Abstract This paper discusses the history of cell phones and examines the sociological implications of their use. The paper looks at how, in modern societies like the U.S., Europe and Japan, cell phones have become part of the social culture with both benefits and problems of public safety and common courtesy. The paper also looks at the suprising extent to which the populations of extremely poor Third World societies now rely on cell phones to improve their lives.
Table of Contents:
Background and History
Contemporary Social Issues
Potential Global Implications
Conclusion
From the Paper "Cellphones have also resulted in changes to the American legal system is both civil matters and constitutional issues of law enforcement. As cellphone cameras and video recording capabilities have become more common, more and more civil litigation has included evidence preserved on cellphones. Likewise, in the field of criminal law, constitutional privacy issues have led to specific policy considerations pertaining to the privacy rights of criminal suspects with regard to the information contained on cellphones confiscated by police in searches incidental to arrest."
Tags: miniaturization driving courtesy privacy, developing countries
Abstract In this paper the author describes the common elements in the many Gawain stories and how they may often be traced to the hero-god Cuchulainn's characteristics in the Irish story, Bricriu's Feast. The paper begins by outlining Gawain's literary origins and then discusses the important motifs of the Gawain stories: the Beheading Game and the Imperious Host of an otherworldly castle who imposes tests on his guests. Next the paper discusses sir Gawain's courtesy: the courtesy tests he undergoes at the castle of the Imperious Host, his consistent tact and courtesy, and how this is set in opposition to Sir Kay's surliness. This is followed by an examination of Malory's more convoluted representation of Gawain's personality in his "Morte D'Arthur" and an analysis of his relationships with maidens: his many lovers, his bachelorhood, and the theory that he may once have had a divine consort. The paper then examines his waxing and waning strength, which supports the idea that he, like Cuchulainn, may have once been associated with a solar deity. Finally, the paper concludes that the essential elements of Gawain's story seem to have a common Celtic origin that has several parallels to Bricriu's Feast.
From the Paper "The origin of sir Gawain is mythic rather than historical and the subject of much debate. Gawain cannot be traced to any character in history, but he does possess many qualities that associate him with Celtic myth, particularly the hero-god Cuchulainn. As paganism was subsumed by Christianity, the Gawain stories entered Christian chronicle and romance. The earliest reference to Gawain may be from William of Malmesbury in 1125 and Weston cites a Professor Zimmer who claims "that the heroes [of the Arthurian tales] were well known in Italy by 1010." Authors such as Hall point out the Welsh Gwalchmei as the earliest equivalent, but Loomis counters that by the second half of the eleventh century, when the Mabinogion was written, the Welsh were borrowing legends from Britain. "
Abstract This paper examines the new trend of sending employees for training, beginning with a historical overview. The paper explains exactly what employees undergo, why training is necessary, and what subjects employees are trained in. The paper also discusses the issue of sexual discrimination and harassment that is often reviewed in training seminars.
From the Paper "Training has become the most important feature of a successful organization. The need of proper training was felt when the organizations started falling apart due to tiny mistakes of its employees. Training is necessary because it improves profitability and/ or more positive attitudes towards profit orientation. Enhances the job knowledge and skills at all levels of the organization. The work force gets a high morale. Due to proper training employees can identify with organizational goals, corporate image gets improved. Training fosters authenticity, openness and trust. A boss and the subordinates get to work in a better environment and relationship. Training aids in developing leadership skill, motivation, loyalty, better attitudes and other aspects that successful workers and managers usually display. The quality of work is also increased and so is the productivity. It's cost effective as well, it cuts costs in different areas e.g. production, personnel, administration etc. it develops a sense of responsibility to the organization for being competent and knowledgeable. Labor management is also improved, as workers instead of feeling ignored, feel taken care of which develops a sense of loyalty."
Abstract The author of the paper shows that even though most people acknowledge that words can do real harm, many continue to insist that sexist language is a trivial concern. This paper looks at the reasons why it is important to be careful about the language that we use. It is all too easy for opponents of care in language to toss off concerns about bias as "political correctness". But it is important that the rest of us insist that "political correctness" can be viewed another way: As basic courtesy and civility. The paper uses several examples to demonstrate sexist language.
From the Paper "The first comes from my high school, where one of the teachers a man ; would always scoff at requests by students that he not used biased language. ;I never feel left out when people talk about men; as meaning all of humanity; he would say. I know that they;re talking about the species as a whole, not just people with Y chromosomes. He was, it should be noted, speaking without any apparent irony. He never seemed to be able to appreciate the fact that while he might not feel left out, women and girls would."
Abstract One of the widest scandals of corporate corruption in American history came courtesy of Enron, a provider of natural gas and electricity to establishments around the globe. This paper attempts to analyze what went wrong, why the company suddenly declared bankruptcy and evaluates the current government investigation. It looks at the legal issues involved such as fraud and examines some of the social issues such as the resignation of the CEO and the suicide of a top executive.
From the Paper "There has been mounting concern over transactions and business practices of firms who form special purpose entities. What could have been done to prevent such a scandal? Inquiring minds want to know how management issues and corporate governance problems assisted in the collapse of the once all-mighty Enron. Proper monitoring of business activities and transactions including a protocol to report suspicious activity should have been employed. Enron executives should have routinely monitored off balance sheet transactions, related parties transactions and complex financial transactions, among other things."
This paper examines the need for politeness and consideration in interpersonal relations with other law encorcement officers and public, using conflict management approaches.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, 1995, $ 47.95
From the Paper "Law enforcement is a profession whose members are expected to show courtesy more often and more effusively than perhaps any other class of professionals. As a topic, "the practice of courtesy by department members is frequently discussed whenever law enforcement administrators gather. After all, few areas generate such a volume of complaints from citizens."
Although .... correctly observes that, "the police have evolved technologically sophisticated equipment to cope with increased citizen demand, but messages are received, interpreted, processed, transformed, and allocated for resolution within socially patterned relationships" , there is virtually nothing written about building and maintaining ... "
Abstract A paper on the topic of hotel restaurants and tourism. The focus is on sales and public relations in hotel and motel improvement. Often the simple courtesies of workers bring the greatest public relations.
Abstract This is a paper on Thailand and a discussion on poverty and sustainable development. The paper shows how Thailand, oft-referred as one of the foremost of the Asian tiger economies, rose to the fore courtesy of trailblazing capitalist development and massive influx of foreign investment, particularly from Japan, to achieve a growth rate of over 10 percent in the 80s.
Abstract Examines the use of courtesy and its direct relationship with specific issues, such as proper attire, use of non-gendered and racially or culturally respectful language, avoidance of discrimination, sexual, and other forms of harassment.
From the Paper "Etiquette refers to any special code of behavior or courtesy. As Shaw and Barry (p. 5) have pointed out, in contemporary Western society, it is usually considered appropriate to use courteous phrases when requesting ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the narrator in the Prologue of "The Canterbury Tales" paints a noble view of the Knight as a distinguished man who practiced chivalry, truth, honour, generosity, and courtesy. It looks at how, although the narrator may have an ideal view of the noble Knight, Chaucer has another. Through an analysis of some of the tales, such as "The Knight's Tale" and "The Miller's Tale", it examines how Chaucer is actually setting the stage for satire.
From the Paper "Another knight that appears less than nobles is mentioned in the Wife of Bath's Tale. In fact, this knight seems to be the opposite of the knight described in the prologue because he actually commits rape. We are told he is a knight "who was a lusty liver" (300), and despite the maiden's begging, he "by very force he took her maidenhood" (300). Clearly, this act violates all of the chivalric codes. This knight is not completely without merit, hot he does keep his word to the old lady when she supplies him with the correct answer to the question that will save his life. As with the knights in the Knight's Tale, Chaucer is presenting the knights with a combination of noble qualities as well as very human qualities."
Abstract This paper explains that the European Union copyright directive, especially as this relates to the music industry, is an attempt at adjustments in intellectual property law; however, it falls short of the all-encompassing clarity required in specific situations, such as certain cases within the music industry, new technological developments, and the Internet. The author points out that the three issues that impact the music industry when mergers between large companies are considered, in terms of competition law, are the gatekeeper, the source, and the path issues. The paper relates that warnings to the effect that piracy protection devices could lead to damaged equipment should be issued not only as a deterrent, but also as a courtesy and acknowledgement of the rights of the public; the industry should acknowledge that users more often than not make copies of discs for their own personal use, not for the purpose of profit.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Changing Music Industry and EU Competition Law
The Gatekeeper Issue
The Source Issue
The Path Issue
Problems Associated with the EU Copyright Directive
Copyright Laws and the Digital Age
The Repercussions of the Copyright Directive
Technological Advance and Legislation
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although the purpose of the Directive is repeatedly stated as increasing legal certainty, the opposite is actually the case. Although this article is meant to reconcile rights owners and their interest with the interest of users, the vagueness of the article does not appear to ensure the rights of anybody. Indeed, there appears to be an increased amount of uncertainty as opposed to the idealized certainty in the initial goal. Indeed, the legislation and its exceptions appear to create a singular amount of opportunities for abuse and misinterpretation. Furthermore there is a list of no less than 20 exceptions to the copyright law. Adding to the confusion, these exceptions are furthermore optional rather than mandatory, allowing Member States to pick and choose which to implement and which to discard."
Abstract This paper critiques the style, clarity, and content of a annual report published by the International Paper Company. The paper talks about choice of words, length of words, concrete versus abstract words, word economy, sentence length,and the paper's conversational style and comments on what is positive about the paper as well as what could use improvement.
From the Paper "International Paper's report is filled with abstract words, and it seems that half of the 100 page report is actually useless, since the information transmitted may have been put down on half that paper. Here is an example of the level of abstraction present in the report: ?During 2003, International Paper continued to focus on managing the factors it can control, and further strengthened its core businesses through a rationalization and realignment program.? Words like "factors", "strengthened", "rationalization" and "realignment" manage to create confusion at best and irritation at worst. A better strategy would have been to avoid such abstract notions and concentrate and a more "down to earth" approach. For instance, the following phrase would have been enough to get the message through: ?In July 2003, we announced a program targeting significant additional reductions in overhead costs by late 2004, including the elimination of approximately 3,000 salaried positions in the United States.?"
Abstract Sir Arthur Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" presents, in one volume, a cumulative and syncretic vision of knighthood. A knight has several roles, and his worth depends on how well he fulfills them. Malory's knights are primarily defined by martial success, although the knights of the Grail Quest have a separate set of standards to live up to because of the spiritual component of their quest. This paper describes the defining characteristics of a Malorian knight and addresses apparent inconsistencies in the text. The knights' characteristics are prowess in feats of arms, lack of caution, courtesy and devotion to the fellowship and, by extension, to the state. Relationships with women are usually conducted along the lines of courtly love. The ascendancy in Book VI of "pure" knights like Galahad does not indicate inconsistency on Malory's part, but rather a change in the Arthurian world, a need for a new kind of knight for a new kind of quest.
From the Paper "Many knights disobey some of the guidelines for knightly conduct, but the sympathetic ones usually have a reasonable excuse. Arthur orders young boys killed to avert the prophesy of his death but this is not strongly condemned. Tristram cannot ride to the aid of Lord Segwerdes' abducted wife until her husband has tried to free her or it will be too obvious that Tristram is having an affair with her. Lancelot shamefully rides in a cart because he is in a terrible rush to reach Guinevere. Tristram technically commits treason by cuckolding his king, but a chapter heading within the tale of Tristram de Lyones is entitled "Here Begynneth the Treson of Kinge Marke That He Ordayned Agayne Sir Trystram." Of all the knights, Sir Gareth is probably the one who lives most in accordance with the chivalric ideal."
Abstract Given the fact that the majority of motorists in the United States will eventually experience some type of vehicular accident during the course of their driving careers, the question of what factors are perceived as ensuring customer satisfaction in policyholders becomes critically important. This paper provides an examination of the importance of ensuring customer satisfaction in the settling of claims in the auto insurance industry. The paper presents research, which illustrates that, while some people may believe that only monetary compensation for such claims is the path to customer satisfaction, the reality is that an abundance of little things, such as promptly answered telephone calls or emails, a consistent demonstration of courtesy and respect, and a recognition that the individuals pursuing claims or responding to them are undergoing a stressful and emotional period in their lives, contribute greatly to the perception of customer satisfaction during the claims resolution process.
From the Paper "The costs associated with injuries resulting from automobile accidents are the most numerous and costly of all personal injuries in North America today (Dewees, Duff & Trebilcock, 1996, p. 15). In 1989, approximately five million Americans experienced auto-related injuries, 47,000 of which were fatal; the statistics for Canada were not quite so bad, but were still grim with more than 200,000 people being injured in motor vehicle accidents in 1985 and more than 6,000 fatalities (Dewees et al., 1996). The costs associated with these injuries are staggering; the economic costs such as medical expenses, wage losses, and other out-of-pocket expenses of automobile injuries in the United States have been estimated to have totaled $50 billion, with another estimate assessing the costs at $74.2 billion per year as the 1990s closed. "Further, despite steady decreases in the annual number of traffic fatalities in Canada and the United States since the mid-1970s, injury insurance costs have risen sharply during this period, increasing by about 140% in the United States from 1977 to 1987" (Dewees et al., 1996, p. 15)."
Abstract This paper discusses how Virgin Atlantic Airways markets its business class service. The paper explains how Virgin Atlantic ensures that its premium paying passengers get full value for their money, beginning with the pre-flight experience, which includes courtesy limo transfers, a hassle-free and short check-in process, and use of luxury lounges, branded the "Clubhouse".
From the Paper "A testimony to Virgin Atlantic having succeeded in developing a superlative business class product lies in the fact that its "Upper Class Suite" is often seen as equivalent to the first class service on other long haul airlines. For instance, Valhouli (2004, para 13) is almost apologetic over the fact that Virgin Atlantic could not be included in Forbes' list of Best First Class section on airlines since technically, its "Upper Class Suite" is business class. Valhouli's comment is perhaps best explained through a description of the innovative "Upper Class Suite" product and service."
