Outline and evaluate Bruce and Young’s theory of face recognition Essay

The face recognition model developed by Bruce and Young has eight key parts and it suggests how we process familiar and unfamiliar faces, including facial expressions. The diagram below shows how these parts are interconnected. Structural encoding is where facial features and expressions are encoded. This information is translated at the same time, down two different pathways, to various units. One being expression analysis, where the emotional state of the person is shown by facial features. By using facial speech analysis we can process auditory information. This was shown by McGurk (1976) who created two video clips, one with lip movements indicating ‘Ba’ and other indicating ‘Fa’. Both clips had the sound ‘Ba’ played over the clip. However, participants heard two different sounds, one heard ‘Fa’ the other ‘Ba’. This suggests that visual and auditory information work as one. Other units include Face Recognition Units (FRUs) and Person Identity Nodes (PINs) where our previous knowledge of faces is stored. The cognitive system contains all additional information, for example it takes into account your surroundings, and who you are likely to see there. fMRI scans done by Kanwisher et al. (1997) showed that the fusiform gyrus in the brain was more active in face recognition than object recognition, this suggests and supports the idea that face recognition involves a separate processing mechanism. This model suggests that we process familiar and unfamiliar faces differently. That we process familiar faces using; structural encoding, FRUs, PINs and Name Generation. However, we use structural encoding, expression analysis, facial speech analysis and direct visual processing to process unfamiliar faces. However, there is evidence by Young et al. suggesting that the idea of double association is poor. He studied 34 brain damaged men, finding there was only weak evidence for any difference between recognising familiar and unfamiliar faces. An issue with this study and the model itself, is the use of brain damaged patients to prove it works. This is because there is only a small sample size so it is hard to generalise to the wider population. It is also unclear if it is the brain injury itself that causes the result and if it is the same for healthy people. There was a study done by Young, Hay, and Ellis (1985) that uses people with no medical issues. They asked people to keep a diary record of problems they experienced in face recognition. They found people never reported putting a name to a face while knowing nothing else about that person. This supports the model as it suggests that we cannot think of a person’s name unless we know other contextual information about them. Prosopagnosia is a condition where a person cannot recognise familiar faces, but only the features, not the whole face. The condition contradicts the model as it suggests that the process are most likely not separate. As most patients had severe problems with facial expression as well as facial identity, this suggests they are processed separately. The model can also be seen as reductionist, as it only gives a vague description of what the cognitive system does. However, there is research that does support the concept that there are two are separate paths for processing face recognition and facial expression. One being Humphreys, Avidan, and Behrmann (2007) who studied three participants with developmental prosopagnosia. All three had poor ability to recognise faces, but their ability to recognise facial expressions was similar to that of healthy individuals. A study that suggests that units of face recognition are separate is Bruyer et al. (1983). Who investigated a patient unable to recognise familiar faces, but who could understand their facial expressions, which implies that facial expression analysis and name generation is separately processed. This supports Bruce and Young’s idea of separate units. Further support for the idea of separate components of face recognition was shown by Campbell et al. (1986). They found a prosopagnosic who could not recognise familiar faces or identify their facial expressions, however they could perform speech analysis. This study suggested that facial speech analysis is a separate unit of face recognition.

Nature of Public Administration Essay

Before we discuss about the meaning, definition, nature, scope and importance of public administration we will try to know what is administration, organisation and management. As these terms are often used interchangeably and synonymously, it is pertinent to know the differences and distinctions between these three terms. According to William Schulze Administration is the force, which lays down the object for which an organisation and its management are to strive and the broad policies under which they are to operate. An Organisation is a combination of the necessary human beings, materials, tools, equipment and working space, appurtenances brought together in systematic and effective co-relation to accomplish some desired object. Management is that which leads guides and directs an organisation for the accomplishment of pre-determined object. To put the above in simple terms, administration sets the goal, management strives to attain it and organisation is the machine of the management for the attainment of the ends determined by the administration. Some scholars have a different view about the administration and management. According to Peter Drucker management is associated with the business activity, which has to show economic performance, whereas administration is associated with the non business activities like activities of the Government. The other view is that administration is associated with performing routine things in known settings in accordance with certain procedures, rules, and regulations. The Management is associated with performing functions like risk taking, dynamic, creative and innovative functions. Some scholars of Public Administration are closely associated with the first view that is, administration is a determinative function. Management, on other hand is an executive function that is primarily concerned with carrying out the broad policies laid down by the administration.

Reshaping High Schools Essay

A bird is taught how to fly only when it is old enough and ready. If it is too young, the bird may be suspended in freefall until it lands and get hurt, or worse. If it is too old, it may be too late for the bird and it would be left behind by his peers. We could adopt this analogy to the reshaping of high schools. And as for the case of high school students, the 9th grade is when we should start to reshape high schools. It is said in the article that it is generally agreed that the first year of high school is a crucial stage for the students because of the adjustment they have to make and the achievements that are expected of them. As educators, we should be able to emphasize with the students that we should put ourselves in their shoes. They just new to a world of learning, teacher are with them to assist them in this new world, not to intimidate them. It is just logical that a high school institution should give more priority to the freshmen rather than the graduating seniors. Schools prioritize gradating students because these students would represent the school once they move to higher education. But if we start prioritizing the 9th graders, the graduates of high schools would have received four years of good education. And of course, to achieve this requires much change in the high school education system. And as we know of change, it oftentimes raises some eyebrows. It is very important for us educators to keep in mind and at heart that it is never about us, education should be always about them. And for that very reason, I agree with Donegan’s article. We should prioritize and provide more for the 9th graders. If we would practice our vocation more altruistically regarding this matter, if we would start caring for the 9th grade more, our students would say that they are getting the best high school education there is.

Can it be legalize of the sale of human organs Essay

Can it be legalize of the sale of human organs - Essay Example Thus, it is unnecessary for the sale of human organs to be legalized because it will lead to the loss of many lives. Organ donors, as well as families to the deceased donor, believe that they are obliged to benefit from the organs. However, the governments, brokers as well as hospitals are the ones that benefit from the organ donated by a deceased or a living donor. Thus, legalization of the selling of human organs will only benefit the rich few in the society. Additionally, it is evident that some people are involved in the illegal sale of human organs (This House Would Legalize, 2011). For instance, the Chinese hospitals involve themselves in the sale of the organs of the executed prisoners. From this assertion, it is evident that politics will influence the sale of the organs and, as a result, many people will be convicted and executed in order to meet the demands of the few in the society. Additionally, it is evident that many debtors will be abused by their lenders. It is possib le for the organ lenders to be taking part in the selling of the organs belonging to their debtors in order to quench their demands. Thus, it is crucial to the sale of human organs not to be

Mental Health Training for UK Crown Prosecution Lawyers Article

Mental Health Training for UK Crown Prosecution Lawyers - Article Example In order for the Crown Prosecution lawyer to achieve this objective, first, they need to be able to understand and emphasize with their client themselves. - Anna Bird, states that â€Å"MIND believes that CPS does not provide sufficient  training about mental health for prosecutors to make consistently good decisions concerning mental health and credibility. We understand that prosecutors-indeed all lawyers- receive no mental health awareness training at all. Given the strength of the association between distress and not being believed, it is cited that all justice professionals understand the relationship between credibility and mental health in order to ensure equal access to justice† (Bird, 2008). - Countless offenders, chiefly those with a record of persistent offending, have mental health problems that may be correlated to their offending behavior pattern. Additionally, this population of persistent offenders with mental health problems are disproportionally higher than those reported in the general offender population. Often they are also associated with ‘issues of drug and/or alcohol misuse and social exclusion’ (Lewis, 2007, p.1). -Help to identify links between mental health problems and persistent offending, this will lead to a reduction in persistent offending, and in addition help to develop prevention programmes aimed at persistent offenders who have received a diagnosis of a psychiatric or psychological problem. - A report provided by MIND (Another Assault, 2007) has shown a lack of awareness from the criminal justice system about mental health issues, much of which is because they have received no training at all in the area of mental health, its varying symptoms and effects on the individual.

Buddhist traditions in the West Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Buddhist traditions in the West - Term Paper Example For example, in 1959, the famous Japanese teacher Suzuki Roshi arrived in San Francisco, and was a key proponent of Buddhist values in the United States and beyond, writing a series of essays on Zen Buddhism. Mass migration from some predominantly Buddhist countries to the West has, of course, also helped in the dissemination of Buddhist religious culture, but it is questionable whether or not it then spread beyond the immigrant communities in their adopted countries. Later, Buddhism became associated with what might be called ‘New-Age’ spirituality, and became something of a fashionable religion, especially among those involved in the entertainment industry. In the West, Buddhism is often thought of as an exotic and progressive, even modern religion, whereas in the East, where it has been developing for centuries, it is more likely to be thought of as traditional and familiar, and part of the basic fabric of society in many countries. Buddhist messages and motifs have b ecome commonplace in Western culture in the past half century, and especially those associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Lopez (1998) found many examples of aspects of Buddhist culture being casually used in the West, and concluded that ‘Tibetan Buddhism has been in for some time’ (p. 2). For example, at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games, Micky Hart’s musical piece ‘Call to Nature’ was performed, and this work begins with the chant of a Tibetan monk from Gyuoto monastery. On a more popular level, the 1995 film ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls’ opens with the title character spending some time in a Tibetan monastery, while the 1992 Christmas edition of Paris Vogue magazine invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama as guest editor. While the Dalai Lama is held by Tibetan Buddhists to be the incarnation of the god of compassion, it is as much a political and cultural preoccupation as a spiritual one which gives His Holiness and other Tib etan figures such prominence in the West. Since Tibet’s occupation by the People’s Republic of China, and especially since the flight of the Dalai Lama to India in 1959, the cause of a free Tibet, and an idealization of the life that went on in Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion, has become a major political focus worldwide. Furthermore, the current Western fondness for all things Tibetan stands in stark contrast to the attitudes of their forebears. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to the extent that anything was known about isolated Tibet, its indigenous Buddhist practices were considered in some sense debased, and a perversion of proper Buddhist practice. Furthermore, Hegel, in 1822, found it ‘both paradoxical and revolting’ that the Dalai Lama held temporal power as well as being worshipped as the reincarnation of a god (Lopez, 1998, p. 4). However, since the Tibetan Diaspora has spread around the world, and the Tibetan causes has attracted m any high-profile followers, there has been a sea-change in Western attitudes towards Tibetan culture and the religion which pervades every aspect of it. For many, Tibetan culture represents what they see as the spiritual ‘

Fermentation Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fermentation - Lab Report Example Maltose is a disaccharide which is composed of two units of glucose joined with an ÃŽ ±(1→4) bond. The enzyme maltase splits the maltose into simple glucose molecules which are further transformed by yeast into carbon dioxide and water. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is common yeast normally used in the baking and brewing industry due to the ability of this organism to ferment carbohydrates such as glucose and maltose to produce alcohol. This organism has been used since the ancient times. S. cerevisiae can be differentiated from other yeasts based on its growth characteristics and the physiological trait of fermenting individual sugars (US environmental protection agency n.p). In this experiment, the dependent variables were the concentrations of maltose while the independent variables were the temperature and yeast concentrations. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of maltose on the production of carbon dioxide during fermentation. The hypotheses formulated included: Four different flasks were each labelled in triplicates according to the concentrations of maltose used in the experiment. They were labelled as different concentrations of 10% maltose solution 5ml, 10ml, 15ml and water in triplicates. The corresponding concentrations of the maltose were then added to the flasks and mixed with yeast suspension, mixed and incubated. The respirometer was then prepared to take 3ml of the different solutions and 1ml of air. The syringes containing the solution were attached to a 1ml pipette and a droplet of water allowed into the pipette. This allowed for the carbon dioxide produced in the fermentation process to cause a rise in the water droplet which was measured after an interval of 10 minutes. The means of the data obtained from the readings were compared using students paired samples t-test. The results obtained indicated that the concentrations of carbon dioxide produced generally increased depending on the amount of time. Comparison of the

Not Specified Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Not Specified - Essay Example as in the case of the European Union), on the basis of conventions like the English Common Law, and on theocratic basis (as in the case of Islamic nations). This essay examines the legal issues vis-Ã  -vis management of engineering organisations in an advanced democratic country like the UK. It is appropriate, at this stage, to put forth the argument concerning the topic. Legal issues may be irksome for effective management of engineering organisations but there is no gain saying the fact that the legal rules provide a definitive and helpful background for professional management. The existence of a body of established law helps in smooth running of an organisation and conducting of its business in a predictable manner. Irksome laws and legal rules are certainly there, if viewed from the narrow perspective of a few organisations or a few managers but in the final analysis, one realises that laws evolve with the collective wisdom of the society and hence are to be accepted in the larger context. For example, the safety, health and environmental laws or corporate governance laws may appear to be intrusive, irksome and expensive to implement. But it is proved time and again that in the ultimate analysis, compliance is more economical than paying the price of damages or clean up costs. The prime examples of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (Pratima, 1998) of the Union Carbide or the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Bligh Reef near Alaska (Thinkquest) testify to this harsh reality. Engineering organisations are formed to provide goods and services in exchange for a consideration, usually payment of money. This simple definition points out the stakeholders involved in the process of setting up and running of engineering organisations. They can be identified at the broad level as the employees, customers, vendors, investors / financial institutions, and the statutory authorities. All engineering organisations are legal entities, separate from the promoters or owners. To this extent,

Inequalities in Chile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Inequalities in Chile - Essay Example Their role in ensuring the same may well go beyond into the future with a view to making the economy great as well as rising the living standards of the citizenry. Lately, there have been emerging trends in the world that have necessitated a close scrutiny in order to unravel the reasons behind them and their relationship to growth (OECD, 2009). There exist a number of inequalities that may impact the growth prospects of a country. Therefore, comprehensive assessments should be carried out in order to establish the underlying trends so as to address this phenomenon at the earliest opportunity and unearth possible facts. Chile has always enjoyed stability in democracy as well as the economy across South America. In the whole of Latin America, the people of Chile have benefited from improved standards of living, efficiency and effectiveness of the government that has the lowest levels of corruption and a functioning democracy that serves the interests of all citizens in the region. Nev ertheless, despite having all these developments in democracy with resolute institutions coupled with a continued growth in the economy, there have been reported levels of inequality in the socioeconomic platform that can be traced from the previous leadership that failed to guarantee a fair treatment to everyone in the society (Robinson, 2001). This kind of inequality in the Latin America region emanates from social decadence with roots way back in colonialism time where the monopolistic aspect of the royal families controlled the economy to a great extent. This action left large chunks of wealth to a few individuals who became filthily affluent, something that widened the gap between those at the helm of leadership and those in the ‘working nation’ with this phenomenon staying long enough even after attaining self-government (Barron, 2009). This led to unnecessary pressures in the social setup, thus jeopardizing the stability that ensures victory within a democratic c ountry in the class of Chile. This country also followed the same route that rewards a few people in the economy which saw immense pressures mount in the 1970s due to the idea to redistribute the wealth acquired unfairly to those who never had any or those with meagre traces (Suter, 2010). To address this inequality, several policies were drafted that aimed at charting the best way possible to redistribute the wealth for the benefit of all. This was also to nationalise all other major sectors and tackle the inequality amicably. Notably, there was very little growth at the time of this inequality and there could be no growth since wealth accumulation was directed to one side of the rich and powerful (Anastassiou, 2011). However, the effort to undertake the redistribution was met with friction amongst the affected, thus bruising the economy with the unending chaos experienced that was evident from how the policies were implemented. The dictatorial leadership altered the economic struc ture leading to an eventual coup with the economy status still struggling to regain strength soon after the coup. With the elapse of time, the then general constituted a team of experts to address the problem and undertake an overhaul that saw Chile on its feet again. Their activities’ objectives were concerned with tackling inflation that was biting heavily and other monetary policies that remained strict and tight. Many barriers to trade came to an end with some tariffs facing abolishment to pave the way for more lucrative business deals within and without the country (Boesten, 2010). The economy was given a facelift that made the country start exporting some of its surplus, thus leading to a

Riding the Black Cockatoo & Company Sin Representation Essay Example for Free

Riding the Black Cockatoo Company Sin Representation Essay Words are powerful tools that can be used to represent people and shape opinions about others. In a similar way, certain actions and our treatment of other cultures demonstrate our understandings and acceptance of, different beliefs and cultures. Two texts that support these statements and include representations of Indigenous Australian culture and beliefs are: ‘Riding the Black Cockatoo’ by John Danalis and ‘Company Sin’ by John Butler Trio. John Danalis wrote a captivating novel about his journey towards righting the wrongs his family committed, by returning an Indigenous skull that was kept on his family’s mantelpiece. Throughout his writing, John portrays the sense of oneness towards the land of the Indigenous community and his need to come to terms with all the connections he never knew existed. ‘Company Sin’ symbolises a young man’s ignorance and indifference towards the Indigenous culture. Ben naively participates in a mining company’s desecration of an Indigenous Australian burial site. The words in the song portray his struggle with dreams and what these dreams actually embody. Symbolic use of words and language creates vivid images of the song and novel in the audience’s minds. Through representations in the text readers have been positioned to perceive qualities of Indigenous Australian’s heritage, spirituality and their relationship with mother earth. In ‘Riding the Black Cockatoo’, words and language are used purposefully to demonstrate the significance of returning Indigenous Australian’s bones to the tribal elders for burial. Danalis realises through his journey of reconciliation that for Indigenous Australians, the disturbance or non-burial of bones means that a soul remains in a state of unrest. Current generations know that it is their spiritual duty to ensure that bones are returned â€Å"home†, to the earth. Danalis begins to realise that Indigenous Australians â€Å"†¦feel death very differently to white folk.† The handover of the skull is significant for both Danalis and the Indigenous people. The Indigenous community worked with Danalis and did not condemn him for what his family had done with the skull. They even included them in the ceremony and both â€Å"sides† working through some sensitive issues, with the common aim of returning â€Å"Mary† to the rightful place †¦ the earth. The Indigenous community led Danalis through a learning process about the â€Å"rights† of their ancestors and the need for the land to be a central part of their spirituality. With this, the land is positioned to be the sacred resting place for those who have passed on. The relationship Danalis developed with the Indigenous community and being invited to participate in the ritual ceremony, gave him an insight into Indigenous cultural traditions. Indigenous Australian culture believes that when a person dies, their spirit goes back to the ancestral land, when the correct ceremonial rituals are conducted. This ceremony encompasses many traditions for the clan, such as: the cloak of possum fur and the Yorta Yorta song man making a Cockatoo cry: â€Å"We waited ‘KAR-AAK’ †¦ There was a clack-clack of clapping sticks, and then another ‘KAR-AAK!’ †¦ His black cockatoo cries cascaded down the stairwells, echoed off overhead walkway escarpments and bounced through the air-conditioning ducts.† This linkage of nature connotes Indigenous Australian’s strong connections of culture with land. It shows they treat nature with full respect and incorporate it into their lives. Ceremonial objects specific for the ceremonies come from the land. Danalis describes Bob when requiring a smoking bowl, called a coolamon and not having one there, saying: â€Å"I’ll make one†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bob finds the bark needed, pulls it off and makes the bowl. This demonstrates their strong reliance on nature. Through his description of this event, Danalis was sure that they would have to go without a bowl for the ceremony and was surprised by Bob’s actions, in being able to create what they needed from the land. Indigenous Australians do not own the land. They see it as part of them and that it is their duty to respect and look after their mother earth. They use the land to live on, to gain food from, to make items they need and then to return their ancestors to the earth, when they pass on. This is a different concept to the culture White Australians have grown up with. Danalis has to explore his own prejudices and realises that he lives in a nation with some, who are trying to come to terms with both heritages, cultures and beliefs. Indigenous Australians bury their ancestors on what average Australians see as prime land, where profits could be made from farming or mining. Indigenous Australians do this, as they believe they can: â€Å"†¦enter the spirit world and become one with their mother†¦ the Earth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Calling the earth their Mother, solidifies Indigenous Australian’s strong connectivity of their spiritual heritage with the land. This is something that White Australians do not have in their heritage. The Indigenous people care for and love the earth they live on. They have a spiritual connection to it, not just a physical one. Simply, this is not part of how White Australians view the land and it is not part of their heritage.

Comparison of Positivist and Phenomenological Methods

Comparison of Positivist and Phenomenological Methods Describe, compare, contrast, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of both positivist and phenomenological methodology adopted when studying society. Sociology is the study of human society, including both social action and organisation. Sociologists use scientific research methods and theories, and study social life in a wide variety of settings, this offers not only information but also a distinctive way of looking at the world and the position humans play in it. Whereas most people try to explain events by analyzing the motives of those involved, sociologists encourage a look beyond individual psychology to many recurring attitudes, actions and how these patterns vary across time, cultures and social groups. To look at the different ways people act and behave in society, it has to be seen from a sociological perspective. Within sociology there is no single method, but many. As stated by Haralambos and Holborn (1995) Science appeared to be capable of producing objective knowledge that could be used to solve human problems and increase human productive capacity in an unprecedented way. This assignment will look at the two main me thodologies, used by sociologists, past and present, and compare the effectiveness of the two. When the task of comparing and contrasting the two methodologies of positivism and phenomenology, adopted within the study of society, there are many things that leap to mind: Firstly, there is the factor of time or circa and secondly is the influence of certain acclaimed sociologists within the two different approaches. Methodology within sociology is the study of methods and deals with the philosophical assumptions underlying the research process, using scientific quantitative data collection under those philosophical assumptions. The broad methodology positions, positivism and phenomenology differ hugely. Positivism contains the underlying philosophical assumptions of research in the most pure and applied sciences, physics, chemistry and biology, based on ideas of the objective reality of the physical world, scientific method and empiricism. Just as positivism arose out of rejecting speculation an alternative view has arisen out of rejecting the view that scientific empiricism can be applied to the social world. There is no one philosophical basis, but phenomenology, which can be seen as the basis for what is the assumption that society can only really be understood through personal actions such as language, feelings and emotions. As stated by Kirby, Kidd, Koubel, Barter, Hope, Kirton, Madry, Manning and Triggs, (2000), that although not perfect the link between the methodologies is that the structuralist-minded sociologists tended to adopt a positivist approach and social action based sociologists tend to adopt a phenomenological approach. The positivist versus the phenomenological approach to the study of man and society is considered in terms of one of the major debates in social science research. Many of the founding fathers of sociology such as Marx (1818-1883), Comte (1798-1857) and Durkheim (1858-1917) believed that it would be possible to create a science of society based on the same principles and procedures as natural sciences. Positivist theorists believed that this approach would reveal that the evolution of society followed invariable laws and that it would show that the behaviour of man was governed by principles of cause and effect which are just as invariable as the subject of natural sciences. Kirby et al, (2000) states that positivists believe that only by adopting a position of total objectivity towards the subject matter or phenomena can unbiased knowledge or theories be produced. Comte believed in the hierarchy of science and that each study of science is dependent upon another. His theory ranged from the simplest to the more complex forms of science and that sciences above rely on sciences below stating that sociology was more abstract and difficult than other sciences. Originating from his hierarchy of science, as stated in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004), Comte widely believed that industrialization and the growth of scientific knowledge would lead to secularization, therefore devising his contribution to the study of social dynamics in that, the rule of societies passing through three stages defined by their social relationships. Theological law was a belief in superhuman or divine powers, Metaphysical, a belief in the powers of the individual human mind and the positive law was based on truth produced by collaborative, quantitative and scientific work. An appeal of the positivist approach is that scientific knowledge does not contradict or surprise the ex perience of the everyday world. It argues that factors, which are not directly observable, such as meanings feelings and purposes, are not particularly important and can be misleading, they therefore, form, reliable quantitative data. Phenomenological theorists such as Simmel (1858-1918) and Weber (1864-1920) propose that the consciousness is the proper area of study, for its study will reveal meaning. They seek to sense reality and describe in words rather than numbers, trying to produce convincing descriptions of what they experience rather than explanations and causes. Weber disagreed with Comtes theory, he believed there could be as many sciences as needed, Quantitative and empirical studies cannot tell people what to do, and it is important to go beyond simply recording events and to explain the reasons behind them. When referring to Webers idea of puritanism, a case study in the empirical construction of the protestant ethic, Weber, as cited by Ghosh (2003), clearly states that empirical sources are not tablets of stone, eternally available to the truth seeking historian; rather they have a history of their own. Weber believed that values play a crucial role before during and after research and that social a ction is governed by the dynamic of individual needs. Weber was committed to the study of causality, the probability that an event would be followed by another event not necessarily of a similar nature. In addition to this Weber also analysed the levels to which rationality was becoming institutionally embedded in modern industrialised societies. Marxs view of bureaucracy was according to Weber a form of organisation superior to all others, Weber wrote in one of his many books, that without this form of social technology the industrialised countries could not have reached the wealth and extravagance that they currently enjoy, (Weber, 1928) as cited in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004). He believed that this capacity for social order would lead to the evolution of the iron cage, and as a result, a society that was technically ordered, rigid and dehumanized. As stated by Giddens (1997) Weber sought to understand social change. He was influenced by Marx but was also strongly critical of s ome of Marxs major views, rejected the materialistic conception of history and saw class conflict as less significant than Marx. From a positivist stance, Marx believed that ideas were expressions of public interest and that they served as weapons in the struggle between classes and political parties. Class for Marx, is defined as a social relationship rather than a position or rank in society. Class struggle and owners of production determined economic order. In Marxs view, classes are defined and structured by work, labour, possessions, production, and the class structures of capitalism consisted of class struggle, political power and the development of a classless society. Marxs theory of society consisted of two categories of class and that economic order was determined by the two; Bourgeoisie, the capitalist class, the hierarchy, the wealthy, the employers and the Proletariat, who are the workers or the lower class. His view was that as the bourgeoisie employed the proletariat, who has to fulfill his basic needs, the capitalist class could not exist without them. As cited by Haralambos and Holborn (1995), Marxism has sometimes been regarded as a positivist approach since it can be argued that it sees human behaviour as a reaction to the stimulus of the economic infrastructure. Although Weber agreed with Marx in part, that as methods of the organisation increased efficiency and effectiveness of production, Marxs theory threatened to dehumanise society. Webers theories, stratification and views on economic behaviour were rooted from Marxs view on the economics of a society. Another positivist view came from Emile Durkheim, whose impression of society was of structures that function apart from human purpose and will. While he considered society to be composed of individuals, his theory was that it is not individuals behaviours, thoughts and actions that construct society, but that society has a structure and existence of its own. His thought was, that society was to have developed from traditional to modern society, through the expansion and development of the division of labour, of course, it is individuals who act, but they do not act on a purely individual basis, they have obligations and duties and are strongly influenced by structure, tradition and the roles of our forefathers. Durkheim considered himself with the issue of social order and how modern society holds together, given that society is composed of many individuals each acting in an individual and autonomous manner. Durkheims classic study of suicide, (1970, first published in 1897), as cit ed in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004) is often seen as a model of positivist research and it does indeed follow many of the methodological procedures of positivism. Although supporting the two different methodologies of sociology, Durkheim was heavily influenced by Weber, who defined sociology as the study of social action between individuals. In contrast to Durkheims impression of society and view that society has an existence of its own apart from the individuals in it and so proceeds a proper object of study. As argued by Haralambos and Holborn (1995) where Marx was pessimistic about the division of labour in society, Durkheim was cautiously optimistic. Marx saw the specialised divisions of labour trapping workers in their occupational role, Durkheim saw problems arising from specialisation in industrial society, but believed the promise of the division of labour far outweighed the problems. While Simmel is generally not regarded as being as influential in sociology as were Marx, Weber and Durkheim, Simmels theories, had some similarities to Durkheims theory of problems of individuality and society, Webers dynamic of individual interests and Marxs theory of class structure. Simmel considered society to be an association of free individuals and that society could not be studied in the same way as the physical world for example, sociology is more than the discovery of natural laws that govern human interaction. His theory was that society is made up of the interactions between and among individuals and that, sociologists should study the patterns and forms of these associations rather that look for social laws. By defining sociology in this way, Simmel avoids the conflict about the nature of science whether it should be concerned with timeless, universal laws, instead, there are always multiple ways in which we can look at things. He argued that society was made up of soc ial facts, and these social facts coerce and shape the actions of individuals. He argued that in traditional societies, solidarity binds together individuals in order to allow society to operate. Social facts only come into being in an interaction, and do not exist within an individual consciousness. Durkheim (1970) as cited in Haralambos and Holborn (2004), stated that the determining cause of a social fact should be sought among the social facts preceding it and not among the states of individual consciousness, the causes of variations in suicide rates were to be found in social facts and in society rather than the individual. Therefore, social groups represent. He argued that societies that functioned well were societies that held a consensus sway over individuals; society, therefore, was something outside and inside individuals. As stated by Haralambos and Holborn (1995) to phenomenology, it is impossible to measure objectively any aspect of human behaviour, through language humans distinguish between different types of events, actions, objects and people. The process of categorisation is subjective; it depends upon the opinions of the observer. Statistics are simply the product of the opinions of those who produce them. The distinction between positivist and phenomenological approaches is not as clear-cut as this assignment implies. There is a considerable debate over whether or not a particular theory should be labelled positivist or phenomenological. Often many of the theorists lie somewhere in between, some taking views from either side. Haralambos and Holborn (1995) argue that in terms of sociology, the positivist approach makes the following assumptions; the behaviour of humans, like the behaviour of matter, can be objectively measured, just as the behaviour of matter can be quantified by measures such as weight, temperature and pressure. Methods of objective measurement can be devised for human behaviour, such measurement is essential to explain behaviour. Early Positivists such as Comte, and Durkheim argued that objectivity was attainable by adopting a scientific methodology. Marx also believed that his sociology was objective and scientific, although he saw society very differently. Weber did not think complete value freedom was possible, but he did believe that once a topic for research had been chosen, the researcher could be objective. He argued that sociologists should not make value judgments, that is, they should not state what aspects of society they found desirable or undesirable. It is plainly nonsensical to throw into one big pot labelled sociology all those researches which could have been satisfactorily conducted by national economy, history of civilisation, philosophy, political science, statistics, demography and ethics. That gives us a new name, but no new knowledge. Simmel, G (1858), cited in American Journal of Sociology [online]) (1898) Reference List Ghosh, P, (2003), Max Webers Idea of Puritanism: A Case Study In The Empirical Construction Of The Protestant Ethic, History of European Ideas, [online], 29;2, 183-221, Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6V9C-48D2RD7-1_user=10_rdoc=1_fmt=_orig=search_sort=dview=c_acct=C000050221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=10803212fe05d9a06d9a7ce5cfaec919 [Accessed November 21, 2008] Giddens, A, (1997) Sociology, 3rd Edition, Polity Press, Cambridge Haralambos, M, Holborn, M, (1995), Sociology, Themes and Perspectives, 4th Edition, Collins Educational, London Haralambos, M, Holborn, M, (2004), Sociology, Themes and Perspectives, 6th Edition, Collins Educational, London Kirby, M, Kidd, W, Koubel, F, Barter, J, Hope, T, Kirton, A, Madry, N, Manning, P, Triggs, K, (2000), Sociology in Perspective, Heinemann Educational, Oxford Simmel, G (1898) The Persistence of Social Groups, American Journal of Sociology, [online], 5; 3, 662-663. Available at: http://www.brocku.ca/MeadProject/Simmel/Simmel_1897a.html [Accessed November 11th 2008]

Impact of Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity

Impact of Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity Introduction Organizational survival in highly turbulent environment has become the major concern of organizations today. Globalization and increased use of technology has brought tremendous change and created new demands for business world. The strategic intention of organizations today is to achieve innovation at lightning speed and want people to work better, smarter and faster. The war for talent is now more competitive than ever before. Realizing the current challenges of business environment and to make survival possible, organizations have started paying more emphasis on managing the performance of their employees, fulfilling their comfort needs by providing them an effective workplace environment that also helping them to attract and retain the talent. According to Sundstrom, (1994) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), majority of people spend 50% of their lives within indoor environments, which greatly influence their mental status, actions, abilities and performance. (Carnevale 1992, Clements-Croome 1997) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), highlighted that better outcomes and increased productivity can achieved through better workplace environment. This study is intended to analyze the impact of workplace environment on employees productivity. As it has been revealed through literature that workplace environment influence occupants productivity, therefore, same assumption would be tested for different organizations of manufacturing and services sectors of Pakistan. Background Hughes, (2007) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), conducted a survey comprising of 2000 employees belongs to different organizations and industries and designated at multiple levels. The findings of the study reported that nine out of ten believed that a workspace quality affects the attitude of employees and increases their productivity. Research conducted by BOSTI (Buffalo Organization for Social and Technological Innovation) indicates that workplace design has a direct link to employee behavior and is important in achieving strategic business objectives. Brill (1992) (as cited in Amir and Sahibzada) conducted a survey and the findings suggested that improvement in physical design of office building may result in 5% to 10% increases in productivity. Contextual Framework According to Hameed and Amjad, (2009), better workplace produces better results. Research conducted by ASID (American Societies of Interior Designers) on what employees values most in the workplace, comprising of 382 respondents. Comfort issues got the highest rating i-e 41% which is concerned with the comfort of the workplace, ranging from the physical comfort to the atmosphere or feel of the environment. Hammed and Amjad (2009), highlighted that increased personal control and comfort needs of employees triggered the concern among organizations to provide them with a workplace environment, which not only fulfills the employees needs but also helps to enhance their productivity. Problem Identification/Statement As discussed by Hameed and Amjad, (2009), in Pakistan, the workplace environment, its significance and its related issues are significantly ignored. They further reported that there has been no or very less attention paid to the workplace environment and moreover, employers and employees are not aware of the influence and hidden dynamics of workplace environment. Such circumstances are affecting the employees productivity and hence in the form of delay in work completion, frustration, increase in absenteeism effect on personal growth etc. Therefore, purpose of this research is to identify and study the elements of the workplace environment which can affect the productivity of employees in the manufacturing and services sector companies of Pakistan. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the effects of workplace environment on its occupants perceived productivity. 1.3 Research Questions The research questions of the study are as follows: 1. Is there any relationship between the components of workplace environment and employees productivity? 2. Which component of workplace environment? Behavioral or physical has the greater impact on employees productivity. 3. Which elements of the two components of the workplace environment have the significant affect on productivity of employees? 4. Which of the sector of Pakistan? Manufacturing or Services have significant influence of workplace environment on employees productivity. 1.4 Scope The orbit of the study is limited to the manufacturing and services sectors companies of Pakistan. Despite of the scope, this study would help employers of all nature in managing their workforce performance through revealing significant dynamics and influence of workplace environment. 1.5 Delimitation of Research The study is delimited to the two major sectors of Pakistan that are manufacturing and services sectors. It would not cover all the companies of manufacturing and services sector of Pakistan. Moreover, the respondents in this study are limited to only Karachi. 1.6 Definition of Key Words Environmental Psychology: Environmental psychology studies the interactions and relations between people and their environments. (Oskamp Schultz, 1998, p. 206) (as cited in Neill 2008) Workplace: According to Peterson Beard (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) , workplace can be defined as an area within an organization that can be arranged to achieve particular goal. Productivity: In this the perceived productivity would be measured in formal workplace setting, and defined by (Clements-Croome and Kaluarachchi 2000) as cited in Hameed and Amjad2009) that perceived performance measure as an indicator used to assess individuals aggregated perceptions, attitudes or assessments toward an organizations product or service. CHAPTER-2 Literature Review 2.1 Environmental Psychology Environmental Psychology is a new area in the field of psychology. (Spener, 2007). The origin of this field is unknown, however, some evidence have been found through the research studies conducted by different researchers during the years of 1970s and 1980s.(Pol, 2006). The term environmental psychology was first coined by Hellpach in his book Geopsyche as stated in the studies of Kaminsiki (1976), Graumann (1976) and Kuse Graumann (1987) (as cited in Pol, 2006). Environmental Psychology as defined by Hellpach (as cited in Pol, 2006) is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between human and their surroundings. Hellpach (as cited in Pol, 2006) broadly explained the term environment by dividing it into the following categories: Natural or geopsychological factor environment Community or psychosocial factor environment The built-world or technopsycology After the world-war-II, there was an immense need of development required at every corner of the world from all perspectives especially in the field of attitude change, small-group processes, and intergroup conflict. Therefore, many psychologist felt the need and they started exploring and applying social psychological theories, so that people and their lives could be brought in harmony (Pol, 2006). Hellpach was an outstanding psychologist (as cited in Pol, 2006), he believes that environment influence human mind in two ways influence through meaning of impression (immediate experience) and influence causing psychological changes in the body, which in turn, generate experiences. Environmental Psychology has been evolving since many years and realizing its and significance in lives of individual, massive researches have been generated. In 1987 two huge volumes of Handbook of Environmental Psychology was published. Journal of Environmental psychology was started in1981 and its receiving and publishing the studies. Realizing its benefits of the field another journal has been introduced i-e the journal of Architectural design and research (Spencer, 2007). American Psychological Association (APA) has an established division for this area, known as Population and Environment and solely devoted to the aim i-e to improve interactions between human behavior, environment and population. There are many other institutes that have a separate devoted section for environmental psychology examples include Canadian Psychological Association, Environmental Psychology in UK (EPUK), Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). Other organizations include International Asso ciation of People Environment Studies (IASP) which also serving the similar purpose i-e to improve the physical environment and human well being and International Association of Applied Psychology has also division IV called Environment (Spencer, 2007). Vischer, (2008) further contributed in the field and explained that how the workplace is designed and occupied does not only influence on how people feel but also it affects their work performance, their commitment to their employer and the creation of new knowledge (human capital in the organization. Visher, (2008), also highlighted that these are the foundation stone of the domain, known as environmental psychology. Considering the potential of this emerging new area of study, many researchers have applied and analyzed the concept of environmental psychology by studying the relationship and influence of workplace or office environment on occupants productivity and performance. As stated by Peterson and Beard, (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) , one possible way through which organizations can achieve competitive advantage is by introducing innovative smart strategies that can improve and enhance human performance and can be boost or controlled by the situational factors that into the organizations workspace. 2.2 Workplace Environment According to Roelofsen, (2002) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) working environment is one of the essential human requirements that enable people to perform their work effectively under defined conditions. As explained by Gan Haynes (n.d), today organizations are operating in highly turbulent environment and the global workforce is now mobile than ever before that indicates that organizations are not competing for talent nationally but also at international level. Such demands arises the need and compel organizations to compete and attract and retain the best human capital. Therefore, Gay Haynes, (n.d) emphasized that organizations must pay attention to occupiers preferences and also identified that by adopting workplace design strategy organizations can survive in the highly competitive environment. Several studies have attempted to explain work environment in different areas, some of the examples are employee turnover (Martin 1979), job satisfaction (Iaffaldano Muchinsky, 1985), employee turnover, job involvement and organizational commitment (Sjà ¶berg Sverke 2000) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009). Zeytinoglu Denton, (2005) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) highlighted the importance of work environment and stated that it is one of the factors that affect employees decision to stay with the organization. Ramlall, (2003) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) also emphasizes on the importance of work environment and discussed that it is very essential to identify and understands the emerging needs of individuals to keep them committed and provide the work environment as necessitate and demanded. Milory, (2004) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) investigated that people strive to and feel pleasure in working for those or ganizations that provide positive work environment. Earle, (2003) also discussed the idea that work environment is an effective tool to attract and retain employees. He further stated in his study about an independent research conducted on factors influencing employees decision to accept or reject a job. This study was commissioned by American Society for Interiors Designer (ASID). 663 adults were given carte blanche to list down those influencing factors. The results revealed that 62 percent of respondents cited Compensation as the number one factor, while benefits and workplace acquired the second position being cited by 22% and 21% respectively. Physical workplace also stood at second position, when the factors of job satisfaction analyzed and explored. It was further observed that employees who were happy with their physical workplaces were 31% more likely to be satisfied with their jobs than those who were not. When employees were specifically asked whether a physical workplace would affect their decision to join a position 41% s aid that it would while, when the job seekers were asked whether a physical workplace would affect their decision to leave an organization, 51% said it would. Visher, (2008), emphasized that it would be helpful for employers and decision makers to study and apply research evidence to consider environmental design as an investment in the workforce. A new concept of ba has been introduced, which is now a days the focus area of study for many researchers. The term ba indicates an environment that supports and encourage knowledge creation, not only through the design of space but also through the structure and operations of the social and cultural environment (Visher, 2008). Nenonen, (2004) (as cited in Visher, 2008), highlighted the importance of emerging concept of ba and stated that it provides a new insight for analyzing how features of organization add value to an organizations human capital. There has been huge amount of scientific research conducted by Roelofsen (2002) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d), the findings indicated that improving working environment results in decrease in the number of complaints and absenteeism and increase in productivity. Govindarajulu (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d), also highlighted that in twenty-first century, businesses are moving towards more strategic approach of environmental management to enhance their productivity through improving and managing performance level of employees. 2.3 Productivity Rollos, (1997) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), stated that when people produce something with least effort, this is known as productivity. Sutermiester, (1976) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) defined productivity as output per employee hour, quality considered. According to Dorgan, (1994) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), productivity is the increased functional and organizational performance, including quality. Hameed and Amjad, (2009) further explained that productivity is the ratio how well an organization converts input resources into goods and services. They also discussed that productivity measure carries different meaning at factory settings and at workplace setting. The performance of employees in factory can be measured by the number of units produced per employee per hour. While in formal workplace setting performance increased is considered when there is less absenteeism fewer employee leaving and less breaks. Therefore, such productivity is measured through personnels subjective assessment rather than quantitative operational information and this kind of productivity measured is known as subjective productivity measure and as defined by Wang and Giankis (1999) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), subjective performance measure as an indicator used to assess individuals aggregated perceptions, attitudes or assessments toward an organizations product or service. (Clements-Croome and Kaluarachchi 2000)( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009),subjective productivity data is usually collected using survey questionnaires, it can also be descriptive or qualitative collected by interviews. Leaman and Bordass,(2000) (as cited in Haynes 2008) also support the idea of perceived productivity to measure office occupants productivity. Hence this research would explore the influence of workplace environment prevailing in services and manufacturing sector and therefore this study would also be measuring the subjective productivity. 2.4 Workplace and Productivity (Uzee, 1999; Leaman and Bordass, 1993; Williams et al. 1985) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) observed that by realizing the importance of workplace environment, many organizations have been applying new techniques to construct office building in a way that can attract more employees and leads to increase in productivity. They also discussed that now a days many researchers and authors have been emphasizing that the physical layout along with the effective and efficient management processes are playing an important role in enhancing employees productivity and organizational performance. According to Gensler, (2006) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), in March 2006, an independent research firm conducted a research on US workplace environment. The survy was conducted by using a sample size of 2013 and the research was related to workplace designs, workplace satisfaction and productivity. 89 % of the respondents rated design, from important to very important and about 90 % of senior officials expressed that effective workplace design is important for the increase in employees productivity. According to the rough estimate provided by executives also showed that 22% increase can be achieved in the organizations performance if their workplaces are well designed. Therefore, the findings of the survey suggested that businesses can enhance their productivity by improving and managing their workplace. Gensler, (2006) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), further stated that despite the potential of workplace environment many organizations still not pay the required attention. The findings also highlighted the fact that 40% of the employees believe that their companies want to keep their costs low that is why their workplaces have bad designs and 46% of employees think that the priority list of their company does not have workplace design on top. When data was summarized, almost one out of every five employees rated their workplace environment from, fair to poor. 90% admitted that their attitude about work is adversely affected by the quality of their workplace environment while, 89% employees blamed their working environment for their job dissatisfaction. 2.5 Relationship between Workplace Design and Productivity Roethlisberger Dickson, (1939) (as cited in Haynes, n.d) pointed out that the researches investigating the affects of working environment on occupants productivity are too old that their evidences have been found in studies conducted during 1903s. According to Brill et al. (1984) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), ranked factors, which affect productivity according to their importance. The sequenced of factors are based on the significance: furniture, noise, flexibility, comfort, communication, lighting, temperature and the air quality. There is also some evidence found through Springer Inc (1986) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009),that an insurance company in a study revealed the best ergonomic furniture improved performance by 10% to 15%. Leaman, (1995) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) conducted a survey, the investigation is based on the relationship between the indoor environment, dissatisfied employees and their productivity. The findings suggested that productivity of the work is affected, reason being the environmental factors that people were unhappy with temperature, air quality, light and noise levels in the office. 2.6 Theoretical Framework Development According to Haynes, (n.d), extensive amount of literature is available on affects of workplace environment on occupants productivity (Osealan 1999, Leaman and Bordass 2000, Clements Croome 2000) (as cited in Haynes n.d) also support this evidence, but then there is no universally accepted theoretical frame have not been developed yet through which the influence of workplace environment on employees productivity could be observed and measured. Haynes, (n.d) explained that previous researches have been conducted by establishing a link between physical component of workplace environment and employees productivity. Some of the literature also acknowledged influence of social dimension of workplace place environment i-e the behavioral component, also impact the occupants productivity but there is little empirical research available to support the idea. Olson, (2002) (as cited in Haynes 2008) also stated the researches that attempts to address are at the initial theoretical and developmental stage. Haynes, (2008), has collected, reviewed and researched occupants productivity form physical component as well as from behavioral component and proposed a theoretical model that is based on the idea that a workplace environment is consists of both the components (physical and behavioral) and also highlighted the point that behavioral component has greater impact on employees productivity as compared to the physical component. Haynes, (2008) described physical environment and behavioral environment as the physical environment consists of components of that relate to the office occupiers ability to physically connect with their office environment. While, behavioral environment consist of components that relate to how well the office occupiers connect with each other and the impact the office environment can have on the behavior of individuals. Haynes, (2008) adopted the research approach to developed a theoretical model that covers both the dimensions of workplace environment as both have an impact on employees productivity. For this purpose Haynes collected two data sets. The à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ rst dataset was obtained from a research project for a local authority research forum. The data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire survey. In total, ten local authorities took part in the research project, with responses from 26 ofà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ces. The actual number of respondents was 996 from a population of 4,338 ofà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ce occupants. The second data set was obtained from the private sector, through a piece of contract research. This additional dataset was collected to with an aim to test the à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ndings of the à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ rst dataset. The data set was collected from one company consisting of four main buildings, which formed the companys head ofà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ce. The total number of head office staff was 800. The data were collected using an online questionnaire with a response rate of 53 per cent, i.e. 422 respondents. The same question was asked based on the 27 variables under investigation. Source : Haynes, (n.d) The above table is showing 27 variables used for research purpose (Haynes n.d). The statistical technique of factor analysis is used that allow 27 evaluative variables to be reduced to four distinct components. The component of Comfort and Office layout represents the physical environment and the components of interactions and distractions represents the behavirol component as presented in the table below (Haynes, 2008). Source: Haynes, (2008) 2.7 Conceptual Frame Work The conceptual framework of the study is based on the same model proposed by Haynes, (2008) and the employees productivity would be measured and explored through the dimensions of workplace environment that are the physical component and behavioral components. Therefore, the constructed frame work is as follows: Behavioral Environment Workplace Environment Physical Environment Comfort Office Layout Interaction Distraction + = CHAPTER-3 Methodology 3.1 Research Purpose According to Robson, 2003 (as cited in Gray 2004), in terms of purpose, a research can be broadly categorized as exploratory, descriptive and explanatory. Exploratory research emphasizes to investigate new insights and happening about a phenomenon. Descriptive study according to Hedrick et al. (1993) (as cited in Gray 2004), explains data and characteristics about a phenomenon being studied where as explanatory research is a type of research that seeks to establish and explores the relationship exists between variables (Gray, 2004). Therefore, by considering the overall objective of the thesis and research questions, this study falls in explanatory class of research purpose because we would be acquiring explanatory knowledge by examining the relationships between dependent and independent variables. 3.2 Research Approach Dewey, (1933) (as cited in Gray 2004) identified two broad research approaches known as Deductive and Inductive research approach. Deductive reasoning as defined by Gray, (2004) is a top-down approach that works form more general to more specific. Deductive process involves testing of theories or hypothesis and drawing conclusions based on existing research studies. While, inductive research is theory generating. Its a bottom-up approach that begins with a specific observation and ends with the development of generalized theory that is based on the analysis of collected data (Gray, 2004). This study is deductive as we would be exploring and testing existing empirical theories and models related to workplace environment, measuring its impact on employees performance within its defined context and would also be drawing logical inferences. 3.3 Research Design 3.3.1 Method As stated by Ghaur and Ghaur, ( n.d), research methods can be classified as qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research as defined by Ghaur and Ghaur (n.d), is an inquiry process of understanding a social and human problem in a natural setting. It involves analysis of unstructured information and used to gain insight into peoples behavior, attitude, culture and lifestyle. Types of qualitative research includes: case study, involves in-depth understanding of phenomenon in its real context through multiple sources of evidence. Ethnography is a study of characteristics of peoples culture, conducted in the natural environment setting. Grounded theory is a research method in which theory is developed inductively based on the data collected through observation. Phenomenology is a study of experiences from the individuals perspective. (Gray, 2004). A qualitative study can be conducted by adopting one of the methods that are: participant -observation: usually acquired to collect data on naturally occurring behavior in its real context. In-depth interviews are appropriate to conduct for sensitive topics as it allows a researcher to collect holistic understanding of participants point of view or situation. Focus group technique is useful to gain and extract relevant data on the cultural norms of a group and in generating broad overviews of issues relating to that particular groups or subgroups being involved (Gray, 204). According to Ghaur and Ghaur, ( n.d), quantitative research is empirical and involves testing of models, theories or hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomenon through analyzing and establishing statistical relationships. A quantitative research is divided in two groups depending on the data collection methods that are experimental and non experimental quantitative research. The primary goal of experimental quantitative research is to provide strong evidence for cause and effect relationship. A non-experimental quantitative research involves variables that are not manipulated by the researcher and instead are studied as they exist (Ghaur and Ghaur, n.d). An analytical survey as explained by Gray, (2004) is one of the methods to collect data that covers specific characteristics suitable to carry out deductive research. This study can be classified as quantitative research because of its empirical nature and characteristics of using quantifiable data. We would be drawing conclusion based on experimentation and systematic observations. Further it can be classified as non-experimental quantitative research because our research carries many independent variables that need to be studied and that cannot be manipulated. Analytical survey method would be adopted as its composition facilitates our research design that it tests the theory in a specific domain by investigating association between research variables and more specifically we would be conducting a cross-sectional survey as information on population would be gathered at a single point in time. Questionnaire would be used as a research instrument as we would have large sample size and its easy to quantify. 3.3.2 Sampling 3.3.2.1 Population of Interest Manufacturing and services sectors are the focus areas of the research. As this study would be presenting a comparative analysis of both the sectors, with respect to their prevailing workplace environment therefore, the sample would be drawn from the population of identified sectors. 3.3.2.2 Sampling Technique As explained by Gray, (2004), sampling methods can be divided into two broad categories: probability and non probability sampling. A probability sampling is a type of sampling in which every unit in the population has a chance (greater than zero) of being selected in the sample. Types of probability sampling includes: random sampling and stratified sampling. Random sampling is a type of sampling in which each individual in the population of interest has an equal likelihood of selection. While stratified sampling is a mini-reproduction of the population that is drawn by dividing the population into important characteristics required for research. (Gray, 2004). Non probability sampling as highlighted by Gray, (2004), is also known as non-representative sampling. It is a sampling process in which samples are drawn from the desired population and does not provide and does not provide all the individuals in the population of equal chances of being selected. The different types of non-prob ability sampling includes: convenience sampling is such a sampling in which sample are selected on the basis of their ease of accessibility and availability. Quota sampling is used with a purpose to sets the proportions of levels or strata within the sample. Purposive sampling technique is adopted for a very specific need or purpose. In such sampling people who have knowledge about a particular problem are selected as sample members (Gray, 2004). The data for the study would be collected from different organizations operating in manufacturing and services sectors, therefore, non-probability sampling and specifically convenience sampling would be appropriate to adopt as its above defined nature facilities our research. 3.3.2.3 Sample Size The sample size for this research has been proposed on the basis of the formula developed by Tabachnik and Fidell (2001, p. 117) and is stated below: N à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 50 + 8m, where m equals the number of predictor variables According to Tabachnik and Fidell (2001, p. 117), the above formula is applicable for computing the sample size required for multiple regression. Therefore, in this research the no. of independent variables are four and hence the sample size is calculated accordingly i-e 82 as shown below: 50 + 8 (4) = 82 3.4 Validity Reliability Validity as defined by Gray, (2004), is the degree to which data in a research study are accurate and credible. While reliability is the degree to which an instrument will produce similar results at a different period (Gray, 2004). To increase the quality of research and to ensure the reliability and validity of data collected through defined research tool, following steps would be considered: Data will be conducted from reliable respondents who actually experiencing the workplace environment in manufacturing and services. Questionnaire for survey would be based on the variables previously studied and tested.

Demand: One of the Pillars of Economics Essay -- Understanding Demand

Demand and Quantity Demanded There is a clear distinction between demand and quantity demanded; furthermore, they have their own significance in the economics arena. In economics, the term demand refers to the will associated with purchasing a product, which one can afford, meaning that the price must be contained within the fiscal reach of the consumer. Demand is also a combination of aspiration to possess something, capability to pay for it and the willingness to reimburse. An example is the ability of citizens to pay for education, as well as to buy basic-food staff. Quantity demanded (QD), on the other hand, refers to the entire number of commodities demanded at any one moment, for instance, people buying 3000 laptops when the price is $ 500 (Baumol and Blinder, 2008). QD depends on the worth of products, not considering market stability. Substitutes and Complement Products Substitutes are products that can replace each other and still gratify the desires that the intended product aimed at addressing (McKenzie and Dwight, 2006). A notable example is butter and margarine, which meet the same purpose of the consumers. It is notable that changes in price of one product will have a significant demand on the other. Complement products refer to a set of goods that are consumed jointly. A sole example is the printer and ink cartridges, which must be used together. Other examples include camera and film, together with computer and Microsoft programs. Amplification in price for one product will cause a decrease in demand of its complement. The Difference between Demand and Quantity Demanded Understanding the difference between the two aspects is critical in avoiding errors in economics. Demand is used to verify the marketplac... ...ed of another related product. Elasticity of demand is another fundamental aspect in demand since a proportionate change in one factor affects the demand of a product. There is price and income as well as cross elasticity of demand, in economics. Several factors do affect the demand of a product, and these include weather, price expectations, and the consumer count in the marketplace. Works Cited Baumol, William and Blinder A. (2008) Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy. 11th edition. Florence, Cengage Learning. McKenzie, Richard and Dwight R. (2006) In defense of monopoly: how market power fosters creative production. Michigan, University of Michigan Press Myers, D. (2004) Construction economics: a new approach. Oxford, Taylor and Francis Gwartney, James et al. (2008) Economics: Private and Public Choice. Florence, Cengage Learning.

Cloning Essay -- Biology, Stem Cells, Asexual Reproduction

Abstract: The rate of using cloning is rapidly increasing. Cloning of different species is a beneficial process, but also has limitations as it can be hazardous and harmful to our society. Cloning is the process in which multiple identical copies of an entire entity are made. An example is the cloning of stem cells which provide identical replicas that can be used to help an injured human. This study compares the favourable and negative outcomes of cloning different organisms, from a scientific perspective without getting into the ethics and religious views. As well, this paper discusses whether or not cloning is considered suitable for society and under what circumstances that this pertains. Through scientific research and background knowledge, many facts are produced about the affects of cloning plants, animals and people. After weighing out both sides of this process in each circumstance, it can be concluded that the cloning of plants, animals, and humans can be beneficial, but it needs to be kept to a minimum to limit the chance of having a uniform society. Cloning of different species is a beneficial process, yet it has its limitations as it can be hazardous and harmful to society. Cloning is the process of asexual reproduction of an entire entity, in which multiple, identical genetic copies are created. According to Webster`s Online Dictionary, â€Å"cloning is the process of producing a clone†, and a clone is â€Å"a cell, cell product, or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which it was derived.† While one may take an ethical approach to determine whether or not cloning should be allowed, this study is based solely on scientific facts and evidence. Cloning can be done on plants, animals and hum... ...ning and experimenting. The benefits and problems of cloning tend to make a cycle. For example, if scientists continue to genetically clone species that help in the medicinal field, then this would cause people to live unnaturally long. The issue of extreme overcrowding would arise, and scientists would have to clone or grow more crops to provide an adequate amount of food for everyone, thus leading to more possible environmental damage. Cloning has been proven to be useful to society; however there are many risks that come with it. This process needs to be analyzed in more depth in each circumstance, to determine the long term effects, before moving forward with the use of cloning on a global scale. Cloning is a beneficial process to our society; however certain forms of human cloning are unacceptable at this time, due to our inability to predict consequences.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 27. NEEDS

I DIDN'T GET VERY FAR BEFORE DRIVING BECAME IMPOSsible. When I couldn't see anymore, I let my tires find the rough shoulder and rolled slowly to a stop. I slumped over on the seat and allowed the weakness I'd fought in Jacob's room crush me. It was worse that I'd thought – the force of it took me by surprise. Yes, I had been right to hide this from Jacob. No one should ever see this. But I wasn't alone for very long – just exactly long enough for Alice to see me here, and then the few minutes it took him to arrive. The door creaked open, and he pulled me into his arms. At first it was worse. Because there was that smaller part of me – smaller, but getting louder and angrier every minute, screaming at the rest of me – that craved a different set of arms. So then there was fresh guilt to season the pain. He didn't say anything, he just let me sob until I began to blubber out Charlie's name. â€Å"Are you really ready to go home?† he asked doubtfully. I managed to convey, after several attempts, that it wasn't going to get any better anytime soon. I needed to get past Charlie before it got late enough for him to call Billy. So he drove me home – for once not even getting close to my truck's internal speed limit – keeping one arm wrapped tightly around me. The whole way, I fought for control. It seemed to be a doomed effort at first, but I didn't give up. Just a few seconds, I told myself. Just time for a few excuses, or a few lies, and then I could break down again. I had to be able to do that much. I scrambled around in my head, searching desperately for a reserve of strength. There was just enough for me to quiet the sobs – hold them back but not end them. The tears didn't slow. I couldn't seem to find any handle to even begin to work with those. â€Å"Wait for me upstairs,† I mumbled when we were in front of the house. He hugged me closer for one minute, and then he was gone. Once inside, I headed straight for the stairs. â€Å"Bella?† Charlie called after me from his usual place on the sofa as I walked by. I turned to look at him without speaking. His eyes bugged wide, and he lurched to his feet. â€Å"What happened? Is Jacob . . . ?† he demanded. I shook my head furiously, trying to find my voice. â€Å"He's fine, he's fine,† I promised, my voice low and husky. And Jacob was fine, physically, which is all Charlie was worried about at the moment. â€Å"But what happened?† He grabbed my shoulders, his eyes still anxious and wide. â€Å"What happened to you?† I must look worse than I'd imagined. â€Å"Nothing, Dad. I . . . just had to talk to Jacob about . . . some things that were hard. I'm fine.† The anxiety calmed, and was replaced by disapproval. â€Å"Was this really the best time?† he asked. â€Å"Probably not, Dad, but I didn't have any alternatives – it just got to the point where I had to choose. . . . Sometimes, there isn't any way to compromise.† He shook his head slowly. â€Å"How did he handle it?† I didn't answer. He looked at my face for a minute, and then nodded. That must have been answer enough. â€Å"I hope you didn't mess up his recovery.† â€Å"He's a quick healer,† I mumbled. Charlie sighed. I could feel the control slipping. â€Å"I'll be in my room,† I told him, shrugging out from underneath his hands. â€Å"‘Kay,† Charlie agreed. He could probably see the waterworks starting to escalate. Nothing scared Charlie worse than tears. I made my way to my room, blind and stumbling. Once inside, I fought with the clasp on my bracelet, trying to undo it with shaking fingers. â€Å"No, Bella,† Edward whispered, capturing my hands. â€Å"It's part of who you are.† He pulled me into the cradle of his arms as the sobs broke free again. This longest of days seemed to stretch on and on and on. I wondered if it would ever end. But, though the night dragged relentlessly, it was not the worst night of my life. I took comfort from that. And I was not alone. There was a great deal of comfort in that, too. Charlie's fear of emotional outbursts kept him from checking on me, though I was not quiet – he probably got no more sleep than I did. My hindsight seemed unbearably clear tonight. I could see every mistake I'd made, every bit of harm I'd done, the small things and the big things. Each pain I'd caused Jacob, each wound I'd given Edward, stacked up into neat piles that I could not ignore or deny. And I realized that I'd been wrong all along about the magnets. It had not been Edward and Jacob that I'd been trying to force together, it was the two parts of myself, Edward's Bella and Jacob's Bella. But they could not exist together, and I never should have tried. I'd done so much damage. At some point in the night, I remembered the promise I'd made to myself early this morning – that I would never make Edward see me shed another tear for Jacob Black. The thought brought on a round of hysteria which frightened Edward more than the weeping. But it passed, too, when it had run its course. Edward said little; he just held me on the bed and let me ruin his shirt, staining it with salt water. It took longer than I thought it would for that smaller, broken part of me to cry herself out. It happened, though, and I was eventually exhausted enough to sleep. Unconsciousness did not bring full relief from the pain, just a numbing, dulling ease, like medicine. Made it more bearable. But it was still there; I was aware of it, even asleep, and that helped me to make the adjustments I needed to make. The morning brought with it, if not a brighter outlook, as least a measure of control, some acceptance. Instinctively, I knew that the new tear in my heart would always ache. That was just going to be a part of me now. Time would make it easier – that's what everyone always said. But I didn't care if time healed me or not, so long as Jacob could get better. Could be happy again. When I woke up, there was no disorientation. I opened my eyes – finally dry – and met his anxious gaze. â€Å"Hey,† I said. My voice was hoarse. I cleared my throat. He didn't answer. He watched me, waiting for it to start. â€Å"No, I'm fine,† I promised. â€Å"That won't happen again.† His eyes tightened at my words. â€Å"I'm sorry that you had to see that,† I said. â€Å"That wasn't fair to you.† He put his hands on either side of my face. â€Å"Bella . . . are you sure? Did you make the right choice? I've never seen you in so much pain -† His voice broke on the last word. But I had known worse pain. I touched his lips. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"I don't know. . . .† His brow creased. â€Å"If it hurts you so much, how can it possibly be the right thing for you?† â€Å"Edward, I know who I can't live without.† â€Å"But . . .† I shook my head. â€Å"You don't understand. You may be brave enough or strong enough to live without me, if that's what's best. But I could never be that self-sacrificing. I have to be with you. It's the only way I can live.† He still looked dubious. I should never have let him stay with me last night. But I had needed him so much. . . . â€Å"Hand me that book, will you?† I asked, pointing over his shoulder. His eyebrows pulled together in confusion, but he gave it to me quickly. â€Å"This again?† he asked. â€Å"I just wanted to find this one part I remembered . . . to see how she said it. . . .† I flipped through the book, finding the page I wanted easily. The corner was dog-eared from the many times I'd stopped here. â€Å"Cathy's a monster, but there were a few things she got right,† I muttered. I read the lines quietly, mostly to myself. â€Å"‘If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and ifall else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.'† I nodded, again to myself. â€Å"I know exactly what she means. And I know who I can't live without.† Edward took the book from my hands and flipped it across the room – it landed with a light thud on my desk. He wrapped his arms around my waist. A small smile lit his perfect face, though worry still lined his forehead. â€Å"Heathcliff had his moments, too,† he said. He didn't need the book to get it word perfect. He pulled me closer and whispered inmy ear, â€Å"‘I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!'† â€Å"Yes,† I said quietly. â€Å"That's my point.† â€Å"Bella, I can't stand for you to be miserable. Maybe . . .† â€Å"No, Edward. I've made a real mess of things, and I'm going to have to live with that. But I know what I want and what I need . . . and what I'm going to do now.† â€Å"What are we going to do now?† I smiled just a bit at his correction, and then I sighed. â€Å"We are going to go see Alice.† Alice was on the bottom porch step, too hyper to wait for us inside. She looked about to break into a celebration dance, so excited was she about the news she knew I was there to deliver. â€Å"Thank you, Bella!† she sang as we got out of the truck. â€Å"Hold it, Alice,† I warned her, lifting a hand up to halt her glee. â€Å"I've got a few limitations for you.† â€Å"I know, I know, I know. I only have until August thirteenth at the latest, you have veto power on the guest list, and if I go overboard on anything, you'll never speak to me again.† â€Å"Oh, okay. Well, yeah. You know the rules, then.† â€Å"Don't worry, Bella, it will be perfect. Do you want to see your dress?† I had to take a few deep breaths. Whatever makes her happy, I said to myself. â€Å"Sure.† Alice's smile was smug. â€Å"Um, Alice,† I said, keeping the casual, unruffled tone in my voice. â€Å"When did you get me a dress?† It probably wasn't much of a show. Edward squeezed my hand. Alice led the way inside, heading for the stairs. â€Å"These things take time, Bella,† Alice explained. Her tone seemed . . . evasive. â€Å"I mean, I wasn't sure things were going to turn out this way, but there was a distinct possibility. . . .† â€Å"When?† I asked again. â€Å"Perrine Bruyere has a waiting list, you know,† she said, defensive now. â€Å"Fabric masterpieces don't happen overnight. If I hadn't thought ahead, you'd be wearing something off the rack!† It didn't look like I was going to get a straight answer. â€Å"Per – who?† â€Å"He's not a major designer, Bella, so there's no need to throw a hissy fit. He's got promise, though, and he specializes in what I needed.† â€Å"I'm not throwing a fit.† â€Å"No, you're not.† She eyed my calm face suspiciously. Then, as we walked into her room, she turned on Edward. â€Å"You – out.† â€Å"Why?† I demanded. â€Å"Bella,† she groaned. â€Å"You know the rules. He's not supposed to see the dress till the day of.† I took another deep breath. â€Å"It doesn't matter to me. And you know he's already seen it in your head. But if that's how you want it. . . .† She shoved Edward back out the door. He didn't even look at her – his eyes were on me, wary, afraid to leave me alone. I nodded, hoping my expression was tranquil enough to reassure him. Alice shut the door in his face. â€Å"All right!† she muttered. â€Å"C'mon.† She grabbed my wrist and towed me to her closet – which was bigger than my bedroom – and then dragged me to the back corner, where a long white garment bag had a rack all to itself. She unzipped the bag in one sweeping movement, and then slipped it carefully off the hanger. She took a step back, holding her hand out to the dress like she was a game show hostess. â€Å"Well?† she asked breathlessly. I appraised it for a long moment, playing with her a bit. Her expression turned worried. â€Å"Ah,† I said, and I smiled, letting her relax. â€Å"I see.† â€Å"What do you think?† she demanded. It was my Anne of Green Gables vision all over again. â€Å"It's perfect, of course. Exactly right. You're a genius.† She grinned. â€Å"I know.† â€Å"Nineteen-eighteen?† I guessed. â€Å"More or less,† she said, nodding. â€Å"Some of it is my design, the train, the veil. . . .† She touched the white satin as she spoke. â€Å"The lace is vintage. Do you like it?† â€Å"It's beautiful. It's just right for him.† â€Å"But is it just right for you?† she insisted. â€Å"Yes, I think it is, Alice. I think it's just what I need. I know you'll do a great job with this . . . if you can keep yourself in check.† She beamed. â€Å"Can I see your dress?† I asked. She blinked, her face blank. â€Å"Didn't you order your bridesmaid dress at the same time? I wouldn't want my maid of honor to wear something off the rack.† I pretended to wince in horror. She threw her arms around my waist. â€Å"Thank you, Bella!† â€Å"How could you not see that one coming?† I teased, kissing her spiky hair. â€Å"Some psychic you are!† Alice danced back, and her face was bright with fresh enthusiasm. â€Å"I've got so much to do! Go play with Edward. I have to get to work.† She dashed out of the room, yelling, â€Å"Esme!† as she disappeared. I followed at my own pace. Edward was waiting for me in the hallway, leaning against the wood-paneled wall. â€Å"That was very, very nice of you,† he told me. â€Å"She seems happy,† I agreed. He touched my face; his eyes – too dark, it had been so long since he'd left me – searched my expression minutely. â€Å"Let's get out of here,† he suddenly suggested. â€Å"Let's go to our meadow.† It sounded very appealing. â€Å"I guess I don't have to hide out anymore, do I?† â€Å"No. The danger is behind us.† He was quiet, thoughtful, as he ran. The wind blew on my face, warmer now that the storm had really passed. The clouds covered the sky, the way they usually did. The meadow was a peaceful, happy place today. Patches of summer daisies interrupted the grass with splashes of white and yellow. I lay back, ignoring the slight dampness of the ground, and looked for pictures in the clouds. They were too even, too smooth. No pictures, just a soft, gray blanket. Edward lay next to me and held my hand. â€Å"August thirteenth?† he asked casually after a few minutes of comfortable silence. â€Å"That gives me a month till my birthday. I didn't want to cut it too close.† He sighed. â€Å"Esme is three years older than Carlisle – technically. Did you know that?† I shook my head. â€Å"It hasn't made any difference to them.† My voice was serene, a counterpoint to his anxiety. â€Å"My age is not really that important. Edward, I'm ready. I've chosen my life – now I want to start living it.† He stroked my hair. â€Å"The guest list veto?† â€Å"I don't care really, but I . . .† I hesitated, not wanting to explain this one. Best to get it over with. â€Å"I'm not sure if Alice would feel the need to invite . . . a few werewolves. I don't know if . . . Jake would feel like . . . like he should come. Like that's the right thing to do, or that I'd get my feelings hurt if he didn't. He shouldn't have to go through that.† Edward was quiet for a minute. I stared at the tips of the treetops, almost black against the light gray of the sky. Suddenly, Edward grabbed me around the waist and pulled me onto his chest. â€Å"Tell me why you're doing this, Bella. Why did you decide, now, to give Alice free reign?† I repeated for him the conversation I had with Charlie last night before I'd gone to see Jacob. â€Å"It wouldn't be fair to keep Charlie out of this,† I concluded. â€Å"And that means Rene and Phil. I might as well let Alice have her fun, too. Maybe itwill make the whole thing easier for Charlie if he gets his proper goodbye. Even if he thinks it's much too early, I wouldn't want to cheat him out of the chance to walk me down the aisle.† I grimaced at the words, then took another deep breath. â€Å"At least my mom and dad and my friends will know the best part of my choice, the most I'm allowed to tell them. They'll know I chose you, and they'll know we're together. They'll know I'm happy, wherever I am. I think that's the best I can do for them.† Edward held my face, searching it for a brief time. â€Å"Deal's off,† he said abruptly. â€Å"What?† I gasped. â€Å"You're backing out? No!† â€Å"I'm not backing out, Bella. I'll still keep my side of the bargain. But you're off the hook. Whatever you want, no strings attached.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Bella, I see what you're doing. You're trying to make everyone else happy. And I don't care about anyone else's feelings. I only need you to be happy. Don't worry about breaking the news to Alice. I'll take care of it. I promise she won't make you feel guilty.† â€Å"But I -â€Å" â€Å"No. We're doing this your way. Because my way doesn't work. I call you stubborn, but look at what I've done. I've clung with such idiotic obstinacy to my idea of what's best for you, though it's only hurt you. Hurt you so deeply, time and time again. I don't trust myself anymore. You can have happiness your way. My way is always wrong. So.† He shifted under me, squaring his shoulders. â€Å"We're doing it your way, Bella. Tonight. Today. The sooner the better. I'll speak to Carlisle. I was thinking that maybe if we gave you enough morphine, it wouldn't be so bad. It's worth a try.† He gritted his teeth. â€Å"Edward, no -â€Å" He put his finger to my lips. â€Å"Don't worry, Bella, love. I haven't forgotten the rest of your demands.† His hands were in my hair, his lips moving softly – but very seriously – against mine, before I realized what he was saying. What he was doing. There wasn't much time to act. If I waited too long, I wouldn't be able to remember why I needed to stop him. Already, I couldn't breathe right. My hands were gripping his arms, pulling myself tighter to him, my mouth glued to his and answering every unspoken question his asked. I tried to clear my head, to find a way to speak. He rolled gently, pressing me into the cool grass. Oh, never mind! my less noble side exulted. My head was full of the sweetness of his breath. No, no, no, I argued with myself. I shook my head, and his mouth moved to my neck, giving me a chance to breathe. â€Å"Stop, Edward. Wait.† My voice was as weak as my will. â€Å"Why?† he whispered into the hollow of my throat. I labored to put some resolve into my tone. â€Å"I don't want to do this now.† â€Å"Don't you?† he asked, a smile in his voice. He moved his lips back to mine and made speaking impossible. Heat coursed through my veins, burning where my skin touched his. I made myself focus. It took a great deal of effort just to force my hands to free themselves from his hair, to move them to his chest. But I did it. And then I shoved against him, trying to push him away. I could not succeed alone, but he responded as I knew he would. He pulled back a few inches to look at me, and his eyes did nothing to help my resolve. They were black fire. They smoldered. â€Å"Why?† he asked again, his voice low and rough. â€Å"I love you. I want you. Right now.† The butterflies in my stomach flooded my throat. He took advantage of my speechlessness. â€Å"Wait, wait,† I tried to say around his lips. â€Å"Not for me,† he murmured in disagreement. â€Å"Please?† I gasped. He groaned, and pushed himself away from me, rolling onto his back again. We both lay there for a minute, trying to slow our breathing. â€Å"Tell me why not, Bella,† he demanded. â€Å"This had better not be about me.† Everything in my world was about him. What a silly thing to expect. â€Å"Edward, this is very important to me. I am going to do this right.† â€Å"Who's definition of right?† â€Å"Mine.† He rolled onto his elbow and stared at me, his expression disapproving. â€Å"How are you going to do this right?† I took a deep breath. â€Å"Responsibly. Everything in the right order. I will not leave Charlie and Rene without the best resolution I can give them. I won't deny Alice her fun, if I'm having a wedding anyway. And I will tie myself to you in every human way, before I ask you to make me immortal. I'm following all the rules, Edward. Your soul is far, far too important to me to take chances with. You're not going to budge me on this.† â€Å"I'll bet I could,† he murmured, his eyes burning again. â€Å"But you wouldn't,† I said, trying to keep my voice level. â€Å"Not knowing that this is what I really need.† â€Å"You don't fight fair,† he accused. I grinned at him. â€Å"Never said I did.† He smiled back, wistful. â€Å"If you change your mind . . .† â€Å"You'll be the first to know,† I promised. The rain started to drip through the clouds just then, a few scattered drops that made faint thuds as they struck the grass. I glowered at the sky. â€Å"I'll get you home.† He brushed the tiny beads of water from my cheeks. â€Å"Rain's not the problem,† I grumbled. â€Å"It just means that it's time to go do something that will be very unpleasant and possibly even highly dangerous.† His eyes widened in alarm. â€Å"It's a good thing you're bulletproof.† I sighed. â€Å"I'm going to need that ring. It's time to tell Charlie.† He laughed at the expression on my face. â€Å"Highly dangerous,† he agreed. He laughed again and then reached into the pocket of his jeans. â€Å"But as least there's no need for a side trip.† He once again slid my ring into place on the third finger of my left hand. Where it would stay – conceivably for the rest of eternity.