The Fundamentals of Islam

The Fundamentals of Islam Free Online Research Papers Radical Islamism has clearly been on the rise in recent years, and is even more noticeable with the recent attacks and threats to Untied States soil. What has led to this radical type of lifestyle, or thinking? Well, there are many reasons for it, but let briefly ponder the following statement. â€Å"There was also a movement from viewing all things European as Christian and, therefore, forbidden, and toward viewing technological progress and even constitutional forms of government and concepts such as separation of religion and state as separate from faith (Waines, 2001).† This is part of the thought process that has led to the rise of radical Islamism. The thought that progress in government, industry and technology are â€Å"forbidden† to the people of Islam, because it had come from Christians. To me this thought process is similar to Nazi-ism. The German public was showered with rhetoric from Hitler and his supporters that led them to believe that the Jewish people were responsible for their economic burdens. This is different in many ways, but I feel that the similarities are plentiful and frightening. Throughout the rest of this paper I will summarize the rise of radical Islamism from modernization and dependency. I will also demonstrate possible strategies for Islam regress from this type of thinking. Theorists, philosophers and many other feel that the rise of radical Islamism can be attributed to dependency and modernization. I do not agree with them but in the slightest extent, and I will further elucidate my thoughts. As states in my introduction, I feel that radical Islamism is eerily similar to Nazi-ism. The Nazi regime was founded on propaganda and rhetoric that was used almost as psychological warfare on Germanys own citizens. Just as the German public was pounded with anti-Jewish propaganda the Islamic people are pounded with the anti-Christianity propaganda. Islamic leaders have used changes in society and culture to fuel this hatred and adapt the propaganda they utilize to spread this hatred of Christianity. For example, I feel that they have definitely used the theories of dependency and modernization to further their rhetoric against Christianity, however I do not feel that dependency and modernization themselves have had that dramatic of effect on the Islamic people. These changes in society and culture are not the reasons for terrorism and suicide bombings; it is the teachings of their radical leaders that lead them down these extreme paths. The economic life of Islam is very simple. It is based upon solid foundations and Divine instructions. Earning ones living through decent labor is not only a duty but a great virtue as well. Dependence of any able effortless person on somebody else for a livelihood is a religious sin, a social stigma and disgraceful humility. A Muslim is enjoined by God to be self-supporting and to stay away from being a liability on anybody. Islam respects all kinds of work for earning one’s livelihood so long as there is no indecency or wrong involved. With a clear conscience and due respect from society the Muslim can roll up his sleeves and undertake any kind of work available to provide for himself and his dependents. Prophet Muhammad is reported as having said that it is far better for one even to take his rope, cut wood, pile it up and sell it in order to eat and give charity than to beg others whether they give him or not. According to Islam, the status of honest working men cannot be lowered on account of the kind of work they are doing for a living. Yet the laboring workers have no limited scope for improving their lots and raising their standards as high as possible. They have equal opportunities at their disposal and enjoy freedom of enterprise. To me, it does not sound like modernization or dependency should have caused these people to take up arms and start blowing up national landmarks. Whatever the individual makes or earns through lawful means is his private possession, which neither the State nor anybody else can justifiably claim. In return for this right of private possession he has only to fulfill certain obligations to the society and pay certain taxes to the State. When this is done, he has full rights to protection by the State, and his freedom of enterprise is secure and guaranteed. Under the Islamic system the menace of capitalism or communism never arises. The enterprising individual is responsible for the prosperity of the State, and the State in turn is responsible. The reason that Islamism turned radical was from the radical teachings of certain Islamic leaders. These leaders used political rhetoric and social propaganda to fuel their anti-Christian teachings and spread their extreme beliefs. They convinced their people that Christianity and Democracy were evil and capitalist. That Allah would want them to use whatever means necessary to stop the spread of this type of structure from poisoning their society. This is why we see radical Islamism. I must say, it does seem like a modern form of Nazi-ism. However, not that I have examined where I think these problems root from, let me briefly examine how I think moderate Islamic leaders can bring an end to these extreme followings. Traditional Islam is a very simple way of life, and that is what these leaders need to bring to the forefront. The moderate teachers and leaders need to put themselves out in the public and stress the teachings of Muhammad and the traditional Islam religion. They need to show them that all of this violence contradicts these teachings and the beliefs that their religion is founded on. Stress to the people of Islam that they need to find their traditional roots once again. Suggest to them that they need to get back to the basics. The fundamentals of Islam are not about terrorism or political gain. They can even take it one step further and tell them that their current actions mirror that of the capitalists. Islam is not about making political statements and random acts of violence. Islam is a simple way of life based on the five pillars that I will describe below: The shahadah, which is the basic creed or tenet of Islam: aÃ… ¡hadu al-lÄ  ilÄ ha illÄ -llÄ hu wa aÃ… ¡hadu anna muÄ §ammadan rasÃ… «lu-llÄ h, or I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. This testament is a foundation for all other beliefs and practices in Islam. Muslims must repeat the shahadah in prayer, and non-Muslims wishing to convert to Islam are required to recite the creed. Salah, or ritual prayer, which must be performed five times a day. Each salah is done facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship. Salah is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is allowed depending on circumstances. In many Muslim countries, reminders called Adhan (call to prayer) are broadcast publicly from local mosques at the appropriate times. The prayers are recited in the Arabic language, and consist of verses from the Quran Zakat, or alms-giving. This is the practice of giving based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. A fixed portion is spent to help the poor or needy, and also to assist the spread of Islam. The zakat is considered a religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the well-off owe to the needy because their wealth is seen as a trust from Gods bounty. The Quran and the hadith also suggest a Muslim give even more as an act of voluntary alms-giving (sadaqah). Sawm, or fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must not eat or drink (among other things) from dawn to dusk during this month, and must be mindful of other sins. The fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God, and during it Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and think of the needy. Sawm is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would constitute an undue burden. For others, flexibility is allowed depending on circumstances, but missed fasts usually must be made up quickly. Some Muslim groups do not fast during Ramadan, and instead have fasts different times of the year. The Hajj, which is the pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. When the pilgrim is about ten kilometers from Mecca, he must dress in Ihram clothing, which consists of two white seamless sheets. Rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching the Black Stone, running seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina. The pilgrim, or the hajji, is honored in his or her community, although Islamic teachers say that the Hajj should be an expression of devotion to God instead of a means to gain social standing. These are the fundamentals of the traditional Islam religion and way of life. If I were to give any advice to the leaders and teachers that can make a difference and try to bring and end to radical Islamism, it would be to bring these fundamental teaching back to the forefront. It is what Islam was founded on, and it will show them that their current path is wrong. This is a lot easier said then done, but I feel that this would be the most effective method to utilize. Research Papers on The Fundamentals of IslamBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Assess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeQuebec and CanadaComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoBringing Democracy to AfricaCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andHip-Hop is ArtPETSTEL analysis of India

How to Tell Your Parents You Got F on a Test

How to Tell Your Parents You Got F on a Test Okay, relax, you got an F on the test and now you’re searching online for tips and tricks to telling your parents and coming out alive. First of all, you’re not the first person to fail a test and you won’t be the last. It happens. In this article we’re going to go over the ideal strategy when it comes to dealing with mom and dad. Let’s get started. 1. Don’t Lie: Just Be Honest Yep, there’s no reason to lie. It’s not worth it and in 99.9% of the cases or scenarios we could come up with being honest will work out better for you in the end. Trying to lie and avoid things will only make everything much, much worse. When you tell your parents, just be perfectly honest and keep the initial saying really short. For example, this will do just fine: â€Å"Mom/Dad, I got an F on the test.† Once you say that just keep your mouth shut for a second and let mom or dad digest the information. They might blurt out something like, â€Å"OMG!† or, â€Å"Come on! Why?† but don’t be quiet to reply. Wait at least 3-5 seconds to see if their finished. Gauge their current attitude. Hey, are they having a good or bad day in general? 2. Prepare Your Explanation Beforehand Even though you’re going to be brutally honest, you shouldn’t wing it. The more coherent, logical and thought-out your explanation the more they’ll take you seriously. If you found the class incredibly boring and partied instead, then tell them that without being a child about it. If they interject, that’s fine. There’s no reason to get into an argument. That won’t help. Just calmly make it clear you’re telling them the honest truth and do it with some forethought. 3. Take Their Reaction In-Stride like an Adult Resolve yourself beforehand to take anything they say or do in-stride. Meaning you’re willing to take your lashes. This isn’t the end of the world. It doesn’t mean you’ll be a failure in life. It doesn’t mean that you’re going to have to drop out. It just means you need to make some changes (more on this momentarily). Don’t protest. Don’t try to defend yourself. Agree with everything they say and do without hesitation or resistance. Trust me, it works wonders. If you agree with everything and erase any possibility of argument, they’re far more likely to see things from your perspective instead of theirs. 4. Be Ready to Tell Them What You’re Going to Change When they ask you what you plan to do about it, have something prepared. Don’t be like, â€Å"I dunno /shrugs.† Instead you should show them you already have a plan of action. And mean it! Be sincere! 80% of human communication is unspoken and most parent’s a highly attuned to their own child’s BS. You’re going to study harder and take the course work more seriously. You’ve arranged a meeting with the professor to go over your options. You’ve joined a study group to make sure that you pick up the slack for the rest of the class. You’ve spoken with your advisor and there’s more than enough room to retake the class and still graduate on time. You’ve nailed down what went wrong and you know exactly how to fix it so this doesn’t become a bad habit. You’ve talked to the grant people and are taking the necessary steps to stay eligible. Failing a test can be a pretty substantial eye-opener so let your parent’s see how much wider your eyes are now. 5. Practice Being a Good Listener but be Confident Listen to what they say, but if they’re way off the mark in how they react you need to be confident. If they go off the deep end then you need to take this chance to be independent and call your own shots. This is, after all, your own life and your own education. Listen intently and when you reply, make sure they understand you heard them. But, don’t let mom and dad walk all over you in their quest for the perfect son/daughter. â€Å"I appreciate your advice, but I need you to know I got this.† There’s a big difference with taking your lashings and letting yourself get walked all over just because you made a bad call. College is a time to learn from our mistakes on our own and mom and dad need to understand this. 6. Follow Through Unless you plan on dropping the class, follow through on what you said you would do. If you don’t, then you risk making things 10 times harder should something like this come up again. It’ll be a learning experience that in more ways than one helps to set the tone of your adult life after college. How did you deal with telling your parent’s about the last time you failed a test? How did it go? Share the experience and help others when it’s their time up to bat!

The Developing Manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The Developing Manager - Essay Example Ð °rds on the bÐ °sis of group pÐ °rticipÐ °tion Ð °nd involvement in such Ð °reÐ °s Ð °s setting goÐ °ls Ð °nd Ð °pprÐ °ising progress towÐ °rd goÐ °ls, engÐ °ge in much communicÐ °tion both down Ð °nd up Ð °nd with peers, encourÐ °ge decisionmÐ °king throughout the orgÐ °nizÐ °tion, Ð °nd otherwise operÐ °te Ð °mong themselves Ð °nd with their subordinÐ °tes Ð °s Ð ° group. My orgÐ °nizÐ °tion Ð °pplies neither of in-Ð °bove described styles. It is rÐ °ther something in the middle of exploitive – Ð °uthoritÐ °tive Ð °nd pÐ °rticipÐ °tive-group which cÐ °n be referred to Ð °s consultÐ °tive. MÐ °nÐ °gers within my orgÐ °nizÐ °tion hÐ °ve substÐ °ntiÐ °l but not complete confidence Ð °nd trust in subordinÐ °tes, usuÐ °lly try to mÐ °ke use of subordinÐ °tes ideÐ °s Ð °nd opinions, use rewÐ °rds for motivÐ °tion with occÐ °sionÐ °l punishment Ð °nd some pÐ °rticipÐ °tion, engÐ °ge in communicÐ °tion flow both down Ð °nd up, mÐ °ke broÐ °d policy Ð °nd generÐ °l decisions Ð °t the top while Ð °llowing specific decisions to be mÐ °de Ð °t lower levels Ð °nd Ð °ct consultÐ °tively in other wÐ °ys. CommunicÐ °tion is the process of sending Ð °nd receiving informÐ °tion or communicÐ °tion with Ð °nother person. In Ð ° simplistic form, informÐ °tion is sent from Ð ° sender or encoder to Ð ° receiver or decoder. In Ð ° more complex form feedbÐ °ck links Ð ° sender to Ð ° receiver. This requires Ð ° symbolic Ð °ctivity, sometimes viÐ ° Ð ° lÐ °nguÐ °ge. CommunicÐ °tion development is the development of processes enÐ °bling one to understÐ °nd whÐ °t others sÐ °y (or sign, or write) Ð °nd speÐ °k(or sign, or write), trÐ °nslÐ °te sounds Ð °nd symbols into meÐ °ning Ð °nd leÐ °rn the syntÐ °x of the lÐ °nguÐ °ge. CommunicÐ °tion is bÐ °sed on the ideÐ ° of respect, promises Ð °nd the wÐ °nt for sociÐ °l improvement. NonverbÐ °l communicÐ °tion deÐ °ls with fÐ °ciÐ °l expressions Ð °nd body motions. 93% of â€Å"emotionÐ °l meÐ °ning† we tÐ °ke from other people is found in the person’s fÐ °ciÐ °l expressions Ð °nd tone of voice, the other 7% is tÐ °ken from whÐ °t the person Ð °ctuÐ °lly sÐ °ys (More

Global mgmt wk 3 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Global mgmt wk 3 - Research Paper Example This software assists in decision-making that helps increase margins and enhance cash flows. Microsoft Dynamics NAV improves your confidence and visibility on all levels of your business by providing â€Å"an intuitive RoleTailored user interface, built-in workflows, and integrated systems† (Microsoft, 2012). It also offers self-help tools to its end-users and real-time information that minimizes the need to ask assistance from IT personnel. It also provides third-party solutions. This system requires only low investment and is highly compatible to your existing technology, thus, avoiding the need and costs for upgrade. It is available in different countries and provides translation to selected languages. It provides service plan that allows users to upgrade to newer versions. Costs start at $2,610 per single user, but the final pricing is determined by the purchasing partner. Pros: Suitable for any organization size, simple and user-friendly, offers self-help tools and third-party solutions, minimizes upgrade costs, widely available and multilingual, compatible with existing technology DBA Manufacturing is software for small businesses. It is good for 5-50+ users and combines the core functions of ERP and MRP. It resolves the complexities of ERP systems. It offers process workflow that is suitable to any company. It enhances operational performance, quality and efficiency, while minimizing inventory and work in progress status. This software provides a unique self-help sales model that allows users to freely navigate the software. It offers a lower price and incurring costs. There is also a downloadable free evaluation tool on their website, where the mentioned sales model was derived. It includes sample company data on a sample version of the software. DBA is self-implemented unlike other ERP systems which outsource consultants for implementation. It allows its end-users to start up the system on their own. Inquiries

Green marketing Essay Example for Free

Green marketing Essay With the rise of growing consciousness for environmental protection, people are now becoming more less-sensitive with price premiums as long as they earn the benefits of these eco-products. This environmental concern revolution has begun to also uncover the various factors that enable consumers to purchase these specially-packaged products. This stage was able to assess the following: (a) price sensitivity issues, (b) package convenience, (c) environmentally-concerned, and symbolic environmentally-concerned aspects of the individual which are depicted in the results made by the Mintell Poll in Great Britain. From the study of the poll, a considerable number of people are concerned on putting value in the process of packaging of these bio products. See the following for the results The rise of green marketing Peattie (2005:357) It was only during the 1980’s when people start to speak about green marketing. Almost suddenly, consumption of the greenest products and health consciousness came to be the talk of the town. Like any new phenomena, it was soon the topic of the marketing research of most firms. With this awareness of the green market, companies have reverted to environmentally-friendly modes of production and operations. However, there also came to a point when this green marketing was only about selling, and that the green aspect was all a disguise. Legislations and other policies rose to halt this growing and gnawing concern. Redefinition of green marketing A number of marketing processes have been enumerated to reshape the approach of this market, as follows:   a redefinition of the product which encompasses the means of production and distribution. A willingness to change markets as well as changing products as a sustainable economy will require more than new product developments   an emphasis on benefits from product use to show the joys of product ownership   marketing communication that aims to inform rather than impress a focus beyond current customer needs   a willingness to manage demands and expectations   an emphasis on costs rather than price   taking more responsibility on consumer and societal welfare Most firms have long been focused on selling and just making profits, whereas the customer has always been into the marginal interests. Since the birth of green marketing, consumers have favored this product, and thus the producers or the firm has to follow this lead. This would work in a world of entirely marketing oriented firms, but neglects mostly the internal environment. Changes in Medicine / Bio-cosmetics Akoh (2004:513) We have clearly presented our views and thorough research in the previous sections and will now give light to the other side of bio-cosmetics – the various changes in medicine that may help or hamper the lives of the individuals using these products. Innovation in medical treatments in terms of technological-use or through the minimally invasive techniques (MIT) prompted the way for advancements to significantly reduce pain, recovery time, and even hospital stays with marked improvements in cosmetic outcome and overall cost effectiveness. Bio-cosmetics for one, has enabled practicing surgeons to aid their treatments with the latest surgical cares that will serve as a catalyst to one’s full recovery. Yaron Munz (2004:223) MITs were used in a wide range of procedures long before they were applied to surgery, but only then did they become exposed to the general public. Through the close collaborations of innovative surgeons and technologists, MIT was rapidly advanced in the society. Conrad (2005:3-14) Since 1980’s profound changes happened in the field of medicine that have created a huge impact in health conditions. Patients started to become more knowledgeable and involved in the medical information on various treatments even in choosing their health insurance policies and in seeking out medical services. The biotechnology industry in particular has their ups and downs but it definitely gave birth to a promising future that may indeed revolutionize healthcare. Such products of these dynamic changes are the bio-products, such as bio-cosmetics. Bio-cosmetics Ethics Todd (2004:86) In line with the field of an innovative scene in biotechnology, environmental ethics and eco-marketers come together to reinstate the status of these bio-products to garner consumer appeal and make them realize the importance of being socially-involved and responsible. So the question arises, in an era where eco-friendly is hip, how do we infuse ethics and product aesthetics? Ethics simply realizes and acknowledges the fact that these bio products, specifically bio-cosmetics targets the image of beauty related to health and not marked by politics. However, not everyone seems to be pleased with all these biotechnological advancements as these groups believe that these cosmetics, drugs or other bio-products have the potential of threatening the â€Å"soul† or â€Å"dignity† of the person given the extent of effect it impacts the one who intakes. Although these are not sufficiently backed-up by scientific evidences, still the concern or the argument is present. Judgments regarding these agents or products still rely heavily on the ethical principles of both the buyers and the sellers. Holtug (1999:4) In ethics, it is also important to note that in the process of considering the usage of these bio-products for medicinal purposes, we should also draw the line between enhancing or treating. What is indeed the distinction between the two that justifies the use of these products or agents? Treatment can be referred to as an intervention that aims to cure a disease or an ailment. Enhancements on the other hand, do not attempt to cure a disease or reduce its effects. Therefore, the question on whether one should enhance or treat a person is touching on the ethical composition of the individual. With the pool of genes in a person, in the community and in the world, how can one identify which feature or trait should be eliminated or enhanced through medical interventions? How is it being determined? How are people with these inequalities being compensated for their state of difference? At the end of the day, how will it also affect the social attitudes of those undergoing medical treatments or enhancements?

A Literary Analysis of Robert Cormiers The Chocolate War Essay

A Literary Analysis of Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War" The Chocolate War is a story which takes place in New England in the 1970's. Most of the events happen in a Catholic school. Since this school was exclusively for boys, they were constantly trying to prove their power over each other. The story is told in third person omniscient. The story's mood is suspenseful. With each page turn one wonders if Jerry will take or refuse his chocolates. The protagonist of this story is Jerry Renault and the antagonist in Archie Costello. Jerry is a very quiet fifteen year old boy. He is also the quarterback for the Trinity High junior varsity football team. He is a very troubled individual due to his mother's death. He appears to be angry toward the whole world. Jerry is very ordinary and wants more change in his life instead of the same old thing. Archie Costello is 17 year old boy who is a member of the high school's very prestigious club called The Vigils. Archie is the "assignment giver". He gives assignments to the younger class men to do very mischievous things; for example, loosening all screws on desk chairs and chalkboards so that they will fall apart when students and teachers touch them. Archie is very clever and conniving. Many other characters contribute to the excitement of this story. Obie, another member of The Vigils, is Archie's sidekick. He helps Archie carry out all of his assignments. Obie has hostile feelings towards Archie because Archie gets all the glory while Obie does all the hard work. Obie is very soft spoken; he will not speak out against Archie about his anger. Brother Leon is the assistant headmaster of Trinity High School. He is very evil and... ... his groin but tries to defend himself. This is against the rules. After this a "free for all" begins. The lights are turned off by Brother Jacques, who is trying to stop all the madness. The story ends as Jerry is lying almost unconscious in his friend Goober's arms. Archie is taking pleasure in the whole scene, and Brother Leon is standing alone, watching this whole production as the ambulance draws near. The theme of The Chocolate War would have to be, being a nonconformist can make you an outcast by most people, and it can sometimes even bring harm to you. But if you are being a nonconformist with good reason, then you have to be willing to take the abuse. In Jerry's case it almost got him killed, and he still could not understand everyone's cruelty; but he knew that what he was doing was right in his heart.

Theory of Communication

Theories of communication A theory is a set of ideas that can be used to understand, explain and make predictions about something. Theories of communication provide ways of analysing communication between people and give care practitioners an insight into what works and why. Michael Argyle (1925–2002) was a social psychologist who researched and developed theories about human communication and interpersonal interaction. He focused on both verbal and non-verbal communication, carrying out experimental research to test and develop his theoretical ideas (see Argyle, 1967, 1969 and 1975).Argyle’s ‘communication cycle’ theory sets out to understand, explain and predict how communication occurs between people in one-to-one situations. In The Psychology of Interpersonal Behaviour (1967), Argyle proposed that communication is a skill that needs to be learnt and practised like any other skill. Argyle’s (1967) claim was that human communication is essentially a two-way process that involves people sending, receiving and responding to each other’s verbal and non-verbal messages.The receiver of the message keeps the communication going by responding to or by giving feedback to the original message. This process then repeats and builds into a communication cycle. Care practitioners need to have an understanding of group processes and patterns of group behaviour in order to interact and communicate well in the various group situations that they experience. Understanding how groups form and then develop is an important part of this. Bruce Tuck man (1965) outlined a model of group development based around a number of stages, or a sequence, of group activity.Tuck man’s (1965) theory suggests that groups must go through these stages to be effective and that the pattern of communication in each of the four stages is different 1. Forming involves group members coming together and asking basic questions about the purpose and aims of t he group, each member’s role within it and commitment to it. In this first stage of group development, members tend to feel quite anxious, often prioritise their own interests and may feel ‘disorientated’ in their interactions with others. A leader usually emerges in this early stage. . Storming, the second stage, is a period of conflict within the group. Members may argue over the purpose of the group, may contest its aims and sometimes resist the authority and role of the leader. In this stage, power and control are the main issues. Eventually, the purpose of the group and the roles within it become clearer as power and control battles are won and lost. Without tolerance and patience at this stage, the team will fail. Co-operation between members should begin to develop towards the end of this phase. . Norming is the stage when the group’s identity develops. A strong set of shared values, norms of behaviour and a group ‘culture’ emerge. The group arrives at one goal and agrees a shared plan to achieve it. The group becomes more cohesive and group members tend to work together to resolve conflicts. 4. Performing is the stage when the group finally matures and gets down to working effectively. Members tend to focus more on the overall goal rather than on relationships between themselves.Relationships have, by this stage, become more comfortable and are based on trust and mutual support. Reflect A group may or may not reach the performing stage: effective, high performing teams do but other less effective groups may get stuck at one of the earlier stages, particularly if they are unable to resolve the challenges or crises associated with that stage of group development. Effective communication within a group situation is a key influence on whether a group reaches the performing stag Theory of Communication Case Study Theory of Communication Introduction to Communication Good communication and interpersonal skills are vital for success in business. The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is often seen as the key characteristic of the effective manager or administrator. High level communication skills are also essential in specialised functions, such as marketing, human resource management, public relations and secretarial. Communication is the means by which individual employees convey their wants, ideas and feelings to others,( not only managers or specialists). Process of Communication ContextMedium/Channel Message Feedback Noise Communication can be defined as the process by which, ideas, information, opinions, attitude, and feeling are conveyed from one person to another. The communicator or sender is the person who initiates the conversation by sending a message. The receiver is the person who receives the messages and completes the communication by responding to it. Mo st communication is two way and has to have both a sender and receiver, either face to face or by other means such as telephone, letters, e-mails etc. Body language also plays a big part in communication. Sender EncodingReceiver Decoding Communication codes * Written language * Spoken language * Dress * Body language * Pictures, photographs and graphic illustrations. * Sign language, Braille. * Numbers * Computer language Communication Medium The medium is the means used to transmit the message. Media can be categorised into five headings; written, oral, visual, electronic and mass. Written media can provide a written record, can relay complex information, can be carefully thought out and mistakes can be edited. It takes time to produce and is more impersonal than speech. * Letter * Report * Memo * Press Release * Company magazine Advertising leaflet Oral media is more direct and personal, feedback is immediate. Oral media can be supported by body language. But there may be no recor d of what is said and if you say something you don’t mean you cannot take it back. * Conversation face to face or telephone * Interview * Meeting * Presentation * Oral briefing Visual media can have an immediate impact, it can support verbal presentations. * Nonverbal * Diagrams * Charts * Photographs * Models Electronic media provides fast communication over long distance, can carry both verbal and visual information. * Video * Telephone * E-mail * InternetMass media is an important source of information; it can reach a large number of people and can be used for advertising. * Television * Radio * Press * Film Channels of Communication The channel is the air that carries sound waves between speaker and listener such as: * Television channels * Radio * Postal system * Computer networks * Courier services * Telephone Barriers to Communication Effective communication is difficult and mistakes are often made. We see this in everyday life, we complain when someone doesn’t respond to our messages in the way we expect, they do not understand what we really meant to say.In business, difficulties with communication can cause disruption. Good business opportunities can be lost or disastrous management decisions made. A serious breakdown in communication can put the very future of a company at risk. Communication errors can never be completely eliminated. Nevertheless, we are likely to be more successful communicators if we are aware of the factors that cause communication to fail. Some obstacles stand in the way of communication and some of these can be avoided or overcome. Physical Barriers Among these barriers are poor hearing or eyesight, illness, tiredness, or stress.Other barriers can be, distractions such as an office that is too warm or too cold, uncomfortable seating, poor telephone connection or the noise of traffic heard from outside. If a person has a medical problem this may be sorted by a visit to a doctor. If the office is too hot or too col d the thermostat may be altered and maybe closing the window would help to block out the noise. Language Barriers To convey a message correctly it should be written clearly in a language that the receiver will understand. Mistakes in spelling can harm communication.Sometimes local jargon can disrupt good communication; it may be acceptable in a specialised trade or profession. Slang or local accents may be difficult for outsiders to understand. Nonverbal Barriers Facial expression, posture and eye movement all reveal our feelings and attitudes to the receiver. When there is conflict between a verbal and non verbal signal, it is the nonverbal signal that tends to be believed. A person may say that they are outgoing and confident but this might be contradicted by nervous body language. Poor Listening Good listening is often the most important part of communication.Listening give us a better understanding of the other persons point of view, maintains friendships and helps business coll aboration. When not listening properly, we often miss an important point in a conversation. Problems with Perception Perception is how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. We perceive the world through the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. We also have some physiological based perceptions such as sensation of pain, heat, cold etc. We have mental perceptions such as thoughts, daydreams and fantasies.The brain registers these different stimuli and organises them into shapes and patterns that we can understand. Mistakes can arise if we think other people perceive things the same way that we do ourselves. Often they don’t and this is a common cause of communication failure. Attitudinal Barriers Stereotyping, prejudice and unwanted attribution are among the attitudinal barriers that can do the most damage to our ability to our ability to relate effectively to others. * Stereotyping: We stereotype other people when we assume they will behave in a cert ain way just because of their appearance, role or a particular social group.We may be surprised to find that conservatively dressed people have radical views or that the big person wearing a studded jacket and driving a Harley Davidson turns out to be as gentle as a lamb. Judging by appearance gives an incomplete and often distorted picture of what a person is really like. * Prejudice: Prejudice is an attitude of hostility based on faulty generalisations, such as stereotypes. It may be directed at individuals or groups. Prejudice can be damaging to communications if a person believes that another person is inferior, subversive, threatening, not fully part of the community and so on.If we consider another person less than ourselves, we are unlikely to value what they have to say. Prejudice is often a part of ignorance but maybe better education will improve this. * Attribution:Even when we avoid stereotyping, we still make the mistake of judging people on flimsy evidence. We should n ot listen to what other people say, this can sometimes be misleading. Having an accurate picture of people is vital for effective communication, but it is something that can only be built up slowly through time, insight and regular contact. The Principles of Effective Communication As a Communicator 1.Think carefully about your objectives before communicating. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to inform, persuade, advise or consult the receiver? What kind of response do you hope to get? When you have answered questions like these then you can think about the content of the message and how you define it. 2. Put yourself in the communicator’s shoes. The receiver’s perception may not be the same as yours. They may think differently or have different opinions. You may need to communicate with tact and sensitivity. 3. Choose the right medium or combination of media. Difficulties can arise if the wrong medium is used.If you try to describe a complicated process by spe ech alone the audience may not understand it. A combination of words and graphics may work better. 4. Organise your ideas and express them carefully. Take time to structure your ideas in a logical sequence. When choosing your words, take into consideration the receivers understanding and linguistic ability. Try to use words that the receiver will understand. Use language suitable to the communication taking place, informal language that may be used on the shop floor may not be suitable or appropriate for a business meeting. 5.Consider the context, breakdowns in communication often occur because the receiver is given information at the wrong time or place. Even important messages can be forgotten if the receiver is busy or preoccupied with something else. 6. Check for feedback, make sure your message has been received and understood. When speaking face to face look for signs of puzzlement in your listeners, be prepared to explain if necessary. Although the main responsibility for com municating a message rests with the sender, the receiver also has to listen and make sure they understand and relay the message to the right person. As a Receiver 1.Give the message your full attention. Many messages are misunderstood because the receiver is not concentrating, they are daydreaming, or there are too many distractions. 2. Interpret the message correctly. This requires effort and proper listening, if you are unsure of what is said; ask for it to be repeated. Check the meaning of unfamiliar words or references. In spoken communication listen actively and with empathy. Be alert for nuances that may subtly alter the meaning of the message. 3. Keep an open mind, you should not allow dislike of the communicator, or disagreement with their beliefs to influence your judgement.Make an objective assessment of the message no matter what your relationship with the sender. 4. Record information you are likely to forget. You should write down any information you are likely to forge t such as, telephone numbers, names, dates etc. The information should be recorded properly in a secure place, not on a scrap of paper that can get lost among other papers on a busy desk. 5. Respond appropriately to the communicator by providing feedback, following up enquiries or whatever action is necessary.

Insider trading about Martha Stewart

When she was young, Martha committed her attempts to school assignments, obtaining report books full of best marks. She gained a scholarship to Barnard College, where she employed as a model and wedded with a law scholar, and changing her name becomes Martha Stewart. She discontinue her career as model when she was pregnant. Then she worked as a broker for few years. She was pretty good in doing the job, so she would have recognized about insider trading laws (â€Å"Martha Stewart, broker indicted†, 2003).When she was a college student, Stewart involved in business with her friend. Stewart began a catering business. Her catering business became productive and successful. Stewart started a retail store and sold her home equipments. She co-wrote a best-seller book, entertaining peoples, with long-period fashion ace Elizabeth Hawes. She began cropping up on Television talk shows with confidential information for troubled housewives. She was also having crucial problem with her hu sband. After Stewarts divorced, her husband married the worker. In the meantime, Martha Stewart's business remained successful (â€Å"Martha Stewart, broker indicted†, 2003).Stewart launched her magazine, Martha Stewart Living, in 1991. It became an achievement. Two years later, she began her own TV show, Martha Stewart Living. Initially, the insiders were unsure it would run well, but surely it was become tremendously rewarding TV show. Stewart generated a lot of money increasingly at that period (â€Å"Martha Stewart, broker indicted†, 2003).Insider Trading in case of Martha StewartThe Securities and Exchange Commission, in 2002, informed that Martha Stewart was investigated for insider trading case. In December 2001, she had sold 3,928 shares of ImClone Systems merely ahead the Food ; Drug Administration informed that it was entrancing ImClone's utilization to sell a modern supposed wonder medicine. It seemed like standard insider trading, and it believably was (â⠂¬Å"Stephen Moore on Martha Stewart & Insider Trading†, 2004).However, inquisitively the federal officials never testified this in courtyard, or even attempted to establish it. Alternatively, they appointed Stewart with four law-breaking, such as confederacy, construction of natural virtue, and two numbers of creating incorrect statements to officials. A jury said that she is blameworthy, and she was decided to be prisoned for five months. They thought that it is a law-breaking to telling the falsity to a fed. The speech communication does not have to be recorded, and witnesses are elective (â€Å"Stephen Moore on Martha Stewart & Insider Trading†, 2004).Martha Stewart has been in the news program and media for some months because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission considers that she was confirmed by Sam Waksal that his company ImClone’s cancer medicine had been declined by the Food and Drug Administration earlier than this report was published (Schroede r, J., 2004).This state of affairs was a great stroke to his company and the monetary value of its stock descended spectacularly. Nevertheless, Martha Stewart was not monetary injured because she had her stock broker sell her 4000 shares earlier than this information was published. If it is accurate, and it should be lined it has not been evidenced yet, and so she is chargeable of insider trading. The Stewart beliefs should make a resentful after-sensation in conservatives' openings for other causes. Stewart was a unfortunate person of socio-economic class conflict that has filtered down from the unintelligent (Schroeder, J., 2004).One of the panelists remarked joyously that this final judgment was warrantied, because it would bring a subject matter to the â€Å"valuable and strong†, which they cannot escape with such maltreatments. The print media also pleasured in performing the â€Å"socio-economic class conflict   correspondence† by spiting Martha Stewart for suc h wrongdoings as dressing high-priced jewelry at the time of the legal proceeding (â€Å"Stephen Moore on Martha Stewart ; Insider Trading†, 2004).Stewart now confronts possibly two years in correctional institution and the termination of as a minimum one-half of her financial condition, all because she handled to preserve herself $50,000 selling ImClone stock at the time of she perceived that one of the medicines the companies had been expanding had unsuccessful to acquire FDA acceptance (â€Å"Martha Stewart Stock Scandal†, 2003).In conclusion, Martha Stewart has been one of the great and victorious entrepreneurs of this contemporaries era. She produced hundreds of millions of dollars of innovative economic condition and nearly an innovative business enterprise that was effectively by herself. She made many occupations and was a booming enterpriser who materialized to produce much money.The origin my edginess is that a number peoples in our social group praise her ru ination incisively because of her tremendous attainment. However, attainment is a moral excellence in United States, and while the people begin handling it as frailty, they minimize their competitive arrangement. And so they have an untold greater difficulty in their social group than whether people are exchanging on active stock confidential information among the period of time.BibliographyMartha Stewart, broker indicted. 2003. [Online]Available at: http://money.cnn.com/2003/06/04/news/martha_indict?cnn=yesMartha Stewart settles SEC's insider trading case. 2004. [Online]Available at: http://redorbit.com/news/general/605372/†¦/index.htmlSchroeder, J. 2004. SSRN-Envy, Jealousy and Insider Trading: The Case of Martha Stewart. [Online]Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=419580SEC Charges Martha Stewart, Broker Peter Bacanovic with Illegal Inside. 2003. [Online]Available at: http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2003-69.htmStephen Moore on Martha Stewart & Insi der Trading. 2004. [Online]Available at: http://www.nationalreview.com/moore/moore200403090901.asp

6 Tips to Get Your Resume Past the Applicant Tracking System Robots

6 Tips to Get Your Resume Past the Applicant Tracking System Robots In the past, HR departments spent hours of time reviewing resumes- sometimes as many as 100 for a single position. Of course, that meant they had very little time to scan through each resume and screen out the best few for further review. As technology developed, however, so did the prospects of digital screening- a process that flags resumes in advance based upon criteria an employer enters for each position. Today, the chances of a robot handling your resume are more possible than not. The Basic ConceptThe operative phrase for these digital robots is known as â€Å"applicant tracking system,† but most all of them are based upon the same general concept. The â€Å"robot† screens each resume for pre-determined keywords and phrases, experience, and relevancy to the posted position. The process goes much like this:The resume is submitted digitally, according to the instructions on the job posting.The robot begins by â€Å"parsing† the resume. This process involves cutting through the styling and formatting and stripping the resume down to recognizable â€Å"strings† of text/characters.The strings of text are then analyzed and broken into categories: education, skills, work experience, contact information.Words/text are then matched with the employers’ criteria.The resume is given a score based upon its relevancy/match to those criteria.The employer determines the top number of resumes or the score parameters he wants.The robot then serves up those resumes to the employer for personal review.Obviously, this process saves the hiring manager a lot of time. But applications that are not designed to â€Å"hack† the system well will be trashed and never seen by that manager.Here, then, are the best tips for avoiding that trash can.1. Watch Your FormattingIf you have added any â€Å"dramatic† flair to your resume, you might want to consider deleting it. While you may believe that makes your resume a bit boring and just li ke everyone else’s, remember that bots know nothing about color, borders, shadings, photos, artistic graphics, and such. In fact, they can become confused by these things, rendering them unable to detect the relevant text.The same goes for formats. It’s fun to use different types of fonts to emphasize different points, but tracking systems don’t think they are fun at all. In fact, they will become confused and unable to read them. So, stick to the common fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, Courier, etc.2. Choose Common SectionsCommon sections for resumes include Education, Work Experience, and Skills. If you add uncommon sections, your important information may be skipped over as not relevant. So, try to get the important information that really relates to the position underneath those common headings. You can talk about your outside interests if and when you get to that interview. It’s fine to â€Å"bold† your headings and to bullet the points under th em, but again, be basic and simple.3. Now, About Those KeywordsEvery career niche has some language specifics: unique terminology, words and phrases that are used when describing skills and task responsibilities, licenses and certifications, etc. Robots will be programmed to look for these. Choosing words and phrases involves some basic review of the job description posting, and some other clever digging that your competition may not think to do.Read through the job description and highlight words and phrases that relate to skills, background, education, etc. Of course, you should include the job title description, but put it somewhere within your experience or education sections and at least in one other place in your resume- at least two places. If the job title is â€Å"IT Project Manager,† for example, find ways to incorporate that title into your resume.  A lot of scanners have gotten pretty sophisticated. They look not only for the job title but also for other related semantic matches. If, for example, you are an accountant and have experience with SEC regulations and compliance, and the position description for which you are applying speaks to that, you will want to insert â€Å"SEC† somewhere. Try to come up with words that are related to your niche and spatter them around.  There are also tools you can use that will provide a type of mind map for keywords you type in. They will give you the most commonly used semantic synonyms for some of the keywords you find in the posting. You can then sprinkle these words throughout your resume. Sophisticated robots will pick them up and your score will rise naturally. Using the same keyword too many times will not improve your score at all.  Prioritize the keywords/phrases you intend to use. Primary keywords are those used in the job title and in the description. Try to use these twice. Secondary keywords/phrases are those related terms you have found. Use these one time each.  If you are un sure about keywords, see if you can find someone in HR in a related company and consult with them about keyword terms. You can also check out the LinkedIn profiles of people who already hold positions similar to the one for which you are applying. You may find in those profiles related keywords/terms you have not considered.  When you use an acronym, such as SEC, use it and also the complete form (Securities Exchange Commission). You do not know whether the system has been programmed to pick up on only one of these forms, so be prepared with both. The same goes for organizations and certifications/licenses you may hold.4. How to Avoid Redundancy of KeywordsRemember, you only want to use your primary keywords/terms twice and your secondary terms once. Once you resume is finished, check this. If you have too many, see how you can cut them out. Either find less common terms as replacements or eliminate them altogether.One thing you can do is eliminate your â€Å"Career Objectiveâ⠂¬  section. These have become a bit passà © anyway, and most recruiters and hiring managers don’t read them. They are really not interested in your career goals; they are more interested in what value you can bring to their organization.You can replace your career goal section with a summary of your qualifications, sometimes called an â€Å"Executive Summary.† But rather than write it in prose, use bulletpoints with primary and secondary keywords in them. Robots will definitely pick these up. When this comes at the top of your resume, the robot is quickly satisfied and any hiring manager reading your resume can find your qualifications easily.5. Watch Your SpellingThis is huge. If there are misspellings, no robot will read and â€Å"understand† those words. They will not form any type of match.Don’t count on spell checks to do this for you. If you type â€Å"SEC† as â€Å"SDC,† for example, spell check will not catch it and a robot will h ave no idea what you mean. The only way to guard against this is to check and re-check and have at least one other person do the same.The other problem is this: If you resume does make it through the digital screening and has minor spelling errors in non-critical words, the human reader will catch them and toss your paperwork anyway- they mean you are not a person with good attention to detail or one who is really serious about making a great impression.Additional TipsDon’t underestimate the power of an applicant tracking system. They are performing more and more functions for the recruiter and hiring manager. And as technology continues to develop, more screening functions will be available.Many recruiters and HR pros are using Reppify, a program that will check social media profiles/pages and perform background checks. You might want to access this site and study up a bit on what the program will check. Just be certain that all of your social media channels, your website (i f you have one), your blog, or any other content you have published anywhere on the web jibes with what you have put on your resume.  Don’t use photos. They won’t be â€Å"read† by bots, and hiring managers now think of them as a bit narcissistic.  Don’t use lengthy prose paragraphs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments- they are too hard to â€Å"screen.† Always use bullet points.  Remember, after your resume makes it through the ATS screening it will then be reviewed by an actual human. Make sure that you have covered all of the basics of the job description and have relevant experience that speaks to each one of them.  If you are going to list programming languages and other computer skills, do not place all of them in your bulleted executive summary. If there are specific skills in the job description, then list only those in the executive summary. And, a simple listing will not do. Hiring managers want to see your skill s in the context of your job experience. Get them into those sections, not as a separate section.  To keep your resume as short as possible, do not spend time describing experience that does not relate to the specifics of this position. Mention those irrelevant experiences only to fill in the time frame of your job history.By now, you have realized that generic resumes will no longer be effective. Every position and every organization is unique. If you do not tailor your resume with the relevancy and keywords (in the right places and an appropriate number of times) that are right for each position, you will not be getting calls for interviews. Follow these tips, and you will â€Å"outsmart† those bots every time.Veronica Wright is a co-founder of Resumes Centre, career coach, and professional writer. In a free time, she loves to travel and meet new people. Feel free to follow her on Twitter.

APA Thesis

APA Thesis APA Thesis APA ThesisIf you have an assignment to write an APA thesis, you should start with conducting a sufficient research. APA thesis writing is not easy, especially if you have no research skills while the assignment deadline is approaching very quickly. This article is written with the purpose to give you several tips on APA thesis formatting. APA Thesis TipsAPA thesis must be composed in Standard American English, and papers set up as 8 x 11 documents, double-spaced, in 12-point type legible font (such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia), or in 10- or 11-point legible font (such as Verdana) with 1-inch margins. Thesis should to be formatted in APA style (see A Writers Reference, APA/CMS tab) and apastyle.org/ (This site is devoted to APA Style and includes free style tips and excerpts from the 5th edition of the APA Publication Manual). Some other helpful links are: APA Formatting and Style Guide (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/) and APA Overview and Works hop (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/664/01/) Sources are to be noted and documented in APA style only, using parenthetical references, and verified in an accurate Reference page. Do not use MLA or End Note style! Final thesis that is not correctly documented with an accurate Reference page, and with parenthetical references within the paper that connect to sources on the Reference page will receive a failing grade. Use only the third person (he/she/it and they) in all writing assignments for this class. Follow the specific Resource for all other class writing assignments. First voice (I/we) and second voice (you) is not used in academic writing. Exceptions are when first or second voice is part of a quote or necessary dialogue. This link may provide more information on the subject: Using Appropriate Language Use an appropriate formal style and voice for academic writing. Contractions (cant, isnt, wont, etc.) may work in less formal non-academic pieces, but are not acceptable in academic writing. This link may prove helpful: Using Appropriate Language (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/608/01/) Thesis writer should avoid most errors in grammar and mechanics (spelling, punctuation, etc.). It is suggested that writers review any grammar/correction/mechanics weaknesses in the text A Writers Reference and the accompanying exercise book before and during the proof-reading/editing of a thesis. A final essay with more than three errors on a page will be limited to a grade of C or less. Writers should proofread all writing carefully before turning in an assignment of any kind. Writers are encouraged to review all stages of the writing with computer spelling and grammar check. APA Thesis: Final NotesResearch and note-taking are integral absolutes of academic writing. No matter how knowledgeable you think you are about a subject, your thesis will benefit from your reading and applying information from other credible sources . This is a very important pre-writing/planning part of the Writing Process. Research and responsible documentation crediting the research in your thesis are essential to academic writing. You should not turn in a Final Copy of an Essay for any class unless you have applied research to the subject matter/contents, cited the research correctly (APA Style) in your thesis, and included a Reference page (APA Style) that lists all sources that were used (and cited) in the thesis.

Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Law - Assignment Example Winston cannot be defined as a consumer and therefore cannot rely on the rights awarded under the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations. An express term of a contract is that which is expressly agreed by the parties, either orally or in writing. As a general rule, the courts hold the written document as a complete agreement so that the terms inscribed within form the total extent of the contract and no further terms may be added or varied later by external evidence (Jacobs v. Batavia & General Plantations Trust Ltd. [1924] 1 Ch 287). However, since this instance is concerned with misrepresentation and terms which are implied into the contract (Hutton v. Warrren [1836] 1 M & W 466), the courts are seen to cater to parole evidence wherever necessary and the rule is likely to be excluded. In this instance, the express agreement necessarily includes the requirements mentioned in the standard form contract stipulating inter alia the description of the vehicle: â€Å"White Tra nsit XL, 48072 miles† as well as the exclusion clause mentioned. Moreover, it would also include the express oral representations that pertain to the description of the vehicle, â€Å"†¦ just the vehicle for you†¦ 48,000 miles on the clock, barely run in for a van like this †¦ and all the storage space you’re likely to need †¦Ã¢â‚¬ . ... v. SS Turid (Owners) [1992] 1 AC 397), or it may be implied by common law, where the term must not just be reasonable but also equitably just and â€Å"necessary to give business efficacy† to the contract (Lord Simon in BP Refinery (Westernport) Pty Ltd v. Shire of Hastings (1978) ALJR 20, 26). The terms implied by Statute of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 are more applicable to Winston’s situation. Application of Sale of Goods Act 1979 Sale by Description Where the goods are described before they are sold, there is an implied condition that they correspond to that description (s. 13). It is arguable what the description of the van actually completely comprises, as Daly never expressly agreed that the maximum load of the van in question is 1 ton, even though it was later discovered by the registration documents to be 0.5 tons. It is accepted that a â€Å"White Ford Transit XL† with 48000 miles falls part of the description, but the maximum load and capacity was never stipulated, even though Winston mentioned the specifications of the earlier van with which the new one had to be replaced; the earlier van fitted the requirements at 200 feet capacity and 1 ton load, the new van had 150 feet capacity with 0.5 tons maximum load, which fell short of requirements. Thus, if this falls part of the description, Winston may be allowed to reject the van on the basis of a breach of s.13. This is further supported by the fact that Daly had special knowledge in dealing with vans, and reliance was placed by Winston on his word (Harlingdon and Leinster v Christopher Hull Fine Art Ltd (1990)). For the purposes of a breach of description, it is irrelevant that Winston examined the van before purchasing (s. 13(13)). The description