Euthanasia Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Euthanasia - Article Example physical or mental pain without prospect of relief† and have â€Å"provided a medical practitioner, while appearing to be lucid, with two written requests more than 10 days apart expressly stating the person’s free and informed consent to opt to die†. Organizations opposed to the idea of euthanasia aver that the contentions were weak and insufficient. In particular the phrase: â€Å"appearing to be lucid† is subject to scrutiny and subjective assessment of its veracity. Euthanasia has been specifically defined as â€Å"the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. The key word here is "intentional". If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia.† (Euthanasia.com 1) The problem has been a source of controversial debate since people from diverse parts of the world hold various beliefs and values that run counter to the objective of euthanasia. Killing, has been viewed, as a criminal act and whatever purpose it deems to be achieved, it is still regarded as contrary to human law. Organizations and states which supported and legalized euthanasia have done so on the grounds that patients who are in pain and suffering without any recourse for recovery should be accorded with the right to die with dignity. The issue therefore continues to be debated upon with an impending bill seeking amendment to the Criminal Code to permit the â€Å"right to die with dignity†. The author concluded the article through inferring that despite identification of particular circumstances allowing euthanasia, it still could be subject to loopholes. Collier (2009, 464) specifically emphasized that the phrase â€Å"appearing to be lucid† is easily contestable given the state of physical and mental condition of the patients. In this regard, he is most likely arguing against euthanasia as a way to end a patient’s misery and pain. The author identified what the particular circumstances are in considering medical practitioners

Pre-testing Essay Example for Free

Pre-testing Essay Pre-testing is a method that attempts to improve ideas and prototypes for submitting them to the relevant group representatives and obtaining their results before the final stage (Varkevisser, Pathmanathan Brownlee, 2003). It may also involve checking whether the material produced is appropriate for the group. It is conducted to determine which the best method to use (Kumar, 2005). Pre-testing is commonly used for methods of collecting data since other methods such as questionnaires, interviewer instructions and observation are frequently prone to subjective interpretation and may distort the results. Need for pre-testing messages and materials in communication strategy Pretest helps ensure that materials convey a clear and effective message to a program’s target audience (Paliwoda Ryan’s, 2008). It is valuable at several stages of message and material development. Some methods can be used used in early stages to test concepts while other methods are more useful when materials are close to final form. It is important to pretest the communication content that is to be produced before finalizing them(Kumar, 2005). By doing so it will give room to gauge reactions, revise the concept and communication materials or may be amend our strategy if its likely to produce undesired results. It is important to make drafts, samples or outlines of materials we intend to produce (Poscente, Rothstein Irvine, 2002). For pre-testing purposes, one can make drafts, outlines or samples of the materials we intend to develop. Subgroups of population with which pre-testing is done Subgroup analyses in addition to the total study population are common in clinical trials. It is well recognized that findings from subgroup analyses do not provide confirmatory evidence for subgroup treatment (Kumar, 2005). PRETESTING METHODS According to Kumar (2005), the most widely used pre-testing tool is the cognitive interview. The other method is central location intercept concept which purpose is to obtain many individual reactions. There is also focus group, which purpose is to obtain insights about audience concerns, beliefs, reactions, and vocabulary. Theartre testing is another method which purpose is to obtain many respondents at once, measure and recall under conditions that simulate actual viewing. There is also self-administered questionnaire, which can be mailed or personally delivered (Paliwoda Ryan’s, 2008). Omnibus survey is also used where data on a wide variety of subjects is collected during the same interview. Interpreting results from pre-testing and refining the messages Refine the most promising concepts and develop messages using your own creative briefs using your creative briefs, results from your concept testing, and a review of relevant communication and behavioral theories. Ensure that you revise the existing materials if necessary. Information messages should communicate some crucial characteristics such as accuracy, completeness, and relevancy (Paliwoda Ryan’s, 2008). REFERENCES Kumar, R, (2005). Research Methodology: a step by step guide for beginners. Vancouver: VC Sage publications Paliwoda S. J. and Ryan’s J. K. (2008). Business and economics. Massachusetts: MA, Edward Elgar, Poscente, N. , Rothstein, M. , Irvine, M. J. (2002). Using marketing research methods to evaluate a stage-specific intervention. American Journal of Health Behavior, 26, 243-251. Varkevisser C. M. , Pathmanathan I. and Brownlee A. T. (2003) Designing and conducting health systems research projects: Proposal development and fieldwork, Volume 1 Washington DC, IDRC.

Analysis Of The Novel The Killer Angels History Essay

Analysis Of The Novel The Killer Angels History Essay The Killer Angels is a historical novel that was authored by Michael Shaara in 1974. The novel is on a narration of four days of the Battle of Gettysburg that took place during the American Civil War. The story is centered on the period between June 30, 1963 when both the Union and the Confederacy soldiers prepare for battle around the town of Gettysburg and the 1st to 3rd of July 1973 when the battle takes place. The novel commences with Harrison, Longstreets spy gathering information on the movement and positioning of the Federal soldiers. Each day of in the novel is narrated from the perspective of the generals from the two sides; James Longstreet and Robert E. Lee on the Confederacys side and John Buford and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain on the Unions side. Michael Shaara narrates the story of Gettysburg, which is among the largest battles in North Americas history to establish the causes of the Civil War. Additionally, he tries to establish the motivations, which led to long-estab lished friends facing each other in battle. Michael Shaara wrote the novel to bring out the significance of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. He provides an accurate account of the events of the Gettysburg War. In the introduction letter that he writes to the reader, Shaara states that he utilized primary sources in writing the books and he did not make any significant alterations in the facts about the War. He aims at bringing this significant part of the American history to life. In the entire novel, the author attempts to portray the both sides of the War without any bias and to highlight the real causes of the War. Shaara uses Harrison, a spy who was hired by General Longstreet to investigate on the actions of the Union forces. This ensures that he remains neutral in his narration of the War. Thus, it can be argued that Michael Shaara was motivated by the urge to bring out the unbiased facts about the Gettysburg War, the real issues that led to the War, and the significance of the War to Americas history. James Longstreet and Robert E. Lees are significant characters in the storys narration. The two are Confederacy soldiers, they trust each other, and they are concerned with the safety of the other. However, they hold varying opinions and tactics about the war. Lee possesses excellent tactical skills though his conventional policies are often in conflict with Longstreets more futurist policies. Lee is a Confederacy general who issues directives from the defensive position. Shaara depicts Lee as wise elderly man who is aware of the fact that his career is almost ending. Lee holds to his conventional ideas of war; however, he appreciates the significance of Longstreets innovative ideas on the war. Lee is an inspiration of the soldiers in the War. He inspires even the wounded soldiers who drag themselves from the Picketts Charge and they beg to be allowed to return to the War. His presence in the War maintains the morale of the Confederacy soldiers. However, his confidence in the soldier s leads to his overestimation of the soldiers might in the War and results in a disaster at Picketts Charge. Lee is depicted as a gentleman, a religious, patient, and a man of honor without vices. He is optimistic and idealistic and believes that his men are capable of doing anything. He is soft-spoken and caring to his men; however, he boldly uses his men and is ready to loose them for a worthy cause. He adopts a religious stand in the war; God is responsible for all the events in the war. Lee is portrayed as a risk taker; he takes risky and daring decisions and is often breaking rules if time is against him. Lee is easily contrasted with Longstreet, a moody man of deep emotions and strong opinions. Longstreet is full of anger and hatred of the War. He believes that the War is a mistake and contests Lees offensive approach. Longstreet prefers establishing a strong defensive position and letting the enemy come to him. He is not portrayed as a coward, but he basis his decisions on the War on the several years of his experience in the army. He is depicted as a total soldier who is devoted to no other cause other than victory in the War. Furthermore, he employs newer approaches in the War compared to Lees conventional approaches and is pained by the death of the soldiers. Thus, contrasting the two generals and their strategies in the War depict that Longstreet was a more superior general with better tactics in the War. Lees tactics were responsible for the death of many soldiers and the eventual loss of the War by the Confederacy. Lastly, Gettysburg played a significant role in the Civil War. The Gettysburg is depicted as a significant part in Americas history. Prior to the Gettysburg War, the Confederacy had won a significant number of wars. However, Gettysburg acted as a turning point for the course of the Civil War. At Gettysburg, the Union gained their first victory in the War. Consequently, they gained momentum in the War and won all the subsequent wars. The Gettysburg War depleted the two sides reserves for the War; it significantly decreased their ammunition and number of soldiers. The North had double, the number of soldiers as the South; additionally, it was more industrialized compared to the South. Thus, the North eventually lost the War due to the lack of resources. This contrasted any other war that had been fought prior to the Gettysburg War.

Teaching as a Profession Essay -- essays papers

Teaching as a Profession Winston Churchill once said â€Å"Kites rise highest against the wind (1942).† Teachers must find enough determination to overcome the adversity, stress, and other factors that might be sending them the message to leave their job, and stick with it. A teaching profession has some positive benefits, but the negative aspects are enough to push people away from a career in this field. Looking in from the outside, a job as a teacher seems ideal. In what other profession do you have every weekend, holiday, and the whole summer off? This is enough to draw a lot of people to the job, but it is not glamorous enough to keep these new teachers around for long and this creates a shortage. There are many reasons causing this shortage of teachers. Among others, stress, lack of respect, and salary are what a lot of the fleeing teachers point to for their early departure from the field. This paper will describe what is going on now in the profession and what the future will bring for the fi eld of teaching. In 1685, St. John Baptist de la Salle originated the training of teachers in France (Columbia Encyclopedia). Teaching has kept growing ever since this time, spreading all across the world. In the colonial period in America, the only requirements for teaching in the lower schools were a modicum of learning and a willingness to work in what was then an ill-paid, low-prestige occupation (Columbia Encyclopedia). The teaching profession is still somewhat looked down on, but it keeps improving with the ever-changing technology. Why teachers are on their way out Teacher retention rates have been on a â€Å"see-saw† for a few years now. According to a survey conducted by National University, reductions in class size, ... ... 2003 from http://www.new-teacher.com/salary.html Potter, Patricia E., Swenk, Dr. Jean, Schrup, Dr. Marie, Smith, Hoyt, and Weekly, Sarah. (2001). The National University Teacher Retention and Attrition Survey. Retrieved March 6,2003, from http://www.nu.edu/newevent/teacher-retention-survey/pdf/teacher.pdf Bajunid, Ibrahim Ahmad. (2003, February 16). Redefining the Teaching Profession. New Straits Times-Management Times. Barry, Paul. (2003, January 16). Trainees Prepare to Take the Heat. Coventry Evening Telegraph. Education Week. (2003, February 21). Teaching as a Profession. American Education’s Online Newspaper. Retrieved April 28, 2003 from http://edweek.org The Associated Press. (2003, January 29). Report: Teacher Retention Biggest School Woe. Retrieved March 10,2003, from http://www.cnn.com/2003/education/01/029/teacher.shortage.ap

eBusiness Models Essay example -- Business and Management Studies

eBusiness Models The modern business world has evolved from the traditional brick and mortar to require companies to develop some form of eBusiness strategy into their business models. Ebusiness can be simply defined as the use of the internet to connect with customers, partners, and suppliers.(Darwinmag, 1) The advent of eBusiness has not only grown tradition businesses but has also paved the way a whole group of internet based companies that find the online environment as the primary market. There are various eBusiness models but this paper will focus on Business-2-Consumer, Consumer-2-Consumer, and eGovernment. These various models offer both businesses and consumers opportunities to interact that may not have existed before the internet. B2C – BMWUSA BMW is a well known luxury automobile manufacturer that prides itself on building â€Å"The Ultimate Driving Machine.† BMWUSA.com is the internet website that offers consumers a place to view current models, build and price vehicles, locate dealers, compare models to competitors, and other features that give the customer information about company and its products. The site is primarily used as an information tool for consumers to view the company’s model lineup and gather information on events such as car shows and charity events. The site does offer real-time inventory tracking for its Certified Pre-Owned vehicles but not for new model inventory. The potential buyer is able to view the current model lineup and go to build their specific vehicle. Once the specific vehicle is priced, the customer is offered the option to compare their vehicle to other BMWs or competitor vehicles. The customer is then directed to calculate financing options. The final step is sending the customer inquiry to local dealership via e-mail. There are several weaknesses with the current format as the prices calculated on the website are only MSRP and does not reflect actual dealer negotiated prices. Another drawback is that the customer web experience does not complete the buying process as the customer is required to go to the dealership to make the actual purchase. Customers are able to make orders via e-mail contact but actual pricing information is rarely given via this median. Once the consumer has actually ordered a vehicle from a dealership, they are then offered access to the â€Å"eli... ...ite benefit by retrieving accurate government information and documents in a single resource. The IRS benefits by reducing the volume of inquiries to the actual offices about the documents and other information that is available on the site. Summary All of these eBusiness models serve to inform and engage the target audience and provide an added level of efficiency to the business, seller, or agency. The provider of the internet site has a particular agenda whether to promote or inform and these site provide around the clock access to this information. The sites offer information on product offerings but also corporate or agency information like employment opportunities. In each case, the site serves to improve efficiencies within the firm to market their particular offerings. References: BMW Homepage, http://www.bmwusa.com , Retrieved November 15, 2004. Darwin Executive Guides, http://guide.darwinmag.com/technology/ebusiness/b2c/ , Retrieved November 15, 2004. Ebay, http://www.ebay.com . Retrieved November 16, 2004 IRS Homepage, http://www.irs.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2004. Rayport-Jawprski. (2003). Introduction to e-Commerce. McGraw-Hill..

God’s Business Man Essay

A successful Christian business man may sound like an oxymoron, but that was R. G LeTourneau. He built big, powerful machinery that could do things that no other machine could do before, but he also believes that a Christian business man owes as much to God as a preacher does (LeTourneau, 1967). Mr. LeTourneau states, â€Å"God needs businessmen as partners as well as preachers† (1967). Imagine a man becoming a very successful Christian business man, the founder of LeTourneau University, and a leader of many missionary works. The proceeding essay will discuss the man, his faith, and my personal reflection of R. G. LeTourneau. R. G. LeTourneau-The Man- Robert Gilmour LeTourneau (November 30, 1888 – June 1, 1969) was born in Richford, Vermont. R. G. Letourneau had little interest in a formal education, and left school at the young age of fourteen. While working in Portland, Organ at the East Portland Iron Works, as a machinist, he studied mechanics from an International Correspondence School, but never finished. Although he did not earn a formal education he did become famously know for earthmoving machinery, which he was granted hundreds of patents for his inventions. The bulldozer, bridge spans, scrapers of all sorts, rollers, dump wagons, the electric wheel, logging equipment, portable cranes, and many others are examples of his revolutionary inventions. R. G. LeTourneau always had a positive attitude, and did not quit when he faced problems. He prayed about the issues, reviewed them, and continued to work hard until he resolved the problems. R. G. LeTourneau once said â€Å"The only difference between can and can’t is a little extra effort† (1967). R. G. LeTourneau- His Faith-Mr. LeTourneau was also known to be a Christian business man that was very generous. He was the founder of a private Christian university, LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas as well as a philanthropist to many Christian causes. His life’s verse was Matthew 6:33: â€Å"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (1967). He was the fourth child with five brothers and three sisters, and he was described as a restless, impulsive, energetic, determined, ambitious, and a hard worker. He clashed most with his father as a young boy. Later in life LeTourneua married Evelyn Peterson, and helped raise four boys and one daughter. When R. G. LeTourneau turned 30 he dedicated his life to God and did so for the next fifty years. He was respected by his employees and business par tners as a Christian business man. He worked personally alongside his employees, at the controls of his machines, and closely with business partners at corporate meetings. Mr. LeTourneau practiced his faith and communicated it with his employees and others by publishing a paper called NOW, and it reached others worldwide spreading his Christian message. R. G. LeTourneau- My Personal Reflection-Mr. LeTourneau said â€Å"When I visualize a 150-ton crane, I want to see it lift 10 ton the next morning† (1967). I have the same personality traits as Mr. LeTourneau, which is being determined and ambitious. I understand his motivation and vision for inventing new machines. I am personally doing this in my current position at work. I help others by showing them a new way to do things, and assist them with the design and commissioning of the ideas we envision. Another quote from LeTourneau states â€Å"If you waste dollars for me, it’s not too serious- I can make that up. But don’t waste my time – it can’t be recalled† (1967). I understand this quote, because I have learned that my time is very important and time management is imperative for me to be successful in my life, both professionally and personally. I have learned that R. G. LeTourneau was an amazing person, and one of his most impressionable accomplishments was that he founded LeTourneau University. I am filled with joy that I have chosen to earn my business degree from LETU, because I will not only earn my business degree, but will also develop my relationship with God. In conclusion, R. G. LeTourneau â€Å"God’s Businessman† was truly an amazing person. He was a great inventor of earthmoving equipment as well as a generous Christian philanthropist. He founded a private Christian university named LeTourneau University, and conference grounds that carry his name. He believed that God came first and everything else will follow. Mr. LeTourneau was a hardworking man, who preferred to spend his time at the drawing board or spending time on the factory floor with his workers, than live the high-life with other successful businessmen. R. G. LeTourneau suffered a stroke in March 1969, which he never recovered from, and died on June 1, 1969. LeTourneau is known for his earth moving equipment, but will be remembered as â€Å"God’s Businessman†.

President Jackson Guardian of the Constitution

With good intention of building a nation based on principles of freedom, opportunity, and equality, the United States early leaders had many struggles in doing so. A utopia world can be imagined and planned out, but tribulations will always occur, making a utopia impossible to be created. The Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, individual liberty, and equal opportunity, but then again, tribulations are inevitable. Jacksonian Democrats took on the duty of defending the country from mostly outside powers, but also from problems that take place in the country. The Declaration gives the American man many rights, which can be, and will be abused. Document A explains how the Jacksonian's recognized this, and again, with good intent, they have assigned themselves as an organized party, with leaders of high meaning to protect any misuse of the said freedoms in the Declaration. President Jackson takes a commanding step in his faith of defending the country in his veto of the United States Bank re-charter showed in Document B. He gives a good argument for why the Bank is disrupting and harmful to the United States, and his veto is because he is trying to protect the United States. Document D shows how the United States was already very prospering, and the document really emphasizes the amazement of individual liberty. Never before, anywhere else in the modernized world was the a working democracy, but the United States seemed to be a very able country even with individual liberty. The writer claims she was â€Å"painfully amazed† when the question was up-rose of whether the people are encouraged to govern themselves, she was surprised because it looked as if it was a great environment. Document E tells of how a riot broke out in Philadelphia because of the issue of slavery, and black discrimination. This is a struggle that will always haunt those in power. The issue of slavery completely goes against the Democrat belief of individual liberty. The very unmoral view of the situation will claim that blacks are not considered humans, but property. Document E shows that South Carolina moves to suppress the non-slave states' publishing and printing. Document G shows how the United States took the rights of the Indians in the Indian Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears. The Indians were forced out of their living space, and had their rights abused. In Andrew Jackson's veto explained in Document B, it shows how he is defending the equal opportunity of the United States. He says, â€Å"It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of governments to their selfish purposes. † He is defending the common man and in doing so, he is also defending the Constitution. Equal Opportunity is also shown in Document F. South Carolina accepts the views of the non-slave states, but they realize the influence of of the non-slave states may be seen in the slave states, so they set restrictions on what they can print and publish in newspapers and pamphlets. They do not want the non-slave states to interrupt with their potential. The Jacksonian Democrats claimed to be defenders of the United States. They defended the Constitution, individual rights, and equal opportunity the best they could. But arguments and problems are always on the horizon, and sometimes defending them can turn someones actions on what they previously claimed their beliefs. For this, the Jacksonian Democrats were continuously challenged on their position on different subjects.