Zeitgeist and architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Zeitgeist and architecture - Essay Example In respect of the building of choice in this paper, Le unite de Habitation du Marseille form Le Corbusier, It is important to underscore the fact that architectonic space is a syntactic language that attempts to transmit concepts through our most basic instincts. Architecture incorporates the reaction in philosophy and the beliefs of a particular time. Such architectural designs have a direct impact on space which also goes in line with time. From time immemorial art has been part of everyday life of people in various cultural settings. This has been the case with the various aspects of the society ranging from structures, interior design of houses, food arrangement patterns and designing of clothes. Various theoretical concepts have been advanced in respect of the philosophical factors that are taken into consideration when designing various buildings. Architecture is one of the oldest sciences that require in-depth understanding of various factors in respect of the desired structur e. A number of modern towns are experiencing increasing demand for housing with a blend of diverse architectural designs (Mitias, 1999). There are various theoretical concepts that are spoken by the structure itself once it is constructed. Architecture captures the space factor which is increasingly becoming scarce in most residential sites. There have been many cases of setting up buildings in a way that they blend with the topography of the site and the cultural affiliation with the immediate society. Various architecture scientists attest to the fact that the contemporary society strives to spare any little space and maximize the allocated site with an expansive interior and relatively slim exterior. It is common to come across a number of features in many cities which still represent the ancient architecture and are mainly taken through renovation with the building technique kept intact. The cultural affiliation of the people is an important factor in designing various architect ural pieces of art. The ancient time is a reflection of the origin of various concepts and socioeconomic and political concepts that dictated a given way of life amongst the members of the community. This explains the diverse architectural features that are found around the world and the cultural association they have with the given community. It is worth to note that the contemporary architecture considers the serenity of the surroundings and the complexity of the social characteristics of the society. This has been brought about by the increasing sensitivity of people towards colors and their blending (Gargiani, Le Corbusier, Rossellini & Piccolo, 2011). It is important to note that any sensitive architectural creation must incorporate the important influence of image to the public when designing a house. Design of a building says more than words about the prevailing culture, and it explains why some of the ancient buildings have kept under the UN conventions on preservation of cu ltural heritage. The contemporary emergence of globalization is driving urban centers towards over population and a beehive of commercial activities. This requires redefinition of planning the town in terms of structures. Space is becoming a great issue and this explains the research on how the architectures and town planners can come up with beautiful and space saving designs. The increasing competition for space is a matter of great concern among various competing demands of an urban center. There is a need for a revised polychromy of architecture. Ultra-modern art has seen most of the houses designed with vibrant colors and attractive interior design with paints that are water resistant for durability (Mitias, 1999). The adoption of

HR Performance Issues and Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

HR Performance Issues and Motivation - Essay Example HR management literature has well documented the relationship between motivation, job satisfaction, and work performance. Using the theories of motivation, this paper will analyze the inextricable relationship between performance and motivation in the modern business environment. Â  In order to clearly understand the relationship between employee performance and motivation, it is better to consider a real-life situation. For instance, a sales executive (Jim) who has been working at a leading MNC for the last four years fails to meet his sales targets continuously despite periodical increases in his salary and incentives. Jim had acquired his post graduation degree from the Harvard Business School with the 10th rank holder status, and subsequently, he was hired by this MNC through a campus interview. For the first three years, Jim performed outstandingly and received the ‘best performer of the year’ award two times from the sales manager. He was excited to work overtime and performed duties and responsibilities beyond his job requirements. Considering his caliber and short-term achievements and the exemplary commitment to work the management doubled his salary incentives and allowed him free food and accommodation and a brand new company vehicle. In addition, the company agreed to pay his phone and electricity bills. In spite of those attractive offers, Jim’s performance began to decline by the end of the last year. Currently, he is not interested to work overtime and is frequently absent from the office. Jim failed to meet even his sales target for the last five months.

Equilibrium level of national income and government expenditure

Equilibrium level of national income and government expenditure In an open economy, the circular flow model of national income consists of five sectors as shown in figure 1 below. Figure 1: Circular Flow of National Income in a Five Sector Model The figure above illustrates the five sector circular flow model, which can be described as a model based on income flows from one sector of the economy to another in a circular flow motion, which explains the level of national income. The main sectors of the economy include households and firms. In the two sector model consisting only of households and firms, the economy is always at equilibrium. That is Income (Y) is always equal to consumption (C). However, the economy cannot be limited only to these two sectors. The effects of banks, government and international trade must be taken into consideration. These three sectors bring about withdrawals and injections. The financial sector mobilises savings (S) from households and makes investments (I) to firms. The government sector collects taxes (T) from households and makes expenditure (G) on firms. Finally, in the balance of payments sector, part of household income is spent on imports (M) while some revenue is received as exports (X). Since the two sector model always results to equilibrium, any distortion in equilibrium will result from the impact of the other three sectors. From the figure above, the national income is given by: Y = C +S+T+M à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ (I+G+X) For equilibrium to be achieved, total leakages must be equal to total injections. That is, S+T+M = I+G+X. Therefore, the equilibrium level of national income is simply given by: Y=C. The Keynesian cross model shows how consumption is determined. Under normal conditions, households will consume all goods and services produced. In this case, consumption will be exactly equal to income. This is represented by the 45 degree line in figure 2 below. Keynes noted that the relationship between consumption and income could not be perfect as the one depicted by the 45 degree line. He noted that not everybody in the economy earns income but everybody consumes. Therefore, there is a certain amount of consumption that does not depend on income and a certain amount that depends on income. From the foregoing, Keynes suggested the following consumption function (Mankiw, 2009: 497): Where = constant is defined as the consumption that does not depend on income; c is the slope of the consumption function referred to as the marginal propensity to consume. The marginal propensity to consume lies between 0 and 1. This indicates that consumption increases as income increases but the rate of increase in consumption is not as much as the rate of increase in income (Mankiw, 2009: 496). Figure 2: The Keynesian Cross 450 Consumption (C) National income (Y) Y* According to the Keynesian cross model, the equilibrium level of national income Y* is achieved at the point where the consumption function intersects the 45-degree line. At this point, all income that is earned is consumed. This is also the point where the desired level of spending is equal to the national income (Suranovic, 2005). Aggregate demand (AD) is the total or aggregate expenditure of final goods and services in an economy over a given period of time say one fiscal year. The aggregate demand is represented depending on whether it is a closed or open economy. For an open economy, the aggregate demand is given by: Y = AD = C+I+G+X-M For a closed economy, the aggregate demand is given by: Y = AD = C+I+G In the closed economy case, X-M is considered to be zero since there are neither imports nor exports. The aggregate demand curve is downward sloping. It shows the relationship between the quantity of real GDP demanded and the price level (Parkin, 2009: 324). The AD curve is as shown in the figure below. Figure 3: Aggregate Demand (AD) Curve AD Price Level (P) National income (Y) Aggregate supply (AS) refers to the aggregate or total supply of final goods and services or real GDP in an economy over a given period of time. The national income or real GDP is given by: Y = GDP = C+I+G+X-M. Unlike the AD curve, the AS curve is upward sloping. It shows the relationship between aggregate supply of final goods and services and price levels. This is represented in figure 4 below. AS Price Level (P) National income (Y)Figure 4: Aggregate Supply (AS) Curve Figure 5: Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply Framework (Macroeconomic Equilibrium) AS Price Level (P) National income (Y) Y* P* AD Macroeconomic equilibrium is defined as a situation where aggregate demand and aggregate supply are equal without any tendency for change (Chiang and Wainwright, 2005: 30). At this point a given price level ensures that the final goods and services demand is exactly equal to the final goods and services supplied. As shown in figure 5 above, this price level is referred to as the equilibrium price level (P*) and the real GDP or national income at this price level is the equilibrium level of national income (Y*). At this level of national income, the aggregate supply curve intersects the aggregate demand curve. Multiplier effect caused by an Increase in Government Expenditure From the circular flow model above, a multiplier effect from government expenditure will lead to an increase in government expenditure. Firms will increase investment in capital goods, employment will increase, and wages will increase. The increase in wages will lead to an increase in consumption, savings and taxes. Both imports and exports will also increase. In the long-run, the total amount of leakages will exactly equal the total amount of injections. There will be an overall increase in national income and the equilibrium level of national income will be higher than before. Using the Keynesian Cross, an increase in government expenditure will result to an increase in national income through increases in wages, consumption, savings, investment, imports and exports. 450 Consumption (C) National income (Y) Y* Y1* As income rises, the average propensity to consume (APC) which measures slope of the line from the origin to the consumption function will decrease (Mankiw, 2007: 497). This will lead to an increase in the equilibrium level of national income from Y1*. AS Price Level (P) National income (Y) Y* P* AD AD1 AS2 In the AD/AS model, an increase in government expenditure will result to an increase in aggregate demand. An increase in aggregate demand will motivate firms to increase investment. Employment will increase leading to an increase in wages. Savings will increase as well as taxes. In addition imports and exports will rise. The overall effect will be an increase in aggregate supply and aggregate demand. This will result to a rightward shift in the aggregate demand and supply curves as shown in figure 6 below. Consumer Confidence If consumer confidence is high, people tend to consume more of current income. In the circular flow model, the multiplier effect will be higher if consumer confidence is high. That is the respond to an increase in government spending will be higher than the case would be if consumer confidence is low. Households will consume more of their current levels of income as they anticipate an increase in future income. In like manner, firms will increase investment, employment will increase, and savings will reduce. Moreover, taxes will increase as well as imports and exports. In the Keynesian cross model, consumer confidence will lead to an increase in the marginal propensity to consume. People will be willing to consume more of their current incomes as they anticipate increases in future incomes. In terms of the AS/AD framework, a higher consumer confidence will lead to a significant increase in aggregate demand. This will in turn result to higher rates of investment spending, taxes, imports and exports. The overall impact will be a rightward shift in the AS and AD curves to establish a new equilibrium level of national income.

Conversations of Nanko and Konan :: Writing Education Communication Essays

Conversations of Nanko and Konan Nanko: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nanko. Talking with me is my colleague and friend, Konan. Say hello, Konan. Konan: Hello, Konan. Nanko: No, I mean say hello to the reader. Konan: Hello to the reader! Nanko: Perfect. Konan: Thank you. Nanko: Prior to your arrival (your meaning you, the reader,) Konan and I were having a little discussion. In reality, I was doing all the discussing in this conversation because I was, to put it bluntly, complaining vigorously. Konan: Most vigorously. Nanko: Yes, thank you for the affirmation, Konan. As I was saying, my complaining was the reality of the discussion. What was the reason of these incessant complaints, you might ask? An English professor from whom I am taking a course entitled "Expository Writing." Konan: Yes, that was the basis of your complaints. Nanko: Of course, these complaints are in no way directed at the professor himself. No, no, no. In fact, he seems like an affable man. Rather, these complaints relate to his latest assignment given to the students of his "Expository Writing" class. Konan: I would have to agree that you are in no way slighting this particular professor, only his expectations held for you. Nanko: Yes, I like the first half of your statement, but what is meant by the latter half? Konan: In saying expectations I refer to the assignment he has given you. Nanko: You have confused me. By using the term "expectations," do you mean the professor's expectation that a paper will be handed-in to him on this exact due date of December 16, and, if not, this paper will go down in its score with every late day thereafter? Or do you refer to a "higher form" of expectation, such as a teacher to a student and the process of learning and gaining knowledge through stimuli, created by the teacher, of thought? Konan: I, uh, would have to agree. Nanko: Let us return later to this; now, let me tell of this assignment. This professor is asking for a paper written unlike any I, personally, have ever written before. He wants us, as writers, to do away with "themewriting" altogether and write in a different style or form. However, as you can see, I have started to panic. I have never written an essay or paper in any form other than "themewriting." I have no idea where to begin, how to continue, or where to conclude.

Critical analysis of Song of Solomon Essay

‘Song of Solomon’, Toni Morrison’s third Novel was published in 1977 and it ascertained her as a key American author given that, after its publication, it turned out to be a bestseller and drew honor from critics as well as readers. The narrative has been particularly admired for the exquisiteness of its language as well as its foundation of international themes in the distinctiveness of the experience of the African-American, not to forget its utilization of folklore. (Morrison 34) The narrative is based on an African-American fairy tale concerning slaves who are able to fly back to Africa once they decide. The author fictionalizes this fairy tale through the traits of Solomon who is the great-grandfather of the story’s central character, Milkman Dead. Through Milkman’s discovery of Solomon’s story and his capability to fly, he learns to be proud of his ancestry as well as valuing his connections to community and family unit. The book won the National Book critics Circle Award for fiction in the year 1977 and is currently extensively taught and emerged once more on best-seller lists after Oprah Winfrey chose it so that it could be included in her book club. The book has being loved by readers for a period of more than two decades and it is still deemed one of Toni Morrison’s most excellent books. What touched me most after reading Toni Morrison’s book are the biblical references: (Morrison 51& 52) The author keeps making biblical references from both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament which are quite useful in bringing out the overall themes, characters as well as in building up the plot of the novel. To start with, the author gives her book the title ‘Song of Solomon’ which is a reference taken from the Old Testament’s ‘Song of Solomon’ or rather Song of Songs, or Canticles which is basically on love and relationships and is interpreted in some customs as a figurative demonstration of the relationship of Israel and God as wife and husband where the principal characters of the song are a man and a woman and the rhyme offers progress commencing courtship to consummation. In Morrison’s narrative, Solomon, Milkman dead’s great-grandfather finds out the tale of Solomon and his capability to fly which makes him to be delighted of his heritage and to value links to family and community. (Furman & Morrison 142) Song of Solomon commences with Robert Smith’s flight from the roof of Mercy hospital. Smith emerges on the top of the hospital with two handcrafted arms on his backside and jumps from the top of the hospital to the shock and amazement of many. Because of him making an attempt to fly, Ruth Foster dead is able to give birth inside the hospice instead of on its stepladder given that during this moment in time, Negro women are not permitted to deliver in the hospital because of segregation which makes Macon Dead turn out to be the first Negro infant to be delivered in Mercy Hospital. (Furman & Morrison 198) Morrison makes biblical inferences in naming his characters which helps in bringing out their personalities. Corinthian’s Dead, Milkman and Lena’s father is called Macon Dead and is the proprietor of apartments and houses. Dead thinks owning property enables one to own oneself, as well as others too. Together with Pilate, Macon grew up in Lincoln’s Heaven, a farm in Pennsylvania. At the age of sixteen, he watches his father murdered by whites who desire the family’s land. Macon and Pilate are sheltered by Circle, a maid and midwife who houses them in vacant quarters of the Butler house. They then escape from the Butler place and hide in a cave for the night where they meet a white man whom Macon kills. (Furman & Morrison 231) Macon â€Å"Milkman† dead III’s mother breastfeeds him for far too long until he is so tall and his feet are â€Å"touching the floor† which makes him swiftly gain the reputation for being a â€Å"mummy’s boy† which is a direct contrast to Guitar, his best friend. Milkman has two sisters, â€Å"Magdalene named Lena† and â€Å"First Corinthians†. The daughters of the family unit are given names by placing a pin inside the bible while the males are called after their father. Macon Dead’s name was the outcome of an administrative fault when Milkman’s grandfather had to list following the end of slavery. (Morrison 121) Pilate, Macon Dead Jr. ’s sister, is identified as fostering an Earth Mother type of personality. Given that he was born lacking a navel, she is rather a mystic character and it is mightily implied that she is Divine i. e. she is a female Christ and that her name is ironical. Macon has not had a word to his sister for years and did not feel greatly of her. She, just like Macon, has had to fend for herself starting from an early age, although she has to deal with her history in a different manner. Reba is her one and only daughter. She also has one granddaughter by the name Hagar who is very much in love with Milkman, and is not able to deal with rejection. Milkman’s erstwhile best friend, Guitar, attempts to murder him after he mistakenly believes Milkman of deceiving him out of concealed gold. Toni Morrison’s narrative comes to an end on a touching and uncertain note after Milkman finally discovers to fly after deciding to confront Guitar. (Furman & Morrison 265) In conclusion, it can be said that Toni Morrison makes use of biblical references in his narrative from time to time. This is depicted from the numerous biblical references taken from both the Old Testament and the New Testament which help in building up the overall plot of the narrative, building up the character’s personalities as well as in bringing out the overall themes of the narrative. Eminently, Toni Morrison makes various biblical references through some of the characters names. For instance, Ruth, Dead, First Corinthians, Pilate, Heaven, Guitar, Magdalene named Lena, Lincoln’s Heaven, maid, bible, divine, Christ, mid wife among others. In addition, the author makes use of other biblical references like ‘Mercy’ i. e. Mercy hospital, the ability to fly by bearing wings like the Angels key references. Works Cited Furman, Jan & Morrison, Toni. Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon: a casebook. Oxford University Press US, 2003. ISBN: 0195146352, 9780195146356 276 pages Morrison, Toni. Song of Solomon. Vintage International, 2004. ISBN: 140003342X, 9781400033423. 337 pages

Partisan Control of Redistricting Essay

Redistricting is forming new boundaries of the state due to population change which might have increased or reduced due to certain factors such as immigration and migration. A country or state decides to modify its current districts to try and balance the population. This helps in distribution of countries resources in a fair manner thus improving the countries welfare. Though redistricting helps the country to check on the welfare of its citizen it can be disadvantageous if used in the wrong manner. It is evident that most districts of a country are formed by the legislators of the government and they may tend to use this opportunity to their advantage. A countries democracy can be affected by the Partisan redistricting process, it may be negatively or positively influenced since this process of redistricting can increase or decrease election competition. From the states where Partisan redistricting is evident most of the party members stay in power for a long period of time because they are always re-elected due to lack of competition, thus the Partisan control of redistricting is responsible for the uncompetitive nature of election. As I explain my theory I will constantly refer to the state of America to base my argument because Partisan control of redistribution is highly evident and well displayed there. Partisan control of redistricting is highly influenced politically and the majority boundaries formed are created so as to benefit the legislators during the election time. The districts created are inhabited mostly by the supporters of the legislatures . Therefore during the elections the legislators will have an advantage over any opposing force that may come up since he has the majority’s votes. For instance in America the majority of people who reside in one district is either republicans or Democrats. In such a case less opposing forces will rise thus contributing to uncompetitive elections. This is because even if more parties rise up they will all end up supporting the current incumbent therefore all campaigns will be geared into one direction and thus no competition in the elections will rise up. This can be seen in the 2004 US elections where approximately 98% of the incumbents won back their seats and only 5% lost their seats to the opposition. In California many parties had come up but all ended up supporting the incumbent . There was not enough force to oppose him thus the elections were not competitive. In Indiana between 1992 and 2002 all the incumbents won back their 32 US seats . This is opposed to Abramowitz, Alexander and Gunning’s theory that the Parisian control of redistricting in America has not contributed to the uncompetitive nature of the elections. They say that the Parisian redistricting has not affected the decreased the election competition but other factors such as geographical influences which include migration and immigration and lack of a good financial ground to carry out campaign effectively is what has caused the uncompetitive nature of the elections . Most of the district formed are inhabited by a majority of citizens who have the same preference on the party they support, thus are satisfied with their congress and legislative constitution. Therefore none of them will have the need of electing another incumbent or forming opposing powers against the incumbent. This shows that there will be no competition during the campaign and thus the nature of uncompetitive elections is depicted. This can be proved by the gerrymandering theory, of legislatures using the redistricting process in their own favour to win elections . McDonald also supports my theory that redistricting has greatly contributed to uncompetitive nature of the elections. He says that redistricting has born many people who support the incumbent and thus decrease the number of votes of the others who oppose the incumbent . Lack of competition at the lower levels of elections like the local election for councils is another factor that supports my argument that the Partisan control of redistricting has contributed to uncompetitive elections. There are limited electoral seats to be campaigned for and those present support the incumbent. Thus no competition will be forthcoming and that is why most of the councils are re-elected back into their positions. In America the election of the councils is in fact the least competitive and no considerable attention is given to them since their outcome is always known to the extent that some of the council elections are not carried out. The Partisan control of redistricting influenced the inhabitants in a district to either be supporters of the Republican or Democrats. This has drawn a sharp line between districts. Citizens in a certain district prefer to vote for the current incumbent because he is their preference rather than compete with to run him down and take his seat. They do this so as to maintain their reputation of being either Republican or Democrat supporters and do not vote according to their preference. In the long run there is minimal campaign competition in the district thus the overall reduction in the election competition . Schleicher wrote an article giving the dangers brought about by lack of competitive elections caused by the Parisian redistricting system. I also tend to support him because the system harmed the democracy of the America state by ignoring the rights and wants of the minority voters such as creation of more job opportunities in the district are not recognized, this is because majority of the inhibitors of the districts have the same party preference and will not vote to get their wants fulfilled but will vote to retain the incumbent whom they support. Also reforming the district is a real nuisance since this initiative will not be supported by the voters as by reforming one will be changing the districts mechanism to retain the incumbent they want . In Ohio many reform actions have come up but all have been shut down because it is either the republican or democrat leader who has the minority voter turnout who comes with the effort but is shun down by the other counterpart who has the most votes. For example in the year 2005 many organization came together and formed the Reform Ohio Now (RON) movement to reform Ohio. This movement constituted mainly Democrats and very few Republicans. The move was not welcomed by the voters since the present incumbent was a Republican and therefore the majority votes came from the Republican supporters . To be able to increase election competition redistricting should be done putting into account the population of the district and the citizens needs so as to distribute the wealth of the country evenly and in a fair manner that considers everyone without considering which party or who they support. Also a new organization that will form the new districts should be elected and they should not be politically influenced or should not be linked with politics at all. This will enable fair districts which will exhibit high competition during the election to be formed, thus enabling democracy of a country or state to prevail. The period in which redistricting is done should be extended to be a long period probably after ten years to prevent the boundaries of the districts being changed to suit the desires or preference of the person forming them. This will also in the long run create competition during elections as the inhibitors of the district will have known their preference and when voting will vote wisely to be represented by an incumbent who will listen to their woes and carry out his activities in a way that he will enable him to full fill his voter’s needs. Word Count: 1272 Bibliography Abramowitz, Alan, Brad Alexander and Matthew Gunning. 2006. Don’t Blame Redistricting for Uncompetitive Elections. PS: Political Science and Politics 39 (January): 87-90 Butler, David, and Bruce . E. Cain. 1992. Congressional Redistricting: Comparative and Theoretical Perspectives. Macmillan: New York. Jacobson, Gary . C. 2001. The Politics of Congressional Elections. Longman: New York. McDonald, Michael . P. 2004. A Comparative Analysis of U. S. State Redistricting Institutions. State Politics and Policy Quarterly. Monmonier, Mark. 2001. Bushmanders and Bullwinkles: How Politicians Manupilate Electronic Maps and Census Data to Win Elections. University of Chicago Press: Chicago. New York Times. 2004. Elections With no Meaning. February 14, A-14. Owen, Guillermo, and Bernard N. Grofman, 1998. optimal partisan Gerrymandering. Political Geography Quarterly 7 (1): 5-22. Stonecash, Jeffrey . M. , Mark . D. Brewer and Mack . D. Mariani. 2003. Diverging Parties: Social Change, Realignment and Party Polarization. Westview Press: Boulder, CO.