Perfect competition Essay

A profit maximiser increases output until MC=MR at Q1. The intersection of MC with MR gives the profit maximising level of output. The intersection of MC with MR gives the profit maximising level of output. To find the market price one must project up from Q1 to the demand curve and across the vertical price axis, P1. Consumers are willing to pay P1 for Q1. Unit costs are only P2 so the firm is making an abnormal profit of (P1-P2)*Q1. The four key characteristics of monopoly are: (1) a single firm selling all output in a market, (2) a unique product, (3) restrictions on entry into and exit out of the industry, and more often than not (4) specialized information about production techniques unavailable to other potential producers. These four characteristics mean that a monopoly has extensive (boarding on complete) market control. Monopoly controls the selling side of the market. If anyone seeks to acquire the production sold by the monopoly, then they must buy from the monopoly. This means that the demand curve facing the monopoly is the market demand curve. They are one and the same. The characteristics of monopoly are in direct contrast to those of perfect competition. A perfectly competitive industry has a large number of relatively small firms, each producing identical products. Firms can freely move into and out of the industry and share the same information about prices and production techniques. Single supplier: The essence of a monopoly is a market controlled by a single seller. The most important aspect of being a single seller is that the monopoly seller IS the market. The market demand for a good IS the demand for the output produced by the monopoly. This makes monopoly a price maker, rather than a price taker. Unique Product: To be the only seller of a product, however, a monopoly must have a unique product. There are no close substitutes. A monopoly is an ONLY seller of a UNIQUE product. Barriers to Entry and Exit : A monopoly is generally assured of being the ONLY firm in a market because of assorted barriers to entry. Some of the key barriers to entry are: (1) government license or franchise, (2) resource ownership, (3) patents and copyrights, (4) high start-up cost, and (5) decreasing average total cost. A monopoly might also face barriers to exiting a market. If government deems that the product provided by the monopoly is essential for well-being of the public, then the monopoly might be prevented from leaving the market; Specialized Information Monopoly is commonly characterized by control of information or production technology not available to others. This specialized information often comes in the form of legally-established patents, copyrights, or trademarks. It could be a secret recipe or formula. Perhaps it is a unique method of production. While these create legal barriers to entry they also indicate that information is not perfectly shared by all. Natural Monopoly Sometimes markets become monopolies simply because it is more cost effective to have one firm serving an entire market than it is to have a number of smaller firms competing with one another. Firms whose economies of scale are virtually unlimited are known as natural monopolies, and the goods they produce are referred to as club goods. These firms come to be monopolies because their size and position makes it impossible for new entrants to compete on price. Natural monopolies are usually found in industries with high fixed costs and low marginal costs of operation, such as cable television, telephone, and internet providers. Legal Monopoly Sometimes a government will pass laws reserving a specific trade, product or service for government agencies. For example, many times a government agency will be in charge of running water. The legal barriers that are put up prevent other companies from competing with the government. Technological monopoly occurs when the good or service the company provides is has legal protection in the form of a patent or copyright. For example, if a company develops and patents a drug to cure brain cancer, that company has a legal monopoly over that drug.? Arguments for monopoly : – The beneficial effects of economies of scale, economies of scope, and cost complementaries on price and output may outweigh the negative effects of market power. – Encourage innovation.

Research design and methodlogy Essay

This chapter presents and discusses the method of research used and the procedures utilized by the researcher in this study. It likewise includes the sources of data and the treatment of data. Methodology of the study This investigation adopted the compare and contrast qualitative research method as this is the most appropriate way in determining the effect the type of business to the success of the business. In addition, the quantitative approach was included to complement the qualitative part of this research. The Archival Research is defined by Bordens, Kenneth S. , and Abbott, Bruce B. , (1999) as a non-experimental strategy that involves studying existing records. These records can be historical account of events, census data, court records, police crime reports, or any other archived information. This qualitative study is divided by two parts. They are: 1. Compare Motherhood and Feminism in Beloved 2. Contrast Motherhood and Feminism in Beloved. And, the quantitative study focused on interviewing twenty persons who have read the Beloved novel. The researcher took pains in reading, searching and analysis of the different parts of this study. The researcher examined the comparison and contrast of Motherhood and Feminism in Beloved. The historical background is one of the main focus of this study including their success. The final phase was the analysis, presentation and the drawing of the conclusions and the recommendation. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT The primary research instrument and technique was used in the gathering of data for this study. In addition, the researcher used secondary sources taken from books and journals. These secondary sources had guided the researcher to broaden the point of understanding specifically the effect of Motherhood on Feminism in Beloved. The analysis of variance was used to compare the different topics found in Beloved and the respondents answers grouped according to Age, Gender and Highest Educational Attainment. The formula for Analysis of Variance includes Y i = e i where e i is N(0, ? 2 ) [2. 1] RESEARCH PROCEDURE The researcher seeks the primary as well as secondary materials as the best way to examine the effect of Slavery on Motherhood and Feminism in the Beloved Novel. After a through studying, reading and scrutinizing the different data, it is best to use the secondary sources as a basis for company business analysis and then coming up with the output – Results of the Effect of Slavery on Motherhood and Feminism in the Beloved Novel. Chapter IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter puts forward the presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The questions identified in the problem are used as the bases for the presentation. The sequence of the structure includes table, analysis and interpretation of the data of the current study. PRESENTATION OF THE STUDY PART I 1. Compare Slavery to Feminism in the Beloved novel. There are similarities between slavery and feminism in the Beloved novel. 1. 1 Both slaves and women have responsibilities in the Beloved Novel. The slaves must clean the homes and even be the unwilling sex toys of their owners. The women have the responsibility to take care of the children in the Beloved Novel. Here, the Nation Journal states about Morrisons intentions in writing Beloved, â€Å"What is this absolute obsession with violence? I mean, violence is two things. First of all, it takes a certain amount of courage, physical courage, but it also requires a certain laziness of intellect. So it’s both easy and hard. It’s such a child’s view, as is the puny language that accompanies it. I guess I shouldn’t dump that on children, but it certainly is not adult. † The language of literature that is bellicose, that is warlike, is the prized language 1. 2 Both slaves and women have feelings. For, both the slaves and the women can feel both sad and happy. Sethe was sad to feel that her child, Beloved would grow up a slave like her. Sethe felt sad when she knew she would never see her husband again. Here, Toni Morrison has conjured a way to bring back the past to the readers of this novel where slaves too have feelings . 2. Contrast Slavery to Feminism in the Beloved novel. There are differences between Slavery and Feminism in the Beloved novel. 2. 1 Slaves are the property of the owners but Women are not the property of their husbands. For the slave owners feel that they have the right to rape the women slaves because they feel that slaves as their property. The wives cannot be forced to have sex with their husbands or anyone else against their will . 2. 2 Slaves can not own their children but free women can own their children. Sethe killed Beloved because she did not want her to grow up and suffer as a slave like her. She is too possessive of her children. Women who are free, includes freed African Americans, can own their children. Beloved flirts with Paul D. because she wants to have a child of her own. She plans to take care of the child until it grows old. She wants to give her child the love and caring that her mother, Sethe, was too selfish to give her . 2. 3 Slaves have no freedom to do what they want whereas free women are free to do what they want anytime provided it does not violate the rights of others. The slaves are classified as animals in Beloved and have to right or privilege. However, free women a right to fall in love and to roam anywhere they want. This is the reason why Sethe ran away from her owners. This is also the main reason why Sethe’s husband, Paul D. and Stamp paid ran away from their owners. Sethe’s mother in law, Baby Suggs feels that she is now happy for being free to stay at her home to do whatever she wants . Being an African American herself, Toni Morrison â€Å"Historically, women in Africa have dominated the use (and instruction) of literary forms that include proverbs and folk- tales. In consequence, it is important to determine the scope of the narrative traditions in black women’s literature and to specify the nature of this relationship–to discuss olktales, for example, in conjunction with the voices of/in the tales. The tellers, the mode of telling, the complications and sometimes obfuscations of telling become critical not only to the folkloric traditions, but to the larger narrative traditions as well† PART II This quantitative essay was done in order to know how people feel about the Beloved story by African American Toni Morrison which was published recently in 1987. For the society changes and humans evolve both in mind and in spirit. The environment where one lives is called reality. And literature evolves or alters its role, its action, its form of practice just like the environment of which it is a part. The people reading the book will cherish their past where their grandparents were once slaves or owners of slaves. 4. 0Frequency 4. 1 Age Table 1 AGE of Respondents Age Range Frequency Percent Rank. 15- 24 11 55 1 25- 34 5 25 2 34- 44 3 15 3 45- above 1 5 4 Total 20 100 The above table shows that there are eleven respondents belong to the 15 -24 age level. This group represents fifty five percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 1 in the above table based on their percentage. Also, there are five respondents belonging to the 25 -34 age level. This group represents twenty five percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 2 in the above table based on their percentage. There are three respondents belonging to the 35- 45 age level. This group represents fifteen percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 3 in the above table based on their percentage. Lastly, there is only one respondent belonging to the 45 and above age level. This group represents five percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 4 in the above table based on their percentage. There are more respondents belonging to the 15- 25 age level. 4. 2 Gender Table 2 GENDER of Respondents Gender Frequency Percent Rank F 14 70 1 M 6 30 2 Total 20 100 The above table shows that there are fourteen respondents belong to the Female Gender. This group represents seventy percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 1 in the above table based on their percentage. Also, there are six respondents belonging to the Males Gender. This group represents Thirty percent of the entire respondent population. This group level is ranked 2 in the above table based on their percentage. There are more respondents belonging to the Female Gender. 4. 3 Education.

SPSS analysis on modern portfolio theory-optimal portfolio strategies in today’s capital market

Abstract This paper provides information on specific ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios compared to the classic Markowitz model. Important arguments are presented regarding the validity of these two models. The researcher utilises SPSS analysis to demonstrate important research findings. This type of analysis is conducted to explore the presence of any significant statistical difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model. The paper also includes implications for investors. Introduction In the contemporary environment involving business investments, selecting appropriate investments is a relevant task of most organisations. Rational investors try to minimise risks as well as maximise returns on their investments (Better, 2006). The ultimate goal is to reach a level identified as optimal portfolios. The focus in this process is on initiating the portfolio selection models, which are essential for optimising the work of investors. Research shows that the Markowitz model is the most suitable model for conducting stock selection, as this is facilitated through the use of a full covariance matrix (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The importance of this study reflects in the application of different models so as to develop adequate portfolios in organisations. It is essential to compare certain models because investors may be provided with sufficient knowledge about how they can best construct their portfolios. In this context, the precise variance of the portfolio selection model is important, as it reflects portfolio risk (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Information on the parameters of different models is significant to make the most appropriate decisions regarding portfolio creation. Markowitz is a pioneer in the research on portfolio analysis, as his works have contributed to enhancing investors’ perspectives on the available options regarding specific models of constructing optimal portfolios (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Research Methodology The research question presented in this study referred to the exploration of ideas embedded in single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and comparing them with the classic Markowitz model. The focus was on the construction of optimal portfolios, as the researcher was concerned with the evaluation of constructed portfolios with specific market parameters (Better, 2006). Moreover, the researcher paid attention to the stock market price index, including stocks of organisations distributed in three major sectors: services, financial, and industrial (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). The behaviour of this index was explored through the implementation of SPSS analysis. The data covered a period of seven years, starting on January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2006. It was essential to evaluate the effectiveness parameters of the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The criteria for the selection of companies included that all organisati ons shared the same fiscal year (ending each year on December 31) as well as they have not demonstrated any change in position. Results and Data Analysis The research methodology utilised in the study is based on the model of single index/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model. The exploration of the relationship between these two models required the selection of 35 equally weighted optimal portfolios, as two sizes of portfolio were outlined. An approximate number of 10 optimal portfolios represented the first size, which further generated 12 portfolios. In addition, the researcher considered the option of simulating of optimal portfolios represented at second sizes (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). The criterion of queuing randomise portfolio selection has been used to generate approximate 23 portfolios from the second size category. The researcher selected five and 10 stocks to analyse the data. The portfolio size split allowed the researcher to explore how the portfolio size could be used to affect the relationship between the single index model/optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Results of testin g the data are provided in the table below: Optimal portfolio numberVariance of Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz ModelOptimal portfolio numberVariance of the Single Index ModelVariance of the Markowitz Model 100.00370.003950.00210.0023 100.00140.001750.00280.0038 100.00210.002850.00420.0051 100.00200.002150.00250.0030 100.00310.003550.00260.0024 100.00190.001950.00330.0038 100.00880.008650.00670.0071 100.00280.003750.00370.0053 100.00250.002450.00380.0043 100.00220.002350.00210.0020 100.00190.002050.00630.0061 100.00230.002650.02120.0202 Table 1: Variance of Five and 10 Optimal Portfolios Based on the results provided in the table, it can be concluded that the variance between the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios and the Markowitz model is similar. For instance, values of 0.0020 and 0.0019 for the variance of the two models are similar. This means that the results do not show substantial statistical differences between the two models. The tables below contain a descriptive summary of the results presented in the previous table: MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00440.0047 Minimal0.00210.0020 Maximum0.02120.0202 Standard Deviation0.00370.0035 Table 2: Descriptive Summary of 10 Optimal Portfolios The results in Table 2 were derived from testing the performance of 10 optimal portfolios. It has been indicated that the mean for the single index model of 10 portfolios is 0.0044, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0047, implying an insignificant statistical difference. The minimal value of the single index model is reported at 0.0021, while the minimal value of the Markowitz model is 0.0020. The difference is insignificant. The maximum value of the single index model is 0.0212, while the same value of the Markowitz model is 0.0202. Based on these values, it can be argued that there is a slight difference existing between the two models. The standard deviation of the single index model is 0.0037, while the standard deviation of the Markowitz model is 0.0035, which also reflects an insignificant statistical difference. MeasureSingle Index ModelMarkowitz Model Mean0.00280.0031 Minimal0.00140.0017 Maximum0.00880.0086 Standard Deviation0.00200.0019 Table 3: Descriptive Summary of 5 Optimal Portfolios Table 3 provides the results for five optimal portfolios. These results are similar to the ones reported previously (10 optimal portfolios). The mean for the single index model of 5 optimal portfolios is 0.0028, while the mean for the Markowitz model is 0.0031, implying an insignificant statistical difference. There are insignificant differences between the two models regarding other values, such as minimal and maximum value as well as standard deviation. Furthermore, the researcher performed an ANOVA analysis of 10 optimal portfolios, which are presented in the table below. It has been indicated that the effective score for the single index model and the Markowitz model is almost the same. Yet, an insignificant difference was reported between the two means and standard deviations for both models. ANOVA AnalysisSum of squaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.003125.0018704.0005399.089.768 Within Groups.000222.000.002892.0019589.0005655 Total.00023 Table 4: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 10 Portfolios From the conducted analysis, it can be also concluded that the F-test presents an insignificant statistical value, implying that the researcher rejected the hypothesis of a significant difference existing between portfolio selections with regards to risk in both models used in the study (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Hence, the hypothesis of a significant difference between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model was rejected (Lediot and Wolf, 2003). In the table below, the researcher provided the results of an ANOVA analysis conducted on five optimal portfolios: ANOVA AnalysisSum of SquaresDfConditionMeanStandard DeviationStandard Error MeanFSig. Between Groups.00011.000.004852.0036535.0007618.096.758 Within Groups.001442.000.004509.0038595.0008048 Total.00145 Table 5: ANOVA Analysis for the Variance between the Single Index Model and the Markowitz Model of 5 Portfolios The results from Table 5 show that the variance between the single index model and the Markowitz model of five optimal portfolios is almost the same. Regardless of the stock number in the selected optimal portfolios, there is no significant statistical difference between the single index model and the Markowitz model. The main finding based on the reported data is that the single index model/construction of optimal portfolios is similar to the Markowitz model with regards to the formation of specific portfolios (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). As indicated in this study, the precise number of stocks in the constructed optimal portfolios does not impact the final result of comparing the two analysed models. The fact that these models are not significantly different from each other can prompt investors to use the most practical approach in constructing optimal portfolios (Haugen, 2001). Placing an emphasis on efficient frontiers is an important part of investors’ work, as they are focused on generating the most efficient portfolios at the lowest risk. As a result, optimally selected portfolios would be able to generate positive returns for organisations. This applies to both the single index model and the Markowitz model (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Conclusion and Implications of Research Findings The results obtained in the present study are important for various parties. Such results may be of concern to policy makers, investors as well as financial market participants. In addition, the findings generated in the study are similar to findings reported by other researchers in the field (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). It cannot be claimed that either of the approaches has certain advantages over the other one. Even if the number of stocks is altered, this does not reflect in any changes of the results provided by the researcher in this study. Yet, the major limitation of the study is associated with the use of monthly data. It can be argued that the use of daily data would be a more viable option to ensure accuracy, objectivity as well as adherence to strict professional standards in terms of investment (Better, 2006). In conclusion, the similarity of the single index model and the Markowitz model encourage researchers to use both models equally because of their potential to generate optimal portfolios. Moreover, the lack of significant statistical differences between the variance of the single index model and the Markowitz model can serve as an adequate basis for investors to demonstrate greater flexibility in the process of making portfolio selection decisions (Haugen, 2001). The results obtained in the study were used to reject the hypotheses that were initially presented. As previously mentioned, the conducted F-test additionally indicates that the single index model and the Markowitz model are almost similar in scope and impact (Fernandez and Gomez, 2007). Investors should consider that portfolio selection models play an important role in determining the exact amount of risk taking while constructing optimal portfolios. Hence, investors are expected to thoroughly explore those models while they select their portfolios (Garlappi et al., 2007). Both individual and institutional investors can find the results generated in this study useful to facilitate their professional practice. A possible application of the research findings should be considered in the process of embracing new investment policies in the flexible organisational context (Bergh and Rensburg, 2008). Future research may extensively focus on the development of new portfolio selection models that may further expand the capacity of organisations to improve their performance on investment risk taking indicators. References Bergh, G. and Rensburg, V. (2008). ‘Hedge Funds and Higher Moment Portfolio Performance Appraisals: A General Approach’. Omega, vol. 37, pp. 50-62. Better, M. (2006). ‘Selecting Project Portfolios by Optimizing Simulations’. The Engineering Economist, vol. 51, pp. 81-97. Fernandez, A. and Gomez, S. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection Using Neutral Networks’. Computers & Operations Research, vol. 34, pp. 1177-1191. Garlappi, L., Uppal, R., and Wang, T. (2007). ‘Portfolio Selection with Parameter and Model Uncertainty: A Multi-Prior Approach’. The Review of Financial Studies, vol. 20, pp. 41-81. Haugen, R. (2001). Modern Investment Theory. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Lediot, O. and Wolf, M. (2003). ‘Improved Estimation of the Covariance Matrix of Stock Returns with an Application to Portfolio Selection’. Journal of Finance, vol. 10, pp. 603-621.

Human Resource Management in Organisations - Shipyard Progres Essay

Human Resource Management in Organisations - Shipyard Progres - Essay Example Conclusion and Recommendations 11 References 12 Appendix 13 1. Introduction The evaluation of business plans is of critical importance for understanding the potential of a firm to secure its position in the market. The use of management systems that have been already tested in real market conditions can help managers to develop more accurate assumptions regarding their firm’s potentials both in the short and the long term. Balanced Scorecard is a management system focusing rather on long-term business goals and achievements. Different approaches have been used in the literature for describing the Balanced Scorecard; in accordance with Chi et al. (2011) the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) can be characterized as ‘a performance management system for assisting a corporation in actualising its strategy’ (Chi et al. 2011, p.224). From a different point of view, Rabbani et al. (2011) note that the BSC is based ‘on the critical success factor (CSF) concept of a limited se t of performance measures’ (Rabbani et al. 2011, p.1). The above approaches reflect the aims of Kaplan and Norton in regard to the use of BSC as a management system for measuring organizational performance. ... Reference is made to a specific firm: the shipyard Progres, a firm established in 1837 as part of the shipbuilding industry of Netherlands. Due to the radical changes in market structure and trends, the firm’s existing strategies need to be thoroughly reviewed and updated. Emphasis should be given on the management of staff but also on the management of the firm’s financial sector. The development of an appropriately customized Balanced Scorecard system could improve the monitoring of the firm’s strategies, helping to identify the key reasons of the failures in regard to the firm’s plan for expansion within its industry. Moreover, the specific system could help the organization to estimate whether the project under review, the purchase of an existing dry dock - which could be moored in Eemshaven harbour, is feasible and under which terms it could contribute in the firm’s growth. 2. Balanced Scorecard – usefulness, applicability and pitfalls a gainst Self-appraisal models The performance of organizations in the long term is difficult to be estimated with accuracy. The use of management systems, such as the Balanced Scorecard, helps towards the identification of a firm’s potentials within its market; in fact, the Balanced Scorecard, can offer to a firm’s managers the chance to evaluate the performance of their organization as being influenced by specific strategies and initiatives. From this point of view, the Balanced Scorecard can be characterized as a valuable management tool helping managers to develop a complete view of their firm’s current operational status but also of its perspectives in the future (Ba-Abaad 222009). The Balanced Scorecard has a

I want you to choose a suitable topic for each page Assignment

I want you to choose a suitable topic for each page - Assignment Example I think the film exhibits Curley more as a â€Å"Mayor of the Poor† evident in the way he offers himself to be the most approachable person of that rank in comparison to others that assumed the same position before. This is evident in the way he constantly makes contact with the people whom he thought desperately needed money and voted for him immensely. Hence, disentangle them from what they were struggling with in financially. Literally, he had no business with the rich but more specifically the poor who comprised the immigrants and supported him politically in maintaining his mayoral position. Curley extensively utilized his charismatic and magnetic speaking prowess in outdoing his competitors (Allison & Bulger 33). Hence, it is for this reason he manages to offer series of speeches throughout the city and country to win people’s heart. One incident that he successfully managed to outdo his competitor was when he was challenging Kenny. He took his speech and read impeccably to the people besides later repeating how Kenny would have done while repeating sections and statements that his competitor showed flaws in delivering it. Hence, revealing the dull and weakness side of Kenny. Curley’s house is a metaphorical representation of his life and political career. It signifies his rise in politics and personal life from a poor background to the level he is at the top of everybody by being a mayor in Boston. Similar to any political career that has a climax, this also happens to Curley whereby after loosing power, skills as well as other political antics becomes obsolete to the extent together with his wife moves to a small house. This is shifting of power from one personality to another especially, which is a common scenario when attached its attachment encompasses material and position. The film utilizes Curley’s climax in his political career in revealing the true traits of this charismatic mayor. This is because while he was poor and

Orthodox Interpretation of Japanese War Memories Essay

Orthodox Interpretation of Japanese War Memories - Essay Example The other argument is based on the assumption of the Allies that the government of Japan has declined in properly addressing the country’s war responsibilities during the war. It is also the view of the English speaking Allies that the people of Japan do not adequately acknowledge the responsibility of Japan during the war. Hence, the Japanese should accept the responsibility of the country during the war and this will propel the Japanese government doing the ‘right’ things in context of the war (Seaton 2). Seaton is of the view that this interpretation is flawed. He attributes this to the fact that there are two varying proportions of the interpretation. One of the proportions is described as the ‘state-centered approach’ whereby there is the political and parlance of the war memory (Seaton 2). The other is described as the ‘culturally determinist’ approach where it is analyzed in both sociological and anthropological focusing on the cha racteristics of the Japanese society as unwilling and conforming (Seaton 3). Why this Interpretation is flawed According to Seaton (p. 9), there are three aspects of how this interpretation is flawed. One of the aspects is that it moves precariously between war responsibility and war memories. This is because war responsibility in the current context is highlighted by constantly by political, moral and legal implications of war conduct. On the other hand, war memories are concerned about the way people see past events from the perspective of today’s context. Although the two aspects are related to some aspect, it is important to note that they are very distinct from each. Seaton (p. 9) asserts that while the Japanese government may refuse to compensate, there are Japanese people and the government that remembers the war. Hence, the way Japanese people feel about the way their government compensating could be based on their memory of the war. The development of memory studies has been greatly enhanced by the society acknowledging the fact that history is based on the environment that is changing constantly. Hence, technological, political, and social environments have affected the way many people are viewing past events. Hence, the Japanese cannot be limited to the environments that were present during the Second World War. There are two paradigms within which war memory and commemoration are studied which are; the political and psychological paradigms (Seaton 9). Seaton in Chapter 3 further argues that although Japan has been accused frequently of failing to address the past, the orthodoxy fails to note the main fact that ‘addressing the past’ is kind of unhelpful because it puts the roles of responsibility and memory into one and in so doing smudges the difference between individual, collective and official narratives. The orthodoxy has put across many texts that argue about Japan failing to address the war responsibility issues officially which has in turn spilled over to the orthodoxy claiming that Japan has an inadequate memory. This has led to observers of the Japanese people on how they remember the war being obscured. It is in this context that the orthodoxy has also ignored to look into how other nations handles their war memory including the English speaking Allies. Hence, the Japanese people are held responsible and in so doing, other nationals who were also responsible for the war have

Computer games and violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Computer games and violence - Essay Example dition of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, research conclusions have been stated which prove that the violence depicted in computer games have a definite negative effect on social attitudes of the child. The experiment included research scientists from the Universities of California, San Francisco and Pittsburgh. A hundred male undergraduates, from varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds were chosen to participate. They were divided into two groups; each group playing a computer game, one more violent than the other. The results were surprising: Before and after playing the game, both groups filled out a questionnaire that tested their attitudes towards violent acts and their attitude towards risky pastimes - alcohol and marijuana use, and unprotected sex. Their blood pressure was measured during play. Men who played Grand Theft Auto had greater increases in blood pressure, more negative moods, more uncooperative behaviour, more conflict in their social interaction with others, and more permissive attitudes toward using alcohol and marijuana, compared to those who played The Simpsons. The more violent game, Grand Theft Auto included involvement with the mafia, bludgeoning the villain with a baseball bat, drug dealing and so on as part of its game’s plot; while, The Simpsons required the player to deliver Lisa Simpson’s homework to the Principal on time (ABC Health and Wellbeing, 2006). Long-term exposure to violence may lead to desensitizing the child or player to real pain. Battering or killing people becomes commonplace. If this idea is reinforced with rewards, the child may end up desiring this harmful kind of violence. The popular idea that playing violent games actually helps the child to vent their aggression is wrong. They only lead to skewed perceptions of Right and Wrong. How has the depiction of violence in computer games changed over the years? The first game to seriously bring up concerns was Legend of Zelda in 1987. The