BUS 640 Week Two Assignment Paper Essay Example For Students

BUS 640 Week Two Assignment Paper Essay David A. Keith BUS 640Managerial Economics InstructorZhiminHuang September 27, 2017 Problem OneA. Which of the twooptions should Patricia pursue if she wants to open a restaurant in a suburban area of Los Angeles? Calculate the total expected utility from each restaurant option and compare. Graph is not required. Describe your answer, and show your calculations. With giving information for solvingproblem one goes to show the importance of taste to the public just as much as cost for foods in opening her restaurant within LA regions. In addition, if we use weight score methods, where weight within 3 attributes are calculated will look like: Thetasteequals 6 divided by (6+2+3) equals 6 divided by 11 Forlocationsequals 2 divided by (6+2+3) equals 2 divided by 11 Forpriceequals 3 divided by (6+2+3) equals 3 divided by 11 The expected sum utilities within posting therestaurant for steaks in LA equals 6 divided by 11 times 80+2 divided by 11 times 55+ 3 divided by 11 times 65 equals 71.36. The expected sum utilities within posting the restaurant for pizza in LA equals 6 divided by 11 times 70+2 divided by 11 times 80+3 divided by 11 times 50 equals 66.36. Problem Two B. Which of the two options should she pick if she plans to open a restaurant in the Los Angeles metropolitan area? Describe your answer, and show your calculations. Within this problem, we see the importance of locations inopeninga business which is just as important to Patricia as price is to her. This comes as much: Thetasteequals2 divided by (6+2+3) equals 2 divided by 11 Thelocationsequal 6 divided by (6+2+3) equals 6 divided by 11 Thepriceequals 3 divided by (6+2+3) equals 3 divided by 11 The sum of these utilities expected comes with restaurant for steaks within the metropolitan regions, equal 2 divided 11 times 80+6 divided by 11 times 55+3 divided 11 times 65 equals 62.27. The sum of these utilities expected comes with restaurant for pizza within the metropolitan regions, equal 2 divided by 11 times 70+6 divided by 11 times 8+3 divided by 11 times 50 equals 70. Within these sums, it is seen that Patricia would be likely to go for restaurant for pizza in LA. Problem One C. Which option should she pursue if the probability of finding a restaurant venue in a suburban area can be reliably estimated as 0.7 and in a metropolitan area as 0.3? Describe your reasoning and show your calculations. The cause for searching in a suburban region for a business equals to point 7 The cause for searching in a metropolitan region for a business equals to point 3 Thisbrings us to the restaurant for steaks equaling to .7 times 71.36 plus .3 times 62.27 equals 68.64. This brings us to the restaurant for pizza equaling to .7 times 66.36 plus .3 times 70 equals 67.45. it is seen that Patricia is better at opening the restaurant for steak because of expected utilities being high within that location. Problem One D. Provide a description of a scenario in which this kind of decision between two choices, based on weighing their underlying attributes, applies in the real-world business setting. Furthermore, what are the benefits and drawbacks, if any, to thismethod of decision making? In the world we live in today, weight measures in doubles of attributes based upon how those in charge of shipments and supplies handle their parts in delivering these goods through good attributesand services. These goes within reasons of dimension of qualities, cost of competitors, technology abilities and levels of service. Advantages of usage within methods of average weightiness scores within groups of underlined attributes sums up to be in multitudes of other evaluated means through lesser times. Negative results go with methods of these being tended to highlight means of what is important within being persuaded by others in bias and ending with negative results.In addition, these methods can also be subjected to assessments then objective assessments because of loss of methods scientifically speaking weighting within measures. Problem Two A. .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .postImageUrl , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:hover , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:visited , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:active { border:0!important; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:active , .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492 .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u92687ce60a49a833d7c8eeefdd9b0492:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Two Ways To Belong In America Essay Calculate the price elasticity of demand for Newtons Donuts and describe what it means. Describe your answer and show your calculations. Demanded functions for Newtons Donut business has the following processes forQxequals minus 14 minus 54Pxplus 45Pyplus 0.62 Ax.Qxrepresent many donuts counts withPxpriced for every donut, andPyregular priced donuts from a different brand, and Ax represent much funds they invested in Newtons Donuts. Recent value means to how variables are adjusted are Ax equals 120 toPxequals 0.95 toPyequals 0.64. In addition,Qxequals -14minus 54 times .95 minus 45 times 64 minus .62 times 12 equals 37.9. The elasticity price of demand represents percentages changing in quantities of divided uses by percentages changed within pricing (Douglas, 2012). This represents the usages of methods by E towards p equalsQP times PQ, bringing it toQPxequals -54. Within this data, elasticities for price demands are calculations to equals -54 times .95 divided by 37.9 equals -1.35. Through these measures of demand foronesproducts decreasing by 1.35 percent to each 1 percent increasing in prices or demands within th ese products of increased means bythese calculations. Problem Two B. Derive an expression for the inverse demand curve for Newtons Donuts. Describe your answer and show your calculations. Inversed demand curves are calculated through formulas ofPxequals f(Qx). By use of demand functions being applied makes itQxequals -14 minus 54Pxplus 45Pyplus 0.62 Ax or,Pxequals (-14+45Py plus 0.64 Ax minusQx) divided by 54, as given toPxequals 1 divided by 54 times (89.2-Qx). Problem Two C. If the cost of producing Newtons Donuts is constant at $0.15 per donut, should they reduce the price and thereafter, sell more donuts (assuming profit maximization is the companys goal)? When it comes to costs for given donuts being at .15, brings to priced elasticizes of demands being at -1.35. This decreased prices by 1 percent, while increased by 1.35 percent. Through all means, Newtons Donut business decreased pricestoincrease profitsthrough increased demands. In addition, few of these prices have the demand of elasticity pricing and unites over the limit point to where prices will have the tendency of decreasing. Problem Two D. Should Newtons Donuts spend more on advertising? Through demand equations, there is usage to advertised expenses increasing by one dollar through demands increasing by .62 times 1 equals .62. These increases within profits from increased demands equals 6.2 times (.95 minus .15) equals .496, bringing to low forms of cost being increased by 1 dollar. New ton need to remain in proper standards of keeping things the same. References: Douglas, E. (2012). Managerial Economics (1st Ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridge point Education. Department of Finance and Personnel (2014). The Weighing and Scoring Method, IGS. Retrieved from:http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/eag-the-weighing-scoring-method

Slaughterhouse Five Essays (291 words) - Billy Pilgrim,

Slaughterhouse Five Slaughterhouse five is a very complex and twisted story about a World War Two veteran. The story is set in three different time periods of his' life. His name is Billy Pilgrim and he lives in Ilium New York. Billy graduated high school in the top third of his class. He attended night school at the Ilium School of Optometry. Soon after he was drafted and his father died while hunting. During war he was a chaplain's assistant. While serving he saw some action and was captured by the Germans. He met a fat antitank gunner named Roland Weary. He wasn't very popular or liked by people. They were taken to a prison with one hundred other American POWs. They were shipped by train for a few days and were temporarily set up at a crossroad. There the prisoners were given coats. Billy was given a civilan coat that was too small and in that coat he found a diamond. There, the English prisoners took care of them and helped Billy from going insane. While there they were given coats and Billy received a civilian coat with a large diamond in it.. He also found a pair a silver paratrooper boots. He looked like a clown. While on the way to that prison Weary died of a foot disease and asked people to avenge him. A couple days later the Americans were sent to Dresden to work. On the way there Billy met a car thief named Paul Lazzaro who was going to avenge Weary's death. The person Weary said was responsible was Billy but Lazzaro had better things on his mind. After a few days in Dresden the city was firebombed. The city was completely destroyed, and to Billy it looked like the moon. 130,000 souls lost their lives that night and that was the end of the war.

Rutherford B. Hayes Biography - 19th President of the US

Rutherford B. Hayes Biography - 19th President of the US    Rutherford B. Hayess Childhood and Education: Hayes was born into a family that had a long history of military service. Both his grandparents fought in the American Revolution. Born on October 4, 1822 in Delaware, Ohio eleven weeks after his fathers death, Hayes was raised by his mother. He attended a Methodist school and a college preparatory academy before attending Kenyon College. He graduated first in his class. He then studied law before entering Harvard Law School. He graduated in 1845 and was admitted to the bar. Family Ties: Hayes was born to Rutherford Hayes, a merchant and farmer, and Sophia Birchard Hayes. He had one sister named Fanny A. Platt. On December 30, 1852, Hayes married Lucy Ware Webb. She would later be dubbed  Lemonade Lucy for her banning of alcohol at the White House. Together, they had four sons and one daughter.   Rutherford B. Hayess Career Before the Presidency: In 1845, Hayes began practicing law in Ohio. From 1858-61, he served as the Cincinnati City Solicitor. Hayes served in the Civil War, rising to the rank of major general of volunteers. He showed valor on the battlefield having been wounded several times. He resigned soon after Lee surrendered in 1865. Hayes was quickly elected as a U.S. Representative serving from 1865-67. In 1868, Hayes became the Governor of Ohio. He served from 1868-1872 and again from 1876-77 when he became President. Becoming the President: In 1876, Republicans chose Hayes to run for president. He was opposed by Democrat Samuel J. Tilden who won the popular vote. However, the vote in three Republican-controlled states was in confusion. Tilden only needed one electoral vote to win while Hayes needed every vote from all three. When doing the recount, many Democratic ballots were ruled invalid in Florida and Louisiana. A investigative commission voted 8-7 along party lines to give all the electoral votes to Hayes allowing him to win. Events and Accomplishments of Rutherford B. Hayes’s Presidency: Hayes began his administration with the Compromise of 1877 by which military occupation of the South ended. This helped satisfy Southerners who were upset over the results of the election. Currency and whether silver should be bought and turned into coins or whether instead greenbacks should be redeemable in gold was in contention. The Bland-Allison Act passed in 1878 over Hayes veto required the government to buy silver in order to create more coins. The idea was that increased availability of money would help farmers and debtors. In 1879, the Resuption of Specie Act passed that backed greenbacks created after January 1, 1879 to be redeemable in gold. In 1880, Hayes had his Secretary of State create a pact with China which restricted Chinese immigration due to an anti-Chinese movement out west. This was a compromise because Hayes had vetoed a bill which didnt allow Chinese to immigrate at all. Post-Presidential Period: Hayes never planned to run for a second term in office and retired in 1881. He spent the rest of his life devoted to causes of importance to him such as providing scholarships to African Americans and encouraging temperance. He was also one of the trustees of Ohio State University. He died on January 17, 1893 of a heart attack. Historical Significance: President Hayes had strongly held views which he pushed forward throughout his administration. He believed in and proposed civil service reform measures. Further, he set down a policy that a canal in Central America could only be under American control as the French were attempting to create one during his administration. This would eventually lead to the development of the Panama Canal.

Relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Relationship - Essay Example All of us, more often than not, have been subject to peer pressure in workplace. So, through this topic I wanted to explain some of the stages that many people like me have to go through to develop a good relation with a coworker who is intent on degrading you. I would be telling about the starting of our relationship, the enmity and back-stabbing challenges, the effect it had on both our lives and then the friendship. A new job just like a new relation bring excitement with it. But that balloon of excitement is punctured when you make an enemy on a very first day, either by choice or coincidence. There would always be someone in the workplace who would not exactly appreciate you. Similarly there was this person who was a few months senior but pretending to be my boss. I always thought he appreciated my work that is why I used to get ‘a lot’ of work but soon I realized he was bullying me into doing his work. I confronted him and it got loud. A point to remember is that insulting someone always put a huge negative pressure on a relation. So then it started him making fun of me in front of everyone or anyone. And me messing with his work, but one day I went too far and almost got him fired. That brought me back to my senses and as an ‘I am sorry’ present I did a particularly hard project for him as he was having some personal issue. I did it out of remorse but it touched a vital cord in his heart. And from then onwards all enmity and jealousy ceased to exist. So, the journey from enmity to a lifelong friendship made me realize that workplace stress due to peer pressure is something we can help if we try. My coworker and I became lifelong friends not because I helped him in need, but because we made an effort to stop the enmity, jealousy and back stabbing for a more comfortable environment. So, I rephrase my first question,

Technical writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Technical writing - Essay Example cking are still being looked into, the various department heads of the company have decided to restrict the use of the email address to only official business until further notice. Our IT staff will also closely monitor the use of the email system and call the attention of those who violate the new policy. Continued violation of the new email policy will result in employee dismissal. Due to the delicate nature of our POS business, our company has decided to implement a Unique Employee Password Generation system on a monthly basis to replace our old individiualized password system that was based upon personal choice. This change is being undertaken by our IT department in cooperation with our Human Resources Department over the next month. You may access your Unique Employee Password by undertaking the following steps: Should you have any problems accessing your POS rights after the assignment of the new password, please do not hesitate to call the attention of Lisa Loeb at lisa.loeb@smssales.com. She is our point person during the implementation of this new project and she will always be on call to help you sort out any problems you might have as we slowly roll out this new password system. As a valued member of Eco Hotel and Spas Nature Lovers Club, it is my honor and privilege to present you with this free voucher for a weekend stay at our newest and most environmentally friendly hotel, the Azure Beach Resort. Our newest waterfront hotel this side of Beverly Hills. Located in on the north side of Beverly Hills, the beach boasts of the finest white sand this side of California, the bluest water to rival the color of our skies, and the pristine and almost untouched by human hands natural beauty of the forest adjacent to the hotel and beach. This members only beach resort shall have its soft opening on June 15, 2013 with only a handful of carefully selected Nature Lovers Club members gracing the occassion. I am more than pleased to have this opportunity to

Referendums: Arguments For and Against

Referendums: Arguments For and Against What are the arguments for and against the holding of popular referendums? Under what circumstances, if any, should they be held? The referendum has its origins in direct democracy, and can therefore be dated back to the 5th Century BC in the Greek city state of Athens. The concept of a referendum has changed and developed in line with democracy and can now be found in a number of differing forms throughout the developed world. A referendum is broadly defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as â€Å"a general vote by the electorate on a single political question†; however this definition fails to make distinctions between the many types of referendum which exist, or the modern day importance of referendums. In an initial classification there are three types of referendum as defined by the Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia. Obligatory referendums; which are required by law, optional referendums; which are put on the ballot when a sufficient number of voters sign a petition demanding that a law passed by the legislature be ratified by the people, and voluntary referendums; when legislatures submit to voter s to decide an issue or to test public opinion. There are a number of widely credited arguments both for and against the holding of popular referendums, however, there are only a few key ideas encapsulated in these arguments. Those in favour of referendums generally tend to point out that they; promote political participation and increase voter knowledge on issues as well as helping to strengthen democracy and further legitimate the government. Whilst arguments against referendums concentrate on ideas; that the public are ill equipped to make important political decisions, and that the information they do have is distorted through media influence, that referendums only provide an idea of public opinion at that one point in time, and that referendums weaken and remove power from the representative institutions elected by the public. The holding of popular referendums is key in a democratic system where the people are becoming, not only disengaged but disinterested in the political process as a whole. The use of referendums can help to counter this affect, provided that clear guidelines are set for when a referendum should take place. The word democracy comes from the Latin demos meaning the people and kratos meaning power or rule (OED); rule by the people. The practicalities of this literal definition, often referred to as direct democracy, are almost impossible in our world today, where in the UK in 2005 there were 44,245,939 people registered to vote (www.idea.int)[1]. However, representative democracy is a â€Å"limited and indirect form of democracy† (Heywood 2007:74) which relies on, in most cases, an electoral mandate for legitimacy. This electoral mandate has been called into question on a number of occasions in modern political history, most notably in the US presidential election of 2005 between George W Bush and Al Gore, and again in the UK General Election of 2005. Referendums could be seen in a modern political context as a stepping stone between direct and representative democracy. It is fair to say that in the majority of developed political societies people have the opportunity to vote into office representatives whom they believe to share policy views with. However, it would be impossible for any political party to represent all the views of its members and supporters, as a result parties may include certain policy promises in their manifestos that their voters do not want to see implemented (Caramani 2008:254). This, along with the fact that people vote for parties for such a wide range of reasons, mean that it is not possible to conclude that peoples policy preferences are the same as the party they vote for (Setala 1999: 14-16). Therefore, a referendum allows the public to show a direct opinion on a specific policy matter they would otherwise be impossible. Linked to the idea that referendums strengthen democracy with regards to policy decisions, there is also the theory that they legitimate government between elections. The period between major governmental elections is, in many countries, several years. In this time period governments can, for the most part, make decisions without any public consultation. There is therefore a danger that although these officials are elected as representatives, it is only the opposition parties and the checks and balances outlined in constitutions that prevent them from deviating from their original promises. Referendums allow the government to not only gauge public opinion on policy but also to make clear that the decisions they are making are in line with public attitude on issues concerning them, therefore providing another check against the power of government. Opponents to referendums argue that instead of strengthening democracy and legitimising government they in fact weaken the political system by removing power from elected bodies. Representative democracy is founded on the principle that elected officials represent the views of the people and make decisions on their behalf; therefore a referendum undermines this principle. Sir Patrick Nairne observed that â€Å"if Members of Parliament are elected to settle national issues of major policy brought before them by the Government, is it right to throw such issues back to the voters to settle† (Qvotrup 2005:23). This argument concerning the weakening of bodies is, although worth acknowledging, very limited in its view on referendums. It concentrates for the most part on the idea that referendums remove decision making power from elected bodies and would therefore render them both less effective and less powerful. However, this is an extreme view that fails to recognise that referend ums can be used to aid governments as well as the people, and provide a vital link between the two, as has already been argued. In the majority of political systems across the world we are witnessing a worrying downward trend in voter turnout. This can be attributed to a number of causes including; partisan dealignment, disenchantment with the political system and indifference to politics. Referendums can be used to help promote political participation by enabling the electorate to become better educated and informed and therefore reduce the feeling of alienation (Heywood 2007:250). By providing people with the opportunity to participate in referendums they are presented with the opportunity to educate and inform themselves on political issues. There is clearly a link between an informed electorate and higher levels of political participation, as Verba, Schlozman and Brady (1995) argue. This correlation arises from the fact that a more politically educated electorate is able understand the workings of government, and the issues affecting them; therefore seek to bring about change. Switzerland was one of the f irst countries to introduce referendums to make decisions on proposed legislation. Although turnout figures in Switzerland are not very high, around 45% (www.idea.int)[2], it can be argued that the Swiss people are more politically active than turnout figures show due to the fact that there is such a large number of referendums not everyone votes in all of them, and also that they are more involved with political parties and in other ways than most other countries. Aside from elections there are very few ways in which citizens can directly influence political decisions. There are provisions in most democratic countries for the electorate to have some personal contact with their representative, however for the most part people do not make use of this tool because they believe it to be ineffectual; issues raised in these arenas rarely have an effect on the outcome of policy. People are also able to join political parties yet; again, they are faced with the same problems of ineffectuality. A referendum therefore provides an answer to increasing ways for the electorate to positively participate in politics. A binding referendum permits the public to make the final decision on a specific policy, although these types of referendums are not widely used, it is rare for a government to go against the public even in a non-binding referendum. In 1975 the UK, both electorate and government, was divided over whether or not it should continue its membership in the European Economic Community. The overwhelming â€Å"Yes† vote to stay in Europe was upheld by the Labour government of the time, although it was not a binding referendum, and was hailed as a â€Å"historic decision† by Prime Minister Harold Wilson (www.bbc.co.uk/news)[3]. The counter arguments to increased political participation and voter knowledge through referendums are that; in fact, referendums can cause voter fatigue and decrease participation, and that the public are ill equipped to make important political decisions. The first of these arguments relies on the premise that the public would be able to vote on all or a large number of policies. However, this move back to direct democracy is not desirable for the public or the government; presenting the public with such a large number of opportunities to vote could indeed cause voting fatigue. There is a compromise to be found between allowing the public to vote on all policy and not allowing them to vote on it at all. The latter of these criticisms on referendums concern voter knowledge. It is ignorant to assume that the electorate are either not informed, or are unable, to educate themselves on political issues put to them in referendums. If people are able to vote and presumably make an informed decision on which political party they wish to represent them they are equally able to do so in a referendum. Critics argue that information is distorted through the media prior to referendums, and this is a problem worth considering. During the first referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland two of Rupert Murdochs biggest selling newspapers The Irish Sun and The Sunday Times were seen as going â€Å"hell for leather on a No vote† (www.guardian.co.uk)[4]; similarly the media coverage on the 1975 Common Market Referendum was heavily biased to the â€Å"Yes† campaign, it has been estimated that twenty times the amount of money was available to this campaign than to the â€Å"No† campa ign (www.europeansinglecurrency.com/referendum)[5]. Although in these instances the media seemed to have an influence on the final outcome there are other, more fundamental, factors which influence peoples decisions, the American political scientist John Zaller encapsulates this idea; â€Å"Every opinion is a marriage of information and predisposition† (Zaller 1992:6). For referendums to be used effectively it is important that the circumstances in which they should be held are clearly defined and upheld by law. When considering this point one must take into account that referendums should not used in a way that, as many opponents argue, undermines the authority of the elected bodies in a representative democracy. An answer to this is that referendums should only be used in matters of constitutional importance and not for other policy decisions. It is, after all, constitutions which safeguard the fundamental rights of the electorate as well as preventing the misuse of power by elected bodies (Dahl 2000: 124-127). However, only allowing people to vote on constitutional changes is very limiting, especially if the issue directly influences the way in which they live, and there may also be instances in which the government wishes to hold a referendum on another issue, therefore a wider definition for circumstances must be found. It would be almost impo ssible to define exactly which policy areas the electorate should be able to vote on in referendums. There are obviously issues on which it would be inappropriate to have a referendum, taxes are an obvious example; there are complex issues on which the public would probably not have the time or adequate resources to inform themselves on and which have no real affect on them, for example defence policies. Therefore the best course of action would probably be to allow the elected body to decide in these instances which policies it is sensible to put to a referendum. Australia, in fact follows these basic guidelines for holding referendums to great success. Compulsory national referendums are â€Å"held to approve government-proposed changes to the Australian Constitution†, the constitution specifies this; furthermore the government can also conduct optional referendums or ‘plebiscites to decide on matters outside of the constitution (www.wikipedia.org)[6]. This system of conducting referendums is ideal because the electorate are guaranteed a vote on constitutional issues as well as being given the opportunity, when appropriate, to vote on other policy matters. Referendums provide a vital direct link between government and the electorate which is otherwise unseen in representative democracies. They can help to promote political participation as well as creating a better informed electorate; they also strengthen democracy in modern society. Yet referendums, despite all of this are often criticised for the way in which they weaken elected bodies and do not provide a true gauge on public opinion, largely due to media influence. However, as has been argued none of these arguments hold much weight, especially in the face of a system where the use of referendums have clear guidelines, as in Australia, to be used for constitutional amendments and wherever else is seen as fit by the elected bodies in power. Referendums are a tool which should be used more widely in todays political systems of democracy as they are a manageable and positive step towards a hybrid political system which effectively combines representative and direct democracy. Bibliography Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia (2007) (London: Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia, Inc.) Caramani, Daniele (2008) Comparative Politics (Oxford: Oxford University Press) Dahl, Robert. A. (2000) On Democracy (Yale: Yale University Press) Heywood, Andrew (2007) Politics third edition (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan) Oxford Dictionary of English (2005) 2nd edition revised (Oxford: Oxford University Press) Setala, Maija (1999) Referendums and Democratic Government: Normative Theory and the Analysis of Institutions (Basingstoke: Macmillan) Verba, Sidney, Kay Lehman, Schlozman and Henry Brady (1995) Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics (Cambridge: Harvard University Press) Zaller, John (1992) The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) [1] â€Å"United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Voter Turnout International† Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2005 < http://www.idea.int/vt/country_view.cfm?country=GB> (13 Nov. 2009) [2] â€Å"Swiss Confederation Voter Turnout† International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2007 < http://www.idea.int/vt/country_view.cfm?id=42> (13 Nov. 2009) [3] â€Å"1975: UK embraces Europe on Referendum† 1975 < http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/6/newsid_2499000/2499297.stm> (13 Nov. 2009) [4] â€Å"NI votes NO in Irish referendum† 2009 < http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/01/ireland-referendum-rupert-murdoch> (13 Nov 2009) [5] â€Å"Was the 1975 Referendum Conducted Fairley† A British Referendum 2003 < http://www.europeansinglecurrency.com/referendum.htm> (13 Nov 2009) [6] â€Å"Federal Referendums† Referendums in Australia 2009 < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Referendums_in_Australia> (13 Nov 2009)

Epic of Beowulf Essay - Heroes †Then and Now :: Epic of Beowulf Essay

Beowulf - Heroes Then and Now Heroes today have changed from those of Beowulf's day. Back in the time of Beowulf heroes were mainly the protectors of the country such as warriors and kings. The roles have changed today were heroes consist of celebrities and sport players. The roles have changed because our society has changed as well. In the time of Beowulf the kings were of the utmost of importance. Without a king the country was sure to fall into ruins. The king's duty was to protect the country. He did this by keeping up with the wars of the surrounding country and finding warriors to protect the country. The king was highly respected and he had a very important job. Without the king there was no hope for the country. Today really is not all that different, instead of a king we have a president. Our president must still keep up with the foreign affairs including wars in order to protect our country. He must also be able to foresee any affect that foreign affairs might have on the country in the long run. It is out president's responsibility to ensure that our military divisions, including the airforce, navy, and army, are prepared and able to defend our nation or our nation's allies. In the epic, Beowulf, heroes were also warriors. These warriors were supposed to protect the country against "monsters" and invasions. The warriors were strong men who could physically make an attack or prevent an attack in order to protect their country. Beowulf was a warrior who was a hero to the country where the Danes lived. Beowulf was able to protect and serve the Danes by killing Grendel. Grendel was an evil monster who had been killing the people that had been sleeping in the hall that he haunted. Beowulf became a hero by not only killing Grendle but also by tearing off his shoulder arm and claw with his bear hands. This is an amazing feat that an ordinary man could not accomplish. To kill a monster with one's bear hands is simply unheard of! Today our heroes do not normally consist of a warrior as much as a sports player. They too, like the warrior, do things that the ordinary man could not do. Accomplishing unordinary feats is how they earn the respect of the nation. Their job is also equally important as the warrior because they allow people to escape their problems and lives for a while they watch the sport.