Joint Commission Accreditation, Certification, and Licensing Essay Example for Free

Joint Commission Accreditation, Certification, and Licensing Essay Given health record completion policies, correctly apply accreditation or licensing standards to determine the organization’s compliance. Write a 1-page paper on how you think Joint? organization’s compliance. Commission’s standards impact health record completion and organizational compliance. Be sure to discuss advantages/disadvantages of being accredited by Joint Commission. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO) is a non-profit and independent accreditation organization that provides accreditation and certification for various healthcare organizations, health plans, health packages and hospitals in the US. It has been functioning in the US, and is recognized throughout the world. More than 15, 000 healthcare organizations in the US have been accredited and certified by the Joint Commission. An organization that subscribes to accreditation by the JCAHO would constantly have to make an effort to reach certain performance standards. JCAHO gives greater importance to maintaining patient safety standards and improving the quality of care (The Joint Commission, 2008). The Joint Commission has accredited several aspects of medical care including ambulatory care, assisted living, behavioral healthcare, critical care, laboratory services, home care, surgeries, old age clinics, staff and employees, disease-management, long-term care, etc (The Joint Commission, 2008). It is very important that the healthcare organization complies with the specifications mentioned by the JCAHO. Firstly, the healthcare organization has to understand the importance of having these specifications in place. It would benefit the organization and also the patients, insurance companies, government and the general public. The litigations against malpractice are significantly fewer when a hospital has accreditation. Flowsheets that record detailed information and observations of the patients vitals and care administered would help in precise documentation. An electronic system would act as an aid in ensuring that the specifications of the joint Commission are enforced and followed. Studies have demonstrated that the compliance levels of the JCAHO specifications are around 50 % in all healthcare organizations that subscribe to accreditation by this organization. The outcome of any case would certainly be better if the specifications laid down by the JCAHO are followed. Frequently, the Joint Commission would be conducting surveys and suggested measures to be implemented in order to improve the status of the employees and the patients. One way of ensuring that the organization complies with the JCAHO specifications is to have several monitoring devices in place. These include surprise checks, regular visits, inspection of the records, etc. The information transmitted and stored in the hospital database should be accessible to the JCAHO for the purpose of monitoring. Patient surveys are another method of ensuring compliance by the JCAHO. Another way would be to record the cases of malpractice against the healthcare organization (Massachusetts General Hospital, 2007). There are several requirements a hospital or a healthcare organization has to follow in order to get accredited to the JCAHO. These include: ? Following the recommendations launched by the AMH and the BHC ? Following the requirements of the HIPAA ? Having a system that fulfills the recommendations lay down by the JCAHO regarding flow of information (using software tools such as TIER). ? Some of the important criteria regarding the information management system includes: 1. Maintain confidentiality of the patient information 2. The internal and the external needs have to be addressed through comprehensive planning 3. Security of the information – accessibility only to the relevant staff members 4. Data, which can be collected, analyzed and decisions-made. 5. Addressing the education and training needs – Information should be presented to the staff members and the patients in an automated manner 6. Information and clinical records presented to the patients should be comprehensive and specific. The Joint Commission accreditation has several advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: †¢ The patients would be having greater confidence in the healthcare organization and health plan. †¢ In the market, there would be greater competition between the healthcare organizations. †¢ The risk management would be more efficient. †¢ The business practices and ethics would improve. †¢ The human resource management process would be better. †¢ Insurance companies and third parties would have better relationships with the healthcare organization. †¢ Compliance with the terms and conditions mentioned by the regulatory bodies would be better. Disadvantages: †¢ Information provided to the JCAHO could be potentially misused. †¢ The hospital would be spending huge sums of money for the purpose of accreditation and would actually not be involved in improving patient care. †¢ Unhealthy competition may be propagated. References: Brink, L. J. (2004). â€Å"JCAHO Information Management Standards and TIER† Retrieved on February 18, 2008, from Hospitals for a Healthy Environment Web site: http://www. sequest. net/articles/TIER%20and%20JCAHO%20IM%20Standards. pdf Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (2007). â€Å"Guide to JCAHO Environment of Care Standard 1. 10.1† Retrieved on January 29, 2008, from Hospitals for a Healthy Environment Web site: http://www. h2e-online. org/regsandstandards/jcahoEC1. 10. 1. html Masshecutes General Hospital (2007). â€Å"Massachusetts General Hospital Summary of the Joint Commission Findings. † Retrieved on January 29, 2008, from MGH Web site: http://www. massgeneral. org/findings_summary. html The Joint Commission (2008). â€Å"Joint Commission Requirements. † Retrieved on January 29, 2008, from The Joint Commission Web site: http://www. jointcommission. org/Standards/Requirements/

Learning in mathematics and science

Learning in mathematics and science Rationale A cross curricular resource box designed to develop childrens understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts, through The Rainbow Fish theme has been produced. The box contains activities for Reception children exploring counting in Mathematics and material and properties in Science. This rationale explains how activities based from the rainbow fish provide conceptual learning in Maths and Science. Counting is important in providing a foundation for Mathematics. Children will always experience situations where counting skills are vital. The National Curriculum states, counting helps develop skills applicable in everyday life and context. Using the Primary Numeracy Strategy (2006, online) using mathematical methods and ideas to solve practical problems and identifying numbers that are one more or less than a given number are mentioned in EYFS (2007,online) and developed throughout childrens schooling experience (5B,4B,2B,1E) Anghileri (2001, p.6) says counting is learnt suddenly. Children may spontaneously learn counting because they should be experiencing counting in different contexts: cross curricular, play etc. Anghileri (2001) assumes the above occurs because children are making links through context. Yet this is a generalisation, children are different and may need reinforcement or interaction, to firstly understand how they are learning, which then allows making links. Both Askew and Wiliam (1995, p.5) declare learning to count as mechanical. Askew and Wiliams proposition lacks clarity as to how and why counting is mechanical and what the implications are towards childrens learning. One cannot say children feel and experience this. From experience, I applied Anghileris theory. Counting was placed into contexts: songs and games etc, allowing activities to be seen informal. Childrens understanding of counting developed because principles and understanding came naturally. Science creates opportunities for children to understand the world through play and exploration, using their senses. Although it is classified as Knowledge and Understanding of the World, skills (questions, describing, predicting, sorting, investigating) and attitudes develop (Ward 2005, p.9). Identifying and understanding properties of different materials encourages children to question and become aware of their surroundings. Through EYFS requirements Investigate materials through use of appropriate senses, materials encourages children to develop a simple KS1 level of understanding SC1 2a,b,e,f,g,i,j,   SC3: 1a,b,c, 2a (QCA 1999, online). An implication of scientific learning is that of misconceptions, such as distinguishing between materials, to the object made from the material. Guest (2003,pp.2-6) argues that children may develop Paigets (2005) constructivist approach towards scientific learning (Smith 2005, p.459). Children may construct their own understanding through their own experiences. Henceforth there are no set principles towards teaching material, other than creating strategies to elicit childrens understanding and misconceptions to then extend. Below explains how the box could be used (see appendix too). Activity one allows mixed ability pairs of children to play a board game, using a 1-6 dice. Instructions should be read with children. Children add or remove scales(Extension: +/-3) from their fish, depending on the position landed on the board. The child with the most scales left at the end of the game wins. This develops their counting skills to ten. Number scales and plastic fish can be used as an aid for counting Activity two involves children using a fishing rod to catch fish, therefore developing their hand eye co-ordination. The fish contain single numbers from 1-10. Children keep the fish if they correctly answer questions from the teacher: What is one more than 6, one less than 3etc? If incorrect, the answer is modelled, and the fish go back into the pond. Teachers can change the questions around for children who need extension such as, What is 3 more or less than 5?  Ã‚   Activity three helps children identify and describe properties of material (plastic, paper, wood, velvet, playdough and wool). Children independently group these using sorting rings. Questions can be asked: Why have you put velvet and plastic here..Children then group the materials into five properties. I chose transparency, stretchiness, squishiness, softness and hardness. Explain and allow children to test out materials and their properties before grouping. Can we see through plastic? As an investigative game with the teacher, in turn children (mixed ability groups4) are to feel fish in a feely box, made from material used in the previous activity. A child feels a fish(using sight and touch senses) and responds to questions other children ask(based on first- hand experience activity) to conclude what material the fish are made from- The material is soft As an aid to investigate what material the fishes are made from, raw material would be displayed for visualisation and for children to test when they receive responses to their questions. Principles must be considered when teaching and learning about counting and materials. For Maths, in more or less counting, consideration has to be given to one-one, where children need to understand that each items has a name and is counted once. Then stable order, where children need to understand that the order of numbers must stay consistent when counting, followed by the third principle, cardinal where children state the total number of items. The fourth principle is, abstraction where children need to understand that all items are counted despite their different properties. The fifth principle, order irrelevance demonstrates that items can be counted in any order (Thompson, 1997, p.35-37). Teaching the concepts for counting and materials can now be used. Relating counting (one more or less) to addition and subtraction, and materials and their properties to scientific inquiry, may reflect EYFS principles. The activities provide children the opportunity to make connections through using practical apparatus (e.g. material fish/fish with numbers). HMI emphasise that learning depends on ones ability to recognise relationships between concepts (Koshy 1999, p.17). As activity one should allow children to make connections independently, as it is student led. Yet it is difficult to say whether children could make links between concepts as there is no guidance or questioning to stimulate thinking and association. William reports (2008) in child led activities, children need time and space to discover mathematical ideas and concepts. If time and independent exploration is provided, links may eventually be made (Williams 2008, p.60). In activity two and first part of three, Harlen (1993) concludes, questions should enable response and inquiry from children, How can we work out what two more than eight is? Why have you grouped the wood with plastic? Such responses may enable misconceptions to surface, which should structure initial starting points to build concepts, (1993, p.83) as interaction and formative assessment are demonstrated (Black and Wiliam2001, pp.2-14).   Class ethos may develop, as assessment for learning is undertaken directly with children, allowing more time for interaction and observation rather than typical assessment requirements, e.g. collecting work. Though appealing, Harlen (1993 p.83) and Westwood (2000,p.51) suggest language used in questions could affect childrens understanding. Language may produce open/closed questions, which creates false observation and assessment, because the way questions are constructed determines whether children are asked how can we find two more than eight..?, or we solve it by As there is a strong relationship between the importance of language in learning, one could portray Harlen and Westwoods view as an opinion, as neither provide statistics and further evidence to prove how language use in questions demotes learning. From experience, my questions helped children reflect and achieve objectives, but I didnt consider whether the language I used in my questions easily allowed children to achieve objectives, as I may have given them the answer through my questions to figure this out, we need to add Drawing upon Harlen and Westwoods principles, a reflective and evaluative approach to questioning should be adopted. Practioneer can identify and evaluate how their language is used within questions, and consider improvements needed to allow children to think through an approach, highlighting Brunels (1976) child led approach towards constructive thinking and learning (Smith 2003, p.405). Williams and Vygotsky (1962,p.405) deem discussion as encouragement towards childrens   conceptual learning. Activity one allows children to work together as they are in charge of the situation. Exploratory talk develops childrens teambuilding and communication skills as children rephrase and correct each other. Positive relationships form and children learn together. A point to consider is that Williams and Vygotsky may be biased, they are using words (rephrase/correct) that favour children working together. Children are unique some may be shy or do not like helping each other, therefore wont rephrase or correct each other. The gap in this evidence could make us question the reliability of Williams and Vygotsky view, as one could question what is happening to children who are not getting help from peers. Barnes (1976,pp.31) believes in activity one, children working independently may not do the activity due to lack of authority figures. Not all children get off task, thus a balance of when to leave and when to refocus children on the game must be considered, here children not receiving help, would. Williams states learning should be developed through childrens experiences of games and play (Williams 2008, p.36). An aspect of teaching in foundation settings is to encourage childrens learning through exploratory play. The second part of activity three should stimulate and promote understanding as children are clarifying, extending and reinforcing ideas (Oliver 2006,p.144). If she can stretch thisit will not be wood Olivers (2006) view is achieved through children conversing, especially to those in need of encouragement. Both Williams and Olivers view overcome inclusion barriers, as all children are involved in the game and are helping one another reach learning outcomes, allowing Vygotskys ZPD (2003, p.497) where peer-scaffolding can develop childrens ability to do a task. Children experience Froebels (1906,p.229) theory of successful learning because learning is influenced through play than rote learning approaches. As a result, supporting Waite (2006,p.12), play may allow children to fit into class and may explain the importance of personal and social learning (Wood 2001,p.12) rather than support towards self-actualisation (Maslow 1987,p.12). Far from just learning, activity three allows children to have fun and embrace ECM (2009,online) enjoy and achieve through games and EYFS build concepts and skills through play outcomes (2007,online). Scotts (1985) physics games study reflects Williams and Olivers argument, as games provided opportunities for discussion and negotiation amongst girls and boys (Bentley 1989, p.127). One could query whether this condition took into consideration the communication amongst diverse children and the barriers to communication. Regarding secondary physics, questions could surface as to whether the results would apply for primary children, as from experience, secondary students like working co-operatively and many primary children like working independently. Investigations are used throughout the activities. Investigations in activity two and second part of three relate to problem solving, in that they are focused by a problem which requires childrens questions and explanations. Both VESP (1992,p.48) and Aksis (1998,pp.4-6) evaluate thinking and responding allows children to engage themselves within the activity and acquire interpreting, questioning, predicting and hypothesising skills to propose explanations and solutions. Yet VESP and Aksis falsely assume that all children acquire these skills. Both researchers views can be convincing if investigations create open learning situations rather than common didactic teaching methods (Bentley1989, p.82). However ASE (1998 p.6) attack the views of both researchers, as skills to be acquired through open learning situations are ignored, because emphasis is on planning and carrying out an investigations rather than evaluating the investigative process how did we come to our conclusion This could be due to difficulties in achieving timely involvement for pupils. ASE concluded Primary schools ask only half the class to carry out investigations. One could argue that we maybe going against ECM and EYFS principles of equal opportunities and participation for children. From experience, supporting ASE, children not involved in investigations have their inherent capabilities disregarded. Activity two and three is not didactic, allows all children to participate regardless to class timing as every child has the right to learn. If not, we are removing childrens potential learning style and forcing them to do work which they may struggle with, but would not if they did the investigation. The activities may produce errors like, counting same spaces twice on the board, difficulty identifying random numbers and counting to/from a number. However Hansen (2005) and Smith (1997) state, these are common errors children make when learning to count. In future, reinforcement must be given to counting principles (Bruce 2005, pp.25). To conclude, I have given explanations to how and why these activities can be carried out, with consideration to issues one should be aware too. Stating how these issues maybe overcome are potential starters. I have realised that interaction and discussion are key to childrens learning, and must be in daily lessons. Children will engage in the activities as they are fun, motivating and creative. Children would share and take turns in throwing the dice and catching fish, as well as talk and share with each other what material the fish are made from. By interaction and observation with children, one can identify childrens understanding of material and counting. As Vygotsky states, children think and learn socially through experience, interaction and support (Smith et al, 2003, p.493). The activities enable children to experiment, make decisions, errors and correct themselves (Bruce 2005, p.64). References Anghileri, J. (2001) Principles and Practices in Arithmetic Teaching: Innovative approaches for the primary classroom. Buckingham: Open Press University Askew, M., William, D. (1995) Recent research in Mathematics education. London: HMSO Barnes, D. (1976) From Communication to Curriculum. Harmondsworth: Penguin Bentley, D., Watts, M. (1989) Learning and Teaching in school Science. Milton Keynes: Open Press University Black, P., Wiliam, D. (2001) Inside the black box. Raising standards through classroom assesment. London: Kings college London school of education Bruce, T. (2005) Early childhood education. 3rd edition. London:Hodder Arnold DfES. (2007) The Early Years Foundation Stage.[Online]. Available: http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/eyfs/taxonomy/33655/33694/0/46384 [12th October 2009] DfES (2009) Every Child Matters [Online]. Available: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/ [6th October 2009] Evans,B. (2007) The rainbow fish maths game. [Online]. Available: http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=3005392 [12 November 2009]. Froebel, F. (1906) The Education of Man. New York: Appleton Guest, G. (2003) Alternative frameworks for Primary Science.[Online]. Available: www.scitutors.org.uk//p4.1_6.0b_misconceptions_primary_science.doc [8th October 2009] Harlen, W. (1993) Teaching and Learning Primary Science.2nd Edition. London: Paul Chapman Koshy, V. Effective Teaching of Numeracy. For the National Mathematics Framework. London: Hodder and Stoughton Maslow (1987) Motivation and Personality, Cambridge, Harper and Row Oliver, A. (2006) Creative teaching science. In the early years and primary classroom. USA and Canada: David Fulton Primary National Strategy (2006) Primary framework for Mathematics: Learning objectives. [Online]. Available: http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/strands/34759/34265/110211 [6th November 2009] QCA (1999) National Curriculum Science KS1. [Online]. Available: http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/subjects/science/keystage1/index.aspx?return=/key-stages-1-and-2/subjects/index.aspx [26th October 2009] Smith, P., Cowie, H., Blades, M. (2003) Understanding Childrens Development. 4th Edition. England: Blackwell Publishing Sparklebox (2003) Numberlines. [Online]. Available: http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/md/counting/lines.html [6th November 2009] Thompson, I. 1997. Teaching and learning early number. Buckingham : Open University Press Vermont Elementary Science Project (1992) On the run reference guide to the nature of elementary science for the student. Vermont: Burlington Vygotsky, L. (1962) Thought and Language. Cambridge: MIT press Watson, R., Goldaworthy, A.,Robinson, V. (1998) ASE/Kings College Science Investigations in Schools [AKSIS] Project. QCA : London Waite, S., Carrington, V. And Passy, R. (2005) Final report: Evaluation of Excellence and Enjoyment: Learning and teaching in the primary years continuing professional development materials, report for Primary National Strategy Westwood, P. (2000) Numeracy and Learning difficulties. Approaches to teaching and assessment. Camberwell: Australian council for educational research

A Chinese Multinational Computer Hardware Marketing Essay

A Chinese Multinational Computer Hardware Marketing Essay Lenovo Group Limited is a Chinese multinational computer hardware and electronics company with its operational headquarters in Morrisville, North Carolina, United States and its registered office in Hong Kong. Its products include personal computers,  tablet computers,  mobile phones, workstations,  servers, electronic storage devices, IT management software and  smart televisions (Wikipedia, 2012). Lenovo is the dominant supplier of computers in Mainland China; however,  current economic system is transferred to be more globalised, integrated and interdependent. Thus for many enterprises or just like Lenovo, to have a plan on the international expansion strategies is of the essence. This report will analyse Lenovo PC businesss marketing mix and marketing strategy through environment, target market, positioning, and 4P. Brand History and Evironment 1.1 Brand History In 1984, with an initial capital outlay of only RMB200,000, (US$25,000) Lenovos founding chairman Liu Chuanzhi, together with 10 like-minded colleagues, launches the New Technology Developer Inc which was named Legend at that time (Lenovo Company History, n.d.). By 1989, now known as Hong Kong Legend has branded out into motherboard manufacturer and it has changed its name to Lenovo and launched itself on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1994 (Malone, 2004). In 1996, Legend became the market share leader in China for the first time and introduced the first Legend brand laptop to consumers. In 2005, Lenovo completes the acquisition of IBMs Personal Computing Division, making it a new international IT competitor and the third-largest personal computer company in the world (Lenovo Company History, n.d.). According to the data, Lenovo has become the worlds second largest supplier of  personal computers  during the third quarter of 2011, which held around 13.5% of the worldwide compute r market as of October 2011 (Conn, 2011). Today, Lenovo is a global corporation with significant operations on six continents and operating in more than 60 countries and selling products in 160 countries (wikipedia, 2012). 1.2 Internal Environment Figure 1 Marketing Environment Competitive Economic Macro-environment Micro-enviroment Political-Legal Technological Social-Culture Competitors Customers General Public Distributors Suppliers Internal environment Men Money Machinery Materials Minutes Started from a square room, only 11 individuals Lenovo Group, currently has more than 10,000 employees. Facing with rapid development of the internet, April 2000, Lenovo Group restructured the whole company, from the division as the core system to a subsidiary of the core change in the system. Today, Lenovo has the most advanced technology in China, the high-level professionals, and abundant capital support, for example, its gross profit margin improved 11.7 percent in 2011 (Lenovo, 2011). Meanwhile, the Lenovo Groups management level has been committed to developing the development strategy, implementing the management philosophy, maintaining and carrying forward the corporate culture, in order to make the Lenovo to become a long-term, large scale high-tech enterprise. 1.3 Micro-Environment 1.3.1 Bargaining power of suppliers PC belongs to sophisticated instrument; therefore, the worldwide major CPU vendors are only two: AMD and INTEL. So the CPU suppliers has a strong bargaining power. On the other hand, there are many hardware providers in Chinese mainland, so for Chinese PC market, the local brand Lenovo has obvious advantages. 1.3.2 Bargaining power of buyers Because more and more PC brands can be chosen by consumers in global market, consumers have the ability to replace a companys products with the goods or services from a competing firm. 1.3.3 Potential new entrants and Threat of substitute products Because the cost of entering the PC market is high and the PC industry require the patent as a basis to develop the company, the threat of new entrants can be moderate. Additionally, the product like smart mobile phone may become substantial product for PC. It has many functions like PC which bring the large value to the customer. However, in the short term, it has little impact on Lenovos marketing strategies. 1.3.4 Rivalry among competitors In Chinas PC market, Lenovo is the number one PC vendor, which occupies the largest proportion of Chinas PC market share. Overall, rivalry is moderate in China. However, facing with HP, Dell, and Acer etc. in global market, Lenovo has to enhance the function of its PC products and the quality of sevices in order to gain competitive edges in some specific markets. Figure 2 illustrates the market share in U.S. PC market during the third quarter in 2012. Figure 2 Preliminary U.S. PC Q3 2012 Market Share by Vendor Chart by  The Mac Observer  from IDC data 1.4 Macro-Environment 1.4.1 Political-Legal environment In the 1980s, Chinese Academy of Sciences invested a lot of money when Lenovo needed financial support to develop itself. Indeed, Lenovo has a strong political background in China and it has been regarded as the birthplace of Chinas computer technology. Additionally, as a global company, Lenovo has to comply with unfamiliar laws and regulations. 1.4.2 Economic Environment Firgure 3 Lenovo RD Center in ShenZhenWith the increase income of Chinese consumers, people increasingly like to put money in hi-tech products, such as laptop, digital camera, and smart mobile phone. However, in global market, with the deepening of European debt crisis, the global economic are facing deflation and the unemployment rate are shotting up. Consumers wil be more prudent to make decision in purchasing. 1.4.3 Technological Environment Chinese Academy of Sciences which has 1,800 talents in From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediathe field of computer technology can povides efficient and effective support to Lenovo during RD process (Wikipedia, 2012). A prevalent trend that some hi-tech companies have cooperated with PC firms, such as HuaWei and Cisco, improving the existing products and offering better customer service challenges the PC leader of Chinas market. 1.4.4 Social-Cultural Environment To remain competitive, Lenovo must be sensitive to societys demographic shifts and changing values. However, in the global PC market, because the characteristics of the population, values and attitudes of consumers, and lifestyle are various, it is difficult to satisfy every consumer. Additionally, raising the awareness of consumerism is important to current companies. 1.4.5 Competitive Environment The competition of hi-tech products is very fierce in global market. Lenove are facing with some outstanding company, such as Apple, HP, and Dell. The products from different companies with various distinguishing features attract consumers to buy, which increase the level of competition. Furthermore, the indirect competition also has an impact on this market, such as smart mobile phone and iPad, because Wi-Fi makes the Internet available via radio waves and can be accessed at any number of public hot spots. Target Market and Positioning 2.1 Target Market Market segmentation is an inevitable trend in a mature market. The target market for a product is the specific segment of consumers most likely to purchase a particular product. Marketers should try to isolate the traits that distinguish a certain group of consumers from the overall market, in order to serve consumers and maximize the profit. 2.1.1 Geographic Segmentation From 2009 to 2012, Lenovo divided the overall market based on mature market and emerging market. However, from January 2012 onward, Lenovo gave up this method of market segmentation, while Lenovo divided the global market into four parts: Chinese market, North American market, EMEA market (Europe, Middle East and Africa market) and Asia Pacific Latin American market. In this four parts, Chinese market has a large number of population, which means great potential for profit growth. In contrast, North American market is relatively difficult to enter, because it is a mature market and consumers are loyal to former brands, such as Dell and HP. Overall, Lenovo combine its marketing efforts for countries and regions that share similar population and product-use patterns instead of treating each country or region as an independent segment. 2.1.2 Demographic Segmentation Gender: the purchasing habit of women can not be overlooked in PC market, because most woman buyers focus the stylish appearance and lightweight portable design rather than the computer performance, such as software and hardware. Age: tweens and teens usually use their computer for study and online game, while Generation X use their computer for work and social contact. Lenovos two main PC products ThinkPad and IdeaPad are different. Specifically, The IdeaPad design marked a deviation from the business-oriented  ThinkPad  laptops, towards a more consumer-focused look and feel (Jackson, 2008). Income and Expenditure patterns: because the income directly determine the purchasing power of consumer, Lenovo PC products are distributed across low end market, mid-range market and high end market. Figure 4 ThinkPad logo and IdeaPad logo From Lenovo official website 2.1.3 Psychographic and Behavioural segmentation Lenovos marketers quantify aspects of consumers personalities and lifestyles to create goods and services for a target market. For example, Lenovo products advertisements are different in Mainland China and America. Because consumers in China focus on the performance of the product while American consumers focus on the spirit that the product convey. Furthermore, most Chinese PC consumers like comparing goods before taking money form their wallet, while European consumers prefer to pursue high-quality product and to make decision quickly. 2.2 Positioning From the view of laptop market structure, business market account for the largest proportion of laptop market share, especially in government, manufactoring industry, school and university, and financial industry. From the view of sales, mid-range market is the most important part while the sales in low end market increase rapidly. The target market selection of Lenovo PCs is based on market size, development prospects, business goals and competitive advantages. To maintain the leading position in the Chinese market, Lenovo PCs must be on the market for comprehensive coverage. Specifically, Idea-branded focus on individual and family consumer market with low price and stylish design, which targets to low end market. While Think-branded focus on medium and small business, not-for-profit organizations, which is committed to provide a stable, safe, and high-quality computer product. Furthermore, because of the acquisition of IBMs personal computer business, Lenovo have the ability to en ter the high end business market. IBM PCs regard the high end of key account market as the target market. The distinct level of Lenovos marketing positioning helps distinguish its products from those of competitors and provides a basis for marketing communications. Marketing Mix Variables 3.1 Product Strategy Lenovo targets clearly its product strategy at the diversification development in such a new information era. Lenovo leads the PC industry in product innovation and it mainly focuses on PC business. Therefore, we divide products of Lenovo into two parts: laptop and desktop. 3.1.1 ThinkPad IdeaPad ThinkPad were originally an IBM product, which is line of business-oriented laptop computers known for their boxy black design (Wikipedia, 2012). ThinkPad series is made up of T series, X series, L series, W series, and ThinkPad Edge and each of them has their own feature. Specifically, T series is the most popular ThinkPad because of its performance and portability; X series is the thinnest and lightest with the longest battery life; L series is the green choice for professionals; W series is defined as a portable workstation. The IdeaPad line of consumer-oriented  laptop computers  was introduced in January 2008. The IdeaPad is the result of Lenovos own research and development (Wikipedia 2012). IdeaPad consist of U series, Y series, Z series. Specifically, U series is a stylish choice for everyday use; Y series design for gamers, movie buffs and audiophiles; Z series has a balance of price and multimedia features. 3.1.2 ThinkCentre IdeaCentre There are two series of ThinkCentre: ThinkCentre Edge Series (stylish, business-class) and ThinkCentre M series (sophisticated space-savers, dependable business partners). ThinkCentre is a system that combines reliability with ease of use. The marketing concept of ThinkCentre is You name the challenge, well bring the solution. IdeaCentre were described by HotHardware as being uniquely designed, with users needing to gaze on each one to see which design would look best in your place.(Willington, 2011). Indeed, IdeaCentre desktops come in all shapes and sizes.   Theres the skinny all-in-one that hides its working bits, the tiny nettop no larger than a book, and the regular desktop that traditionalists will view with satisfaction. Figure 5 Lenovo IdeaCentre 3.1.3 Service and Warranty From hothardware.comLenovo services is various depending on different kinds of customers. For example, Lenovo offers a comprehensive portfolio of value-added services that support the full lifecycle of Lenovo assets to large enterprises while Lenovo offers warranty support services and accidental damage protection to personal and home. 3.2 Promotion Strategy Lenovos prior goal is to create a new and successful international brand by the advantageous promotion of IBM; therefore, advertisement is the best option for this goal. Then promotional activities are also in effective and direct ways. 3.2.1 Advertising Lenovos personal computer mainly targets some individual clients made up of personal and home groups, and some small-and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, the advertisement should be designed differently according to different segments. However, IBM aims at high-level computer market oriented to large organization for commercial functions. Therefore, advertisement strategies for ThinkPad are designed in an orientation of commercial application. Because consumers in China focus on the performance of the product while American consumers focus on the spirit that the product convey, the style of Lenovo advertisement is different globally. 3.2.2 Personal Selling The marketing strategies for individual users and large enterprises are different in requirements to sales person. As for individual users, what sales person need are a full set of materials of new products, like specific introductions, on-site demonstration disc, some certifications, and some samples. In addition, the training offered to salesperson is necessary including sales technologies, products knowledge, and companys regulation. In contrast, for the large enterprises, Lenovos salespersons play pivotal roles in promotion. Because they do not only promote products, but also perform necessarily in public relations, sales, training, commerce and customer services. 3.2.3 Sales Promotion Public Relation Because of two different product orientations, they will be differentiated in promotional activities. Personal and home groups consumers will mostly buy from stores or agents, and their purchasing behaviors are readily influenced by promotional activities. Therefore, users promotional activities are more effective for this type of users. However, ThinkPad goes oppositely since its users are mostly large enterprises commercially, and they unlikely go into some stores to buy a ThinkPad. Therefore, promotional activities will not work the same effectively as individual users do. Thus some special activities will introduced, such as inviting them to products exhibition or new products training, trial for new products for VIP clients, or organizing some member club to promote new products by conference, traveling, or sightseeing to enhance brand images and improve the knowledge or ThinkPad products. It is worthy mentioning that Lenovo was an official computer sponsor of the  2006 Winter Olympics  in  Turin,  Italy, and the  2008 Summer Olympics  inBeijing. In July of 2012, Lenovo and the National Football League (NFL) announced that Lenovo had become the NFLs Official Laptop, Desktop and Workstation Sponsor. 3.3 Pricing Strategy The objective of Lenovo is to capture a substantial market share and attract more and more buyers to buy its products. Lenovo pricing stratrgy is based on offering the consumers high quality at low price as well as competitor pricing. Lenovo has always maintained a product mix such as bread and butter products like 3000H series and high end products like ThinkPad and ThinkCentre, which helps Lenovo develop a vast range in its prices. The pricing of some models in America market are as follows: Lenovo  Y Series Laptops are priced  from $600- 1000 Lenovo U  Series  Laptops  are  Priced from  $500- 800 ThinkPad XZ series are priced from  $1000- 2000. Obviously, the laptop price is so competitive in current commercial situation that it should be considered at the first place of production based on a short lifecycle in high-technology industry. Therefore, perception value pricing of Lenovo is adapted to gain an acceptable profit. The middle and high-level Lenovo products are priced to compete in market, therefore, the price of these products should be referred to competitive products. Indeed, For comparable products, Lenovo priced its products at about two-thirds of foreign-made PCs (Xie, 2004, p. 412). In order to maintain the largest share and leader position in Mainland China and remain competitive in global market, Lenovo is a market follower after Dell and HP and this pricing strategy can allow them to ensure values as well as the optimal price of the products. Additionally, Lenovo constantly offers discounts on its  products through its showrooms and online purchases which are often in the range of  25-30%. Also there are many coupon codes and promotional codes available on all product models which add to the total discount. 3.4 Place Strategy 3.4.1 RD Center and Marketing Center Because HongKong is a global center of intermediary trade, it has a more perfect and more complete market in information channel than Chinese mainland. So Lenovo established the RD center and marketing center in Hongkong, in order to acquire the timely market information and technology information and thus shorten the product development cycle and closely follow the international trend. 3.4.2 Wide Coverage A direct marketing strategy is implemented to target the new industry and new big organization. However, the combined channel modes of retailors and agents are basically applied in individual buyers. The market Lenovo targets is not only China, but also other countries. The scope and extension it covers is featured to be in large quantity, wide distribution, and diversity of channels. Therefore, Lenovo choose intermediate channels like provincial retailors or regional wholesales in order to occupy a greater market. 3.4.3 Outlets and Sales Channel Most PC buyers purchase their products through retailer. Lenovo find that Internet buying is convenient for customers to compare products, specifications, prices and after-sales services. Some loyal customers like to buy products in Lenovo specialty shops. Today, Lenovo has the excellent distribution channel consist of 6,000 retail outlets in China that nearly impossible for foreign and even most domestic competitors to replicate. Figure 6 lenovo specialty shop From File Photo/ China Times 3.4.5 Transportation and Stock Level Modern logistics is important to Lenovo, that is say, Lenovo transportation is based on customer needs, carrying the products form supplier to demand side with the most economical cost. From 1995, Lenovo began to implement SCM system (Supply China Management). In 2004, Lenovo carried out VMI mode (Vendor Managed Inventory), thus almost 90% inventory were outsourced to Third-party logistics firms. 4. Cohesive Marketing Mix The 4Ps strategies of Lenovo forms a cohesive marketing mix in an effective and innovated way. Lenovo is transcendent in a vision of its market orientation and products innovation. It develops a systematic strategy with a good combination of two different brands in different levels. By definition, Lenovo improves its products designs and quality to reach an international level in order to meet the requirements of PC users all around the world. Regarding to its market orientation, Lenovo covers low level, medium level, and high-level products, targeting various users ranging from individuals to large enterprises. The pricing is also tactically different in different levels, so that Lenovo products can reach different users from personal utility to commercial application. In addition, it also optimizes different distribution channels and lowers the cost of producing by different segmentations of personal computer users by an application of direct market penetration to individuals and c ombined marketing channels to those large enterprises. Therefore, the promotion should also be designed in a different ways, from advertisement to salesperson training. The market mix of Lenovo successfully integrates product, price, place and promotion strategies in its market orientation and its maximum profits. Only in this way, can such a growing Chinese brand enter an international market to compete with its innovation and creation. 5. Target Market and Marketing Mix Variable There are many methods to segment the overall market. After that, the company will choose the appropriate market as their target market. As to Lenovo, from 2009 to 2012, Lenovo divided the overall market based on mature market and emerging market. However, from January 2012 onward, Lenovo divided the global market into four parts: Chinese market, North American market, EMEA market (Europe, Middle East and Africa market) and Asia Pacific Latin American market. Specifically, in mature market like North America, Lenovo covers low level, medium level, and high-level products, targeting various users ranging from individuals to large enterprises. Additionally, Lenovo is a market follower after Dell and HP and this pricing strategy can allow them to ensure values as well as the optimal price of the products in North American market. In contrast, Lenovo attack emerging market, such as Kenyan market, with cheap PCs, and the product range is fewer than American market. Furthermore, The Group s PC business across the mature markets are facing challenges in the retail channel due to significant slowdown in consumer demand. On the other hand, Lenovo begin to set up more specialty shops in Africa and Latin America, because people there dont adapt to online shopping and the demand from enterprise and government is low. Overall, Lenoovos target market will be considered when making decision about the four marketing mix variables. 6. Positioning Strategy Facing the volatile market and ever-shifting needs of customers, Yang Quanqing (2001), Chief Executive Officer, said that Our Protect and Attack strategy is working and will continue to guide our execution. Lenovo aims to extend the leadership position and increase profitability in China and relationship business in mature markets. In contrast, in emerging markets and transactional sales in mature markets, Lenovos focus will be on capturing growth. Although in recent years, Lenovo aims to extend the business beyond the traditional PC arena and to capture opportunities globally in the rapidly growing areas including mobile internet, smart TV, etc., the PC business remains as the Lenovos core business and Lenovo consistently accelerate the growth and expand market share by delivering quality products to customers around the world. Lenovo outgrew the worldwide PC market in unit shipments, and gained market share across all geographies, products and customer segments, making it the worlds fastest growing PC company. Lenovo divides its PC brand into two parts: Idea-branded and Think-branded. Specifically, Idea-branded focus on individual and family consumer market with low price and stylish design, which targets to low end market. While Think-branded focus on medium and small business, not-for-profit organizations, which is committed to provide a stable, safe, and high-quality computer product. The positioning strategy of Lenovo PC business is very effective. The company saw a record high in sales and market share despite an ongoing downturn for the overall PC industry. Based on data from IDC, Lenovo held  15.7 percent of the global PC market by November 2012, its highest market share ever. 7. SWOT Analysis 7.1 Strengths Lenovo is the leader in chinese PC market, accouting for over 30 percent market share. Under the support and protection of government policies, Lenovo can focus on product research and marketing. There are about 6,000 Lenovo retail outlets in China that nearly impossible for foreign and even most domestic competitors to replicate. Globally, after the acquisition of IBM PC division, Lenovo brand image has been enhanced. More and more overseas customers are willing to purchase Lenovo PC products. Lenovo has the excellent distribution channel not only in china but also all over the world. 7.2 Weaknesses Globally, the single marketing channel leads the products and services mainly sold by monopolized stores. Lenovo does not has its own core technology and it has to follow Intel trend. Too many staffs lead to the overstaffed orginizational structures. The human resource, technology, and capital need to be intergrated after the acquisition of IBM PC division. 7.3 Opportunities PC market is dynamic. prompt response to market changes and solid execution with a clear vision are crucial to continued growth of Lenovo. There is a potential for great development in Chinese market and other emerging markets. 7.4 Threats Acer, Dell and HP are the main competitors in global PC market. Today, there are too many cheap PC products appearing in the world and the market protect in some countries is strong. In addition, some smart mobile phones like iPhone can become the substitute. 8. Conclusion 8.1 What Is the Company Doing Well Liu Chuanzhi (2011), the chairman of the board, stated that we will continue to invest in innovation, marketing, and branding to protect our core business and drive growth through attacking. Four parts have been considerated in making decision in Lenovo: credibility, differentiation, product life-cycle, and evolution. Specifically, first of all, Lenovo is the leader in Chinese PC market, and the brand recognition and traditional reputation of Lenovo are very good in China. In global market, from 2005 to 2010, the Group used IBM logo optimally to build brand Lenovo, which led Lenovo to be known by overseas customers. Second, the differentiation of PC products in performance, style, and services make Lenovo have the ability to deliver the high quality, reliability and durability to meet various of customers demand. Third, every product has its own lifecycle. Facing with this problem, Lenovo delicates some new product strategies in light of the lifecycle as follow: improve products desi gn and products innovation, decrease of product costs and optimize the distribution, and integrate service system and develop the service quality. At last, The PC market is expected to experience more and rapid evolutions in the future. Lenovo continues to leverage spirit of innovation and history of technological breakthroughs to into new product categories and drive future growth. In addition, Lenovo actively took step in asserting its position as a global leader by launching its new global branding campaign. Known as Lenovo: For Those Who Do, the campaign captures the essence of who we are as a company, and the customers we serve. Lenovo does more than just build technology; it creates engines for the worlds doers and the mind-blowing things they create. The Groups breakthrough products are made to serve people on the quest to build whats next. 8.2 Suggestion Lenovo do not have its own core technology in PC business, which means Lenovo have to highly rely on CPU vendors like Intel and AMD. Therefore, in oreder to maintain market share and competitive advantages in global market, Lenovo should allocate more money to technological innovation and product upgrade. Other than that, Lenovo can copy Dell success model, which Lenovo can invest in special computer for certain industry, such as financial industry, education industry, in order to expand the coverage of the products. Lenovo pricing stratrgy is based on offering the consumers high quality at low price as well as competitor pricing. However, in recent years, more and more individual and family buyers reflect that there is price discrimination existing between Chinese market and North American market. Chinese market is Lenovos test bed. Most new products will be evaluated in Chinese market before selling abroad. However, Lenovo can not use its leadership in PC market to make money, regardless of consumers profit. In mature market, the Groups PC business are facing challenges in the retail channel due to significant slowdown in consumer demand; therefore, Lenovo should set up online-sale network and develop and maintain the relationship with the suppliers,distributors, and large enterprises. Although the brand image has been enhanced in recent years, especially after the acquisition of IBM PC division, Lenovo should continue to emphasize the global concept of product design and implement Protect and Attack strategy which protects the core business in China and relationship business in mature markets while attacking high-growth opportunities in emerging markets.

An Economic Analysis of Oregon’s 2007 Road User Fee Pilot Program Essay

I. Introduction and Background The gasoline tax has provided revenue for the Federal and State Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for decades; however, the tax rates have remained stagnate leading to the funds depletion. The HTF is responsible for funding highway and mass transit projects and also maintenance of those projects at the Federal and State level. In 2005 around 80 percent of funding for all projects came from the gasoline tax (Kim, Porter, Whitty, Svadlenak Lareson, Capps, Imholt & Person 2008, pg. 37). Thus, it is vital for the HTF to be a revenue collecting system that can replace the gasoline tax. Oregon has recently begun testing an alternative revenue collection program to fund their HTF. Currently, State gasoline tax is set at 24 cents per-gallon and that is on top of the Federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents, which only, 18.3 cents is used for roads, the total tax equals to 42.4 cents per-gallon (McMullen, Zhang, & Nakahara, 2010, pg. 360) (Austin & Dinan, 2012 pg.2). The gasoline tax has not been raised in years and is unable to keep up with fuel-efficient technologies. Consequently, the Federal government has had to allocate funds to States HTF for projects along with States having to borrow money form their other accounts. Therefore Oregon proposed the 2007 Road User Fee Pilot Program to test if a vehicle mileage traveled (VMT) tax is a feasible solution to the gasoline tax. Oregon’s propose program is in response to new fuel-efficient vehicles and corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards that have forced the automotive industry to rise miles-per-gallon in new vehicles to help combat climate change. It is estimated that CAFE standards have lower the gasoline tax revenue around twenty percent (Austi... ... Evaluation of Oregon's Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Revenue Collection System." Transportation Research Board 2079: 37-44. Print. McMullen, Starr, Lei Zhang, and Kyle Nakahara. "Distributional impacts of changing from a gasoline tax to a vehicle-mile tax for light vehicles: A case study of Oregon." Transport Policy 17: 359-366. Print. Rufolo, Anthony, and Thomas Kimpel. "Responses to Oregon's Experiment in Road Pricing ." Transportation Research Board 2079: 1-7. Print. Thomas, Michael , and Kevin Heaslip. "Technological Change and the Lowest Common Denominator Problem: an Analysis of Oregon's Vehicle Miles Travelled Fee Experiment ." Journal of City and Town Management 2: 1-23. Web. 6 May 2014. Whitty, James. "Oregon's Mileage Fee Concept and Road User Fee Pilot Program: Final Report ." Oregon Department of Transportation 1 Nov. 2007: iv-92. Print.

The United States Lends Credibility to the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC), created in 1998 (Thayer and Ibryamova 2010), is responsible for investigating and prosecuting the most extreme cases, including crimes against humanity, aggressive crimes, war crimes, and genocide. The credibility of this institution, however, has been compromised due to the United States revocation of support and membership. Initially it is important to recognize the arguments against the United States becoming a member state of the ICC and what precipitated the U.S. withdrawing its signature from the document that instituted the Court. Once this has been established, addressing and refuting these objections will develop the arguments in favor of ICC membership. Finally, this analysis will lead to proving how the United States becoming a member state will increase the effectiveness and integrity of the International Criminal Court. One opposing standpoint to the union of the United States and the International Criminal Court is the concern of sovereignty. Those who support the United States’ decision to revoke its signature from the Rome Statute argue that by joining the ICC, America’s sovereignty would be threatened, for the country would be required to answer to a higher court. In accordance with this, many on the opposition believe it is necessary to create legislation that protects Americans from the ICC and allows the U.S. to retain its sovereignty. Consequently, the international community has expressed outrage in the United States’ actions to combat the International Criminal Court’s authority. As a world leader with one of the most sophisticated and respected judicial systems, these types of actions present the U.S. as appearing indifferent to the plight of human rights violations... ...s in International Relations (New York: Longman). Elsea, Jennifer (2006), â€Å"U.S. Policy Regarding the International Criminal Court,† in CRS Report for Congess (Washington D.C.; Library of Congress), 4. Bogdan, Attila (2008), â€Å"The United States and the International Criminal Court: Avoiding Jurisdiction Through Bilateral Agreements in Reliance on Article 98,† International Criminal Law Review, 8(1-2), 5. Barnett, Laura (2008), â€Å"The International Criminal Court: History and Role,† Library of Parliament, 2(11), 12. Chicago Council on Global Affairs (2010), â€Å"Constrained Internationalism: Adapting to New Realities,† [http://www.amicc.org/docs/Chicago_Council_Global_Views_2010.pdf], accessed 9 April 2012. American Non-Governmental Organizations Coalition for the International Criminal Court (2012), â€Å"US and ICC Info,† [http://www.amicc.org/info], accessed 9 April 2012.

Life in Pompeii Essay

The amphitheatre was built in 70bc by the magistrates to provide entertainment for the people of Pompeii. The Pompeii amphitheatre is the oldest surviving amphitheatre in the Roman world. The capacity was 24000 and because seats were numbered, only the most important people of Pompeii would be allowed to sit at the front. The amphitheatre was mainly used for games that lasted a week and were funded by the magistrates. While entering the stadium, the people would salute the important dignitaries. Political Life: The amphitheatre was built by magistrates and events were fully funded by them aswell. Although built for the whole city to enjoy, only special people could sit at the front. Cultural Life: The amphitheatre was made from stone and included a parapet that separated the stand from the arena. The parapet was decorated with frescoes of gladiatorial combat which over time have been lost. Events that were primarily used at the amphitheatre were gladiatorial battles, hunts, and wild beast fights. The Basilica Economic and Political Life: The Basilica was a structure in the Forum where legal and business activities took place. It was built in-between 120bc and 78bc and was 24 by 55 metres in size. The basilica was originally a market but was changed in the first century to become the new law courts Cultural Life: The Basilica was covered by a large, double pitched tiled roof and the entrance had five doors with wooden shutters, the large hall was surrounded by twenty eight ionic columns, 11 metres in height. On the west side, stood a two story structure known as the Tribunal which was guarded by a statue of Augustus. The marbel panels on the side walls were decorated in the first style art and graffiti was found everywhere, not unusual in Pompeii. The Baths: Economic life: Just about everyone except slaves and the poor visited the baths as not only was it a place for cleaning but also a social hub. The baths would be opened at around midday and remained open well into the evening. Most people were accompanied by slaves who assisted them with their cleaning. Political life: Pompeii had four main baths, the forum baths, the stabian baths, the central baths and the amphitheatre baths. The stabian baths were the oldest and biggest baths in Pompeii and date as far back as the early 4th century. The baths has a Apodyterium, a frigidarium, a tepiderium, a caldarium, toilets and the stabian baths featured a swimming pool. Usually the baths were divided between men and women and when this wasn’t the case, men and women would attend the baths at different times. There was however mixed bathing in some places. Cultural Life: Apart from cleaning, at the baths people also enjoyed physical activity and sport at the palestra. There was also massage, music, poetry, reading and business contacts to be made. Graffiti and wall drawings also depicted sexual activity at the baths. Women wore modest clothing and men wore either trunks or bathed naked. The floor was made of square stones and supported brick columns and there was space between the tiles and walls because of the use of the special nipple tiles. The hot air generated from the furnace located at the back of the caldarium would flow up between the tiles and the wall, heating all the rooms. Via Del Abbondanza The Via Dell Abbondanza was the main street of Pompeii and the main business district of the city. The streetscape had a grid like pattern which although was popular in other roman times, was not precisely applied in Pompeii. The street contained stepping stones so that when it had been raining, people didn’t have to walk through sewage. There was enough room between stones for wheeled traffic aswell. Deep groove marks in the roads indicate to us that there was alot of wheeled traffic on the road. There were two different roads, the Decumani and the Cardines. The decumani ran east to west and the cardines ran north to south. On cross roads there were shrines called nymphaea which were water fountains. Via Stabiana: The Via Stabiana stretches from the Porta Stabia to the center of the city. Along this street, on the west side is the Gladiators’ Barracks and the Odeon. There were stepping stones to allow pedestrians to cross the street without stepping into whatever might be in the street itself. Carriages could still travel along the streets, their wheels passing between the stepping stones. On the east are a number of residences and shops, including a bakery with an oven which is seen as a hole in the wall with a large stone above it. Next door is a thermapolium with a counter containing four pottery jars sunk into the counter. Further along on the Via Stabiana is the Domus of Q. Octavius Romulus. Villa of the Papyri: The Villa of the papyri is a large residential complex situated on the slope of Vesuvius in Herculaneum. Judging from the size and value of the house, it can be said that the owner of the house was extremely wealthy. Unlike other ancient roman houses, it had its own water supply which in those days was extreme luxury. It was decorated with statues and columns of Greek influence. Praedia of Julia Felix: Julia Felix was an extremely wealthy woman from Pompeii who inherited her fortune from family. She owned a large estate which was decorated with floral motifs, statues and scenes of the Nile river aswell as a shrine to Isis the Egyptian goddess.

Socrates Arguments Crito

The Platonic ‘Death of Socrates Dialogues', are a quartet of important and influential conversations written by Plato, but told through the eyes of his mentor Socrates. Written in 386BC, they tell the story surrounding the Socrates being charged by the state for piety and corruption of the youth. They are conversations between Socrates, his friends, and his censors, the rulers of Athens. Socrates has found guilty of these crimes and after failing to convince the Athenian statesmen that he had been wrongfully accused, and sentenced to death. The third story from the quartet is ‘Crito' where Socrates chats with his wealthy friend Crito, who after bribing a guard, offers to help Socrates escape his sentence. Socrates refuses, and the dialogue throws up a few moral arguments where he explains his reasons to Crito, Socrates argues that it is necessary for the state to punish him as he has not acted within the laws that govern Athens. After all, he has faced the serious charge of worshipping false gods, and by passing these views on to his young followers, further charge with corrupting them. As he is a ighly respected citizen within Athens, he thinks that he should lead by example and take his punishment. After all, he knew the laws and more than likely and knew what punishment he would incur if caught. No one is above the law. The laws are set by the state in order for citizens to follow a code of behaviour. Failure to adhere to such laws could lead to destruction of the state and it is right that the government made and example of him. He thinks that if laws are broken, then the ruling class should have the powers to deal with the lawbreakers, otherwise what is the point having he laws, or indeed the state who police the laws in place. He also argued that he has been privileged to be part of the state of Athens and had received all the benefits that come with being a citizen of such an institution. Although the benefits are available to all Athenians, on the premise that you obey its laws. The state that had been so good to him over his 71 years of life, and the laws there provided him and his family with sanctuary. The state provided security for his parents to marry and to bring him up safely. The state also provided him with the ducation of which made him the man he was. He was using this education against the state by teaching youths to think differently about the gods that the Athenians worshipped. He uses the analogy that the relationship between he, or indeed anyone else and the state of Athens was like that of parent and child. Children should obey their parents, therefore citizens should obey the state. By escaping prison, this would not be obeying the state so he chooses to stay put. He argues that the state is in fact more important than parents or ancestors, because it is the state that enables its itizens to nurture. This argument is probably not very sound. To say that parents are similar to the state is not accurate. You are born to parents and are expected to comply with state procedure while living there. Occasionally within family life, there can be systematic physical abuse from parents which often goes unreported. Generally you do not get physically abused by the state, unless of course you are unlucky to live in somewhere that shy away from democracy. By being born into a family, rules are not set as stone, and as a child you are expected in a way not always to act to these rules. Usually there is more leniency within the family when it comes to rule breaking than if you break a state law. He also argues that anyone born into the state and benefiting from the laws of the state has a duty to not to do anything that may help destroy the state, and by escaping this would have a detrimental effect on the state and it laws. He argues that although he was born in Athens, there were no laws stopping him from leaving. Simply by choosing to live there all his live, he unwittingly enters an implied contract and must adhere to the laws of the state, otherwise face the punishment. He chose ot to live in Sparta or Crete, he chose to live in Athens, so must have satisfaction for the the state, therefore its laws. If he did not agree with the laws, then he would have to prove to the rulers of Athens that they were unjust. Although he tried to convince the the judges that his conviction was unjust, it is within the interests of the state for them to overlook his thoughts and label him a corrupter of the state. To avoid corrupting the state further, he chose to take his punishment of death by hemlock and not take up Crito's offer of help to escape as that would be doing something unjust, hile his sentence in his eyes was unjust. In other words, two wrongs do not make a right. It could be said that Socrates thinks being born into state and reaping the benefits of being a citizen. If this was the case, he could be expected to do anything the state asks him to do as he lives there, and is by living there he has a social contract bestowed on him. There are many moral instances where it is probable that he may not adhere to this tacit agreement, for example, doing wrong by his family. Socrates had the opportunity to except banishment from the state of Athens but chose not to. After all Athens was his home and although he is a respected figure within the state, he was unsure if he would be happy in another state. They would know of his conviction, which basically is a charge saying he did not adhere to state laws, and brandished a trouble maker. This could make things uncomfortable for him to settle down as he may not be accepted or respected in the manner that he had been in Athens. However, he decided to stand up for himself and try to convince the judges that his views are correct but fail, so accepts his punishment. Even although he thinks the sentence is njust he sees no advantage in escaping. His reputation would be in tatters and would be remembered as a coward who instead of taking his punishment, chose to run away and live a life of obscurity. Even although he thinks he is being victimised, eluding his punishment he would also be breaking the laws of the state and is still under social contract to obey these laws. By becoming political martyr, he is making a stand against the state while adhering to the laws of the state. Socrates believed his argument to the jury that convicted him was enough to prove the charges were unjust. However when convicted he did not plead to be spared the death sentence as this would have meant that he would have been acting unjust, by accepting that he had wronged. He argues that there would be no advantage escaping prison. He would be acting unjustly after being convicted unjustly. Those helping him escape would be endangering their lives in doing so. He had lived in Athens all his life, so the thought of living somewhere less civilised was not appealing. He would be seen by his many followers as a man not true to himself and would be deemed a coward. As a man of virtue, he accepted his fate by drinking the poison hemlock thus osthumously ensuring his family and friends would not be harmed and that his reputation as an honourable man was intact. Socrates puts forward the first instance of social contract theory known. Law makers since have used social contracts to curtail and nurture human behaviour, which many people find unjust. Although in some instances these contracts have been challenged successfully, a couple of examples being the abolition of slavery and women having the same rights as men. Whilst Socrates was unsuccessful in his challenge against he died a man who stood up for his morals and beliefs and possibly the worlds first political martyr.