Strategic Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategic Models - Essay Example The balanced scorecard includes qualitative insights in addition to quantitative measures like financial statements to give the decision makers a bird's eye view of the past health and also the future course of action of the company. While financial measures like Return on Investment, sales and profit values, continue to be critical, new units like quality measures (warrantee/replacement/return/refund costs), employee skill and satisfaction measures (attrition/training/redeployment cost), future growth measures (R&D costs) are also taken into account. Wells Fargo and company is a diversified financial services company based at San Francisco, California and offers a range of financial products. The company has been termed as one of the safest banks in the world. (The World's Safest Banks 2007, October 2007) Wells Fargo bank used Balanced Score Card to identify its future growth path. Within 3 years of implementing the insights it got from a BSC, it was voted as the best online bank. As a result of the BSC, it increased its customer base by 4.5 times, and also decreased its cost per customer by as much as 22%. Additionally, it was able to add over 750,000 online customers over a 2 year period. (Beiman I. and Johnson J.C., n.d.) The conventional manufacturing strategy model states that there i... (San Francisco, February2001) Wells Fargo bank used Balanced Score Card to identify its future growth path. Within 3 years of implementing the insights it got from a BSC, it was voted as the best online bank. As a result of the BSC, it increased its customer base by 4.5 times, and also decreased its cost per customer by as much as 22%. Additionally, it was able to add over 750,000 online customers over a 2 year period. (Beiman I. and Johnson J.C., n.d.) Strategic Models - 2 Sand Cone Model: (Ferdows & De Meyer) Introduction The conventional manufacturing strategy model states that there is a trade-off among the four basic manufacturing capabilities- Quality, Dependability, Speed and Cost, unless there is slack in any one of the capabilities. However, the Sand Cone model proposed by Ferdows and De Meyer suggests that there is a hierarchical relationship amongst the four given capabilities. While from a short term perspective, advance in one of the capabilities may require the decision maker to trade off any one or more of the capabilities, it is indeed possible to achieve excellence in all the four capabilities in an hierarchical, staged manner. In order to create a long term manufacturing capability, the decision makers should aim to enhance quality of the manufactured items. Once this drive has achieved a set of milestones, the dependability of the manufacturing system has to be taken care of. Once these two capabilities have been assimilated, the next capability requiring attention would be flexibility, or reaction speed. Finally, once these three capabilities have been fixed, the decision makers should strive to achieve cost reduction. If this flow is maintained, it is possible for a

Eukaryotic organelles Essay Example for Free

Eukaryotic organelles Essay Eukaryotic organelles Living things have evolved into three categories of closely related organisms, called domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota. Life as we see it each day — including plants and animals — belongs to the third domain, Eukaryota. Eukaryotic cells are a more complex opposed to prokaryotes (simpler based cells), and the DNA is linear and found within a nucleus. Organelles are small structures within cells that perform specialized functions. They are found within the cytoplasm (a semiliquid substance that composes the foundation of a cell) Just as the name indicates, you can think of organelles as small organs. There are a dozen different types of organelles commonly found in eukaryotic cells. Some structures of organelles are membrane bound. The Plasma Membrane is a membrane boundary of a cell, and sorts cell transport and is the outermost cell surface. It separates the cell from the external environment. The plasma membrane is made mostly of proteins and lipids, especially phospholipids. The lipids occur in two layers (a bilayer). Proteins embedded in the bilayer appear to float within the lipid, so the membrane is constantly in flux. The membrane is therefore referred to as a fluid mosaic structure. Within the fluid mosaic structure, proteins carry out most of the membranes functions (prokaryote and eukaryote cell structure, 2000. ). The nucleus of eukaryotic cells is composed primarily of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. The DNA is organized into linear units called chromosomes. Functional segments of the chromosomes are referred to as genes. Approximately 100,000 genes are located in the nucleus of all human cells. Within the nucleus are two or more dense organelles referred to as nucleoli. In nucleoli, submicroscopic particles known as ribosomes are put together before their passage out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle that is a series of membranes extending throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. In some places, the ER is studded with submicroscopic bodies called ribosomes. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) consists of two types the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This type of ER is referred to as rough ER. In other places, there are no ribosomes. This type of ER is called smooth ER. The ER is the site of protein synthesis in a cell. Within the ribosomes, amino acids are actually bound together to form proteins. We can take a look at another organelle called the Golgi body (also called the Golgi apparatus). The Golgi body is a series of flattened sacs, usually curled at the edges. In the Golgi body, the cells proteins and lipids are processed and packaged before being sent to their final destination (prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, 2000. ). Lysosomes and vacuoles are membranous sacs. The lysosome is derived from the Golgi body. It is a drop like sac of enzymes in the cytoplasm. These enzymes are used for digestion within the cell. They break down particles of food taken into the cell and make the products available for use. In other words break down old worn-out cell parts within the cell. Vacuoles Eukaryotic cells have their own internal power plant, called mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells where cellular respiration takes place. Mitochondria contain a short loop of DNA that is distinct from the DNA contained in the cells nucleus. These tiny organelles in the cell not only produce chemical energy, but also hold the key to understanding the evolution of the eukaryotic cell. The mitochondria play a central role in making chemical energy available to the cell. Cells which require and expend a lot of energy typically have a lot of mitochondria (Muscle cells). Plastids are major organelles found in the cells of plants and algae. They are the site of manufacture and storage of important chemical compounds used by the cell. Plastids often contain pigments used in photosynthesis and the types of pigments present can change or determine the cells color. They possess a double-stranded DNA molecule, which is circular. Microbodies are Membrane-bound organelle sacs that contain enzymes that manage many different metabolic reactions. One type of micro body, the peroxisome, regulates the conversion of fats to carbohydrates. Peroxisomes in the liver and kidney cells could also show important in the detoxifying of certain compounds such as ethanol in alcoholic beverages. Peroxisomes occur in both plant and animal cells. Organelles, which generally do not contain membranes, are ribosomes, cytoskeletal structures, centrioles, cilia, and flagella. Centrioles are small cylindrical-shaped structures that are found just outside of the nucleus. Their purpose is to produce microtubules that help move chromosomes during cell division. The cytoskeleton gives strength and flexibility to the cell. It consists of four major components microfilaments, intermediate filaments, thick filaments, and microtubules. Each of these four components provides different functions related to the overall purpose of the cytoskeleton. Cilia, tiny hair-like structures are numerous and are found on the surface of the cell. Their purpose is to move fluids or solids across the cell membrane. The trachea and bronchi are lined with cilia to move mucous that is secreted by the cells lining the trachea up to the pharynx (throat) where the mucous is either coughed up or swallowed. A flagellum is a long hair-like structure that performs a whip-like movement. The male sperm cell is the only cell in humans that contains a flagellum, which helps the sperm cell swim up the female oviduct. Ribosomes are small granular structures that are either attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or are free, floating in the cytoplasm. Proteins are produced on the surface of ribosomes (Unknown, 2012. ). Every part of the cell has a function. Membranes are essential to the organization of living processes within cells because they separate the cell from the outside world. They also separate compartments inside the cell to protect the important processes and events that occur. Cellular membranes have many functions in the different regions and organelles of a cell. All membranes contain proteins and lipid. However, the amount of each may vary depending on the membrane. Cell membranes are made up of two layers of phospholipids. Phospholipids have hydrophilic (water-loving) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails. Water exists on both the exterior and interior sides of the membrane. The hydrophobic tails hide behind the hydrophilic heads on both sides of the membrane, forming a non-rigid boundary around the inside of the cell. This non-rigid membrane is held in its shape by microfilaments (thin and solid tubes composed of protein) of cytoskeleton (Membrane structure and function, 2009. ). Proteins determine most of the membrane’s functions. One protein can have several functions. Integral proteins – those that penetrate through the phospholipid bilayer – regulate what comes in and out of a cell. Peripheral proteins are like appendages bound to the surface of the membrane. Peripheral proteins can also act as enzymes and transporters, but they only interact with different parts within the same cell. They help transport small hydrophobic molecules, toxins, and antimicrobial peptides. A cell membrane is a great example of a super molecular structure, where many molecules are ordered into a higher level of organization with emergent properties beyond those of the individual molecules (Membrane structure and function, 2009.). As every part of the eukaryotic cell works together to perform a task and function it seems apparent that without the team work of these components, the world would lack mammals, birds, invertebrates, fish, plants, fungi, and complex single celled organisms. The capabilities of long term functionalities are in conjunction with the growth stemming from this wondrous cell called a eukaryote, a milestone in the evolution of life. of the eukaryotic cell was a milestone in the evolution of life.

Impact of Debt Servicing on Economic Growth

Impact of Debt Servicing on Economic Growth Abstract The external debt has become a key problem for Pakistan. Pakistan has huge debt to pay, which also entails interest payment on the loan borrowed. It adds burden to the economy of Pakistan. Government through different means try to pay these loans. In this paper we have analyzed the impact of debt servicing on economic growth, i.e. whether debt servicing positively or negatively affect the economic growth. The data collected for this purpose ranges from 1982 to 2008. We have use regression test and find out that debt servicing is positively effecting the growth of Pakistan. Key Words: Debt Servicing, Economic Growth, GDP, Human Capital, Labor Force Introduction Many researchers have focused on the relationship between external debt and growth, and what is the impact of external debt on economy. It also persists to attract considerable interest from economists and policymakers. A large amount of research has been carried out on this topic and substantial literature is also available, but few have conducted research on the impact of debt servicing on economic growth. The conditions and the interest rates on which the loan is provided can vary from donor to donor. Weak economies due to low revenue generation cannot meet their expenses and have to gain loan from international financial institutions or have to issue Treasury bills. Once they obtain loan they utilize it in the development projects and generate revenue, however on maturity, Government does not have to repay only the principal amount of loan but also have to pay amount of interest on it. International Financial Institutions like World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank are the leading donor agencies. They give loan on hard and soft conditions depending upon the credit rating of the country. The discussion is going on for a passage of time, whether debt acquired by the loaner country, helps it in boosting the economic growth or the conditions implied by the donor lowers the economic growth. The higher debt service payments can also have negative effects on the composition of public spending by minimizing the amount of resources available for infrastructure and human capital, which have negative effects on growth. If external debt service is minimized it could increase growth through public investment. (Clemets et al, 2003). (Cholifihani, 2008) discuss the relationship between Public debt service and GDP. He used a production function model which measured GDP as a function of debt service, capital stock, labor and human capital in which all data are represented by constant local currency unit. He comes up with the result that Indonesia faces a debt overhang problem in the long run since increasing the public external debt service slows economic growth. The objective of this research paper is to determine the impact of debt servicing on the economic growth of Pakistan; which needs to be reviewed as these dimensions are not studied before especially in the context of Pakistan. Research study will be carried on the basis of data available of the debt servicing and economic growth. Literature Review Developing countries face the problem of debt-servicing on the economic growth which creates extra burden on the economies. For countries who do not want to print money and have lo generation of tax revenue will opt for borrowing money. Like many other LDCs, Pakistan being one of developing country has accumulated large debt burden and continuously made debt-servicing payments to the lenders which ultimately affects the fiscal position of the country. Debt Borrowing have to speed up the economic growth particularly when domestic financial resources are not enough to meet and need the extra funds. Theory of Economic also states that reasonable levels of loan accelerate economy and beyond a certain level it affects the economy negatively. The key factor is that countries in early years of development have low levels of capital stock and also the investment chances are lower. Many researchers have often argued that borrowing countries if invest the funds into productive development programs, they certainly would enjoy Macroeconomic stability. This results in lowering the debt obligations and increase in the economic growth. (Blavy, 2006) conduct a research over Jamaica, in which he emphasis on channeling the debt into productive investment. He also states that high level of debt is directly related to low level of growth. (Krugman 1988) define debt overhang a situation in which the expected repayment on external debt falls short of contractual value of debt. If a countrys debt level is anticipated to increase the countrys repayment ability with some probability in the future, expected debt service is likely to be a boosting function of the countrys output level. Investment from domestic and foreign investors is depressed which results in slowing of the economic growth. In other words, Krugman hypothesis states that debt overhang is partly due to the burden of foreign debt and that investment will be slow resulting in poor growth performance. The most widely used indicator to express debt is percentage of GNP or debt servicing as a percentage of exports and fiscal deficit for both external and internal (S.P Gupta, 1994). Rising debt limits the ability of a country to finance vital imports and to initiate new development projects. Paper focuses on some countries because of their low per capita income dependence heavily on few primary commodities for export earnings. Most of the projects were designed to improve domestic industry rather than increasing exports directly, concept was that national economies would grow over time and also the export production, and reasonable trends in export prices would allow the debt service obligations (Joshua Greene, 1989). .Most of the low income countries that face the problem of budget deficit have weak domestic structure. They get loan through International Financial Institutions like World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank and through developed countries. IMF providing the debt on certain conditions also asks them to export primary commodities. Due to the excess supply of primary commodities, prices gets low and revenue generated is low, which can cause problems like debt overhang for the debtors nation (Michael, 1998). (William Easterly 2002) states the reasons of poor countries becoming heavily indebted poor countries. He states that Governments who does not change discount rates have to obtain more loans to get debt relief for long term. The major issue faced by the countries while paying debt is the increasing inflation and low growth. Repayment of external debt has shown to entail a tradeoff between growth and inflation (Beatriz et al, 1994). Credibility of the country is also a key factor in obtaining the loan on soft conditions and low interest rates. Countries with the less creditworthiness had to pay large spread on external debt and also have to face harsh conditions for obtaining loans. The increase in debt will add to the country loss of credibility (Gupta, 1994). The credit rationing effect arises, when debtors are not able to repay the debts. Countries increase their interest rates to enhance savings which lead to shorten the saving investment gap, which negatively affect investment and hurts economic growth. (Wijeweera et al, 2005). Like every country Pakistan also took measures to limit the inflationary pressure and to protect the competitiveness of its exports. In fact there is a time frame to work their way through economy, growth can be effected if the effectiveness is not done on time (Afxentiou and Serletis, 1996). Ogunmuyiwa, 2011 carry out a research in Nigeria, in which he measures the relationship between external debt and growth. He comes up with the result that causation between debt and growth in Nigeria is weak and insignificant, and changes in GDP cannot be forecast with changes in external debt Methodology The equation has been adopted by the Indonesian paper, in this equation we will be taking GDP as a function of Human Capital, labor force and Capital stock. Y=A+B1x1+B2x2+B3x3 Y (GDP) = ÃŽ ± + B1 (Human Capital) +B2 (Capital Stock) + B3 (Labor Force) + â‚ ¬ At first, we will be checking the relation of the variables to the GDP. How much they are explaining and are affecting GDP. In Second equation, we will be checking the relationship between GDP and external debt servicing. Equation is; Y=A+B1x1 Y (GDP) = ÃŽ ± + B1 (External Debt Servicing) + â‚ ¬ For this study, we have covered a period of 1982 to 2008. The data has been collected from World Bank Catalog. The variables used in this study are GDP, Capital stock, labor force, human capital and debt servicing. Data sources are taken from key indicators of Asian Development Bank, World Development Indicators published by the World Bank. Almost all monetary units of variables are in US dollars, while labor is expressed by number of people. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a dependent variable, whereas, capital stock, labor force, human capital are determinant factors of GDP (Cholifihani, 2008). Variable of income is represented by real GDP at 2000 constant prices as GDP better reflects the independent productive capacity of the country (Cordella, 2005). Capital stock is represented by real fixed capital stock. GDP and fix capital stock are taken from World Development Indicators (WDI) published by the World Bank. Labor force is defined as employed people. Total people working i.e. employed labor force in jobs are collected from key indicators published by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Human capital in this case is represented by education expenditure per year. Human capital is important as it enhances the economy since this variable includes general skills and ability of labor to do a job. External debt service is defined as Total the sum of principal repayments and interest actually paid in foreign currency, goods, or services on long-term debt, interest paid on short-term debt and repayments (repurchases and charges) to the IMF (World Bank Catalog). Results Model Interpretation Significance R Square Standardized Co-efficient BETA Significance .000 .98 .163 Human Capital .104 Human Capital -.193 Capital Stock .038 Capital Stock 1.014 Labor Force .000 Labor Force In first equation we want to check the effect of all variables on GDP. -47090.6 is a fixed value which will come in each scenario. The coefficient of Human Capital is .163, means that increase in human capital will lead to increase in GDP. In other words it can be said that one unit change in human capital, GDP would also be increased by .163 units. The result is 0.104 which means it is less significant. The coefficient of capital stock is -.193, that if there is an increase in capital stock then GDP would be decreased. In other words we can say that Capital stock does not play a significantly role. The result is 0.00 which means it is negatively significant. The coefficient of labor force is 1.014, meaning if there is increase in labor force then GDP will be increased. The result is 0.00 which means it is positively significant. The R Square tells us about the model fitness. In our case the model is fit i.e. 98.08 %, hence we can conclude that all variables used in this model explain it by 98.08 % and around 2% is not explained by these variables. We can conclude that the other variables which explain the equation are external and are not included. Model Interpretation Significance R Square Standardized Co-efficient BETA Significance .000 .45 .675 Debt Servicing .000 Debt Servicing In the second equation, we have investigated the relationship between external debt servicing and GDP. The R square is 0.455, which means that only 45% is explained by this variable and rest of 55% was explained by external factors. The coefficient of debt servicing is .675 that if there is an increase in debt servicing then GDP would also increase. The result is 0.00 which means it is significant. Limitations The limitation of this study is that data of debt servicing includes only represents external debt servicing and the internal debt servicing was not included due to non availability of data. The result could have given a exact picture of the impact of debt servicing on economic growth if both internal and external debt service would have been added. In start we try to collect data from 1970 to 2008, but data was available from 1982 to 2008. Conclusion The main focus of this study was to analyze the effects of debt servicing on economic growth. Within limited indicators we find out that debt servicing has positively affected the economic growth of Pakistan. Theoretically it is not possible because a big amount form received borrowings is used for debt return and its interest and it should negatively affect the economy But in case of Pakistan the amount of debt circulating in the economy is high. Estimated about 70% of the economy of Pakistan consists of debt. With the passage of time, the debt should have reduced but it has increased. It can be said that the debt should be invested in productive areas rather than wasted on less productive projects.

Colonialism and Imperialism in Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay

Imperialism Exposed in Conrad's Heart of Darkness      Ã‚   Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' is a novel about European imperialism and its far-reaching effects. Conrad relates his personal opinions through the protagonist, Marlow, who learns a great deal about imperialism while on a journey to the African Congo. Although 'Heart of Darkness' seems to be an anti-imperialistic work, this is not entirely true. Conrad condemns the overly idealistic nature of imperialism, but does not attack Britain's competent employment of it.    "Heart of Darkness" opens with a discussion between Marlow and his friends concerning the idealistic imperialism of conquerors, especially English, who were "bearers of a spark from the sacred fire"-the fire of civilization (1428). Marlow himself had "tingled with enthusiasm" at the thought of imperialism, as his friends do during their recollection of the past, but this is all before his experience in the Congo, where he uncovers the crudeness of the Belgians. Marlow believes that imperialism is not always "a pretty thing," but if the conquest of land is approached in ... ...al, 1988. Edward W. Said, The World, the Text, and the Critic. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1983) 13. Hillman, James. "Notes on White Supremacy: Essaying an Archetypal Account of Historical Events," Spring (1986): 29-57. McLynn, Frank. Hearts of Darkness: The European Exploration of Africa. New York: Carol & Gey, 1992. Meyers, Jeffrey.   Joseph Conrad.   New York:   Charles Scribner's Sons, 1991. Patrick Brantlinger, "Heart of Darkness: Anti-Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism?" Criticism (Fall, 1985) 364.    Colonialism and Imperialism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness Essay Imperialism Exposed in Conrad's Heart of Darkness      Ã‚   Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' is a novel about European imperialism and its far-reaching effects. Conrad relates his personal opinions through the protagonist, Marlow, who learns a great deal about imperialism while on a journey to the African Congo. Although 'Heart of Darkness' seems to be an anti-imperialistic work, this is not entirely true. Conrad condemns the overly idealistic nature of imperialism, but does not attack Britain's competent employment of it.    "Heart of Darkness" opens with a discussion between Marlow and his friends concerning the idealistic imperialism of conquerors, especially English, who were "bearers of a spark from the sacred fire"-the fire of civilization (1428). Marlow himself had "tingled with enthusiasm" at the thought of imperialism, as his friends do during their recollection of the past, but this is all before his experience in the Congo, where he uncovers the crudeness of the Belgians. Marlow believes that imperialism is not always "a pretty thing," but if the conquest of land is approached in ... ...al, 1988. Edward W. Said, The World, the Text, and the Critic. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1983) 13. Hillman, James. "Notes on White Supremacy: Essaying an Archetypal Account of Historical Events," Spring (1986): 29-57. McLynn, Frank. Hearts of Darkness: The European Exploration of Africa. New York: Carol & Gey, 1992. Meyers, Jeffrey.   Joseph Conrad.   New York:   Charles Scribner's Sons, 1991. Patrick Brantlinger, "Heart of Darkness: Anti-Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism?" Criticism (Fall, 1985) 364.   

Morality in Politics Essay

People are forced to face moral challenges in making day-to-day decisions. When it comes to benefitting individual and societal good, the great question of politics is raised: what is the right thing to do? In Sophocles’ Antigone, there is a dilemma whether to abide by the laws of the gods above the laws of the state. Antigone makes a decision that not only affects her future but the future of the state under her uncle’s rule. Antigone gains a high moral sense in that she followed the laws of the gods and therefore did the morally right choice going against state laws, either case can be deemed as morally correct. In this essay it will be argued that citizens should be free to disobey state laws when conscience dictates. Sophocles’ play enacts the moral conflict of power between the laws of the gods and the laws of state. He presents the reader with a dilemma involving religious rituals passed down in the family and a new law passed by a ruler of the state. Antigone and her uncle, Creon, have a different set of values. Creon, the ruler of Thebes, values the constant order of the state and the public good. Antigone values family and religion, and views these commitments as superior to the laws imposed by her uncle. She claims, there is an â€Å"unchangeable unwritten code of Heaven,† (Sophocles, Antigone, 17) and she decides to act against the laws of her uncle to fulfill the laws of the gods, by giving her brother a proper burial ritual against Creon’s will. Antigone considers her uncle’s laws as sacrilege. Creon thought that his decision would bring stability to his state, as he claimed that â€Å"by corruption few men thrive and many come to mischief,† (Sophocles, Antigone, 12). Creon places the ‘polis’ above family and religious values and disregards the values that Antigone holds sacred. Sophocles positions Antigone as being the heroine of the play and allows her to justify her decisions, with the taking of her own life Antigone made a statement and accentuates the power she held and that Creon lacked. In the end, Creon is left with feelings of regret and no family, thus punished by the gods for not abiding by their laws. Antigone believed that her rights were not given to her by Creon but rather given to her by the gods. She was only doing what she thought was morally right. Antigone is a religious being and clearly values the gods higher than the state; she is willing to face the consequences. Antigone was willing to â€Å"meet with nothing more grievous, at the worst, than death, with honour,† (Sophocles, Antigone, 4) she courageously fulfilled her duties as a religious being. Many people would applaud Antigone’s bravery, for any private interest should be allowed to challenge the public good. In doing so, I believe that those private interests could eventually turn into a public interest. In the play, a prophet visits Creon to warn him of the consequences that have been brought about from his unjust laws. If it had not have been for Antigone publicly objecting to Creon’s law, it would probably not have been such a big issue that brought the concern of others. Antigone allowed for others to question Creon’s law and debate if it is morally right to go against the laws of the gods. Publicly refusing to follow a law brings attention to an issue that otherwise would have been ignored. One great example in our society is during the Civil Rights era; Martin Luther King Jr. ’s actions brought great attention to the issue of racial segregation. He believed that it was right to openly break a law that was not supposed to be a law at all. His actions although non-violent broke many laws that were made to impede success among the African American population in the U. S. He believed that by publicly and consciously breaking the law exposes brutality and promotes participation. In doing so, the people against the law were perceived as being brave and those watching were forced to question what was just. When issues become public and catch the interest of the majority of the people in the ‘polis’, the government is forced to do something about it. Creon responded with a stern and much too harsh punishment that led to the death of his niece, son and wife but if Antigone would not have contested his law he could have eventually reached complete domination of political power. The general population supported Antigone but they were too afraid to say anything until they finally felt that something must be done. Creon was running a totalitarian government and was corrupting the state. He was unable to see how unjust his law was until others brought it to his attention and tried to convince him that his use of power was wrong. Antigone’s defying actions instilled courage in the people to also speak against their ruler. It might be objected that when someone disobeys state laws whenever their conscience dictates they are only helping themselves, the person breaking the law is not thinking about the common good but rather fulfilling their own good or promoting anarchy. Civil disobedience may seem reasonable when we consider Martin Luther King Jr. ’s situation but it may not always be driven with good intentions. By disobeying, regardless of good or bad intentions, they are hurting the stability of the state. Creon argues, â€Å"Obedience is due to the state’ officer in small and great, just and unjust commandments†¦ (Sophocles, Antigone, 26). † Creon did not bother to judge his laws as just or unjust, he simply did what he considered was good for the state. It is thought that if people continue to please themselves in breaking the laws of the state that they will eventually break every law and lose all respect for the state. Civil disobedience may not always serve the public good and only serve to undermine order. Breaking a law weakens the state and it’s order, it promotes anarchy and disrespects authority. It should not be encouraged or tolerated. It is a civic virtue to abide by the laws of the state it is what leads to its success and stability. By breaking the law Antigone was faced with death, she claimed that she was honoring the gods and that they would honor her in the end. But one must question if honor is worth the permanence of death. Many people feel so strongly about their opinions that they are wiling to die just as Antigone did in Sophocles’ play. One notable person in history is Socrates; he willingly faced all punishments administered to him. He claimed to have had a contract with his state of Athens that obliged him to accept punishments for taking advantage of the state in the first place. This shows that even though Socrates may have broken some law, he still held respect for the state. Not every person that breaks a law is completely recalcitrant. Like Socrates, those who fight for civil rights and follow what they believe to be morally correct are aware of their wrongdoings and make it a statement when they finally submit to the law. They are submitting to punishments even if they are deemed unjust only to prove to the state that their morals are important and can withstand any punishment. In facing moral challenges one is often forced to face it is always difficult to decipher what is right and what is wrong. Everyone has different values and obligations. Here, Antigone’s values outweighed Creon’s overwhelmingly unjust laws. One must always question what is more important and find a balance between the two. Civil disobedience is allowed when the conscience dictates in situations that lead to a greater good. Not all private interests are egocentric some may also reflect the interest of the general population. Antigone, although harshly punished just as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Socrates were as well, have all rose among the common people and proved to be great. They encompassed a passion and bravery for their beliefs that was able to attract attention to conflicts in the law. Without their brave actions the state would not have been open to change and reach a new level of stability.

University of Akron Admissions and Acceptance Rate

University of Akron Admissions and Acceptance Rate The University of Akrons acceptance rate is high- 93 percent of applicants were accepted in 2017. The school requires test scores as part of the application; both the SAT and ACT are accepted, although the majority of applicants submit ACT scores. The writing portions of these tests are recommended but not required. The application form from the university does not require a formal essay. You can calculate your chances of getting in with this free tool from Cappex. Admissions Data (2017) University of Akron Acceptance Rate: 93 percentGPA, SAT and ACT Graph for UA AdmissionsTest Scores: 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 510 / 640SAT Math: 480 / 640What these SAT numbers meanState of Ohio SAT comparison chartMid-American SAT comparisonACT Composite: 19 / 26ACT English: 17 / 25ACT Math: 18 / 26What these ACT numbers meanState of Ohio ACT comparison chartMid-American ACT comparison University of Akron Description The University of Akrons main campus occupies 222 acres in metropolitan Akron, Ohio. Originally affiliated with the Universalist church, the school is now non-denominational. The school also has two regional campuses- Wayne College and Medina County University Center. Academics at the main campus are supported by a respectable 18 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Popular majors for undergraduates include Accounting, Education, Marketing, and Nursing. The colleges strengths in engineering and business have been recognized in several national rankings. The university completed $300 million of construction in 2004 to expand and upgrade campus facilities. High achieving students should check out the universitys Honors College. In athletics, the Akron Zips (Whats a Zip?) compete in the NCAA Division I  Mid-American Conference. Popular sports include Football, Soccer, and Track and Field.   Enrollment (2017) Total Enrollment: 20,169  (16,872  undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 53  percent male / 47 percent female80 percent full-time Costs (2017-18) Tuition and Fees: $10,270  (in-state); $18,801  (out-of-state)Books: $1,000 (why so much?)Room and Board: $12,296Other Expenses: $2,520Total Cost: $26,086 (in-state); $34,617 (out-of-state) University of Akron Financial Aid (2016 -17) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 93  percentPercentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 85  percentLoans: 62 percentAverage Amount of AidGrants: $7,816Loans: $7,205 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Organizational Communication, Psychology, Social WorkWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Graduation, Retention and Transfer Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 73 percentTransfer Out Rate: 36 percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 17  percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 43  percent Intercollegiate Athletic Programs Mens Sports:  Track and Field, Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Baseball, Basketball, GolfWomens Sports:  Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field, Golf, Softball, Soccer Data Sources: National Center for Education Statistics and the University of Akron website