English Essay Formal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

English Formal - Essay Example A utopian fiction describes Herland as a strange land that is hidden very high in the mountain, and which only has women as its inhabitants. According to the inhabitants, Herland has existed with no men now for 2,000 years following a series of wars, internal strife and natural disasters, which together combined to leave just a small population which was exclusively made up of women (Gilman 2). Left with the burden of fending for themselves under severe conditions, the women did organize their society along the most possible coherent lines, coming to note that their survival would never be possible without collaboration. After some time, there was a miraculous occurrence where a young girl became pregnant (Gilman 2). All her descendants were female and came to inherit her exceptional ability of solo reproduction, thereby helping to maintain the society making up the present residents of Herland. With time, the women of Herland embraced a peaceful, organized, hugely efficient society such that such factors like competition, crime, and disruptive behavior are nonexistent (Gilman 2). As would be expected in a mothers’ society, childbearing is the utmost tribute of the women’s lives, and also their most important duty. In essence, Herland is a large family, and an organic society practicing a common good (Gilman 2). For that reason, property is communally owned, the system of authority is not that strict and is solely based on knowledge and insight, and the welfare and education of the children are given the first preference. Theodore Isaac Rubin notes that our culture today is of the view that competition is helpful in bringing the best out of people, but then he disputes this notion (Rubin 1). According to him, competition is intimately connected to jealousy, envy, and mistrust, and hinders self-evolution and progress (Rubin 1). It

Sorry for Disturbing You Essay Example for Free

Sorry for Disturbing You Essay Life is about many things. Some would say friendship is gold, others that money talks. But one main thing that many people isnt listing that high, is communication. We have the ability to talk and express what we feel. That can be the key to loving relationships and a happy life, if handled correctly. But if one is not able to express those feelings, and not able to obtain intimacy with someone else it will lead to loneliness. The short story â€Å"Sorry for Disturbing You† is written by Richard Knight and is dealing with the importance of communication. It is about a meeting between two men that seem different but really may not be that different after all. The story begins with the main character, Ian, reflecting and looking back upon his meeting with Michael Phelps. After that the story is chronologically built and is stretching across a couple of hours. The story is told by a third person narrator with a view inside of Ians head. There is no outer description of Ian and our portrait of Michael is painted by Ians view of him and how he appears to be through the dialogue. Ian sees Michael as a helpless and possibly an alcoholic person: â€Å"He seemed lost, hanging on to the doorframe for support† (l. 4) â€Å"He looked ill. Or very drunk. † (l. 11) Michael is also compared to â€Å"a sobbing child† (l. 55) and â€Å"a helpless foal† (l. 87) to emphasize the state he is in. There is something inside of Ian, reaching out for Michael. He really didnt want to let him in but still he did, because of his instincts telling him to. The same with starting a conversation with him. He still have some reluctance against Michael being in his house, so he finds him a chair that is â€Å"not too comfortable† (l. 6) It seems, through the dialogue, that Ian is not the best of communicators. For example: â€Å"What the hell am I supposed to talk about for ten minutes? † (l. 52) He dont know what to do about Michael and even less what to talk to him about. Michael is a mysterious man. There are hints that Michael may have an alcohol problem, since he seems drunk, he has a social worker and the fact that the taxi driver refuses to drive him home. He is rejected from society and he is not on good terms with his daughter. â€Å"Twenty-two years. The answer came immediately, like a time tables answer. (l. 73) The reason for his relationship to his daughter is suggested in this sentence. The reason might have been an event, something he was responsible of. Michael is a lonely man filled with so much regret it spills out in the form of tears. He is looking a lot at the photograph of Karen and Corinne, while hes probably thinking about his daughter and his family he no longer is in contact with. Karen and Corinne is not take up much space in the story but their absence are taking up a lot of space in Ians mind. When he think about Karen he gets a bit confused and ignorant. He is wondering how she would react to the whole thing but is not sure. He wants Karen to be there but he doesnt call her until the very end, as the very last way of getting Michael out of the house. In that way its because of Michael that Ian contacts his wife. What starts out as being a disturbance of Ians evening ends up being a help to him, because the communication between Ian and his wife was in a very bad condition. Suddenly the title of the short story has a different meaning than before. The meeting with Michael have definitely changed something inside Ian. When opening the door for Michael in the beginning of the story, the first thing he sees is the â€Å"icy rain running in beads down the mans face† (l. 1). But when he is looking back on the whole thing he is â€Å"no longer sure if it had been rain or tears† (l. 2) and the fact that he is now looking differently at the situation than he first did is showing that he have changed. When he met Michael it gave him a chance to reach out to Karen and to reflect on his own life. He realizes just how important family is and that he have to make an effort communicating with his wife and daughter. A physical example of Michaels great impact on Ian is when he grips Ians hand in the end, and holds it for a long time. The very last sentence of the short story: â€Å"He switched the television off, made two cups of tea and a glass of warm milk, and took the first careful steps up the stairs† (l. 171) shows that he is now quitting his former passiveness and is taking action so he wont lose the people he loves. Unfortunately, Michael is an example of many people across the world. It is sad, but you can only learn from this short story. It have a very strong morale: communicating is important.

Two Personalities in My Last Duchess :: My Last Duchess Essays

Two Personalities in My Last Duchess The poem "My Last Duchess" is about a powerful Duke, and his beautiful, flirtatious wife who has two different personalities, one that was reality and the other was the lady in the painting. The poem begins and ends with him mourning the loss of his deceased Duchess, but from the way that the mighty Duke speaks, he knows more about her death than he leads us to believe. The Duke chooses his word very carefully, when he talks to his friend about the painting of his wife. He only drops small hints, to his friend about the death of his Duchess. Which leads me to believe that the Duke killed his wife, or had someone to put her to her death. As the Duke speaks of his Duchess, in the beginning, he sounds extremely compassionate and caring towards her. The Duke had an absolute love for his Duchess as most husbands and wives do.   He sounded so proud of her and the beauty that she posed: almost like she was a trophy. Despite all of the pride and excitement that he showed towards her, there was an element of distrust that lingered inside of his mind. The Duchess created the element of distrust that was bestowed into the marriage. The Duke explained that his wife was extremely flirtatious and easily impressed. The Duke said, "Too easily impressed: she liked whate'er she looked on, and her looks went everywhere." This line is telling about the Duchess, as she was when she was alive. The Duke believes that his Duchess is a cheat, and that she doesn't try to hide it either. A husband can tell when his wife is interested in another man, cause she once looked upon him in that way she is looking upon her new male interest. The Duchess probably didn't know that her husband was watching her, while she was taking interest to her lovers. She may have thought that she and her male interest at the time were alone, cause not any woman, in that era would have been seen with another man besides their husbands. Given the fact that this poem dates back to the Duke and Duchess era, so they lived in an old fashioned world. The Duke believes his wife is not being faithful to him.

If the White House Walls Could Talk :: American America History

If the White House Walls Could Talk They paint over me so many times as if they could cover up my memories. My memories cannot be covered up or erased, just as your memories they go on forever. I will never forget the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon or women's rights from the mid-1800s to the 1900s. During the Watergate scandal, President Nixon corrupted justice, created a constitutional crisis, and eventually was forced to resign. President Richard Nixon corrupted justice. He led CREEP, which is the Republican committee for the re-election of the President. They sabotaged the Democratic Party. They were the actual burglars. CREEP were the people who really went into the Watergate apartments to wiretap and photograph documents. They raised tens of millions of dollars illegally for Nixon's reelection. Nixon alone without the people who worked under him hid tapes that contained evidence of the Watergate scandal. He only submitted excerpts from the tapes that made him look innocent. I remember when Nixon refused to hand over any of the other tapes. He claimed "executive privilege" and "separation of powers." From what the other walls and I saw after he was forced by the Senate to turn in the rest of the evidence he displayed complete dishonesty. He ignored lawful subpoenas; at leas t that is what the oval walls of Nixon's office told everyone. One of the West Wing's walls told me of speech he made saying he knew nothing of the Watergate cover-up and the nine months after the whole incident occurred he gave a speech taking responsibility and blame for the whole thing. The only good thing that I saw come out of the Watergate scandal was that it made the nation stronger. The United States of America survived a true constitutional test. It proved that impeachment is successful. Connecticut's Judge John Sirica, North Carolina's Senator Sam Ervin, and Professor Archibald Cox prosecuted Nixon for the Watergate scandal.

Marjane Satrapi – Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi’s book Persepolis is alternatively called by the critics a â€Å"graphic novel† or an autobiographical comic sketch. The book is made up of a series of black and white illustrations, arranged in little episodes that represent different scenes from the life of Marjane’s family, in Tehran. It begins immediately after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 and continues with the first four years of the war between Iraq and Iran. The main character in the story is Marjane herself, who is ten years old when the revolution starts. Although both the language of the novel and the illustrations are very simple and straightforward, only revealing the essential facts of the story, the book is nevertheless very effective and delivers its message as well as any other text. The scarcity of text doesn’t cut down on its literary value, on the contrary, the book seems to gain a lot from this brief and report-like writing style. The main reason for this is the fact that the author creates a sharp contrast between the objective, documentary style, with its brief sentences and its matter-of- fact information and the personal narrative that is actually conveyed to the reader. The subjective point of view in the book is only hinted at in an apparently impersonal tone. Moreover, Marjane Satrapi intentionally substitutes the ten years old girl for herself, and thus manages to register her reaction as a child to the religious and political movements in Iran. The girl actually grows as a character by the end of the book, passing, like any character of fiction, from one stage to another in her development. This is achieved mainly through the careful notation of the child’s reactions to every event mentioned in the book. Although all the statements in the novel seem unbiased, Marjane Satrapi succeeds in conveying her own message as if she had written a truly subjective and explanatory narrative of her experiences. Although very succinctly, the book captures the absurdities of the fundamentalist movement in Marjane’s country, with the array of social and political transformations that took place afterwards. All this is done in an ironic tone, although again, the writing style remains unornamented. One by one the main social and political problems are displayed, from the dispute around the subject of the veil that the women have to wear all the time, according to the fundamentalists, to the closing of the all bilingual schools and of all universities for two years, or the closing of the American embassy because of the attacks of the religious fanatics. The author cleverly unmasks the backward views of the new political regime, who was capable of closing the schools so as to ward off the â€Å"dangerous† capitalist ideas that were cultivated there: â€Å"The educational system and what is written in schoolbooks, at all levels, are decadent. Everything needs to be revised to ensure that our children are not led astray.† (Satrapi, 25) At the same time that the crucial events of going on in the country are related (mostly in the form of television reports, as the family actually found out the news probably), there are also many events that involve the family as well, like the women’s protest against fundamentalism and â€Å"the veil†, which is rapidly suppressed by the political forces, or the attack that the girl’s mother suffers on the street because she doesn’t wear the veil. Society also changes, and the parents of the girl note that the same people who engaged in usual â€Å"liberal† activities before, like wearing â€Å"modern† clothes or drinking, suddenly change these habits outwardly and start lying. The moment when Marjane’s mother tells her to tell everyone that all she does at home is pray is very ironical: â€Å"If anyone asks you what you do during the day, you say pray, you understand?†(Satrapi, 29) In very few words and illustrations, Satrapi manages to portray the Iranian society after the Islamic Revolution, with its insincerity and fear of persecution. All through the book, Marjane evolves by reacting to the environment that surrounds her and by understanding new things. The author carefully transcribes her reactions: for example, during first episode or â€Å"The Veil†, the girl remarks that she â€Å"really didn’t know what to think about the veil† (Satrapi, 2), capturing thus the dilemma and confusion of the child, who although deeply religious, was at the same time used to the modern ways of her family. Other reactions and feelings are registered in the book, like the dream of the girl to become a prophet, or the moment when the family comes back from Spain to find out that the war had begun in Iran, and Marjane experiences a feeling of patriotism, and discovers that she wanted to fight for her country. Her desire to become a chemist like Marie Currie follows, and then more rebellious years as an adolescent who listens to American music. All these examples and many more, manage to portray ten years old Marjane as a strong character who is able keeps her views in the midst of the general confusion and fear, and to cope with the war and violence that surrounded them. The book makes a good literary work especially because of the personal voice of Marjane, which although it is not really heard as such, vibrates through the ironic and objective style. The genre that Satrapi creates is thus at once documentary because it is true and autobiographic, and literary, since as all literary works, it manages to convey much more than can be read at the surface of the text Works Cited: Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books, 2003

In To kill a mockingbird, things are not always as they seem essays

In To kill a mockingbird, things are not always as they seem essays TOPIC: In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, things are not always as they seem. Discuss. Atticus, he was real nice. Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them. This is perhaps one of the strongest issues brought up in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The hundreds of pages in this novel come together to form an intricate web of incontestable evidence pointing towards the fact the humans come, see, and conquer. They do not look behind, or further to see the real thing, the real thing that they just destroyed to gain for themselves power and supremacy. Whether it be a person or an issue in society, people hear and believe what other people say, and do not investigate for themselves. In this essay I will endeavour to provide that incontestable evidence and further support Harper Lees view on society. Atticus is one of the main characters in the story. He is the father of Jem and Scout (Jean Louise), and the lawyer defending Thomas Robinson in the case. As a father, Jem and Scout dont feel that Atticus is good at anything except reasoning with people and making sense out of things. This is shown when Jem is extremely upset and angry with his father when he will not play football for the Methodists. Atticus excuse is that he is too old and that he would not survive a football match. Scout is also upset and questions Calpurnia about Atticus. Atticus will also not buy or allow Jem to have a gun, as he is aware of the temptations of young boys Jems age. Their opinions of Atticus change when there is a rabid dog in their street. Heck Tate comes to inspect the dog and Atticus is with him. When Mr. Tate realise that he will not be able to shoot the dog from that distance, he requests Atticus to do it for him. Atticus takes the dog with one shot and Jem and Scout are astounded. Miss Mau die grinned wickedly. Well now, Miss Jean Louise, she said, Still t...

Econ 550 Syllabus Essays

Econ 550 Syllabus Essays Econ 550 Syllabus Essay Econ 550 Syllabus Essay ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization COURSE DESCRIPTION Applies relevant economic theory to develop a framework of analysis and techniques that business managers can use in deciding how to allocate a firm’s scarce resources to achieve its objectives. Uses economic analysis to support business strategy decisions that promote competitiveness in an environment of changing domestic and international market conditions, government regulations, trade policies, and resource availability. Systematically analyzes how global economic integration affects the production, input sourcing, and pricing decisions of firms operating in different market structures. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Required Resources McGuigan, J. R. , Moyer, R. C. , Harris, F. H. D. (2008). Managerial economics: Applications, strategy, and tactics (12th ed. ). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Microsoft Excel (2003 version or newer) [Computer software]. Redmond, Washington. Supplemental Resources Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2011). General format. Retrieved from federalreserve. gov Burgernomics to go (2012, June 9). The Economist, 43(8788), 83. Points of light (2012, July 14). The Economist, 404(8793), 21-24. The visible hand (2012, January 21). The Economist, 401(8768), 3-5. Wall Street Journal. (2011). General format. Retrieved from http://online. wsj. com COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. 2. Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms. 3. Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. 4. Analyze business and economic forecasting techniques utilized by managers. 5. Analyze short-run and long-run production and cost functions. 6. Apply macroeconomic concepts to changes in global and national economies and how they affect economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and wage rates. 7. Evaluate the profit-maximizing price and output level for given operating costs for monopolies and firms in competitive industries. . Propose how differences in demand and elasticity lead managers to develop various pricing strategies. 9. Analyze the economic impact of contracting, governance and organizational form within organizations. 10. Evaluate how government regulation is constraining and enabling for managerial decisions related to maximizing shareholder wealth. 11. Analyze capital budgeting decisi ons and the related impact to productivity, cost efficiency, diversification of asset base and impact to future cash flows of the firm.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 1 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization 12. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. 13. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 2 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE The standard requirement for a 4. 5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13. 5 hours in weekly work. This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode. Week 1 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 1: Introduction and Goals of the Firm o Chapter 2: Fundamental Economic Concepts Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the tools related to the managerial economics. Answer the question: What managerial economic decisions are business leaders making? Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 1: Problems 2, 3, and 6 o Chapter 2: Problems 1, 5, and 6 Reading(s) o Chapter 3: Demand Analysis o Chapter 4: Estimating Demand 20 9 2 Preparation e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the elasticity of tobacco products. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 3: Problems 3, 4, and 7 o Chapter 4: Problems 5, 6, and 7 Reading(s) o Chapter 5: Business and Economic Forecasting o Chapter 6: Managing in the Global Economy 20 9 9 3 Preparation e-Activi ty o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the current demand for a good or service of your choice. Collect information that will affect the demand for the good or service. Be prepared to discuss. Activities  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 3 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 5: Problems 1, 5, 6, and 9 o Chapter 6: Problems 2, 7, 9, and 10 Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2 Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Reading(s) o Chapter 7: Production Economics o Chapter 8: Cost Analysis 20 4 12 12 60 200 Preparation e-Activity o Conduct an environmental scan of businesses in today’s climate to determine which variable of the environment, such as economic, political, so cial, competitive or technological, is likely to affect short-run production the most over the next 12 months. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 7: Problems 1, 6, 8, and 9 o Chapter 8: Problems 2(a), 4, and 6(a) Reading(s) o Chapter 9: Applications of Cost Theory o Chapter 10: Prices, Output and Strategy: Pure and Monopolistic Competition 20 12 9 5 Preparation e- Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the economic costs involved in conducting a break-even analysis for a good or service of your choice. Be prepared to discuss. o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research a company that is competing in a purely (or perfectly) competitive market. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 9: Problems 3, 4, and 5 o Chapter 10: Problems 2, 6, and 10 Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8 Reading(s) 20 6 9 9 160 Preparation  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 4 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization o o Chapter 11: Price and Output Determination: Monopoly and Dominant Firms Chapter 12: Price and Output Determination: Oligopoly e- Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research one or two specific regulations pertaining to a utility company in your state or one you are familiar with. Be prepared to discuss. o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the automotive industry, which acts as an oligopoly. Collect data for a competitive analysis for two or three companies in this oligopolistic industry. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 11: Problems 2(a, b), 4(a, c), and 6 o Chapter 12: Problems 1, 2(b), and 5(b) Assignment 2: Operations Decision Reading(s) o Chapter 13: Best-Practice Tactics: Game Theory o Chapter 14: Pricing Techniques and Analysis 20 7 9 9 200 Preparation e-Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research an established company that has recently entered a new market. Determine the company’s pricing strategy for the new product or service. Be prepared to discuss. Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research a product or service you are familiar with to determine a potential new target market segment for this product or service. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 13: Problems 2, 13, and 15 o Chapter 14: Problems 3(b, c, d), 5(a, b, c), and 8(a, b, c) Reading(s) o Chapter 15: Contracting, Governance, and Organizati onal Form e-Activity o Go to the Microsoft Academic Search database to read the article titled â€Å"Risk assessment of business contracts,† located at http://academic. research. microsoft. com/Paper/4672746. aspx. 20 9 9 Preparation  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 5 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation 9 Check Your Understanding o Chapter 15: Problems 2, 5, and 6 Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Reading(s) o Chapter 16: Government Regulation 20 300 Preparation e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the reasons for and against the recently adopted Frank-Dodd law. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation 10 Check Your Understanding o Chapter 16: Problems 4, 6(a, c), 9 20 9 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 17: Long-Term Investment Analysis Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 17: Problems 1, 5, and 9(c) Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions 20 9 250 11 Preparation Reading(s): None Activities Discussions Evaluation Final Exam: Chapters 9 through 17 20 180  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 6 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization GRADING SCALE – GRADUATE Assignment Check Your Understanding, Chapters 1 through 17 54 problems total, 3 points apiece Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 20 questions, worth 3 points apiece Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 32 questions, worth 5 points apiece Final Exam: Chapters 9 through 17 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 36 questions, worth 5 points apiece Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Assignment 2: Operations Decision Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions Participation (22 discussions, worth 10 points apiece) Total Total Points 162 60 160 180 200 200 300 250 220 1,732 % of Grade 9% 3% 9% 10% 12% 12% 17% 15% 13% 100% Points 1,559 – 1,732 1,386 – 1,558 1,212 – 1,385 Below 1,212 Percentage 90% – 100% 80% – 89% 70% – 79% Below 70% Grade A B C F  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 7 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Due Week 3 and worth 200 points Domino’s Pizza is considering entering the marketplace in your community. Conduct research about the demographics of your community, for example the population size and average income per household, and other independent variables, such as price of pizza and price of soda, for this assignment. By conducting a demand analysis and forecast for pizza, you will be able to make a decision whether Domino’s should establish a presence in your community. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you: 1. Report the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to complete a demand analysis providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. 2. Using Excel or other calculation software, input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression. Then, from the calculation provided, interpret the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 3. Test the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. 4. Forecast the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation, including the assumptions that were used to create the demand. Justify the assumptions made related to the forecast. 5. Based on the forecasting demand, determine whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision. 6. Cite at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanic s. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 200 Criteria 1. Report the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to complete a demand Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely reported the demographic and independent Fair 70-79% C Partially reported the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily reported the demographic and independent variables that are Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly reported the demographic and independent variables that are  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 8 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Weight: 15% variables that are relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Did not submit or incompletely used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; did not submit or incompletely interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; did not submit or incompletely explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. Did not submit or incompletely tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Did ot submit or incompletely forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; did not submit or incompletely justified the complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Satisfactorily used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; satisfactorily interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; satisfactorily explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Thoroughly used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; thoroughly interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; thoroughly explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 2. Using Excel or other calculation software, input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression. Then, from the calculation provided, interpret the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. Weight: 20% Partially used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; partially interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; partially explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 3. Test the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Weight: 15% Partially tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Partially forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; partially justified the assumptions made related to the forecast. Satisfactorily tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Satisfactorily forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; satisfactorily justified the assumptions made related to the Thoroughly tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Thoroughly forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; thoroughly justified the assumptions made related to the forecast. 4. Forecast the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand. Justify the assumptions made related to the forecast. Weight: 20%  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 9 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics assumptions made related to the forecast. 5. Based on the forecasting demand, determine whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision. Weight: 15% Did not submit or incompletely determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale and support for the decision. Did not submit or incompletely cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. More than 6 errors present Partially determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; partially provided a rationale and support for the decision. forecast. Satisfactorily determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; satisfactorily provided a rationale and support for the decision. Thoroughly determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; thoroughly provided a rationale and support for the decision. 6. Cite at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. Weight: 5% Partially cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 5-6 errors present Satisfactorily cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 3-4 errors present Thoroughly cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 10 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 2: Operations Decision Due Week 6 and worth 200 points Assume you have been hired as a managing consultant by a company to offer some advice that will help it make a decision as to whether it should shut down completely or continue its operations. It currently uses 100 workers to produce 6,000 units of output per month (working 20 days / month). The daily wage (per worker) is $70, and the price of the firms output is $32. The cost of other variable inputs is $2,000 per day. You are told that the firms fixed cost is â€Å"high enough† so that the firms total costs exceed its total revenue. The marginal cost of the last unit is $30. This assignment allows you to determine the specific details about this fictitious company in order to conduct an environmental scan of this company. Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: 1. Briefly describe the details of the fictitious business that you created for this assignment. 2. Assess the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process. Determine the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations. Provide a rationale for your determination. 3. Evaluate the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario. Consider all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions. Be sure to show the calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. 4. Recommend how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders. Then, develop a brief plan to implement the recommendations. 5. Assess the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances. Provide a rationale with your response. 6. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must   follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms. Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 11 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 200 Criteria 1. Briefly describe the details of the fictitious business that you created for this assignment. Weight: 5% 2. Assess the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process. Determine the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations. Provide a rationale for your determination. Weight: 15% Assignment 2: Operations Decision Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Did not submit or incompletely assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; did not submit or incompletely determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your determination. Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; did not submit or incompletely considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial Fair 70-79% C Partially described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Satisfactorily assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; satisfactorily determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; satisfactorily provided a rationale for your determination. Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Thoroughly assessed the current environmental scan factors   that are relevant to the decision making process; thoroughly determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; thoroughly provided a rationale for your determination. Partially assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; partially determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; partially provided a rationale for your determination. 3. Evaluate the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario. Consider all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions. Be sure to show the calculations that helped you reach your conclusions Weight: 20% Partially evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; partially considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; partially showed calculations that helped you reach your Satisfactorily evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; satisfactorily considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; satisfactorily Thoroughly evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; thoroughly considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; thoroughly showed 2012 Strayer University. All Rig hts Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 12 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics decisions; did not submit or incompletely showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. 4. Recommend how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders. Then, develop a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Weight: 30% Did not submit or incompletely recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; did not submit or incompletely developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Did not submit or incompletely assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale with your response. No references provided conclusions. showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. Partially recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; partially developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Satisfactorily recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; satisfactorily developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Thoroughly recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; thoroughly developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. 5. Assess the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances. Provide a rationale with your response. Weight: 15% Partially assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; partially provided a rationale with your response. Satisfactorily assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; satisfactorily provided a rationale with your response. Thoroughly assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; thoroughly provided a rationale with your response. 6. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 13 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Due Week 8 and worth 300 points Choose and research a specific business that is publicly traded where there has been a pattern of change in a particular market model (monopoly, oligopoly, etc. ). Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1. Describe the business and explain the general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. 2. Hypothesize the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy. † Provide support for your assumptions and conclusions. 3. Explain the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business. Use the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving. Provide evidence supporting your rationale. 4. Research two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business. Provide support for your rationale. 5. Recommend a pricing policy for the business you chose. Assess how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business. Provide support for your rationale. 6. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Evaluate the profit-maximizing price and output level for given operating costs for monopolies and firms in competitive industries. Propose how differences in demand and elasticity lead managers to develop various pricing strategies. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 300 Criteria 1. Describe the business and explain the general pattern of change of the particular market model Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely described the business and Fair 70-79% C Partially described the business and explained the general pattern of Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily described the business and explained the Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly described the business and explained the  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 14 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Weight: 10% explained the general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Did not submit or incompletely hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; did not submit or incompletely provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. Did not submit or incompletely explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; did not submit or incompletely used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; did not submit or incompletely provided evidence supporting your rationale. Did not submit or incompletely researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; did not submit or change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Satisfactorily hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; satisfactorily provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Thoroughly hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; thoroughly provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. 2. Hypothesize the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy. Provide support for your assumptions and conclusions. Weight: 15% Partially hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; partially provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. 3. Explain the major factors th at affect the degree of competitiveness in your business. Use the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving. Provide evidence supporting your rationale. Weight: 20% Partially explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; partially used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; partially provided evidence supporting your rationale. Satisfactorily explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; satisfactorily used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; satisfactorily provided evidence supporting your rationale. Thoroughly explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; thoroughly used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , prod uctivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; thoroughly provided evidence supporting your rationale. 4. Research two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business. Provide support for your rationale. Weight: 20% Partially researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; partially provide support for your rationale. Satisfactorily researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; satisfactorily provide support for Thoroughly researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; thoroughly provide support for your  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 15 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics incompletely provided support for your rationale. 5. Recommend a pricing policy for the business you chose. Assess how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business. Provide support for your rationale. Weight: 20% Did not submit or incompletely recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; did not submit or incompletely assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; did not submit or incompletely provided support for your rationale. No references provided Partially recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; partially assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; partially provided support for your rationale. your rationale. rationale. Satisfactorily recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; satisfactorily assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; satisfactorily provided support for your rationale. Thoroughly recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; thoroughly assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; thoroughly provided support for your rationale. 6. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 16 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions Due Week 10 and worth 250 points Assume that the industry you wrote about in Assignment 3 wants to expand and has to make some longterm capital budgeting decisions. Now the industry is confronted with government regulations to oversee the merger. Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1. Explain why government regulation is or is not needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Provide support for your explanation. 2. Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 3. Assume that the company’s is considering a merger. The possible merger currently faces some threats and that the industry decides on self-expansion as an alternative strategy, describe the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via apital projects. 4. Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers indicating the most likely impact to profitability. Provide support for your response. 5. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: W ikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must   follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. Evaluate how government regulation is constraining and enabling for managerial decisions related to maximizing shareholder wealth. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 250 Criteria 1. Explain why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market Assignment 4: Expansion and Merger Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely explained why government regulation is Fair 70-79% C Partially explained why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily explained why government regulation is needed, citing the Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly explained why government regulation is needed, citing the  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 17 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics economy. Weight: 25% needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Did not submit or incompletely justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Did not submit or incompletely described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Did not submit or incompletely analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. No references provided government involvement in a market economy. major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Satisfactorily justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Satisfactorily described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Satisfactorily analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Thoroughly justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 2. Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Weight: 20% Partially justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 3. Describe the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Weight: 20% Partially described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Thoroughly described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Thoroughly analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 4. Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Weight: 20% Partially analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. 5. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present 6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements. Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expre ssed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 18 of 20 ECO 550 – Student Notes Weekly Course Schedule The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell. The expectations for a 4. credit hour course are for students to spend 13. 5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode. Instructional Materials In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability. Review the online course shell or check with you r professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course. Instructional materials are obtained through the university’s virtual bookstore and can be accessed through iCampus: http:bookstore. mbsdirect. net/strayer. htm. Courses with Internet-based assignments and activities on publisher sites may require the purchase of onetime access codes. When purchasing used textbooks, a separate access code purchase will be necessary. Discussions Students taking this course online are required to post their discussions to a weekly thread in the online course shell. Respond to at least two (2) other students’ posts to earn full credit for each discussion. As it is always possible that you could lose your work due to unforeseen circumstances, you should routinely save your work in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outside of class hours. Tests Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests, etc. ) are available for student access and completion through the online course shell. Check the online course shell to determine how you are expected to take the tests. Online students are to complete the test by Sunday midnight the week the test is due. On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material is covered and before the next class session. Assignments A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric. Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable. Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format or through the online course shell.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 19 of 20 ECO 550 – Student Notes Resources The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions. Technical support is available for the following: For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus. strayer. edu/login and submitting a case under â€Å"Student Center,† then â€Å"Submit Help Ticket. † If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999. For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus. strayer. edu/login and submitting a case under â€Å"Student Center,† then â€Å"Submit Help Ticket. † If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[emailprotected] edu. TurnItIn. om is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions. The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell contains academic policies. It i s important that students be aware of these policies.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 20 of 20

3 Sentences with Punctuation Problems

3 Sentences with Punctuation Problems 3 Sentences with Punctuation Problems 3 Sentences with Punctuation Problems By Mark Nichol Commas serve a vital function as a fundamental organizing tool within sentences, acting as buffers that keep syntactical elements in place and as signals that indicate relationship. Often, however, they are incorrectly located, omitted, or inserted, adversely affecting comprehension. After each of the sentences below, a discussion explains why a comma is misplaced, missing, or extraneous, and a revision demonstrates the correct placement. 1. They are becoming engaged early in the business development or RD stage, and in some cases, evaluated as a potential acquisition targets. The first comma in this sentence is placed as if to separate two independent clauses, but the statement has only one clause, interrupted by a parenthesis, so the first comma must be moved to mark the beginning of the interjection: â€Å"They are becoming engaged early in the business development or RD stage and, in some cases, evaluated as a potential acquisition targets.† 2. Such a project should be treated as a business-transformation opportunity, creating large-scale initiatives that require attention and buy-in throughout the organization and should not be considered just another project. This sentence is punctuated as if everything following opportunity is a subordinate clause, but the clause ends at organization (and is inserted within the sentence as a parenthesis), so a comma must be inserted after it: â€Å"Such a project should be treated as a business-transformation opportunity, creating large-scale initiatives that require attention and buy-in throughout the organization, and should not be considered just another project.† 3. Financial institutions should make certain that such information is used accurately and responsibly, and that privacy, discrimination, and other legal risks are appropriately addressed. Here, the second of two phrases is unnecessarily set off from the first: â€Å"Financial institutions should make certain that such information is used accurately and responsibly and that privacy, discrimination, and other legal risks are appropriately addressed.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Farther vs. FurtherConnotations of 35 Words for Funny PeopleAppropriate vs. Apropos vs. Apt

Case study one Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case study one - Essay Example Yes. As a police officer the deputy should be aware of the new policies. He should have been aware of the margins on which can be considered as a "situation" for pursuit. In addition, the deputy also carries with him his personal firearm and a canine, which should not be allowed while on - duty or on patrol. No. There are still some specific parts that should be improved. This should include the refinement of the requisites for the rules of firing warning shots and high speed pursuits. This would greatly reduce overkill, as well as criticisms. This is not a magic potion for the financial and demographic dilemma of the community but this is a very productive step towards the success of having a very efficient police department in the community. This would basically increase amity among the people of the community. Yes, there are possible problems that may arise from both parties. Thus, in order to come to a practicable solution both should be aware of the problem and that both benefits and disadvantages should be presented. In order to achieve a more harmonious relationship between labor and management, a clear and effective line of communication should always be available. Both parties should be able to come up with feasible solutions that are acceptable to both. Yes, there is a need for the community to be involved in the design and implementation of the community policing.

The benefits of starting a greenfield investment for pharmaceutical Essay

The benefits of starting a greenfield investment for pharmaceutical packaging firms undertaking foreign direct investments - Essay Example and the market, which was worth $ 219.9 billion in 2012 is forecast to reach $ 374.8 billion by 2018, indicating a compounded annual growth rate of 9.1 percent (Freedonia 32-303; Markets And Markets 21-78; TLL Media) Local pharmaceutical manufacturers supply 50 percent of the requirement, and imports meet the other demand. The per capita expenditure on drugs is 130 Euros, in comparison of 300 Euros for western European regions Segmentation is also seen in the types of containers such as vials, ampoules, inhalers, powders, tubes, special closers and dispensers, caps, tamper proof caps, etc., and in the packaging process, types of drugs packed, and other factors. Pharmaceutical firms give importance to the quality and integrity of the packaging firm, dispensing errors and dosing, and the industry is very price sensitive. Hence, the packaging firms need to control cost, and maintain very strict control over the dosing and dispensing in each pack. The PESTLE analysis is used to analyse the external environmental forces that impact an industry. The forces analysed are political, economic, social, technology, legal, and environmental (Williamson, et al, 3-4). In this section, the PESTLE analysis is applied for the pharmaceutical packaging industry in Serbia. Since the past five years, Serbia has received more than $ 16 billion FDI. Various taxes such as Salary tax at 12%; corporate income tax rate at 10%, Property tax 0.4%, VAT 18% is the lowest in the region. Many foreign firms such as Fiat, US Steel, Lafarge, Coca Cola, Microsoft, Siemens, Nestle, and others have set up manufacturing plants and FDI inflows in 2013 stood at $ 3.01 billion. About 97 percent of western investors look at Serbia as the favoured destination for FDI. People are well educated, with a large number of schools and colleges offering high quality education. The brain drain, when thousands of talented Serbian graduates migrated to other European countries has reduced This section provides a

The Treaty of Versailles Made World War II Inevitable Essay

The Treaty of Versailles Made World War II Inevitable - Essay Example The German people were told and believed its army was only defending its borders and taking back some lands previously held by the country. Germans deeply resented abiding by the financial, territorial and military concessions outlined in the treaty, resentments which were further exacerbated by the hardships resulting from the agreement. In addition, the exceedingly nationalistic sentiments of the German people were at its height at that time. Feelings of German pride were greatly damaged following the humiliation of losing a war they perceived to be a draw. Germans were well aware that the rest of the world looked upon them with contempt and as the losers. These perceptions emanated from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, a document that initiated deep-rooted and intense sentiments which Hitler and the Nazi Party ultimately exploited for their own objective of world domination. The Treaty of Versailles was, to say the least, a controversial pact. The French wanted to dissolve t he country of Germany while the U.S., specifically President Woodrow Wilson, favored more of a ‘forgive and forget’ approach. ... ion to France and consented to a military occupation by the allies (American, British, French and Belgian) in the majority of western Germany including the Rhineland and many cities. Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Denmark gained sections of former German territories. The German military machine that terrorized Western and Eastern Europe was all but dismantled. Additionally, the German Navy was reduced significantly to only a handful of small vessels. Financial reparations outlined in the treaty were substantial and ambiguous. Germany was forced to effectively sign over a blank check to the countries of Western Europe, an enormous amount that was to be paid-out for several decades (â€Å"The Treaty of Versailles† 2007). The German citizens and leaders were shocked when the terms of the Versailles Treaty were learned. The worst case scenario imagined by the Germans was far exceeded by a treaty that was, in their perspective, exceedingly and undeservedly harsh. The treaty me t immediate and nearly unanimous opposition by the German people well before its reluctant signing by a German envoy that had little option but to acquiesce. The two men of the German government who were initially selected to sign the treaty resigned rather than attach their name to the document and therefore accept responsibility for what they considered a travesty of justice. What incensed the Germans most was the signed admission they had initiated military actions and were therefore financially liable for the destruction that resulted from the war. Further, that the amount of the reparations was open-ended and non-specific was extremely troublesome. Many rightfully feared that the economic burden levied by the treaty would mean the collapse of the country itself, that the allies were intent on

My Developing Role as a Mental Health Nurse with my Schizophrenic Essay

My Developing Role as a Mental Health Nurse with my Schizophrenic Patient - Essay Example My client, Greg, had all of these in varying degrees at different times. According to Javitt & Coyle (2004), "Scientists have long viewed schizophrenia as arising out of a disturbance in which brain cells communicate using a signalling chemical, or neurotransmitter, called dopamine" Schizophrenia is fundamentally a physical disease of the brain like Alzheimer's. With schizophrenia, people experience a slow continuing deterioration as they get older, like Alzheimer's, but it is more commonly thought of as a neuro-developmental illness, present at birth, affecting neurological development, and becoming manifest in late adolescence (Javitt & Coyle, 2004). For many individuals, schizophrenia is a severe and enduring illness. While nurses need to understand the symptoms of the illness in order to provide specific care and treatment, it also is important to find out how people with schizophrenia embody the illness. Capturing this knowledge will help nurses to provide more appropriate care to these individuals. Assessment. Greg is the son of a wealthy businessman well-known in the community. He has two sisters but many half-brothers and half-sisters. The problem of Greg is that he is not on the legitimate side of the family. His mother happened to be the former housemaid of the Don. When Greg was young, he had heard all the stories about his father, but everything is hazy now. He had tasted of the good life that some fortune was able to bring just after the Don died. He now has no father but just his mother and two sisters who briefly had enjoyed all the money could bring. Still, their mother would take some trips to the wealthy side of the family and ask for help, but there is a time giving had to stop. While the first family was kind to them, the differences in not being legitimate made early marks in the mind of Greg and his sisters. But it was Greg who tried to work hard to be acceptable as the Don's son. Skinny and sickly as he was, he did everything worthy to be counted. He learned music, did much reading, engaged in philanthropic pursuits, and did some advanced schooling. Greg had worked his way to college and was able to have his name engraved in the school's board for having topped the national teacher's board exam for the year. One of his sisters found her own way through life by holding on to odd jobs, just as the mother did. The other sister became stricken with chronic lapses of schizophrenia much earlier than Greg, and clearly refused to make her own way through life. To her, she is the Don's daughter who needed never to work very hard. After taking his bachelor's degree, Greg had enrolled in a masters' program, then finally to a doctorate degree. There was no stopping with his climbing socially to improve himself. However, he was not able to finish this last degree. It was when he could not anymore stay sane with all the responsibilities. He was stricken hard with schizophrenia - one that came and went but never away. It seemed that he had it all the time, while trying to go to school. Meanwhile, her schizophrenic sister had died. Nursing Diagnosis. One critical fact of schizophrenia to realize is that it interferes with self

Human Rights Standards are Vague and Lack Effective Enforcement Essay

Human Rights Standards are Vague and Lack Effective Enforcement Mechanisms - Essay Example ..shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures...secure their universal and effective recognition and observance† (UDHR, n.d). In effect, the law clearly established the importance of establishing standards for all nations in promoting respect due to every citizen. Some of the provisions of the UDHR however, are vague and are filled with different issues in enforcement. Article 1 alone has various vague and unspecific terms which cannot be clearly pictured on a more practical application. As discussed by various legal experts, the provisions of the UDHR are vague and are too general or sweeping in their contents. They do not contain sufficient specifics in order to guide the people, and other individuals called on to implement its provisions. The provisions of the law are drafted generally and are also general in their language, without clear indications on the rights of the people being protected (Dugard, 2 009). The imprecise nature of Article 3 also leaves major gaps in enforcement, gaps which often have to be filled in by enforcers who are prompted to make their own judgment (often subjective) on the violation of the UDHR’s provisions. This declaration was originally planned as a statement of objectives to be implemented by different governments, and they were originally not part of international law. However, in 1968, the UN International Conference on Human Rights declared that the UDHR would form part of the obligations of members of the international community (Dugard, 2009). As a result, the declaration became part of the international laws applicable to all nations of the world. As such, the coverage of these laws became more extensive. In relation to the domestic implementation of the UDHR’s provisions, there are major issues in the distillation or decentralization of these laws. There are issues for some of these countries agreeing to the application of the pro visions of the UDHR (Donnelly, 1984). Some of these countries’ laws, especially those in the Middle East including Iraq and Afghanistan, conflict with the international provisions of the UDHR (Article 2) which includes provisions on the rights and freedoms of women. These nations have not adequately resolved the issue on what to do in case there is such a conflict, as such, the implementation of the UDHR’s provisions are suspended pending their decision on this matter (Koh, 1998). And for some countries, especially those in the Middle East, decisions on this matter can take years to finalize. In the meantime, violations on the provisions of the UDHR may sometimes go unpunished and even unnoticed by the concerned authorities. This was apparent in the case of Afghanistan who, for many years suffered under the Taliban rule, enduring this abusive regime. For countries with limited resources and reception of international laws, the enforcement of the UDHR may be reduced (Ko h, 1998). This would allow for the proliferation of violations in human rights in these countries, compromising the efficacy and the reach of the international laws within domestic territories. Issues on the enforcement o

My Developing Role as a Mental Health Nurse with my Schizophrenic Essay

My Developing Role as a Mental Health Nurse with my Schizophrenic Patient - Essay Example My client, Greg, had all of these in varying degrees at different times. According to Javitt & Coyle (2004), "Scientists have long viewed schizophrenia as arising out of a disturbance in which brain cells communicate using a signalling chemical, or neurotransmitter, called dopamine" Schizophrenia is fundamentally a physical disease of the brain like Alzheimer's. With schizophrenia, people experience a slow continuing deterioration as they get older, like Alzheimer's, but it is more commonly thought of as a neuro-developmental illness, present at birth, affecting neurological development, and becoming manifest in late adolescence (Javitt & Coyle, 2004). For many individuals, schizophrenia is a severe and enduring illness. While nurses need to understand the symptoms of the illness in order to provide specific care and treatment, it also is important to find out how people with schizophrenia embody the illness. Capturing this knowledge will help nurses to provide more appropriate care to these individuals. Assessment. Greg is the son of a wealthy businessman well-known in the community. He has two sisters but many half-brothers and half-sisters. The problem of Greg is that he is not on the legitimate side of the family. His mother happened to be the former housemaid of the Don. When Greg was young, he had heard all the stories about his father, but everything is hazy now. He had tasted of the good life that some fortune was able to bring just after the Don died. He now has no father but just his mother and two sisters who briefly had enjoyed all the money could bring. Still, their mother would take some trips to the wealthy side of the family and ask for help, but there is a time giving had to stop. While the first family was kind to them, the differences in not being legitimate made early marks in the mind of Greg and his sisters. But it was Greg who tried to work hard to be acceptable as the Don's son. Skinny and sickly as he was, he did everything worthy to be counted. He learned music, did much reading, engaged in philanthropic pursuits, and did some advanced schooling. Greg had worked his way to college and was able to have his name engraved in the school's board for having topped the national teacher's board exam for the year. One of his sisters found her own way through life by holding on to odd jobs, just as the mother did. The other sister became stricken with chronic lapses of schizophrenia much earlier than Greg, and clearly refused to make her own way through life. To her, she is the Don's daughter who needed never to work very hard. After taking his bachelor's degree, Greg had enrolled in a masters' program, then finally to a doctorate degree. There was no stopping with his climbing socially to improve himself. However, he was not able to finish this last degree. It was when he could not anymore stay sane with all the responsibilities. He was stricken hard with schizophrenia - one that came and went but never away. It seemed that he had it all the time, while trying to go to school. Meanwhile, her schizophrenic sister had died. Nursing Diagnosis. One critical fact of schizophrenia to realize is that it interferes with self

Sociology of human rights - Explore and assess the challenges of Essay

Sociology of human rights - Explore and assess the challenges of cultural relativism and cultural imperialism in the context of - Essay Example However, such a deterministic view of universality is destined to be unsuccessful as it was in the case of development theory (Donnelly, 2007). According to Barr (2002), consequently, cultural relativists are often similarly deterministic, arguing the permanence and fixity of traditional culture. Specifically, in the aftermath of the Second World War, when human rights became a component of international affairs and political scheme as a result of the Holocaust, the universal human rights theory became ever more detached from its previous socioeconomic and cultural ties (Doebbler, 2004). Theorists such as John Rawls, Ronald Dworkin, and Maurice Cranston argue that political and civil rights are natural, and are privileges for everyone (Bruun & Jacobsen, 2000). However, these rights have been interpreted as theoretical legal rights, thus assigning a value to equality without thought on the required condition for the accessibility of such rights, either institutionally or concerning th e socioeconomic prerequisites (Brannigan, 2000) fundamental to their attainment. Moreover, social and economic privileges were discounted at some point in the Cold War period by political leaders and Western intellectuals as only a great deal of Soviet expression to fight the West’s stress on political and civil rights and individual liberties (Brannigan, 2000). Community, the heart of the argument of cultural relativists, was absent in the framework of universal human rights. The system of communism is frequently viewed as repressive and a defiance of genuine human nature (Hashimoto, 2004). In other words, it can be claimed that the advocates of universality have deconstructed political and civil rights, which are allowed to churn in their own dimension, as scholars discuss the details of their arguments (Hashimoto, 2004), which are frequently enveloped in moral principles. The objective of this essay is to review and discuss the debate on the universality of human rights. T he discussion will be composed of a comprehensive analysis of the arguments and danger of cultural relativism and cultural imperialism, specifically in the context of the Asian values debate. The Debate between Universalists and Relativists Basically, cultural relativists claim that basic values or rights are specific to a culture and that the collective, and not the individual, is the core social component (Pollis & Schwab, 2000). An individual’s identity is rigid, reliant on group membership, and the role and status of an individual in this community (Bruun & Jacobsen, 2000). A contemporary Western creation, the rhetoric of rights, is absent in most instances. Interpersonal ties are ruled by a mutuality of disproportionate duties and privileges, which are varied, similar to their core behavioral norms and values (Brannigan, 2000). Nevertheless, what is widespread is that concepts like legal equality, free will, or individualism are foreign, usually hollow notions. The indiv idual is included within the collective whose interests and security has dominance, though the specifics of what comprises the collective good differ (Bell, Nathan & Peleg, 2001). As stated by Sloane (2001), basic to the collective structure is a network of alternative cultural and/or philosophic ideals that furnish legality and authenticity to the social order. Developing Clifford Geertz’

Athena Research Essay Example for Free

Athena Research Essay Athena is the goddess of wisdom and warfare. She is the favorite daughter of Zeus. There are many different versions of how Athena came to be. The most accepted version is that Athena was born a child of Zeus by his first wife, Metis, a goddess of wisdom. Zeus feared that Metis might bear him a son who was mightier than himself, so he swallowed her. According to some stories, Zeus had every right to fear this because Mother Earth had prophesied that Metis first child would be a girl, but her second child would be a boy that would overthrow Zeus as had happened to is father and his grandfather. Zeus took this warning to heart. This is why he swallowed Metis. It is believed that this is where Zeus gained his wisdom. Before swallowing his wife he was said to have had no brains. Little did Zeus know that Metis was already with child. While trapped inside Zeus, Metis began to make a helmet and robe for her unborn daughter. All that clanging and pounding caused Zeus to suffer terrible headaches, so he called for his son Hephaestus. Hephaestus split his fathers skull open to relieve the pain, and out popped Athena, fully grown and dressed in her new robe and helmet. The great Athena was the first to teach the science of numbers and all ancient womens arts, such as cooking, weaving and spinning. She was the goddess of wisdom and war, but, unlike the god of war Ares, she took no pleasure from battle, preferring instead to settle conflict through mediation. When Athena was moved to engage in battle she never lost, even against Ares himself, for she was a far superior negotiator than he was. She bears no arms in times of peace and will usually borrow weapons from Zeus when needed. Since she was his favorite daughter and such a mighty warrior, he allowed her to borrow is fearsome Aegis, and his devastating thunderbolts. Indeed Athena was a brave warrior and she was the lone deity to stand her ground when Typhon attacked Olympus. Typhon was the largest, most dangerous, and most grotesque of all creatures. He was so frightening and that when he attacked Mount Olympus all of the gods ran off to Egypt and hid themselves by taking the forms of various animals. Only Athena stood firm, and she shamed and motivated Zeus into action. Zeus struck Typhon with a thunderbolt and used Uranus castrating sickle to wound the enormous creature. Typhon retreated to Mount Casius, where he and Zeus resumed heir struggle, hurling mountains at one another, which resulted in Typhon being crushed beneath what is now known as Mount Aetna. Mount Olympus and the reign of Zeus were saved thanks to Athena. Even though she was as modest as Artemis and Hestia, the other virgin goddesses, Athena was far more generous. A man called Tiresias chanced upon Athena while she was taking a bath and she was startled to realize that he had entered the room and seen her. Not wanting to kill Tiresias for his foolishness, she laid her hands over his eyes and blinded him, but gave him inward sight so that Tiresias became one of the most well-known oracles in Greece. One of the few times that Athena showed irritability was in her weaving contest against the mortal named Arachne. Arachne thought she was the best weaver there Athena felt very disrespected and took on the appearance of an old woman and showed up at Arachnes house to give her some friendly advice to respect the gods. Arachne was too vain to listen and told the old woman to be gone. Let the great Athena try her skill against mine, and if I lose she can do whatever she pleases with me, she boasted. Thats when Athena dropped her disguise and revealed her true identity. All the bystanders fell to their knees in reverence except for Arachne, who was unmoved. The two began their weaving contest, and for a while Arachne held her own against Athena, even poking fun at the gods through the tapestry she crafted, but finally Athena had enough and touched the presumptuous mortal on the forehead, making her feel her shame. Horrified at the realization of her vanity, Arachne ran off and hung herself from a tree. Feeling sorry for the hanging of Arachne, Athena brought her back to life, but so that mortals learn that it doesnt pay to compare themselves to the gods, she changed Arachne into a spider. There she its, her and her descendents, forever weaving their web, testament to the folly of vanity. Athens was named after Athena and she became its protector after a dispute with her uncle, Poseideon, the god of the sea. Both Athena and Poseidon really liked a certain city on the coast of Greece, and both of them claimed ownership. Finally, to solve the dispute, it was agreed that whoever could present the city with the best gift would forever be patron. Athena and Poseidon went to the Acropolis, where Poseidon struck the cliff side with his mighty trident. A spring welled up, which amazed and impressed the citizens. However, the spring was salt ater, so it wasnt really of much use to anyone. Athena then presented the people with a simple olive tree. Although it wasnt as impressive as a spring, it was far more useful, because it presented the people with oil, food, and even wood. In thanks, they named the city Athens. Some people in Greece still worship Athena and pay homage to her at the Acropolis. Athena was the virgin goddess. She was also called Athena Parthenos. Parthenos meant virgin. This is where the Parthenon came from. The Parthenon temple was built to honor the virgin goddess. Although she was a virgin there are stories about her son, Erichthonius. Erichthonius was born of the sperm of Hephaestus, Athenas brother.