St. Anselm’s version of the Ontological Argument and Gaunilo’s objection to it Essay Example

St. Anselm’s version of the Ontological Argument and Gaunilo’s objection to it Paper Anselm of Canterbury was one of the early promoters of the Ontological Argument supporting the existence of God. He argues that God exists on the basis that ‘something-than-which-nothing-greater-can-be-thought’ should necessarily exist in reality. In other words, just as anything a painter can conceive of can be materialized into a painting, the conception of God is a terminal point for human imagination. To the extent that it is imaginable, the object exists. To the extent that it is the ultimate in the scale of imagination, it must be God. Anselm goes on to claim that that God cannot be thought not to exist is further proof. He says, ‘something-than-which-a-greater-cannot-be-thought’ exists so truly that it cannot even be thought not to exist. If a creature is able to think of something better and bigger than God, it would have to be above its Creator and be judging its Creator. Since this is logically impossible, it is only God who not only truly exists b ut also exists to the highest degree. Anselm goes on to point to an apparent contradiction in the fool’s (nonbeliever) thinking. He asks rhetorically â€Å"How indeed has he ‘said in his heart’ what he could not think; or how could he not think what he ‘said in his heart’, since to ‘say in one’s heart’ and to ‘think’ are the same?† (Anselm, p.21) And finally, Anselm posits that God is whatever it is better to be than not to be and that, â€Å"existing through himself alone, he makes all other beings from nothing†. (Anselm, p.21) Gaunilo of Marmoutiers makes a strong case on behalf of the fools. He makes a point-to-point rebuttal of the claims of Anselm’s Ontological Argument. Gaunilo counters that that-which-is-greater-than-everything should actually exist in reality just as it exists in the mind. It cannot simply be assumed, as the Ontologists have done, that God must exist because he is that entity which is conceived to be greater-than-everything. Gaunilo makes another salient observation about human cognition and human intelligence. Gaunilo goes on to clarify the example of the painter. The painting, at the time of its conception, is the product of the artist’s creativity and is thus an integral part of his very understanding. This understanding is not the same as the ultimate truth that God represents. Hence, even granting that ‘there-was-something-than-which-nothing-greater-could-be-thought’, â€Å"this thing, heard and understood, would not, however, be the same as the not-y et-made picture is in the mind of the painter†. Moreover, when it is said that God cannot be thought not to exist, it is prudent instead to say that it â€Å"cannot be understood not to exist nor even to be able not to exist†. (Gaunilo, p.24) We will write a custom essay sample on St. Anselm’s version of the Ontological Argument and Gaunilo’s objection to it specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on St. Anselm’s version of the Ontological Argument and Gaunilo’s objection to it specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on St. Anselm’s version of the Ontological Argument and Gaunilo’s objection to it specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I find Gaunilo’s defence of the Fool more convincing than Anselm’s original thesis. To elaborate, each individual has a limitation to his imaginative powers as well as varied ability to understand complex matters. In that case, if the existence of God is derived from the ability of the mind, aren’t some individuals better endowed to grasp this supposed reality than others? What about people suffering from psychiatric disorders or mental retardation? Are they capable of conceiving God? If not, does that mean God doesn’t exist? The problem with Ontological Arguments arises because of their primacy to the subjective experiences of an individual’s mind. I also find Gaunilo’s allegory of the ‘Lost Island’ to be a fitting rebuttal to Anselm’s proposition. Anselm of Canterbury was one of the early promoters of the Ontological Argument supporting the existence of God. He argues that God exists on the basis that ‘something-than-which-nothing-greater-can-be-thought’ should necessarily exist in reality. In other words, just as anything a painter can conceive of can be materialized into a painting, the conception of God is a terminal point for human imagination. To the extent that it is imaginable, the object exists. To the extent that it is the ultimate in the scale of imagination, it must be God. Anselm goes on to claim that that God cannot be thought not to exist is further proof. He says, ‘something-than-which-a-greater-cannot-be-thought’ exists so truly that it cannot even be thought not to exist. If a creature is able to think of something better and bigger than God, it would have to be above its Creator and be judging its Creator. Since this is logically impossible, it is only God who not only truly exists b ut also exists to .

Un dia asul essays

Un dia asul essays Computers have been around for a long time. They have evolved thrugh the years, but two major companies are at the top of the hill. These two computers companies are Macs and Pcs ,but eventhough both of them are personal and businnes computers, they differ in hardware, software, and compability. Mac computers were the first ones to come out to the market. Their hardware is still compact like the first one 20 years ago; their monitor is ensamble together with the CPU, making the computers one big box. Their softwares and programs are too complicated for the average person; it is need it to type keyboards comands for the computer to work. To top it all of, the Macs are not compatible with almost any of the products that are sell in stores, or neither with on-line downloads. On the other hand, PCs came out a couple of years after Macs. As soon as people started to try them, they got very popular. Their hardware comes ceparlly, and one can chosse between any CPU or monitor that one want. PC's softwares are so eassy that even a 6 years old child can learn to use it. Not like Macs, PCs can use any of the programs that are in stores. PCs are very compatible with others equipments, and with any online programs. I personally like PCs more that Macs; I love the way PCs are structure in their programs. If PCs make life eassier, Macs will make it more complicated. One good example of this can be found in any office. Because Macs are more complicated, any work that people save or do, can be easily lose. To conclude, I can say that eventhough Macs and PCs are personal and businnes computers, they differ in hardware, software, and compability. To solve this problem both computers companies should work together, and maybe that way their softwares,hardwares, and compability would be the same. ...

Discipline Profile on Real estate sales Research Paper

Discipline Profile on Real estate sales - Research Paper Example 6). In house language consists of jargons mostly drawn from business and law and at times the construction industry. For example, words such as a balloon mortgage might not mean much to an ordinary person but in a realtor’s office, it makes all sense. This reason creates a difference in the language used in academics and professional practise of a real estate agent. In school and other educational facilities, real estate students learn and diversify both the professional terms and learn people skills and language (â€Å"Become a REALTOR ®Ã¢â‚¬  par. 2). The sole reason for this is that these students usually do not end up all in the same field. Some do research into real estate field while others become advisors to firms, and only a number become real estate sales agents (â€Å"NAR: About NAR: Careers in Real Estate† par. 10). These sales agents are professionals in their respect. In addition, their professional field experience usually involves both the knowledge o f professional terms and language and how to interact with clients. These agents need to have all the information about setting prices and negotiating to achieve great deals. Negotiation as a feature of language involves the compromise of position, the art of conviction, and the instrument of language that enables one to achieve consensus even in hostile conditions (Lipman 145). This language focuses on establishing and building relationships with clients and knowing their likes and interests in a property. This technique combines words with actions and splits language into verbal and non-verbal. The non-verbal language creates a sense of hospitality and openness. It makes the client trust the agent and in doing this the agent can get to know how to best deal with this customer (â€Å"NAR: About NAR: Careers in Real Estate† par. 2). Therefore, in general, language used in real estate sales primarily borrows from

Brand Image Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Brand Image Development - Essay Example Competitor Selection Coca-cola Company has been a successful company over the years and is the leading group in the beverage industry. It is known for the production of brands which include coke, Fanta, coke classic and Diet coke. It is a company that ensures that the demands of all consumers are met by their production of a wide variety of drinks. The company is devoted to offering secure and high quality beverages (The coca-cola company, 2012). They have gained the trust from customers because they provide honest and correct data especially on the nutritional information. This explains why it has a high-quality over all over the world. The products offered are of different sizes so that the consumer can choose from a variety. It recognizes the fact that the world is dynamic, and changes every day, therefore, they develop their products accordingly. The competitors have a low representation as Coca-Cola has the biggest percent, 70% of consumers as compared to Pepsi’s 20% and Schweppes’s, 10%. Analysis of Price The prices are reasonable and are developed depending on the market. They also vary depending on the size of the bottle and seasons. (The coca-cola company, 2012) Some seasons such as summer have the prices of the products elevated. Research shows that 13% of consumers buy products in relation to price. Analysis of Distribution Distribution is offered to middle men and retailers, and this way, the products are sold extensively. This incentive is taken to reduce the costs associated with individual distribution. They have one main distribution point whereby the middle men obtain the products. Coca-cola products are well distributed with only 3% who do not have some of the products available. Analysis of Promotion The coca-cola company promotes their products by conducting sales events, and develops competitions with prizes to be won. Promotions are aimed to persuade the customer and make them purchase the goods. Advertising is also a form of promotion in which Coca-cola is known for their catchy advertisements. This is done through newspapers, television, posters and billboards. They also offer scholarships to students and also sponsor events such as games (The ‘coca-cola’ brand & sponsorship, 2000). Coca-cola has been successful because of their uniqueness around the world. It maintains to be the most trusted beverage brand and is the most preferred brand in relation to the research. This shows that they promote their products in the right manner. Part 2 Brand Background Founded in 1886, coca-cola has continued to develop extensively throughout the world. (The Coca-Cola Company, 2012). Coca-Cola has kept on implementing brand strategies that involve renewing policies and systems to keep up with the changing world. Coca-cola believes in responsible marketing of their products. This is explained by the fact that they target different customers including children. The company, therefore, has a policy that co vers responsible marketing all over the world. Coca-Cola mainly targets the young people, and that is why most of advertising on media is done by young people. Coca-Cola has been the leading brand because the company keeps on reinventing their products.  

Budgeting in Business Operation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Budgeting in Business Operation - Term Paper Example Budgeting is such process that companies use to plan their business activities regarding time and money. This process makes the business operations undergo in an effective and efficient manner. According to Morgan (2006), a company’s financial success depends largely on the budgeting decisions that its managers take concerning all financial aspects of the business. Therefore, it is imperative for a company to develop a perfect budget plan that should help the company achieve its desired goals and objectives, as well as it should help it maintain the financial equilibrium. Objectives In this paper, we will discuss different aspects and key areas related to the process of budgeting in order to understand the role that budgeting plays in the success of a company. We will discuss in detail certain issues in order to know the importance of budgeting for a company. Topics in Detail about Budgeting and Discussion The topics which will be covered in this project include functions of b udgeting, employee motivation through budgeting, responsibilities of budget holders, budgetary control, capital budgeting, and techniques of capital budgeting. Discussing these topics will help us get a good understanding of some of the core aspects of budgeting. Let us discuss all of these topics in some detail. Functions of budgeting 1. Financial Analysis Budgeting helps firms in doing financial analysis. Managers of the firms can know the exact financial position of the company through proper budgeting. They can know the actual strength of their company and can take various decisions based on that financial analysis. They can know what is happening in reality related to the use of money for various business activities. Budgeting is a process that provides managers with the information concerning the current financial position of the company, capital in hand for the company, and predicted future expenditures related to current and ongoing business processes. Companies can save the ir capital and related business expenditures through effective budgeting. The proper financial analysis also helps companies cut off the extra costs from the business expenditures and utilize the available capital for other business activities. 2. Planning Budgeting helps companies properly plan their business activities in accordance with the financial analysis report and available budget. Planning is one of the key business processes that help companies take calculated steps towards progress. A company can take measurable steps regarding its future activities, such as, loan decisions, investment decisions, employees’ salary increment, compensation and benefits, and buying or selling decisions after forecasting the financial position and planning for activities. 3. Communication is another key function of budgeting. If a company makes some kind of financial contract with some other company, budgeting helps in resolving all kinds of issues regarding the use of capital between the two companies. Companies can set priorities considering their budgets in order to escape from financial issues and conflicts. An effective budget is one which assists companies to communicate with each other for discussing various money-related issues, such as, the way the companies should spend the money and the amount of money they should spend on different business ventures. 4. Motivation Budgeting is a process that plays a critical role in motivating the employees of a company.

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay Introduction The explosion of Internet technology has revolutionized todays economic globally. The changes and innovation of technology has altered the way banking industry can offer its services to customers. A makeable online banking has emerged as the most important online transaction platform for e-commerce, e-shopping, internet stock trading or online auction (Lee, 2009). Internet banking is utilized as a medium with faster transaction speed and lower handling fees (Kalakota and Whinston, 1997). Furthermore, there is no additional software needed when customers conducting transactions on websites (Polasik and Wisniewski, 2009). With the improved online security, customers not only can check their balances on banks websites; online banking allows conducting transactions that are more complicated such as transferring funds, paying bills or even writing checks. Their trustworthiness on online has nevertheless increased (Tan amd Teo, 2000). Banking industry has initiated a paradigm shift from traditional brick and mortal branches to online. In banks websites, customers serve themselves without the need of frontline staff. To this, banks benefited from staff reduction, lesser branch sizes, and paper-related works (Tan and Teo, 2000; Compaq, 2001). According to Burham (1996), the establishment of website consumes less than US$25,000 in which the website maintenance also costs less than US$25,000 annually a big different as compared to maintain a branch. For the customer point of view, convenience and efficiency are the great motivation for them to use online banking (Bruno, 2003). Customers do not need to go to bank, queue up, waiting or constrained by banks operating hours. It offers customers anytime, anywhere banking facilities (Lassar et al., 2005). There is a rapid growth of customers in using online banking services. The report of International Data Corporation (IDC) report shows that the online banking users has surpassed a total of one hundred million by 2004 (Maenpaa et al., 2008). The importance and advantages of online banking has prompted banking industry to rethink their strategy and for long-term survival, most of the banks go online (Tan and Teo, 2000). To stay competitive in the global market, developing countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have tentatively launched their online banking. Malaysia has actively developed e-banking since the mid of 2000 (Poon, 2008). Vietnam Government emphasis strongly on telecommunication development and has implemented internet in order to increase e-commerce usage (Chong et al., 2010). Although Malaysia and Vietnam are from the Southeast Asia region, elements like legal, cultural, social, political, and technical influence among both countries are different. The different elements ad d further the complexity in using online applications (Tarasewich et al., 2002). The degree of different cultural context in both nations will influence the typical ways on how online applications are applied in an online banking system (Zakaria and Stanton, 2003). Beyond the recognition diverse in cultural aspects on consumer behaviors, there is a need to improve the conceptual underpinning the similarities and differences across both countries by understanding the factors that predict customers intention in using online banking. To attract more customers engaging in online banking, it is crucial for banks to develop channel characteristics that are preferable by customers. This paper analyzes the customers attitude towards online banking in both Malaysia and Vietnam context and their preference factors in accepting online banking channel. An in-depth understanding of consumer perceptions and behavior are needed to be understood in order to enhance online banking functionality. For early adopter countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, the ultimate success of online banking still depended on customers willingness to use online banking. Thus, it is important to identify the antecedents of customer acceptance towards online banking. Comprehending what are essentials enticing customers to use online banking will provide management great insight in developing effective strategies to remain competitive in the industry and hold market share. In our research, we rely on the technology acceptance model (TAM), in particular perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in linking with behavioral intention to use online banking. The framework is then synthesized with other antecedents such as trust to study customers confidence in their decision to try a new technology; and government e-readiness factor in both nations of Malaysia and Vietnam. We begin the paper by exploring the background of online banking in both countries. Following by examining the theoretical used and hypothesis developed. After that, description on methodology and analysis is provided. We performed results, discussions on findings, limitations of the study, implications of study, and finally, conclusions. Background of Online Banking in Malaysia In Malaysia, the advancement in ICT has embarked a wide range E-business implementation in many companies. By launching Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) as a mean to facilitate businesses through a host of privileges that entail world class services and infrastructure as well as financial incentives, Malaysia has captured a total revenue of US$383.5 million from E-commerce in 2000 and the figure boosted up to US$9336.2 million in 2005 (MDC, 2003). Banking institutions have actively exploited the opportunities that arise from these developments. Since 2000, many banks anticipated in developing Internet banking (Poon, 2008). The electronic revolution in Malaysian banking sector has historically started by introducing Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by 1981, which provide customers the extending banking hours beyond office hours (Jawahitha et al., 2003). This computerized telecommunication device provides customers the convenient to access to financial transactions in a wider geographical locations. After that, another service channel was introduced in the early of 1990s, namely tele-banking. This service is eventually connected with Automated Voice Response (AVR) technology. However, Malaysian banks showed little interest as public showed a relatively low interest of response rate (Jawahitha et al., 2003). With the strong emphasis and encouragement by government in the usage and adoption of personal computer, banking environment has undergone a more drastic revolution by offering online banking services through their interactive company websites in 2000. Maybank is the first bank that provides online banking services in Malaysia through www.maybank2U.com portal. It was then followed by Hong Leong Bank, Southern Bank and Multi-Purpose Bank. (Suganthi et al., 2001). At present, there are 24 banks offering online banking facilities. Online banking is getting its popularity in Malaysia. It has received overwhelming responses from customers due to its convenience and has proven advantage in reducing costs. The number of online banking subscribers has increased from 3.2 million in 2006 to 7.5 million in 2009, with the population penetration rate from 11.6% (2006) to 25.9% (2009) (www.bnm.gov.my). Apparently, this positive sign has enlighten the banks to continuous seeking ways to enhance the use of electronic applications more comprehensive and effectively. Nevertheless, consumers are demanding for better transparency, integrity and communication of online banking services. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that influence the use of online banking. The strength and capability of financial institutions to harness appropriate ICT strategies is crucial to continue to position themselves for better success in this new era through customer retention and growth in the market share. Background of Online Banking in Vietnam In the mid-1980s, the Communist Party of Vietnam formally ended its centralized planned economy and began to adopt economic reform program, widely known as doi moi or Renovation, as a mean to open itself to the world. Since that, Vietnam has started to appear as one of the important economy emergence in Asia Pacific area (Phan, 2008). The first entry of Internet was in November 1997. Given this opportunity, Vietnamese companies have increased their emphasis to implement computerized system and IT facilities in their daily business operations. However, most of the commercial websites are mainly used for promotion purposes instead of real existent of online transactions. (Huang and Swierczek, 2008). Vietnams industrialization has led to rapid ICT growth. Under the Overall Plan on Developing E-Commerce, Vietnamese Government encourages more companies to implement e-commerce in their business operations (Peoples Daily, 2006). In order to stay competitive in the challenging marketplace, companies encode e-commerce implementation as a vital element in their business strategy. As of 2000, the Internet penetration rate has reached 0.3 percent (0.2 million users) of the population. In 2009, the Internet users have surged to a total of 22 million, presented a 25.7 percent of total population (Internet World Stats, 2009). Vietnam Government started to focus on service sector by realizing its feasibility and effective impact on the overall business. The Government aims to stimulate efficient e-commerce development by encouraging people to use it (Chong et al., 2010). With that, online banking is viewed as an important tool or medium to leverage the success of e-commerce implementation. Vietnamese banks have made efforts to establish inter-bank networks to support online payments. The system processing of commercial banks have been improved and banks applied more advanced software and application programs (english.vietnamnet.vn). However, there is a lack of integrated technical system between organizations and banks to provide customers a more structured and systematic payment system. Furthermore, the lack of law and regulations establishment regarded to online banking issues still remained undefined which have led to many difficulties in dispute settlement. As online banking in Vietnam is getting popul ar and offer banks better cost-effective solution, therefore this study aims to examine factors that influence the acceptance of online banking in the country. Technology Adoption Model It has been found that users attitudes and behavior towards acceptance of a new information system indicated a critical impact towards the successful technology adoption (Davis, 1989; Venkatesh and Davis, 1996; Succi and Walter, 1999). This is due to the fact that, the more users accept new information system, the more they will try and start to use it (Succi and Walter, 1999). Given these, researchers have been trying to find factors that influence individual in accepting new technology. One of the most popular and utilized model of technology adoption is the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis et al, 1989; Davis and Venkatesh, 1996; Al-Gahtani, 2001). As online banking is one type of technology innovation (Lin and Lee, 2005), we propose the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical foundation in this study to predict users online banking usage and preference, which in turn, determined users beliefs towards the online banking system (Joaquin et al, 2009). There are two important components in TAM, which are perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). The first determinant refers to the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance (Davis et al., 1989). In the context of online banking, it refers to the degree on how effective an online banking system assists in productivity, work, and cost-saving (Rao, 2003). Perceived ease of use is the degree to which the prospective adopters expect new technology adopted to be free effort regarding its transfer and utilization (Davis et al., 1989). In this context, the easier adopters find it to learn and use online banking system, the higher the potential he or she will adopt it (Chong et al., 2010). Although many studies showed TAM is a useful, valid and reliable model (Jeyaraj et al., 2006), many researchers have extended the model by adding different variables based on the types of information system or technology they studied. A critical review from Legris et al. (2003) revealed that there is a need to include other components in order to have better explanations and broader view in new technology adoption. In this cross-cultural study, trust and government e-readiness components are added in order to have better picture in their decision on online banking adoption. The two additional components can be varied as they posit different cultural backgrounds within these both countries. Perceived Usefulness In the model of TAM, perceived usefulness is a significant factor affecting in the acceptance of information system (Davis et al., 1989). It is also has been found to have direct effect towards online banking adoption (Eriksson et al., 2005; Pikkarainen et al., 2004). Similarly, Numerous papers have been studied about perceived usefulness on online banking. For example, Wong et al. (2003) explored that perceived usefulness has positive significant effect on behavioral intention towards online banking in Taiwan context. The study concluded that Taiwanese exploit online banking systems as they find the system is useful and comfortable to use. Pikkarainen et al. (2004) further indicated that perceived usefulness was found to be the most influential driver in online banking service. The findings explained that users choose to use online banking because of it anticipates better advantages as compared to other delivery channels. In Thailand, perceived usefulness is significant among Thai consumers intention to use and it has became a prominent encouragement for them to use online banking services (Jaruwachirathanakul and Fink, 2005). In this research context, perceived usefulness refers to consumers perceptions in using Internet as a financial transaction medium in order to enhance their banking experiences. These perceptions will influence consumers attitude toward online banking and their intention to use it. The main reason users start to use online banking services as they find the systems are useful and convenient during their transactions. Therefore, we test the following hypothesis: H1. Perceived usefulness has a positive association with consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Perceived Ease of Use Besides perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use is found as one of the important influential in adopting new technology (Davis et al., 1989). Perceived usefulness is the extend on how effective Internet and its applications in assisting consumers to accomplish tasks; on the other hand, perceived ease of use is the degree on how easy to use Internet as a medium to complete tasks (Toà ±ita et al., 2004). The beliefs of a person on the difficulty to use online systems will affect his or her intention to continue to use a technology (Davis, 1989). In the words, the complexity of certain online applications will tend to discourage or slow down technology adoption (Rogers, 1995). Various studies have offered insights on the significant effect of perceived ease of use on behavioral intention. According to Moon and Kim (2001), information systems not only should be easy to use, it should also stress on user friendly features. With that, users will feel less threatening and have more confident when using it. Eventually, this implies that perceived ease of use will affect the users perceived credibility during their interaction and exchanges on Internet. In a subsequent study, Wang et al (2003) documented that perceived ease of use had a significant effect on behavioral intention. This is highly related to users that have higher self-efficacy towards computer usage. The finding indicated that Taiwanese views interfaces and applications on banks websites are understandable and online banking is easy to apply and use. In a later study, Amin et al (2008) also revealed that there is a positive relationship between perceived ease of use and mobile banking adoption. By understanding that perceived ease of use will affect consumers attitude and intention, therefore it is important to identify the latent dimensions of this construct in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H2. Perceived ease of use has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Trust Trust is a crucial factor in many transactional relationships. Trust exists when one party is confident with anothers reliability and credibility (Morgan and Hunt, 1994; Ranaweera and Phrabu, 2003). According to Eriksson et al. (2005), trust is defined as the perceptions towards security and reliability of online banking system from the perspective of customers. The issue of online banking is more critical in comparing to offline banking (Al-Somali et al., 2008). As online banking transactions required sensitive information and access to critical files which transferred via Internet (Alsojjan and Dennis, 2006; Suh and Han, 2002). Therefore, it adds further the complexity to examine online banking trust as the interpersonal trust not only relying between banks and customers, but also between customers and information system (McKnight and Chervany, 2001-2002). To this, Grà ¶nroos (2001) concluded that the professionalism in the aspects on intelligent systems and operations is importan t in building customers trust. Collectively, customers have doubts on the overall security policies in online banking. Especially new adopters in developing nations like Malaysia and Vietnam have found to have less confident in trying online banking due to security reason (Gerrard and Cunnningham, 2003). In many banking websites, security technology like encryption, password, identifiers, or inactivity automatically logs users off the account are implemented to reduce the overall risk during transaction process and the same time increase customers trustworthiness in using the system (Hutichinson and Warren, 2003). In Malaysia, a total number of 500 respondents from different banks customers have been investigated and found that security factor showed the highest Cronbach alpha score. This indicates that security and trust towards online systems are ultimately important in order to encourage customers to start to use online applications. Therefore, the major concern for banks to implement online banking falls on the extent to how customers perceived trustworthiness of a particular system (Poon, 2008). In the study of Al-Somali et al (2008), trust has found to have significant impact in influencing customer attitudes towards online banking usage in Saudi Arabia community. Whereby, Sathyes (1999) identified security and privacy as the biggest obstacles towards the adoption of online banking in Australia. Thus, it is clear that without trust, customers will avoid making any transactions in virtual online environment. Although the consequence of trust in business-customer relationship has been established, the trust construct in virtual online banking is still in a somewhat ambivalent manner, especially in developing countries context. Thus, we proposed the following hypothesis: H3. Trust will have a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Government Support Government plays a vital role in creating institutional environment to encourage the nation to adopt online banking services. In the efforts of government by investing heavily in the aspects of availability and quality of labor, technical infrastructure, policy, work force training and maintaining have nevertheless prepared banks a better platform to foster online banking service (Gibbs et al., 2003). It has been observed and verified in the previous studies that governmental support either in projects funding or adoption schemes have leveraged technology diffusion in a shorter period of time (Tan, 2000). For example Tan and Teo (2000) mentioned in their study that Singapore Government has successfully promoted the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI) through educational program (Burn, 1995). In Malaysia, with the launch of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which is fully supported by government in 1996 has prepared Malaysia a great advancement into the thriving of ICT world. One of the key efforts of MSC is to provide the necessary facilities and technical skills for local and foreign businesses through its flagship applications and business services. With the implementations of electronic government, multi-purpose identification card, smart schools and telemedicine, government have tentatively encouraged the citizens to conduct transaction online. Vietnam, an emergence fast growing economy country has started to invest and improve its ICT infrastructure throughout the country. Rahn Wood, a senior executive of Techcombank, said that, although online baking remains unfamiliar in Vietnam, but it has foreseen to be potentially welcomed by Vietnamese people (VietnamNet, 2009). Although most of the people in Vietnam still prefer offline banking, there have seen an overwhelming increased usage in online banking, mobile banking, home banking, phone banking and other card and e-payment services. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Ho Chi Minh capital (VietnamNet, 2009). Government should play the role to encourage citizens in order to increase the usage rate in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H4. Government support has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking.

Orhan Seyfi Ari :: History

Orhan Seyfi Ari An Idealist and Visionary (1918-1992) â€Å"A luminary to so many teachers†(Editorial in ‘Halkin Sesi’ of 27 December 1992) A School Teacher's Mark on Educational History, Teaching, Social Culture Of those who wrote about him in English/American, in Turkish, in Greek –book-magazine-newspaper articles and officially and privately (in England, Cyprus, Australia).. to a poet he was a star –in his poem, to a columnist an eminent school, to an author a remarkable man, to an editor a defender of liberties, to a writer an honour to have known, and to a researcher ‘Such nice things I have heard about him!’... To the Secretary of State for Education he was ‘the teacher of teachers’ –inscribed on his tomb, a university professor’s condolences from Turkey were to his nation –who in his honour named a street after him. Orhan Ari was born in Lapithiou -Paphos, in the, at the time, British colony of Cyprus.. after completing his secondary and high-school education in Nicosia, and upon qualifying through Morphou Teachers Training College, he also studied agriculture†¦ With a keen interest in his continuing professional development through courses and seminars, and as to the rest mostly self-educated, he has left his unmistakeable mark in the educational, cultural, ethical, social, progress and development of Cyprus. He had been a secondary school teacher, a head teacher, a lecturer; an occasional columnist, in his personal circle of friends also a debater, mystic, poet.. in retirement he was invited overseas to inspect schools, and to give talks to cultural organisations†¦ He was a true and courageous leader of both pupils and peoples ~his extraordinary motivating skills had made him a choice of the British for the pioneering educational and socio-cultural development of many of the country’s peoples, and popular in both the Turkish and Greek communities –having taught at also British schools pupils varying from Armenian to English etc., also after political independence, while later in the course of his community’s adapting to the Turkish system of education (as may be suggested by some of his symbolic poems) he appears to have been officially perhaps less appreciated, upon his peacefully passing away –as a cleric of a couple of years in his retirement to make ends meet, the press having praised also his patriotism, the Leader of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus described him as having made both the state and the nation proud as â€Å"A successful modern educator.

Anguage Learner

Written materials on strategies of good language learners are scarcely available in the libraries or bookstores in Indonesia, especially, in the field of English language teaching and learning. The teachers and students of English need the literature to improve their teaching and learning. Meanwhile, observations and experiences in teaching of English indicate that the students use different strategies to understand and learn English. Some students understand the language best in concrete situations, others in abstract and some in both. Several students learn it step by step, others in no ordered system, and some both. Some students prefer a deductive approach, others an inductive one, some others both. Some are productive in small groups, others learn the language best in large groups and some others alone. However, the students can be grouped into unsuccessful (poor) language learners and successful (good) language learners. The good language learners must have their own strategies. What strategies do they use in learning English? This paper will try to answer the question. Theoreticians, such as, Rubin, Stern, Rubin and Thompson, Hosenfeld, and Hyland describe the good language learner strategies, giving some help in answering it. The answers are useful not only to the students of English but also to the teachers or lecturers of English as well. In addition, the purpose of this paper is to encourage the English teachers or lecturers to view their teaching not only from their teaching methods but also from their students learning strategies and to help the students realize their strategies of the good language learner in their studies. The results of the comparison may help them choose and apply the good language learner strategies that work for them. They can decide to replace their ineffective learning strategies with the effective ones. A paper presented in 41st TEFLIN SEMINAR (an international seminar) held at IKIP Padang on 9 th – 11 th September 1993, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Free Essays on All Choices have Consequences

All Choices have Consequences After decades of living the up’s and down’s of life I realized that I was not happy or satisfied with my life so far. I was either on top of the world doing well with what life had dealt me or was at the bottom. Each bottom was a little worse and got to the point that my life was miserable all the time. I ask myself, â€Å"Why is my life like this†? My life was a total wreck! Something had to change. At that point in my life I came to the realization that the problem was me! Since my choices and decisions appeared to be poorly made, I concluded that the first problem that needed immediate attention was irrational thinking. My thinking was not realistic. One example of thinking irrational was my childhood dream to be a successful businessman in the Oil and Gas Industry. This belief was top priority. I had neglected numerous responsibilities in my life trying to fulfill this belief. I believed that if I accomplished this belief all other priorities would be fulfilled to such as the money would take care of my happiness priority. My rationalizations and justifications were not really even close to being realistic. What I did not consider was the importance of the other priorities that I was neglecting. My first priority should have been having a close relationship with my only daughter, which was almost non-existent through her childhood and spending time with my family. Other priorities that were neglected were: responsibilities, happiness, health, education and religion. You could not convince me that my thinking was wrong and I was making the wrong choices. What is wrong with this picture? To complicate my life even more, I had a serious alcohol and drug problem. Of course you could not get me to admit this and I truly believed that I was just a social and occasional user. I started using at age fifteen. With little thoughts like: â€Å"Everyone is doing it, why not†, â€Å"Do you want t... Free Essays on All Choices have Consequences Free Essays on All Choices have Consequences All Choices have Consequences After decades of living the up’s and down’s of life I realized that I was not happy or satisfied with my life so far. I was either on top of the world doing well with what life had dealt me or was at the bottom. Each bottom was a little worse and got to the point that my life was miserable all the time. I ask myself, â€Å"Why is my life like this†? My life was a total wreck! Something had to change. At that point in my life I came to the realization that the problem was me! Since my choices and decisions appeared to be poorly made, I concluded that the first problem that needed immediate attention was irrational thinking. My thinking was not realistic. One example of thinking irrational was my childhood dream to be a successful businessman in the Oil and Gas Industry. This belief was top priority. I had neglected numerous responsibilities in my life trying to fulfill this belief. I believed that if I accomplished this belief all other priorities would be fulfilled to such as the money would take care of my happiness priority. My rationalizations and justifications were not really even close to being realistic. What I did not consider was the importance of the other priorities that I was neglecting. My first priority should have been having a close relationship with my only daughter, which was almost non-existent through her childhood and spending time with my family. Other priorities that were neglected were: responsibilities, happiness, health, education and religion. You could not convince me that my thinking was wrong and I was making the wrong choices. What is wrong with this picture? To complicate my life even more, I had a serious alcohol and drug problem. Of course you could not get me to admit this and I truly believed that I was just a social and occasional user. I started using at age fifteen. With little thoughts like: â€Å"Everyone is doing it, why not†, â€Å"Do you want t...

Ancient Spartan Public Education

Ancient Spartan Public Education T. Rutherford Harley (The Public School of Sparta, Greece Rome, Vol. 3, No. 9 (May 1934) pp. 129-139.) uses Xenophons Polity of Lacedaemon, the Hellenica, and Plutarchs Lycurgus for evidence of the Spartan education system. The following is a summary of the relevant sections of his article with a few more recent references. Upbringing of Children to Age 7 A child deemed worth raising is given to its mother to be cared for until the age of 7, although during the day, it accompanies its father to the syssitia (dining clubs) where it sits on the floor picking up Spartan customs by osmosis. Lycurgus instituted the practice of appointing a state officer, the paidonomos, who puts children in school, supervises and punishes. Children are barefoot to encourage them to move swiftly, and they are encouraged to learn to withstand the elements by having only one outfit. Children are never satiated with food or fed fancy dishes. Schooling of 7-Year-Old Boys At the age of 7, the paidonomos organized the boys into divisions of about 60 each called ilae. These were groups of peers of the same age. Most of their time was spent in this company, according to Figueira. The ilae were under the supervision of an eiren (iren) aged about 20, at whose house the ilae ate. If the boys wanted more food, they went on hunts or raids. So seriously did the Lacedaemonian children go about their stealing, that a youth, having stolen a young fox and hid it under his coat, suffered it to tear out his very bowels with its teeth and claws, and died upon the place, rather than let it be seen.From Plutarchs Life of Lycurgus After dinner, the boys sing songs of war, history, and morality or the eiren quizzes them, training their memory, logic, and ability to speak laconically. The Iren, or under-master, used to stay a little with them after supper, and one of them he bade to sing a song, to another he put a question which required an advised and deliberate answer; for example, Who was the best man in the city? What he thought of such an action of such a man? They used them thus early to pass a right judgment upon persons and things, and to inform themselves of the abilities or defects of their countrymen. If they had not an answer ready to the question Who was a good or who an ill-reputed citizen, they were looked upon as of a dull and careless disposition, and to have little or no sense of virtue and honor; besides this, they were to give a good reason for what they said, and in as few words and as comprehensive as might be; he that failed of this, or answered not to the purpose, had his thumb bit by his master. Sometimes the Iren did this in the presence of the old men and magistrates, that they might see whether he punished them justly and in due measu re or not; and when he did amiss, they would not reprove him before the boys, but, when they were gone, he was called to an account and underwent correction, if he had run far into either of the extremes of indulgence or severity.From Plutarchs Life of Lycurgus Spartan Literacy It is not clear whether they learn to read. [For more on the issue of literacy in Sparta, see Whitley and Cartledge.] Physical Training The boys play ball games, ride, and swim. They sleep on reeds and suffer floggings silently, or they suffer again. Spartans study dance as a kind of gymnastic training for war dances as for wrestling. This was so central that Sparta was known as a dancing place from Homeric times. [For more on the importance of dancing in Sparta, see Dionysiac Elements in Spartan Cult Dances, by Soteroula Constantinidou. Phoenix, Vol. 52, No. 1/2. (Spring - Summer, 1998), pp. 15-30. ] Foster Sons Allowed in Spartan Schools Not only were the schools for the sons of the Spartiate, but also for foster sons. Xenophon, for instance, sent his two sons to Sparta for their education. Such students were called trophimoi. Even the sons of helots and perioikoi could be admitted, as syntrophoi or mothakes, but only if a Spartiate adopted them and paid their dues. If these did exceptionally well, they might later be enfranchised as Spartiates. Harley speculates that guilt may be a factor here because the helots and perioikoi often took in the children that the Spartiates had rejected at birth as unworthy of rearing. From Agoge to Syssitia and Krypteia At 16 the young men leave the agoge and join the syssitia, although they continue training so they can join the youth who become members of the Krypteia (Cryptia). Krypteia The passage from Plutarchs Life of Lycurgus: Hitherto I, for my part, see no sign of injustice or want of equity in the laws of Lycurgus, though some who admit them to be well contrived to make good soldiers, pronounce them defective in point of justice. The Cryptia, perhaps (if it were one of Lycurguss ordinances, as Aristotle says it was), Gave both him and Plato, too, this opinion alike of the lawgiver and his government. By this ordinance, the magistrates dispatched privately some of the ablest of the young men into the country, from time to time, armed only with their daggers, and taking a little necessary provision with them; in the daytime, they hid themselves in out-of-the-way places, and there lay close, but, in the night, issued out into the highways, and killed all the Helots they could light upon; sometimes they set upon them by day, as they were at work in the fields, and murdered them. As, also, Thucydides, in his history of the Peloponnesian war, tells us, that a good number of them, after being singled out for their bravery by the Spartans, garlanded, as enfranchised persons, and led about to all the temples in token of honors, shortly after disappeared all of a sudden, being about the number of two thousand; and no man either then or since could give an account how they came by their deaths. And Aristotle, in particular, adds, that the ephori, so soon as they were entered into their office, used to declare war against them, that they might be massacred without a breach of religion. Sources: The Public School of SpartaT. Rutherford HarleyGreece RomeVol. 3, No. 9 (May 1934) pp. 129-139.Cretan Laws and Cretan LiteracyJames WhitleyAmerican Journal of ArchaeologyVol. 101, No. 4. (Oct. 1997), pp. 635-661Literacy in the Spartan OligarchyPaul CartledgeJournal of Hellenic StudiesVol. 98, 1978 (1978), pp. 25-37.Mess Contributions and Subsistence at SpartaThomas J. FigueiraTransactions of the American Philological Association (1974-) Vol. 114, (1984), pp. 87-109

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 29

None - Essay Example Package is also important because of the exclusive control that the product storeowner has over it. Unlike brand that depends on influence for creation and sustenance, package remains the same and as created by the product owner (Black 1). Marketers also and erroneously assume that packaging aims at capturing a customer’s attention into purchase. One of the roles of packaging is attraction and retention of customers. Sensitivity to the target market and branding objectives is important to effects of packaging on the role. A package, which can also develop a brand, may be effective to attract new customers and to retain existing customers through visibility and attractive features or disrupt existing customers. Packaging can also be used to communicate changes in product and in brand into effective marketing. It also informs customers of product features and quality to help in closing sales. This is because of information that package can offer about a product, such as ingredients, that makes a product outstanding from its competitors (Black 1). Black, James. â€Å"What is your product saying to consumers? Rethinking the role of the package in communications.† AdAge. January 18, 2011. Web. March 10, 2015.

How did Roman authors choose to portray barbarians (particularly Gauls Essay

How did Roman authors choose to portray barbarians (particularly Gauls and Germans) How realistic can we expect these portraits - Essay Example The Romans enjoyed a culture based on fine arts and literature, superior technologies and advanced training techniques for their military campaigns. As the empire extended ever further, there was increasing contact with those â€Å"other† tribes and nations and the Roman historians recorded their impressions from this rather one-sided perspective of the conqueror. This paper examines the way that two Roman authors, Julius Caesar and Tacitus, portray the barbarians and examines the very different motivations of these two writers and the consequent limitations of their respective approaches. The early account of the Germans which is given by Julius Caesar (100-44BC) in Book VI of De Bello Gallico [Gallic War] is presented as a contrast to the way that he perceives the Gauls. It is interesting that this great Roman leader comments first on religious matters and war, pointing out that the Germans do not have druids and sacrifices, like the Gauls, but instead have their own gods wh om they can see and who help them in their warlike lifestyle.1 It is quite clear that Caesar accepts the different gods of these two barbarian peoples as actors in the battles that occur, and he accepts also their direct link with the sun, sky and natural world of groves and springs that go with these gods. There is no attempt to layer Roman ideas into these practices, but there is an implicit assumption that Roman ways are better. Caesar appears impressed by their dependence on animal products, rather than agriculture, and the way that leaders ensure loyalty by organising a rotation of lands and a focus on plundering neighboring tribes, since in his view this keeps them always ready for war.2 It is striking that Caesar notes also the generosity of the Germans in offering protection hospitality and food to those who visit them, because this reveals a fair-minded appreciation of German moral standards. He does not demonize his enemies, but seeks to portray them in a sympathetic light . One reason for this may be that his experience on campaigns and in the battlefields has taught him how difficult it is to maintain fitness and commitment in his fighting troops. Roman troops were motivated by monetary rewards and the promise of a happy retirement back in the warmer climes of their homeland, while the German warriors appear less materialistic and better trained for a life of fighting. For a general this must have seemed like a far better underpinning for the provision of fighting forces. When it comes to the Gauls, Julius Caesar reflects a common classical notion that those who are located furthest from the centre of the Empire in Rome are the most valiant and the greatest of the barbarians: â€Å"For Caesar this distance, combined with the Belgae’s close proximity and daily confrontations with the Germans, both offensively and defensively, had made them the bravest of the Gauls.†3 This traditional wisdom could not fail to have influenced his percepti on of the peoples that he encountered on his exploratory travels throughout the vast regions of Gaul. There is a strong possibility that he actually seeks out evidence to support these theories, and to stress that he values the barbarians more, the further away from Rome they are, thus at the same time extolling their powerful image but minimizing any possibility