Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Vocabulary Test 2 Is Live!

Vocabulary Test 2 Is Live! Vocabulary Test 2 Is Live! Vocabulary Test 2 Is Live! By Daniel Scocco It was about time to release another one of our tests, right? We are going back to the vocabulary test, with 20 new words. If you have been reading the blog for a while, you shouldnt have a problem scoring a 100%! We covered all the words in the past, inside the Word of the Day column. Here is a teaser: 1. Befuddle means: to harass to threaten to confuse to insult Click here to go to the Vocabulary Test 2 page. Ah, and dont forget to let us know your score with a comment below. 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 General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How Many Tenses in English?Comma Before ButParticular vs. Specific

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Business Letter and Business Email Salutations [Updated]

Business Letter and Business Email Salutations [Updated] Dear Reader: Dear Reader, Hi Reader, Good afternoon, Reader: Hey Reader! Are you confused about shaping salutations in business letters and business email? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in business writing courses (learn more about our courses here). To begin, let’s clarify which documents use a salutation: A business letter communicates information outside the organization and requires a salutation. A business memo communicates information inside an organization, and does not include a salutation. A business email communicates information both inside and outside an organization, and should include a salutation on the first message. Base Your Salutation Choice Directly on Your Recipient, (EspeciallyYour Relationship with that Recipient) The standard salutation for a business letter is the salutation Dear, followed by the person’s name and sometimes a title, closing with a colon. Dear Ms. Reader: Dear Janet: Dear Attorney Adams: The standard salutation for a more social business letter, or personal letter is the salutation Dear, followed by the person’s name and sometimes a title, closing with a comma. Dear Ms. Writer, Dear Andrew, Dear Pastor Amanci, (Social business letters address congratulations, thanks, condolences or other non-business related issues.) hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(41482, 'c61cbd6e-f7ce-458b-af11-45f3cbe8af31', {}); Formality Tips If you do not know a person well, or are making first contact, it is always best to lean towards formality. Use a title and a last name. Dear Mr. Sancheza: Dear Dr. Amanci: If you know the recipient well, use a first name only. Dear Karen: If you do not know the person’s name, try to find it. If it’s impossible to locate, then use a person’s position as salutation. Dear Principal: Dear Tax Adjuster: Dear Parent: To two or more women: Dear Mrs. Adams, Ms. Kott, and Miss Connor (using the title you know each prefers. If you do not know a recipient’s preferred title, use the neutral title Ms.) To a woman and a man: Dear Ms. Fong and Mr. Mendle (List the recipient who is highest in corporate rank first, and alphabetize the order if they are equal in corporate rank.) To several persons: Dear Mr. MacDonald, Mrs. Brady and Dr. Mellon: Business Email Salutations Hold these same letter standards for a businessemail (i.e. one that is functioning like a business letter, such as a first response to a client inquiry, or a sales letter, or a proposal.) For less formal email, match your salutation and tone to your relationship with the recipient and end the salutation with a comma rather than a colon: David, Hi David, Hello David, Good morning, David, (If you are certainDavid will read this email in the morning. See post, Using Time Salutations Carefully for more info.) Hey David, (Only use the slang term hey for your most informal email with your best work pals. "Hey" is too casual in wider business use.) You can also incorporate the person’s name in the opening of the message: You’re right, David. I forgot. Learn more about business email: Business email salutations to a group How to craft the perfect mobile signature for business email

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Information security management (small mail company) smaller to Aramex Essay

Information security management (small mail company) smaller to Aramex mail company in UAE - Essay Example tively, the company management team has at least 50 years of experience in areas like transportation planning, logistics, operations, routing, as well as the managing mail/postage delivery. They together ensure that clients receive services that creative, professional, and practical. The company’s operations managers ensure that they are always close to the customers. They are also available for any issue requiring immediate attention. Reason for Request for the Proposal is to outline the possible ways of addressing the major security requirements of the best information security program that can meet the company’s security needs. Swift Courier needs to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its data and information. The lack of confidentiality of data/information could result to the stealing of credit card numbers belonging to customers leading to legal implication as well as loss of the company’s good will. This could consequently lead to loss of customers in the future especially international clients given that the company interfaces with other international couriers. Lack of data integrity on the other hand may lead to the planting of virus software like Trojan horse that would allow intruders to access the company’s secrets information, which may in turn lead to loss of data and information and hence deteriorated availability of data and information. The security prog ram would enhance the company IT department’s steps to mitigate information security risks like the loss of data. Swift Courier comprises of various departments as depicted in its organizational chart in section 1.1.2 (Chandler, 1962). This project proposal can however focus on one department, which is the Information Technology (IT) department. In this regard, the proposal is based on the department’s contingency plan, security policies, risk assessment, and security awareness. Swift Courier’s main requirements are in the areas of contingency planning, risk

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Philosophers Biography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophers Biography - Essay Example Plato‘s father name was Ariston and his mother was namely Perictione. Plato had three other siblings which includes two brothers namely Adeimantus and Glaucon, and a sister namely Potone. After the death of Plato’s father, his mother went through second marriage with Pyrilampes by which Plato got two half brothers namely Demus and Antiphon. Plato had received his early education on subjects ranging from sciences to gymnastics. Plato had even taken part in isthmian games held during that era. Plato was a deep and sincere follower of Socrates and was highly affected from his personality. Plato has also been mentioned in one of Socrates dialogue as a youth that was so close to him that if Socrates wished to debase Plato, it would have been done with rather eases (Kahn 329) Plato had also travelled to many places to quench his thirst of knowledge. He founded an Academy in Syracuse to enable the western civilization to learn modern educational knowledge. After the formation of Academy, Plato engulfed himself in politics of Syracuse. Plato discusses in his philosophy that his bond with his father was not very much strong. He believed that in order to prosper a relation sincere hearts are required rather than relation of blood. He was so demoralized with the relation that he held with his father that he considered his children to be â€Å"father-less† having himself been deprived of such a relation, he could not provide it to his generation. Instead Plato’s bonding with Socrates became rather powerful. Together they defined and discussed even criticized each other on various subjects for example art, physics, love, wisdom and much more. The topic for their dispute was often on origin of poetry. They shared a unique relation where experiences together brought wisdom. Plato had put forward theory of ideas, which he had also mentioned in his dialogues. It focused that the World we live in is temporary or rather an image. There is a

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Effects of Social Media Essay Example for Free

Effects of Social Media Essay Cattail Hare come 107 Mr.. August Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media Social media is everywhere. Every day, thousands of people are logging on to social networking websites People talk the social media slang without even knowing it these days. Our world revolves around Backbone, Twitter and other social media sites. Like every coin has two sides even this has Its own pros and cons. One thing that users may not realize Is the effect that social media Is having on society There are some positive effects of social networking. Some social networking sites are used a way to display ones creativity. Twitter allows users to customize their colors and change the background. Blobbing websites have made it easy for a user to post customizable blobs and choose the things they want shared. The biggest networking site, Backbone. Allows a user to post a picture of their choice to the top of their profile. Besides what users are customizing, the site also serves as a form of self expression. A user might notice that one person posts quotes, while one always posts funny things, some may cost about everyday life and some post song lyrics that they may like. Users use their online profile as a way to reflect themselves. Social media has also helped users to connect to people around the world and bring some closer to others then they were before. It helps people become aware of things tat happen all throughout the world, rather than relying on the news later that night to see it. They see pictures and news about events almost Immediately When the earthquake in Halt hit. People were able to the damaging effects right away. One person near the accident could tweet about hat Just happened and it would spread worldwide, making everyone aware. Social networking is connecting users everywhere, and spreading kindness and knowledge worldwide. It allows users to overcome the distance put between them, and lets them unite together. Sites allow people to connect with others that they wouldnt contact in person, but makes It easier through the site. It gives users a more open attitude about others and really allows them to get to know others, which they wouldnt have done before. A negative effect of social media is bullying. The number of children Ewing shipbuilder is creasing, as the social networking sites are becoming more and more popular. Accessibility can be sending threatening messages, positing embarrassing pictures of others, or spreading rumors. Accessibility Is becoming big because networking sites make It easier for someone to start drama, tell lies or say hurtful things, because nobody Is there to tell them to stop. Rather than a confrontation in person, users hide behind their computer screen and cellophane. With Just one click, an embarrassing photo or rumor can be spread to thousands worldwide. Social media has its good effects and its bad effects. Whether it causes users harm or brings them together is up to the user to let it hurt them or help them If people are using social media sites Just to stalk peoples profile pictures, make fun of them, post embarrassing stories about each others personal lives, or start networking to get to know each other, celebrate each others differences, and learn from one another, users could really make a positive difference with them. The effect that social media has on society is entirely up to those who use it and how they use it.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Hamlet :: essays research papers

Select one of Hamlet soliloquies (preferably not "To be or not to be. . .") and by a detailed attention to the poetry discuss the nature of Hamlet's feelings as they reveal themselves in this speech. What insights might this speech provide into the prince's elusive character? Confine your attention strictly to the soliloquy you have selected. 2. Discuss Hamlet's treatment of and ideas about women. How might these help to clarify some of the interpretative issues of the play? You might want to consider carefully the way he talks about sexuality. 3. Discuss the importance in Hamlet of one of the following: (a) Ophelia, (b) Rozencrantz and Guildenstern, (c) the ghost of Hamlet senior, (d) Polonius, (e) Fortinbras, (f) Gertrude. Do not just write about what these people do. Discuss how an attention to them illuminates issues of central importance to the play as a whole (i.e., deal with matters of importance to the thematic or character development in the play, not with matters of the plot). 4. Discuss the importance of appearance and reality in Hamlet (strong hint: Why is Hamlet so interested in the players?). 5. Hamlet and Orestes (in the Oresteia) have similar challenges, and their stories are, in many respects, quite alike. In what ways are the heroes significantly different? 6. Is something rotten in the state of Denmark? If so, what precisely is it? Is anyone in particular responsible or is the rottenness simply a condition of life? 7. Select a particular scene in Hamlet (preferably a short one) and discuss its importance in the play. How does this particular part of the action contribute significantly to our response to what is going on?

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Exploring Strategy

Abstract This essay examines the state of the Hi-Fi sector utilizing the PESTEL and Porter’s Five Forces. This assessment illustrated that with factors depending heavily on technology there is a real opportunity in the Hi-Fi sector. Any researcher exploring this question will find value in this report. 1 Introduction This essay examines the Hi-Fi sector utilizing the PESTEL and Porters’ Five Forces models in order to assess the current market environment. Identifying the primary opportunities and threats that are present in the field will create a capacity for anticipation and adaptation that can add significant value to any business strategy. Beginning with a PESTEL analysis followed by distinct opportunities, threats and key drivers for change, this essay illustrates the state of the Hi-Fi industry. Following this segment with a relevant Porter’s Five Forces evaluation including overall industry attractiveness will further enhance the illustration of economic viability in the industry. 2 PESTEL Analysis This section utilizes the PESTEL model to evaluate market conditions.2.1 PESTELYuksel (2012) defines the PESTEL as an integrated analysis including the elements of political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environment and legal in order to determine a sectors capacity.2.1.1 PoliticalPolitically, the Hi-Fi sector is supported in their effort to produce a superior product for a diverse international market (Jansson and Waxel, 2011). Politics influence the modern Hi Fi market to continually innovate and build, reflecting the Hi-Fi industry need for continuous technological input. Regulations and taxation play a direct role in how well the Hi Fi industry international trade statutes have the potential to promote positive development (Jansson et al, 2011). Companies including the advanced manufacturing firm Linn contribute a substantial amount in taxes and international revenue to their nations coffers, enhancing the political need to protect them (The Economist, 2014). Companys including Richer Sounds maintain 100 per cent UK operations, using this support as a means of positive branding (Sounds, 2014). The Telegraph (2010) article lays out the attractive tax cuts that the Chinese government utilizes to entice the emerging Hi Fi companies to set up operation there. With each tax rate adjustment companies including Acramm Quad and NAD among others will seek out tax havens that allow them to retain revenue (Telegraph, 2010). Decisions by the UK regulatory body, including the decision to take the nation digital has a great deal of influence on the continued development of the UK Hi Fi industry (Kessler, 2014). With figures illustrating that only one in 20 have receivers capable of this new transmission as well as only 40 per cent of new vehicles are equipped with the technology, there is a considerable gap to be addressed before implementation (Kessler, 2014).2.1.2. EconomicEconomic factors in for Hi-Fi firms have the potential to substantially assist nation s in their economic recovery efforts (The Economist, 2014). This factor impacts the Hi Fi industry with through direct acknowledgement and support of technological advances (Macintosh, 2010). Lacking this opportunity for growth stagnates the market directly influencing production and development.. International statistics demonstrate a slow 1% growth rate in the industry over the past year (Euromonitor.com. 2014). Yet, long term country reports indicate a steady pattern of growth (Euromonitor.com, 2014). The Hi Fi industry has begun to focus on the high end products including Acram’s newest cinema receiver citing the argument that features are more important than fidelity (End, 2014). The economy can create issues for the industry by failing to provide consumers with the funding to buy products. Linn, another UK Hi Fi brand has used this same philosophy to become a leader in the audiophile streaming music hardware area, a very rapidly developing area (End, 2014). Yet, there i s a real potential for a lack of innovation that fails to produce useful products. Further establishing this trend is Naim’s offering of hi resolution music products that appeal to the very high end market including the Nait 5si and the SuperNait 2 (End, 2014). However, the economic conditions can hinder the opportunity for these offerings to take hold.2.1.3. Socio-cultureThe very nature of the spread of technology is a benefit for the Hi-Fi industry (Andy, 1997; Macintosh, 2010; The Economist, 2014). Yet, if there is a perception of negativity surrounding any company or product, there is the opportunity for a diminished reach. With each new auditory advance, the Hi-Fi sector has an opportunity to utilize their technology to enhance that offering (May, Mason and Pinch, 2001). Yet, conversely, any misstep in the innovation process can set the entire effort back. The continuous advance in technology aids in producing new employment opportunities which enhances the entire system (Pratt, 1997). There is a strong desire on the part of the consumer and manufacturers to create the very best auditory offering (The Economist, 2014). This element of complementary competition enhances the potential in the Hi-Fi industry, yet increases the price consumers feel at the retailer. As company’s including Acram, Linn and Naim compete to produce high end offerings, the entire range of development opportunities benefits (End, 2014). This adoption of hi tech equipment has an associated ripple impact on stores that sell these products, increasing their technology capacity (End, 2014). As new products emerge, the stores upgrade in order to implement the product, thereby changing the entire culture surrounding the offering.2.1.4 TechnologicalThere has been a historical shift from a Hi Fi industry based on individual components to a modern real market based on emerging technology (Sounds, 2014). This factor directly impacts the Hi Fi industries capacity to produce useable products. With the advances technology has created including the inclusion of LCD television, audiophile and multi room Hi Fi progress there is a perception of increasing value in the industry. The increase in complexity alongside reduction in size and integrateable capacity make Hi-Fi products critical components for many new technologies (The Economist, 2014; Macintosh, 2010). This is a clear indication of the support that each of these areas offers the Hi-Fi sector. Online advances including internet offerings have the potential to increase the utilization of the Hi-Fi product, thereby increasing the markets intrinsic value (Macintosh, 2010). Today’s leaders in the industry including Rob Follis cite the fact that modern Hi Fi offerings are better than ever before (End, 2014). This fact includes the recognition that as technology continues to turn from individual components to integrated technology, the Hi Fi sector will continue innovate in order to remain relevant.2.1.5 EnvironmentalMod ern production concerns can have an impact on the manufacturing of any Hi-Fi product (The Economist, 2014). These concerns can significantly slow development and production of any product line. With aspects including pollution during production there is the potential for this aspect to create detrimental operating conditions. This contention supports the argument that a strategy that incorporates these elements benefits the entire effort (Jansson et al, 2011).2.1.6 LegalMultinational and international legalities have an opportunity to impact the Hi-Fi development and production capacity (Jannsson et al, 2011). As laws change as nations jockey for position and revenue causing a collateral impact for the companies involved. Competition between industry rivals can be fierce, requiring a strong a consistent legal awareness (The Economist, 2014).2.2 Opportunities and ThreatsThere is a real opportunity to capitalize on emerging technologies in order to expand the Hi-Fi industry capacity ( The Economist, 2014). Yet, there is a threat of poorly designed products that diminish trade. Real time examples including continued development of the IPod and Ipad based technology, tablets and personal computers integration lead the way for considerable opportunities in the industry (Macintosh, 2010). The economic factors support the argument of growing opportunities in the field of home audio and visual serve to drive the consideration of potential revenue gain in the market (The Economist, 2014). Companies such as Linn and Acram have a unique opportunity to harness emerging technology in order to reach the high end clientele (End, 2014). Conversely, the PESTLE confirms the threat that any overextension in an effort to remain competitive can diminish production and development potential (Jannsson et al, 2011). Advances in the field of medicine provide ample opportunity for the Hi Fi industry to benefit from auditory related sales as well as building real brand awareness (The Economist, 2014). Elements of the Hi-Fi industry touch on the developing technology surrounding Wi-Fi and the internet, providing further opportunity for the industry to gain market share (Jannsson et al, 2011). Yet, the need for technology can slow a development process, diminishing a company’s revenue potential. An opportunity in the Hi-Fi industry rests in the field of cell phone and portable communication (The Economist, 2014). The PESTLE demonstrates that national and international variances in regulations can become a substantial detriment for the Hi Fi industry (Moodysson and Jonsson, 2007). There is a real threat for established companies including Acram, Quad and Warfeldale among others to move to China in order to take advantage of the lower tax brackets (Telegraph.co.uk, 2010). Yet, each emerging market and technological advance is an opportunity for the Hi-Fi industry to further integrate (Macintosh, 2010). A balanced consideration must take place in order to successfully implement strategy.2.3 Key drivers for changeLeading the key drivers for the Hi-Fi industry is the need for advances in production, marketing and development (Macintosh, 2010; The Economist, 2014; Jannsson et al, 2011). Every new change at each level will have a direct impact on the consumer and the industry. The second driver remains the political environment on where these companies choose to develop their products (Telegraph.co. uk, 2010). Lacking a positive environment, the capacity for the Hi Fi industry to operate will be further driven by the rate of revenue available in the market (End, 2014). These drivers will determine marketing efforts and production levels for every company in the market. 3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis3.1 Porters Five ForcesHuggins and Izushi (2011) define the Porter’s Five Forces model as efficient manner of market assessment including the element s of new entrants, substitution, bargaining power and competitive rivalry.3.1.1 Threat of new entrantsThe growth potential of the Hi-Fi industry makes the threat of new entrants substantial (The Economist, 2014). There is a clear opportunity for increased brand awareness accompanied by the potential to add a substantial revenue stream to any company’s income. With companies including Linn and Acram focussing on the high end market, there is recognition of value that will be emulated by others (End, 2014). These elements are consistent with the needs of many competitors in other areas of the technology market such as computers, tablets and personal electronics (The Economist, 2014). The Hi-Fi industry is highly attractive to evolving and developing entities as well as established compan ies (Jannsson et al, 2011). Established companies can easily expand and advertise, while new entrants can progressively build and promote themselves. This area is of high concern due to the rate of new entrants.3.1.2 Threat of Substitute productsThe Hi-Fi sector is dependent on technology, the availability of copies, or similarities in products is high (Jannsson et al, 2011). With emerging nations, such as China, offering substantial potential for competition this is a significant concern for any Hi-Fi strategy. Expanding on this same threat of substitution is the fact that some nations allow for copies of a successful product based on their own design (Jannsson et al, 2011). Regulation s and their enforcement have the potential to play a key role in reducing or increasing the substitutions for any Hi-Fi product on the market. With companies recognizing that products including the Xbox and Playstation among others, can take on the role of other instruments, the threat rises (End, 2014). Developing and competing products make this a category of high impact.3.1.2 Bargaining power of customersThe consumer centred nature of the Hi-Fi industry makes it highly dependent on the perception and application of their products (Jannsson et al, 2011). Any faulty offering or substandard item will directly impact the company’s bottom line (The Economist, 2014). Modern consumers demand an integrateable produce that has the latest technology at the lowest prices, making their overall bargaining power substantial. There is a need to remain on the edge in the mind of the consumer in order to continually expand brand loyalty (Macintosh, 2010). Acram and Linn’s current move into the upper end market has been favourably received by the consumers, driving their position in the market higher helping to advance their market share considerably (End, 2014). Yet, any failure would provide amply incentive for these same consumers to seek another brand (The Economist, 2014). Restin g on the correct anticipation of needs this is an area of moderate to high priority.3.1.3 Bargaining power of suppliersThe high number of competitors alongside the proliferation of technology diminishes the bargaining power of suppliers (The Economist, 2014). If one company is not willing or able to make a product, there are several others that will (Moodysson et al, 2007). However, the more advanced technology that the company possesses, the more likely that that effort will be successful in the market (Jannsson et al, 2011). Yet, in the case of specific technology there is the real opportunity to have a strong bargaining strategy based on the knowledge the company has (Jannsson et al, 2011). If one company does not possess a certain technology, their associated bargaining position will suffer. Linn, noting the potential available in the market, spent liberally to develop the audiophile music download label that propels their current sales strategy (End, 2014). This example has bee n emulated by companies such as Naim, which hope to become a prominent member of the market (End, 2014). With many suppliers available, there is a low to moderate priority in this segment.3.1.4 Intensity of competitive rivalryThe potential for revenue and sustainability make the Hi-Fi sector highly competitive (Jannsson et al, 2011; The Economist, 2014). This rivalry consists of companies including Linn, Acram and Niam, often accounting for the majority of the market share, provides a dynamic illustration of the desire of each company to provide the very best Hi Fi product (End, 2014). There is competition at every level of production, development and marketing in order to make the most of the emerging product (Macintosh, 2010). However, this intensity of competition allows for a consistent series of technological advances which is a clear benefit to consumers and manufacturers (The Economist, 2014). With each advance the opportunity to become a market leader will lead to an intense effort to be the first producer. The competitive environment makes this element very high concern for the Hi Fi industry.3.2 Industry AttractivenessThere is a real opportunity to gain both brand awareness and consumer loyalty with a quality Hi-Fi offering, making the market attractive (The Economist, 2014). The long term consumer trend of sustainable spending is a further indication of positive long term market potential (Euromonitor, 2014). Yet, the fact that this is a well-known fact encourages other manufacturers to maintain a position in the market, making competition fierce (Moodysson et al, 2007)). Each of these factors supports an illustration of a growing market that offers both a ripe opportunity for success and an equally dismal chance for failure. Naim and Linn both demonstrate a high degree of value in the area of Hi Fi industry innovation which in turn increases the overall attractiveness of the market (End, 2014). This is a moderate factor in overall industry making the circumstances acceptable for continued expansion. 4 Conclusion Both the PESTEL and the Porter’s Five Forces evaluations have illustrated the potential for both sustained revenue gain as well as increased brand awareness. This is a supporting argument for a strategy including the Hi-Fi sector. However, the very competitive nature alongside the nuances of technological innovation provides ample potential for loss. With factors depending heavily on technology there is a genuine opportunity for gain to be considered in the Hi-Fi sector. 5 References David, F. R. 1999. Strategic management: Concepts and cases. Prentice Hall. Euromonitor.com. 2014. Home audio and cinema market research, industry trends. [online] Available at: http://www.euromonitor.com/home-audio-and-cinema [Accessed: 2 Mar 2014]. End, B. 2014. British hi-fi companies seek sanctuary at audio’s new high end. [online] Available at: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/audio/hi-fi-radio/british-hi-fi-companies-seek-sanctuary-at-audio-s-new-high-end-1166158 [Accessed: 6 Mar 2014]. Huggins, R. and Izushi, H. 2011. Competition, competitive advantage, and clusters. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Jansson, J. and Waxell, A. 2011. Quality and regional competitiveness. Environment and Planning-Part A, 43 (9), p. 2237. Kessler, K. 2014. SoundStage! Hi-Fi | SoundStageHiFi.com | The British Tree Huggers Get it Right For Once. [online] Available at: http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/international/soundstage-uk/674-the-british-tree-huggers-get-it-right-for-once [Accessed: 6 Mar 2014]. Macintosh, R. 2010. Evolution and Revolution in the Hi-fi sector. University of Glasgow, 1 (1), pp. 1-5. May, W., Mason, C. and Pinch, S. 2001. Explaining industrial agglomeration: the case of the British high-fidelity industry. Geoforum, 32 (3), pp. 363–376. Moodysson, J. and Jonsson, O. 2007. Knowledge collaboration and proximity the spatial organization of biotech innovation projects. European urban and regional studies, 14 (2), pp. 115–131. Pratt, A. C. 1997. The cultural industries production system: a case study of employment change in Britain, 1984-91. Environment and Planning A, 29 (11), pp. 1953–1974. Sounds, R. 2014. Richer Sounds – The UK’s Hi-Fi, Home Cinema & Flat Panel TV Specialists!. [online] Available at: https://www.richersounds.com/information/aboutus_culture [Accessed: 6 Mar 2014]. Telegraph.co.uk. 2010. UK hi-fi specialist Audio Partnership piggybacks China tech revolution – Telegraph. [online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/china-business/7956963/UK-hi-fi-specialist-Audio-Partnership-piggybacks-China-tech-revolution.html [Accessed: 6 Mar 2014]. The Economist. 2014. Streaming toddler. [online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/news/britain/21568425-prospects-upscale-hi-fi-maker-depend-music-industry-streaming-toddler [Accessed: 28 Feb 2014]. Waxell, A. and Jansson, J. 2013. Sound Affects: Competing with Quality in the Swedish hi-fi Industry. Industry and Innovation, 20 (4), pp. 316–335. Wu, K., Tseng, M. and Chiu, A. S. 2012. Using the Analytical Network Process in Porter’s Five Forces Analysis–Case Study in Philippines. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 57 pp. 1–9. Uksel, I. 2012. Developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for PESTEL Analysis.International Journal of Business & Management, 7 (24).

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Poor Liza Character in 20th Century Russian Literature Essay

It is no accident that the name that is attributed to the heroine in a number of Russian novels of the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is named after some derivation of the name Elizabeth. Karamzin is the first to revere this name in his work Poor Liza and it is this work that sets off a chain reaction that causes the occurrence of subsequent characters in Russian literature. This character can particularly be found in works such as Pushkin’s Queen of Spades, Griboyedov’s Woe from Wit, and even briefly in Gogol’s Dead Souls. At the time that Karamzin published Poor Liza, Russia had recently seen the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1741-1761) who played a great role in shaping Russia’s identity and culture. Through a close reading of those Russian texts which include the Elizabeth character, an understanding of this name’s historic role in Russian literature can be achieved and its parallels to the monarch that this name evokes. Before tracing t he Liza name in the Russian texts, it is important to better understand the character traits and lives of the empresses after whom this name takes. The more significant of these being Queen Elizabeth of Russia as it was not long after her reign that Karamzin wrote Poor Liza. Elizabeth was born to Peter I of Russia and Catherine I of Russia; however due to the fact that her parents’ marriage was not publically acknowledged at the time of her birth, this would be a detail used to challenge her legitimacy to the throne by political opponents (Antonov, 104).In her outward appearance, Elizabeth delighted everyone, â€Å"with her extraordinary beauty and vivacity. She was commonly known as the leading beauty of the Russian Empire† (Antonov, 104). Politically, Elizabeth was seen as the heroine of the Russian cause as was attributed to her, â€Å"steady appreciation of Russian interests, and her determination to promote them at all hazards† (Rice, pg 121). Russia under Elizabeth’s rule reasserted her power over foreign repression as the country had been under direction of a number of German favorites and pres sure from the West. It was upon her coronation that a royal decree was issued stating, â€Å"the Russian people have been groaning under the enemies of the Christian faith, but she has delivered them from the degrading foreign oppression† (Antonov, 109). Elizabeth is also remembered for championing the arts and scholarship through the vast funding she poured into projects such as the Moscow State University, the Winter Palace, and the Imperial Academy of Arts (Antonov, 106). The image of Elizabeth is also painted by her deep devotion to religion in that she disengaged many of the legislations that her father had done to limit the power of the church (Rice 149). In many ways, Elizabeth I becomes the perfect root from which the image of the heroic Russian woman springs from as is later manifested in Russian Literature following her reign. The first time that Russian is introduced to the Liza character is in Karamzin’s Poor Liza which was published in 1792, following Elizabeth I’s rule . The main heroine, Liza’s, characteristics can be attributed to those of Elizabeth herself. The first of these similarities can be found in both of the female’s fathers. Liza’s father is described as, â€Å"a rather well-to-do settler, for he loved work, tilled the land well† (Karamzin, 80). The hardworking nature of the father can also be seen in the traits of Elizabeth I’s father, Peter the Great who’s restless work made Russia into an empire. However the greater likeness lies in the negative effects caused by each of the women’s father’s deaths. In Poor Liza, soon after Liza’s father’s death, â€Å"his wife and daughter grew poor†¦and they were forced to rent out their land for a pittance sum† (Karamzin, 80). Similarly, after the death of Peter I, â€Å"no royal court or noble house in Europe could allow a son to pay court to Elizabeth, as it would be seen as an unfriendly act to the Empress Annaâ₠¬  (Coughlan, 59). The lowering of stature for both Liza and Elizabeth made it difficult for both to find a fitting husband. In Liza’s case, lest she ends up marrying someone she does not love. When Erast and Liza are discussing the marriage arrangements that are being made for her to be married to a peasant boy and Erast asks if she would marry him instead, she says to him, â€Å"but you can never be my husband!†¦ I am a peasant girl† (Karamzin, 87). Since Elizabeth I was shunned from the royal courts after her father’s death and at the same time she could not marry below her so as not to lose the royal title, the empress died unmarried, as did Liza. However, this is not the only shared experience of the Russian heroines. Another parallel between the empress and Karamzin’s peasant girl can be found in their educational background. For a queen, Elizabeth I was considered lacking of the solid education needed for her role. This could mostly be blamed on Peter I’s focus on state affairs and her mother’s illiterateness and laissez-affair approach to her daughter’s studies (Antonov, 104). A comparable trait can be drawn in Liza, specifically when she is saying good-bye to Erast and she says, â€Å"Oh! Why do I not know how to read or write!† (Karamzin, 89). And so, both women were undereducated for the role they had come to fill, a ruler and a worried-sick lover. Taking a closer look at Elizabeth’s and Liza’s personalities it becomes evident that they share commonalities. For instance, when Karamzin first introduces his Liza character, he says that, â€Å"to soothe her mother she tried to hide the grief in her heart and appear at ease and gay† (Karamzin 81). This gayness can be also found in Elizabeth I as she was well known for her gaiety and playfulness as was evidences by the cross-dressing balls that she held at her court (Rice 136). Another example of their similar characters can be found in the virginal beauty and pious image created by both. Karamzin describes Liza as being a â€Å"rare beauty† (Karamzin, 80) and Elizabeth in her youth was as already mentioned the premier beauty of Russia in her day. It is also important to note the pureness in the aura created by Liza as she is unspoiled by the trivialities of high-society. The color white can be found in a number of images in connection with Liza, the first being the lilies of the valley which Liza sells at the market in Moscow (Karamzin, 81). These flowers are typically small and white in nature and by Christian are attributed to the tears of the Virgin Mary during the crucifixion of Christ, thus by having Liza the vendor of such flowers, she is placed into a wholesome and holy light (Krymow, 18). Another place in which the color white and purity is shown in connection to Liza is when Erast visits her home and says, â€Å"I am very tired. Would you have any fresh milk?† (Karamzin 82). Liza, â€Å"ran to the cellar, brought back a clean earthenware pot, washed it and dried it with a white towel, poured and handed the glass through the window† (Karamzin 82). Even when Liza falls in love she is described as having a , â€Å"pure, and open heart† (Karamzin, 85) and there are more images of purity and whiteness as is seen when the two lovers meet at night and, â€Å"they embrace – but chaste, shy Cynthia did not hide from them behind a cloud; their embraces were pure and sinless.† (Karamzin, 86). Karamzin also describes Liza through Erast’s eyes as a shepherdess, again evoking an image of purity (Karamzin, 86). Even when Liza gives up her virginity to Erast, Karamzin still evokes images of purity when he says, â€Å"like a lamb she submitted to his will in everything† (Karamzin, 89). These holy referents in Karamzin’s Poor Liza, create a sacred image out of the Liza character which is similar to the character traits of Elizabeth I. Part of the reason that the empress Elizabeth built so many churches was that at one point she was considering becoming a nun. For this reason The Convent was built and erected by her order (Bain, 138). She is also attributed to building the most number of churches as compared to any other Russian monarch, the most famous being the Smolny Catherdral (Bain, 138).In her religious devotion, and her unmarried life lie some of the stronger parallels to Karamzin’s Liza character from which the spring the lineage of the Liza characters. Following Poor Liza, other writers also began evoking the image of Elizabeth I in their writing. The next one being Griboyedov’s in his Lizzie character in Woe from Wit. Again the Liza character, in this case being Lizzie, is painted as a picture of pure virginal beauty. Lizzie’s outer appearance is described by Molchalin: There’s one thing I’m thinking of: These cheeks, these veins and all Have not yet seen the flush of love. (Griboyedov, IV.xii.4-6) In the last line, Mochalin especially points out the paleness of her skin which shows her virginity. Another similarity between Elizabeth I Liza, and Lizzie, is that they all reject or lovers who rank higher or equal to them. Lizzie for example pushes away Molchalin when he tries to embrace her (Griboyedov, IV.xii.51-52) and instead loves someone of lower or equal rank: So strange these people seem to be! She craves for him, he craves for me, And I’m†¦ the only one who’s scared of love, Barman Petrusha, my sweetest dove. (Griboyedov, I.xiv.4-6) Lizzie also rejects Famusov when he corners her in the hall and embraces. She is stern with him and shows little interest, despite his rank: It’s you who’s frivolous, let go, will you? Compose yourself, old man. This is corresponds with the relationship dynamics of Elizabeth I in that she was once betrothed to Prince Karl Augustus but he died before they could be married(Coughlan, 23). Instead of seeking a husband of equal stature, which proved difficult because she was not welcome in noble circles she pursued lovers in the military and service, eventually settling on a Ukrainian peasant in a church choir by the name Alexis Razumovsky (Coughlan, 59). Yet there are more similarities that can be traced between Elizabeth and Lizzie’s characters. Elizabeth I’s rule was marked by the extravagant balls and events who would throw. On average, her weekly balls would host approximately 800 guests and she would also often throw smaller parties for her court members (Rice, 135). Lizzie, like Elizabeth, also enjoys a celebrations and parties. For this reason when she is speak with Sofia she reminds her, â€Å"the holiday is coming! Time for fun!† (Griboyedov, I.v.1). Lizzie is referring to the get together that will happen in the play as it will give her a chance to see her beloved Petrushka. Following Lizzie’s character, the Liza image carried over next to Pushkin’s work, Queen of Spades. The Lizaveta character in Queen of Spades is reminiscent of the young Elizabeth I who was unpopular at the royal court. Lizaveta is first described to the reader as the â€Å"martyr† of the house as she was always being scolded and blamed for everything (Pushkin, 348). This again evokes the saintly images created by Karamzin and Griboyedov. Particularly similar to the young queen is Lisaveta in the following passage: â€Å"She had a fixed salary, but it was never paid in full; at the same time she was expected to dress like everyone else, that is, like the few. In society she played the most pitiable role. Everybody knew her, but nobody took any notice of her; at the balls she danced only when an extra partner was needed for a vis-à  -vis.† (Pushkin, 349) This image is similar to that of Elizabeth in that she had royal blood and for this reason was expected to dress and act a certain way; however she was not accepted by the society she was a part of. In addition to the way in which the young Elizabeth fit into society, Lisaveta is also similar to Elizabeth in her later age. When Elizabeth I was growing old she began having complications with her health that caused dizzy spells. She grew increasingly depressed and disallowed the word ‘death’ to be spoken in her presence (Antonov, 109). This antic can also be seen in the actions of Lizaveta in her interactions with Tomskii: â€Å"By the way, methinks she must be getting on, Princess Daria Petrovna? â€Å" What do you mean getting on?† Tomskii answered absentmindedly. â€Å"She’s been dead for these seven years.† The young lady raised her head and signaled to him. He remembered the old Countess was never informed of the death of any of her contemporaries, and he bit his lip.† (Pushkin, 345). In this instance the image of Elizabeth I gets somewhat muddled since it is unclear whether the countess disallows the subject of death to be brought up in front of her or if it is Lisaveta who does not like the idea. The old Countess herself mirrors Elizabeth I in that she cares a great deal about her outer appearance as the countess dressed in a fashion, â€Å"strictly following the fashions of the 1770s, spending just as much time on and paying just as much attention to, her toilette as she had sixty years before† (Pushking, 345). In similar fashion, Elizabeth I in her older age, had a monstrous collection of clothing, having owned 15,000 dresses and would change outfits two to six times a day (sAntonov, 107). Like the young Elizabeth and Lisaveta, the countess did not quite fit into the society she was a part of, â€Å"she participated in all the trivial events of high society life, dragging herself to balls, where she would sit in a corner, †¦the guests, as they arrived, would go up to her bowing low†¦but afterwards would pay no attention to her† (Pushikin, 348). If the relationship between Lisaveta and the Countess is further explored their dynamic can be seen as the countess being an old Elizabeth I and Lisaveta being the young Elizabeth I. Pushkin plays tricks on the reader with the images of Lisaveta and the countess. Perhaps the most striking example of this is that when Hermann is leaving the old Countess’s house and he, â€Å"pressed her cold, unresponsive hand, kissed her bowed head, and went out† (Pushkin, 362). It is not transparent here whether Hermann had just kissed the Lisaveta or the dead countess, which could be done by Pushkin on purpose. Perhaps the reason for the two Elizabeth-like characters is so that the old one can have the young one avoid marrying a person of above or of her own class and instead marry down. This is because the marriage of the countess is what brings the countess the cursed secret she has to keep since the old count refused to pay her debts and she had to seek outside help(Pushkin, 342). For this reason, when the apparition of the old countess comes to Hermann, she tells him, â€Å"I will forgive you my death under the condition that you marry my ward, Lizaveta Ivanovna†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Pushkin, 365) and so the Elizabeth I image is put forth by Lizaveta. The final image of the Liza character appears in Gogol’s Dead Souls, in the form of Manilov’s wife Lizenka. Here the Elizabeth character is portrayed in a sickeningly sweet form. The relationship between Manilov and his wife are described as constantly feeding one another little tid-bits and candies. In the Lizenka character, Gogol is ultimately poking fun at the sentimentalist nature of the Liza character which can be contrived from Elizabeth I’s own character. Gogol does not take Karmzin’s sentimentalist writing as true literature and for this reason names Karamzin in the following instance: â€Å"Nor were his colleauges a wit inferior to him in enlightenment. For instance, one of them made regular practice of reading Karamzin, another of conning the Moscow Gazette, and the third of never looking at a book at all.† (Gogol, 142) Here Gogol takes on a sarcastic tone in describing the â€Å"great works† that the collegues indulge in. For this reason, Gogol choice of the diminutive form of Elizabeth, Lizenka is further support that her character her sweetie pie character is a parody to Karamzin’s Liza. This play on the the Liza character can be seen as a commentary on, Elizabeth I’s character as she was described as â€Å"kind and warm-hearted for the emotions sake alone† (Rice, 135). Gogol sees this type of personality as unintelligent and makes fun of Lizenka’s schooling which is somewhat similar to Elizabeth I’s in that Lizenka only learned French, the piano, and housewifery (Gogol, 22). However, regardless of her schooling, Lizenka through her relationship with Manilov is in charge of the souls which is perhaps a view he takes on Elizabeth I’s rule of the Russian people. By tracing the character traits and life events of Elizabeth I of Russia in Russian Literature following her rule, the emergence of the heroine Liza becomes evident. Beginning with Karamzin who evokes many of the holy and pure images that surround Elizabeth I’s and as well as Gribodev who shows the virginal beauty of the empress in his writing. Their literature is then followed by Pushkin, who focuses more on the outcast member of society that Elizabeth I was growing up under her Cousin Anne’s rule. And so the Liza character, heroine of Russian literature is created in celebration to Elizabeth I only to be ridiculed by Gogol in his brief apostrophes to Karamzin’s original work. So Liza’s character becomes an enigma in Russian literature history in that it is unclear whether her name is ultimately venerated or ridiculed in the minds of the readers of these great works. Works Cited Antonov, B. I., and Kenneth MacInnes. Russian Tsars: [the Rurikids, the Romanovs. St. Petersburg: Ivan Fedorov, 2005. Print. Coughlan, Robert. Elizabeth and Catherine: Empresses of All the Russias. London: Macdonald and Jane’s, 1975. Print. GogolÊ ¹, NikolaÄ ­ VasilÊ ¹evich, Constance Garnett, and Clifford Odets. Dead Souls. New York: Modern Library, 1936. Print. Griboyedov, Aleksandr Sergeyevich. Aleksandr Griboedov’s Woe from Wit: A Commentary and Translation. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 2005. Print. Karamzin, NikolaÄ ­ MikhaÄ ­lovich, and Henry M. Nebel. Selected Prose of N.M. Karamzin. Evanston: Northwestern UP, 1969. Print. Krymow, Vincenzina. Mary’s Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Meditations. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger, 1999. Print. Pushkin, Aleksandr Sergeevich, and Paul Debreczeny. The Captain’s Daughter and Other Stories. London: David Campbell, 1992. Print. Rice, Tamara Talbot. Elizabeth, Empress of Russia. New York: Praeger, 1970. Print.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Cabaret essays

Cabaret essays Essay in Response to the film Cabaret Never stopping to think about whom shes hurting Sally Bowles whizzes through life like its a game. Sallys unique style is based on divine decadence, which is symbolised throughout The Cabaret. Sally presents her self to be open Life is a Cabaret, but is sallys life really a Cabaret? Cabaret is considered to be a party and this is how she treats her life. Sally lives in a fantasy world where she hides behind a dark shadow believing that the drugs and liquor wont pull her down, but knows deep down that these things are going to catch up on her one day. Sally treats herself as a sex symbol she sells her body to men, which is why her pregnancy came to her as such a long shot. Sally was living an illusion by believing that she wanted to be professors wife and didnt want a career. When reality finally hit it had resulted in abortion, which would have being considered a shocking act in the 1970s. The offensive religious statements that sally makes such as our baby is going to be the most significant baby, since Jesus and positively a nouns hands, as good as Gods hands, has reflected on Sally as a person that thinks she is outstanding and better than the lord. The consistent verbal insults that Sally receives about the amount of people she has had relations with, the way she treats her self and other people still doesnt make Sally realise how many people she hurts by her profone actions. Poverty is a concern which Cabaret has represented as it is set in 1931 just before World War Two therefore people were going through depression and didnt have a lot of money. Sally expresses that she is stressed and worried by emph ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

History of the Apollo 1 Tragedy

History of the Apollo 1 Tragedy On   January 27, 1967, three men lost their lives in NASAs first disaster. It occurred on the ground as Virgil I. Gus Grissom  (the second American astronaut to fly into space),  Edward H. White II, (the first American astronaut to walk in space) and Roger B. Chaffee, (a rookie astronaut on his first space mission), were practicing for the first Apollo mission. At the time, since it was a ground test, the mission was called Apollo/Saturn 204. Ultimately, it would be called Apollo 1 and it was going to be an Earth-orbiting trip. Lift-off was scheduled for February 21, 1967, and would be the first of a series of trips to train astronauts for the moon landing slated for the late 1960s.   Mission Practice Day On January 27th, the astronauts were going through a procedure called a plugs-out test. Their Command Module was mounted on the Saturn 1B rocket on the launch pad just as it would have been during the actual launch. The rocket was unfueled but everything else was as close to reality as the team could make it. That days work was to be an entire countdown sequence from the moment the astronauts entered the capsule until the time that launch would have occurred. It seemed very straightforward, no risk to the astronauts, who were suited up and ready to go.   A Few Seconds of Tragedy Right after lunch, the crew entered the capsule to start the test. There were small problems from the beginning and finally, a communications failure caused a hold to be placed on the count at 5:40 p.m. At 6:31 p.m.  a voice (possibly Roger Chaffees) exclaimed, Fire, I smell fire! Two seconds later, Ed Whites voice came over the circuit, Fire in the cockpit. The final voice transmission was very garbled. They’re fighting a bad fire- let’s get out. Open ‘er up or, We’ve got a bad fire- let’s get out. We’re burning up or, I’m reporting a bad fire. I’m getting out.The transmission ended with a cry of pain.   The flames  spread quickly through the cabin. The last transmission ended 17 seconds after the start of the fire. All telemetry information was lost shortly after that. Emergency responders were dispatched quickly to help. The crew most likely perished within the first 30 seconds of smoke inhalation or burns. Resuscitation efforts were futile. A Cascade of Problems Attempts to get at the astronauts were stymied by a host of problems. First,  the capsule hatch was closed with clamps that required extensive ratcheting to release. Under the best of circumstances, it could take at least 90 seconds to open them. Since the hatch opened inward, pressure had to be vented before it could be opened. It was nearly five minutes after the start of the fire before rescuers could get into the cabin. By this time, the oxygen-rich atmosphere, which had seeped into the materials of the cabin, had ignited and spread flames throughout the capsule.   Apollo 1 Aftermath The disaster put a hold on the entire Apollo program. Investigators needed to probe the wreckage and figure out the causes of the fire. Although a specific point of ignition for the fire could not be determined, the investigation boards final report blamed the fire on electrical arcing among the wires hanging open in the cabin, which was filled with materials that burned easily. In the oxygen-enriched atmosphere, all it took was one spark to set off a fire. The astronauts couldnt escape through the locked hatches in time.   The lessons of the Apollo 1 fire were tough ones. NASA replaced cabin components with self-extinguishing materials. Pure oxygen (which is always a danger) was replaced by a nitrogen-oxygen mixture at launch. Finally, engineers re-designed the hatch to open outward and made it so that it could be removed quickly in the event of a problem. Honoring those Who Lost their Lives The mission was officially assigned the name Apollo 1 in honor of Grissom, White, and Chaffee. The first Saturn V launch (uncrewed) in November 1967 was designated Apollo 4 (no missions were ever designated Apollo 2 or 3).  Ã‚   Grissom and Chaffee were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and Ed White is buried at West Point at the US Military Academy where he studied. All three men are honored throughout the country, with their names on schools, military, and civilian museums and other structures.   Reminders of Danger The Apollo 1 fire was a stark reminder that space exploration is not an easy thing to do. Grissom himself once said that exploration was a risky business. If we die, we want people to accept it. We are in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us, it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.   To minimize risks, astronauts and ground crews practice relentlessly, planning for almost any eventuality. as flight crews have done for decades. Apollo 1 wasnt the first time NASA had lost astronauts. In 1966, astronauts Elliott See and Charles Bassett were killed in a crash of their NASA jet crashed on a routine flight to St. Louis. In addition, the Soviet Union had lost cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov at the end of a mission earlier in 1967. But, the Apollo 1 catastrophe reminded everyone  again of the risks of flight.   Edited and updated by  Carolyn Collins Petersen.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Questions unit 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Questions unit 5 - Assignment Example By doing so, he had expressed his right to be bound by the contract. The fact that the agreement was not in writing is irrelevant as a consensus ad idem can be established (Elliott, p 21). 5. The requirement of payment of deceased debts by virtue of being an administrator does not have to be expressly provided. It is an implied term under which a party is required to carry on with the legal obligations touching on the estate of the deceased. 8. Generally, personal service contract cannot be delegated. An exception may exist, however with consent of the obligee on condition that they remain liable until the assignee has performed the contract to the satisfaction of the obligor. 9. a).In case the original contract is still in term, the minimum period remains unaltered, b).It poses a suitable break compared with assignment since with an assignment it is less clear as to who is liable for charges around the time of an assignment. 10. It is not ethical. The law sets out what must not be retained by such a person. The rationale being that they should have the property only sufficient for survival and ought not to be a

Friday, November 1, 2019

Annotated Bibliography Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Annotated Bibliography - Assignment Example The article was published in the last two years showing that it is current thus more applicable to the current situation. The article applied quantitative research methods in collecting primary data thereby making the results and conclusions drawn more relevant as they were based on a study of real college students. The research uses references that are more than 2 decades old in its theoretical model and theoretical framework chapters thereby bringing into question its reliability. This is, however, balanced out in the discussion chapter where more current research have been used extensively, such that a majority were published in the last 10 years and only two references were published in the last 22 years. The fact that the article is published in a journal lends credence to its reliability as journals have a reputation for only printing peer reviewed articles that have been subjected to extensive checks and reviews. This is a 13 page article, published in 2012, that addresses the subject of stress and strain among college students and how they cope. The article opens up by defining relevant and providing an overview of the article presentation. It then presents the thesis statement – effectiveness of coping mechanism in managing academic stress by the research subjects – and provides background information on stress among college students and how they cope. The literature review establishes that stress is common among college students, especially academic stress. The research employs a quantitative research approach with questionnaires as the data collection tool. The collected data was then used to either approve or disapprove the hypotheses. The study population was 120 college freshmen who included both males and females. The research also applied an experimental approach as it had a test group and a control group. The collected empirical data was then subjected to statistical analysis that determined trends and