Business Research Report Attitudes - Values and Beliefs

Question: Discuss about the Business Research Report Attitudes, Values and Beliefs. Answer: Background to the study, the research question/objectives/hypothesis and/or topic, the researchers and the target audience This report comprises of a review of a social research survey carried out in 2008 by the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation and published in 2010, authored by Fleur McLaren on the attitude, values and beliefs on violence within New Zealand families. The survey was based on a background that a lot of violent cases within families where intimate relationships exist, are as a result of attitudes, beliefs and values that excuse violence within the society, at different times (McLaren 2010). Further, the background to the study indicates that a lot of violent partners and/or individuals in families hold different views towards violence and could excuse it as the best option at some points. The effects of violence are many but some individuals only believe that violence is not harmful as long as there are no physical injuries (McLaren 2010). Even so, this is not the case and therefore, the research would later indicate the need to still fight family violence due to other effects suc h as mental problems among others. The survey was carried out in order to come up with actions that the New Zealand communities could fight the war against violence in homes and in relationships. The research targeted men, women, children and the elderly in New Zealand (McLaren 2010). However, the information is intended to reach all concerned parties including human rights institutions, policy advocacy groups, the communities in general and the New Zealand government, more so the law making arm, and the judiciary. The objectives of the study included to; determine the different definitions of family violence by New Zealanders; gauge their levels of awareness on family violence, determine different attitudes held by New Zealanders regarding family violence and measuring the extent at which New Zealanders are ready to take appropriate action against cases of family violence. Research Methods Used Outlining Their Strengths, Limitations and Appropriateness for the Research Question/Objectives/Hypothesis and/or Topic The survey involved the use of questionnaires and face-to-face interviews that were served to respondents in households in areas including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Hastings/Napier, Invercargill, Whangarei, Palmerston North, Rotorua, New Plymouth, and Tauranga among others (McLaren 2010). The two methods were the main techniques of collecting information, which was later analysed and presented in tables, graphs and percentages. The Strengths of Using Questionnaires The use of questionnaires ensures that the researcher does not leave out any concern outlined in the objectives with an aim of achieving the results from the field. They are also convenient in areas where community members are literate. One may need to be able to read and understand before filling in the answers. In this regard, a research assistant can help a respondent in reading and interpreting the questions to the respondent, in order to obtain answers to fill in the questionnaire (Frick 2009). Further, questionnaires could be translated into a different language by the researcher and still maintain the same thoroughness in its approach to answering each question, related to the objectives of the research (Frick 2009). Another advantage of using questionnaires is that the data obtained can be easily fed into analytical systems such as SPSS, to provide presentable information, which can provide the trends and the situation on the ground. This was the case for this particular rese arch. In regard to weaknesses first, it is clear that questionnaires are quite time consuming and may need a lot of time to fill in (Frick 2009). In this case, the researcher approximate that the questionnaire or the interview would take 40 minutes with little disruptions. However, this means that those who cannot be first enough in answering the questions would take more than an hour. The long time taken to interview an individual would need the researcher to only interview or serve the respondents with questionnaires when they have little commitments such as work. For interviews, it is clear that they also must have taken a long time for respondents in households. Sometimes interviews are affected by a language barrier (Toot et al 2015). In the areas identified for this social research on attitudes, values and beliefs on violence, it is clear that some respondents may not be good in expressing themselves in English. Therefore, a need to translate into ones convenient language could make an individual to be skipped by research assistants, or find a research assistant, familiar with an individuals own preferred language. Even so, interviews are crucial, as they help in substituting questionnaires, where they may not be necessary and/or effective (Toot et al 2015). Interviews help in collecting first hand information for the respondents and if an audio is used in this case, a researcher can be able to read it and transcribe it later, into actual responses in the preferred language, in line with the questionnaires. The use of interviews was crucial in this case, as some of the community members would want to share more crucial information regarding violence in families (Toot et al 2015). Being a sensitive aspect in society, talking to individuals who might have at one point, been involved in family feuds leading to violence could b viewed by the individual as an opportunity to share their problems and feel relieved. The interviews and questionnaires could still work as awareness creation tools through using a whole set of inquiries on the less talked about topic in society; violence in families. Theref ore, the choice of questionnaires and face-to-face interview by the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation was quite appropriate for this research. Evaluation of Ethical considerations This research considered five main principles of research ethics. One of the principles indicates that there is need to minimize the risk of harm. In this regard, the research questionnaires and the interviews included questions that could not directly bring any emotional harm to the respondents, who were the sample population of the New Zealanders according to Jacobsen (2011). Thus, direct confrontational questions were adjusted into properly crafted quizzes, where an individual could just respond to them without being angered and/or feeling targeted. The second principle of research ethics states that there is need to obtain an informed consent (Jacobsen2011). The Centre for Social Research and Evaluation sought the permission of authorities in the areas mentioned above, to allow the researchers to collect information legally. Further, the household respondents were asked to volunteer in their response, without coercion. It was ones own choice to accept to be respondents, on the request of the researcher on family violence attitudes, beliefs and values in New Zealand. Thirdly, the need to protect anonymity was taken care of as indicated by the researchers. It is important to assure respondents of their privacy, and their information must not be shared with anyone, except for research analysis purposes (Lewis 2010). The researcher asked the respondents to give their names at will (Sachs 2010). However, those who did not want to indicate their names were asked to at least, indicate the area they came from for analytical reasons. Further, the researchers avoided any deceptive practices in seeking for information from the public (Sachs 2010). Similarly, the respondents were asked not to include any false information, as it would render the study inaccurate. The last principle in regard to the need to provide an individual respondent or group the right to withdraw from taking part in the research (Sachs 2010). As stated above, the researcher allowed the respondents to give responses at will. Those who accepted to be interviewed or served with the questionnaires did so at their own will. Thus, those who would wish to withdraw were left out in order to concentrate on willing respondents. Summary of the Findings The survey brought out different results in regard to the attitudes, the values n the believes of New Zealand citizens on violence that occurs within families. The first finding was that majority of the respondents strongly believed that violence in families, was not as a solution to particular misunderstandings. In this regard, they indicated that there are many options, which one could use to solve misunderstandings, since it is normal for family members to at one point or the other misunderstand each other (McLaren 2010). Among the options, include seeking advice from friends and family, reporting some cases to authorities that could be extreme and/or solving one on one through talking out the issue, especially in intimate relationships. Secondly, the study established that majority of the respondents had attitudes which were in support of the equality of men and women in a given relationship (McLaren 2010). Therefore, there is need for mutual agreements in regard to different crucial decisions in relationships. When there are issues to be addressed therefore, each party must be considered equal, and not inferior. This is because the later breeds violence due to misunderstandings that crop up in families and in other intimate relationships between men and women. Thirdly, the study established that all respondents strongly indicated that they believed that all members of society suffer negative outcomes from violence. These include women, men, elderly in society, and children. Injuries could be sustained; emotional suffering including mental complications among other effects develop as a result of violence. In extreme cases, violence leads to deaths of partners, children or generally family members (McLaren 2010). Another finding related to this was that most of the respondents indicated that they were not in agreement that violence is only harmful when there is physical injury. This myth was refuted by majority of these respondents indicating that they were aware of other effects of violence mentioned above. Another finding was that majority of the respondents indicated that it remains the responsibility of the community to support the members to be violence-free and develop relationships with their intimate partners, the elderly parents and the children. Even so, competing beliefs were noted, indicating that what happened in ones home is a private issue. However, there were competing beliefs held by the same respondents that what happens in any given home is a private issue (McLaren 2010). The study established that most community members were willing to take action in times of family violence, except where they thought it was none off their business to take a particular action, to subvert any family violence, away from their own homes. Extent to Which the Conclusions and/or Recommendations Are Well-Founded and Justified The research concludes and recommends first that there is need for education in order to change different beliefs regarding violence and at the same time, emphasize that there should be no excuses to be given for a lack of control and a choice for violence in resolving issues. This statement is well founded according to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2008), since majority of advocacy groups on violence indicate that educating individuals in intimate relationships and communities on violence is a huge step towards changing their attitudes towards the issue. In regard to the effects of violence, the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation recommends that New Zealanders need to be educated on how to support victims to leave violent relationships and ensure that each of the victims is safe. This recommendation is justified, since people need to be aware of the reasons that influence women for instance, to remain in violent relationships (Adams 2007). This could help the community to understand how to support these individuals, even at the time they need to leave the relationship, if the partner or assailant continues with the misbehavior. The researcher further recommends the use of mass media campaigns to end violence in homes. This is a justified approach as mass media is far reaching, than any other campaigns aimed at educating individuals against the continuously reported cases of violence (Adams 2007). The media will help also to notify the assaulters the penalties they could face if handed to the authorities and charged in New Zealand courts of law. Research Context Implications for the Research Process Outcomes Since the research takes a social context, the research processes including the methodologies used in gathering information have been tailor-made to suit the respondents an obtain the outcomes that reflect the actual situation on the ground. The context of the study considers that the researchers use the appropriate language, structure the questions that are in line with research ethics, and indulge the respondents professionally in the interviews. Further, the context of the research calls for the need to involve authorities for permission, and high-level professionalism. Violence in families is regarded as a sensitive issue and a researcher may not be sure whether the respondent has been exposed to it at one point in their homes. Thus, the context influences generally, the choice of methods of data collection, and the presentation of the outcomes to the public. References Fleur McLaren (2010) Attitudes, Values and Beliefs about Violence within Families 2008 Survey Findings. Centre for Social Research and Evaluation. ISBN 978-0-478-32359-7 Adams, D (2007). Why Do They Kill? Men who murder their intimate partners. Violence Against Women; 14, 727. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Strategic Direction for Intimate Partner Violence Prevention: Promoting Respectful, Nonviolent Intimate Partner Relationships through Individual, Community and Societal Change. https://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/IPV_Strategic_Direction_One-Pager-a.pdf Cercone, J J,Beach, S R H, Arias, I (2005). Gender symmetry in dating intimate partner violence: Does similar behavior imply similar constructs? Violence and Victims, 20(2), 207-218. Chamberland, C, Fortin, A, Laporte, J (2007). Men's recognition of violence against women and spousal abuse: comparison of three groups of men. Violence and Victims, 22(4), 419-436. Fanslow, J (2005). Beyond Zero Tolerance: Key issues and future directions for family violence work in New Zealand. The report for the Families Commission, Wellington, New Zealand. Fanslow, J L Robinson, E M (in press). Help-seeking behaviors and reasons for help seeking reported by a representative sample of women victims of intimate partner violence in New Zealand. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Flood, M Pease, B (2006). The Factors Influencing Community Attitudes in Relation to Violence against Women: A Critical Review of the Literature Paper Three of the Violence against Women Community Attitudes Project. Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit, Victoria Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne. Jacobsen, K. (2011). Research Ethics: Principles, Practices, and Reporting. World Medical Health Policy, 3(2), 40-46. https://dx.doi.org/10.2202/1948-4682.1161 Lewis, J. (2010). Ethics Principles for Social Science Research: Report of a Meeting on 22 March 2010 Jointly Sponsored by AREC, the Social Research Association and the Academy of Social Sciences. Research Ethics, 6(2), 56-57. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/174701611000600206 SACHS, B. (2010). Going from principles to rules in research ethics. Bioethics, 25(1), 9-20. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8519.2009.01744.x Frick, K. (2009). Microcosting Quantity Data Collection Methods. Medical Care, 47(Supplement), S76-S81. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/mlr.0b013e31819bc064 Toot, J., Pringle, T., Berkley, K., Simons, M., Atterson, P. (2015). Manual versus automated data collection: Evaluation of a modified testing paradigm and learning/memory endpoints using a complex water T-maze in juvenile rats. Journal Of Pharmacological And Toxicological Methods, 75, 163-164. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vascn.2015.08.021

Wild Oats Swot free essay sample

It offers a selection of perishable foods designed to appeal to both natural foods and gourmet shoppers. The company’s private label offerings feature over 2000 SKUs. Whole Foods Market markets its private label products under different brand names 365 Everyday Value, 365 Organic Everyday Value, and the Whole Brands family. The products sold under the 365 brand (365 Everyday Value and 365 Organic Everyday Value) are less expensive than other products offered at Whole Foods Markets stores. The 365 Organic Everyday Value brand provides all of the benefits of organic food at lower prices. Whole Kids Organic is an organic food product line developed for children under the Whole Kids label. Whole brands family includes Whole Kitchen (pre-packaged fresh and frozen grocery), Whole Treat (frozen desserts and candies), Whole Catch (frozen seafood items), Whole Fields (produce and produce support items), Whole Pantry (pantry items such as flavored olive oils and vinegars), Whole Creamery (cheeses), Whole Ranch (frozen burgers and franks) and Whole Paws (pet food). We will write a custom essay sample on Wild Oats Swot or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In addition to these, the company has number of store-made and regionally-made fresh items sold under the Whole Foods Market label. It also offers specialty and organic coffees and teas through its Allegro Coffee Company subsidiary. This wide product range allows the company to address multiple customer segments and price points which help to limit it from fall in demand for any specific product or segment. Weaknesses: Relatively small scale of operations The company has small scale of operations as compared to its competitors. It has 263 stores in 37 states in the US, 7 stores in Canada, and 6 in the UK. The company’s competitor, Supervalu, has 2,478 stores and its operations span across 48 states in the US. Safeway, another competitor of the company, has 1,775 stores across the US and Canada. Beside these companies, Whole Foods Market has to compete with big players, like Wal-Mart, which operates in 15 countries. All of these retailers are expanding its natural and organic food offering. Whole Foods Matket’s relatively small scale of operations is likely to prove a drain on the resources of the company. Conservative advertising policy The company relies heavily on word-of-mouth publicity, a disadvantage in comparison to those rivals who aggressively use print, television and online media. It spends meager amounts on advertising and marketing. In 2007, Whole Foods Market spent 0. 5% of total revenues on advertising. Although demand for organic foods is increasing, there is scope to step up the growth rate through aggressive advertising given that consumer awareness of organic products is still relatively low. Competition in the segment is also increasing as more retailers begin to offer organic products. With Whole Foods Market still relying heavily on word-of-mouth publicity, as a result, its new stores may take longer than usual to break even. Opportunities: Increasing demand for organic products Natural and organic food products segment is one of the fastest growing categories in food retailing. In 2006, organic food market grew by 12. 3% to reach a value of $15. 9 billion. The US is the most lucrative market for organic food in the world, accounting for 43. 3% of global market’s value. In 2011, the US organic food market is forecast to have a value of $26. 3 billion, an increase of 65. 6% since 2006. Consumers across the US are showing increased preference for natural, fat-free and healthy food products. Increasing customer preference for organic foods is likely to favorably impact the company’s sales. Expansion in UK – and other geo-markets The UK organic food market grew by 30% in 2006 to reach a value of $2. 9 billion. The UK market for organic food is expected to increase by 86. 5% since 2006 to reach a value of $5. 4 billion by 2011. Also, UK accounts for 19. 9% of the European organic food markets value. Whole Foods Market has six stores in the UK; it operates five stores acquired from Fresh Wild. The sixth store company opened in June 2007 is 80,000 square foot store in London, and is its first major store in Europe. The company could exploit the growth of the UK organic food and drinks market to expand its existing operations, which would result in earning incremental revenues. Whole Foods does not currently participate in markets outside North America and the UK. Acquisition of Wild Oats The company acquired Wild Oats, a natural and organic foods retailer in North America in August 2007. Wild Oat’s acquisition has added 74 stores (70 in US and 4 in Canada) in Whole Foods Market’s chain of stores. This acquisition will boost the competitive position and provide wider presence in the natural and organic food market in the US and Canada. This would also increase company’s customer base and leverage growing demand for natural and organic food products to increase its revenues. Threats: Competition The company faces intense competition in the single market it operates in. Its competitors currently include other natural foods supermarkets, conventional and specialty supermarkets, other natural foods stores, warehouse membership stores, small specialty stores and restaurants. It faces competition from Kroger’s, a US retailer operating 2,507 stores under numerous banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers and Smith’s. Kroger’s also operates 791 convenience stores. Big players like Wal-Mart and supermarkets like Safeway are expanding product ranges and introducing natural and organic personal care products. Increased competition may have an adverse effect on profitability as the result of lower sales, lower gross profits and/or greater operating costs such as marketing. Labeling and other regulations As the company operates in the natural and organic foods market, its stores and products are subject to several laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation and food labeling. Several federal agencies and departments including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set critical standards for the manufacture, processing, formulation, packaging, labeling and advertising of products. Failure to comply with these standards could result in penalties and seizure of marketing and sales licenses. These regulations also result in additional compliance costs, which reduce company’s margins. Economic slowdown in US The US is the key market of the company. According to the IMF world economy outlook, the real GDP growth of the US is expected to slowdown in 2008. The GDP growth of the US economy is forecasted to slow down from 3. 3% in 2006 to 2. 8% in 2008. A weak economic outlook for the US would put pressure on the revenues of the company. Summary: Whole Foods Market is a retailer of natural and organic food products. The company offers a broad product selection in all its stores, including seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, prepared foods, specialty, nutritional supplements and vitamins, body care, books, floral products, pet products and household products. The company has recorded strong financial performance in the recent years, which has helped the company to pursue its expansion plans. However, competition in the organic and natural foods market threatens to erode the market share of the company that could reduce its margins.

Occupational Health and Safety essays

Occupational Health and Safety essays 1. How different food should be stored at the correct temperate and in right conditions. Long life foods such as spaghetti, spices, dried beans, peas, dried fruits, coffee and tea should be should be stored in clean, dry, clearly labelled and airtight containers. Canned foods should be stored in a dry area so the cans dont rust. Bottled foods should be stored in a dark cupboard as light can affect the food. Perishable foods such as bread and cakes should be stored in clean containers in a cool dry place for about 1-2 weeks. Cereals and cookies keep for 3-4 weeks when stored in clean containers in a cool dry place. Potatoes and onions keep for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark place. Highly perishable foods or short life foods These foods should be stored in the fridge between 2 degrees celsius and 5 degrees celsius. After the due date, the growth of bacteria and moulds may cause deterioration in the texture and flavour of the food and the production of toxins causing food poisoning. 2. What process occurs in the food if it is not store correctly? If the food smell and looks OK does it mean its OK to eat? When foods that are not stored properly the growth of bacteria and moulds can occur and it may cause deterioration in the food. Which means it could lead to food poisoning, when storing foods you should keep different types of foods separate because it could lead to cross contamination. In most cases if the food looks and smells OK means that it is OK to eat. 3. If you feel sick after eating something, what could it be and why? It could be that you are allergic to things you eat or food poisoning. Lots of people are allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, fish or shellfish. If you're allergic to a certain food, it might make you feel sick after you've eaten it. You might get a headache, an itchy rash, a blocked nose, or even diarrhoea. ...

General William Tecumseh Sherman - Civil War

General William Tecumseh Sherman - Civil War William T. Sherman - Early Life William Tecumseh Sherman was born February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, OH. The son of Charles R. Sherman, a member of the Ohio Supreme Court, he was one of eleven children. Following his fathers untimely death in 1829, Sherman was sent to live with the family of Thomas Ewing. A prominent Whig politician, Ewing served as a US Senator and later as the first Secretary of the Interior. Sherman would marry Ewings daughter Eleanor in 1850. When he reached the age of sixteen, Ewing arranged an appointment for Sherman to West Point. Entering the US Army A good student, Sherman was popular but accumulated a large number of demerits due to a disregard for the rules pertaining to appearance. Graduating sixth in the class of 1840, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 3rd Artillery. After seeing service in the Second Seminole War in Florida, Sherman moved through assignments in Georgia and South Carolina where his connection to Ewing allowed him to mingle with the high society of the Old South. With the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846, Sherman was assigned to administrative duties in newly-captured California. Remaining in San Francisco after the war, Sherman helped confirm the discovery of gold in 1848. Two years later he was promoted to captain, but remained in administrative positions. Unhappy with his lack of combat assignments, he resigned his commission in 1853 and became a bank manager in San Francisco. Transferred to New York in 1857, he was soon out of job when the bank folded during the Panic of 1857. Attempting law, Sherman opened a short-lived practice in Leavenworth, KS. Jobless, Sherman was encouraged to apply to be the first superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning Military Academy. The Civil War Looms Hired by the school (now LSU) in 1859, Sherman proved an effective administrator who was also popular with the students. With sectional tensions rising and the Civil War looming, Sherman warned his secessionist friends that a war would be long and bloody, with the North eventually winning. Following Louisianas departure from the Union in January 1861, Sherman resigned his post and ultimately took a position running a streetcar company in St. Louis. Though he initially declined a position in the War Department, he asked his brother, Senator John Sherman, to obtain him a commission in May. Shermans Early Trials Summoned to Washington on June 7, he was commissioned as colonel of the 13th Infantry. As this regiment had not yet been raised, he was given command of a volunteer brigade in Major General Irvin McDowells army. One of few Union officers to distinguish themselves at the First Battle of Bull Run the following month, Sherman was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to the Department of the Cumberland at Louisville, KY. That October he was made the departments commander, though he was wary of taking on the responsibility. In this post, Sherman began to suffer what is believed to have been a nervous breakdown. Dubbed insane by the Cincinnati Commercial, Sherman asked to be relieved and returned to Ohio to recover. In mid-December, Sherman returned to active duty under Major General Henry Halleck in the Department of the Missouri. Not believing Sherman mentally capable of field command, Halleck assigned him to a number of rear area positions. In this role, Sherman provided support for Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grants capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. Though senior to Grant, Sherman put this aside and expressed a desire to serve in his army. This wish was granted and he was given command of the 5th Division of Grants Army of West Tennessee on March 1, 1862. The following month, his men played a key role in halting Confederate General Albert S. Johnstons attack at the Battle of Shiloh and driving them off a day later. For this, he was promoted to major general. Forging a friendship with Grant, Sherman encouraged him to remain in the army when Halleck removed him from command shortly after the battle. Following an ineffective campaign against Corinth, MS, Halleck was transferred to Washington and Grant reinstated. Vicksburg Chattanooga Leading the Army of the Tennessee, Grant began advancing against Vicksburg. Pushing down the Mississippi, a thrust led by Sherman was defeated in December at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou. Returning from this failure, Shermans XV Corps were re-routed by Major General John McClernand and took part in the successful, but needless Battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863. Reuniting with Grant, Shermans men played a key role in the final campaign against Vicksburg which culminated in its capture on July 4. That fall, Grant was given overall command in the West as commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi. With Grants promotion, Sherman was made the commander of the Army of the Tennessee. Moving east with Grant to Chattanooga, Sherman worked to aid in breaking the Confederate siege of the city. Uniting with Major General George H. Thomas Army of the Cumberland, Shermans men took part in the decisive Battle of Chattanooga in late November which drove the Confederates back into Georgia. In the spring of 1864, Grant was made the overall commander of Union forces and departed for Virginia leaving Sherman in command of the West. To Atlanta the Sea Tasked by Grant with taking Atlanta, Sherman began moving south with nearly 100,000 men divided into three armies in May 1864. For two and a half months, Sherman conducted a campaign of maneuver forcing Confederate General Joseph Johnston to repeatedly fall back. Following a bloody repulse at Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, Sherman returned to maneuver. With Sherman nearing the city and Johnston showing an unwillingness to fight, Confederate President Jefferson Davis replaced him with General John Bell Hood in July. After a series of bloody battles around the city, Sherman succeeded in driving off Hood and entered the city on September 2. The victory helped ensure the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln. In November, Sherman embarked on his March to the Sea. Leaving troops to cover his rear, Sherman began advancing toward Savannah with around 62,000 men. Believing the South would not surrender until the will of the people was broken, Shermans men conducted a scorched earth campaign which culminated in the capture of Savannah on December 21. In a famed message to Lincoln, he presented the city as a Christmas present to the president. Though Grant wished him to come to Virginia, Sherman won permission for a campaign through the Carolinas. Wishing to make South Carolina howl for its role in starting the war, Shermans men advanced against light opposition. Capturing Columbia, SC on February 17, 1865, the city burned that night, though who started the fires is a source of controversy. Entering North Carolina, Sherman defeated forces under Johnston at the Battle of Bentonville on March 19-21. Learning that General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, Johnston contacted Sherman regarding terms. Meeting at Bennett Place, the Sherman offered Johnston generous terms on April 18 that he believed were line with Lincolns wishes. These were subsequently rejected by officials in Washington who were angered by Lincolns assassination. As a result, final terms, which were purely military in nature, were agreed upon on April 26. The war concluded, Sherman and his men marched in the Grand Review of the Armies in Washington on May 24. Postwar Service Later Life Though tired of war, in July 1865 Sherman was appointed to command the Military Division of the Missouri which included all the lands west of the Mississippi. Tasked with protecting the construction of the trans-continental railroads, he conducted fierce campaigns against the Plains Indians. Promoted to lieutenant general in 1866, he applied his techniques of destroying the enemys resources to the fight by killing large numbers of buffalo. With the election of Grant to the presidency in 1869, Sherman was elevated to Commanding General of the US Army. Though plagued by political issues, Sherman continued the fight on the frontier. Sherman remained his post until stepping down on November 1, 1883 and being replaced by Civil War colleague, General Philip Sheridan. Retiring on February 8, 1884, Sherman moved to New York and became an active member of society. Later that year his name was proposed for the Republican nomination for president, but the old general flatly refused to run for office. Remaining in retirement, Sherman died on February 14, 1891. Following multiple funerals, Sherman was buried in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis. Selected Sources North Georgia: William ShermanUS Army: William T. ShermanHistoryNet: William T. Sherman’s First Campaign of Destruction

Iraq and the Security Challenges Facing the US Essay

Iraq and the Security Challenges Facing the US - Essay Example It's the 21st century, the world is modernizing, and superpowers are helping developing countries develop. The UN, composed f members from most f the countries f the world, was founded to promote peace, security, and economic development throughout the world. As one of, if not the only, current superpower, the United States has an obligation to spread democracy throughout the world, mainly Iraq, as stabilizing the country would bring stability to the volatile Middle-East. The deposition f Saddam Hussein would clear the space for the Iraqi people to establish a truly democratic government and serve as a beacon and inspiration for the spread f democracy throughout the Islamic world. Saddam Hussein massacred his people, the Kurds, and even his own family members, yet he was supposedly elected by 99% f the population. This is the result f a dictatorship government where the people have little to no say. By establishing a democracy in Iraq the people would be bestowed the gift f freedom. We all remember watching the people f Iraq proudly waving their purple-dyed fingers in triumph after voting in their first real elections. Iraqis would have a constitutional democracy in the Arab world, and Americans would have a partner for peace and moderation in the Middle East. The Bush Administration was well aware f these facts, and thus this acted as the motivation for invading Iraq. Some make the argument that by spreading democracy in Iraq, we are doing nothing but imposing a foreign belief on a nation uninterested in this alien form f government. To this it could be said that democracy takes different forms in different cultures, successful free societies are built on common foundations f rule f law, freedom f speech, freedom f assembly, a free economy, and freedom f worship. These are fundamental rights that any nation or population can appreciate. Additionally, according to the "Democratic Domino theory", if and when democracy is established in Iraq, it would spread beyond the nation's borders to the other undemocratic countries f the region, leading to a stable and free Middle East. As President Bush declared, "All Iraqis must have a voice in the new government, and all citizens must have their rights protected." It would be hypocritical f the United States to praise its successful democratic government, but do nothing to promote it in other countries. Thus the spread and establishment f democracy was an absolute real motivation for the invasion f Iraq. To some this argument is flawed. They claim all this was propaganda promoted by the Bush Administration and used as a front to sell the war to the nation. Others, such as the chief foreign columnist f the New York Times, Thomas Friedman, believe the opposite. In a July 16 column entitled "Winning the Real War", Friedman hails the formation f an Iraqi "governing council," handpicked by the US colonial administrator L. Paul Bremer, as the real "liberation" f Iraq,

Inter Organizational Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Inter Organizational Systems - Essay Example ers has grown tremendously since the initial startup by the United States department of Defense in 1969, growth in Internet has expanded creating new ways in which people interact and do business. There is a lot of information obtainable on the internet; the information available on websites is used to serve different audiences, some of it may be helpful for research while other is mere opinions. Therefore, it is upon the viewer to determine how useful the materials they are seeking on the web are to them. Human beings have a natural liking for beautiful objects; in the virtual world the developers of websites realize this inherent human weakness or strength, they utilize it develop a usable and an attractive website. This website http://www.ladpss.org/ is going to be used in evaluating the attractiveness and user-friendliness of a website. An attractive website is one that has a proper layout; it is free from unnecessary advertisements, offers multilingual pages, offering alternative versions of study in formats such as frames or texts amongst other features (Buchanan, 2004). The conventional evaluation technique for attractiveness include the following, First, astute use of color, this should be reflected in color balancing, whereby, pastel colors should have low saturation levels. Secondly, symmetry and style this implies use of curved shapes which attracts more than rectangles. Third, structure, consistent layout and usage of deepening field -layers this stimulates interest in the user, in addition, background image with low saturated color gives depth to the foreground. Choice of media to attracts attention whereby audio and video gives an exciting sensation and increase alertness. Finally, using design of unusual or abstract arouses the users’ imagination (Sutcliffe, 2002). A user-friendly website is defined on user interaction concerning the ease of finding the website through usage of search engines, the time the user takes to find the information

Art Gallery Essay Example for Free

Art Gallery Essay In completion of this assignment the art gallery that I chose to visit was Mark Gallery in Englewood New Jersey. When you walk up to the establishment there are floor to ceiling glass windows that allow you to see everything inside. Facing the gallery there were so many colors that enticed you to enter. The arrangements and art work was spaced out nicely not causing clutter. This allowed you to individually take in each piece on by itself. All of the pieces were very nice but the artist that caught my attention was Mr. Mark Oberndorf. Oberndorf was born in New York but is currently residing in Bergren County New Jersey. He is a contemporary realist painter. Since the age of 10 he has been interested in the visual arts. At an early age some of his beginning works were illustrating his school yearbook to painting murals on his elementary school building. From 1995 to present Oberndorf has had art in various group and solo exhibitions and galleries. Currently his work is currently represented by Mark Gallery of Englewood New Jersey and Westwood Gallery in Westwood New Jersey. I found several of his pieces interesting because they were so basic. Not meaning they did not have levels or dimensions but they put me in the mind of simpler times and relatable memories. His pieces display three dimensional effects on a two dimensional surface with natural lighting effects. All painting are created with oil on linen canvass. Such pieces as the â€Å"Wyckoff Train Station†, â€Å"Dairy Queen† and â€Å"Gas† all represent the Bergren County area and parts of New York prior to the gentrification phase. â€Å"Gas† depicts an old two pump station as you would see it in the 1970’s. The piece of the â€Å"Dairy Queen† shows the classic franchise that was shaped somewhat of a barn prior to the new modernized look you may see today. I can remember as a kid having one of these in our neighborhood. We frequently visited it for a Sunday cone after attending church. I could not wait to stand in line for my soft serve on a cone. Lastly the â€Å"Wyckoff Train Station† is truly a classic single standing building not so big on the side of the tracks. Much dated compared to the enormous train stations and subway stations you see in the big cities such as New York. Through viewing these pieces I would think this is his way of holding on to a piece of history, before all common landmarks that held tradition and memories were torn down. Prior to gentrification in many of our communities there were several sites or establishments that were a common thread to our community. Be it the mom and pop store on the corner to the old fashioned ice cream stand. Gentrification has erased these things with more modernized establishments that help to bring economic wealth for some but forces others out of the neighborhoods and communities that they have been a part of for quite some time.