence development. Developmental psychologists face the challenge of identifying the relative strength of each of these influences on the individual, as well as that of identifying the specific changes that occur over the course of development. Developmental psychologists use several approaches to determine the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on behavior. In one approach, researchers can experimentally control the genetic makeup of laboratory animals by carefully breeding them for specific traits. Although researchers must be careful when generalizing the findings of nonhuman research to a human population, findings from animal research provide important information that cannot be obtained by using human participants. Human twins serve as anotherShow MoreRelatedNature vs Nuture2099 Words   |  9 PagesPRINCIPLES OF FINANCE PRACTICE TEST 1 1. Finance can be defined as A. the system of debits and credits. B. the science of the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth. C. the art and science of managing money. D. the art of merchandising products and services. 2. Managerial finance A. involves tasks such as budgeting, financial forecasting, cash management, and funds procurement. B. involves the design and delivery of advice and financial products. C. recognizes funds on anRead MoreEssay about Causes of Homosexuality - Nature AND Nuture564 Words   |  3 Pages Many people cannot understand why anyone would want to get involved in homosexual activity. There are many arguments about homosexuality whether is by nature or nurture. Before we make judgments on homosexuality, we need to identify the causes of homosexuality. Homosexuality is caused by genetic, biological and environmental factors. The first possible cause of homosexuality is genetic factors. Homosexuality is a trait from birth (Buchanan, 2000). Studies found that identical twins share manyRead MoreThe Theories About What Forms A Person Into Being Who They Are1069 Words   |  5 PagesNature and nuture are two contrasting psychological theories about what forms a person into being who they are. The difference between Nature and Nurture has been argued for countless years by psychologists, and yet neither theory has ever been fully endorsed by the majority of psychologists. Some psychologists believe in nature, that is that you are born the way you are because you inherit those traits from your parents and genes. Others believe in the nuture theory, where you become the personRead MoreNature vs Nurture, a Not Quite a Twin1684 Words   |  7 PagesNature vs Nurture A Not Quite Twin Study Tamara Richardson Seminole State College of Florida Abstract This paper is going to discuss the Nature vs Nurture debate. There will be history of the debate, where it is presently and where it may go in the future. We will look at the beginning of the debate, the battle that started with Descartes and was pushed further by BF Skinner, Bandura and Piaget. We will further look at Bandura and Piaget and look at Social learning theory verses biology. InterviewsRead MoreLife Span Perspective Paper746 Words   |  3 Pagesinto the adult world. During the life span development two contemporary concerns that are related are nature versus nurture and continuity and discontinuity. Changes in humans have been researched through centuries in trying to understand forces that drive humans inside and out. Nature and Nurture are known to be contributions and experimental factors (McGraw-Hill, 2004). Believers of nature are believed that children are born with certain behaviors that are innate. These patterns can be a resultRead MoreEssay on Sensory Perceptions882 Words   |  4 Pagesthe long run as additional data is obtained that helps to refine the initial interpretation of the data. The roles of â€Å"Nature† and â€Å"Nurtured† with regard to the interpretation and evaluation of sensory data has been disputed by scholars for centuries. Some believe that we are born with information inherited from our parents and that we are not born with a clean slate (nature). Some believe that all information in the brain is obtained over time (nurtured). In either case, sensory data is obtainedRead MoreImportant Aspects Of A Functioning Classroom904 Words   |  4 Pagescould be accorporated much more in the classroom. John Dewey, Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and Lev Vygotsky all understood the way children think and the importance of imaginative play. They also understood that children need to be active in nature. Also, we have discussed different forms of learning, such as project based learning, and outdoor classrooms. In my opinion, the education system should have minor changes that benefit the students more. Despite the various flaws, schools are extremelyRead More Human Nature in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Essay920 Words   |  4 PagesHuman Nature in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the relationship of external apperence and internal feelings are directly related. The creature is created and he is innocent, though he is seaverly deformed. His nature is to be good and kind, but society only views his external appereance which is grotesque. Human nature is to judge by external apperence. He is automatically ostracized and labeled as a monster because of his external apperence. HeRead MoreWho is the Villain in the Frankenstein? Essay714 Words   |  3 Pagesmonster) to be a kind, caring and loving creature, the way the villagers treated him and turned away in disgust when they saw the monster, was the reason that the monster became evil. The main themes in Frankenstein are the themes of Nature versus Nuture, in which we find out that the monster was not intentionally villainous and that it was the way that the villagers treated the monster that he became evil and bad-tempered. Another one of the main themes is Science versus religion. This isRead MoreGay Teens: Accepting the Unaccepted1199 Words   |  5 Pagesorientation is not a mental disorder. A persons sexual orientation is not a matter of choice. Individuals have no more choice about being homosexual or bisexual than heterosexual. Many people are arguing that it has to do with the whole nature vs. nuture debate. The nature side argues that homosexuals have different hormonal mechanisms, gene type, or brain structure. The nurture side argues that the environment writes on the developing child like someone writing on a blank piece of paper. As many potential

Racial Profiling And The United States - 944 Words

Ever Since being forced to the united states as slaves blacks have been exposed to racism and legal discrimination citizens of African descent in the United States living threw things like Jim crow laws which were laws set to legally separate blacks like they were lesser to white citizens, or dealing acts of terror by groups like the KKK or other racist whites. And most importantly going through slavery which heavily set blacks back. Black men as a whole in society are believed to have the toughest time. They are often portrayed by society to be hoodlums or thugs when in reality that’s a small percentage, society lets a small amount represent the larger body. According to the Washington Post â€Å"African Americans are 13% of the country s population, but they are 62.7% of convicted drug users/dealers. Caucasians are 80% of the country s population, they are the majority of drug users/dealers but only 36.7% of them are locked up† this is a direct result of racial profi ling and discrimination. We as a society need to improve and bring awareness to the topic of male males being profiled and discriminated against. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding 3 recent national events going on dealing with black males being innocently murdered. The Males murdered where Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Gardener all three unarmed and killed by the police. Trayvon Martin, a Miami native, was visiting his father in Sanford. That evening, Martin walked out to the nearby 7-Eleven to getShow MoreRelatedRacial Profiling : The United States Essay1326 Words   |  6 PagesRacial Profiling The United States of America, a country founded on diversity, remains ingrained with hypocritical ideas with respect to its very foundations of freedom and independence. America shows no mercy in the prejudice actions towards its minorities. The United States of America contributes greatly towards the injustice of minorities and giving privilege towards its â€Å"native† people yet not all â€Å"natives† are greatly loved in the country as Neil Foley, author of Becoming Hispanic: MexicanRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1348 Words   |  6 PagesIn today’s world we deal with multiple cases of racial profiling seemingly on a daily basis. Turn on the television, check the internet, or simply have a discussion with someone and you’ll hear about it. Racial Profiling describes discriminatory practices by law enforcement officials who target people for suspicion of crime based on their ethnicity, race, origin, or religion. The term first came about during the War on Drugs in the 1970’s and 1980’s when law enforcement were accused of pullingRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1111 Words   |  5 Pagesbrutality on these individuals solely based on the ethnicity they possess. Racial profiling can be said to be synonymous with stereotypes. In fact, as Gross states, â€Å"In 1999, 81 percent of surveyors in a national poll agreed that racial profiling was an issue in the United States. â€Å"From Samuel R. Gross, â€Å"Racial Profiling Under Attack†, (June 2002): 1413. However, there is no end in sight, 16 years later, and the United States is still the same. On September 11, 2001 America was in shock because ofRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1465 Words   |  6 PagesRacial Profiling Racial Profiling is just what it is. Targeting individuals for suspicion of a violation determined by the individual’s race, ethnicity, religion or national origin. Race and location are the supreme characteristics law enforcement visually examine when engaging in this type of profiling. African-American males are the primary victims of racial profiling in the United States. The phrase â€Å"driving while black† derive from African Americans protesting that they are pulled over by policeRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1657 Words   |  7 PagesThe 11th of September, 2001 was a momentous day in American history. 19 members of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 United Airlines Flight 175, and crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Hijackers crashed the third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth jet, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Penn sylvania. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on 9/11 due to the terrorist attacks onRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1160 Words   |  5 Pagesby police and many other people for committing crimes. This is called racial profiling, and it is an issue going on around us. Some considers racial profiling a new phenomenon, and it is important to examine it because it is a foundational aspect of law and law enforcement in the United States. Glover in the book Racial Profiling: Research, Racism, and Resistance defines racial profiling in contemporary times â€Å"as the use of racial and or ethnic status as the determinant factor in decision to stop motoristRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States2227 Words   |  9 Pagessociety. This is the mind frame of the average American in the United States. Every African American individual in this country who has traveled, walked to the store at night or simply going shopping, either knowingly or unknowingly has been a victim of some type of racial profiling. People need to realize that racial profiling happens very often to innocent people that are targeted based on race and sometimes religion. Racial profiling can be defined as when an individual is stopped or detained becauseRead MoreRacial Profiling A nd The United States1949 Words   |  8 Pages Racial Profiling Post 9/11 Rusat Ramgopal CRJBS 101 John Jay College Professor Gary Wright August 4, 2016 Racial Profiling Post 9/11 On September 11, 2001, nineteen hijackers associated with the terrorist group Al-Qaeda attacked the United States. They flew two planes into the World Trade Center and also attacked the Pentagon resulting inRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States2903 Words   |  12 PagesRacial profiling still exists in America. Racial profiling refers to law enforcement strategies and practices that single out individuals as objects of suspicion solely on the basis of mainly their race. Prejudice and racial profiling of law enforcement is responsible for many false arrests, convictions, and countless deaths of blacks in the United States. This is one of the main difficulties of life and obstacles minorities have to face in their life because for one they are a minority and twoRead MoreRacial Profiling And The United States1883 Words   |  8 PagesRacial profiling remains a dormant issue in the United States. It is the act of the authority, mostly, police officers linking minority sta tus to criminal behaviour (Glover, 2007). Several police officers in the United States target specific groups because they don’t display characteristics of typical Caucasian individuals (Glover, 2007). To put history into context, before 9/11, not many police officers profiled individuals based on their ethnic backgrounds but after the attack, there was an increase

Shakespeares play MacBeth is based on various different sources Essay Example For Students

Shakespeares play MacBeth is based on various different sources Essay Shakespeares play MacBeth is based on various different sources. There was a king of Scotland called MacBeth in about 1040, who was exposed to violence and torment from an early age when his father was murdered by his cousins. He then married Gruach, who was the granddaughter of a High King of Scotland. However there is no evidence that she had a malign influence on MacBeth, which is contrary to the portrayal of their relationship in Shakespeares play. Another source for the play arose from Holinsheds chronicles. Previously Shakespeare had used these chronicles to develop various other stories. These chronicles may have affected the tone of Shakespeares play MacBeth as Holinshed was uncritical of the historians he relied upon and he opposed all kingships other than that of the Tudors. Clearly Shakespeare altered and adapted the sources he relied upon to write the text as he had to make if dramatic to entice audiences to come and see his plays at the theatre. In order to be a successful playwright this meant making his plays as gruesome and shocking as possible, hence the emphasis on murder, madness and conflict. The text is therefore stylistic of much literature, aimed to entertain and please the audience. It is believed that the play was performed in front of King James in 1606. There are therefore many parallels between the life and rule of King James and the story that unfolds in the play MacBeth. Fundamentally the murder of Duncan had to result in the untimely death of his murderer. This is because it suggests that attempts to seize power in such an oppressive manner result in misery and more distress. This is shown in the play because MacBeths efforts to become an established monarch of Scotland are quashed and remain futile. This was important to please the king especially since King James loathed regicide. This was not surprising given the failed attempt at his assassination in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which is also referred to in the play. A catholic priest, Henry Garnet was put on trial for his involvement in the plot and he admitted he had only told half of the truth. Ironically the play too is filled with equivocations, most prominently seen in the speeches of the witches. For example in act 1 scene 3 one of the witches says to MacBeth All hail MacBeth, that shalt be king hereafter. It is not said how or when MacBeth will be king it only says that he will be. Duncans murder is fundamental to the play for a number of reasons. It is the first act of treachery in the play and subsequently leads to the murder of the other characters Banquo, MacDuffs family and Young Siward. This is due to the fact that once Duncan has been killed and MacBeth named king, MacBeths ambition forces him to employ violent and ruthless tactics in order to remain in such a high position of power. It was  the case with MacBeth that absolute power corrupts and power corrupts absolutely. This ruthless ambition is a key theme in the play and it can be seen as the fundamental flaw in the characters of both MacBeth and his wife. This importance of this idea can be seen in the quote I have no spur, To prick the sides of my intent but only, Vaulting ambition. Here MacBeth becomes aware that he is driven by ambition alone. The murder of Duncan is important in bringing originality to the play, to gain the approval of the crowd. To conduct such a murder in Shakespeares time especially, was scandalous. The murder is evil because primarily Duncan was a guest in MacBeths house so MacBeth should have protected and cared for him, offering him security as he was his host. Despite this, MacBeth plots and plans to bring about his demise as he is overwhelmed by greed. It is not sufficient that Duncan has made MacBeth Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor entrusting him with a large amount of power. In return Duncan wanted MacBeths respect, obedience and loyalty. At the beginning of the play MacBeth is regarded as a loyal and faithful man, fighting on Duncans behalf. It is ironic that he is heralded as being so worthy when later in the book he can be deemed as nothing but a traitor. Macbeth: Macbeth Is More Guilty By His Actions Tha EssayThis is  an element of her suffering as she is losing her sanity. She also suffers from lack of sleep. Blood appears to be a major theme in the play as the repercussions echo throughout. Another important theme is that of darkness. It is portrayed by the use of vivid words as the text as whole is full of imagery. Dark night strangles the travelling lamp and Come thick night are two quotes which portray this imagery. The language used in these quotes show hidden meanings similar to the way the dark night conceals murderous intentions. The use of the word strangle expresses this idea coherently. It is dark when Duncan is killed and his death results in lack of sleep for MacBeth and his wife. These themes are consistently present throughout the play and give it a certain level of complexity so that it is not merely a tale of murder. In conclusion the murder of Duncan is fundamental to the play. The committing of regicide is MacBeths first step on the ladder to his demise. In retrospect of the play, it sets in motion the death of one great man, Duncan, and the slow downfall of another, namely MacBeth. Arguably MacBeth was a good man, corrupted by ambition, power and principally the influence of his wife. She is evil and corrupts their relationship with her ruthlessness. Unknowingly she urges MacBeth to destroy all that is good, the fate of the country, the life of a good man and unintentionally their marriage. When he appears to be frightened and worried by the apparition of Banquo he finds he cannot even find solace in his wife which shows how much the support within their marriage has deteriorated. The murder of Duncan leads to a culmination of events which brings about the downfall of MacBeth and epitomises the evil in the play. The evil is emphasised in the scenes where the murder occurs, act 2 scenes 1 and 2 , by the use of darkness and blood. This is a prime example of Shakespeares diverse use of imagery. He frequently uses imagery and pathetic fallacy to convey themes and ideas. The use of soliloquies is important because they serve two purposes. They show a certain element of madness because the character is addressing themselves rather than the other characters, commonly seen as a sign of delusion in society. Secondly they allow the audience to know the exact thoughts of the character. This was used by Shakespeare to show that despite his actions MacBeth was not solely a butcher, he was also human and could express feelings of compassion and guilt. Without these crucial soliloquies where MacBeth voices his inner feelings, we may not have seen this side to him and the play would lose its depth and complexity.

Platos Socrates And, The Bhagavad Gitas Krishna Are Two Very Importa E

Plato's Socrates and, The Bhagavad Gita's Krishna are two very important characters who have strongly impacted the lives of many. These two characters share many similar qualities, as well as many contrasting qualities. In this essay, I will thoroughly compare and contrast these two remarkable characters. Though it seems that Krishna and Socrates were greatly dissimilar in their views and values, they did have some similarities. For example, both of them were extremely persuasive when it came to giving advice. They both had a very distinct ways of getting their points across and making others listen to them. Many people looked up to them. Another example of how the two characters are alike was the fact that they both felt that duty, both civic and spiritual, was very important. Fulfilling their duty to the gods, as well as their duty to the state, was an extremely important factor in both Socrates and Krishna's lives. Though they did share some similarities, Socrates and Krishna were also very dissimilar in many ways. For example, while Socrates believed in individualism, Krishna believed in collectivism. Socrates felt that people should think and live for themselves. He felt that people should come to their own conclusions. He believed in free will. By this he meant that everyone has his or her own choices in life. Socrates also believed that a man of wisdom takes individual responsibility for his actions. His most important virtue was justice. Krishna, on the other hand, believed in determinism, or necessity, not in free will. He also believed that, in contradiction to Socrates, a wise man does not take responsibility for his actions. Instead, he detaches himself from the consequences. For example, Krishna tells Arjuna to go to battle without thinking about the consequences of going to battle. Krishna feels that one should not be concerned with the results of an action, but only with the necessi ty to act. One should simply act on a sense on duty. Another example of how the two characters were different is seen in their attitudes toward the future. Krishna felt that the future is closed. He believed that everything is predetermined. Therefore, if one can't do anything about a certain matter, then one should simply change one's outlook on it. Socrates, in contrast to this, felt that the future depends on the actions one takes. Tradition also plays a major role in both characters' lives. Socrates, after all, was accused of, and put to death for questioning tradition. Socrates wanted to reform society. He wanted to make it a better place. He did this by questioning old rituals and traditions. He persuaded people to change their lives for the better. He felt that old customs didn't matter when it came down to living a good life. Krishna is strongly opposed to this. Tradition, for Krishna, is supposed to come first in one's life. It is the standard. He felt that everyone should do what tradition dictates and should never question it. He felt that one's happiness did not matter; only one's soul mattered. Although Socrates and Kirshna shared many similarities, they also had many differences. The most important factor in life for both was to serve god. Though they had their own different views on how to go about doing this, they both seemed to be heading in the same direction; and that would be to become one with god.

Corporate merger between Volkswagen and Porsche

Corporate merger between Volkswagen and Porsche Introduction There are different ways in which a company can stimulate growth either internally or internally. External growth as defined by Block, Hirst and Danielson is the growth of firms through amalgamation, mergers or takeovers/acquisitions. The authors define a merger as being ‘the agreed amalgamation between two firms.’ There are different types of mergers namely vertical, horizontal and conglomerate merger (Block et al, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporate merger between Volkswagen and Porsche specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More History of the relationships of the two companies leading up to the final merger in 2009 Volkswagen and Porsche are two firms that are well recognized and established in the automotive industry. Based in Germany, both companies were founded by Ferdinand Porsche in the 1930s and have remained in the Porsche and Piech families to date. There has been contention an d rivalry, some fuelled by family differences between the two firms; in 2005, Porsche, the smaller of the two companies, began a takeover bid that included buying Volkswagen stock. This plan might have worked had Porsche not fallen into financial constraint (Anon, 2009). Volkswagen had to step in with a merger proposal which Porsche fought off fiercely but finally had to give in to because it would mean an infusion of much needed cash into the latter firm’s fried up coffers. The merger between the two companies, which hit a couple of snags, was finally ironed out in late 2009 (Kingsbury Dauer, 2009). A brief description of the firms Volkswagen and Porsche and the automobile industry The automotive industry is feeling the pinch of the global economic recession. The two auto makers are not the only companies to go the way of the merger. There are other acquisitions that have taken place recently and by all appearances it looks like there are many more on the way. Fiat, the Ita lian car making firm, has plans to acquire Chrysler as well as Europe’s branch of General Motors. VW is the biggest carmaker in Europe having annual sales in the excess of US $151 billion and selling up to 6.7 million units a year. Porsche has lower revenue of US $9.3 billion selling about one hundred thousand units annually (Kingsbury Dauer, 2009). Porsche and Volkswagen have a long history that goes way before the issue of a merger arose. Ferdinand Piech and Wolfgang Porsche, the respective chairpersons of the two firms, are the grandchildren of Ferdinand Porsche who foundered both companies in the 1930s.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Members of the Porsche and Piech families own between them 50% of Porsche Automobil SE stock. The two firms have even collaborated in the past to put on the market vehicles such as the Porsche Cayene SUV and the Touareg wh ose parts are manufactured in the same plant (Anon, 2009). Competition within the automobile industry The automobile industry is very competitive, more so in the face of the global financial crisis that has shaken even the strongest of giants. The top ten brands on the global market are Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford Motor, Company, Peugeot, Honda, Suzuki and Renault. In the biting recession, the motor industry has been hard hit with major companies such as GM and Chrysler seeking bankruptcy protection from their governments or opting for mergers. The units of sales have declined sharply and profit margins have narrowed. Being in the automobile industry is simply not as lucrative as it was before the recession (carazoo.com, 2009). Why the Volkswagen-Porsche merger is a vertical merger There are three different types of mergers namely horizontal, vertical and conglomerate mergers. A conglomerate merger is one between two firms that are in two totally unrelated fiel ds of business while a vertical merger is one that takes place between two firms in a related business but with one being the buyer and the other the seller. A vertical merger takes place between two firms in the same line of business and who are competitors of each other (Block et al, 2008). Thus, the merger between Porsche and VW is a vertical merger because both firms are in the automotive industry. Why the Volkswagen-Porsche merger is a ‘friendly’ acquisition and the concerns regarding the acquisition The merger between VW and Porsche can be termed as a friendly merger because the terms of the merger have been negotiated by directors of the two firms until they have worked out an agreement which both parties find satisfactory. There was a three and a half year tag of war between Volkswagen and Porsche before the two companies finally hammered out a deal that was satisfactory to both. Porsche initially wanted total acquisition of VW, going as far as buying up 75% of VW stock, but had to settle for a merger (Boston, 2009). What VW plans to do is to take the brand names, along with other brands already under VW, and consolidate them into a holding company which Porsche terms as being an ‘integrated leading company’ (Boston, 2009). Synergy gains, portfolio effects, taxes, risk and the Volkswagen-Porsche mergerAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporate merger between Volkswagen and Porsche specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Firms create mergers for a varied number of reasons; these can either be financial or non-financial (Block et al, 2008). The reasons behind the merger between Volkswagen and Porsche fall into both of these categories. One of the motives that can drive firms to form mergers is on a bid cost savings; this is to the cut down on the cost of growth as compared to gearing internal growth. Taking over from a destabilized firm is more cost effective than tryi ng to generate growth using the resources that are already at the firm’s disposal. Acquisition means that the resources that were available to the acquired firm are now at the disposal of the firm conducting the acquisition (Block et al, 2008). A non-financial reason for carrying out a merger is for its managerial rewards. A firm may have the aspiration to expand its management and marketing capabilities while at the same time acquire new products to add to its brand. While this can be done through internal growth, it would be more expensive and take a greater deal of innovativeness and the dedication of a more company resources. Through acquisition, the firm can achieve all of the above in a way that is actually beneficial to itself. Those on the management team of the acquiring firm might be presented with the opportunity to get lucrative management positions that result from the merger (Block et al, 2008). For a firm like Volkswagen, there is also power play involved. Pors che and VW have been waging a power struggle for years now, with either company trying to outdo the other. Porsche incurred a debt of US $2 billion while covertly buying VW stock in a secret takeover bid. The thrill and prestige of whoever was to get the last laugh has shaped the way the two firms are going about their merger with VW seemingly turning the tables on Porsche at the last moment (Anon, 2009). The former CEO of Porsche, Wendelin Wiedeking saw the merger between the two firms as a way of making them into a single holding so that there would be created an economy of scale. Wiedeking’s reasoning was that if Porsche became a part of the VW group, then the former would not face the stiff penalties governing carbon emissions by automobiles that have been put in place in Europe since VW has automobiles that are considered fuel efficient and low-emission. Porsche’s automobiles would then segue in with the VW ones without attracting too much attention (Boston, 2009) .Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More But why would the stockholders be willing for a merger to take place? Stockholders can be motivated to back a merger because for them it means that if the merger transaction is to be conducted in shares, then they will have the chance to acquire stock in the new company (Block et al, 2008). Stockholders can also get a chance to branch out into new and varied investments if the merger transaction is performed in cash. Taking the example of VW and Porsche, stockholders in the VW firm will be presented with the opportunity to acquire Porsche shares and stock. Mergers can be good for shareholders because it will mean more value on the shares. Mergers have the potential of raising the earnings per share because of greater confidence of their value on the stock market (Block et al, 2008). When a large firm acquires a smaller one, the acquiring firm can make a quick profit by asset stripping. For the acquiring firm, a profit can be made by selling off assets brought in by the acquired busi ness (Block et al, 2008). A firm can be financially inclined to form a merger because of the resulting ‘portfolio effect’. This results when a firm can reap the benefits of economies of scale, cutting down on production costs as output increases on fewer resources, having a more extensive market reach and a broader market segment, as well as building up its tying and bundling techniques (Block et al, 2008). A merger can also make a firm more attractive to investment bankers who show an interest in financing projects that the firm might run in the future. Mergers may make a firm appear more financially sound and make it more viable to lending institutions. This is probably, another portfolio effect, because of the diversification of risk, without compromising the firm’s rate of returns (Block et al, 2008). Another non-financial reason for conducting mergers is to create synergy so as to cut down on production costs while at the same time increasing output. It is m ore profitable to apply a larger production unit to achieve a given task as compared to having smaller units performing the same tasks independently (Block et al, 2008). Conclusion As has been illustrated above, mergers can be beneficial to the acquiring firm because it creates room for growth. Mergers also have a portfolio effect in that the acquiring firms can access a larger market segment, spread their risk, capitalize on synergy and add to the value of their stock. The merger between Volkswagen and Porsche has taken nearly three years to work out. In the end, it will be beneficial to both firms since, being powerhouses on their own, their combined name will be an even more marketable brand. Again, Volkswagen can infuse the cash needed into Porsche to get the ailing firm out of its financial doldrums. Despite the initial hefty taxation costs that Volkswagen will have to pay in its acquisition of Porsche and the added risk of possible suits from hedge funds, the acquisition of Po rsche can be considered a feather in VW’s cap. Bibliography Anon. (2009, July 20). The World from Berlin: New Hurdles for VW-Porsche Merger. Spiegel Online International. Web. Block, S., Hirt, G., Danielsen, B. (2008). Foundations of Financial Management (13th ed.). New York: McGraw HIll. Boston, W. (2009, May 7). Porsche and VW Agree to a Merger. Time Magazine. Web. carazoo.com. (2009, October 7). Top 10 Car Makers of the World of 2009, Page 2 of 2 Associated Content associatedcontent.com. Automotive. Kingsbury, K., Dauer, U. (2009, August 14). VW Seals Deal for Porsche in Reversal of Fortune. WSJ.com. Wall Street Journal. New York. Web.

Georges Bizet's Carmen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Georges Bizet's Carmen - Essay Example The other player in this ill-fated triangle is a celebrity matador named Escamillo, for whom Carmen discards the ruined Don Jos. The opera reaches its climax outside the arena where Escamillo is to challenge a bull. There, Don Jos confronts Carmen, begging for her to return to him, but she cruelly refuses. In his misery and loss, Don Jos stabs her to death. The opera ends as Escamillo, victorious from the ring, discovers the lifeless body of Carmen with a bloodied Don Jos sobbing over her. Several years ago, I attended a production of Carmen and, though it was sung in English, I had a great deal of difficulty following the story. In addition, I remember thinking that the English text sounded forced and contrived-almost humorous in places. In preparation for this assignment, and as a review of the opera, I viewed the Metropolitan Opera's 1987 production starring Agnes Baltsa in the title role. The opera was sung in French with English subtitles provided. What first struck me about the Met's production was how well the text and music seemed to mesh. Though I am by no means fluent in French, it was immediately apparent that the musical themes were much more intimately joined with the French text than was the case with the English version I had attended previously. One other surprise was the fact that the solos, particularly the better-known arias, are simply more lyrical when sung in French. As I mentioned, Carmen was my first foray into the world of opera, and while reviewing it, I was surprised at how much of the music I remembered. The opening bars of the Overture-the brisk, march-like theme heard again at the opening of Act IV-are unmistakable and remind me more of a Sousa march than an operatic overture. As well, I recognized the Act I aria sung by Carmen outside the cigarette factory (I have since learned that this piece is called Habanera) during which Don Jos first glimpses Carmen and falls in love with her. (The Metropolitan Opera 1) I suppose my opinions about opera in general have been that the music is overly dramatic, the women overly large, and the plot lines overly romanticized. I was surprised to find, while viewing the Met's production, that Carmen reversed these opinions. Agnes Baltsa as Carmen was beautiful, seductive and captivating. Her rich mezzo-soprano was remarkably agile, particularly in the Habanera. Jos Carreras, as Don Jos, was handsome and masculine. Bizet scored this role for a tenor, but Carreras' voice seemed to me more of a high baritone, as his tone was rich and full, even in the upper register. His portrayal of the poor discredited and discarded corporal was compelling, and I was drawn into his tragedy to the point that, by the final act, I was ready to "do in" Carmen myself. The Metropolitan Opera production of 1987 was lavish in its costuming and staging-more so certainly than the live production I had attended. The trade-off, of course, is that the scope of the stage production was much greater, even if the costuming, sets, etc. were not. The plot and stage action of Carmen are fast-paced. There are a great many people moving across the stage-villagers, children, soldiers, smugglers, bull

Case Study Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Case Study Evaluation - Essay Example As per the latest reports presented by the World Travel and Tourism Council, The sector has been demonstrating annual growth of 14% and also comprises of numerous tourism and leisure related projects which are worth more than ?35 billion. It is also important to mention that the tourism sector in Dubai comprises of 22.6% of the annual GDP of the Emirates (Dubai Update, 2008, p.1). The most important and prominent reason for the development of the sector is the location of the Dubai. Dubai is located between two of the major world tourism markets, namely, Asia and Europe. It does not take more than six or seven hours to fly from these regions to Dubai. This is coupled with the fact that is the home base of the Emirates which is one of the best airlines in the world. Accessibility accounts for one of the key factors for travelers and the location of Dubai at the gateway towards the Middle East provides major advantage to the region in terms of attracting visitors in the region. Coupled with sunshine round the year, world class infrastructure, high quality of services and also the best facilities of spas, restaurants, hotels and shops, Dubai accounts for an extremely popular and attractive destination for the ever increasing number of tourists. The place has been extremely effective in attracting tourists from across the globe which also accounts for one of the major reasons for the development of the tourism sector in the region. The increase in the number of tourists visiting the place since 1982 gets revealed through the following figure. Figure 1: International tourist arrivals in Dubai between 1982 and 2004 (Source: Henderson, 2006, p.3) Tourists have gradually gained extensive knowledge about the place and have developed a favorable impression about the place too. This has generated motivation among the tourists to visit the place and stay in a place which offers safety and security. Authorities have also played a major role in developing the safety and secu rity of the place and made huge public investments also. They have also actively implemented pro-tourism policies which have further provided a stimulus for the growth of the place through tourism. As apparent from the figure the rate of tourist visitors have remained substantially high in the region. The huge developmental potential of the place has also driven its tourism growth rapidly. As per the information provided by the WTCC, Middle East accounts for the only region in the world which achieved a growth of 7% in its tours and travel sector. This accounts for a total of approximately ?125 billion. This growth has also been able to generate and sustain 10.3% of employment of the region which corresponds to generation of roughly 5.7 million numbers of jobs (Dubai Update, 2008, p.2). Potential issues involved during the development of tourism Political and economic stabilities are few of the primary issues which could retard the progress of the tourism sector of any nation. Insta bility in the above two aspects might lead to volatility and disturbances which would deter not only tourists from visiting the place