Critical shopper Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical shopper - Article Example The staff at the luxury store Louis Vuitton seems to think so; given the quality of some of the merchandise that they have been selling lately. While the above-mentioned damaged goods were the objects of anecdotes, which frustrated customers of Louis Vuitton have shared online, there is always a second side to the story. This is why I judged it necessary to take a trip to one of their stores with the eyes of a critical shopper. The image that a store earns is a product of its goods, its store, and its management. The horror stories of the expensive products turning out to be of poorer quality than expected are nothing short of a revelation with regard to the high price equals high quality formula. However, I believe in giving the other two factors a thorough analysis as well before making any final judgments. Thus, I write this critique with a perspective that encompasses several different aspects of Louis Vuitton. The image this brand sets in the minds is one of class, grace, and be auty. It means to set a high standard in fashion, while proving its appeal to the upper middle class and the elite in specific. Louis Vuitton engineers the atmosphere of its stores to map on precisely to this image. The elegance with which the store is decorated and made sends out an implicit message of higher-level class. One can tell by the look and feel of the place that this brand spends several thousands of dollars to design the palate of the walls and then embellish them with graceful designs and shelves (Louis Vuitton, 2011). Thus, Louis Vuitton succeeds in having a store atmosphere, which is identical to the image they portray of the brand. Another thing that the store apparently invests heavily in is the decoration done throughout the store. This includes the way the different products the store has to offer are arranged throughout the store, and how well their tidiness and order is maintained. These were all posh and strategically maintained, so that the look of the store did not lose its clean and well-maintained charm during any part of the hour which I spent there. One especially striking feature of the store was the manner in which the decorators have arranged the different merchandise on sale. Several of the stores that Louis Vuitton has, do not sell clothes. They specialize in leather goods, which is why their tag line is ‘Epi Leather.’ These goods include wallets, bags and purses, and shoes. Other accessories they sell include sunglasses and jewelry. Even the store window displays the goods in an exquisite manner, which would attract a consumer to enter the store and have a look around. This is one aspect of the store, against which the customers will most likely not have any complaints. It satisfies the image of the store due to which so many people visit and buy from Louis Vuitton. As the ambiance of the store passes inspection, we move on to the second factor, which makes up the true image of the store amongst its customers. Th e store was well equipped with sales assistants so that the sales assistant to customer ratio never got low. There was perhaps a slight arrogant air as to how these assistants greeted their customers (Louis Vuitton, 2010), which is inexcusable unless most of their customers have matching pompous dispositions. They were, however, present nearby the customers throughout the time that the customer was browsing, willingly discharging information about the products available in stock, as well as their location in the vast display throughout the

The Workplace Challenge Essay Example for Free

The Workplace Challenge Essay Unit 5 serves students ages 14-21. The program matches suitable jobs for every adolescent through evaluation of their interests and developing skills for future jobs. (Shafallah 2007) Aside from these major programs, the school also offers clinical and therapeutic services as well as school health and nutrition oversights. The Students The population of students in Shafallah is 426 who are between ages three to twenty-one years. The students are with mild, moderate, and severe learning challenges. These are children, adolescents, and young adults with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy accompanied by intellectual or developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders and they make up the majority of our student population. Class size ratio of teachers to students is 1:3 in all school programs except the Autism Unit, where the ratio is 1:2. The Teachers There are currently 125 employed by the school. These are all professionals with varied expertise. Due to the limited professionals who have specific expertise in the fields needed by the school, many, about 25% of the teaching force are foreign nationals from the United States, Canada and other European countries, to serve for at least two (2) years in the school. The remaining 75% are from the different provinces in Qatar. All teachers in the academic unit are degree holders, mostly with masters and doctorate diploma with corresponding licenses in the fields of education, medicine and psychology. The age range is wide, from 25 years to 60. This includes teachers who are at the same time in the management level. The Management Policies and legislations in the school are made by the school board headed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Missned, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs. The executive functions are performed by the management team composed of 20 experienced professionals organized in the form of a Management Committee. The head is the Managing Director who is from the United States, followed by an Assistant Managing Director who is from Qatar. 75% or majority of the members of the ManCom are foreign nationals while 25% are from Qatar. The academic and service units are fully manned with leaders but it is noticeable though that in the backhouse, the school has not installed a department that will handle the concerns of human resource or a human resource department. In its absence, the public relations department handles the processing of teachers and other admin staff recruitment. On the surface, observing the transactions in the offices and the other facilities, the movements in the school campus, the school was seemingly operating normally. But as we dig deeper, we would find some areas of major concerns which should be cause for immediate and decisive actions by the school. The school has been experiencing high turnover of teachers for the past two years. Because resignations were frequent, recruitment which is done regularly by the Public Relations Department. The massive tasks in recruitment have eaten up much of the time of the PR staff, so that major functions of the department are de-prioritized. The ManCom with its American Managing Director concentrated on sourcing funds to augment to the schools facilities. The proceeds from the students’ tuition were not sufficient to finance the expansion programs and the upgrading of facilities of the school. The ManCom had to source for international funding agencies for additional support including the schools benefactor and strong advocate, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Bin Abdullah Al-Missned, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs, who is also the Chairperson of the school board. In the first quarter of 2007, the ManCom’s attention was called by the school board to solve complaints by the parents and the community about the declining quality of services provided by the school. This resulted to the ManCom’s creation of an adhoc committee to investigate the facts, study the causes of the problems and recommend solutions to the findings. The adhoc committee reported the major findings of their investigation. The complaints of the parents and the community were due to overcrowding of students in classes, where instead of 1:3 ratio, there were 10 students already being handled by each teacher. This was due to the lack of teachers handling specific subjects.

Analysis of Causes of UAE Economic Downfall

Analysis of Causes of UAE Economic Downfall Introduction and Business reasons: The global liquidity crunch has affected most of the countries and among the highly affected countries is United Arab Emirates which was one among the growing business hubs in the world with its massive development and acceptance of different culture and business. Dubai known as the economic capital of U.A.E was badly affected by the recession. Consequently, huge fortunes have been wiped out due to Dubais current economic crisis exposing the risk of doing business in the Gulf. The expansion of Dubai was very ambitious but improbable. A $64 billion project that was initially planned at 107 square miles for a development that was to be the worlds largest collection of theme parks, shops, residences, and hotels called the Dubai Land.  For now all these remain a fantasy which is the cause of the economic downturn. WILSON, Z (2009) As a consequence to that, various other projects like an underwater hotel, a Tiger Woods golf course, a residential community set among full-scale replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, a rotating skyscraper, and a beach designed by Versace, complete with chilled sand have been delayed. However after six years of quick expansion, the emirate had approximately $600 billion going into construction and is home to the worlds tallest building, the worlds largest shopping mall,  the biggest man-made island and  an indoor ski resort. These rapid developments caused a 7% increase in population anually. WILSON, Z (2009) However, once the recession hit the country, the economic conditions and development scuttled. Currently, an estimated 50% of construction have been delayed or cancelled, banks have stopped lending, real estate prices fell down by 41% in the first quarter of 2009 and are estimated to drop more and the stock market has fallen 70% from its peak. Due to this economic crisis, the expatriates living in the emirate are either fleeing or have lost their jobs. When the economy of Dubai was in its booming stage, it had 80% of its total 1.7 million residents to be foreigners. As long as this economic condition prevails in the emirate, life is going to be a challenge for the foreigners and other residents. However Abu Dhabi which is the capital of U.A.E has helped Dubai with $10 billion which is still a small amount when compared to the debt of Dubai estimated to be over $50 billion. Abu Dhabi is also being affected slowly due to the recession. However the impact is lesser than Dubai since Abu Dhabi controls over 90% of U.A.Es oil reserve and is also home to one among the biggest investment company in the world known as ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) The research will have its focus mainly on the damage done to the financial market and Business of the country. U.A.Es strategy towards gaining momentum in overcoming the economic crisis will be critically analyzed. Personal reasons: U.A.Es development has always amused me. The country is one among the leading business hubs with all major multinational companies in the world. I had always wanted to study the business sector and financial market of U.A.E but coming from an Engineering background I did not have the tools and resources to do so which is the reason I have taken MSc International Business. I am taking this opportunity to study the countrys business using the tools and resources that I have already studied and going to study during my course. Moreover it would help me to understand more about International Business and reasons to the economic downfall of U.A.E. This would also help me once I go back in order to start a business. The knowledge of the economic situation and its detailed study would help me a great deal. III.PRELIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW: During the late 2007, with the US economy going through its worst post war recession, the global economy faced the most synchronised recession ever which was a result of increased globalisation and global interdependence financially and trade linkages. The economies of almost all the major developed countries shrivelled rapidly along with many trade dependent developing countries which include U.A.E along with other major countries like India and China. Anirvan B and Pami D (2010). Before the spread of the global recession, it was believed only the U.S economy will face the economic downfall. But almost the whole of Europe and cuntries like India and China were also hit badly along with U.A.E which is a small developing country with big ambition. The economy of dubai was growing at an alarming rate with projects estimated to approximately $660 billion until the recession hit. In november 2009, the announcement of Dubai that it was going to freeze $26 billion of debt was a shock to the world and after two months when the real estate market crashed, Dubai government had over $60 billion debt which created serious doubts in the minds of investors about Dubai. A political science professor at Durham University in the U.K. stated The real story of Dubai is that it was a trick, Christopher D (2010). Abu Dhabi which is the capital of United Arab Emirates has been using its $43 billion of annual oil revenue to work controlled by one among the worlds biggest investment company called ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) building art museums, mosques and a renewable energy research institute. Pendleton and Devon (2010) Vol.  185 Issue 5, p108-109 With the likes of abundant oil reserves of Abu Dhabi and one of the worlds biggest institutional investors (ADIA), Dubai has a ray of hope in surviving the current economic crisis. Abu Dhabi Inbestment Authority is known to be one of the biggest financial institutions in the world ranking second after the Bank of Japan, according to the Oxford Business Group. Roy and Sudip ()2006, Vol.  37 (444), 70-76. The company established in 1976 by the late ruler of U.A.E Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahiyan had its gaol towards investing the countrys surpluses in International market with low risks. The company currently manages U.A.Es surplus oil reserve which is estimated to be approximately $500 billion. The company has been able to raise its liquidity during this global crisis when equity market was struck severely. The country is mainly depending on the turnover of this establishment. The companys aproach towards investment in US and Europe market are looking strong. Sheikh Ahmad say s US treasuries are still the most liquid benchmark bonds in the world and will remain an important diversification tool. Mccrum and Philip (2010), Vol.  54 ,8, p30-31. In 2009, Dubais Jebel Ali airport which is going to be the worlds biggest airport found its construction at halt as its development plans were threatened by the gloabl economic crisis. The current economic situation has mainly affected the real estate market of U.A.E. With reduced net migration, decreasing jobs and the lack of availbility of credit has badly affected the real estate market. The prices for properties has gone down by 40% and reduced liquidity and credit for developers has shut down major projects. While there is no consumption data, inflation figures are below requirements. Dubais à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"housing, electricity, gas and other fuels inflation was at 0.5% in February 2009 which was the lowest during that year. Emerging Markets Monitor (2010) 16,(32) 17. The emirate of Abu Dhabi shows less vulnerability to the current economic crisis when compared to Dubai. The Dubai Government had announces at 6 month stand still for debt payments in november 2009. U.A.Es economic recovery only started gaining momentum in 2010. In this research, I will endeavour to highlight the key positive development that has occured since the recession and critically analyze the countrys future strategy. IV.RESEARCH questions and OBJECTIVES: 4.1 Research QUESTIONS: What are the reasons for the tragic economic downfall of U.A.E especially in the emirate of Dubai? What is the extent of damage to the financial market and business in the country due to the recession? How badly is the real estate market sector affected due to recession and what are its impacts on the residents? How has this economic downfall affected the countrys financial market? What are the measures undertaken by the government and private business sectors to recover from the financial crisis? 4.2 Research OBJECTIVES: To critically analyze the reason for the economic downfall in U.A.E. To critically analyze and comment on the extent of damage and the precise business sectors that are most affected due to the recession in U.A.E. To critically evaluate the downfall in the real estate market and its impact on the residents To evaluate the effect of recession on U.A.Es financial market. Finally, to comment on the measures undertaken to recover from the financial crisis and recommend measures which can help the recovery V.RESEARCH PLAN: Analysing a global phenomenon (the green phenomenon) at a European level and carrying out researches about a pillar industry (the automotive industry) that indicates most of the European countries economic health implies that various data are available. Whilst numerous advantages such as giving precious in-depth data concerning the topic, it also means that important drawbacks will arise such as so-called fake or disinformation data. Furthermore, this fact also implies that while collecting accurate data on such hot topics, the need to constantly access the latest and up to date data will be crucial and even unavoidable alongside my research. 5. 1 Data collection methods outline 5.1.1 Secondary Data In order to complete my research, I will be using secondary data like text books that are available at Coventry University related to Business strategy and Management to use the appropriate tools required to analyze a company or business that is hostile due to recession. Books like Business strategy Formulation Ulwick, Anthony W (2004), Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence  Kotler, Philip  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  C, John A (2009) and Stock Market Cycles: Practical Explanation Bolten, Steven E.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (2000). Other databases like EBSCO will be used to find journals and articles related to my research area. Articles like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Jebel Ali terminal faces 12-month delay Foreman,c (2009) Middle East Economic digest, Vol 3,(9) 18 and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Contractors pay for falling prices Foreman,c (2009) Middle East Economic digest, Vol 53,(5) 27-30.. Other articles and journals will be used for as my research progresses. Database li ke SAGE journals will also be used to find journals on Global recession and its effect on develpoed and developing countries. 5.1.2 Primary data Interviews One on one interview will be conducted with the IT department head of ADIA (Abu Dhabi investment Authority) as a part of primary data collection for my research. The interview will help me understand and perceive how the company is doing and regarding their current investments. Depending on the quality and depth of the information collected from this interview, I will be conducting another interview with the Marketing Manager of Abu Dhabi Cable Factory L.L.C which is a company I used to work for before the start of my course at Coventry University. All these data will help me comment on the present economic condition in United Arab Emirates and their future plans as my research progresses. 5.2 Data collection methods per objective In order to complete my first objective, I will be using journals and articles from databases like EBSCO and SAGE journals that contains materials purely on recession, its roots and forecasts. The second objective will be addressed using the information collected from the interviews and journals from EBSCO. For the third objective, information will be collected from databases like EBSO and SAGE journals. Additional information will be collected from local newspaper articles in United Arab Emirates. For the fourth and the fifth objective, information collected from the interviews will be used along with other journals and articles. In order to recommend measures which could help the recovery from recession, I would use information from books like Business strategy Formulation Ulwick, Anthony W (2004), Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence  Kotler, Philip  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  C, John A (2009). 5.3 Analysis of data Primary data collected by interview will be grouped accordingly to answer the necessary objective of my research work. In order to do so I will be using the NVIVO 9 software which will help me analyze any unstructured information collected. 5.4 Limitations As far as the secondary data is concerned, the limitations are that the information available is from a third persons point of view which might not be accurate and also that we could find information contradicting some particular information since the research will talk about issues concerning the reason for the countrys current economic condition and measures that could be employed to overcome the economic crisis. The limitations for the primary data would be that the information collected may not be precise as it is information regarding a company or economy from an individuals perspective. VI.ETHICS I will ensure that I will follow the Universitys ethical procedures and submit the low risk ethical approval form and follow all the guidelines. For my primary data collection, I shall use the participation information leaflet for interviews and also attach a consent form for interviews. Interviews will not be conducted in ways that could go against the ethical issues like harm the respondents or question their honesty. All the data collected will be treated confidentially and will not be used for any other purpose than the research work. All data will be securely kept in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. VII.LIST OF REFERENCES Wilson, Z (2009) ROAD TO NOWHERE  : FAST COMPANY 138, (13) 90-93 BusinessWeek (2009) ECONOMICS POLICY JAWBONING THE BANKS  4161, (4) 8-13 available at http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=15sid=67e26db4-aa56-4136-9b5e-63151b0d62e8%40sessionmgr14vid=10bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=47040807 Foreman, C (2009) Jebel Ali terminal faces 12-month delay : MEED-  Middle East Economic Digest 53, (9) 18 Anirvan, B and Pami, D (2010) Synchronisation of Recessions in Major Developed and Emerging Economie  : The Journal of Applied Economic Research 4, (2) 197-223 avalible at http://mar.sagepub.com/content/4/2/197.full.pdf+html Pendleton and Devon (2010) Middle Eastern Mirage  : Forbes 185, (5) 108-109 Mccrum and Philip (2010) Abu Dhabi begins to open up.  : MEED-  Middle East Economic Digest 54, (8) 30-31 Ulwick and Anthony, W (2004) Business strategy Formulation Kotler  ; Philip, C and John A (2009) Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence   Bolten and Steven, E.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (2000) Stock Market Cycles: Practical Explanation Middle East Monitor:  The Gulf (2010) 20, (5) 4-5 avalilable at http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf23_24/pdf/2010/D9B/01May10/49018531.pdf?T=PP=ANK=49018531S=RD=bthEbscoContent=dGJyMNHr7ESeqLE4yNfsOLCmr0mep7VSs6u4Sq%2BWxWXSContentCustomer=dGJyMPGvtk%2BwrrFQuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA Emerging Markets Monitor (2010) Vol.  16 Issue 32, p17-17 available at http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf25_26/pdf/2010/5DB/22Nov10/55340054.pdf?T=PP=ANK=55340054S=RD=bthEbscoContent=dGJyMNHr7ESeqLE4yNfsOLCmr0mep7VSsKi4Sa6WxWXSContentCustomer=dGJyMPGvtk%2BwrrFQuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA Analysis of Causes of UAE Economic Downfall Analysis of Causes of UAE Economic Downfall Introduction and Business reasons: The global liquidity crunch has affected most of the countries and among the highly affected countries is United Arab Emirates which was one among the growing business hubs in the world with its massive development and acceptance of different culture and business. Dubai known as the economic capital of U.A.E was badly affected by the recession. Consequently, huge fortunes have been wiped out due to Dubais current economic crisis exposing the risk of doing business in the Gulf. The expansion of Dubai was very ambitious but improbable. A $64 billion project that was initially planned at 107 square miles for a development that was to be the worlds largest collection of theme parks, shops, residences, and hotels called the Dubai Land.  For now all these remain a fantasy which is the cause of the economic downturn. WILSON, Z (2009) As a consequence to that, various other projects like an underwater hotel, a Tiger Woods golf course, a residential community set among full-scale replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, a rotating skyscraper, and a beach designed by Versace, complete with chilled sand have been delayed. However after six years of quick expansion, the emirate had approximately $600 billion going into construction and is home to the worlds tallest building, the worlds largest shopping mall,  the biggest man-made island and  an indoor ski resort. These rapid developments caused a 7% increase in population anually. WILSON, Z (2009) However, once the recession hit the country, the economic conditions and development scuttled. Currently, an estimated 50% of construction have been delayed or cancelled, banks have stopped lending, real estate prices fell down by 41% in the first quarter of 2009 and are estimated to drop more and the stock market has fallen 70% from its peak. Due to this economic crisis, the expatriates living in the emirate are either fleeing or have lost their jobs. When the economy of Dubai was in its booming stage, it had 80% of its total 1.7 million residents to be foreigners. As long as this economic condition prevails in the emirate, life is going to be a challenge for the foreigners and other residents. However Abu Dhabi which is the capital of U.A.E has helped Dubai with $10 billion which is still a small amount when compared to the debt of Dubai estimated to be over $50 billion. Abu Dhabi is also being affected slowly due to the recession. However the impact is lesser than Dubai since Abu Dhabi controls over 90% of U.A.Es oil reserve and is also home to one among the biggest investment company in the world known as ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) The research will have its focus mainly on the damage done to the financial market and Business of the country. U.A.Es strategy towards gaining momentum in overcoming the economic crisis will be critically analyzed. Personal reasons: U.A.Es development has always amused me. The country is one among the leading business hubs with all major multinational companies in the world. I had always wanted to study the business sector and financial market of U.A.E but coming from an Engineering background I did not have the tools and resources to do so which is the reason I have taken MSc International Business. I am taking this opportunity to study the countrys business using the tools and resources that I have already studied and going to study during my course. Moreover it would help me to understand more about International Business and reasons to the economic downfall of U.A.E. This would also help me once I go back in order to start a business. The knowledge of the economic situation and its detailed study would help me a great deal. III.PRELIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW: During the late 2007, with the US economy going through its worst post war recession, the global economy faced the most synchronised recession ever which was a result of increased globalisation and global interdependence financially and trade linkages. The economies of almost all the major developed countries shrivelled rapidly along with many trade dependent developing countries which include U.A.E along with other major countries like India and China. Anirvan B and Pami D (2010). Before the spread of the global recession, it was believed only the U.S economy will face the economic downfall. But almost the whole of Europe and cuntries like India and China were also hit badly along with U.A.E which is a small developing country with big ambition. The economy of dubai was growing at an alarming rate with projects estimated to approximately $660 billion until the recession hit. In november 2009, the announcement of Dubai that it was going to freeze $26 billion of debt was a shock to the world and after two months when the real estate market crashed, Dubai government had over $60 billion debt which created serious doubts in the minds of investors about Dubai. A political science professor at Durham University in the U.K. stated The real story of Dubai is that it was a trick, Christopher D (2010). Abu Dhabi which is the capital of United Arab Emirates has been using its $43 billion of annual oil revenue to work controlled by one among the worlds biggest investment company called ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) building art museums, mosques and a renewable energy research institute. Pendleton and Devon (2010) Vol.  185 Issue 5, p108-109 With the likes of abundant oil reserves of Abu Dhabi and one of the worlds biggest institutional investors (ADIA), Dubai has a ray of hope in surviving the current economic crisis. Abu Dhabi Inbestment Authority is known to be one of the biggest financial institutions in the world ranking second after the Bank of Japan, according to the Oxford Business Group. Roy and Sudip ()2006, Vol.  37 (444), 70-76. The company established in 1976 by the late ruler of U.A.E Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahiyan had its gaol towards investing the countrys surpluses in International market with low risks. The company currently manages U.A.Es surplus oil reserve which is estimated to be approximately $500 billion. The company has been able to raise its liquidity during this global crisis when equity market was struck severely. The country is mainly depending on the turnover of this establishment. The companys aproach towards investment in US and Europe market are looking strong. Sheikh Ahmad say s US treasuries are still the most liquid benchmark bonds in the world and will remain an important diversification tool. Mccrum and Philip (2010), Vol.  54 ,8, p30-31. In 2009, Dubais Jebel Ali airport which is going to be the worlds biggest airport found its construction at halt as its development plans were threatened by the gloabl economic crisis. The current economic situation has mainly affected the real estate market of U.A.E. With reduced net migration, decreasing jobs and the lack of availbility of credit has badly affected the real estate market. The prices for properties has gone down by 40% and reduced liquidity and credit for developers has shut down major projects. While there is no consumption data, inflation figures are below requirements. Dubais à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"housing, electricity, gas and other fuels inflation was at 0.5% in February 2009 which was the lowest during that year. Emerging Markets Monitor (2010) 16,(32) 17. The emirate of Abu Dhabi shows less vulnerability to the current economic crisis when compared to Dubai. The Dubai Government had announces at 6 month stand still for debt payments in november 2009. U.A.Es economic recovery only started gaining momentum in 2010. In this research, I will endeavour to highlight the key positive development that has occured since the recession and critically analyze the countrys future strategy. IV.RESEARCH questions and OBJECTIVES: 4.1 Research QUESTIONS: What are the reasons for the tragic economic downfall of U.A.E especially in the emirate of Dubai? What is the extent of damage to the financial market and business in the country due to the recession? How badly is the real estate market sector affected due to recession and what are its impacts on the residents? How has this economic downfall affected the countrys financial market? What are the measures undertaken by the government and private business sectors to recover from the financial crisis? 4.2 Research OBJECTIVES: To critically analyze the reason for the economic downfall in U.A.E. To critically analyze and comment on the extent of damage and the precise business sectors that are most affected due to the recession in U.A.E. To critically evaluate the downfall in the real estate market and its impact on the residents To evaluate the effect of recession on U.A.Es financial market. Finally, to comment on the measures undertaken to recover from the financial crisis and recommend measures which can help the recovery V.RESEARCH PLAN: Analysing a global phenomenon (the green phenomenon) at a European level and carrying out researches about a pillar industry (the automotive industry) that indicates most of the European countries economic health implies that various data are available. Whilst numerous advantages such as giving precious in-depth data concerning the topic, it also means that important drawbacks will arise such as so-called fake or disinformation data. Furthermore, this fact also implies that while collecting accurate data on such hot topics, the need to constantly access the latest and up to date data will be crucial and even unavoidable alongside my research. 5. 1 Data collection methods outline 5.1.1 Secondary Data In order to complete my research, I will be using secondary data like text books that are available at Coventry University related to Business strategy and Management to use the appropriate tools required to analyze a company or business that is hostile due to recession. Books like Business strategy Formulation Ulwick, Anthony W (2004), Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence  Kotler, Philip  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  C, John A (2009) and Stock Market Cycles: Practical Explanation Bolten, Steven E.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (2000). Other databases like EBSCO will be used to find journals and articles related to my research area. Articles like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Jebel Ali terminal faces 12-month delay Foreman,c (2009) Middle East Economic digest, Vol 3,(9) 18 and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Contractors pay for falling prices Foreman,c (2009) Middle East Economic digest, Vol 53,(5) 27-30.. Other articles and journals will be used for as my research progresses. Database li ke SAGE journals will also be used to find journals on Global recession and its effect on develpoed and developing countries. 5.1.2 Primary data Interviews One on one interview will be conducted with the IT department head of ADIA (Abu Dhabi investment Authority) as a part of primary data collection for my research. The interview will help me understand and perceive how the company is doing and regarding their current investments. Depending on the quality and depth of the information collected from this interview, I will be conducting another interview with the Marketing Manager of Abu Dhabi Cable Factory L.L.C which is a company I used to work for before the start of my course at Coventry University. All these data will help me comment on the present economic condition in United Arab Emirates and their future plans as my research progresses. 5.2 Data collection methods per objective In order to complete my first objective, I will be using journals and articles from databases like EBSCO and SAGE journals that contains materials purely on recession, its roots and forecasts. The second objective will be addressed using the information collected from the interviews and journals from EBSCO. For the third objective, information will be collected from databases like EBSO and SAGE journals. Additional information will be collected from local newspaper articles in United Arab Emirates. For the fourth and the fifth objective, information collected from the interviews will be used along with other journals and articles. In order to recommend measures which could help the recovery from recession, I would use information from books like Business strategy Formulation Ulwick, Anthony W (2004), Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence  Kotler, Philip  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  C, John A (2009). 5.3 Analysis of data Primary data collected by interview will be grouped accordingly to answer the necessary objective of my research work. In order to do so I will be using the NVIVO 9 software which will help me analyze any unstructured information collected. 5.4 Limitations As far as the secondary data is concerned, the limitations are that the information available is from a third persons point of view which might not be accurate and also that we could find information contradicting some particular information since the research will talk about issues concerning the reason for the countrys current economic condition and measures that could be employed to overcome the economic crisis. The limitations for the primary data would be that the information collected may not be precise as it is information regarding a company or economy from an individuals perspective. VI.ETHICS I will ensure that I will follow the Universitys ethical procedures and submit the low risk ethical approval form and follow all the guidelines. For my primary data collection, I shall use the participation information leaflet for interviews and also attach a consent form for interviews. Interviews will not be conducted in ways that could go against the ethical issues like harm the respondents or question their honesty. All the data collected will be treated confidentially and will not be used for any other purpose than the research work. All data will be securely kept in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. VII.LIST OF REFERENCES Wilson, Z (2009) ROAD TO NOWHERE  : FAST COMPANY 138, (13) 90-93 BusinessWeek (2009) ECONOMICS POLICY JAWBONING THE BANKS  4161, (4) 8-13 available at http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=15sid=67e26db4-aa56-4136-9b5e-63151b0d62e8%40sessionmgr14vid=10bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=47040807 Foreman, C (2009) Jebel Ali terminal faces 12-month delay : MEED-  Middle East Economic Digest 53, (9) 18 Anirvan, B and Pami, D (2010) Synchronisation of Recessions in Major Developed and Emerging Economie  : The Journal of Applied Economic Research 4, (2) 197-223 avalible at http://mar.sagepub.com/content/4/2/197.full.pdf+html Pendleton and Devon (2010) Middle Eastern Mirage  : Forbes 185, (5) 108-109 Mccrum and Philip (2010) Abu Dhabi begins to open up.  : MEED-  Middle East Economic Digest 54, (8) 30-31 Ulwick and Anthony, W (2004) Business strategy Formulation Kotler  ; Philip, C and John A (2009) Chaotics: The Business of Managing and Marketing in the Age of Turbulence   Bolten and Steven, E.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (2000) Stock Market Cycles: Practical Explanation Middle East Monitor:  The Gulf (2010) 20, (5) 4-5 avalilable at http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf23_24/pdf/2010/D9B/01May10/49018531.pdf?T=PP=ANK=49018531S=RD=bthEbscoContent=dGJyMNHr7ESeqLE4yNfsOLCmr0mep7VSs6u4Sq%2BWxWXSContentCustomer=dGJyMPGvtk%2BwrrFQuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA Emerging Markets Monitor (2010) Vol.  16 Issue 32, p17-17 available at http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf25_26/pdf/2010/5DB/22Nov10/55340054.pdf?T=PP=ANK=55340054S=RD=bthEbscoContent=dGJyMNHr7ESeqLE4yNfsOLCmr0mep7VSsKi4Sa6WxWXSContentCustomer=dGJyMPGvtk%2BwrrFQuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA

The Tragedy of William Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- Tragedy William S

The Tragedy of William Shakespeare's Hamlet It seems that in this merciless mourning, I have opened a tomb. And though my sight be of seeing, it is not as it once was. For what I see is not with thine own eyes. It is as death appears to those awake. A coldness, an emptiness, that I cannot forsake. Hope Saphos DeVenuto A melody in literature is a language that Shakespeare uses freely in Hamlet with infinite variety. The imagery relates to us to create to the senses a realization of what is occurring as well as to kindle our responses. There are many interesting characters with invaluable opinions, a labyrinth of lines convoluting and mystifying, along with dramatic sarcasm. It is very effective in drawing the attention to certain characters that the audience will need to see more than others. If we really lend an ear to Hamlet's every word, we are drawn into an inward greatness of his spirit. Shakespeare created Hamlet as a highly intellectual being that can see through everything and everyone. To see clearly through a stone is to see the profundity of truth. Then ...

Influence of Women on American History Through the Civil War

The Influence of Women on the Founding of America and Through 1877 Kelley Swatsenbarg Wayland Baptist University – San Antonio Center Mr. Thomas Gaj May 4, 2010 The Influence of Women on the Founding of America and Through 1877 Throughout the many years of history, women have always had some kind of influence over man. Whether it be coercing him, tricking him, or demanding of him, they changed the actions of men. Sometimes it has been completely unintentional; sometimes intentional. Sometimes it has been covertly; sometimes overtly. Sometimes it has been the mothers of great men making decisions about their upbringing; sometimes it has been the choices made by female leaders or leaders wives. The United States in no different; women have been influencing, directly or indirectly, the decision and actions of the men in America starting from the choice to fund Christopher Columbus’s misguided exploration. Famous foreign rulers have influence America, from the beginning of the history of the United States. The first, of course, is the famous Isabella, Queen of Spain, who convinced King Ferdinand to finance Christopher Columbus’s exploration to find a route to Asia by traveling west. Then Elizabeth, Queen of England, decided to try to colonize the Americas to get tax revenue thus causing great numbers of Englishmen to colonize the United States. Some women did what they could within the confines of their traditionally established role of nurturer and were involved in the medical field. Two examples are Susie King Taylor and Mary Edwards Walker. Susie King Taylor traveled with her husband who was in E Company 33rd United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. She was a former slave who became their nurse, laundress, cook, teacher, and even comforted the sick soldiers even on their deathbed. Mary Edwards Walker was also a Union nurse during Civil War who finally won a commission in the army as a surgeon, and was the only woman to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor. Dorthea Dix helped organize the Union Army Corp of Nurses and was appointed superintendent of the Union nurses. There was the teacher, Clara Barton, now a famous humanitarian, who, after the outbreak of the Civil War, remained in contact with many former students in the New England Volunteer Regiment that went south. Their mothers gave her gifts for their sons as they thought that she, as a nurse, would be able to get packages to them. She realized that these were not gifts, but rather necessities like soap; from this she created the American Red Cross. She was also a Union nurse who bravely stayed to help surgeons under fire when all the male assistants fled. Some women personally aided soldiers and the underprivileged. One such woman was Margaret Corbin who traveled with her husband to take care of him during the war, doing woman’s work, but was in a battle with her husband. When he died in battle, she took over the cannon; she was wounded and later received the first retired disability pension for a woman. Some women created inspiration in various forms of literature to give hope to the men of this nation. One was Ethel Lynn Beers who wrote poetry and published a poem she'd titled â€Å"The Picket Guard. † The poem was adapted to music and sung by soldiers on both sides in the Civil War. Another woman of inspiration is Lydia Maria Child who wrote An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called Africans_ _that was a key to persuading many Americans of the need for abolition of slavery. Some women were acclaimed worldwide, like Catherine Maria Sedgwick, who wrote numerous historical sketches and biographies. Her writing is considered to be completely American in both thought and feeling; it captured the all of the characterx and manners of New England. Another American author was Mercy Otis Warren, the wife of politician, James Warren; the couple had a close friendship with Abigail and John Adams. John encouraged her to write the history of the American Revolution. Ironically, he ostracized her and her husband because of candid accounts of atrocities against women and children during the war. By far the most famous writer to influence politics was Harriet Beecher Stowe who became a celebrity when she published Tom's Cabin in 1851 depicting the atrocious lives of black slaves in the South. In 1852 she was introduced to President Abraham Lincoln who greeted her â€Å"So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this Great War! † Other women created patriotic symbols which would inspire generations of Americans. Betsy Ross, operated an upholstery shop, became legendary for making the first stars-and-stripes at the request of George Washington which was adopted as the national flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Another example of a woman who inspired is Julia Ward Howe, a famous writer who wrote the celebrated Battle Hymn of the Republic. Many women inspired men through their patriotic activities. One great patriot that inspired Georgia was their most famous female patriot of the Revolutionary War, Nancy Hart, whose steadfast endeavors get rid of British and their sympathizers. However the most famous heroic female patriot, in spite of her flaws, is Dolly Madison, the wife of James Madison and acting first lady for Thomas Jefferson. She could have influence them in their politics, but she inspired the masses with her patriot deeds. During her husband’s tenure as president, the British attacked Washington, D. C. She had the foresight to save not only the silver but also secret documents and a portrait of George Washington which would have likely been destroyed. Another patriot was Molly Pitcher, originally named Mary Ludwig Hays. During the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, she was with her husband on the front lines. Seeing that the soldiers were thirsty, she made her way through ferocious fighting to carry pitchers of water to the artillery gunners, and she even took over her husband’s job as rammer when her husband was wounded and could no longer man the gun mission. Sometimes women invented machines or assisting others in their endeavors to invent. For example, Martha Coston developed an elaborate system of flares called Night Signals that allowed ships to transmit nocturnal messages which was later purchased by the U. S. Navy. Also, Mary Walton patented a method of deflecting smoke stack emissions through water tanks later adapted the system for use on locomotives and invented a noise reduction system for elevated railroads. On the other hand Catharine (Kitty) Littlefield Greene helped Eli Whitney set up his workshop and was among the few people to see his first prototype of the cotton gin. At the time it was able to remove the seed, but the cotton fibers kept getting stuck in the mechanisms. Kitty simply suggested sweeping the fibers off and the rest, shall we say, is history. Some women have taken steps out of the boundaries of the traditional role by being the first woman to surpass a man in a particular field. Among these was Lady Deborah Moody who, because of lack of religious freedom, led a group of followers to the Dutch colony of New Netherland where she founded the settlement of Gravesend in Brooklyn. Also because of views about standard religions, Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science as well as the six time Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor. Still other women inspired men to think of women as more equal by making the same achievements as men. First there was Mary Katherine Goddard, the first woman publisher who was asked by the signers of the Declaration of Independence to print the first official copies of the document. There was also Margaret Fuller, the first female foreign correspondent. In medicine, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school, and Sarah Hackett Stevenson was the first female member of the American Medical Association. Sometimes women influence men by political activism like Harriett Delille who campaigned for children’s labor rights or Ester Deberdt Reed who formed a women’s organization that collected $300,000 for Washington’s army. Still others campaigned for workers’ rights like Sarah Bagley who fought for a ten-hour workday. Of course now the laws state that a workday must be no longer than eight hours a day or forty hours per week, but we would not have progressed to where we are without her protesting. Others spoke out for women’s rights like Susan B. Anthony, Isabella Stowe Beecher, Lucretia Coffin Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, just to name a few. Yet others spoke out against slavery like Abby Folsom, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Maria Stewart, and Truth Sojourner. Victoria Woodhull took activism a step further when she became a politician and was the first women to campaign for president of the United States in 1872. Sometimes their influence has simply been by virtue of the fact that they were married to famous men and they have influenced their husbands’ actions. Martha Washington, as we all know, was the wife of President George Washington. She was the first first-lady forming the model for all first ladies to come with her abilities to balance managing a plantation, arranging state dinners and function, visiting troops, and maintaining her relationship with George by supporting and advising him. Abigail Smith Adams was the wife of Samuel Adam and mother of John Quincy Adams who would later become president. She was his confidant, counselor, and advisor sharing her political views with him and even warning him about future problems including women’s rights. Their son, John Quincy Adams married Louisa Adams. Louisa, the only first lady not born in America, is reputed to have made many social calls to help him get elected. Deborah Read Franklin was the common law wife of Benjamin Franklin. She also took over his responsibilities as owner of a printing business and as postmaster while he was away on diplomatic affairs. On the other hand, Elizabeth Schuler Hamilton spent her entire life dedicated to memorializing her husband’s heritage. She even ensured a brass plaque was placed on their son’s grave in Sacramento, California dedicated to Alexander’s patriotism. Sarah Livingston Jay would pass valuable information, and gossip, to her husband, John Jay which helped him while he was secretary of foreign affairs – this position was also the head of Congress and thereby the de-facto head of state. Mary White Morris and her husband Robert Morris were close friends of John and Sally Jay, often having many a long political discussion. While Rebecca Ann Felton, the husband of William Felton, helped him write his speeches while he served as a congressman between 1875 thru 1881. Still other women were simply involved with activities which have influenced domestic politics like, Irene Sanford Emerson who was sued by a former slave, Dred Scott. Mr. Scott traveled with Mr. Emerson while he was in the army stationed in the North; he claimed he had been emancipated as a result of having lived with his master in the free state of Illinois. The court ruled in favor of Mrs. Emerson; Mr. Scott appealed to the Supreme Court where the decision was upheld, but it set the precedence that blacks had a legal right to file suit in a civil court, as previously blacks were considered property and therefore, like a chair, could not litigate. There were also many Native American women who assisted and acted as diplomats for the settlers and colonists. One was Mary Musgrove, an American Indian interpreter, diplomat, and businesswoman. She was raised by Colonists and, because she knew both languages well, she interpreted for James Oglethorpe when he founded the colony of Georgia. She also inherited land from her Native American mother, as their tradition was to pass property down the matriarchal line. The English refused to accept the legality of her property ownership and she took them to court. They negotiated and came to a compromise; some of the land was sold by the British with her receiving the proceeds. Then there was Pocahontas, Native American princess who helped the Jamestown settlers by bringing them food and warning them of her father’s attacks. She was held prisoner by the settlers in an effort to force her father into a peace agreement, but he refused; she eventually converted her to Christianity and married John Rolfe. Because of her position as wife of John Rolfe and daughter of an Indian chief, she was able to maintain peace between the two communities. Sacajawea was another Native American who influenced American politics. She was married to a French man, Toussaint Charbonneau, the guide hired by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. Sacajawea went with her husband and interpreted with the Native American Indians. She would translate to Charbonneau in French and he would translate to Lewis and Clark into English. During her trip she gave birth to a son, and, all the while taking care of him, guided the explorers trough Indian lands, protected them from Indian attacks, kept valuable items from being lost–her husband was a klutz, and even found them food to supplement their all-meat diet. Other women covertly did the jobs of men such as Deborah Champion, a teenage girl who bought parcels, messages and pay to General George Washington when soldiers could not. Some other messengers were Behethland Moore and Sybil Ogden Ludington, dubbed the â€Å"female Paul Revere† (she rode about twice as far as he did on his famous ride). Still other women, like Harriet Tubman–a conductor on the Underground Railroad, acted secrectly. The history of the world abounds with famous female spies like Pauline Cushman, a Union spy, became a camp follower of the Confederate army. She was discover, tried in a military court, and sentenced to hang; they delayed her sentence due to her health and she was rescued by Union forces. Upon her return North, President Lincoln made her an honorary major. Elizabeth Van Lew was a famous and effective Union spy. She entered the Confederate Libby Prison on the pretense of humanitarian reasons, and, since the guards thought she was harmless and crazy, she gained information about the strength and disposition of the troops. As her work continued, she devised a way to send coded messages inside eggs. Belle Boyd used her feminine wiles to gain secrets and trap Union soldiers. Others posed as soldiers and fought in war. During the Civil War, Ann Clarke dressed as a man in the Confederate army. She was wounded, taken prisoner, and later released. Prudence Wright gathered a women’s troop and dressed in husbands’ uniforms to defend their city from the British. They captured a British spy and turned him over to the Colonial Army. Deborah Sampson Gannet dressed as man in order to fight in Revolution; her husband received land and was granted the pension of a soldier. During her career she was wounded several times and caught a fever which nearly took her life. If it were not for the fever she would have remained a soldier longer, but a doctor finally discovered her secret, but he did not publicly release the fact, instead he sent her to General George Washington who immediately discharged her. Then there was the famous story of Sarah Emma Edmonds who enlisted in the Union army as Frank Thompson, a male nurse. She effectively guarded her secret for many years even taking on disguises of men and women, blacks and whites to spy. She left the army for medical treatment in an area where she was unknown, when she did this, Frank Thompson was viewed as a deserter. Afterwards, she fought to be recognized for her achievements, and, with a special act of Congress, she was honorably discharged and given a pension. The Confederacy had plenty of female spies too. Included in this number is Antonia Ford who passed along to Confederate J. E. B. Stuart information on Union troop activity. Rose O’Neal Greenhow was such a successful spy that she was imprisoned twice, and then exiled to the Confederate states. She was to tour Britain and France as a propagandist for the Confederate cause; her memoirs were published with a wide sale throughout the British Isles. She obtained more and more sympathy for the South. There was also the case of Loreta Janeta Velazquez who enlisted in disguise and served at Manassas/Bull Run, Ball's Bluff, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh under the name Lieutenant Harry T. Buford. She also claims to have served as a spy and worked working as a double agent for the Confederacy in the service of the U. S. Secret Service. To this day no one can determine if in fact any of these accounts are true,, although a newspaper report mentions a Lieutenant Bensford arrested when it was disclosed â€Å"he† was actually a woman giving her name as Alice Williams. Even in Colonial times America was full of willing female spies and messengers such as Dicey Langston was a teenage colonial spy who forded a river, up to her shoulders, to get details of British troop movement to the colonial army. And then there was Emily Geiger a messenger for General Greene in the Colonial army. Coming from the direction of Greene's army, she was suspected and confined to a room. The officer sent for a woman to search her for papers. She sought to destroy the letter; once the door was shut, she ate up the letter, piece by piece. Lydia Darragh was a mortician and would watch British troops from the window of her house. She sent messages about their activities through one of her sons and then to another soldier to get information to Washington’s Army. British officer Major Andre commandeered her house, but allowed the family to stay in the house. She could then listen in on their plotting and send word of their plans. Others’ influences were merely accidental like Peggy O’Neale Eaton, married Senator John Eaton in 1828 during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Many gossiped about her colorful past and seeming infidelity with her first husband, when she married Eaton, she shunned by cabinet members’ wives due to her assumed sordid past. The behavior of the ladies towards her and the influence upon their husbands created such a disaster that the cabinet fell apart–Jackson fired them all. An unintentional influence on men’s actions was Betsy Loring who was General Howe’s mistress; although she was the wife a loyalist, she distracted General Howe by â€Å"entertaining† and distracting him from battles with General Washington. The United States of America owes an enormous debt to Mary Ball Washington. She set the example of solid morals and religious opinions, and even read to her children aloud. We need to thank her for one incidentally decision that she made regarding the future of her son. When George was fourteen years old, his half-brother Lawrence obtained a midshipman’s warrant for him in the English naval service. George was already packed and ready to go, but his mother refused to give her consent at the last minute. So, because of an inadvertent decision, George Washington became the Father of Our Country and our first President instead of an English naval officer. In conclusion, in all nations, including the United States, women have been influencing, either directly or indirectly, the decision and actions of the men. Regardless of whether we believe that changes women have made are good or bad, they have helped define this great nation of ours, and, as the French say, â€Å"Viva la difference. Collins, G. (2003). America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Roberts, C. (2004_) Founding Mothers: the Women Who Raised Our Nation. _ New York: HarperCollins Publishers Roberts, C. (2008). Ladies of Liberty: the Women Who Shaped Our Nation. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Taylor, S. K. (2004). The Diary of Susie King Taylor, Civil War nurse. Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark books Zall, P. M. (1991). Founding Mothers: Profiles of Ten Wives of America’s Founding Fathers. Bowie, MD: Heritage Books

Philosophy: Dialogue with Socrates Essay

â€Å"Socrates, good day!† exclaimed Person. Socrates is still mesmerized in this realm unbeknownst to him. Dazed and confused, he sees a figure, a person looking right at him. He replied, â€Å"Good day to you to. May I ask you questions about this world? I suppose you are a citizen of this state.† â€Å"I would gladly entertain your queries, but I have questions too, questions that only you can answer,† retorted Person. â€Å"I will bring the truth upon your inquiries, if you allow me the pleasure of asking you one question. I need help in bringing out the truth so that the decision I make would be based on reason.† â€Å"The pleasure is mine,† said Socrates, â€Å"I will help you bring the light of truth into your question, what is it that you ask?† Person then hesitated, but replied eventually, â€Å"Should I submit my school requirement? The teacher asked to write something philosophical, something uhm†¦ something about a dialogue.† â€Å"Then it is an obligation, I suppose, and every obligation must be fulfilled. This is a moral act, pious according to the laws of my state, Athens. One must never disrespect the state, it is immoral.† â€Å"I do not want to submit my paper, it gets in the way of my hobbies and friends, yet at the same time, I do not want to fail my obligations to my school, â€Å" Person said. â€Å"This obligation, to whom is it addressed,† Socrates asked. â€Å"The obligation is for my teacher,† replied Person. â€Å"Why would you not obey your obligation? Did you enter this obligation as an agreement,† inquired Socrates. â€Å"Why, I, ah I entered the obligation as an agreement when I enrolled. I entered it willingly but the teacher gets in the way of my hobbies and friends,† said Person. Socrates asked: â€Å"If the teacher is a hurdle to you, would you then disregard this authority? What is the basis of your rebellion against authority?† And Person replied: â€Å"I would disregard the authorities, but there are consequences, like a failing grade. If I fail, I would either repeat this course, or I would have a hard time applying for a job after I graduate if most of my grades show my disregard for requirements and obligations.† â€Å"Then, following this authority is a virtue?† â€Å"Yes!† exclaimed Person. â€Å"And entering an agreement or obligation willingly is acceptable?† â€Å"Yes,† said Person proudly. â€Å"If the authority gets in the way of your time with friends, does this mean that the authority is immoral?† â€Å"No.† whispered Person. At this point, Socrates is fuming mad. I know that he is a just man. Plato said so, when I conversed with him moments ago. And now I know that Socrates is not only just but also virtuous. He is attached to truth itself. Furiously, he said: â€Å"Then, I would say that you are not virtuous because you dare defy authority that is virtuous! You are also immoral, for defying your obligations that you entered willingly! Why then did you enter this agreement if you are not agreeing with it?† â€Å"Because studying is required to be smart and successful, I want to be successful†¦ and being smart means that you gain wisdom,† Person shyly said. The face of Socrates brightened a bit: â€Å"You are wise in saying that Person,† exclaimed Socrates, â€Å"because the beginning of wisdom is the recognition of your ignorance. However, knowing that you are ignorant but not following the virtuous path towards truth and wisdom only means that you are foolish. Do as you please, do not fulfill the obligations of your agreement, and you will lose your identity as a Person. What difference do you have then from beasts?† â€Å"I am not a beast. And I am not foolish. I will then, submit to my obligations, I will write my paper. So, Socrates, let us move on, what are your questions about this realm?† Person said eventually.