UK Precious and Non-ferrous Metals Market Size

UK Precious and Non-ferrous Metals Market SizeBASIC PRECIOUS AND NON-FERROUS METALS IN UK ANALYSISHeadlinesBasic cute and non-ferrous metals market size in the UK undertake by 7% in 2013 due to decrease in aluminium, bills, gold, atomic number 78 and cop prices51% accession in constancys turn everywhere was driven by the growing study from self-propelling labor write up for 14% of B2B purchases and aircraft and spacecraft diligence accounting for 8%In 2013 a new Scrap Metal Dealers Act has been introduced implementing more effective licensing for throw away dealers and ext ending the ban for buying scrap for cash in order to decrease the level of metal theftBasic precious and non-ferrous metals production in the UK is expected to grow by peripheral less than 1% over 2013-2019 due to growing loudnesss of precious metals and affix prices of platinum and p completelyadiumMarket TrendsThe basic precious and non-ferrous metals market in UK contracted by 7.3% in 2013 to 12 .9 billion. The market shrunk due to the declining global prices of basic metals including aluminium, copper and precious metals.Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers accounted for 14% of purchases in industry in 2013. The latter consider experienced a 17% growth over 2013. In 2013 UK car production change magnitude by 5% whereas sales grew by 10% respectively.1 high vehicle production and increasing use of aluminium determined that aluminium accounted for the largest dish out 32% of the UK market in 2013 totalling in 4.1 billion. Its share enlarged by 22% over the year. Automotive industry gained from lower aluminium prices as it decreased by 8.7% to a US$1,847 per metric ton in the end of 20132. Decline was experienced due to the surplus of global production as demand for aluminium in China and Eurozone has slowed down.3Market structure of metal ores has been ever-changing permanently as demand of aluminium in UK automotive industry continued to increase. Automotive com panies have been looking into ways to reduce CO2 emissions in order to comply with new EU standards. atomic number 13 is a solution to reduce vehicle weight and improve emissions. As a consequence in 2013 Land Rover announced construction of new plant for production of aluminium chassis that will exist GBP1.5 billion signalling new era for automotive industry raw material suppliers.Growing automotive industry in UK has positively affected the demand for platinum and palladiums as these precious metals are utilise in production of auto catalysts. The global price of the platinum declined by 10% due to the surplus in the market.4 Palladium global price increased by 2% as palladium experienced a 7th year of deficit in the market.5Due to the improving economic performance in the UK and increasing customer trust, precious metals recorded a 36% drop in the value of its market size. Growing strength in equities decreased the demand for precious metals that has been viewed as a reliable substitute for the investment earlier.6 Global price of gold bullion decreased by 26% to US$1,235 per troy ounce. The silver was no exception as the price fell by 36%7 and reached US$19.6 an ounce.8Coppers market size in UK dropped by 11% accounting for 15% of the total market size of the industry in 2013. Its value stood at 1.9 billion. The fall was driven by the decline in global copper price that dropped to US$7,332 per metric ton in December 2013 recording a decline of 7.9%.9 This was due to the slowdown in Chinas economy and growing stocks of copper which reached their peak since 2003 in Londons Metal Exchange.10Aircraft and spacecraft industry accounted for 8% of the purchases in the industry after increase of 14%. The UK is the second largest civil aerospace sector in the world after the US exporting approximately 75% of its production.11Aerospace industry contri entirelyes 8% to the UKs gross domestic product on average. Therefore, in 2013 the Government announced a funding of 2.1 billion towards saving over 100,000 workplaces in the aerospace sector boosting the aerospace industry and demand of metals generated by it.12In 2013 industrys imports accounted for 86% of the UKs basic precious and non-ferrous metals market. The value of imports grew by 26% and totalled to 17.3 billion over the year. Precious metals accounted for 41% of imports and made largest share after a 51% growth over 2013. The main reason for growth was soaring 11 times higher exports of gold to Switzerland and China.13Production Trends interior(prenominal) production of basic and non-ferrous metals recorded a 51% growth over 2013 totalling to 9.2 billion. Precious metals accounted for 44% of the turnover experiencing an astonishing 99% increase over the year. Aluminium also recorded a 30% growth in its turnover accounting for 18% of total industrys turnover.Production of precious metals almost doubled and totalled to 4 billion in 2013 due to the soaring exports of gold over 2013. I n addition, the production was supported by growing automotive industry in UK and the world as platinum and palladium are used in production of auto catalysts.The growth of aluminium turnover was determined by increase in volume as prices of aluminium in global market declined by 8.7% in the end of 2013. The price decreased due to excess of aluminium as the demand growth in the main aluminium consumption markets, China and Eurozone, has slowed down. The increase was also driven by the growth of lodgement sector in the UK which in turn recorded an increase due to the government stimulus program and foreign investments. 14UKs metal recycling industry is the most advanced recycle segment in the country worth 5.6 billion. Approximately 13 meg tons of scrap metal is being graceful annually15. In December, 2013 new Scrap Metal Dealers Act has been introduced replacing the one valid since 1964. According to it, more effective licensing for scrap dealers will be employ and a ban to buy scrap for cash will be extended to decrease the level of metal thievery in the country.16Costs from digging of metal ore in the industry increased by 40% over 2013 reaching 888 million. Costs grew due to surged demand of gold.Though electricity accounted for only 3% of the B2B costs in the industry, its share saw a 46% increase. As average price of electricity for industrial users grew by 4% over 2013, come near in costs was driven by higher quantity of metal refined. The average price grew by 6 cents (or 4 cents in real terms) accounting for 7.77 pence per kWh. From July to December the industrial price of electricity was the 4th highest in the EU15. 17Labour costs accounted for a marginal 6% share of total costs in the industry after experiencing an increase of 17%. The increase was induced by the 12% increase in average annual wages in the industry as well as 5% increase in number of employees in 2013.Exports accounted for 85% of product output in 2013 and totalled to 18.4 bill ion. It recorded an increase of 114%. The exports were concentrate with Switzerland being the main trade partner with 62% of total exports. The main reason for export growth was soaring 11 times higher exports of gold over 2013. 18 The main destination for gold was Switzerland where gold was exported to be re-melted and sold to consumers in Asia, namely China, India and UAE19.The industry of basic precious and nonferrous metals recorded a 126% increase in its profits which stood at 537 million in 2013. The profitability stood at 6% of turnover. It was positively affected by increased gold exports. In addition, UKs market players continued the reduction of their operational costs and improvement of competitiveness in the market through resource efficiency programmes and disinvestments in non-core businesses.Competitive embellishThe top 5 companies in the basic precious and non-ferrous metals industry accounted for 36% of total production in the UK in 2013. The leader was Johnson Ma tthey Plc with 27% of production. The corporation was followed by other industrys players accounting for a less significant share of production Britannia Refined Metals Ltd (4%), VALE Europe Ltd (3%), Alcan Aluminum UK Ltd (1%), and KME Yorkshire Ltd (1%).Johnson Matthey Plc is a UK-based company that besides specialty in chemicals industry is employed in recycling of precious metals, mainly platinum group. The company saw growth in all its divisions especially in department of emission control technologies as a new legislation to control emissions from heavy duty diesel vehicles has been introduced in Europe. Therefore, in 2013 the company expanded its production of diesel particulate filters in Royston, UK. Johnson Matthey Plc has also increased it manufacturing capacity of catalysts in Clitheroe, UK.20 The company opened its new laboratory in Singapore as a part of strategy to expand its presence in Asia. As energy consumption increased by 6% over the financial year, by 2017 o ne of the companys aims is to improve its resource efficiency. 21Britannia Refined Metals Ltd, a subsidiary of Xstrata Plc, is a United Kingdom company engaged in lead and extensive range of lead alloys and silver production. Britannia Refined Metals Ltd facility is located 40 km east of London on the Thames estuary. Xstrata Plc correct the merger with Glencore International Plc in 2013. XstrataGlencore Plc future main projects are expected to be concentrated in segments of copper, nickel, zinc and lead thus providing the ability for volume growth in the upcoming years.22Vale Europe Ltd, a subsidiary of Vale SA, is a United Kingdom company engaged in the exploration and production of nickel in the United Kingdom. The company provides iron ores and pellets, copper, manganese, ferroalloys, aluminium, coal, fertilizers, cobalt, precious metals, and logistic services. In the United Kingdom Vale operates precious metals refinery in Acton, great London and nickel refinery in Clydach, Wa les. In 2013 in order to improve its operations, the company started the partnership with geological research centre British Geological Survey.23 In addition, as of 2013, the company announced plans to expand its operations in Brazil by adding 160,000 jobs and investing USD63.5 billion by 2016.Alcan Aluminum UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto PLC is a United Kingdom company, which is engaged in production of aluminium. Rio Tinto PLC operates smelters located in the United Kingdom in Lochaber and Lynemouth. The company was active in its global cost reductions through disinvestments therefore underlying earnings grew by US$ 392 million over 2013. However, recent proposals for warehousing rules from LME are expected to put a rack on companys regional earnings.24 It has also informed about plans to invest C$14.8 million in a smelting site in Quebec, Canada in September, 2014.KME Yorkshire Ltd is engaged in manufacturing of various copper tubes like plain, plastics coated and special fin ish. The company has sold copper plumbing tubes manufacturing business in Liverpool, UK for 18 million to Mueller Europe Ltd in February, 2014. After the deal, KME Yorkshire Ltd is expected to continue to handle all commercial activities of KME Group in UK.25ProspectsBasic precious and non-ferrous metals production in the UK is anticipate to increase by less than 1% over the period of 2013-2019. The growth will be mainly driven by 1% increase in production of precious metals. Anticipated growth of platinum and palladium prices is expected to boost the industry further.Production of precious metals will decline by 14% in 2014 as mainly production of gold stabilizes after a surge. The industry will revert back to normal level after a gold bullion demand shock originated in China. The decline will be reassured by 2.5% in gold price, 19% silver and 12% decrease in platinum price.Vehicle production is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2014 due to increase in quantity. Consequently, demand of metals will increase with aluminium in the lead. Growth of aluminium demand will also be driven by tightening CO2 emission requirements and increasing demand of fuel efficient vehicles. Though, demand of fuel economy might slightly decline as fuel prices decline in second half of 2014 but regulations will still require a decline of emissions. Automotive industry will slightly boost precious metals segment as demand for platinum and palladium grows.Aircraft industry in UK is expected to decline by 2.6% in 2014 causing lower demand of aluminium. The increasing use of composites instead of aluminium in manufacture of airplanes will further deteriorate aluminium market causing a total of 10% decline in aluminium production in 2014 despite increasing demand from automotive industry12 France 2723 http//articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-20/news/39393012_1_aluminium-production-tonnes-10-6-kg4 http//www.kitco.com/news/2014-05-02/Platinum-Price-To-Average-1457Oz-In-2014-Palladium- 793-GFMS.html5 http//www.lppm.com/statistics.aspx?comm=ptt=dailyy=20136 http//www.cnbc.com/id/101253055.7 http//www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-surges-20-silver-rebounds-after-dismal-2013-2014-01-028 http//moneymorning.com/2015/01/02/silver-prices-this-year-fell-20-heres-why/?gated_signup=truegateType=29 France 27210 http//www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-30/copper-prices-falling-on-china-slowdown-europe-concerns-1-.html11 http//www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/in-depth/reasons-to-be-cheerful-about-the-uk-aerospace-sector/1017274.article12 http//www.greencarcongress.com/2013/07/apc-20130712.html13 https//www.bullionvault.com/gold-news/uk-gold-exports-02202014214 http//www.out-law.com/articles/2014/january/uk-construction-industry-optimistic-of-growth-in-2014-but-experts-warn-of-unsustainable-recovery/15 http//www.local.gov.uk/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=7ca891f9-228e-47b9-a561-d6953d660597groupId=1018016 http//onlinenewsroom.co.uk/bmra/uncategorized/metals-recycling-industry-welcom es-%E2%80%98new-era%E2%80%99/17 https//www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/296011/QEP_March_2014.pdf p.9,29, 3418 https//www.bullionvault.com/gold-news/uk-gold-exports-02202014219 http//uk.reuters.com/article/2013/08/19/uk-gold-uk-exports-macquarie-idUKBRE97I0PQ2013081920 http//www.advfn.com/news_Johnson-Matthey-PLC-Half-Yearly-Report_60113845.html21 http//www.matthey.com/documents/pdfs/2013_14/annual-report/jm-ar-2014.pdf p.3,4,12,1322 http//www.glencore.com/assets/investors/doc/reports_and_results/2013/GLEN-2013-Annual-Report.pdf p.198,4623 http//www.vale.com/en/aboutvale/across-world/pages/default.aspx24 http//www.riotinto.com/annualreport2013/performance/aluminium.html25 http//www.kme.com/en/pressrelease/detail/1030

Criticisms Of Symbolic Interactionism Sociology Essay

Criticisms Of Symbolic Interactionism Sociology EssayThis chapter volition outline the look into methods which argon used to explain procedures for collecting data. In addition, it discusses literature which underlies the methods and reasons for the chosen data collection procedures. The chapter presents an outline of question methodology (qualitative feeler) and the apparatuss for data collection which be comm muchover used with each concomitant method. The chapter steeringes on the enquiry setting, instruments for data collection, data analysis, issues of validity and reliability, and ethical issues. This chapter forget clearly define the look methods used to perform the interpret. The investigator will provide an exposition as to the collection methods of the data and info which was necessary to address the research objectives. As such, every data sources, instruments for research, data collection and analytical techniques, and research formula, will be presumpt ion.Research designThere argon mevery methodologies for collecting data, and it goat be collected from many different sources. By research methodology, it is meant a set of techniques which be used in certain areas of research activity (Nachmias and Nachmias, 1996.) Methodologies do not fall into categories of right and wrong it is the duty of the researcher to explore the most appropriate method, according to the questions macrocosm researched. Huberman and Miles, in 2002, in addition to Blaxter et al, in 2001, said that data collected is qualitative when it is in word and describes situations, mickle of phenomenon, or individuals. Data are quantitative if they are represented in the form of numbers, counts, or measurements which attempt to provide precision to the observation set. Hence, the classification betwixt quantitative and qualitative is most commonly used (Smeyers, 2002.) agree to Denzin and Lincoln (1994) both quantitative and qualitative burn downes can be applie d within any school of sen clock timent of research. The approach that all genuine knowledge is ultimately grounded in sensory experience is called the positivist approach. This approach as well says that knowledge can only be advanced finished experimentation and observation. The interpretivist approach, in contrast, holds that only through the standpoint of individuals who are part of the action world investigated, can the genial cosmea be understood (Cohen et al. 2008.) Therefore, the nature of the problem being researched will keep back a direct effect on the choice of research methods being employed. Also, unimagi aboriginal consideration, such as funding and time, may influence a researchers choices. Also, when utiliseing the scientific method, the researcher must keep certain considerations in mind, such as the investigators consume involvement in the usage of the results, the precision of measuring devices, time constraints for obtaining results, difficulty in de signing experiments which adequately test hypotheses, and the relative mixedity of the subject being investigated.In 1994, Gable reported that literature marked a distinction between the twain approaches, but that the approaches are not mutually exclusive. Rather, sometimes researchers apply both. soft and quantitative approaches and techniques may be conceptualized as opposite poles on a continuum (Gable, 1994.) The differences between the approaches are detailed on Table 4-1. Remenyi (1998) argued that the two approaches can be used together due to the mingledity of answering how, why, and what questions.Selection CriteriaDenzin and Lincoln (1994) defined qualitative research as followsThe word qualitative implies an fierceness on processes and meanings that are not rigorously examined or measured (if measured at all), in terms of quantitative, amount, intensity or frequency Qualitative researchers mental strain the socially constructed nature of reality, the intimate relat ionship between the researcher and what is studied and the situational constraints that shape inquiry. Such researchers emphasize the value-laden nature of inquiry. They seek answers to questions given meaning (p. 124).Qualitative research sits within the phenomenological viewpoint, and involves at least some interaction between the researcher and the situation or individual which is being researched (Hussey and Hussey, 2003.) According to Morgan and Smircich (1980) the qualitative approach to research is not a set of techniques but an approach. As such, the appropriateness of using it is based on the phenomena being studied, and the questions being asked. specially, Kirk and Miller (1986) set forward the following steps to describe the qualitative approach to research invention, discovery, interpretation, and finally, explanation. Other views of the qualitative research approach note its possible design constraints. For example, an individuals own trace of attitudes, motivatio ns, and behaviours, may be an influencing factor (Hakim, 2000.)Qualitative research has the problem of subjectivity. This is because the researcher is involved personally in the operation of the measurement tools (Walter and Gall, 1989.) There are several(prenominal) features which distinguish the nature and design of studies which use the qualitative approach, such as a holistic investigation of a particular phenomenon and the understanding of the study it egotism in its raw(a) setting (Walter and Gall, 1989.) The very nature of the qualitative approach allows for some flexibility and responsiveness to multiple realities and complexity. Purposely selecting the sample, rather than selecting it randomly, can help the researcher avoid missing sample data which could an some other(prenominal)wise be considered as outliers, and hence un weighty. Purposive sampling can allow the researcher to enrich the emergence of their research by designing a study which will include both non-typic al and typical subjects (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998.)Hakim (2000) indicates that the validity of the data being collected has a direct effect on the strength of the qualitative research itself. Data are normally collected in adequate detail so as to allow the results to be considered correct, complete, true, and believable accounts of the views and experiences of the participants. However, sample size continues to be a concern. A qualitative project will normally have a visit number of participants, which cannot be taken as representative (Hakim 2000.) This fact remains even when a fair cross-section of subjects has be carefully assembled.Qualitative design methods usually include 1) a case study providing data which describes the subject of the study b) a meta-analysis designed to analyse statistical outcomes of previous research from divers(a) sources c) research analysis on relevant administrative records d) a record of focus crowd discussions which serve to bring together a assort of informants, dower the investigated issue and d) unstructured, semi-structured, or structured in-depth references (Silverman,2000 Kruger, 2001).Qualitative research can be considered an independent field of inquiry, as it is focused on studying objects in their natural settings. It also attempts to make sense of various phenomena in terms of their meanings as related to a set field (Denzin and Lincoln, 1994.) This form of research examines activity which is situated, in which an opportunity is presents to both participate in, and then reflect on, the knowledge production process (Flick, 2002.) Denzin and Lincoln (2003) state that the potential for the interpretation of phenmoena is presented by qualitative research which takes place in a natural setting. The use of multi-methods may be used to provide interpretation and focus on individuals (Denzin and Lincoln,1998.) Additionally, qualitative research usually includes audiences, the practical components of a case study, a manners story, observations, and personal experience. It can also involve descriptions of routines or moments which were problematic, and even the meaning in the lives of individuals (Denzin and Lincoln, 2003). Qualitative studies, then, are ultimately concerned with both how its participants fit into their environments, and how they make sense of their individual experiences.Symbolic interactionismThe fundamentals of exemplary interactionism as a perspective have been make by the forge of Mead (1932 1934) who is acknowledged for his alternate views toward understanding human society (Blumer, 1969 Charon, 2004). Blumer (1969) expanded on Meads work to develop symbolic interactionism into a perspective with a methodology to investigate and interpret the interactions of individuals in a social consideration. Because we live in a complex, industrialized society, and come from different ethnic, racial, and social class backgrounds, it is kafkaesque to think that we all share th e homogeneous sets of norms, beliefs, and values. People will often have competing and differenceing beliefs rather than shared goals and interests. Instead of being the product of consensus, unionized behavior may be the result of self-interested negotiations between two or much parties or the product of coercion on the part of to a greater extent all-powerful individuals.Herman-Kinneys observation reflects the appropriateness of symbolic interaction as a suitable framework for this study acknowledgement that social contexts are complex entities that involve complex interactions between individuals and groups of individuals. The context of a university in Japan that employs individuals with a range of cultural and social attributes reflects Herman-Kinneys intention that batch within a specific context carry conflicting beliefs and values, heretofore can function effectively as a group. Symbolic interactionism provides greater scope to explore such complexity. While other pers pectives have made significant contributions to our understanding of the concept of identity, a noticeable absence from analysis of identity formation is the notion of the self as a separate concept to identity (Herman-Kinney, 2003 p.708 Beijaard et al., 2004). One of the fundamentals of symbolic interactionism is its emphasis on the notion of self and its relationship to the concept of identity. The notion of self tends to be overlooked in the literature on teacher identity largely because self and identity can tend to be used interchangeably. Other perspectives show that an individual is a composite of multiple identities, a view shared by symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism further contends that behind the multiple identities is the notion of self a core entity that in many ways gives life to those multiple identities. This study is limited to exploring the nature of professional identities and not the nature of self. However, the distinction involve to be made tha t symbolic interactionism views self and identity as two separate but related concepts.THE EMERGENCE OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMSymbolic interactionism is a crude approach to the scientific study of human group life and human channelise. (Blumer, 1969 p.47)Symbolic interactionism is a perspective that emerged chiefly from the work of American tradition of pragmatism, philosophy and social psychology (Fidishun, 2002 Charon, 2004 p.28). It challenged the mechanistic world view and dualistic assumption of classic rationalism (Shalin, 1991 p.223). One of the most recognised challengers was Mead (1932 1934) who viewed human group life as the essential condition for the emergence of core attributes that characterise an individual. Blumer (1969) identified the core attributes as assuredness, the mind, a world of objects, human beings as organisms possessing selves, and human conduct in the form of constructed acts. From these core attributes, Blumer (1969 p.6) proposed a number of basic ideas or root images to frame human societies human groups or societies, social interaction, objects, the human being as an actor, human action, and the interconnection of the lines of action. Together, these root images represent the way in which symbolic interactionism views human society and conduct.Symbolic interactionism is used in this study to focus on the interactions of teachers with objects in a specific context. Core to symbolic interactionist principles is a focus on social interaction and meanings that result from the process of interpreting these interactions. The importation of symbolic interactionism, according to Rosenberg and Turner (1981), is that it places emphasis on researching real-life events, such as the practice of teaching. Within an educational context, Hargreaves (1995 p.11) argues that symbolic interactionism helps clarify why teachers (and others) do what they do and that it addresses the practical realities rather than holding people to perspectives ideals or moral exhortation concerning human change and development. Exploring the identity of teachers who teach English in the context of this study lends itself well to the principles of symbolic interactionism, due to the highly interactive nature of the context that is rich in symbols language, objects and social interactions.CORE IDEAS OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMAs mentioned previously, symbolic interactionism emerged from the work of Mead who viewed human society differently from the traditionally held views of his time. Through his interpretation of Meads work of interpreting human society, Blumer developed three premises that characterise the fundamentals of symbolic interactionism. In his first of three premises, Blumer begins with the nature of meaning that human beings hold towards things that are socially defined.Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that the thingshave for them (Blumer, 1969 p.2).According to Blumer, meaning is not implicit in hu mans at birth, instead emerges through social interactions and interpretations of those interactions. Meaning is established in communication (Mead, 1932). Blumers explanation illustrates a divergence from traditional approaches to explain meaning. By traditional, Blumer referred mainly to the fields of psychology and sociology, which were predominant at the time of his writing. From a psychological perspective, factors such as attitudes and conscious or unconscious motives were featured in attempts to understand human conduct, while sociological perspectives relied on factors such as social position, social pressures and cultural prescriptions in its attempt to explain human conduct (Blumer, 1969 p.3). According to Blumer (1969 p.3), the meanings that things have for human beings are central in their own right. That is, instead of focusing on factors that are alleged to produce behaviour, meaning is the focus of analysis itself. The process of meaning refers to the act of interpret ation, which has implications on our understanding of human beings, human action and human experience (Blumer, 1969 p.79).Blumer argues that other research traditions6 bypass a focus on meaning. It is either taken for granted and pushed aside as unimportant or it is regarded as a more neutral link between the factors responsible for human behaviour and the product of such factors (Blumer, 1969 p.3). According to Blumer, these perspectives are more concerned with the behaviour of individuals and with the factors regarded as producing the behaviour. However, while differences remain between symbolic interactionism and other research traditions, similarities are becoming more common, such as both stress the importance of language, the high-octane character of social and cultural life, and the unstable relations of difference (Dunn, 1997 p.689).The source of meaning emerges from social interactions between individuals and things within social contexts and situations. Blumers (ibid p.3 ) explanation of things, or objects, reflects the down-to-earth nature of symbolic interactionism to include physical objects (such as classrooms, office space, textbooks), other human beings (such as a wife, an officemate), categories of human beings (such as friends, management, students, native English-speaking teachers of English, native Japanese-speaking teachers of English), institutions (such as university, government), guiding ideals (such as individual independence, approach to teaching, university policy), activities of others (such as demands from management or requests from colleagues),THE APPROPRIATENESS OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMSymbolic interactionism is concerned with people, the meaning that people have towards things, and that these meanings are subjected to a process of interpretation within social contexts. timberland provides a convincing argument, claiming that the emphasis is upon the construction of meanings and perspective, theadaptation to circumstances, the management of interests in the ebb and flow ofcountless interactions containing many ambiguities and conflicts, the strategiesdevised to promote those interests, and the negotiation with others intereststhat is a common feature of all teaching situations. (Woods, 1996 p.7)Woods account of symbolic interaction reflects the complexity of social situations, viewing symbolic interaction as a perspective that offers flexibility to explore the mysteries of social interaction in educational contexts. Woods was attracted to symbolic interactionism because it offered the kind of intellectual equipment needed to explore some of the mysteries of social interaction in the school (Woods, 1996 p.7). This study recognises that other research perspectives are evenly suitable to explore the concept of professional identity. Symbolic interaction, however, allows meanings to be explored in the richness of the context individuals hailing from broad cultural, educational and personal backgrounds. I f identity is formed through relationships and interactions in a social context, a symbolic interactionist perspective is appropriate for exploring the negotiating of identities of EFL teachers in a Japanese higher education context. The nature of teaching English in higher education in Japan is highly interactive between students and colleagues within a context rich in symbols open to complex processes of interaction and interpretation.CRITICISMS OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISMSymbolic interactionism has changed considerably since its emergence as a perspective, becoming fragmented at times as a result of conflict from different schools of thought and interpretation (Fine, 1993). It, however, is not without its imperfections or its critics, of which many emerged from within the perspective itself as well as from other research traditions. The criticisms toward symbolic interactionism were more intense earlier in its account statement than of late due to its perceived departure from sci entific methodology that was dominant at the time of its emergence. Criticisms emerged at a time when qualitative research was seen to be unscientific, with positivist research dominating approaches to research (Meltzer et al., 1975). Rogers (1973) accused interactionists of examining human interaction in a vacuum, focusing on small-scale face-to-face interaction, with little concern for its historical or social setting. Skidmore (1975) found that interactionists failed to explain why people consistently chose to act in given ways in certain situations. While the criticisms are valid, they were made at a time when symbolic interactionism had barely established itself as a suppositious perspective. There is an argument developing that the differences between symbolic interactionism and other perspectives are narrowing (Dunn, 1997).The criticism from within symbolic interactionism is characterised by the four main schools of thought that have been identified under the umbrella of sy mbolic interactionism the Chicago school, the Iowa/Indiana school, ethnomethodology, and dramaturgy. The differences are largely methodological, between preferences for more humanistic, qualitative approaches to researching social interactions and those that were more scientific and quantitative (Meltzer et al., 1975). Blumer (1969) argues the case for a distinctive methodology in the study of human behavior that made modern society more intelligible (Meltzer et al., 1975). regardless of methodology or school of thought, however, symbolic interactionism encompasses both a qualitative and quantitative tradition, reflecting an approach that strives to understand human behavior, not to predict and control it, nor to have more statistical knowledge of it (Musolf, 2003 p.91).Kuhn (1964) argued symbolic interactionism should reflect quantitative methodology, stressing the importance of unity of method in all scientific disciplines. Reflecting on its short history at the time, Kuhn (ibid) identified a number of problems that stunted the growth of symbolic interactionism and its acceptance by other research traditions as a credible research perspective. One of the main issues was lack of scientific credibility, which characterised the schism between the two schools. Kuhn attempted to elaborate Meads view on social behaviorism in an travail to establish a theory of self that was both testable and usable. Kuhns 20-point test to measure the self reflected the leaning toward scientific quantitative methodology of exploring self.According to Dunn (1997) there are critics who claim that symbolic interactionism provides little indication of sources of meanings. While these criticisms are valid, they were made not long after symbolic interactionism emerged as its own perspective and had yet to fully utilise the way in which other perspectives have developed over the past few decades. Dunn (1997) documents recent comparisons between symbolic interactionism and other research traditions to illustrate narrowing differences and shared fundamentals, such as importance of language. Likewise, Callero (2003) argues that recent sociological approaches to self within a symbolic interactionist paradigm reflect emphases on power, reflexivity, and social constructionism. Recent literature on teachers professional identities provides evidence that symbolic interactionism has survived the criticisms to prosper and prove it to be a suitable framework for this area of research (Swann, 1987 Beijaard et al., 2000).Methods of data collectionPrimary dataThere are several types of collection methods involved in qualitative research.The Interview MethodThe definition of an interview is the interchange, between two or more persons, of views on a topic of mutual interest. This enables both the discussion of individual points of view, and the expression of points of view (Cohen et al., 2008.) Cohen et al. note that the interview serves three distinct purposes 1) as the princi pal(a) office for gathering information that directly affect research objectives 2) for the purpose of either testing a hypothesis, or suggesting a new one, also, as an explanatory method for the identification of variables and their relationships 3) for use in conjunction with other methods.The three types of interviews are unstructured, semi-structured, and structured. The unstructured interview contains questions which are open-ended, allowing the question to be adapted, according to the intelligence, beliefs, and understanding of the respondent. These interviews are more flexible and may be used for probing issues in greater depth than the other interview types, though it can take more time and involve greater difficulty to analyse (Kidder et al., 1986.) In the semi-structured interview, both open-ended and close-ended questions are employed. This means that not all questions are designed in advance. The semi-structured interview technique has some of the advantages of the othe r two techniques (Kidder et al., 1986.) This technique has the flexibility of allowing the interviewer to formulate new questions during the interview, as a result of the respondents answers to previous questions. This allows the interviewer to seek supererogatory illumination and information. The interviewer usually has a framework of themes to be explored in a semi-structured interview (Blackman, 2002.)The structured interview, also known as the standardized interview, employs closed ended questions, and a standard sequence which is used in every interview. This approach has the aim of presenting the very same questions, in the very same order, in every interviewing session, and for every interviewee. Though this approach is not very flexible, its data is more easily analysed, and is considered to be more objective (Nachmias and Nachmias, 1996.) Blackman (2002) cites three essential characteristics which can be used to distinguish between the unstructured and the structured inter view. 1) A highly structured interview requires that all interviewers present the same set of questions to all interviewees, with use of follow-up questions being prohibited. 2) Structured interviews form the foundation for tighter analysis. 3) Interviewers are trained to use both a priori rules and a standardized rating form in order to strictly rate and score question responses.Researchers choose between several strategies when planning an interview, including (Thomas, 2003, p. 63)An approach of loose questioning, which is meant to elicit the respondents interpretation of a general situation or circumstance.An approach of tight-questions, using a limited number of options (e.g. Yes/no, like/dislike) to discover a respondents preferences.An approach of converging-questions. This is designed to blend the advantages of the loose method and the tight method. At first broad questions are asked, in an open-ended manner. These are followed up with additional questions to more thoroughly explore the interviewees opinions.An approach of response-guided questions. This approach includes the interviewer beginning with prepared questions, which are spontaneously follow-up by questions created as logical extensions of the given answer. This strategy allows the researcher to delve more deeply into the respondents opinions relating to the issues presented in the original question.Focus group interviewsA focus group is a special type of group which has more involved as its purpose than simply getting people to have a conversation. It is special in terms of its purpose, composition, size, and procedures, which guides, through interaction, to outcomes and data (Cohen et al., 2008.) hearing to information, and gathering information, is the purpose of this interview, as well as to understand peoples thoughts and feelings about particular issues (Krueger and Casey, 2000.) Focus groups can encourage an environment which allows participants to share their points of view and perc eptions without pressure. Researchers may be able to identify patterns and trends from the group discussion. This may lead to a systematic and careful analysis (Krueger and Casey, 2000.) According to Cohen et al. (2008,) focus groups are good for orient to a specific field of focus.The development of topics, schedules, and themes which can be used in subsequent questionnaires or interviews.Use insights and data, collected from the group, to generate hypotheses.Producing and evaluating data relating to differing subgroups of a given population.Assembling feedback related to previous studies.Kruger and Casey (2000) specified some of the characteristics of a focus group. A focus group involves a limited quantity of participants, so that every person has a chance to share participants should have similar characteristics, so that the researchers my accomplish the purpose of the study collection of qualitative data, of interest to the researcher, is the primary purpose of the focus group usually to discover the range of opinions between several groups the group must have a focused discussion the group should ultimately help to understand the topic of interest.Researchers (Krueger and Casey, 2000 and Cohen et al., 2008) indicate that the data which is collected from a focus group may be negatively influenced by two kinds of participant a) close friends who may inhibit free expression on a given topic b) participants who may be difficult to join with others. For this reason, it is considered more useful when the data is triangulated by using traditional interviewing forms, observation, documentation, and questionnaires (Cohen et al., 2008.)Observation methodsObservation is routinely used in everyday life (Frank, 1999,) but it is multi- faceted as a scientific method (Wajnryb, 1992.) Bohem and Weinberg (1987) stated that techniques for observation are key to the developments in the sciences, and this is because data which is collected is more likely to lead to decisio ns, conclusions, and new ideas. Obaidat et al (2002) made the claim that many phenomena and ideas, which are the subjects of study interviews and questionnaires, are selected because of the need to test them and understand them by field researchers. So, observation is considered a prime tool for the gaining of both information and experience.According to Cohen et al (2008,) observation enables researchers to gain understanding of the context which is being investigated, to be more inductive and open-ended, and to see certain aspects which other may have been missed. It also allows for the discovery of issues that participants may not have wanted to discuss in their interviews. While observation in a social context can easily be accomplished, scientific observation may require more detailed planning, and defined recording protocols (Summerhill and Taylor, 1992.) Cohen et al (2008) refer to observations in many settings physical, human, group or individual, gender, class, and even in teraction in settings which may be formal or informal, planned or unplanned, verbal or non-verbal. Additional settings would include programme settings, such as school resources, curricula, and style.Secondary dataThe analysis of secondary data, involving the analysis of data collected by other institutions and researchers, will be part of the basis for this research. Additionally, by treating this undertaking with diligence and care, an efficient method or learning about research questions, which are both time saving and cost effective, will be gained. The major sources of secondary data, which are used in this research, areOfficial stats. This comprises of statistics collected by various bureaus, departments, agencies, and the government. Because this information is easy to obtain and easy to comprehend, it is considered an important secondary data source.Scholarly Journals (Peer Reviewed) As they contain reports of both original research and reports of experimentation, scholarly journals are important to this study. Experts review scholarly journals in order to check their accuracy, originality, and hence relevance.Literature Review Articles these articles review and arrange original research about a particular subject of interest.For this research the researchers consulted online databases and the library, in order to find the requisite relevant pieces of data to be used in this research.Data analysisQualitative research findings, methods, disciplinary orientation, and types of findings represent great diversity (Yardley 2000). Qualitative research has many traditions. These include, as a partial listing, cultural ethnography (Agar 1996 Quinn 2005), institutional ethnography (Campbell and Gregor 2004), analyses for historical comparison (Skocpol 2003), case studies (Yin 1994), focus groups (Krueger and Casey 2000), interviews (in-depth) (Glaser and Strauss 1967 McCracken 1988 Patton 2002

The Death Penalty :: Cause and Effect Capital Punishment

Valuable sharpness can be gained by understanding how the demise penalty evolved and by understanding why humankindy countries have abandoned capital penalisement, while others dumb retain it. Historically the demise penalty has been most a long time. Many countries including the United States have some kind of death sentencing. From around the 16 hundreds is when the death penalty started to come place. The first man to be killed by the penalty was Daniel Frank, put to death in 1622 for some crime of theft. Since then the death penalty has almost always been a feature of the criminal justice system. Many states after a while outlawed the death penalty. To this day further a few remain outlawed alone most have some kind of death sentencing. One cause of having the death penalty would be regarding legal issues. Many hoi polloi know that if you explicate a law by means of stealing or killing you will be punished. In most countries that have capital punishment, it is used to punish only murder or war-related crimes. In some countries, like the Peoples Republic of China, some non-violent crimes, like do drugs and business related crimes, are punishable by death. In the eighteenth century, England would punish by death for pick pocketing and petty theft. And in other countries you correct got your hand cut off. People steal from others cursory and the only way to reduce the number of people who steal is to set a law stating its consequences. If we did not have laws set forth for shop lifting, robbing banks, or killing someone then if no one got a consequence then it many crimes would take place each day. Many people do not steal because the fear of going to jail or having to pay large fines. Also if we didnt have a law keeping people from killing others then many people would kill when ever and what ever they want.The Death Penalty Cause and Effect Capital Punishment Valuable insight can be gained by understanding how the death penalty evolved and by understanding why many countries have abandoned capital punishment, while others still retain it. Historically the death penalty has been around a long time. Many countries including the United States have some kind of death sentencing. From around the sixteen hundreds is when the death penalty started to take place. The first man to be killed by the penalty was Daniel Frank, put to death in 1622 for some crime of theft. Since then the death penalty has almost always been a feature of the criminal justice system. Many states after a while outlawed the death penalty. To this day only a few remain outlawed but most have some kind of death sentencing. One cause of having the death penalty would be regarding legal issues. Many people know that if you break a law by means of stealing or killing you will be punished. In most countries that have capital punishment, it is used to punish only murder or war-related crimes. In some countries, like the Peoples Republic of China, some non-vi olent crimes, like drug and business related crimes, are punishable by death. In the eighteenth century, England would punish by death for pick pocketing and petty theft. And in other countries you even got your hand cut off. People steal from others everyday and the only way to reduce the number of people who steal is to set a law stating its consequences. If we did not have laws set forth for shop lifting, robbing banks, or killing someone then if no one got a consequence then it many crimes would take place each day. Many people do not steal because the fear of going to jail or having to pay large fines. Also if we didnt have a law keeping people from killing others then many people would kill when ever and what ever they want.

Suicide as the Best Option in Kate Chopins AwakeningSuicide as the Bes

Suicide as the Best Option in Kate Chopins Awakening The Awakening, written by Kate Chopin, was considered controversial at the time it was first published in 1892 because of its intense sexual context. In fact, the critics of that era wrote in newspapers and magazines about the novel its non a healthy book, sex fiction, we are well fulfill when Ms. Pontellier deliberately swims to her death, an essential vulgar story, and unhealthy introspective and morbid (Wyatt). Edna, the main character, engages in sexual relationships outside of marriage. These encounters reveal true sexual passion to Edna, which she did not receive at home with her husband. As a result of these experiences Ednas ability to continue living in a loveless marriage dwindles, and she in the end commits suicide. Although Edna had other options such as divorce, remaining in a loveless marriage, or simply deserting her family, suicide is most viable. One alternative, a separation, could have been hard-fought to acc omplish for Edna because of the male-dominated society that she lived in. However, it was a possibility. In fact, an author by the name of Charlotte Perkins Gilman received a divorce from her husband, Walter Stetson, prior to the creation of The Awakening. Through serious bouts with low Gilmans marriage to Stetson became a struggle, and her divorce was granted in 1894. Stetson received time lag of their daughter Katherine. Similarly, Edna would have probably lost custody of her children, but she said it herself that she is not a mother woman (About Charlotte Gilman). Gilman eventually moved on and remarried in June 1900. Ednas aspirations of marrying Robert could have possibly tote up true. With this possibility in mind, suici... ...escaping. What made matters worse was that Edna found a real lover that would not accept being known as the man who take Mr. Pontelliers wife. Edna was obviously placed in situation where she was left with all but one choice. Works CitedAbout Mary Cassatt. 1999. http//www.boston.com/mfa/cassat/aboutmc.htm (4 April 2000). About the Author Charlotte Perkins Gilman. 1998. http//www.Trenton.edu/verasteg/aboutcp.htm. (20 sue 2000). Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. 1892. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2000. Louisiana Civil Law Differences Fading Over Time. 1999. http//www.theadvocate.com/help/welcome/laws.asp (18 frame 2000). The Womans Rights Movement. 1999. http//www.lyno.com.edu/tlkinnon/Womens%Rights.htm (3, March 2000). Wyatt, Neal. Times of Kate Chopin. 1995. http//www.vcu.edu/engweb/eng384/kate.htm (21 March 2000).

Infinity in a Nutshell :: Mathematics Math

Infinity in a NutshellInfinity has long been an idea surrounded with mystery and confusion. Aristotle ridiculed the idea, Galileo threw aside in disgust, and Newton tried to step-side the issue completely. However, Georg Cantor changed what mathematicians thought about infinity in a series of radical ideas. While you really should order my full report if you want to learn about infinity, this paper is simply gets your toes wet in Cantors concepts.Cantor used very unreserved verifications to demonstrate ideas such as that there are infinities whose values are greater than other infinities. He also proved there are an unfathomable number of infinities. While all these ideas take a while to explain, I will go over how Cantor proved that the infinity for real be is greater than the infinity for natural rime. The first important concept to learn, however, is one-to-one correspondence.Since it is impossible to work out all the values in an infinite set, Cantor matched numbers in on e set to a value in another set. The one set with values still left over was the greater set. To propose this explanation more comprehendible, I will use drumfishs of apples and oranges as an example. Rather then needing to count, simply take one apple from a barrel and one orange from the other barrel and equalise them up. Then, put them aside in a separate pile. Repeat this process until one is unable to pair an apple with an orange since there are no more oranges or vice versa. One could then conclude whether he has more apples or oranges without having to count a thing.(Izumi, 2)(Yes, its a bit egotistical to quote myself)Cantor used what is now known as the diagonalization argument. Making use of proof by contradiction, Cantor assumes all real numbers can correspond with natural numbers.1 ----- .4 5 7 1 9 4 6 32 ----- .7 2 9 3 8 1 8 93 ----- .3 9 1 6 2 9 2 04 ----- .0 0 0 0 0 6 7 0 (Continued on next page)5 ----- .9 9 9 9 9 9 9 16 ----- .3 9 3 6 4 6 4 6 Cantor created M, whe re M is a real number that does not correspond with every natural number. Taking the first digit in the first real number, write wad any other number for the tenths place of M. Then, take the second digit for the second real number and write down any other number for the hundredths place of M.

Great Gatsby :: essays papers

Great GatsbyThe great gatsby and the fall of the american dream.The book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was an icon of itstime. The book discusses topics that were important, controversial and raise back in 1920s America. The novel is an exploration of theAmerican Dream as it exists in a corrupt period of history. The mainthemes in the book atomic number 18 the decay of morals and values and thefrustration of a modern society. The Great Gatsby describes the decayof the American Dream and the want for money and materialism. Thisnovel also describes the gap in the midst of the rich and the poor (Gatsby andthe Wilsons, West Egg and the Valley of the Ashes) by comparing thedifferences between the Western United States (traditional westernculture) and the Eastern United States (money obsessed values). On asmaller scale this could be seen as the difference between the West Egg(the vernal, money) and the East egg (the old money). The 1920s werea time of corruption and the adu lteration of moral values for the UnitedStates and many other countries. World War One had just ended andpeople were reveling in the materialism that came with the end of it,new mass produced commodities such as motor cars and radios werefilling peoples driveways and houses, money was more accessible(before the Great Depression). Cars were becoming a social emblem inthe mid-twenties as we can see with Gatsbys five cars, one of which he givesto Nick and one of which kills Myrtle Wilson later on in the novel.Herbert Hoover (an American President) verbalize in 1925 We will root outpoverty and put two cars in every garage. The parties that Gatsby heldevery week in the summer were a symbol of the carelessness of the time.Gatsby would hide in the house while the lymph glands, most of whom werenot even invited, would party, eat and drink until the early hours ofthe morning without even meeting the guest or even knowing who he was.People would turn up just to be seen or reported in the localnewspapers In his blue angel garden people came and went like moths amongthe whisperings and the champagne. This shows the carelessness of theguests. Another quote about the parties refers to the way the guestsdevour the endless supply of food and never give a thought as to whogave it to them. Every Friday five crates of oranges and Lemonsarrived from a fruiterer In New York- Every Monday these same oranges

The Extraordinary Olive Essay -- Botany

The Extraordinary OliveThe several uses of the olive tree, Olea europaea L., have long been accept and celebrated by human civilization. Olive trees have been cultivated since prehistoric times in Asia Minor, and introduced with human migration and trade throughout the Mediterranean and Europe, into Africa, and eventually into newly Zealand and North America. Thomas (1995) lists the beginning of olive cultivation as aproximately 3000 B.C. Olives appear in one of the first cookbooks ever disc everyplaceed. As long ago as the 17th century B.C., the olive was considered sacred. In Greek mythology, Athena is said to have placed an olive tree on the Acropolis in order to pull through over the denizens of Attica, a favor for which the city became her namesake, Athens (Anonymous 1997). The champion at the Olympic Games was crowned with its leaves. Offering an olive branch is synonymous with peaceful intentions. The vegetable oil was burned in the lamps of sacred temples, as well as bein g the eternal flame of the Olympic games. There are many references to the olive in the Bible. One of the most significant is in the tale of Noah and the Flood. The dove, sent out to search for a sign of land and life, returned with none other than an olive branch. Moses entitle that all men who worked to cultivate olives were exempt from military service (Grieve 1995). The olive is often referred to as a symbol of goodness, purity, and life. The miracle of Hanukkah was the olive oil which burned for eighter from Decatur nights when there was only enough to last for one day (Prero 1996). It is clear that the olive was an important part of life in the Mediterranean, as is the world over today. Description Olive trees are graceful in appearance, with elegant lanceolate silv... ... shallow. The mission olive of California derives its name from the Franciscan missionaries who originally planted them attached San Diego around 1759 (Anonymous 1997). Olive production has also recently s pread to New Zealand and Australia, but these continue to be incidental yields in comparison to the Mediterranean region. References Anonymous. 1997. Olives. Grieve, M. 1995. Botanical.com A Modern Herbal. Olive. Electric Newt. Neff, R. and D. ResSeguie. 1995. Oil of Olives, An Ancient Wonder. Sundance Natural Foods. Prero, Y. 1996. Chanukah and Olive Oil Lessons in Devotion. YomTov, vol.II22. Thomas, J. Dec, 1995. Olive Fact Sheet. Tous, J. and L. Ferguson. 1996. Mediterranean Fruits. From J. Janick (ed.) Progress in New Crops. ASHS Press, Arlington, VA. p.416-430.U.S.D.A. 1995. An frugal Assessment of Olives. (Executive Summary).