MUSIC IS EDUCATION Essay Example For Students

MUSIC IS EDUCATION Essay THESIS STATEMENTMusic in education is essential to our children because it increases their listening skills and is a common method of communication for cultures worldwide. Music is EducationThere are schools attempting to eliminate teaching musical arts to our children. The board of education claims they must provide education by concentrating on the basic academic courses, but what they dont realize is that music is a major part of basic education. We must not allow them to pull the teaching of music out of our school curriculums because music is an essential form of communication. Our children do not have to be fluent in the arts to receive the value of broad exposure to the different musical dialogues. Deprivation of a very valuable part of education occurs if we do not teach them to appreciate a wide variety of music. Metaphorically speaking, we often associate the terms language and grammar with the term music. This association leads us to believe that music is a form of language, possibly because no symbol system other than language has the same potential as music of infinite productivity and precision. It takes a multitude of directions and phonetic-type symbolism to produce a pleasant sounding musical composition. This relates very closely to the requirements of everyday language. The primary objective of any spoken language is to convey a persons thoughts in a comprehensible fashion, but we must remember that everyone thinks and comprehends everything differently. Musical language contains vast quantities of words to help people understand how original composers intended to play a specific piece. Musical language also has directions that allow and encourage some scope of original interpretation and minor departures from the written score, resulting in no two performances sounding exactly alike. The English language, as we know it, carries a very strong parallel to these same interpretable words. Dialect and slang are just two of the many connotative forms to speak different languages. All languages contain these variations and reinforce the need for striving toward understanding a basically generic language. It would be very difficult to speak to a non-English speaking person and clearly convey a message unless both persons were familiar with basic terminology. It would be just as unlikely to communicate a musical message to someone not educated or interested in musical interpretation. The term music in itself has many different connotations. One in the United States may not have the same perceptions as one whose origin is France or Australia, or elsewhere in the world. In my travels through Europe and South America I had a hard time finding any truly original, locally produced music. The majority of the music I searched through were also popular in the United States. It was very easy to find foreigners singing an American song using their interpretation of our language. The entire world seems to be able to communicate with music and seems to understand it enough to share their own musical interpretation. Music is a language of its own and depending on how we speak it, it too can accomplish a multitude of results. People are no more able to understand a foreign language without education than they are to understand the unspoken language of music without proper musical education. A single score of music interpreted with a few of many available musical directions can tell as many stories as there are variations. For example, playing Cristoforis Dream by David Lanz entirely lento-pianisimo (slow and very soft), creates a very peaceful and tranquil mood. Played again allegro-forte (lively, brisk, and loud), emits an uplifting feeling. Yet, by using both interpretations progressively and regressively within this identical musical score, one could feel depleted and elated in the same timeframe. This is perhaps the most ascribable reason to pursue a knowledge of musical semantics. Within music one expresses many emotions, speaks many languages, conveys complex messages, and !tells many stories. .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .postImageUrl , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:hover , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:visited , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:active { border:0!important; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:active , .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2ffbfdab6d62fcea1021f9e137ef57cb:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Trifles EssayMusic can be a selfish form of conversation and it is not always necessary to have a recipient to convey a message. One has only to listen while playing music to communicate with themselves, yet most would suspect the stability of a person who attempted this scenario by simply talking and responding while alone. Music merges the physical aspects of harmony with a sublime and metaphysical effect creating an inner peace. Seldom will words alone be capable of accomplishing what just one musical composition can communicate when we teach our children to appreciate music.With all available forms of communication, one should never forget that listening carefully to m usicas we should listen to others speakcan clarify the true meanings of all languages. We should all strive to include intuition and intellect into language of any form. Intellect enlarges our range of instincts through newly absorbed information and enables us to reflect and analyze all forms of language. If communication is the purpose for language, we must then realize that speech is not the only form of communication, for life without smiles, hugs, sign language, and even music would be very unfulfilling. We must continue to educate our children in the musical arts and teach them yet another form of communication.

Suicide Solution Essays - Suicide, Assisted Suicide,

Suicide Solution I'm about to take up a position which is going to be deamed by some, if not all, as a terrible stand to take. As a matter of fact, if anyone were to agree with me on ths subject, I'd be surprsed. For you see, rather than arguing from the postion of suicide being an unjustified and inane way to die, I shall argue the other point. That being suicide does have its merits. Before you people start screaming, hear my case out. Most people argue that nothing justifies the taking of someone's life. Yet what makes life so valuable? Why do people cling to it so? All we consist of is a bunch of carbon atoms, bound together to form an exoskeleton, organs, and tissue. In this light, there really is not much to life. Out of the 5 billion who inhabit the planet, very few of them shall emerge to be true world leaders. The rest will just lead a mediocre life of work and little play. The taking of ones life can be argued from a populistic view as well. It makes little sense to preserve life in an over populated world. True, one less person here on there will not make a large dent. Yet if everyone who attempts or had attempted suicide were not stopped, the impact would be noticed. Another popular argument for stoppers, people who want to prevent suicide, is that nothing can be bad enough. Yet how do they know this? They do not have to put up with the same stuff the suicide victim does everyday. How could they possibly know what the potential suicide victim feels. Just as a severely burned victim may wish to be allowed to die in peace, the suicide victim wishes the same. To die in peace with no argument from others. The argument of "look at the people you will hurt" also does not hold. Imidiate family members will be the only ones to suffer any great pain. Friends will go on with thier lives and in time forget about the death. Imidiate family too will forget the loss in time. Although it will take most considerably longer for them than it will for friends. Finaly, the argument of suicide being selfish is hard to grasp. Selfish in whose eyes? Certainly not the eyes of the victim. To them, they consider it selfish of others to try and preserve their life. Again, the argument of the stoppers don't know what the victim has to go through. They are not the ones enduring the pain. Religious people also crop up into the debate. Catholics claim that for someone to committ suicide sneds their soul straight to Hell. In many religions, suicide is considered taboo. However why is this so? Why should it be looked upon as disgracefull, when some religions claim death the be the reward for people after their time on earth is done. Suicide is an issue which should be examined at by all angles. Not just from the angle that it is "wrong". End of debate. Rather it should be looked at from the point of view that "yes" for some people, they should be allowed to die in peace. -------------------------------------------------------------- Suicide Solution Essays - Suicide, Assisted Suicide, Suicide Solution I'm about to take up a position which is going to be deamed by some, if not all, as a terrible stand to take. As a matter of fact, if anyone were to agree with me on ths subject, I'd be surprsed. For you see, rather than arguing from the postion of suicide being an unjustified and inane way to die, I shall argue the other point. That being suicide does have its merits. Before you people start screaming, hear my case out. Most people argue that nothing justifies the taking of someone's life. Yet what makes life so valuable? Why do people cling to it so? All we consist of is a bunch of carbon atoms, bound together to form an exoskeleton, organs, and tissue. In this light, there really is not much to life. Out of the 5 billion who inhabit the planet, very few of them shall emerge to be true world leaders. The rest will just lead a mediocre life of work and little play. The taking of ones life can be argued from a populistic view as well. It makes little sense to preserve life in an over populated world. True, one less person here on there will not make a large dent. Yet if everyone who attempts or had attempted suicide were not stopped, the impact would be noticed. Another popular argument for stoppers, people who want to prevent suicide, is that nothing can be bad enough. Yet how do they know this? They do not have to put up with the same stuff the suicide victim does everyday. How could they possibly know what the potential suicide victim feels. Just as a severely burned victim may wish to be allowed to die in peace, the suicide victim wishes the same. To die in peace with no argument from others. The argument of "look at the people you will hurt" also does not hold. Imidiate family members will be the only ones to suffer any great pain. Friends will go on with thier lives and in time forget about the death. Imidiate family too will forget the loss in time. Although it will take most considerably longer for them than it will for friends. Finaly, the argument of suicide being selfish is hard to grasp. Selfish in whose eyes? Certainly not the eyes of the victim. To them, they consider it selfish of others to try and preserve their life. Again, the argument of the stoppers don't know what the victim has to go through. They are not the ones enduring the pain. Religious people also crop up into the debate. Catholics claim that for someone to committ suicide sneds their soul straight to Hell. In many religions, suicide is considered taboo. However why is this so? Why should it be looked upon as disgracefull, when some religions claim death the be the reward for people after their time on earth is done. Suicide is an issue which should be examined at by all angles. Not just from the angle that it is "wrong". End of debate. Rather it should be looked at from the point of view that "yes" for some people, they should be allowed to die in peace. --------------------------------------------------------------

Swot Analysis of Proton Essay Example

Swot Analysis of Proton Essay Analysis on Proton Radiation Whilst Michael Porter five’s forces or industrial analysis provides a scan on the changing industrial and observe the structure of internal competition of an industry, PESTEL analysis scanning the changing of the external environment which is beyond the control of the organization. PESTEL analysis is criticized as not an effective framework because there are certain weaknesses in the framework. For example, the fast changing environment and it is a not long lasting analysis. One of the example concerning on the Washington Mutual declared bankrupt due to unable to overcome the economic crisis that severely hits on the company’s finance. History Proton Holdings Bhd is a Malaysia stated-owned company. Proton is established on 7 may 1983 under the direction of the former Prime Minister Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Proton Holding Berhad is listed in the Main Board of the KLSE on 26 March 1992. The major shareholder of Proton Holding Berhad: Khazanah Nasional (42. 7%), Employees Provident Fund (EPF) (15. 7%) and Petroliam Nasional (7. 9%). Proton and Mitsubishi established joint venture project since the first Proton car produced in 1985. The first Proton Saga which produces based on the technology from Mitsubishi launched in September 1985 and the rest of cars has manufactured by proton with the collaboration with Mitsubishi such as Wira, Waja, Iswara and others. However, Mitsubishi sold its stake in 2004 but is still continue to supply the relevant components to Proton. In the same year, Proton announced to talks with Volkswagen AG to establish a partnership. The expectation on the tie-up may exploit each other’s strengths, but the talk has failed. In 2006, Protons sales dropped 30. % from 166,118 in 2005 to 115,538 in the market. This allowed the second national car Perodua to overtake Proton as the countrys largest passenger carmaker for the first time, with a 41. 6% market share, while Protons market share fell from 40% in 2005 to 32% in 2006. In the period ending December 31, 2006, Proton has also suffered three consecutive quarterly losses. Compared to a profit of 86. 5 million ringgit in 2005, the car c ompany lost 281. 5 million ringgit in 2006. Total losses in 2007s financial year climbed to $169 million. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis of Proton specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis of Proton specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Analysis of Proton specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The acquiring 80% of the Lotus Group in 1996 by proton is only using the technological expertise of lotus to produce efficient car in Malaysia. In 2009, Malaysian government starts delivering information to the people on the Lotus Group which is owned by the national car makers Proton. Lotus Group is a United Kingdom based company which is a sport car manufacturer. The acquisition of lotus group by proton is to obtain mutual interest where the Proton will obtain the technological expertise from the Lotus Group and the Lotus Group need the assists from proton to boost the sales. In the fiscal year ended 31 March 2009, Lotus Group turnover is increased to RM574. 8 million compared to RM564. 3million in the year before. Vision and mission The company mission is to become a successful Malaysian automotive company and manufacture innovative product and affordable price to the local and even to the global. In order to get the goal success, Proton Holdings Bhd set five core commitments which are focusing on the interest of customers, shareholders, employees, business associations and the nation. Barrier entry Concerning on the current political and legal issues in Malaysia, the obstacles for the competitor in automobile industry is remaining high. Political The intervention of the government in the automotive industry in Malaysia is purposely to protect the national industry from the stiff competition raise by the foreign company in the industry. In order to protect the car industry, high tax of 140% to 300% imposed on the import cars. For example, in U. S a BMW 328i is sells only RM 155,369. However, in Malaysia the same model car is selling RM 460,000 after added the import tax. Malaysia is a member of ASEAN and WTO. One of the conditions in the AFTA is to removes or reduces the tariff system. However, Malaysia refuses to wholly remove its taxes on the importing. While in 2005, Malaysia has implemented its commitment to the ASEAN to reduce the tariff gradually and in 2008, the tax reduces to 0% to 5%. | IMPORT DUTY| Local Taxes| | CBU| CKD| CBU CKD| Engine Capacity (cc)| MFN| ASEAN CEPT| MFN| ASEAN CEPT| Excise Duties| Sales tax| 1800| 30%| 0%| 10%| 0%| 65%| 10%| 1800 – 1999| 30%| 0%| 10%| 0%| 75%| 10%| 2000 – 2499 | 30%| 0%| 10%| 0%| 90%| 10%| Above 2500| 30%| 0%| 10%| 0%| 105%| 10%| Table 1: Import duty Reduce of import tax force government to increase the excise duty on the people while to minimize the losses in reducing tariff. The tax imposed on both manufacturer is create an obstacles for the foreign companies from enter the automobile industry. According to the National Automobile Policy (NAP) review, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) will terminate the approval permits (AP) system imports of complete built up (CBU) vehicles and also the AP for used vehicles in 2015. No new pplications for Open AP will be considered and franchise AP will be terminated by Dec 31, 2020. Only the holder of approval permit is allowed to import cars and distribute it locally. If the franchise AP is terminated in 2020, the foreign car manufacturer has to only assemble car locally. Other than tariff, Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) announces that the importing used-car, cut car, secondhand component and spare part in Malaysia is going to banned by the government. This is to protect the safety of the people from using used car and also to boost the sales of the spare part and the car sale in Malaysia. Together in 2015, the government is also attempt to put restriction on the vehicle which aged 15 and above to do mandatory check. The vehicle end life policy will be implementing in 2015 told by the transport minister Malaysia. The implementation will gives opportunities to the local and foreign automobile companies to raise the sales due to high price in spare part to replace in used spare part. Economic The growing economic in Malaysia is cause by the opens up of the economic trade barrier by the government to attract the foreign investment. The FDI of Malaysia in 1985 to 1995 is around USD 29 billion. While the inflow of FDI after Malaysia implements its commitment to ASEAN in reduces the import tax, there is an overall an increase of 3 billion of FDI to 6 billion in 2006 of FDI inflow. The declining restriction on trade barrier started on the fierce competition on the market. Table 2: Net FDI inflows, 2000-2008 Source: http://www. miga. org/documents/flagship09ebook_annexes. pdf On the other hand, the income per capita of Malaysian is increasing from USD 2516 per year in 2001 to USD 4776 in 2009. According to the forecast by Malaysian automotive association (MAA), the total industry volume forecasting will be increase from 550000 units to 570000 units in the next half year of 2010. This is due to the first half year sales performance of the vehicles is grew up to 19. 8% compared to the previous relevant period. Figure 1: Income per capita Government intervention in the oil price in Malaysia gives the reason for the oil price in Malaysia is the lowest among the neighbor countries. The manage float method is using to control the crude oil price in Malaysia. The subsidies by the government in the oil price reduce the burden of the people. While in 2010, government adjusts the new oil price to reduce the subsidy and the national debt. Figure 2: Oil price in Malaysia and neighbor countries In 2010, the loan interest rate has increased three times results on the latest increment to around 3. 85% to 4. 1%. However, Proton holdings Bhd discuss with the banks and financial institutions to reduce the impact of the increased interest rate that will affect the buying behavior of consumers toward cars. Even though the rose of the interest rate and the increasing oil price in Malaysia, this is not severely affected the consumer to buy cars†, said by MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad. Legal In order to start business in Malaysia, the foreign company has required registering and licensing with the provision of the control exist in general acts such as the Companies Act 1965 or the Registration of Business Act 1965. Manufacturing activities in Ma laysia must require a manufacturing license from MITI. However, there is a restriction control for foreign business or investor. Malaysia government controls the companies to resulting of the balance participation by the Malaysian, particular in bumiputera. Only manufacturer who have fewer than 75 employees and less than RM 2. 5 million in shareholders’ funds are exempted. One of the rules in the industrial coordination act 1975 stated that if 70% or more of the equity is held by foreigners, the balance will be reserved for the bumiputera and if less than 70% of the equity is held by foreigners, 30% will be reserved for bumiputera and the balance for non- bumiputera. Malaysia started to encourage environmental friendly cars to the market by promoting 100% incentive tax allowance for five years or pioneer status for a period of 10 years. The minister of finance told during the 2009 budget Malaysia that the imported hybrid cars will get exemption of 100% import duty and 50% excise duty. Proton is protected by the government policies by limited the foreign equity ownership and other to make the barrier of entry to the automotive industry difficult to the competitors. This is an opportunity built by the government for Proton since long time ago. There is no have other comparative advantage on Proton other on the price advantage. The acquisition of Lotus by proton is strengthening the product differentiation from the conservative Proton car’s model. The Proton Satria Neo which is the product representative of the Proton joint-efforts with Lotus engineering. The product differentiation and the price advantage gives proton one step up over other rivals in the industry. Thus, the opportunity cost for consumer to forgone the foreign car is high. Current situation of economy, legal issues and even political issues are all favored to the Proton. Since Lotus Group has been acquired by Proton, Proton should use the opportunity to transfer the technology know how to the Proton cars to produce product differentiation that is impressed everyone. Threat of substitutes Even though the barrier entrant in the automobile industry is remaining high, but, there is exists a strong rival to Proton. The main reason of the argument is referred to the second national car Perodua. The substitutes available in the automotive industry are the threat to cause Proton’s sales to drop. Appendix 3 shows that the top car sales in Malaysia in 2009. The top car sales in 2009 is occupied by the second national car Perodua, while Proton’s cars is on the second place lower than Perodua because of Perodua’s afford in improving its quality and refreshing their products which meet the needs of the customers is the reason that Perodua overtake the Proton as the largest car maker in Malaysia. Rivalry among existing firms Proton strongest rival in Malaysia is the second national car Perodua. Since Perodua introduce in 1993, the sales is overtake Proton after 13 years in 2006. In 2009, the share market of Perodua hits 32. % while proton stayed after Perodua which occupy 28. 6% of the market share. Perodua acknowledge that the consumer concerning on the affordable price when do purchasing of car. Offered 0% of down payment in buying Perodua car is attracted the buyer switching their target from proton to perodua. In addition, Perodua is also provides the cash rebate up to RM 2500 for the buyer. Other competitors of Proton inc lude Toyota, Honda and Nissan. In Malaysia, Toyota brings in the hybrid car which is high production cost car and its uniqueness creates a product differentiation for Toyota from its rivals. Toyota has a strong brand image in the world and it is the world best car seller. The brand loyalty toward the company is strongly beat the brand image of Proton in Malaysia. Moreover, Toyota has the strongest research and development among the automotive industry. They do research before introduce a new product to the market to ensure the well feedback from the consumers. For example, Toyota enables their consumer access to the development of the Toyota Prius features and characteristic before introduce it to the market. They found that the consumers are concerning on the affordable price, high technology, safety issues about the car. Moreover, Toyota enable consumers to do pre order before the car were delivered to the dealership. As a result, the sales of the Toyota Prius in the U. S is tremendously successful which the sales climbed 32% from 2001 to 2003. Buyer bargaining power Buyer has a lot of information exposure before do purchasing, information comparison on the price, features, and comments from the chat forums and others are easily available. Validity of information causes the high bargaining power of buyer on the car. Buyer decision is affected when the downturn of economic or low income. Only small amount of buyer is not affected toward luxury brand. According to a research, the Malaysian buying behavior is change according to the economy. 58% of Malaysian cut their spending during the economy downturn, while 81% of the respondent alleged that less spending on the luxury goods. These significant behavior shows that the price sensitivity among the Malaysian. The behaviors same reflect on the buying behavior of buyer on the car. As the increasing income per capita among Malaysian, the buyer has more variety of choice in choosing vehicle. Therefore, the Proton is suffered with the strong bargaining power of buyer and low switching cost from proton to the main rival Perodua that are enhancing the bargaining power of buyer. Bargaining power of suppliers According to the promotion of investment act 1986, government will provides incentives to the firms which are involved in the promoted activities or activities as determine by the MITI. While, this incentive is eligible apply on the transport equipment, components and accessories. This brings to the increasing of the number of component industry in Malaysia accelerates from 00 to 350 in 2003. 70% of these company supplies are to Proton Bhd. The high concentration of the suppliers leads to the low bargaining power of supplier to Proton. Conclusion The lack of innovation and weak management in the company are the major weaknesses to Proton Holdings Bhd. Whilst, the fast changing environment is not severely affected Proton that is protected under umbrella of government but is the competitiveness among the industry widen the gap between Proton and foreign vehicle to be on par. The comparisons apparently cause Proton loss its competitiveness among the automobile industry. The causes lead Proton struggle in the stiff competition in the automotive industry are due to the weak RD on the customer needs and no have innovation on the products. However, there are some opportunities for Proton to overcome it. For example, advance technology available in Lotus Group. Proton should starts to built its brand image and reputation changing to a more effective management and be more creative in producing vehicles. Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 [ 2 ]. Day trading on NYSE, 2009. 10 largest bankruptcies in the history of the USA. Available on: http://nyse-trade. com/httpnyse-trade-ru10-krupnejshix-bankrotstv-v-istorii-ssha/ Viewed: 20/7/2010 [ 3 ]. Wikipedia, 2010. Proton (carmaker) Available on: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Proton_(carmaker) Viewed: 20/7/2010 [ 4 ]. Barari, A. , 2008. Malaysia’s Proton to build new car with Mitsubishi Available on: http://www. motorward. com/2008/12/malaysias-proton-build-car-mitsubishi/ Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 5 ]. The Star, 2010. Proton confirms talks with Volkswagen called off. Available on: http://biz. thestar. com. my/news/story. asp? file=/2010/6/7/business/20100607103 215sec=business Viewed: 23/7/2010 [ 6 ]. Tan, P. , 2007. Proton 2006 sales dip; EPF buys more Proton shares. Available on: http://paultan. org/2007/01/25/proton-2006-sales-dip-epf-buys-more-proton-shares/ Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 7 ]. Whitley, A. , 2007. Proton posts loss as sales slump to lowest in 7 years. Available on: http://www. bloomberg. com/apps/news? pid=newsarchivesid=axpaLGflllBArefer=asia Viewed: 23/7/2010 [ 8 ]. Proton annual report, 2009. Available on: http://www. proton. com/public/media/mediacentre/documents/annualreports/AReport_2009 _3. pdf Viewed: 23/7/2010 [ 9 ]. Proton Holdings Berhad annual report, 2004. Available on: http://announcements. lse. com. my/EDMS/subweb. nsf/7f04516f8098680348256c6f0017a6bf/0ace7786fbc2707b48256f08003508b3/$FILE/Proton-Cover-Contents-AGM-CorpInfo-CorpGov-FinancialStatements%20(1MB). pdf Viewed: 20/7/2010 [ 10 ]. ELM international, Inc, 2010. Automotive supplier information: Malaysia. Available on: http://www. eautoportal. com/eap/data/country/country. asp? show=Malaysia Viewed: 2 3/7/2010 [ 11 ]. Malaysia: Government will impose excise duty on cars to make up tax revenue, 2003. Available on: http://www. just-auto. com/news/government-will-impose-excise-duty-on-cars-to-make-up-tax-revenue-report_id80405. aspx Viewed: 20/7/2010 12 ]. Wong, A. , Chia, H. G. , Chew, K. Y. , 2010. Review of the national automotive policy Available on: http://www. bakermckenzie. com/RROperatingReviewoftheNationalFeb10/ Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 13 ]. Wong, H. T. , 2006. Foreign direct investment in manufacturing industry of Malaysia: An empirical study. Available on: http://myais. fsktm. um. edu. my/8153/1/Foreign_Direct_Investment. pdf Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 14 ]. World investment and political risk, 2009. Net FDI inflows, 2000-2008 Available on: http://www. miga. org/documents/flagship09ebook_annexes. pdf Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 15 ]. World consumer lifestyles databook, 2001. Gross income per capita 1990-2009. Available on: http://www. euromonitor. com/pdf/wcld_samples. pdf Viewed: 20/7/2010 [ 16 ]. Appendix 1 [ 17 ]. Appendix 2 [ 18 ]. Approval of manufacturing projects, 2008. Available on: http://210. 187. 41. 3/beta/view. php? cat=3scat=5pg=116 Viewed: 27/7/2010 [ 19 ]. Automotive News Topics, 2008. Malaysia Budget 2009 : 100 percent exemption of import duty and a 50 percent exemption in the excise duty for CBU hybrid cars Available at: http://kereta. info/malaysia-budget-2009-100-percent-exemption-of-import-duty-and-a-50-percent-exemption-in-the-excise-duty-for-cbu-hybrid-cars/ Viewed: 23/7/2010 20 ]. Malaysia: Government will impose excise duty on cars to make up tax revenue, 2003. Available on: http://www. just-auto. com/news/government-will-impose-excise-duty-on-cars-to-make-up-tax-revenue-report_id80405. aspx Viewed: 20/7/2010 [ 21 ]. Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), 2010. 2009 top 10 popular car model in Malaysia. Available on: http://www . etawau. com/HTML/Car/INDEX_TopModel. htm Viewed: 24/7/2010 [ 22 ]. Perodua Viva, 2007. Available on: http://www. peroduapromosi. com/index. php? p=1_9_VIVA Viewed:

The History of Death and Burial Customs

The History of Death and Burial Customs Death has always been both celebrated and feared. As far back as 60,000 BCE, humans buried their dead with ritual and ceremony. Researchers have even found evidence that Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers, much as we do today. Appeasing the Spirits Many early burial rites and customs were practiced to protect the living, by appeasing the spirits who were thought to have caused the persons death. Such ghost protection rituals and superstitions have varied extensively with time and place, as well as with religious perception, but many are still in use today. The custom of shutting the eyes of the deceased is believed to have begun this way, done in an attempt to close a window from the living world to the spirit world. Covering the face of the deceased with a sheet comes from pagan beliefs that the spirit of the deceased escaped through the mouth. In some cultures, the home of the deceased was burned or destroyed to keep his spirit from returning; in other,s the doors were unlocked and windows were opened to ensure that the soul was able to escape. In 19th century Europe and America, the dead were carried out of the house feet first, in order to prevent the spirit from looking back into the house and beckoning another member of the family to follow him, or so that he couldnt see where he was going and would be unable to return. Mirrors were also covered, usually with black crepe, so the soul would not get trapped and be left unable to pass to the other side. Family photographs were also sometimes turned face-down to prevent any of the close relatives and friends of the deceased from being possessed by the spirit of the dead. Some cultures took their fear of ghosts to an extreme. The Saxons of early England cut off the feet of their dead so the corpse would be unable to walk. Some aborigine tribes took the even more unusual step of cutting off the head of the dead, thinking this would leave the spirit too busy searching for his head to worry about the living. Cemetery Burial Cemeteries, the final stop on our journey from this world to the next, are monuments (pun intended!) to some of the most unusual rituals to ward off spirits, and home to some of our darkest, most terrifying legends and lore. The use of tombstones may go back to the belief that ghosts could be weighed down. Mazes found at the entrance to many ancient tombs are thought to have been constructed to keep the deceased from returning to the world as a spirit, since it was believed that ghosts could only travel in a straight line. Some people even considered it necessary for the funeral procession to return from the graveside by a different path from the one taken in with the deceased, so that the departeds ghost wouldnt be able to follow them home. Some of the rituals which we now practice as a sign of respect to the deceased, may also be rooted in a fear of spirits. Beating on the grave, the firing of guns, funeral bells, and wailing chants were all used by some cultures to scare away other ghosts at the cemetery. In many cemeteries, the vast majority of graves are oriented in such a manner that the bodies lie with their heads to the West and their feet to the East. This very old custom appears to originate with the Pagan sun worshippers, but is primarily attributed to Christians who believe that the final summons to Judgment will come from the East. Some Mongolian and Tibetan cultures are famous for practicing sky burial, placing the body of the deceased on a high, unprotected place to be consumed by wildlife and the elements. This is part of the Vajrayana Buddhist belief of transmigration of spirits, which teaches that respecting the body after death is needless as it is just an empty vessel.

APPLIED INTEGRATED BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

APPLIED INTEGRATED BUSINESS - Essay Example From the above, various companies use various methods to ensure their success through both employee and customer satisfaction. This is because employee and customer satisfaction are the keys to business success. The video shows a manager who does not put customer needs at the core. The lady at the reception informs him of the dissatisfied customer but he reluctantly comes without the feel of urgency required. When dealing with customers, their needs should be given priority for them to have a sense of importance (Roche & Self 2012, p. 67). Moreover, the manager should ensure customer needs are met at all costs. The customer at the reception is urgently in need of a room but the manager downplays this urgency and seems to be interested in having an affair with her. Managers should draw boundaries between their social and professional lives. More so, the managers should not involve their customers in their social life at all costs (Roche & Self 2012, p. 141). The welfare and the needs of all categories of customers should be catered for, and in the event that a mishap occurs, remedy measures should be taken within the shortest time possible. This does not seem to be the case with the manager who fails to courteously assist the person on the wheelchair who is locked out of a reception due to inaccessibility of the venue. Furthermore, managers should use polite language whenever dealing with their clients as well as their employees (Roche & Self 2012, p. 101). This is paramount in ensuring good customer relations and the employees transfer it to the customers. The manager fails to courteously address the receptionist upon being told of the customer who wants to speak to him. Though he says he is busy, he clearly is not as he is taking coffee while checking the local daily. Good customer and employee etiquette requires the manager to listen carefully to

Obamas budget plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Obamas budget plan - Essay Example Obama’s budget indicates that the country’s deficit will increase this year to its highest post-World War II level, and then gradually decrease over the decade. The article indicates, however, that it will remain at ‘troublesome levels’. Obama argues that his budget will save over $1 trillion by ending the previous administration’s tax cuts and by enacting a three year spending freeze. (the spending freeze won’t include spending on health programs, national security, and veteran’s programs) However, the article indicates that the savings are only, â€Å"one-fifth of the size of the debt that will pile up from now to 2020.† Major areas of change will occur in tax cuts. Large budget spending on military equipment will be supplanted by spending on education and civilian research. Taxes among oil companies and affluent citizens will rise. Small businesses, however, will see large amounts of tax reductions over the next decade. Spending will continue on the proposed health care system and energy infrastructure.. Food and drug research and biomedical technology will also receive increased funding. While NASA’s budget will be further reduced, spending on science will rise as the National Science Foundation will receive, â€Å"$7.4 billion, a nearly 8 percent increase from the budget last year.† While Republicans criticize Obama for the rising levels of debt, he argues that his administration will still maintain its goal of reducing the deficit in half before the end of his term in office. The article indicates that spending will necessarily rise as towards the end of the decade with large amounts of retiring baby boomers. Increasing health costs are greatly centered around the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institute of Health, both of which are receiving multi-billion dollar increases in funding. The article contends that a number of Obama’s proposed spending cuts may be difficult to enact in

Why Chinese communist party-led governance in China is stable and Essay

Why Chinese communist party-led governance in China is stable and sustainable - Essay Example Chinese Communist Party formed the strategy to achieve a peaceful rise after the entry of China’s economy into rapid growth period. An important role in this was played by the introduction of the Open Door Policy and the Reform in China. Times changed for better during the second half of the 20th century as the world moved from war toward peace. This very important change had a far-reaching impact on all of the world in general and on the developing countries in particular. In the present age, when development and cooperation is sought by most countries, the peaceful rise strategy of China has become consistent with the global trend. Sun Yat-sen expresses this notion in these words, â€Å"World progress is like a tidal wave. Those who ride it will prosper, and those who sail against it will perish† (Yat-sen cited in Jianmin). Chinese communist party-led governance in China is stable and sustainable because of its prudent strategies and foresightedness. Political Trends Mao’s Cultural Revolution caused the state economy to collapse. China was left in a profound identity crisis and required radical restructuring of its national character. Deng Xiaoping’s first challenge after his resumption of power in 1976 was to address this exigency with acceptable values and norms (Lu and Simons). Since 1978, the ruling Communist Party in China has directed the country’s foreign policy at development of strategic partnership with China’s old Western enemies and moved China’s economy toward capitalism.... etween the ideological strategies and fervor that worked during the yenan years, the prevailing condition of peasantry, and demands of the developing economy in China (Pradnyawati 33). â€Å"In  the  post ­Mao  Zedong  era,  the party  ideology  has  successfully  shifted  from  that  of  class struggle  to  one of  economic  development† (Zheng 13). In contrast to Mao, Xiaoping’s pragmatic leadership placed emphasis on economic development of China and relinquished mass political movements. The leadership adopted policies of economic reform at the Third Plenum in December 1978 in order to expand rural incentives and income, boost experimentation in enterprise autonomy, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce central planning. The plenum resolved to accelerate the process of legal reform. After resurgence of the conservatives resulting from military intervention in Beijing on 4 June 1989, the process of economic reform slowed do wn. It was Xiaoping’s visit to China that gave economic reform a new impetus in early 1992. At the 14th Party Congress, Xiaoping’s renewed efforts to make Chinese economy market-oriented got official sanction. Many pro-reform young leaders were rising to top positions at that time. Xiaoping made management of economy in a way that prioritized improvement of living standards in China his primary policy objective even if that required adoption of capitalist measures. Xiaoping’s economic openness policies were publicly endorsed by the Communist Party Politburo. Ever since, China has placed emphasis on economic openness. This has played a great role in China becoming the second largest economy in the contemporary world. State and society The Chinese leadership proceeded toward increasingly pragmatic positions in a variety of fields