Part Seven Chapter 2

‘No problem,' he muttered. He was glad. He could not imagine what they had left to talk about. This way he could sit with Gaia. A little way down Church Row, Samantha Mollison was standing at her sitting-room window, holding a coffee and watching mourners pass her house on their way to St Michael and All Saints. When she saw Tessa Wall, and what she thought was Fats, she let out a little gasp. ‘Oh my God, he's going,' she said out loud, to nobody. Then she recognized Andrew, turned red, and backed hastily away from the glass. Samantha was supposed to be working from home. Her laptop lay open behind her on the sofa, but that morning she had put on an old black dress, half wondering whether she would attend Krystal and Robbie Weedon's funeral. She supposed that she had only a few more minutes in which to make up her mind. She had never spoken a kind word about Krystal Weedon, so surely it would be hypocritical to attend her funeral, purely because she had wept over the account of her death in the Yarvil and District Gazette, and because Krystal's chubby face grinned out of every one of the class photographs that Lexie had brought home from St Thomas's? Samantha set down her coffee, hurried to the telephone and rang Miles at work. ‘Hello, babe,' he said. (She had held him while he sobbed with relief beside the hospital bed, where Howard lay connected to machines, but alive.) ‘Hi,' she said. ‘How are you?' ‘Not bad. Busy morning. Lovely to hear from you,' he said. ‘Are you all right?' (They had made love the previous night, and she had not pretended that he was anybody else.) ‘The funeral's about to start,' said Samantha. ‘People going by †¦' She had suppressed what she wanted to say for nearly three weeks, because of Howard, and the hospital, and not wanting to remind Miles of their awful row, but she could not hold it back any longer. ‘†¦ Miles, I saw that boy. Robbie Weedon. I saw him, Miles.' She was panicky, pleading. ‘He was in the St Thomas's playing field when I walked across it that morning.' ‘In the playing field?' In the last three weeks, a desire to be absorbed in something bigger than herself had grown in Samantha. Day by day she had waited for the strange new need to subside (this is how people go religious, she thought, trying to laugh herself out of it) but it had, if anything, intensified. ‘Miles,' she said, ‘you know the council †¦ with your dad – and Parminder Jawanda resigning too – you'll want to co-opt a couple of people, won't you?' She knew all the terminology; she had listened to it for years. ‘I mean, you won't want another election, after all this?' ‘Bloody hell, no.' ‘So Colin Wall could fill one seat,' she rushed on, ‘and I was thinking, I've got time – now the business is all online – I could do the other one.' ‘You?' said Miles, astonished. ‘I'd like to get involved,' said Samantha. Krystal Weedon, dead at sixteen, barricaded inside the squalid little house on Foley Road †¦ Samantha had not drunk a glass of wine in two weeks. She thought that she might like to hear the arguments for Bellchapel Addiction Clinic. The telephone was ringing in number ten Hope Street. Kay and Gaia were already late leaving for Krystal's funeral. When Gaia asked who was speaking, her lovely face hardened: she seemed much older. ‘It's Gavin,' she told her mother. ‘I didn't call him!' whispered Kay, like a nervous schoolgirl as she took the phone. ‘Hi,' said Gavin. ‘How are you?' ‘On my way out to a funeral,' said Kay, with her eyes locked on her daughter's. ‘The Weedon children's. So, not fabulous.' ‘Oh,' said Gavin. ‘Christ, yeah. Sorry. I didn't realize.' He had spotted the familiar surname in a Yarvil and District Gazette headline, and, vaguely interested at last, bought a copy. It had occurred to him that he might have walked close by the place where the teenagers and the boy had been, but he had no actual memory of seeing Robbie Weedon. Gavin had had an odd couple of weeks. He was missing Barry badly. He did not understand himself: when he should have been mired in misery that Mary had turned him down, all he wanted was a beer with the man whose wife he had hoped to take as his own †¦ (Muttering aloud as he had walked away from her house, he had said to himself, ‘That's what you get for trying to steal your best friend's life,' and failed to notice the slip of the tongue.) ‘Listen,' he said, ‘I was wondering whether you fancied a drink later?' Kay almost laughed. ‘Turn you down, did she?' She handed Gaia the phone to hang up. They hurried out of the house and half jogged to the end of the street and up through the Square. For ten strides, as they passed the Black Canon, Gaia held her mother's hand. They arrived as the hearses appeared at the top of the road, and hurried into the graveyard while the pall-bearers were shuffling out onto the pavement. (‘Get away from the window,' Colin Wall commanded his son. But Fats, who had to live henceforth with the knowledge of his own cowardice, moved forward, trying to prove that he could, at least, take this †¦ The coffins glided past in the big black-windowed cars: the first was bright pink, and the sight robbed him of breath, and the second was tiny and shiny white †¦ Colin placed himself in front of Fats too late to protect him, but he drew the curtains anyway. In the gloomy, familiar sitting room, where Fats had confessed to his parents that he had exposed his father's illness to the world; where he had confessed to as much as he could think of, in the hope that they would conclude him to be mad and ill; where he had tried to heap upon himself so much blame that they would beat him or stab him or do to him all those things that he knew he deserved, Colin put a hand gently on his son's back and steered him away, towards the sunlit kitchen.) Outside St Michael and All Saints, the pall-bearers were readying themselves to take the coffins up the church path. Dane Tully was among them, with his earring and a self-inked tattoo of a spider's web on his neck, in a heavy black overcoat. The Jawandas waited with the Bawdens in the shade of the yew tree. Andrew Price hovered near them, and Tessa Wall stood at some distance, pale and stony-faced. The other mourners formed a separate phalanx around the church doors. Some had a pinched and defiant air; others looked resigned and defeated; a few wore cheap black clothes, but most were in jeans or tracksuits, and one girl was sporting a cut-off T-shirt and a belly-ring that caught the sun when she moved. The coffins moved up the path, gleaming in the bright light. It was Sukhvinder Jawanda who had chosen the bright pink coffin for Krystal, as she was sure she would have wanted. It was Sukhvinder who had done nearly everything; organizing, choosing and persuading. Parminder kept looking sideways at her daughter, and finding excuses to touch her: brushing her hair out of her eyes, smoothing her collar. Just as Robbie had come out of the river purified and regretted by Pagford, so Sukhvinder Jawanda, who had risked her life to try and save the boy, had emerged a heroine. From the article about her in the Yarvil and District Gazette to Maureen Lowe's loud proclamations that she was recommending the girl for a special police award to the speech her headmistress made about her from the lectern in assembly, Sukhvinder knew, for the first time, what it was to eclipse her brother and sister. She had hated every minute of it. At night, she felt again the dead boy's weight in her arms, dragging her towards the deep; she remembered the temptation to let go and save herself, and asked herself how long she would have resisted it. The deep scar on her leg itched and ached, whether moving or stationary. The news of Krystal Weedon's death had had such an alarming effect on her that her parents had arranged a counsellor, but she had not cut herself once since being pulled from the river; her near drowning seemed to have purged her of the need. Then, on her first day back at school, with Fats Wall still absent, and admiring stares following her down the corridors, she had heard the rumour that Terri Weedon had no money to bury her children; that there would be no stone marker, and the cheapest coffins. ‘That's very sad, Jolly,' her mother had said that evening, as the family sat eating dinner together under the wall of family photographs. Her tone was as gentle as the policewoman's had been; there was no snap in Parminder's voice any more when she spoke to her daughter. ‘I want to try and get people to give money,' said Sukhvinder. Parminder and Vikram glanced at each other across the kitchen table. Both were instinctively opposed to the idea of asking people in Pagford to donate to such a cause, but neither of them said so. They were a little afraid, now that they had seen her forearms, of upsetting Sukhvinder, and the shadow of the as-yet-unknown counsellor seemed to be hovering over all their interactions. ‘And,' Sukhvinder went on, with a feverish energy like Parminder's own, ‘I think the funeral service should be here, at St Michael's. Like Mr Fairbrother's. Krys used to go to all the services here when we were at St Thomas's. I bet she was never in another church in her life.' The light of God shines from every soul, thought Parminder, and to Vikram's surprise she said abruptly, ‘Yes, all right. We'll have to see what we can do.' The bulk of the expense had been met by the Jawandas and the Walls, but Kay Bawden, Samantha Mollison and a couple of the mothers of girls on the rowing team had donated money too. Sukhvinder then insisted on going into the Fields in person, to explain to Terri what they had done, and why; all about the rowing team, and why Krystal and Robbie should have a service at St Michael's. Parminder had been exceptionally worried about Sukhvinder going into the Fields, let alone that filthy house, by herself, but Sukhvinder had known that it would be all right. The Weedons and the Tullys knew that she had tried to save Robbie's life. Dane Tully had stopped grunting at her in English, and had stopped his mates from doing it too. Terri agreed to everything that Sukhvinder suggested. She was emaciated, dirty, monosyllabic and entirely passive. Sukhvinder had been frightened of her, with her pockmarked arms and her missing teeth; it was like talking to a corpse. Inside the church, the mourners divided cleanly, with the people from the Fields taking the left-hand pews, and those from Pagford, the right. Shane and Cheryl Tully marched Terri along between them to the front row; Terri, in a coat two sizes too large, seemed scarcely aware of where she was.

In what ways is the concept of gender useful in the study of ancient history?

In antiquity gender was a defining feature of life, we can note that it affected the way society was structured, specifically in the Athenian ‘polis', as well as public events, such as those associated with religious cults. Gender was also influential in politics, especially that of the Romans. Moreover, it is through gender that we can observe the general ancient view towards women, found throughout numerous literary sources and archaeological remains. Firstly, there is a strong link between gender and the Athenian ‘polis', which was commonly considered to be ‘male dominated'. 1 From an early age male and female youths were polarised, so that males were educated professionally, with a strong emphasis on completing sports at the ‘palaestrai' and ‘gymnasia', then they were sent away to complete their military service. In contrast, women were denied no more than basic schooling. However they were introduced into society through religious cults. It is through education that the classical Athenians erected a prominent division between the sexes, in order to prepare the youths for their roles in later life-men for leadership in state and military affairs, women for more subordinate roles. For example, archaeological evidence suggests that young men were groomed for prominent positions in the state, that is, pitchers have been found that illustrate boys celebrating the festival, ‘Anthesterion', ‘the flower month', by sampling wine and participating in crawling races. The former would have been a simplistic pre-taster for male youths of a ‘symposium', philosophical sessions intertwined with heavy drinking periods, exclusively for male citizens. The playwrights Plato and Aristophanes recognised their importance in the ‘polis', as it was for affluent male citizens. In Aristophanic comedies he frequently alludes to scenes of inebriation and obscenity mixed with intervals of learned opinions. The latter would have prepared the youths for athletic competitions. Keuls' suggests that it is through these activities young boys were instilled, ‘with the norms of competitiveness and male privilege'. 2 In comparison, Greek women were initiated into society through religious roles, specifically those associated with chastity, labour and submission. The cult of Athena was particularly important, in which a robe known as a ‘peplos' was dedicated to the goddess that had been especially woven for the occasion. It was then presented to her either by two or four noble girls, known as ‘arrhephoroi', ‘bearers of sacred objects'. Scenes from this cult can be found on sections of the Parthenon frieze (440BC-432BC), detailing events such as the folding of the ‘peplos' by the ‘Archon Basileus', chief magistrate, helped by a young child. This was a significant affair because the cult of Athena portrayed the characteristics sought desirable in each sex. That is, she represented the ‘male patriarchal ethos',3 through a wild war dance, the ‘pyrrhic dance', which was performed by armed dancers. This highlights, through the festival that males were associated with war and had a responsibility to protect the ‘polis'. On the other hand, Athena also represented the female ethos, by emphasising the necessity of hard work and chastity through the tasks of spinning and weaving, which were given prestigious status', through the ritual of the ‘peplos'. Athenian women were associated with passive tasks, illustrating their subordination to men within the ‘polis'. It is also significant that religious festivals structured the female hierarchy. We have already noted that it was only noble girls who could become ‘arrhephoroi', whereas in other cults, such as that of Artemis at Brauron, all girls could participate in the rituals. Just as the female hierarchy needed cult festivals to differentiate between the varying classes, the male hierarchy was determined by society-the ‘polis' and the military. For example, Xenophon, in the ‘Anabasis', highlights the importance and influence of the head of the army, the ‘hegemon', compared to less important positions in the military. That is, when a ‘manteis', a divine interpreter, attempts to slander Xenophon-in this case he is acting as the ‘hegemon'-by suggesting that he would have founded a new city without consulting his troops, Xenophon retorts: ‘Silanus gave me his answer on the most important point, namely, that the appearance of the victim was propitious. He had to since he was aware that I myself, because of always being present at sacrifices had some experience in these matters. ‘ 4 This illustrates, in general, that in warfare, sacrifices were undertaken or overseen by those in commanding positions, such as the ‘hegemon', because they influenced the state. Those in less significant positions in the military had a minimal influence in the running of the state. Thus, highlighting that the military and state were active influences in determining the male hierarchy. So far, we can note that education and cult festivals were influenced by gender, illustrating the importance of studying it in ancient history, as it gives us a fuller picture of ancient Greek society. Furthermore, the perception of the sexes can be seen to vary vastly, Xenophon highlights this in his ‘Oikonomikos', when he determines that men were built for war because their bodies could endure toil and hardship, whereas women were made for domestic work. 5 Another ancient scholar, Ischomachos, comments that the nature of men and women's mind also differ, as women are considered to be more susceptible to emotions and show a lack of restraint. Physical and psychological features influenced ancient Greek scholars into stereotyping the sexes and thus explaining why each gender sought different roles in society. In consideration to the cult of Athena, we can note that the study of mythology is also relevant to the concept of gender and its effects on society. That is, the ‘Panathenaic' procession was based on the myth of the origin of Ericthonius, who was associated with Athens. Hephaistos spilt semen on Athena's lap, which she wiped off with some wool, but consequently Ericthonius was born. The child was then given to Cecrops' daughters, but two of them, Herse and Aglauros, looked at the baby, despite Athena's warning that they should not. This myth emphasises the importance of women as child bearers and nurturers in society. The relevance of the wool can be associated with textile making, an occupation that was encouraged in young women. Likewise the cult of Artemis illustrated to women the importance of chastity, as the myth behind her cult warns them that promiscuity is an undesirable and unacceptable value. Artemis punishes her nymph, Kallisto, who had been raped by Zeus, by changing her into a bear, who is consequently hunted and killed by her own son. The Greeks used the myths as moral paradigms, warning women against unacceptable behaviour in the ‘polis'. Furthermore, Artemis was also concerned with childbirth, as clothes were dedicated to her at Brauron. Keuls' comments that this cult, ‘may have been the most effective way of instilling in females the ethos that male society required of them. ‘ 6 In comparison, if the cult of Artemis and Athena portrayed ideal female virtues that were affable for their role in the ‘polis', then the cult of Theseus represented ideal virtues for the Athenian male citizen. He was the archetypal male hero, as he saved Athens and slaughtered the Minotaur. In a social context, he had protected the ‘polis' and by militant means had killed a foreign being that threatened the well being of the state-actions that were expected of all male Athenians. Funerals were also a very significant event within the ‘polis' and the concept of gender greatly influenced its organisation. Women played a vital role in the ‘prothesis', the procession preceding the actual funeral, when the body was placed on a bier and was surrounded by mourners. It was the role of the women to lament- the more intense they seemed, the more honoured the dead appeared. Firstly, in connection with lamentation, we can note that women played an integral role in this procession, as they allowed men to keep up an austere appearance. This allowed the males to protect their masculine front, as they could refrain form outwardly expressing their grief. We have already observed, from ancient scholars, such as Xenophon, that only certain characteristics were deemed acceptable for men. Plaques and funeral vases illustrate the different roles performed during the ‘prothesis' by men and women. For example, a funeral pot of the late geometric period depicts men in processions of armed warriors or on horseback. 7 It is notable that they remain untearful, when compared to the numerous figurines of women in lamentable positions. The men honour the dead by highlighting the prestige of dying whilst in battle. Two ideals of mourning were set up to protect the social structure-women lament due to their lack of restraint of their emotions, emphasising their fragile characters, deeming them unfit for leadership. Whereas, men retain their dignity through their restraint and their passive role in the ‘prothesis'. Furthermore, funerals allowed aristocratic families to present their rank and power in society. Therefore, the lamentation was a reflection of the family's status. Hans Van Wees states that, ‘tears were a sign of respect to the dead†¦ ears of women played a part in the power struggle of men. ‘ 8 This illustrates that women had a significant role in the society of men, but one that was manipulated to benefit the running of the state. Moreover, the emotions of the women became so severe, as they behaved as a medium, that Solon had to institute legislations to curtail their display, as women had resorted to lacerating their arms and other forms of self-mutilation. The concept of gender is also very noteworthy in ancient literature, as men and women were perceived very differently in comparison to their perception in the ‘polis'. For example, during the Homeric era, it was not uncommon to observe heroes crying, a characteristic that would later be associated with the ‘fairer sex'. We first see Odysseus on Calypso's island, weeping in despair to return home to Ithaca. 9 Likewise, Homer frequently alludes to Odysseus's wife, Penelope, crying. For instance, we observe her crying for her lost husband when she retrieves his bow for the suitors' competition. 10 Both of the genders display similar characteristics, which Homer's audience obviously found acceptable in men. This emphasises that the gap between the genders widened with the progression of society and the founding of the structure of the ‘polis'. A further example that illustrates this point can come from the medium of tragedy, as the perception of male literary figures had conformed to the opinions of the ‘polis'. That is, male characters are portrayed as more restrained towards their emotions, in Aeschylus' ‘Agamemnon', the male king shows a considerable deal of restraint when Clytaemnestra offers him the sacred carpets to walk on. He states: ‘This-you treat me like a woman†¦ ive me the tributes of a man†¦ '11 Agamemnon displays his lack of excitement towards the frivolity of walking on ‘nice' tapestries that obviously would have appealed to a woman's nature. In the Homeric era, heroes appreciated niceties-Odysseus is bathed in perfume when he gets to Phaecia, there are constant allusions to Paris preening and primping himself and we are frequently reminded of his good looks. This illustrates the progression of the male status from the Heroic age to classical Athens. Briefly, we can note that Homeric heroes took an active grieving role in funerals. Achilles pours grimy dust on his face and beasts his breast, accompanied by his handmaidens; then Homer states that: ‘Antilochus mourned with him, letting the tears fall†¦ '12 Furthermore, this reiterates the different characteristics found in the male persona of the heroic age, rather than the age of the ‘polis'. However, we should also observe that the Homeric heroes were not completely without restraint, they just depicted less moderation than would have been acceptable for later Greeks. For example, the Trojans are commanded not to weep whilst collecting their dead bodies from the battlefield, which they do. They show a determined self-control, perhaps not as noted in the Homeric women, such as Odysseus' wife, Penelope. Furthermore, it is also through tragedy that we can note the progression of the perception of ancient women. In reference to Aeschylus' ‘Agamemnon', it has been observed that Clytaemnestra is portrayed with masculine attributes, as it is she who plots and kills her husband, with an axe in the bath. Her lover, Aegisthus, states to the chorus: ‘The treachery was the woman's work, clearly. '13 In the prologue, the watchman comments: ‘That woman -she manoeuvres like a man. '14 Firstly, Clytaemnestra has overstepped the divide that marked the different statuses of men and women in the ‘polis', on account of her masculine behaviour. Aeschylus, through tragedy, has illustrated that if women are not supervised within society, the social structure will collapse, as they are lead by their emotions. This would have highlighted the importance of the ‘kyrios', who acted as a guardian to Athenian women, to keep them in check within the ‘polis'. Moreover, this illustrates the common perception of women, as tragic heroines are often perceived as being manipulative, treacherous and unfaithful. This is emphasised by the character of Clytaemnestra, as well as Electra, who later persuades her brother, Orestes, to kill their mother, in Aeschylus' ‘Eumenides' and Euripides ‘Electra'. These characteristics illustrate that women are unworthy to lead the state, and highlights the insistence that they remain inferior to men within the social structure, maintaining their role in family matters. In Aristophanic comedies, such as ‘Lysistrata', women were also depicted as being drunkards and sex fiends, qualities that were associated with slaves. This is noteworthy, as slaves were considered not to be wholly free and without possessing any rights within the ‘polis', such as voting. Furthermore, slaves and women were also both low down in the social structure. Aristotle in his ‘Politics', stated that women were, ‘slaves by nature'. This demonstrates the lack of freedom that women possessed, highlighting their seclusion within classical Athens. The majority of the time, women were physically kept within the home-apart from when they participated in particular public events-to keep them subordinate, in a social context. Furthermore, according to Solon15, if a woman was in the company of men all the time, she would not want to get married. Thus she would be defying her role as a life giver and producer of heirs, and so she would be disrupting her status within the ‘polis'. In contrast, in the heroic age of Homer, women were given a considerable amount of freedom, for example, we see Helen with Priam, on the walls of Troy, pointing out to all the different Greek warriors. Moreover, Penelope, in the Odyssey, acts as the hostess at the banquet of the suitors, totally surrounded by men. We can see that the seclusion of women became more intense with the founding of the ‘polis', which brought along a greater need to categorise the genders. The concept of gender is also very significant when studying the politics of ancient Rome. Roman historians of the imperial era have recorded the great influence of women on particular male emperors. For example, the historian, Tacitus, in his ‘Annals', records the influence of Nero's mother, Agrippina the Younger, on his political career. It is she who initiates the poisoning of her husband, Claudius, and his son, Britannicus, so that Nero can usurp the power of the empire. Roman coins depict her bust, alongside that of her son's, displaying that she is ruling with him. It is significant that her role becomes less influential as Nero grows up and adopts more power. This is again illustrated through the medium of the coins, as we can note the gradual removal of her image from the obverse of the coins. The influence of his mother was so strong that he could only be freed from it, by attempting to murder her, through a collapsing boat. Thus, this demonstrates that imperial women dominated their male associates and played a leading role within in the running of the state. However, we should note that they still remained in the background, ruling behind their male relatives, as Rome was a male dominated state. Clark suggests that, ‘women might, then, have considerable influence and interests outside their home and families, but they were acting from within their families to affect a social system managed by men: their influence was not to be publicly acknowledged. '16 However, it has also been recorded that other imperial women had infiltrated the very male event of patronage. Octavia had acted or had interceded with male relatives as a patron, also, Messalina and Agrippina the Younger, were the patrons of Claudius' freedmen, such as Narcissus. This highlights the prestigious role of women in the empire. It is also significant that they were involved in particular public affairs, demonstrating that the social structure of Rome was gradually changing form being solely a male establishment, to a state outwardly influenced by both genders. Furthermore, Dio records that the senate honoured Livia with an arch as she had helped many senatorial children in times of need. 7 Likewise, the public recognition of Livia's role in the running of the state was acknowledged by the senate. However, it is important to note that the prominent role of women during the imperial period was not considerably favoured by all. Fischler comments that many men considered ‘a good emperor to have had wives and mothers that he could control and who never overstepped the boundaries set by convention'. 18 For example, Tiberius refused honours for his mother, Livia, because he did not want to seem to be influenced by her actions. Women may have been more prominent in the political sphere but it was not fully approved by the public opinion, which was aired by the majority of men. The significant role of women was fully acknowledged by Augustus, the first Roman emperor, who recognised the importance of women as figures of a new political regime. They represented the move from the Republican era to the Imperial era, as they were significant members of his dynasty. Fischler goes onto observe that ‘women were symbols of the imperial order. '19 The society of the Republic was less tolerant of the presence of women in the public eye. They had few rights within the state, such as, they were not allowed to vote or, as Valerius Maximus records, appear or act in courts20 and were generally under the ‘potestas of the ‘paterfamilias'. However, unlike the Greek ‘polis' women were not secluded from society, as they were allowed to own property and divorce their husbands. There were two types of marriage- that of ‘cum manu', in which the woman remained under her father's rule, as he even had the power to end her marriage; or that of ‘sine manu', in which women were allowed to own their own property an divorce their husbands. The former type of marriage was common in the early Republic and the latter, in the late Republic. This illustrates the progression of women's freedom in society and their further prominence in the public eye. The perception of gender and the way it affected the structure of society can be noted in forms of literature, such as satire. For example, Juvenal, who was writing either under the emperor, Trajan or Domitian, perceives the progression of women in the public sphere as a bad thing. That is, women had transgressed the divide between the genders, as they had adopted masculine roles in society, such as acting in political matters, demonstrated in Tacitus' portrayal of Agrippina. Furthermore Juvenal goes onto condemn the public sexuality of women and the growing effeminacy of men. In a social context. He highlights the breakdown of the social structure of the Roman society, that is, he considers the sexes to have changed roles and transgressed their divisions, which had given certain roles to men and to women in order to structure society. For example, he describes the ‘whore empress' coming home from the brothel to the Imperial palace. 21 Furthermore, his female persona attacks males for preferring homosexuality and states that overseas people are laughing at their effeminacy. 22 In contrast, he frequently extols the old virtues of chastity in women and praises the good old days, when men worked in fields and completed other masculine tasks23. Thus highlighting the change of roles in gender, on account of a changing society. In conclusion, we can argue that the concept of gender is extremely important when studying ancient history, as it played a significant role in defining the structure of society. The progression of society, both Greek and Roman, can also be marked by the changing perceptions of each gender, found in abundant literary sources and archaeological material. These sources of evidence make it possible to study gender, however we should also take into account, when using literature as evidence, some external influences. For example, when consulting tragedy or comedy. For the perception of Greek women, we should note that the playwrights exaggerated the characteristics of figures, for dramatic effects. That is to say, in the ‘polis', not all Greek women were alcoholics with a sex addiction, as portrayed in Aristophanic comedies. Likewise, from Juvenal's satires we cannot assume that all Roman women were promiscuous, due to the degeneration of their social structure. The ancient writers were assuming the ‘worst-case-scenarios', highlighting what would happen without a social structure in society. However, there is truth behind these pieces of literature, as the authors had to base their work on realism, so that their audiences could relate to their work. Furthermore, we should take into consideration the genre that the author was writing for, for example, Tacitus was considered to be a ‘silver age' writer, thus his writing would have portrayed characteristics of that type. Thus, his work is macabre and sombre; therefore his portrayals of his characters would reflect that style. Likewise, archaeological evidence should be considered with care, as depictions on pots and vases are left to our own personal interpretation.

Belief in God but not Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Belief in God but not Religion - Essay Example Examples of religions include the Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims among others (Hesse 77). There is the need to belief in God and not religion because the two books; Siddhartha and The Little Philosophy Book gives different perspectives of religions. Siddhartha talks about a spiritual voyage of the main character who is Siddhartha, through four sections of life. Siddhartha was a son to Brahmin and aesthetic in the forest. He was described as a gambler, merchant and eventually a ferryman. At the end of the book, the wisdom of Siddhartha arrived at by the supposed character was a mixture of Buddhists and Hindu traditions (McClory 42). The Little Philosophy Book, on the other hand, talks about examination of individual-self, the earth, and the nature of truthand, putting across questions like, â€Å"why are we here?† â€Å"who are we?† and â€Å"how should we live?† the book begins by traveling around antique philosophy that varies from Socrates’ Greece, t o Vedic India, to Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist China, and in the Middle East (Solomon 82). In essence, both books reflect on the aspect of religion where different people practice several beliefs and customs. For example, in Siddhartha, the main character was a gambler who lived in woods with his own way of life and in his quest for wisdom Siddhartha makes a false sacrifice (Hesse 77). His selfish actions made him have many arguments with his fellow old man, Ferryman. For example, Siddhartha portrayed his negligence and selfish actions when he was told by Ferryman to let his 12-year son to take care of himself in the woods and the world because his father was not being fair to him. Siddhartha had a mind-body problem, which made him portray his selfishness attitude. Throughout their lives in the forest, these people had their own religion, which combines the teachings and practices of Buddhists and Hindu. Note that Buddhism is a religion on its own while Hinduism is another religi on on its own. The practices and traditions of these two religions are different. Since, Siddhartha, Ferryman, Hesse and other people who lived in forest had a hybrid of the two religions of Hindu and Buddhist, it means their religion was also on its own (Hesse 64). Note that all of them believe to be worshipping God but their practices, customs and traditions are different. This means that belief should be dedicated to God and not religion because the world has several religions, which have distinct practices, and no religion believes on what the other religion believes in. The same concept is supported in the book The Little Philosophy Book which examines the concept of consciousness as par Descartes’ thought that, â€Å"I think, therefore I am†, phenomenological words that explain the issue of mind-body problem (Solomon 91). This book talks about God, spirituality, nature, freedom and responsibility, cosmology, morality and ethics. The book also explores the meaning of life and the function of philosophy in determining both life and happiness. All these concepts are connected to religion in the sense that they define the way of life of people and as mentioned, the practices in it indicate that the religions of China people was Buddhist, while Indians practiced Vedic as other practiced Confucianism (McClory 43). All these are examples of religions in both books and they clearly imply that people need to believe in God and not religion because there is no uniform custom in all the religions in the world. The spirituality of these religions also differs greatly due to the difference in believes. However, it should be clear that spirituality is the majestic and thoughtful fervors of life and a life lived

JetBlue Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

JetBlue - Case Study Example There are three critical stages in developing the airline industry and they include regulation, liberalization, re-regulation, as well as de-regulation (Vasigh, Fleming, & Mackay, 2010). Major challenges facing this industry are fuel prices, which continue to hike, pollution control, personnel shortages and global economic problems. However, fuel, labor, and maintenance are the most common setbacks in the industry. Proper planning is essential for the success of the company. Failures in air business planning include under capitalization, over expansion, lack of flexibility besides the inability to obtain sustainable and competitive advantage. Failure to demonstrate revenue growth and profitability are also factors that contribute to failure of a business plan (Vasigh, Fleming, & Mackay, 2010). Five forces affect this industry. Firstly, there is rivalry between existing competitors; this is due to the competition for growth as well as market share. There is also the bargaining power o f suppliers caused by the need to access capital and supplier concentration. In addition, there is the bargaining power of buyers, which refers to price sensitivity, substitute products, buyer information, as well as bargaining advantage. Threats of new entrants are another force that is caused by freedom of entry and exit and availability of air crafts. Finally, there are the threats caused by new substitutes like telecommunication, high-speed railroads, as well as video conferencing (Vasigh, Fleming, & Mackay, 2010). Key success factors for the airline industry include factors that help a company achieve its mission, objectives and goals. The key success factors include strong management for each department that is of advantage for the business. Highly qualified and competent work force is also essential for the success of the company. Everything they do must aim at improving customer relation and

How does mediation prevent, manage, and resolve international conflict Thesis

How does mediation prevent, manage, and resolve international conflict - Thesis Example to bring peace and security to different nations and diminishing the threats imposed on international security by bridging the gap between conflicting parties through mutual settlement and negotiation. Intractable international disputes have always been there with us and have been posing threats to international peace and security. More than this, they lead to continuous wars, violence and numerous deaths from time to time. International stability is always at stake owing to these conflicts that do not have a solution to them and where none of the disputants are willing to compromise to reach a settlement. It’s very difficult to find a solution to such intractable disputes since they go on for a long period with negotiations almost impossible. However, in such cases, mediation is a tool which can bring down the effect of the escalating disputes and its consequences including violence, war and deaths to a lower count. â€Å"It offers the prospect of escaping the dilemmas of intractability†. (Bercovitch 2004) Mediation is a process in which a third party neutral helps in resolving a dispute between two or more other parties. The role of the mediator is to facilitate and assist the parties in working out what the real issues of dispute are, allowing communication between them and other things that meet the interest of the parties by finding a solution to their dispute. (Honeyman, Yawanarajah, 2003) The paper finds out the different types of mediation; the role played by a mediator in bridging the gap between two parties involved in the dispute; the purpose of mediation in international conflicts; the loopholes that arise due to mediators losing humanitarian values and the ways of enhancing effectiveness of mediation. It has clearly pointed out the nations undergoing intractable disputes in the 70’s and 80’s and the number of deaths arising due to the parties not reaching any settlement. A case study of African civil wars also brings to the fore that

Television Programming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Television Programming - Essay Example Everyone is responsible for what they watch, and therefore it becomes a personal decision when it comes to what one chooses to belief. Television advertising and programming are known to affect people’s perceptions and believes (Myers & Biocca, 1992). Visual programming and advertising can alter the way someone sees her body and this is particularly so among women as it affects them most. An example can be seen whereby the media advertisements and programming most of them portray the perfect body of a woman to be thin (Myers & Biocca, 1992). There are those advertisements and programmes that promote dieting and cutting weight which show that the body of a woman is targeted in most programming and advertisements. One is likely to follow these advertisements and programmes by starting to cut on weight. A woman’s body is exposed as something that is viewed for its attractiveness, that it should be slender. The impact that such programming and such advertising has is mostly seen by the increase in the number of women who are dieting and the number of television programmes that host shows about slimming. Advertisements are meant to appeal to the wider populace. An advertisement aims at ensuring that people note whatever product is being advertised (Bhargava, 2009), people who watch advertisements are likely to buy a certain product because of its advertisement in the same way a programme would affect someone. A person who watches a specific programmed would like to have the kind of life style that is portrayed in the programme (Petronio, 2007). Most of these programmes usually portray the American culture, people would like to mimic the behavior of the people in those programmes or the lifestyles that are shown in the programmes, and in effect, they copy the American culture.

Electronic Communications Privacy Act - Advantages from an Employer Research Paper

Electronic Communications Privacy Act - Advantages from an Employer and Employee Perspective - Research Paper Example Therefore, in the below sections, the various aspects of the act responsible for the present situation, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) of 1986 and its benefits on both the employee and the employer are discussed. Background The ECPA is an up gradation of a previous act to control crime through monitoring activities. It is an evolution of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The quick growth of the electronics industry meant that there was also a rapid increase in the modes of communication. While the earlier Act of 1968 catered to telephone and other modes of traditional communication, the newer channels of communication were not covered. Moreover, despite the intense debate surrounding the ECPA act on privacy, one of the main clauses of the act has to do with restricting third parties from intercepting communication. However, the act provides exceptions to employers under two conditions, namely, during the ordinary course of business and through the employee's consent. Despite the broad nature of the Act, it has special implications for the business sector since it affects factors such as IP (Intellectual Property), productivity, employee morale, etc. The Act of 1986 legitimized control by employers over the methods that they were already using since businesses came to depend on computers. For example, during the Regan era, the accepted view was that business must be allowed to choose its own course with respect to employee monitoring (Sipior & Ward, 1995, 50). Current Technology As mentioned in the earlier section, the ECPA act is an evolution of the Omnibus Act of 1968. Although businesses still have a great degree of control over rights to monitor employee activity, the ECPA act has resulted in a number of issues that need to be resolved such as deciding on the optimal degree of control, establishing control structures based on the work cultures of various countries, etc. Firstly, the ECPA was upgraded mainly due to the increase in the modes of electronic communication, especially information transfer through email and more recently social networking sites such as Facebook, etc. The invention of the transistor in the 1950s led to rapid development of computer hardware eventually resulting in a system that resembles the one we use today, that is, the desktop computer. However, the corresponding software namely the operating systems required for the advanced hardware was developed only a few decades later which made widespread use of the personal computer possible. However, the ease with which communication was now possible meant that employees had a greater amount of responsibility in using company infrastructure. Employers resorted to the same degree of control that they had used in the past with respect to voice calls and oral communication. However, the nature of the new technology meant that a great deal of an employee's job was based on using the computer and the internet. Monitoring all comput er and email activity has meant that employers were virtually tracking every minute spent by the employee within the office premises. In addition, the adoption of new technology has also made the task of monitoring much easier than before through the use of automated tracking systems, etc. New systems such as CCTVs have also helped companies monitor employee behavior. This has naturally resulted in a greater degree of

Managing Organizational Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Managing Organizational Communication - Essay Example Improving listening skills and learning to use and interpret nonverbal cues and verbal communication will help effective communication. Effective feedback is essential to let employees know where they stand and direct them to help achieve organizational goals. Organizations are made up of groups which are again made up of individuals. For sharing of information and coordination of activities, communication is absolutely necessary between groups and individuals. Individuals exchange knowledge, ideas, feelings and emotions using written messages, spoken words and gestures. "Organizations survive by making sense of and giving sense to their environments" (Sutcliffe, 2001, p.197). Organizations collect, comprehend, communicate and control flows of environmental information to deal with foreseen and unforeseen issues. According to various researches, the success of an organization is based on the organization's collective knowledge about its "process capabilities and the abilities to learn and share this knowledge effectively" (Parnisto, 1995, p.154). Sharing information is imperative for work coordination and cooperation in an organization. ... Managers facilitate organizational communication Communication plays an essential role in achieving managerial and organizational goals and objectives effectively. Communication is essential to inform employees of their goals, to compare with co-workers' performance, and for assessing employees' overall performance. Managers, through appropriate channels of communication, give instructions to subordinates and receive information. Managers interpret this information and communicate the same to the employees. To do this, managers should have good communication and interpretation skills, as, ultimately, the employees' interpretation of information depends on the accuracy of the managers' comprehension of the information and the effectiveness of their communication ("Managing communication," 2004, p.264). Role of communication in decision-making Managers take decisions that often have a major impact on the organization and its members. Making relevant and sound decisions is greatly dependent on the availability of accurate and timely information ("Managing communication," 2004, p.264). The length of the communication chain is a significant factor that affect the accuracy and timeliness of the information received. The more the number of links in the communication chain, the more the probability is of the information being distorted. Similarly, the longer the communication chain, the less the chances are of getting the information on time. Economic recession and competitive pressures have driven several organizations to reduce the number of managerial levels in the organizational hierarchy, thus facilitating more effective

Motivation as a critical success factor Dissertation - 1

Motivation as a critical success factor - Dissertation Example Employee motivation has attracted immense research and debates in the last few decades in the post-modern era of industrial age. Many theories and models have been proposed, and implications of employee motivation on various aspects of organisational development, whether at organisational performance or growth of business, have been profound. Employee motivation has been defined in many different ways by different researchers and management specialists, most of which revolve around employee needs and psychologies. This thesis attempts to explain employee motivation and various dimensions associated with it, as perceived from different motivational theories described in the literature associated with organisational behaviour, leadership and motivation. Further, this proposal describes specific methodology and conceptual framework for carrying out the research, which is aimed at researching the impact of management practices and policies followed by a specific organisation and its perf ormance; in this process, it attempts to illustrate how employee motivation plays a role in organisational performance. ... This plan presents justifiable explanation for attempting the proposed methodology as well as considers all potential limitations. A brief note on tentative time plan for the research has also been drafted, which can help in staying focused and also measure the progress. 2. Aims and Objectives of the study: The main purpose of this study is to focus on the increasing significance of role of employees in an organisation’s success and sustenance in the most competitive global market experienced by the organisations in current scenario. This study strives to evaluate the growing trend of employee motivation as a new way of achieving and sustaining organisational performance against new and changing standards. In particular, this study seeks to analyze and evaluate if employee motivation would continue to hold its importance in future of organisational development. Secondly, this study aims to examine the prominent aspects of employee motivation and its impact on organisational su ccess in comparison with other elements of organisational performance and success. Objectives: Against this background, the dissertation will seek to answer the following questions †¢ What is the place of employee motivation in organisational strategy? †¢ What are the variables that motivate employees? †¢ What is the relationship between employee motivation and organisational goals? How has employee motivation, as a concept, evolved during last two decades? †¢ How is employee motivation related to other organisational elements? 3. Relation to previous research and theory: Motivation in the workplace plays significant role in harnessing the tremendous hidden potential within every employee. However, the factors impacting motivation or arousing motivation may be extrinsic or intrinsic. The

Charles Dickens live Essay Example for Free

Charles Dickens live Essay Charles Dickens highly reputable and famous book, Great Expectations has been one of the most dominating, important and effective novels he has written. It originally emerged in a serialised form in All The Year Round (a weekly journal conducted by Charles Dickens) in 1860 -1861 and is, to this day and age, thought to be one of his paramount novels. When the book was published, critics were instantaneous to give diverse and mixed reviews towards the book, disliking the exaggeration of both the characters and plot Charles Dickens had carefully formulated. Although the critics were assorted in their reviews, the readers were genuinely ebullient towards Great Expectations that the 1861 edition enforced five printings. Great Expectations was published during the Victorian era which also was the time in which Charles Dickens lived. The Victorian era had a very high mortality rate due to children catching cholera or tuberculosis, which lead to their deaths. Children had strenuous and dejected childhoods, if they were lucky enough to survive in to adulthood; because families did not have enough money children would work to meet financial satisfaction. They were employed in difficult positions, commonly in factories or jobs people would not usually do, with long working hours lasting eight to twelve hours a day and generally six days a week. By the 1830s certain charities and associations approached the problem and helped children and their families by giving food and clothes. Ensuing the 1840s, school was an obligation and children stopped working to go to school and to get an education. Charles Dickens family did not prosper in wealth, money was a concerning subject in the family. The large familys needs and living expenses were too much for John Dickens (Charles Dickens father) salary that when Charles Dickens was four months the family had to move to a smaller home to save money. Charles Dickens wanted to become a gentleman (an educated man), although it seemed unlikely when John Dickens was arrested and sent to jail due to failure of paying debts. In order to pay off the debt Charles Dickens was sent to a shoe-polish factory. Charles did not have a happy childhood, which I think is reflected in some of his books like Great Expectations. This brings me to the young boy Phillip Pirrip, also known as Pip, the protagonist of the story. I am going to be writing about how Dickens creates sympathy for Pip. Pip never seems to attain his dreams for a more improved life. At the very beginning of the book, we meet Pip and we find out that he will be narrating this story, the book is his story and is told in his words. Pips narration, straightaway, brings about his childhood problems which creates sympathy for him. Pip is first introduced in a graveyard. The setting of a graveyard seems very sombre, dark and upsetting. The marshes were just a long black horizontal line then, as I stopped to look after him; and the river was just another horizontal line, not nearly so broad nor yet so black; and the sky was just a row of long angry red lines and dense black lines intermixed. Darkness and blood is suggested by the imagery of the landscape of the marshes with black and red lines. It does not give a blissful feeling to us either. Pip talks about his deceased parents, he is an orphan and this makes us feel pity for him. He seemed to be a very innocent child, this is reflected through the inscription on his parents graves. Pip has memorised these inscriptions and he has also created an image of his deceased parents and siblings which further tell us that he is an innocent child, as most children have great imaginations compared to adults. We see the advancement of Pips life when he meets with an escaped convict, who escaped from hulks (prison ships that transport criminals to Australia), who is later to be revealed as Abel Magwitch. Pip seems to treat the runaway convict with kindness through fear of the convict. After each question he tilted me over a little more, so as to give me a greater sense of helplessness and danger. This quote of Pips narration, made me feel sorry for him because he is being threatened through fear and you cannot help but feel as if Pip is in grave danger now that he has associated with such a threatening convict. I was dreadfully frightened, and so giddy that I clung to him with both hands. Pip is being bullied by Abel Magwitch, it makes us feel compassion for Pip, it also makes us think Pip is so helpless. His violent sister, who always reminds him how grateful he should be for her bringing him up, and her husband, the ever so friendly blacksmith Joe, who is like a brother to Pip, both look after Pip. I supposed that both Joe Gargery and I were brought up by hand. this quote means both Pip and Joe were beaten by Pips sister. Dickens makes us feel sorry for Pip in this quote due to Pips treatment from his sisters fierce temperament as no one would like to be beaten. Irony is used when the stick used to beat Pip is referred to as the Tickler. Tickler is the cane with which Mrs. Gargery hits Pip. The mannerism in which Mrs. Gargery butters the bread for Pip and Joe is trenchant, she has a forceful and vigorous way of buttering. Her apron is coarse, full of needles and is tough. She wears this apron as a reminder to Joe and Pip meaning that she is looking after them. I tell you what, young fellow, said she, I didnt bring you up by hand to badger peoples lives out. It would be blame to me, and not praise, if I had. People are put in the Hulks because they murder, and because they rob, and forge, and do all sorts of bad; and they always begin by asking questions. Now you get along to bed! To keep Pip well behaved, silent and grateful, Mrs. Gargery threatens, punishes and accuses Pip of ingratitude. Pip himself feels an enormous amount of guilt for his innocent actions, like asking some questions, which have been unfairly warped to seem as if Pip was doing a bad thing. The guilt Pip feels is unprincipled. Although, Pip is not only treated this way by Mrs. Gargery, he is also treated unethically by Mr. Pumblechook, Mr. Wopsle and the Hubbles.

Supply Chain Management: Boeing And Airbus

Supply Chain Management: Boeing And Airbus I would like to mention a subject relating to aviation industry, especially in leasing aircraft sector. The most important task in this sector is how to order, purchase and lease back aircraft to airlines. But to implement this task, we should know in detail how the aircraft assembly process under the control of aircraft manufacture is. In Vietnam, the aviation market has a great development with the air traffic increasing year by year. In order to meet the high demand, Vietnamese airliners have to add more aircraft to their fleet. They not only purchase aircraft by itself, but also need to lease from aircraft lessors. So that, aircraft lessors have to support airlines to develop their fleet. Beside, leasing aircraft sector is the new one in Vietnam aviation industry. With this purpose, this final paper will provide an overview of the supply chain management practices by Airbus and Boeing in their new products as Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) and Boeing B787 Dreamliners and how the both aircraft manufactures apply lean process management. Understanding this process, aircraft lessors will make a suitable decision to purchase aircrafts. On this occasion, I would like to thanks my partners in Boeing Commercial Airplane and Airbus SAS for providing necessary internal documents for reference. I also thanks my colleague in aircraft technical section in my company, Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Company, and technical staff from Vietnam Airlines Corporation for supporting during the data collection. 2. Research Goals and Approach: 2.1 Goals: In this final paper, I would like to provide the some overview for understanding the emerging of supply chain management strategies in the commercial aviation industry. It also shows the longer-term implications of the supply chain management in the aviation industry in the future. 2.2 Approach: To implement a comparative analysis of supply chain management applied by Boeing and Airbus and their lean process management. To focus on two new large development programs in commercial aviation (Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 XWB). To concentrate on the common set of suppliers supporting both programs to develop a sharp compare and contrast perspective, looking at Boeing Airbus from the vantage point of these common suppliers. 3. Literature review: The extensive literature showing that lean supply chain management practices represent a critical source of sustained competitive advantage and containing some factors as following: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Supplier network architecture linked to companys vision strategy. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Early supplier integration into design and development. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Visibility and transparency through open communications. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Long-term, trust-based, mutually-beneficial relationships. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continuous supplier development process improvement. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New supplier network architectures represent a defining feature of emerging new business models for managing complexity, uncertainty and competition in a globalized market environment. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Access to investment capital, new markets and new sources of innovation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Greater outsourcing, strategic alliances partnerships, delegation of greater responsibilities to suppliers to minimize risk and transaction costs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Internet-enabled information technologies and systems radically redefining supplier integration via improved information visibility and information-sharing efficiency gains. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Machine-to-machine data communication system integration globally. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Unprecedented visibility, transparency and accuracy. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Greater flexibility in interconnecting different systems, facilitating both bilateral and multilateral collaboration. 4. Research Design: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To develop baseline data about the individual supplier companies. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To gauge whether and the extent to which they are employing lean practices. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To assess the extent to which the two large customer companies are practicing lean principles in their engagement with the suppliers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To document the extent to which the two large customer companies have proactively required the suppliers to adopt lean practices. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To develop more deeply into specific topical areas (e.g., role in design development, information/communication links, contract design). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To probe how exactly the two customer companies manage their relationships with these specific suppliers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Open source information to ensure external validity generalizability. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ About the two companies their supply chain management practices. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ About the two specific programs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ About the common suppliers. 5. Boeing 787 Program: 5.1 Overview: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Launch Year in 2002 in order to responding to the overwhelming preference of airlines around the world, Boeing Commercial Airplanes new airplane is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a super-efficient airplane. An international team of top aerospace companies is developing the airplane, led by Boeing at its Everett, Washington facility near Seattle. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Represents Boeings response to expected demand for an aircraft that would cost less to own, operate and maintain. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Targeted at the middle of the market segment the rapid, direct, point-to-point connections aviation market segment, with capacity of 250 passengers. Unparalleled Performance At the first stage of the program, Boeing tent to launch 03 type of aircraft: 787-3, 787-8, 787-9 but up to now, there are 02 main versions. The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers). In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than todays similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to todays fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will also see improvements with the new airplane, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience. Advanced Technology The key to this exceptional performance is a suite of new technologies being developed by Boeing and its international technology development team. 50 percent of the primary structure including the fuselage and wing on the 787 will be made of composite materials. An open architecture will be at the heart of the 787s systems, which will be more simplified than todays airplanes and offer increased functionality. For example, the team is looking at incorporating health-monitoring systems that will allow the airplane to self-monitor and report maintenance requirements to ground-based computer systems. General Electric and Rolls-Royce are the two engine manufacture to develop engines for the new airplane. It is expected that advances in engine technology will contribute as much as 8 percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane, representing a nearly two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market. Another improvement in efficiency will come in the way the airplane is designed and built. New technologies and processes are in development to help Boeing and its supplier partners achieve unprecedented levels of performance at every phase of the program. For example, by manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, we are eliminating 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 50,000 fasteners. Continuing Progress The Boeing board of directors granted authority to offer the airplane for sale in late 2003. Program launch occurred in April 2004 with a record order from All-Nippon Airways. Since that time, 56 customers from six continents of the world have placed orders for 847 airplanes valued at $147 billion, making this the most successful launch of a new commercial airplane in Boeings history. The 787 program opened its final assembly plant in Everett in May 2007. First flight of the 787 Dreamliner occurred in Dec. 2009. The program has signed on more than 40 of the worlds most capable top-tier supplier partners and together finalized the airplanes configuration in September 2005. Boeing has been working with its top tier suppliers since the early detailed design phase of the program and all are connected virtually at 135 sites around the world. Eleven partners from around the world completed facility construction for a total of three million additional square feet to create their major structures and bring the next new airplane to market. 5.2. Specification Model B787-8 B787-9 Engine GEnext or Rolls Royce Trent 1000 GEnext or Rolls Royce Trent 1000 Range 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers) 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers) Seat 210 to 250 passengers 250 to 290 passengers Configuration Twin aisle Twin aisle Cross Section 226 inches (574 centimeters) 226 inches (574 centimeters) Wing Span 197 feet (60 meters) 197 feet (60 meters) Length 186 feet (57 meters) 206 feet (63 meters) Height 56 feet (17 meters) 56 feet (17 meters) Cruise Speed Mach 0.85 Mach 0.85 Total Cargo Volume 4,400 cubic feet 5,400 cubic feet Max Takeoff Weight 502,500 lbs (227,930 kilograms) 545,000 lbs (247,208 kg) Program milestones: Authority to offer: late 2003 Program launch: April 2004 Assembly start: 2006 First roll-out ceremony: July 2007 First flight: December 2009 First delivery: Mid Q1/2011 (estimated) 5.3. Program Fact Sheet: The 787 Program covers many areas of interest, from the market, customers, and airplane technology to manufacturing enhancements and an extensive partner team, among others. Here are some interesting facts and figures on a number of these topic areas: Market size: 3,310 units over 20 years (Boeing Market Forecast 2009-2028) Firm orders by customer (up to October 2010 at www.boeing.com) Model Series Orders Deliveries Total B787-8 629 629 B787-9 218 218 B787 Total 847 847 B787 vs. B777 on composites and aluminum (by weight): B787 B777 50 % composites 12 % composites 20 % aluminum 50 % aluminum Material breakout on B787: Composites: 50% Aluminum: 20% Titanium: 15% Steel: 10% Other: 5% Better designe: More fuel efficient: 20 % more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes Produces fewer emissions: 20 % fewer than similarly sized airplanes Better cash seat mile costs than peer airplanes: 10 % Better maintenance costs: 30% Generators: Four at 250 kVA (two per engine) Two at 225 kVA (on auxiliary power unit) Hydraulic power: Distributed at: 5,000 pounds per square inch on the 787 3,000 pounds per square inch standard Advantage of the new electric architecture: Extracts as much as 35 percent less power from the engines than traditional pneumatic systems on todays airplanes. US and non-US content on the 787: Roughly 70 percent US Roughly 30 percent non-US. The number of new city pairs the 787 will connect: At least 450 Other special features: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Represents large step towards all-electric-airplane, one in which all systems are run by electricity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Driven by the belief that power electronics, key to the all-electric airplane, are on a steep curve of performance cost improvement, while pneumatic systems growth has tapped out around 1995. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The traditional bleed air and hydraulic power are replaced with electrically powered compressors and pumps. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cabin pressurized by electric motors, not by bleed air used by almost every pressurized aircraft. An open architecture centralized computer hosts the avionics and utility functions, rather than dozens of individual buses. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Anti-icing of the wing to be done with electric heat instead of bleed air. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Composites: resist long-term wear and tear, because cracks do not propagate from holes as in aluminum; inspections are made easier; maintenance intervals stretched to 1000 hrs (compared with 500 hrs for 767 or 700 hrs for A330 the two most prominent aircraft 787 aims to replace). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Much more savvy focus on flexible financing arrangements, plus closer attention to passenger comfort, fuel burn and life cycle costs. 6. Airbus A350 XWB Program: 6.1. Overview: Aimed at compete with B787 from Boeing, Airbus has decided to build A350 XWB based on the technologies developed for A380. The Airbus A350 XWB is a long-range, mid-size, wide-body family of airliners currently under development by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The A350 will be the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. The A350 is designed to compete with the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787. Airbus claims that it will be more fuel-efficient, with up to 8% lower operating cost than the Boeing 787. It is scheduled to enter into airline service during the second half of 2013. The launch customer for the Airbus A350 is Qatar Airways. Development costs are projected to be US$15 billion. Airbus utilises next-generation manufacturing and assembly techniques to make the A350 XWB a more efficient and reliable aircraft. The A350 XWB is equipped with an advanced cockpit and onboard systems optimised for robustness and simplicity, while its advanced wing design makes this aircraft faster and quieter. The A350 XWBs onboard systems are designed for maximum reliability, operability and simplicity. The advanced wing design of the A350 XWB will make it a faster, quieter and more efficient aircraft. Airbus utilises new techniques to optimise the A350 XWBs weight, maintenance and operating costs. The A350 XWBs cockpit features the latest in display technology and integrated modular avionics. 6.2. Specification: Aircraft Dimensions Overall length 198 ft.7.5 in. 219 ft. 5.5 in. 242 ft. 4.7 in. Height 55 ft. 11.3 in. 55 ft. 11.3 in. 55 ft. 11.3 in. Fuselage diameter 19 ft. 58 in. (horiz) 19 ft. 58 in. (horiz) 19 ft. 6 in. (horiz) Wingspan (geometric) 212 ft. 5 in. 212 ft. 5 in. 212 ft. 5 in. Wing area (reference) 4,740 ft2 4,767 ft2 4,767 ft2 Wing sweep (25% chord) 31.9 degrees 31.9 degrees 31.9 degrees Wheelbase 81 ft. 7 in. 94 ft. 1 in. 108 ft. 7 in. Wheel track 34 ft. 9 in. 34 ft. 9 in. 35 ft. 2 in. Basic Operation Data Engines 2 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 2 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 2 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine thrust range 75,000 lb. slst. 84,000 lb. slst. 93,000 lb. slst. Typical passenger seating 270 (3-class) 314 (3-class) 350 (3-class) Range (w/max. passengers) 8,300 nm. 8,100 nm. 8,000 nm. Max. operating Mach number (Mmo) 0.89 Mo. 0.89 Mo. 0.89 Mo. Design Weights Maximum ramp weight 548.7 lbs. x 1000 592.8 lbs. x 1000 659.0 lbs. x 1000 Maximum takeoff weight 546.7 lbs. x 1000 590.8 lbs. x 1000 657.0 lbs. x 1000 Maximum landing weight 407.9 lbs. x 1000 451.9 lbs. x 1000 503.8 lbs. x 1000 Maximum zero fuel weight 382.5 lbs. x 1000 423.3 lbs. x 1000 470.6 lbs. x 1000 Maximum fuel capacity 34,082 US gal. 36,460 US gal. 41,215 US gal. Some Design Technical Features: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cockpit design follows same cockpit layout, characteristics and operating procedures as in the A320 and A330/A340 platforms, providing a number of advantages (e.g., in terms of crew training, crew transition, cross-crew qualification). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Also incorporates new features that benefit from innovation in technologies for displays, flight management navigation systems. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First commercial airplane to adopt EHAs (electrohydrostatic actuators) flight control technologies, a step forward to the all-electric airplane. EHAs are electrically powered but use hydraulic pumps and reservoirs that transform electrical power into hydraulic power. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Advantages: large savings in terms of weight and space (e.g., reduction in the size of pipelines, actuators and other components, power generation equipment, tubing, amount of fluid required), as well as ease of installation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First commercial aircraft capable of flying with total hydraulic failure, using electricity to operate the flight control surfaces. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Extensive use of composite materials 25% (by weight), compared with 10% in A320 and 30% in A340-500/600. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Use of carbon composites and advanced metallic hybrid materials, along with laser beam welding to eliminate fasteners, reduce weight and provide enhanced fatigue tolerance. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Glare: highly resistant to fatigue, used in construction of panels for upper fuselage. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Aluminum and fiberglass layers of Glare do not allow propagation of cracks. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Glare lighter than conventional materials represents a weight saving of about 500kg. 6.3. Fact Sheet: Firm orders by customer: (up to October 2010 at www.airbus.com) Model Series Orders Deliveries Total A350-800 158 158 A350-900 340 340 A350-1000 75 75 A350 Total 573 573 A350 vs. B787 on material breakout (by weight) A350 B787 Composites: 53% Composites: 50% Aluminum: 19% Aluminum: 20% Titanium: 14% Titanium: 15% Steel: 6% Steel: 10% Other: 8% Other: 5% Airbus internal goal to freeze the design and expects: 10% lower airframe maintenance cost 14% lower empty seat weight than competing aircraft More fuel efficient: Up to 25 % more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes Produces fewer emissions: Up to 25% fewer than similarly sized airplanes Better cash seat mile costs than peer airplanes: 15% 7. Supply Chain Management Practices by Airbus and Boeing: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Supplier selection on both programs following a typical competitive bid process during initial plateau phase; selection on best-value basis. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Boeing retains unified list of pre-qualified suppliers/vendors (qualified parts list QPL; qualified vendor list QVL). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus does not yet maintain such a unified list, but moving in same direction. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Both have major suppliers participate early in design and development process. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Both committed to long-term, mutually-beneficial, reliable and stable relationships with key suppliers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Supplier partnerships typically limited to suppliers that continuously show excellence in performance, demonstrate credible long-term business interest, and back it up with their own development and investment. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Life-of-program fixed-cost contracts, but with some differences. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Electronic links with suppliers via supplier portals (request for quote/proposal; order placement; technical data interchange, such as technical specifications, key characteristics, engineering drawings; exchanging documents; facilitating virtual collaboration with global partnering suppliers in a 3D design software environment). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) initiatives: Both Boeing and Airbus have expanded the application of RFID tags for both the B787 and A350 programs; they have worked together to reach for consensus regarding standards for using global RFID technology on commercial airplanes). 8. Major suppliers responsibility is greater: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Important strategic shifts in supply chain management, driven by pressing need to reduce cost and spread development costs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Both have asked major suppliers in B787 and A350 to absorb non-recurring costs, thus greatly shifting costs and risks to suppliers, but using somewhat different approaches. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Suppliers delegated much more responsibility for design, development and manufacturing through closer collaboration, partnerships and integration across supplier networks. Boeing 787: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Boeing has gone the extra distance with the 787 program retains only about 33%-35% of the total 787 work share à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Deliberate effort to reduce parts count to enable snap three-day assembly of the 787 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Suppliers moving up the value chain assuming more of a system integrator role, providing more integrated components and managing their own sub-tier suppliers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ This is the first time Boeing has outsourced the entire wing design and manufacturing to external suppliers (risk-sharing partners Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.: center wing box; Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.: main wing fixed trailing edge; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.: wing box) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ This is the first time Boeing applied lean manufacturing process in B787 program to improve absence management while merging its short and long-term disability program administration with leave-of-absence offering. Airbus A350: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus, as a multinational consortium prior to July 2001, had already adopted a strategic partnership model with well-defined work-share arrangements. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus has increased its outsourcing in the A350 program, but has still kept in-house core technologies, such as composite technology and wing design. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus also applied lean process technique by getting advice from Porsche (a German car manufacture) in order to reduce production time and avoid delay as happened in A380 program. 9. Worldwide Outsourcing: Both Airbus and Boeing have increased their global outsourcing in Japan, China, India, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia (estimated in the future). Why the two aircraft manufacture select these region because of the strong economic growth as well as fast-growing air travel particularly in Asia/Pacific region. Large Asian and Middle Eastern carriers as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Vietnam Airlines now are the major customers. The variety of offset arrangements have opened up new market opportunities, tied to increased sourcing (e.g., from China). Boeing strategy: long unparalleled dominance in Japanese market strong presence in China. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In Japan: 80% of orders from Japanese airlines from Boeing during last decade; Japanese suppliers (heavies) account for 35% of 787 work-shares. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In China: activities range from subcontracting, joint ventures, technical training and assistance for cooperative programs; visible support from Chinese suppliers (valued at $1.6 billion), supplying essential composite parts and structures for 787 programs. Airbus strategy: relative newcomer to Japan China. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In Japan: facing difficulties in winning orders from Japanese airlines, but has contracted work with Japanese suppliers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In China: sale activities in China jumped to 219 aircraft in 2005 from 56, overtaking Boeing by delivering 6 more aircraft; committed to doubling procurement from Chinese suppliers to $120 million/year by 2010; announced Tianjin will be site for Airbus first final assembly plant outside Europe. 10. The Emerging Unique Model: Boeing Model: The Boeing 787 experience represents a unique model for the future in supply chain management. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In essence, the Boeing model is about optimizing the total business, not just the supply chain in the traditional sense. Supply chain architecture as an integral part of the entire program extended enterprise architecture. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Main emphasis is on optimizing portfolio of core competencies in entire value stream for mutual benefit. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Lifecycle value creation perspective, not short-term waste elimination or cost minimization for Boeing itself. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Boeing has adopted a bold new innovative system integrator role. This represents a revolutionary departure from the past. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Boeing has asked all suppliers to carry all of the non-recurring costs; in return, gives back to risk-sharing partnering suppliers the intellectual property rights on the components or systems they provide. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Contracts are so designed that if the aircraft does well in the marketplace, the risk-sharing partners derive direct benefits and major partnering suppliers can make design trades within each work package and across company units to find optimal system solutions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Lower-tier suppliers are not provided IP ownership but are given long-term relationships, where they can benefit from scale economies. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Boeing only provides high-level interface definition; the first-tier (major partnering suppliers) is responsible for the detailed interface definitions designs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Suppliers work together and Boeing acts as referee in case of conflicts. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Web-enabled information technologies systems a critical enabler. Airbus model: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus is reported to have established risk-sharing partnerships with more than 30 of its major suppliers covering $3.1 billion or 25% of total program non-recurring costs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ These suppliers include Alenia, Eurocopter, Fokker, Gamesa, Labinal, Saab). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ However, this needs closer scrutiny, to see what it actually means. Airbus also continues to exercise control over all system and detail engineering interface definitions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airbus suppliers work in parallel (bilaterally with Airbus), with limited lateral communications among them. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Unlike Boeing, Airbus has no strong partners for major risk-sharing activities or as contributors to development spending. However, Airbus is currently pursuing new partnering arrangements under its Airbus Power competitiveness Industrial Plan. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan proposes radical cost-cutting rationalization measures (cutting 10,000 jobs, closing down or selling specific sites, rearranging workshare allocation). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Investment partners being sought for the Extended Enterprise sites (Nordenham, Germany; Meaulte, France; Filton, UK). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ As part of the plan, supplier relationships would also change (Airbus wants partners to commit to long-term cost reductions). Airbus also reducing its supplier base from 3,000 down to 5,000. 11. Conclusion: Aerospace supply chain management will continue to evolve from a transactional or relational business model to one involving risk-sharing and cost-sharing prime-supplier partnerships, alliances closely-knit collaborative relationships. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Where primes (system-integrators) will likely to move closer to a total system integrator lifecycle value provider role. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Major suppliers to assume greater system-integrator role, with greater responsibility for design, development, manufacturing, and after-market lifecycle support. Suppliers, in general, moving from short-term service providers to long-term partners. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Global outsourcing considered as aerospace supply chains and is likely to be a lot more quite internationalized in the future. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Adoption of information technologies enabling network-wide connectivity right down to lower tiers an imperative in the future for coordinating complex set of interdependencies. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continued consolidation likely in aerospace supplier base to build greater specialization broader system integration skills, and stronger financial backbone to make the necessary investments to enhance core capabilities.

Educational Goals and Philosophy :: Teaching Education Philosophy

Educational Goals and Philosophy Deciding on a career is a very difficult decision for anyone to make, especially for someone just coming out of high school. I always knew that I wanted to work with children, but I didn’t know what field I wanted to be in. After thinking about what field I could be in that I could work with children the most, I decided to become a teacher. I have always had a great deal of respect for most of the teachers I’ve had and hopefully I will be able to gain that respect from my students. I believe that if you are going to teach, you have to have some degree of love for children. Once any teacher has lost that, I think it is time for them to stop teaching. The two most important things that have inspired me to become a teacher are being able to work with young children all the time and the personal rewards that come with teaching. My biggest goal as a teacher is to make a child want to learn. I believe children in general do want to learn and it is our job as teachers to give them a chance to do that. I think in order for a child to want to learn, we have to make learning fun and interesting. I believe that by relating the students every day lives to the material they are learning will help accomplish this. Knowing that I have taught a child something, have made a child want to learn or have made a difference in a child’s life would be the most rewarding feeling in the world. As a teacher one of the main strategies that I want to incorporate into my classroom is cooperative learning. Cooperative learning gives the students a chance to get to know each other better, to work together on things, and to depend on one another to get things done. Another reason I prefer this type of learning is that instead of one individual person failing or succeeding, it is the group as a whole (sink or swim together).

Fleeting Satisfaction in Madame Bovary Essay -- Madame Bovary Essays

Fleeting Satisfaction in Madame Bovary      Ã‚   The desire to have romance, rapture, and passion can often times be fleeting and momentary where as the foundation of true love and commitment generally stands solid throughout many trials. In Madame Bovary (1857), a novel written by Gustave Flaubert, the main character of the story, Emma Bovary, finds both passion and commitment in different facets yet she chooses to yield herself to the desires of her heart and seek out passion in other men instead of staying in the comfort of commitment offered to her by her husband.    Emma is first introduced in the story when her ailing father needs tending from a local physician. The doctor is Charles Bovary, whom Emma will later marry. Charles is married at the time he first visits Emma's father. However, Charles wife is old and frail and passes away shortly after he meets Emma. Charles then marries Emma and they move to a small town in France named Yohnville, where Charles sets up his practice. Early in their marriage, Charles takes Emma to a party held by the Secretary of State of France in a large chà ¢teau. After a small taste of royalty, Emma is enamored with the romantic feel of living a royal life. She begins feeling unhappy with her marriage, complaining her husband is boring and dull compared to some of the men she had met at the party. She soon seeks out companionship with other men and eventually becomes two different men's mistress. They, however, tire of her romantic ideas and leave her. Throughout her marriage to Charles, and the diff erent relationships she has, all Emma can see is hopelessness and despair, so she eventually eats poison and dies, leaving her husband and her young daughter, Berthe. ... ...irs (441). Though she may not have realized it, Emma's actions affected many more people than just herself.    All Emma Bovary wanted in her life was to be loved with a passionate love, and she eventually was both loved with commitment and loved with passion, but neither of those satisfied her longings. She compromised her standards for the one thing she desired most and eventually paid the ultimate consequence with her life. The need to feel passion and romance is not nearly worth the price of a human being's life. Madame Bovary truly discovered that the desire to have romance, rapture, and passion is often times a fleeting satisfaction whereas the foundation of true love and commitment stands solid throughout many trials.    Work Cited Flaubert, Gustave. The World's Great Classics: Madame Bovary. New York: Grolier Incorporated. 1968.   

Civil War Medicine :: essays research papers

In the early years of the Civil War it became clear that disease would be the greatest killer. Twice as many Civil War soldiers died of disease then that were killed in combat. This was due to unsanitary and filthy conditions, untrained Medical personnel and poor medical examination of new soldier’s. One fact from the Civil War was 315,000 soldiers died from illnesses that included: 44,558 from diarrhea/dysentery, 10,063 from malaria, 34,833 from typhoid, 958 from typhus and 436 from yellow fever. The sanitary conditions that a cured during the civil war was shocking. Unsanitary hospitals and camps kept the wounded soldiers in large groups, which were ideal places for infection, fevers and disease to spread. Soldiers were not immune to childhood diseases like the measles and small pox. Medical science had not yet discovered the importance of antiseptics in preventing infection. Water was contaminated and soldiers sometimes ate unripened or spoiled food. There weren’t always clean rags available to clean wounds. Because of frequent shortages of water, surgeons often went days without washing their hands or instruments. So now germs were passing from patient to patient. The Civil War was fought at the end of the middle Ages; therefore the Medical Corps was unqualified in all fields of medical care. Little was known about what caused disease, how to stop it from spreading, or how to cure it. Surgical techniques ranged from the tough to easy. Underqualified, understaffed, and undersupplied medical corps, who was often referred to as quacks and butchers by the press, took cared of the men in the Civil War. During this period a physician received minimal training. Nearly all the older doctors served as apprentices in lieu of formal education. Even those who attended one of the few medical schools were poorly trained. The average medical student trained for two years, received no experience, and was given virtually no laboratory instruction. Still, another reason for disease being the greatest killer in the Civil War was the bad medical examinations of recruits. The recruiting process allowed underage, overage men and those in noticeably poor health to join the army on both sides. Two hundred thousand recruits originally accepted for services were told to be unfit and discharged, either because they had become ill or because a routine examination revealed their bad condition.

Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz

Sor Juana Inà ©s de la Cruz was an exceptional seventeenth-century nun who set precedents for feminism long before the term or concept existed. Her â€Å"Respuesta† is a maverick work outlining the logical sense of women’s education more than 200 years before Woolf’s â€Å"A Room of One’s Own.† Her poetry, meanwhile, states in bold language the potency of the feminine in both love and religion. Juana Inà ©s Ramirez was born out of wedlock to Isabel Ramirez and Manuel de Asbaje in a small village in Mexico, New Spain. Manuel soon abandoned the family, so mother and child spent a great deal of time with Juana’s grandfather, Pedro Ramirez. It was in Pedro’s book-filled house that Juana learned to read. (Girls of her time were rarely, if ever, formally educated.) The door to learning then burst open — the young prodigy would embark upon a life shaped and shaken by intellectual inquiry. She quickly gained renown in society and became a lady-in-waiting in the court of the Spanish viceroy. Yet she soon left the court for the nunnery; practically speaking, this was the best way for an illegitimately born woman to secure the time and resources for scholarship. But Sor Juana did not shut herself away in an ascetic cell. She started out as a novice in the Carmelite order, but the order's predilection for little sleep and self-flagellation repelled her after a few months. Eventually she found a sect that was more her speed as a lady of letters and a former courtier: the order of San Jerà ³nimo gave her an entire suite of her own, complete with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, library, and servant. Her library — which held Mexico’s largest book collection — developed into a meeting-place for the intellectual elite. Those who frequented the salon included future viceroy Marquis de La Laguna and the Countess de Pareda, known to her intimates as Maria Luisa.

Universal Design

Question 1 i) The current state and extent of universal design in the interior design practice. The 20th century had brought major social changes with respect to civil and human rights. Medical advances during this period meant that the surviving an injury or illness was far greater. Many people were living longer and the average life expectancy of people with severe impairments was increasing too. Therefore many governments in developed country responded with the introduction of equal rights and anti discrimination legislation to support this group of people especially in built environment (centre for excellent in UD, 2008).In line with that Malaysia’s government is also moving towards the same goal where the first action taken required a 1993 amendment in the Uniform building by-laws (UBBL) stated that new developments have need to incorporate universal design into the building plan. Similar action taken by the department of standards Malaysia, through SIRIM Bhd, on revising two of the existing Malaysian standards (MS) to enhance accessibility for all. They are ms 1184: 2002: code of practice for access of disabled persons to public buildings (first revision) and MS 1331: 2002: code of practice for access of disabled persons outside buildings (first revision).After all, both had been merged into a new document called universal design and accessibility in the built environment: code of practice (second revision). Those amendments and revision is applicable to new and existing buildings. Under the amended UBBL, new developers had to comply with existing standards in order to improve universal access. As far as researcher concern, as stated by leader of revising Malaysian standard Asiah (2006), the revised standards is more toward guidelines on features, from traffic islands and footpaths to door handles and taps, referenced from international universal design standards in developed countries.Which she acknowledged that it has been difficult to incorporat e the desired features within existing buildings in Malaysia, but government stressed that the buildings should at least provide basic amenities, such as ramps and toilets for the disabled, and lifts with braille buttons for the blind, as well as voice activation (Asiah, 2006). On the other hand, from researcher observation those amendments and revising law and act are mean for public spaces and institution building which directly focusing on special group of users such as disable and older people.For that reason, therefore none or less interior designer sensitive or try to utilize the established regulation in their practice due to no enforcement from government. This was happen because the regulation and standard are mean or have been set up for special group of people only such as for disable people and more widely need to be implement in the public buildings only. With this indication it showed that most designers and users are not ready to accept that accessible and usable feat ures are for everybody and they tend to see those regulation and standard are something that will add the cost of the project.With this misconception, the interior design practice is hardly to be change because designers cannot relate about design and the nature of human being. Contrary with universal design (UD) approach that have been coin by Ron Mace that in designing for users, we should assumes the wide range of human ability is ordinary, not special (Ostroff, 2001). This is because, despite of disable and older people, users especially those used the interior space are not homogenous group which consist various physical abilities (Story and Mueller, 2002).This can be view from the world statistic that population today is much more broaden from the past, where many people survived from serious illness and accident. Furthermore the declining fertility and mortality rates are higher and it contributes to the increases of the world population. Therefore this shift of demographic c hange has a multifaceted impact on the society particularly in relation of use of the interior design. On the overview of Malaysia’s statistic in year 2005, Malaysia has been classified as an ageing nation (department of statistic, Malaysia 2006). The number of elderly citizen rise to 1. 7 million (7. percent of the population) and by year 2020, Malaysia will be a mature society with 9. 5 percent of the population aged 60 and above (department of statistic, Malaysia 2000). This statistic means that 1. 4 million older people today will be more than double in their numbers in 16 years time. Those people are the â€Å"real users† and they are active person that used the interior space and demand the space to be support their daily activities through their life course. The phenomenon of changing physical abilities related to age and disabilities are something that everybody will experience during life course (Etchell and Yelding, 2004).Therefore considering diverse users i s significant in providing a better living space for all rather than segregated them. However, in interior design practice today, frequently designers are inclined to design for a stereotype of users that know as an â€Å"average people†. Which result the built environments means for users with specific ability range only that engage in specific lifestyles that prevent or limit the activities of others outside of the targeted group of inhabitants (Kreinbrook, 2007).Nevertheless until today, through researcher observation the implementation of new regulation and standard specifically in interior design is still moving slow where many interior designers does not aware about the pertinent of utilizing and incorporate UD in design practice specifically during design process in accommodating diverse users. Through researcher observation and experience all this happen because of two major reasons; firstly because there is less sensitive responsiveness related to global issue such a s on demographic change among interior designers.And the second factor is on the old school of thought in their design practice that have been pass from generation to the next generation which become a central root in designing. To be elaborate more on the first reason, researcher believed that demographic pattern is very essential for interior designer in order to understand the market demand in design. This is because from there on, the indicator of the â€Å"real users† can be established. From the â€Å"real users† indicator the solution and action during design process in creating a better living environment to all will be more sufficient and efficient in supporting their daily activities.The second reason that causes low interest on new design paradigm specifically UD is because of old school of thought among interior designer. Conventionally, designers are still generalizes users into two different groups, such as â€Å"average† and â€Å"disable† people. With this point of view, design has been divided to standard practice and special design requirement practice where the UBBL and Malaysian standard is referred. Contrary meaning of UD which strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities.Moreover, UD recognizes a wide range of consumers and they try to include everyone in design. The practice of UD as stated by kose (2009) have a holistic view that when considered disable or elderly person in design, it will benefit to others group of people too. Therefore by consider diverse users in design process, the usable and accessible living environment will be increases and no one is been excluded or segregate from the system. Furthermore, as stated by Imrie (2006) none of human being can be described as an average throughout life course.This is because people are growing older everyday, they become temporary disable because of sickness, accident, broken limb, serious illness and experi ence pregnancy (Imrie, 2006). Those changing physical criteria and abilities are describing a nature of human being no one has control on that. Beside the issue discuss above, if we look at the pattern of one living space in Malaysia it probably been occupied with minimum of or at least one family member. Where the family members are consists of adult, children, and sometime been visit by their older parent or disable friend.Those indicators of various types of users are describing all of us that used the living environment. Parallel with commercial spaces too, which users and visitors are come in various size and physical abilities too. Those unexpected visitors will use the same living space and amenities with others. In view of that, researcher understood it is inflexible to consider only specific group of users during design process where the world today is heading to universal solution in design for all people.Therefore an old school of thought specifically on the categories of users is insignificant anymore in today practice. Therefore, interior design field demands a revolutionize in designing and thinking to incorporate new design paradigm such UD as part of the practice in order to have an alternative way to switch over from old school of thought to new shift of thinking that respect diverse users. A consequence of looking holistically to â€Å"diverse users† in creating interior design is very significant in challenging the interior design practice today. Therefore this research is heading to.Yet through researcher experience, many of interior designers especially in Malaysia are still unaware about the impact of demographic change to the design industry especially in interior design. sadly, as reported by Harrison and Parker (2003), this is happen because there are deeply rooted problems in the minds of those responsible for the design of the built environment, where the inclusion of people-friendly features is visualize as a necessary but no t serious attempt or late to be tacked-on in the design process that create an obstacles to utilize the living environment.In addition, base on researcher observation, there are none or few of interior designers practice in Malaysia had considered diverse users (human diversity) during design process due to lack of knowledge and support. All this happen, because of there is no enforcement and less awareness among interior designers to see the relationship of nature changing on human being related to living environment that had highly impact on user’s daily activities performance.For that reason, a new shift of design thinking and practice in interior design need to appraisal in order to support a new trend of world population that approached a crossroad where the population of older peoples and disables are increased and this scenario included Malaysia too. As a result, with this stipulation, researcher believed the definition of users in design should be extended and include s a vast and diverse range of people that need to cope with or without extreme, unusual or unique daily challenges to use the living environment.So, therefore this study tries to integrate UD in interior design process beyond the current database of anthropometric and ergonomic to comply with Malaysian law and act in built environment. The integration of UD in interior design process is more toward creating usable interior space, products, and systems that  can be used by as many people as possible at their own choice or option of the operational in interior spaces.This is because UD is a user-centered process that evolves designers and users at broaden understanding, perspectives and experience by working with the range of users in a variety of environments. For that reason by emphasizing on careful selection and placement of the design features and product guided by UD principles will encourage more â€Å"choice† and â€Å"option† to user to use the space and produ ct at their own level of physical abilities. This integration process may result as flexibility operational, and multiple alternative way or means to use the interior space that can support diverse users need.However, as stated by Guimaraes (2008) there is a challenger to include diverse users in design process because, both consumers and design professionals are not yet prepared to work continuously for development of new and more socially responsive structures. Which many active adults in the work force are still reluctant to acknowledge the impact of such issues on their lives, and they are unwilling to assign personal attention and private resources to the development of usable environments where they live, work and spend their time with their families and friends (Guimaraes, 2008).Hence, the development of usable environments per say may not be a priority for many designers too, simply because they do not perceive disability as a problem for themselves (guimaraes, 2008). For th at reason, researcher endeavor to incorporate diverse users as a main factor for UD integrated in interior design process. With that proposal it shows the significant transformation in design practice which indicates an interior design is about long term care of users rather than a short attempt at the prime time of life only.For the wrapping up, researcher concluded that the real end user can not be described either one of the group portray as an average or disable but it is the combination of population and more. As a fact of truth people are changing their physical and abilities every day due to growing older, yet their living environment are not changing toward their nature. Therefore researcher has highly motivated to pursue this research by focusing on diverse users at the early stage of designing which may result a usable living environment for all people rather than segregated them.Hence, this complex issue had motivated researcher to investigate an alternative way in design process to maximize usable of the space for diverse users that may beneficial not only to targeted group but also to others that unintended to use the same living environment. For conclusion, by include as many people as possible in design process, it will make a practical and economic sense to all regardless their age and abilities. So that the final result of living environment can be use and access by all people at the same amenities with equal comfort regardless age and abilities.Furthermore by given a variety of choice or option of use and access the design features and product in interior design everybody have equal right to use and none have been excluded accept if the physical abilities is extremely low such paralyzed. Those indication discuss above would be appropriate to be consider in design as early part as possible rather than to duplicate and separate circulation paths, vertical access, toilets and other facilities which required high cost in the projects.The bottom l ine of this research is to have all living environments that considered capable of being utilized by everyone, and necessity to provide for their differing needs simultaneously. ii) Literature evidence on the important UD theory that can improve the quality of everyday life of users. Over the last few years, the concept of universal design (UD) has become quite accepted. As a new way of thinking in design that driven from demographic trends.UD is a relatively new design paradigm that emerged from â€Å"barrier-free† or â€Å"accessible design† and â€Å"assistive technology†( Welch and Palames, 1995). The special about UD, it is differs from accessibility requirements that are usually prescriptive whereas UD is performance based (Story and Muller, 2000). Furthermore, UD does not have standards or requirements but addresses usability issues for wide range of users as possible (Horton, 2005). Rather than focus on adapting new device or support for individuals at t he later time (Horton, 2005).Therefore when designers apply UD principles in their design, the interior space and products and services meet the needs of potential users with a wide variety of characteristics (the center for universal design). Disability is just one of many characteristics that an individual might possess (Burgstahler, 2012). In addition, barrier free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions for others unintended users, for example, a ramp that leads to a different entry to a building than a main stairway (Parette and Scherer, 2004).Therefore, the movement of UD strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that supports everyone, not just people with disabilities (Stainfield, 2005). Furthermore UD is assuming a growing importance new design paradigm that represents a holistic and integrated approach to design ranging in scale, for example, from product d esign to architecture and urban design, and from simple systems such as those that control the ambient environment to complex information technologies (Ostroff, 2001).As a result, UD become an approach to the design of all products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation (Ostroff, 2001 ). The ultimate goal of UD is to serves people who are young or old, with excellent or limited abilities, in ideal or difficult circumstances (Ostroff, 2001). Therefore UD become a very significant theory that can benefit everyone by accommodating limitations of the users.As the world’s population ages, so does the demand for senior to have an appropriate living environment, facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Therefore UD has been established by many professional which have a potential to address the needs of older clients yet benefit others too (Kemp, 2002). Contrary to the negative assumption that attent ion to the needs of diverse users limits good design, the experience of imaginative designers around the world reveals the range of applications that delight the senses and lift the human spirit when UD is integral to the overall concept (Imrie, 2006).For that reason UD is assuming a growing importance design paradigm which aims at a holistic and integrated approach to design, ranging in scale from product design to architecture, and urban design on one hand, and systems controlling the ambient environment and information technology, on the other (Imrie, 2006). Even though the terminology differs from one country to another; but there are significant cultural differences in how the movement has evolved in each country, but the similarities are more apparent than the differences as they transcend national laws, policies, and practices (Kelleher.J, levesque. K, Coro. L, 2007). As stated by Steinfeld (2005) there is a confluence of factors generating the need for more universally desig ned products, environments and amenities, which includes the competitive, global nature of business today, the flourishing communications technology industry, the international disability movement, and the rapidly growing aging and disabled populations all over the world. Everyone is likely at some time to experience the misfit between themselves and their environment (Steinfeld, 2005 ).Ambient conditions or stress may create problems with using products or buildings. Togetherness on increases of aging people which become a potential for vulnerability in the environment (Demirkan, Halime, 2007). People worldwide are living longer, the aging population will double in the next 20 years (Mc neil, 1997), and a child born today has a 50% chance of living to be 100 years old. This segment of the population assumes greater societal importance due to their increasing numbers as well as the resources they consume (Baltes & Smith, 2001).Until recently, gerontological science, social policy an d health policy have focused on extending life and supporting older age in terms of a society's available resources (Baltes ; Smith, 2001). Maintaining such a focus on the older segment of the population obviously leaves a smaller percentage of resources for the remaining population (Baltes ; Smith, 2001 ). Moreover, the earlier phases of life may ultimately be the most important in terms of supporting health throughout the lifespan thereby conserving resources in later years (Baltes ; Smith, 2001).From the above literature it shows that UD is very relevant in understanding the needs of today’s users. The good point about UD is to increases usability, safety and health through the design and operation of environments, products and systems in response to the diversity of people and abilities. It is a way of thinking that can be applied in any design activity, business practice, program or service involving interaction of people with the physical, social or virtual worlds.To ac hieve UD goals, as stated by many researcher (Connell 1999, Jones 2003, Mace 1987, Mueller 2005, Mullick 2002, Ostroff 2001, Sanford, Steinfeld 2001, Story 2001, and Vanderheiden 2004) these are some attention that need to be include in design process to increase the quality of users life in prime time and the future too: Attention on users:- i. body fit – accommodating a wide a range of body sizes and abilities ii. comfort – keeping demands within desirable limits of strength and stamina iii. wareness – insuring that critical information for use is easily perceived iv. understanding – making methods of operation and use intuitive, clear and unambiguous v. social integration – treating all groups with dignity and respect vi. personalization – incorporating opportunities for choice and the expression of individual preferences vii. cultural appropriateness – respecting and reinforcing positive cultural values need some in put. The pract ice of UD is contextual.There are no absolute levels of performance since each project context determines what can be achieved. It is a continuous improvement process. The practice of UD can take place regardless of constraints or the level of technology available. Thus, the success of each application has to be evaluated by comparison to prevailing norms rather than against an absolute standard. iii) Literature gaps that lead to enhance the UD application for the future of the interior design practice.In the last decades, there was a growth in the number of the elderly population and disabled people. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the world total will be more than one billion aged 60 or over by the year 2025 (Marshall et al 2004). Furthermore, the needs and demand of the diverse population, who are children, pregnant, adult and disable vary considerably. Yet, as per today the growing awareness among the designers to satisfy the needs of the diversified users are sti ll lack in demand (Marshall et al 2004).This is because as stated by Guimaraes, (2008) many active adults around the world are still reluctant to acknowledge the impact of physical built environment issues related to their daily lives. As stated by medical doctor Marill,(2010) natural changes in cells of human being may slow down or alter people capacity which most people will experience it when they reach their peak functioning at around age 30. As a result users at this prime age and above are at the top of their stamina of their physical body where they are generally can used all the design features in the interior space with less barrier.Although some operational of existing design features required high physical effort and crucial concentration with more energy requested, no one dare to report it as a problem because they force themselves to performance as their abilities at the peak function. Those users rather take their chance to used the existing design features with fair o bstacles rather express their personal attention because they do not want to be label as â€Å"older people† or â€Å"disable† in their surrounding where they live, work and spend their time with their families and friends Guimaraes, (2008).With that, therefore researcher believed a new technique to comprehend users needs is to understand the human diversity by include diverse users during design process in order to support them in built environment. For that reason it is a need to find an alternative approach in design in supporting a new trend of the population in line to sustain them in their chosen environment as their lifespan. From there on, this study will try to fill in the gap by integrate Universal Design (UD) at the early stage of designing, articularly during design process, which may turn design to be inclusive rather than exclusive for all. UD have ultimate input in this study because the idea behind UD is to create products and services that can be usabl e for people of all ages and various physical abilities (story, 2001). The attractiveness of UD as stated by Guimaraes (2008) is beyond the normal product it has been recognized as consumer products, where everything that is designed to be used by people are part of the UD.The unique of UD comes with seven principles that easily to be translated into the design practice (Story, 2001). These Seven Principles guide the designers and users by emphasizing the characteristic of more usable product and environment while providing a framework for the systematic evaluation of new or existing designs (Story, 2001). Furthermore, as stated by Iwarsson (2003) application of UD principles is more emphasizes on integration of accessibility and usability features from the onset, removing any stigma and resulting in social inclusion of the broadest diversity of users (Story, 2001).Therefore researcher strongly comprehend that UD is significant to be part of design process because it is truly a cohe rent theory that focuses on the ease of use of design features in the living environment for all. Even though there is an argument that UD cannot fulfill all people needs one hundred percent, but as stated by Congvinton (2000) UD can help to reduce physical barrier of built environment by given option and flexible on use and access for those who have physical abilities.In today life the society can no longer relegate the wheelchair user crippled, legless, mute or deaf people, because they are part of the society and we are also part of them. Therefore as stated by Iwarsson (2003) by designing for diverse users as possible, a design is no longer special and no longer identifies the users as different and all of us apart from each other and can share all the facilities provided in built environment without segregation.To achieve the goal, according to Guimaraes (2008) the content of legislation need to progress worldwide towards a broader definition of the population who could benefit from the development of ‘user-friendly’ environments, i. e. , environments that are responsive to users’ varied abilities. As per today the notions of accessibility and usability of built environments have expanded the definition of disability beyond the medical view regarding lack of personal capacity for the undertaking of certain activities in built environment (Guimaraes, 2008).However, in design practices today, the main focuses of usable living environment are still remained on the needs of people with permanent disabilities only. Contrary on the increased of the proportion of able body people who experience temporary disabilities due to age and life accident that have been not counted to be part of users that need usable living environment. Therefore Guimaraes (2008) has stated that there is a strong correlation between age and disability, where the older people are the more likely to become disabled as they aged.With the literature discussed, it showed t hat as the average age of number of people increases, most widely the number of people will benefit from UD will boost up (Guimaraes, 2008). Guimaraes (2008) also stated that as people get older they still want to remain active and well adjusted in their own house, local communities, while accessing public buildings and outdoor spaces. This has driven demand for better usable features in built environments. Moreover, recognizing disability as part of everyone’s issues with the design of built environments requires a fundamental transformation in the way societies have dealt with (Guimaraes, 2008).For that reason creating opportunities for each individual, despite disabilities, to live and participate to their full potential is one of the pertinent in this study. As a result, creating UD from the early stage of design is more cost effective than adaptation at a later stage, meaning that there are also strong economic arguments for building more inclusive environments (Steinfel d, 2005), Therefore, this study is heading to, since many literatures showed that UD had proven it successful applied in developed country to minimize physical barrier of built environment.However in Malaysia, the awareness of the benefit of UD from professionals just started to nurture. Therefore the implementations are still slow due to no enforcement from government and lack of the knowledge to incorporate in design. For that reason, this study attempt to look into the design practice on how UD can be integrates during design process at the fundamental level to increase the usable of the space and to assist ID for better understanding on diverse users iv) Research questions and Research objectives. Research questionsRQ: How can Universal Design Principles be integrate in interior design process in accommodating diverse users in Malaysia? Research objectives R. O: To integrate Universal Design principles in interior design process to accommodate diverse users in Malaysia. Referenc es: Asiah, 2006. Keperluan pengguna dan rekabentuk bangunan untuk warga tua di Malyasia. Pusat Penyelidikan, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa, edisi pertama 2006. Burgstahler, S. 2012. Equal access: Universal design of instruction. Seattle: DO-IT University of Washington. www. uw. edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/equal_access_udi. tml Baltes, P. B. , ; Smith, J. (2001). Multilevel and systemic analyses of old age: Theoretical and empirical evidence for a fourth age. In V. L. Bengtson ; K. W. Schaie (Eds. ), Handbook of theories of aging (pp. 153-173). New York: Springer. Center for Excellent Universal design, 2008. Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach. http://www. universaldesign. ie/ Department of Statistic, Malaysia. (2006) External Trade Statistics. Demirkan, Halime. (2007) Housing For The Ageing Population. European Review of Ageing Physical Activity Journal. Volume4. (4:33-38) Etchell .L and Yelding. D, 2004. Inclusive design: products for all consumers Consumer Policy R eview. volume 14 †¢ number 6 Guimaraes M. P. 2008, a holistic approach in Universal Design practice. In Avancos e Desafios na Construcao de uma Sociedade Inclusiva. R. Correa (edt). Belo Horizonte: PUC-MG,. Pp 88-104 Horton S, 2005. The Universal Usability site houses an unabridged, online version of Access by Design: A Guide to Universal Usability for Web Designers, by published in 2005 Harrison, J. D. ; Parker, K. J. 1998. Getting it right: Housing design for an ageing society in a changing world.Housing Science, 32(4), 273-283. Imrie, R. , 2006. Independent Lives and the Relevance of Lifetime Homes. Disability and Society,. 21, No. 4(June 2006): p. 15. Iwarsson, S. (2003). Accessibility, usability, and universal design – Positioning and definition of concepts describing person-environment relationships. Disability and Rehabilitation, 25, 57-66. Kreinbrook . A T (2007). A Barrier-free Paradigm for Interdependent Living. M. Arch. , University of Maryland, College Park, 2007, 148 pages; AAT 1450195 Kose, Satoshi. (2009). How can the exploding senior population be accommodated?Japanese struggle towards inclusive design. Journal of Engineering Design, Nov. 2009 Kelleher. Jennifer, Kassie levesque, Linda Coro. (2007). Universal Accessibility: study of the marketplace. Center for Community Inclusive and Disability Studies. The University of Maine. Kemp, J 2002. , â€Å"Foreword,† in Building a World Fit for People: Designers with Disabilities at Work, E. Ostroff, M. Limont, and D. Hunter (eds. ), Boston: Adaptive Environments, 2002. Mace R. 1985, Universal Design, Barrier-free Environments for Everyone. Los Angeles , CA: Designers West. McNeil, J. M. 1997.Americans with disabilities: 1994-95. US Bureau of the Census Current Population Reports, P70-61. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office Marshall, A. L. , Chetwynd, A. , Morris, J. , et al. 2004. Type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood: a matched case control study in Lancashire and Cumbri a, UK. Diabet Med,. 21: 1035-1040. Marill. M. C, 2010. Is This Normal Aging or Not? Pain or sudden changes need a closer look. WebMD Feature. Ostroff, E. (2001). Universal design: The new paradigm. In Universal design handbook, edited by W. F. E. Preiser and E. Ostroff, 1. 3-2. 1.New York: Mc Graw-Hill. Parette. P, Scherer. M, Technology Use and Stigma. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 2004, 39(3), 217–226 Division on Developmenta Disabilities. Story, M. F. and Mueller, J. , (2002) Universal Design Performance Measures for Products: A Tool for Assessing Universal Usability, in Emerging and Accessible Telecommunications, Information and Healthcare Technologies (pp. 19-28, RESNA Press, Arlington). Story, MF, Mueller, JL, Montoya-Weiss, M, ; Ringholz D (2000). Progress in the development of universal design performance measures.Technology for the new millennium: Proceedings of the RESNA '00 annual conference, pp. 132 134. Steinfeld, E. , et. al. (2005). The Anthropometrics of Disability. Buffalo: Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access State University of New York at Buffalo. Story, M. F. (2001). Principles Of Universal Design. In W. F. E. Preiser & E. Welch, P. and Palames, C. 1995. A brief history of disability rights legislation in the United States. In Welch, P. (Ed. ),  Strategies for teaching universal design. Boston, MA: Adaptive Environments Center. Question 2 i. The theory/theories that guide the study.Derived from literature review, theoretical basis of this research come from a broad view of Human-centered design theory. The principles underlying human-centered design range across discipline, from community design, to architectural design, to interior design, industrial design, and design of communication venues. In this research, Human-Centered Design is focuses on the physical abilities and needs of the human user to enable them to be function at the highest level possible in their living space. It includes pr oducts and aspects of the physical environment that meet the needs and abilities of the users in interior design.For this study, utilizing research findings and data on physical abilities and limitations of users related to social needs will provide a new concept of living-environment solutions that enable all users to function at their highest capacity regardless of age and ability. According to the Institute for Human Centered Design (HCD), Universal Design (UD) has a parallel design movement with HCD that offers a similar framework for design problem-solving based on the core value of environmental responsibility. Therefore this study, attempt to adopt UD as main design theory in finding a new solution in interior design to accommodates diverse ser in Malaysia. UD is a term that was first used in the United States by Ron Mace (1985). UD is not a trend but an enduring design approach that assumes the range of human ability is ordinary, not special (Ostroff, 2001). According to Mac e`s definition of UD is â€Å"means simply designing all products, buildings and exterior spaces to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible† (Mace, 1988). For that reason, Convington (1997) stated that UD is intended to be inclusive not exclusive. Therefore, researcher agreed with many researchers that everyone should have an equal access and use the built environment at any level of their life.Even though some users may or are facing limitation or difficult during life course, but it is not impossible task for them to live in the same living environment if UD had been included from the beginning of designing (Ostroff, 2001). For the purpose of this study, UD can be describe as a design theory that increases usability, through the design and operation of environments, products and systems in response to the diversity of people and abilities. The adopted of UD in this research is because of the holistic of definition that focusing on human interaction with buil t environment at the fundamental level.This can be portrayed in seven principles of UD that have been developed by professional and scholar with logic and realistic guideline in design (Sandhu, 2001). The UD principles are the theory base that leads to the practice. Below are the seven principles of UD that have been established definition criteria by Center for UD North Carolina (1997) and will be a baseline for research framework in this study. Principle| Definition | 1| Equitable use| A feature is designed to be useful to and accessible by people with diverse abilities. Provide the same means of use for all people; identical whenever possible, equivalent when not. 2| Flexibility in use| A feature is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual abilities. Provide choice in methods of use. | 3| Simple and intuitive| A feature is designed in a straightforward and predictable manner, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level . Eliminate unnecessary complexity. | 4| Perceptible information| A feature is designed so that necessary information is communicated effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's abilities. 5| Tolerance for error| A feature minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. | 6| Low physical effort| A feature is designed to minimize nonessential physical effort in order to allow maximum attention and can be used efficiently with minimum of fatigue. | 7| Size and space for approach and use| A feature is designed with consideration for appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulations, and use regardless of a user's body size, posture, mobility, and communication needs. |From the Table above, researcher plan to synthesize and adopt all the seven principles of UD to be integrate in interior design process. This is because through researcher critical reading and analysis of all the established criteria of seven prin ciples they are significant recitation of theory of usability which mean, in order to develop usable living space those seven criteria is vital to be consider in design process. Apart from that, researcher plan to expand these seven principles as operational variables that focusing on selecting and placement of the design features in living environment related to user’s daily activities.The extension of the UD principles can be overview as a parameter to set up the minimum usable and accessible design features that tolerate an option and choice to use the design features and product in living environment. As a result, researcher forecast to utilize UD principles at the fundamental level in design process. To do so, this research will only focusing on the basic design features and product in interior design that directly use by users to start their daily activities without needs any high technology involve.From there on, researcher anticipate that a synthesis on established cr itical area and product in interior design from others scholar that most reported by users who facing difficulties or barrier through their life course will be a baseline of the study. Therefore, researcher assumed with understanding the integration of UD principles in interior design process, the living environment will result no or less advance technology or device added and the most vital is without compromises the aesthetical value f the living environment. To achieve the goal of the study, researcher foresee that a sensitivity and awareness on knowledge of selecting and placement of design features and product guided by theory of UD related to usable space for diverse users among interior designers are significant for future development of usable living environment for all. ii. The theoretical development of UD framework that your study will use for application in the interior design field.The roots of universal design (UD) can be traced to pioneering by architect name Ron Mace (1941-1998), who first envisioned a design concept guaranteeing the greatest access and usability to all, regardless of age or ability, while maintaining aesthetic appeal (Center for UD, 1997). This theory is based on the premise that design of products and environments must be usable by all people, in the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (Center for UD, 1997).In 1980s Mace was particularly responding to the lacks of adequate barrier-free architecture to meet the needs of the physically handicapped. Yet, even then, Mace (1988) had a much broader application in mind, that all spaces, features and aspects of all things should be designed to be usable by all people of all ages and abilities. As a result, the intent of the UD is more toward simplify life for everyone by making more usable and accessible design features that give an option or choice to users to use and access their environment at their own preferable way (Center for UD (199 7).UD also has been developed because of significant on the achievement in the past century of enhanced health and subsequent longevity. A new dimension of the cycle of provision has presented a heightened challenge for people of all ages. According to Sandhu (2001), there are many trends in society and global markets that clearly justify the need for actions regarding disable and older people. Below are the previous concepts that accommodate people in relation to their special needs referring to UD handbook (2001): * Ergonomics: originated at the end of World War II.Upon analyzing military objectives, their successes and failures, scientists finally realized human beings needed to be taken into account in the design process of machinery and equipment, to increase their effectiveness. Ergonomics has since developed into a science concerning itself with human beings and how people function in conjunction with a variety of equipment, products, methods and circumstances. Professional e rgonomists consider a wide range of factors when offering guidance to ensure products or services is safe, easy to use, and efficient.Physical attributes such as size, weight, height, strength, skill, speed, and sensory abilities, along with thermal comfort, motion, vibration, posture and workload are analyzed, in an effort to increase performance, prolong endurance and to reduce accidents. As a summarize, ergonomics encompasses all human activity and relies on research and data of a wide variety of disciplines including Anthropometry, Engineering, Biomechanics, Environmental Physics, Body Systems, Physiology, Applied Psychology and Social Psychology.Ergonomists work to improve the quality of users’ lives, increase users safety and enhance performance by providing solutions for workstations, tools, equipment, protective wear, cleanliness and worker well-being. As a result, ergonomic concept only focuses on how to help management to identify hazardous conditions, provide train ing, analyze data, establish prevention control measures and evaluate progress as a whole rather than utilize it in daily life activities for diverse users. Barrier-free design: Was developed during the Civil Rights and Disability Rights Movements by those trying to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. Physical barriers were recognized as a hindrance to a person’s freedom. Barrier-free designs today are influence in policies, design practices and law through the standardization of codes for access to the built environment. Although barrier-free design is part of the practice and law but the record of workplace injuries is still continue to increase.This result showed that the effectiveness of the barrier free design is still doubtful. All this happen because of it predominantly a disability-focused movement only that removing architectural barriers through the building codes and regulations. As a result barrier free design is about removing physical barrie r follow the Code and Regulation stated in federal legislation nevertheless UD is extended version of barrier free design that looking more detail on providing usable environment to largest population. Assistive Technology: Is technology that focused on designing or creating personal use devices or tools, utilized by individuals and help or compensates one with disability to function. Assistive technology essentially follows the medical model of disability where products or spaces are designed primarily to provide for people with special needs or with disabilities. Assistive technology is a personal preferable device and more on implies the development of high cost and design mainly for use within institutionalized setting, such as hospital or public housing or care center (Newell, 2003).Therefore it is less favorable to be included in personal space because of the institutional look and sometime become barrier to unintended users. As reported by Mace, Hardie and Place (1991) the di sable community are sometimes frustrated with assistive technology device because of the lack of commercially available products, misconceptions of disability, and attitudinal barriers often fostered by specialized and stigmatizing design solution.This is because of there is no prime practice that focus to create usable environment for all that included everybody rather than segregated design. Therefore the revolution and UD movement take part and started to be developed. For that reason, UD concept is referred to â€Å"lifespan† design that understands on spectrum of human abilities (Center for UD 1997) which contrary to the accessible and barrier free design that has a tendency to separate facilities in relation to different users needs (Steinfeld 1994).Even though UD is a new movement in design theory, but UD is actually an extension of accessible design, barrier free design and inclusive design which the goal of UD is to extend usable and accessible environment to the lar gest population possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design (Steinfeld 1994). According to Johnson (2008), UD is making its way into the collective consciousness, spurred on by the needs of ageing population. The concept of UD in built environment is originated from United Stated of America and other countries such as United Kingdom, Australia and Japan (Roennfeldt, 2003).UD is also known by different phrase covers a range of interpretation in different country, which is often used interchangeably, and overlapping but the objective or the goal of UD originally meant the same, to encompass all users, including elderly and disable people in the overall general population (Hasono, 2004). The accepted phrases that have been used internationally are design-for-all, trangenerational design, design for the broader average or design for the â€Å"non-average†.Others similar concept and share same objective of UD that have been used worldwide, for instance ‘L ife Span Dwelling’ in Norway, ‘Adaptable Housing and Flexible Housing’ in the United Kingdom, ‘Life Time Home and Easy Adaptable House’ in Sweden, and ‘Elderly Dwelling’ in Denmark (Kose 2009). Even though most residential designed with the UD concept are called differently in various countries but the objective or the goal of UD originally meant the same. According to Hasono (2004), UD phrase is still an alternative and preferable way of expressions to describe design for all included older people and the disable.Therefore the phrase of UD is ultimately use in this research, which described one solution that fit all people in built environment as they grow older. One of the most obvious UD succeed was reported by Steinfield (2005) is because of expression on usable features is invisible on the product or environment; its aesthetic qualities remains, yet its usefulness is maintained. In addition, UD goes beyond minimum access codes and s tandards, to design environments that are comfortably usable and accessible by people from childhood into their oldest years (Nasar, J.L. ; Evans-Cowley, J, 2007). It is contrary to the negative assumption that attention to the needs of diverse user limits good design (Ostroff, 2001). Although UD may well be true to support diverse users with good design, it is important to see the successful of UD in western countries beyond the life style and culture too. This would appear to be supported by Kato (2007), in Japan, where UD has been effectively utilized by Japanese in their daily life activities without compromising their culture, way of living and climate.Kato (2007) added that successful implementation of UD in Japan was due to the characteristics and features of UD that are visible in the product. The way designers from Japan incorporating the idea of UD through carefully selected and placed differently of the UD features at the house components and products was the main rationa le of success in applying UD in Japan (Kato, 2007). Moreover, Imrie (2006) had stated UD concept in housing grew out of the recognition to simplify daily activity by considering basic needs of users; on how user access or use or operate the product or space.Imrie (2006) described daily activities such as people walk in and out the house, transfer around the house, use and reach some fixtures and products in house are main activities for people before they start other daily activities such as bathing, cooking, eating and sleeping. As a result, the daily activities described are very important and common activities for all people in all over the world regardless their culture, language and knowledge.Therefore researcher had concluded the most common activities that every single people will performance in pursuing their daily activities are summarized as below: * Able to get in and out the house easily * Able to get through the doorway * Able to move around the space * And able to reac h and use all the equipment Furthermore, those common activities described above will be a main parameter in this research. Many research findings reveal that the highest environmental problems such as falls among older people occur in the toilet, bathroom and kitchens.Even though the research finding says so, through researcher observation and confirm with previous study done by Mansor (2008), indicated that barrier and obstacles in the area mention above are in fact started with the used of unplanned and unusable design features of building components and products. The verification of above statement possibly can be interpreted as an evidence that by looking critically on how users transfer themselves into the toilet (using door features: door handle, door frame, floor finishes at door frame and etc) are seldom recorded.If the door features are usable and accessible such as no threshold or no changing level at the floor of the toilet, it will give less or no barrier to user to pas s through and to continue their daily activities such as bathing and others (Mansor, 2008). The indication of this part of the analysis led to the conclusion that design features in interior design components and products through detail selection and proper placement may minimize the barrier and obstacles in living environment.In the scenario described above, it can be attributed to shows that if the door does not permit users to access it easily, it also hinders users to continue others daily activities. Therefore with this reviewed, researcher has set the limitation of the study in the direction to micro understanding of design features rather than focus to macro view of area or spaces in order to create accessible and usable space to all. With that statement, researcher has full confidence that UD can be successfully applied in Malaysia too, without the need to compromise the look of the physical living environment or even the culture.This is because, as stated by Johnson (2008) UD concept is not a new science, style, or unique in anyway but it requires only an awareness of needs and it is a realistic approach to making everything that is designed and produced are usable and accessible by everyone to the greatest extent. Johnson (2008) added, the application of UD involves minor changes on the placement and selection of the design features in living environment for example on size, choice of operation, or the way in which the user must interact with the design.With that, It is significant to shows that UD is not an added features or device in interior design but it is more toward on improvement or upgrading the existing features to be more easy to use and access by all regardless of culture, language and knowledge. From the conceptual of UD described above, researcher anticipated that integrating UD principles in interior design process will be a significant result in accommodating diverse users in Malaysia. iii. Theoretical framework to explain the potenti al of integrating UD during the interior design process.To illustrate the development of theoretical framework in this study, researcher will segregate the key operational variables into three divisions as follow: a) Universal Design i) Universal design Principles ii) Usable design features b) Interior Design i) Design process ii) Regulation and Standard c) Integrated UD process i) Selection and placement of Design features ii) Interior Design Intervention iii) Usable and Visitable interior space Flow chart for theoretical framework The development theoretical framework to show the potential of integrating UD can be clarified as follow:The main body knowledge of the study become as showed above is Interior design and Universal Design. From the construct of each body knowledge, researcher attempt to focus only on design process and UD principles. From the center focus determine above researcher will explore the components or features that most pertinent in each part such the most com ponents requirement during design process is regulation and standard apply in the process together with human database that guided designer to provide an appropriate measurement in design. For the UD principles, expert and cholar from center for UD North Carolina has established seven principles related to usable and accessible design features theory that have been accepted worldwide. From the above components and features researcher will scrutinize both to comprehend the integration. From the integration process researcher will identify the appropriate method how to put it into the practice. As a result, through literature review and researcher experience the best modus operandi to integrate both body-knowledge is through considerate on selection and placement of usable design features in interior design process.To perform the modus operandi described above, researcher has identified four interior interventions that most reported generate some obstacles to the users in their daily activities. Those interventions related to daily activities can be illustrated as follow: Entrance features An entrance is made up of several components: * Actual door * Interior and exterior floor/ ground area in the immediate proximity of the door * Threshold * Door hardware (door handle) The entrance features in this research is about the main access or passageway for the purpose of get in and out the building.An entrance features includes door and size of the opening, floor features, threshold, and the hardware of the entry door such as the door handle. Those features are important to determine whether users can use and access easily or with fairly obstacles or with major barrier that permit them from getting in and out the house at their preferred abilities, to start perform others daily activities. Internal Door features * Door width * Floor features between the door * Threshold * Door hardware (door handle)Internal door can be described as a main opening component on the wall that provides access to interior spaces. The features to be analyzed are the characteristics of the door component such as door handle, door width, opening operation of the door (in or out swing) and floor features between the door and the threshold. Those listed features are directly contact in user’s daily activities such as to relocating themselves from one space to another space to perform daily activities. Vertical circulation: StaircaseIncluded all components at the staircase: * Design of the staircase * Railing size and design * Handrail size and design Vertical circulation is more on studying the staircase features that consist of handrails, railing features and staircase design. This is because staircase is the main building component that connects two different levels of the spaces in the building (please disregard on technology such as lift and escalator because this study only focused on fundamental design features in interior design).Therefore by understanding s taircase components features described above related to nature of use by human will be significant to support them in reposition from different level of the interior spaces. Electrical power point Contents with several electrical devices: * Electrical switches (location and proportion) * Electrical socket (location and proportion) The components of electrical power point in this research are limited to electrical switches and socket terminals specifically focused on location or position and proportion of height in interior design.These design features of electrical power points are important because in today life, human activities depends a lots on electrical devices to support their needs and activities. Those electrical power points are components that are used daily in a interior design space to pursue daily activities such as switching on and off the lights, computers and television for entertainment and also for cooking purposes and etc. 1. Main body-knowledge: Universal Design Principles Universal Design in this research goes far beyond removal barrier issues.UD in this study is more toward physical access and use of the interior space where interior design is not simply an obstacle to be negotiated. UD is more related to user’s interaction with many different features in the living environment and product use that often user rely on it when in the interior space. Therefore researcher concludes that UD principles is pertinent in interior design to give an idea and as guidance for creating usable and accessible living environment in supporting diverse users in Malaysia 2. Main body-knowledge: Interior designInterior design field known as one of architecture division that addresses large and complex issues related to interior space planning and the end users. Research has stated that 90 percent of human activities take place in the interior space (ASID 2007). With that finding it showed that interior design become a very important part in human live to move forward in daily activities. As refer to America Society of Interior Design (ASID) interior designer is a profession that required a holistically understands about the end users in creating a living environments that support their daily activities.For that reason, researcher foresees the end users should be a central focus of the creation in interior design. This is because; users have direct connected with the built environment where they should feel trouble-free to use and access the interior space. A fundamental goal of interior design is generally to make a space that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, often catered specifically to the needs of users. Interior Design is the imaginative blend of art and science in the design of environments or people that involve the adaptation of natural and human-made environments. In general Interior design engages both in public and private buildings or spaces. Historically, interior design was reserved primarily for roy alty and the aristocracy. Now, in the modern world, Interior Design is known as a line of work that give a total creative solution for interior spaces through conceptual planning, aesthetic value and technical solutions related to human needs.But through researcher experience and observation many interior practices in Malaysia, are enthusiastic in showing their design creativity through style, fashion, furnishing and advance technology which the practicality of the living space related to end users was attend after the whole conceptual phase completed and normally was assign to the technical person such as assistant designer or draughtsman to complete the job. As a result, the interior space that supposes to be as a conducive living space to support users in daily activities becomes a space of appreciation only, because it is good to be used.Therefore a new shift of thinking to bring interior design beyond of the definition as an added value in architecture need to put away. Althoug h the ultimate design goal of interior design is to enhancement the space, renovation