Prg420 V10 Week 4 Individual Assignment Essay

PRG420 (Version 10) – Week 4 Individual- Simple Commission Calculation Program Part 3 Modify the Week Three Javaâ„ ¢ application using Javaâ„ ¢ NetBeansâ„ ¢ IDE to meet these additional and changed business requirements: * The application will now compare the total annual compensation of at least two salespersons. * It will calculate the additional amount of sales that each salesperson must achieve to match or exceed the higher of the two earners. * The application should ask for the name of each salesperson being compared. The Javaâ„ ¢ application should also meet these technical requirements: * The application should have at least one class, in addition to the application’s controlling class. * The source code must demonstrate the use of Array or ArrayList. * There should be proper documentation in the source code. Source Code: /** * Program: Simple Commission Calculation Program Part 3 Purpose: to calculates and display the total annual compensation of a salesperson. Programmer: Class: PRG420 Instructor: Creation Date: Programmer Modification Date: Purpose: to add name of sales person and also functionality to manage the list of sales persons an comparing their annual compensation Program Summary: This program will calculate and display the total annual compensation of a salesperson. Here in this program the salary of the salesman and its commission rate is fixe and program accepts sales amount. */ import java.util.ArrayList; import java.util.Scanner; import java.text.NumberFormat; class SalesPerson { private final double fixed_Salary = 35750.00; private final double commission_Rate = 12.0; private final double sales_Target = 125250.00; private String name; private double annual_Sales; //default constructor public SalesPerson() { name = â€Å"Unknown†; annual_Sales = 0.0; } //parameterized constructor public SalesPerson(String nm,double aSale) { name = nm; annual_Sales = aSale; } //getter method for the name public String getName(){ return name; } //setter method to set name public void setName(String nm){ name = nm; } //getter method for the annual sales public double getAnnualSales(){ return annual_Sales; } //method to set the value of annual sale public void setAnnualSales(double aSale) { annual_Sales = aSale; } //method to calcualte and get commission public double commission (){ double commission = 0; if(annual_Sales>= (sales_Target*(80/100))) {//80% of the sales target if(annual_Sales>= sales_Target){ commission = sales_Target * (commission_Rate/100.0) + (annual_Sales- sales_Target)* (75.0/100.0); } else commission = annual_Sales * (commission_Rate/100.0); } return commission ; } //method to calcualte and get annual compensation public double annualCompensation (){ return fixed_Salary + commission(); } } public class Main { public static void main(String args[]){ //array list to have a collection of sales persons ArrayList sales_Persons = new ArrayList(); //create an object of Scanner calss to get the keyboard input Scanner input = new Scanner(System.in); do{ //prompt the user to enter name System.out.print(â€Å"Enter salesperson name (stop to EXIT) : â€Å"); String name = input.nextLine().trim(); if(name.equalsIgnoreCase(â€Å"stop†)) break; //creating an object of SalesPerson class SalesPerson sales_Person = new SalesPerson(); //set name of sales person sales_Person.setName(name); //prompt the user to enter the annual sales System.out.print(â€Å"Enter the annual sales : â€Å"); double sale = input.nextDouble(); //set the value of annual sale of sales person object sales_Person.setAnnualSales(sale); //add sales Person to array list sales_Persons.add(sales_Person); //read a blank line input.nextLine(); } while(true); //getting the 2 minimum annual compensation double min = -1; double secondMin = -1; if(sales_Persons.size()>=3){ //intilization double firstValue = sales_Persons.get(0).annualCompensation(); double secondValue = sales_Persons.get(1).annualCompensation(); //intechanging if in reverse oreder if (firstValue < secondValue) { min = firstValue; secondMin = secondValue; } else { min = secondValue; secondMin = firstValue; } double nextElement = -1; //compring the 2 to n values for (int i = 2; i < sales_Persons.size(); i++) { nextElement = sales_Persons.get(i).annualCompensation(); if (nextElement < min) { secondMin = min; min = nextElement; } else if (nextElement < secondMin) { secondMin = nextElement; } } } //displaying result NumberFormat nf = NumberFormat.getCurrencyInstance(); //All salespersons and their total annual compensation System.out.println(â€Å" †); System.out.printf(String.format(â€Å"%-20s%-20s†,†Name†, â€Å"Total annual compensation† )); System.out.println(); for(SalesPerson salesperson :sales_Persons){ System.out.printf(String.format(â€Å"%-20s%20s†,salesperson.getName(), nf.format(salesperson.annualCompensation()))); System.out.println(); } //dipslyaing the all sales persons additional amount of sales other the 2 memebrs who have minimum sales System.out.println(â€Å" †); for(int i=0; i< sales_Persons.size();i++){ double compensation = sales_Persons.get(i).annualCompensation(); if(compensation == min || compensation == secondMin) continue; System.out.println(â€Å"Name of Salesperson : â€Å"+sales_Persons.get(i).getName()); System.out.println(â€Å"The total annual compensation : â€Å"+nf.format(compensation)); System.out.println(â€Å"Total Sales Total Compensation†); double sale = sales_Persons.get(i).getAnnualSales(); for(double j =sale; j

Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra

INTRO Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra. The rock-cut caves of both these sites are world famous and illustrate the degree of skill and artistry that Indian craftsmen had achieved several hundred years ago. Ajanta dates from 100 B. C. while Ellora is younger by some 600 years. The village of Ajanta is in the Sahyadri hills, about 99 kms. From Aurangabad; a few miles away in a mammoth horseshoe-formed rock, are 30 caves overlooking a gorge, `each forming a room in the hill and some with inner rooms.Al these have been carved out of solid rock with little more than a hammer and chisel and the faith and inspiration of Buddhism. Here, for the Buddhist monks, the artisans excavated Chaityas (chapels) for prayer and Viharas (monasteries) where they lived and taught. Many of the caves have the most exquisite detailed carvings on the walls, pillars and entrances as well as magnificent wall paintings. CONCLUSION In their range of time and treatments they provide a panorama of life in ancient India and are a source of all kinds of information†¦ air styles, ornaments, textiles, musical instruments, details of architecture, customs etc. It was from this collection of classical Indian art that a particular style was formed that traveled with Buddhism to many parts of the world. Similar paintings can be seen in Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, Bamiyan in Afghanistan, temples and shrines in Tibet, Nepal, China and Japan. Royal patronage made Ajanta possible. Professional artists carried out much of the work and each contributed his own individual skill and devotion to this monumental work.Visitors often ask how the artist who painted the detailed frescoes and chiseled out the intricate carvings, managed to work in the dark interiors of the caves. It has been noticed that the caves are illuminated by natural light for part of the day and it is presumed that metal mirrors or sheets of white cloth were used to reflect sunlight into the inner recesses. PG1 The Ajanta Caves (Aji ha leni; Marathi: ) in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near Jalgaon, just outside the village of Ajin? ha (20 °31? 56? N 75 °44? 44? E).Caves are only about 59 kilometers from Jalgaon Railway station (on Delhi – Mumbai, Rail line of the Central railways, India); and 104 kilometers from Aurangabad (from Ellora Caves 100 Kilometers). They are cut into the volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha, and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art. PG2 , India are 30 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE.The caves include paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art (which depict the Jataka tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The caves were built in two phases starting around 2nd century BCE, with the second group of caves built around 600 CE. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The caves vary from 35ft to 110ft in height. The caves of Ajanta consist of Viharas or Monasteries and Chaitya Grihas or monument halls cut into the mountains in two phases. The monasteries are of various sizes the tallest being of 52ft.The monasteries were used by the Buddhist monks for meditating and studying Buddhist teachings. They are mostly square shaped and projects didactic, devotional, and ornamental paintings from Jataka Tales and life of Gautam Buddha, contemporary people, kings, slaves, flowers, plants, fruits, birds and beasts. There are also the figures of yakshas, kinneras (half human and half bird) gandharvas (divine musicians), apsaras (heavenly dancers) seen in several wall paintings and sculptures and also art and architecture of the 3rd AD Gupta Dynasty. The 1st, 2nd, 16th and 17th caves can be rated as the greatest artistic works.Pg 4&5,6 First period This is a Buddhist community, comprising five sanctuaries or Chaitya-grihas (caves 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) and monastic complex sangharamas or viharas. A first group of caves was created in the 2nd century BC: the chaitya-grihas open into the rock wall by doorways surmounted by a horse-shoe shaped bay. The ground plan is a basilical one: piers separate the principal nave from the side aisles which join in the apsis to permit the ritual circumambulation behind the (commemorative monument). This rupestral architecture scrupulously reproduces the forms and elements visible in wooden constructions.According to Spink (2006), the first phase was the construction of sanctuaries (known as chaytia-grihas) built during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty (230 BCE – c. 220 CE) in the canyons of the Waghora River. The caves 9, 10, 12 and 15A were constructed during this period. [5] Murals preserved from this time belong to the oldest monuments of painted art in India. [edit]Second period A second group of caves was created at a later date, the 5th and 6th centuries AD, during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.These caves were excavated during the supremacy of the Vakatakas and Guptas. According to inscriptions, Varahadeva, the minister of the Vakataka king, Harishena (c. AD 475-500), dedicated Cave 16 to the Buddhist sangha while Cave 17 was the gift of the prince, a feudatory. An inscription records that the Buddha image in Cave 4 was the gift of some Abhayanandi who hailed from Mathura. Scholars disagree about the date of the Ajanta Caves' second period. For a time it was thought that the work was done over a long period from the fourth to the 7th century AD, but recently long-time researcher Walter M.Spink declared that most of the work took place over short time period, from 460 to 480 CE, during the reign o f Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty. Some 20 cave temples were simultaneously created, for the most part viharas: monasteries with a sanctuary in the structure's rear centre. According to Spink, the Ajanta Caves appear to have been abandoned shortly after the fall of Harishena c. 480 CE. Since then, these temples have been abandoned and gradually forgotten. During the intervening centuries, the jungle grew back and the caves were hidden, unvisited and undisturbed. edit]Rediscovery by Europeans On 28 April 1819, a British officer for the Madras Presidency, John Smith, of the 28th Cavalry, while hunting tiger, accidentally discovered the entrance to one of the cave temples (Cave No. 10) deep within the tangled undergrowth. Exploring that first cave, long since a home to nothing more than birds and bats and a lair for other, larger, animals, Captain Smith scratched his name in on one of his name and the date, April 1819. Since he stood on a five foot high pile of rubble collect ed over the years, the inscription is well above the eye-level gaze of an adult.Shortly after this discovery, the Ajanta Caves became renowned for their exotic setting, impressive architecture, historic artwork, and long-forgotten history. Cave 1-pg 7 and 8 The first cave was built on the eastern end of the horse-shoe shaped scarp. According to Spink, it is one of the latest caves to have begun on site and brought to near-completion in the Vakataka phase. Although there is no epigraphic evidence, it has been proposed that the Vakataka Emperor Harishena may have been the benefactor of this better-preserved cave.A dominant reason for this is that Harisena was not involved initially in patronizing Ajanta. This cave has one of the most elaborate carvings on its facade with relief sculptures on entablature and ridges. There are scenes carved from the life of the Buddha as well as a number of decorative motifs. A two pillared portico, visible in the 19th-century photographs, has since per ished. The cave has a front-court with cells fronted by pillared vestibules on either side. These have a high plinth level. The cave has a porch with simple cells on both ends.The absence of pillared vestibules on the ends suggest that the porch was not excavated in the latest phase of Ajanta when pillared vestibules had become a necessity and norm. Most areas of the porch were once covered with murals, of which many fragments remain. There are three doorways: a central doorway and two side doorways. Two square windows were carved between the doorways to brighten the interiors. Each wall of the hall inside is nearly 40 feet (12 m) long and 20 feet (6. 1 m) high. Twelve pillars make a square colonnade inside supporting the ceiling, and creating spacious aisles along the walls.There is a shrine carved on the rear wall to house an impressive seated image of the Buddha, his hands being in the ‘dharmachakrapravartana mudra. There are four cells on each of the left, rear, and the ri ght walls. The walls are covered with paintings in a fair state of preservation. The scenes depicted are mostly didactic, devotional, and ornamental. Cave 2-pg 9,10 Cave 2, adjacent to Cave 1, is known for the paintings that have been preserved on its walls, ceilings, and pillars. It looks similar to Cave 1 and is in a better state of preservation. [edit]The facadeCave 2 has a porch quite different from Cave one. Even the facade carvings seem to be different. The cave is supported by robust pillars, ornamented with designs. The size and ground plan have many things in common with the [edit]The porch The front porch consists of cells supported by pillared vestibules on both ends. The cells on the previously â€Å"wasted areas† were needed to meet the greater housing requirements in later years. Porch-end cells became a trend in all later Vakataka excavations. The simple single cells on porch-ends were converted into CPVs or were planned to provide more room, symmetry, and beau ty.The paintings on the ceilings and walls of this porch have been widely published. They depict the Jataka tales that are stories of the Buddha's life in former existences as Bodhisattva. The porch's rear wall has a doorway in the center, which allows entrance to the hall. On either side of the door is a square-shaped window to brighten the interior. [edit]The hall The hall has four colonnades which are supporting the ceiling and surrounding a square in the center of the hall. Each arm or colonnade of the square is parallel to the respective walls of the hall, making an aisle in between. [edit]The paintingsPaintings appear on almost every surface of the cave except for the floor. At various places the art work has become eroded due to decay and human interference. Therefore, many areas of the painted walls, ceilings, and pillars are fragmentary. Cave 3and cave 4-pg 11 CAVE 3 This is an incomplete monastery (10. 08 X 8. 78 m) and only the preliminary excavation of pillared verandah exist. CAVE 4 This squarish monastery consists of a hall, sanctum sanctorum, pillared verandah and is datable to first half of sixth century A. D. This is the largest monastery at Ajanta measuring (35. 08 X 27. 65 m).The door frame is exquisitely sculpted flanking to the right is carved Bodhisattva as reliever of Eight Great Perils. The cave was once painted, traces of which can be noticed. The ceiling of the hall preserves a unique geological feature of a lava flow. Cave 5,6,7-PG12,13 CAVE 5 This monastery (10. 32 X 16. 8 m) is an unfinished one. However, the richly carved door frame, and female figures on makaras are important ones. CAVE 6 This is a double storeyed monastery (16. 85 X 18. 07 m) consisting of hall, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared hall in the lower storey and a hall with cells, subsidiary cells and sanctum sanctorum in the upper storey.Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in both the shrines. The depiction of Miracle of Sravasti and Temptation of Mara are the imp ortant paintings. Sculptural depiction of Buddha in various attitudes and postures can also be noticed here. CAVE 7 This monastery (15. 55 X 31. 25 m) consists of a sanctum sanctorum, an oblong open hall with two small porticos supported by heavy octagonal pillars and eight cells. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed inside the sanctum. Other sculptural panels include Miracle of Sravasti, seated Buddha under the protection of Nagamuchalinda, etc.CAVE8,9 PG 13,14,14. 5 CAVE 8 This is an unfinished monastery (15. 24 X 24. 64 m) at Ajanta, located at the lowest level and perhaps earliest among the monasteries. Major portion of the frontage has been swept away by a landslide. CAVE 9 This apsidal chaityagriha (18. 24 X 8. 04 m) is datable to second century B. C. and belongs to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. The chaityagriha consists of an entrance door, two side windows, central hall, nave flanked by side aisles (pradikshana) on either side separated by a row of 23 pillars and a stupa , the object of worship.The chaityagriha exhibits reproduction of wooden architectural styles, in the form of inward tapering octagonal pillars, evidence of fixing wooden beams ; rafters, etc. The chaitya was in use during later period also as indicated by the sculptures of Buddha on the facade and side walls facing the court. Inside the chaitya is seen two layers of paintings, the earlier dating back to the second half of 1st century B. C. and the alter to 5th – 6th centuries A. D. Cave 9 – One of the earliest prayer hall caves, notable for its arched windows that let softly diffused sunlight in the cave.This Theravada cave also features a large stupa. CAVE 10 In April 1819, John Smith, a British Army Officer noticed the huge arch of this cave from the view point which ultimately led to the discovery of Ajanta Caves. This cave is the earliest chaityagriha at Ajanta. A Brahmi inscription on the facade dated to the 2nd century B. C. reads ‘Vasithiputa Katahadiâ₠¬â„¢. The cave (30. 5 X 12. 2 m) consists of a large central hall, nave flanked by two aisles (pradikshana) separated by a row of 39 octagonal pillars and a rock stupa at the apsidal end, the object of worship.The cave consists of two period of paintings, the earlier dated to 2nd century B. C and the later 4th – 6th century A. D. Two Jataka stories of this period have been identified, namely, the Sama (Shama) Jataka and the Chhaddanta Jataka. The later period paintings contain Buddha figures in various poses mainly over the pillars. Cave 10 – Theravada prayer hall, thought to be the oldest cave temple at Ajanta, dating to the 2nd century BC. CAVE 11,12,13,14-PG 15, CAVE 11 This monastery (19. 87 X 17. 35 m) datable to beginning of fifth century A. D. onsists of a hall with six cells and a long bench, a pillared verandah with four cells, a sanctum sanctorum. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in the sanctum against an unfinished stupa. Few paintings that available h ere depicts Bodhisattvas, figures of Buddha, etc. CAVE 12 This Hinayana monastery consists of a hall (14. 9 X 17. 82 m) the front wall is completely collapsed sided by twelve cells arranged on three sides. An inscription on the back wall of the monastery records the gift of this cave by one merchant Ghanamadada and palaeographically datable to 2nd – 1st century B. C. erhaps slightly later than Cave 10. The cell frontage are decorated with chaitya window motifs above the door opening. CAVE 13 This is a small monastery and belongs to the first phase. It consists of an astylar hall with seven cells on three sides. The cells are provided with rock-cut beds. CAVE 14 This unfinished monastery (13. 43 X 19. 28 m) was excavated above Cave 13 at a higher level. It was originally planned on a large scale. The depiction of sala bhanjikas on the top corners of doorway is beautifully depicted. Cave 15,15a,16,17-pg 16,17,18 CAVE 15 The monastery (19. 62 X 15. 8 m) consists of an astylar ha ll with eight cells, an antechamber, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared verandah. The sculptural depictions include Buddha in various postures, seated Buddha on simhasana inside the sanctum sanctorum. The traces of paintings indicate that it was originally painted. CAVE 15A Smallest of all the excavations at Ajanta this cave consists of a small central astylar hall with one cell on three sides. The front wall had an inscription in shell characters (which is now lost). The hall is relieved with chaitya window pattern rising from vedica pattern. CAVE 16According to an inscription found here, the excavation of this cave was caused by Varahadeva, the minister of Vakataka king Harishena (circa A. D. 475-500). The cave (19. 5 X 22. 25 X 4. 6 m) which is a monastery consists of a central hall surrounded by 14 cells on three sides, vestibule and a sanctum for Buddha image. The important painted themes depicted are the conversion of Nanda; Miracle of Sravasti; Maya’s dream; and certain incidents from the life of Buddha. The Jataka stories depicted are Hasti, Maha-ummagga, Maha-sutasoma. Painted inscriptions can also be noted inside the caves. CAVE 17A Brahmi inscription found here records the excavation of this cave by a feudatory prince under Vakataka king Harishena. This monastery (34. 5 X 25. 63 m) consists of a spacious hall surrounded by 17 cells on three sides, a vestibule and a sanctum containing the image of Buddha. The cave houses some of the well preserved paintings of the Vakataka age that includes Vessantara Jataka (right of door), a huge and gigantic wheel representing the ‘Wheel of Life’; flying apsara (to left of door), subjugation of Nalagiri (a wild elephant) by Buddha at Rajagriha, Buddha preaching to a congregation.The Jatakas depicted here are Chhaddanta, Mahakapi (in two versions), Hasti, Hamsa, Vessantara, Maha-Sutasoma, Sarabha-miga, Machchha, Mati-posaka, Sama, Mahisa, Valahass, Sibi, Ruru and Nigrodhamiga. Cave 18,19,20,21-pg 19,20 CAVE 18 This consists of a rectangular excavation (3. 38 X 11. 66 m) leading into another cell. The hall has two pillars with moulded bases and octagonal shafts. CAVE 19 This chaityagriha (16. 05 X 7. 09 m) is datable to fifth century A. D. and could be the gandhakuti. The stupa is carved with a standing image of Buddha 7.This cave is known for it sculptural grandeur of the facade and particularly the two life size Yaksha images on either sides of the chaitya vatayana (arch). The hall has painted depictions of Buddha in various postures. CAVE 20 A pillar less monastery consists of hall (16. 2 X 17. 91 m) cells, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared verandah datable between A. D. 450 and 525. A Brahmi inscription in the verandah records the gift of the mandapa by one Upendra. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in the sanctum. The sculpture of seven Buddhas accompanied by attendants is another important sculptural panel in this cave.CAVE 21 This monastery (28. 56 X 28. 03 m) cons ists of a hall with twelve pillars and twelve cells on three sides, sanctum sanctorum, pillared verandah (pillar’s restored now). Out of 12 cells four are with pillared porches. The sanctum house seated Buddha in preaching attitude. Trace of paintings are noticed which consist of a panel depicting Buddha preaching a congregation. Cave 22,23,24,25-pg 21 CAVE 22 This monastery (12. 72 X 11. 58 m) consists of an astylar hall four unfinished cells, sanctum sanctorum and a narrow verandah. Buddha seated in pralamba-padasana is carved on the back wall of the shrine.The sculptural depiction of Buddha in different forms, painted figures of Manushi-Buddhas with Maitreya can be noticed here. CAVE 23 This is an unfinished monastery (28. 32 X 22. 52 m) and consists of an astylar hall, sanctum sanctorum, antechamber ; side cells and a pillared verandah. The cave is known for the rich decoration of pillars and pilasters and the naga doorkeepers. CAVE 24 This is an incomplete monastery (29. 3 X 29. 3 m) and second largest excavation at Ajanta after Cave 4. The plan consists of a hall with pillared verandah and sanctum sanctorum.A chapel with pillared porch is excavated outside the verandah. The sanctum houses a seated Buddha in pralamba-padasana. CAVE 25 This monastery (11. 37 X 12. 24 m) consists of an astylar hall, pillared verandah and an enclosed courtyard and excavated at a higher level. Two cells are noted on the left end of the verandah and the hall has no cells. The hall is devoid of shrine. CAVE 26,27,28,29-PG 22/PG22,23 CAVE 26 This chaityagriha is quite similar to Cave 19, but of a larger dimension (25. 34 X 11. 52 m) and more elaborately and exquisitely provided with sculpted figures.An inscription (A. D. 450 – 525) found on the wall of the front verandah records the gift of this chaityagriha by a monk Buddhabhadra, a friend of Bhavviraja, a minister of the king of Asmaka (Vidarbha). The chaityagriha consists of a hall, side aisles (pradikshana) and a rock-cut stupa front by an image of Buddha. The facade, the inner pillars, the triforium (between pillars and roof arch), aisles side walls are extensively carved with images and decorative designs. However, the most striking and prominent image is that of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall nd the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall. CAVE 27 This cave could have been part of Cave 26 and it consists of two storeys, the upper one partially collapsed. The monastery consists of a hall with four cells, antechamber and sanctum sanctorum. Buddha in teaching attitude is housed inside the sanctum. CAVE 28 This is an unfinished monastery of which only the pillared verandah was excavated. CAVE 29 This is an unfinished chaityagriha (22. 8 X 12. 84 m) in its first stage of excavation and located at the highest level, located between Caves 20 and 21. Ending-pg 24 Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra INTRO Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra. The rock-cut caves of both these sites are world famous and illustrate the degree of skill and artistry that Indian craftsmen had achieved several hundred years ago. Ajanta dates from 100 B. C. while Ellora is younger by some 600 years. The village of Ajanta is in the Sahyadri hills, about 99 kms. From Aurangabad; a few miles away in a mammoth horseshoe-formed rock, are 30 caves overlooking a gorge, `each forming a room in the hill and some with inner rooms.Al these have been carved out of solid rock with little more than a hammer and chisel and the faith and inspiration of Buddhism. Here, for the Buddhist monks, the artisans excavated Chaityas (chapels) for prayer and Viharas (monasteries) where they lived and taught. Many of the caves have the most exquisite detailed carvings on the walls, pillars and entrances as well as magnificent wall paintings. CONCLUSION In their range of time and treatments they provide a panorama of life in ancient India and are a source of all kinds of information†¦ air styles, ornaments, textiles, musical instruments, details of architecture, customs etc. It was from this collection of classical Indian art that a particular style was formed that traveled with Buddhism to many parts of the world. Similar paintings can be seen in Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, Bamiyan in Afghanistan, temples and shrines in Tibet, Nepal, China and Japan. Royal patronage made Ajanta possible. Professional artists carried out much of the work and each contributed his own individual skill and devotion to this monumental work.Visitors often ask how the artist who painted the detailed frescoes and chiseled out the intricate carvings, managed to work in the dark interiors of the caves. It has been noticed that the caves are illuminated by natural light for part of the day and it is presumed that metal mirrors or sheets of white cloth were used to reflect sunlight into the inner recesses. PG1 The Ajanta Caves (Aji ha leni; Marathi: ) in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near Jalgaon, just outside the village of Ajin? ha (20 °31? 56? N 75 °44? 44? E).Caves are only about 59 kilometers from Jalgaon Railway station (on Delhi – Mumbai, Rail line of the Central railways, India); and 104 kilometers from Aurangabad (from Ellora Caves 100 Kilometers). They are cut into the volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha, and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art. PG2 , India are 30 rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE.The caves include paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art (which depict the Jataka tales) as well as frescos which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. The caves were built in two phases starting around 2nd century BCE, with the second group of caves built around 600 CE. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The caves vary from 35ft to 110ft in height. The caves of Ajanta consist of Viharas or Monasteries and Chaitya Grihas or monument halls cut into the mountains in two phases. The monasteries are of various sizes the tallest being of 52ft.The monasteries were used by the Buddhist monks for meditating and studying Buddhist teachings. They are mostly square shaped and projects didactic, devotional, and ornamental paintings from Jataka Tales and life of Gautam Buddha, contemporary people, kings, slaves, flowers, plants, fruits, birds and beasts. There are also the figures of yakshas, kinneras (half human and half bird) gandharvas (divine musicians), apsaras (heavenly dancers) seen in several wall paintings and sculptures and also art and architecture of the 3rd AD Gupta Dynasty. The 1st, 2nd, 16th and 17th caves can be rated as the greatest artistic works.Pg 4&5,6 First period This is a Buddhist community, comprising five sanctuaries or Chaitya-grihas (caves 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) and monastic complex sangharamas or viharas. A first group of caves was created in the 2nd century BC: the chaitya-grihas open into the rock wall by doorways surmounted by a horse-shoe shaped bay. The ground plan is a basilical one: piers separate the principal nave from the side aisles which join in the apsis to permit the ritual circumambulation behind the (commemorative monument). This rupestral architecture scrupulously reproduces the forms and elements visible in wooden constructions.According to Spink (2006), the first phase was the construction of sanctuaries (known as chaytia-grihas) built during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty (230 BCE – c. 220 CE) in the canyons of the Waghora River. The caves 9, 10, 12 and 15A were constructed during this period. [5] Murals preserved from this time belong to the oldest monuments of painted art in India. [edit]Second period A second group of caves was created at a later date, the 5th and 6th centuries AD, during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.These caves were excavated during the supremacy of the Vakatakas and Guptas. According to inscriptions, Varahadeva, the minister of the Vakataka king, Harishena (c. AD 475-500), dedicated Cave 16 to the Buddhist sangha while Cave 17 was the gift of the prince, a feudatory. An inscription records that the Buddha image in Cave 4 was the gift of some Abhayanandi who hailed from Mathura. Scholars disagree about the date of the Ajanta Caves' second period. For a time it was thought that the work was done over a long period from the fourth to the 7th century AD, but recently long-time researcher Walter M.Spink declared that most of the work took place over short time period, from 460 to 480 CE, during the reign o f Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty. Some 20 cave temples were simultaneously created, for the most part viharas: monasteries with a sanctuary in the structure's rear centre. According to Spink, the Ajanta Caves appear to have been abandoned shortly after the fall of Harishena c. 480 CE. Since then, these temples have been abandoned and gradually forgotten. During the intervening centuries, the jungle grew back and the caves were hidden, unvisited and undisturbed. edit]Rediscovery by Europeans On 28 April 1819, a British officer for the Madras Presidency, John Smith, of the 28th Cavalry, while hunting tiger, accidentally discovered the entrance to one of the cave temples (Cave No. 10) deep within the tangled undergrowth. Exploring that first cave, long since a home to nothing more than birds and bats and a lair for other, larger, animals, Captain Smith scratched his name in on one of his name and the date, April 1819. Since he stood on a five foot high pile of rubble collect ed over the years, the inscription is well above the eye-level gaze of an adult.Shortly after this discovery, the Ajanta Caves became renowned for their exotic setting, impressive architecture, historic artwork, and long-forgotten history. Cave 1-pg 7 and 8 The first cave was built on the eastern end of the horse-shoe shaped scarp. According to Spink, it is one of the latest caves to have begun on site and brought to near-completion in the Vakataka phase. Although there is no epigraphic evidence, it has been proposed that the Vakataka Emperor Harishena may have been the benefactor of this better-preserved cave.A dominant reason for this is that Harisena was not involved initially in patronizing Ajanta. This cave has one of the most elaborate carvings on its facade with relief sculptures on entablature and ridges. There are scenes carved from the life of the Buddha as well as a number of decorative motifs. A two pillared portico, visible in the 19th-century photographs, has since per ished. The cave has a front-court with cells fronted by pillared vestibules on either side. These have a high plinth level. The cave has a porch with simple cells on both ends.The absence of pillared vestibules on the ends suggest that the porch was not excavated in the latest phase of Ajanta when pillared vestibules had become a necessity and norm. Most areas of the porch were once covered with murals, of which many fragments remain. There are three doorways: a central doorway and two side doorways. Two square windows were carved between the doorways to brighten the interiors. Each wall of the hall inside is nearly 40 feet (12 m) long and 20 feet (6. 1 m) high. Twelve pillars make a square colonnade inside supporting the ceiling, and creating spacious aisles along the walls.There is a shrine carved on the rear wall to house an impressive seated image of the Buddha, his hands being in the ‘dharmachakrapravartana mudra. There are four cells on each of the left, rear, and the ri ght walls. The walls are covered with paintings in a fair state of preservation. The scenes depicted are mostly didactic, devotional, and ornamental. Cave 2-pg 9,10 Cave 2, adjacent to Cave 1, is known for the paintings that have been preserved on its walls, ceilings, and pillars. It looks similar to Cave 1 and is in a better state of preservation. [edit]The facadeCave 2 has a porch quite different from Cave one. Even the facade carvings seem to be different. The cave is supported by robust pillars, ornamented with designs. The size and ground plan have many things in common with the [edit]The porch The front porch consists of cells supported by pillared vestibules on both ends. The cells on the previously â€Å"wasted areas† were needed to meet the greater housing requirements in later years. Porch-end cells became a trend in all later Vakataka excavations. The simple single cells on porch-ends were converted into CPVs or were planned to provide more room, symmetry, and beau ty.The paintings on the ceilings and walls of this porch have been widely published. They depict the Jataka tales that are stories of the Buddha's life in former existences as Bodhisattva. The porch's rear wall has a doorway in the center, which allows entrance to the hall. On either side of the door is a square-shaped window to brighten the interior. [edit]The hall The hall has four colonnades which are supporting the ceiling and surrounding a square in the center of the hall. Each arm or colonnade of the square is parallel to the respective walls of the hall, making an aisle in between. [edit]The paintingsPaintings appear on almost every surface of the cave except for the floor. At various places the art work has become eroded due to decay and human interference. Therefore, many areas of the painted walls, ceilings, and pillars are fragmentary. Cave 3and cave 4-pg 11 CAVE 3 This is an incomplete monastery (10. 08 X 8. 78 m) and only the preliminary excavation of pillared verandah exist. CAVE 4 This squarish monastery consists of a hall, sanctum sanctorum, pillared verandah and is datable to first half of sixth century A. D. This is the largest monastery at Ajanta measuring (35. 08 X 27. 65 m).The door frame is exquisitely sculpted flanking to the right is carved Bodhisattva as reliever of Eight Great Perils. The cave was once painted, traces of which can be noticed. The ceiling of the hall preserves a unique geological feature of a lava flow. Cave 5,6,7-PG12,13 CAVE 5 This monastery (10. 32 X 16. 8 m) is an unfinished one. However, the richly carved door frame, and female figures on makaras are important ones. CAVE 6 This is a double storeyed monastery (16. 85 X 18. 07 m) consisting of hall, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared hall in the lower storey and a hall with cells, subsidiary cells and sanctum sanctorum in the upper storey.Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in both the shrines. The depiction of Miracle of Sravasti and Temptation of Mara are the imp ortant paintings. Sculptural depiction of Buddha in various attitudes and postures can also be noticed here. CAVE 7 This monastery (15. 55 X 31. 25 m) consists of a sanctum sanctorum, an oblong open hall with two small porticos supported by heavy octagonal pillars and eight cells. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed inside the sanctum. Other sculptural panels include Miracle of Sravasti, seated Buddha under the protection of Nagamuchalinda, etc.CAVE8,9 PG 13,14,14. 5 CAVE 8 This is an unfinished monastery (15. 24 X 24. 64 m) at Ajanta, located at the lowest level and perhaps earliest among the monasteries. Major portion of the frontage has been swept away by a landslide. CAVE 9 This apsidal chaityagriha (18. 24 X 8. 04 m) is datable to second century B. C. and belongs to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. The chaityagriha consists of an entrance door, two side windows, central hall, nave flanked by side aisles (pradikshana) on either side separated by a row of 23 pillars and a stupa , the object of worship.The chaityagriha exhibits reproduction of wooden architectural styles, in the form of inward tapering octagonal pillars, evidence of fixing wooden beams ; rafters, etc. The chaitya was in use during later period also as indicated by the sculptures of Buddha on the facade and side walls facing the court. Inside the chaitya is seen two layers of paintings, the earlier dating back to the second half of 1st century B. C. and the alter to 5th – 6th centuries A. D. Cave 9 – One of the earliest prayer hall caves, notable for its arched windows that let softly diffused sunlight in the cave.This Theravada cave also features a large stupa. CAVE 10 In April 1819, John Smith, a British Army Officer noticed the huge arch of this cave from the view point which ultimately led to the discovery of Ajanta Caves. This cave is the earliest chaityagriha at Ajanta. A Brahmi inscription on the facade dated to the 2nd century B. C. reads ‘Vasithiputa Katahadiâ₠¬â„¢. The cave (30. 5 X 12. 2 m) consists of a large central hall, nave flanked by two aisles (pradikshana) separated by a row of 39 octagonal pillars and a rock stupa at the apsidal end, the object of worship.The cave consists of two period of paintings, the earlier dated to 2nd century B. C and the later 4th – 6th century A. D. Two Jataka stories of this period have been identified, namely, the Sama (Shama) Jataka and the Chhaddanta Jataka. The later period paintings contain Buddha figures in various poses mainly over the pillars. Cave 10 – Theravada prayer hall, thought to be the oldest cave temple at Ajanta, dating to the 2nd century BC. CAVE 11,12,13,14-PG 15, CAVE 11 This monastery (19. 87 X 17. 35 m) datable to beginning of fifth century A. D. onsists of a hall with six cells and a long bench, a pillared verandah with four cells, a sanctum sanctorum. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in the sanctum against an unfinished stupa. Few paintings that available h ere depicts Bodhisattvas, figures of Buddha, etc. CAVE 12 This Hinayana monastery consists of a hall (14. 9 X 17. 82 m) the front wall is completely collapsed sided by twelve cells arranged on three sides. An inscription on the back wall of the monastery records the gift of this cave by one merchant Ghanamadada and palaeographically datable to 2nd – 1st century B. C. erhaps slightly later than Cave 10. The cell frontage are decorated with chaitya window motifs above the door opening. CAVE 13 This is a small monastery and belongs to the first phase. It consists of an astylar hall with seven cells on three sides. The cells are provided with rock-cut beds. CAVE 14 This unfinished monastery (13. 43 X 19. 28 m) was excavated above Cave 13 at a higher level. It was originally planned on a large scale. The depiction of sala bhanjikas on the top corners of doorway is beautifully depicted. Cave 15,15a,16,17-pg 16,17,18 CAVE 15 The monastery (19. 62 X 15. 8 m) consists of an astylar ha ll with eight cells, an antechamber, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared verandah. The sculptural depictions include Buddha in various postures, seated Buddha on simhasana inside the sanctum sanctorum. The traces of paintings indicate that it was originally painted. CAVE 15A Smallest of all the excavations at Ajanta this cave consists of a small central astylar hall with one cell on three sides. The front wall had an inscription in shell characters (which is now lost). The hall is relieved with chaitya window pattern rising from vedica pattern. CAVE 16According to an inscription found here, the excavation of this cave was caused by Varahadeva, the minister of Vakataka king Harishena (circa A. D. 475-500). The cave (19. 5 X 22. 25 X 4. 6 m) which is a monastery consists of a central hall surrounded by 14 cells on three sides, vestibule and a sanctum for Buddha image. The important painted themes depicted are the conversion of Nanda; Miracle of Sravasti; Maya’s dream; and certain incidents from the life of Buddha. The Jataka stories depicted are Hasti, Maha-ummagga, Maha-sutasoma. Painted inscriptions can also be noted inside the caves. CAVE 17A Brahmi inscription found here records the excavation of this cave by a feudatory prince under Vakataka king Harishena. This monastery (34. 5 X 25. 63 m) consists of a spacious hall surrounded by 17 cells on three sides, a vestibule and a sanctum containing the image of Buddha. The cave houses some of the well preserved paintings of the Vakataka age that includes Vessantara Jataka (right of door), a huge and gigantic wheel representing the ‘Wheel of Life’; flying apsara (to left of door), subjugation of Nalagiri (a wild elephant) by Buddha at Rajagriha, Buddha preaching to a congregation.The Jatakas depicted here are Chhaddanta, Mahakapi (in two versions), Hasti, Hamsa, Vessantara, Maha-Sutasoma, Sarabha-miga, Machchha, Mati-posaka, Sama, Mahisa, Valahass, Sibi, Ruru and Nigrodhamiga. Cave 18,19,20,21-pg 19,20 CAVE 18 This consists of a rectangular excavation (3. 38 X 11. 66 m) leading into another cell. The hall has two pillars with moulded bases and octagonal shafts. CAVE 19 This chaityagriha (16. 05 X 7. 09 m) is datable to fifth century A. D. and could be the gandhakuti. The stupa is carved with a standing image of Buddha 7.This cave is known for it sculptural grandeur of the facade and particularly the two life size Yaksha images on either sides of the chaitya vatayana (arch). The hall has painted depictions of Buddha in various postures. CAVE 20 A pillar less monastery consists of hall (16. 2 X 17. 91 m) cells, sanctum sanctorum and a pillared verandah datable between A. D. 450 and 525. A Brahmi inscription in the verandah records the gift of the mandapa by one Upendra. Buddha in preaching attitude is housed in the sanctum. The sculpture of seven Buddhas accompanied by attendants is another important sculptural panel in this cave.CAVE 21 This monastery (28. 56 X 28. 03 m) cons ists of a hall with twelve pillars and twelve cells on three sides, sanctum sanctorum, pillared verandah (pillar’s restored now). Out of 12 cells four are with pillared porches. The sanctum house seated Buddha in preaching attitude. Trace of paintings are noticed which consist of a panel depicting Buddha preaching a congregation. Cave 22,23,24,25-pg 21 CAVE 22 This monastery (12. 72 X 11. 58 m) consists of an astylar hall four unfinished cells, sanctum sanctorum and a narrow verandah. Buddha seated in pralamba-padasana is carved on the back wall of the shrine.The sculptural depiction of Buddha in different forms, painted figures of Manushi-Buddhas with Maitreya can be noticed here. CAVE 23 This is an unfinished monastery (28. 32 X 22. 52 m) and consists of an astylar hall, sanctum sanctorum, antechamber ; side cells and a pillared verandah. The cave is known for the rich decoration of pillars and pilasters and the naga doorkeepers. CAVE 24 This is an incomplete monastery (29. 3 X 29. 3 m) and second largest excavation at Ajanta after Cave 4. The plan consists of a hall with pillared verandah and sanctum sanctorum.A chapel with pillared porch is excavated outside the verandah. The sanctum houses a seated Buddha in pralamba-padasana. CAVE 25 This monastery (11. 37 X 12. 24 m) consists of an astylar hall, pillared verandah and an enclosed courtyard and excavated at a higher level. Two cells are noted on the left end of the verandah and the hall has no cells. The hall is devoid of shrine. CAVE 26,27,28,29-PG 22/PG22,23 CAVE 26 This chaityagriha is quite similar to Cave 19, but of a larger dimension (25. 34 X 11. 52 m) and more elaborately and exquisitely provided with sculpted figures.An inscription (A. D. 450 – 525) found on the wall of the front verandah records the gift of this chaityagriha by a monk Buddhabhadra, a friend of Bhavviraja, a minister of the king of Asmaka (Vidarbha). The chaityagriha consists of a hall, side aisles (pradikshana) and a rock-cut stupa front by an image of Buddha. The facade, the inner pillars, the triforium (between pillars and roof arch), aisles side walls are extensively carved with images and decorative designs. However, the most striking and prominent image is that of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall nd the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall. CAVE 27 This cave could have been part of Cave 26 and it consists of two storeys, the upper one partially collapsed. The monastery consists of a hall with four cells, antechamber and sanctum sanctorum. Buddha in teaching attitude is housed inside the sanctum. CAVE 28 This is an unfinished monastery of which only the pillared verandah was excavated. CAVE 29 This is an unfinished chaityagriha (22. 8 X 12. 84 m) in its first stage of excavation and located at the highest level, located between Caves 20 and 21. Ending-pg 24

Narcotics Anonymous Essay

Specific Purpose: I will inform my audience about Narcotics Anonymous. Central Idea: Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide self-help organization that has been around for many years and continues to impact our society. Introduction Attention Getter: Imagine 60,000 people in one city, all dealing with the same problem, addiction. According to an article written by Carter M. Yang for ABC news on March 14th of this year, there are 60, 000 people in Baltimore alone that are addicted to illicit drugs. These numbers are disheartening and unfortunate. I can relate to every one of these people struggling with substance abuse, because I am an addict. A program called Narcotics Anonymous has helped me stay clean for the last two years. Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide self-help fellowship that has been around for many years and has an impact on our society. Preview: First, I will discuss general information about Narcotics Anonymous, then the development of Narcotics Anonymous, followed by how this organization impacts our society. I. Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship most people are unaware exists. A. Narcotics Anonymous is a 12 step non-profit program that helps people struggling with substance abuse change their lives. 1. Meetings are the foundation of the fellowship. a. Meetings are held when addicts come together to share their experiences and troubles. b. Meetings take place in a safe environment, such as hospitals, churches, and institutions. c. According to an article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information written by William White, and Dr. John Kelly who did thorough research at a conference held on September 25, 2009, titled _How AA and NA Work: Cross-disciplinary perspectives_, three or more AA/NA meetings per week are optimal and associated with complete abstinence. c. Also stated by the same authors, even one or two meetings per week also increase the probability for long term abstinence. d. Diversity is also embraced in meetings, because although members may be different they all share a common voice. 2. Another aspect of this support group is sponsorship. Sponsorship is a personal and private relationship that varies in nature. A sponsor is a member of the fellowship, living the program of recovery, who is willing to build a special, supportive, one-on-one relationship with newer members. Sponsors can help guide other recovering addicts through times of need and give them advice on how to continue through hardships without using drugs or alcohol. Stated in the Basic Text, sponsorship is the heartbeat of the fellowship. 3. The Basic Text states that â€Å"If you want what we have to offer and are willing to make the effort to get it than you are willing to take certain steps. These are the principles that made our recovery possible.† a. This fellowship is based on 12 different steps and each one relevant in the recovery process. b. The 12 steps are a way for addicts to figure out who they are, why they are addicts, and how the 12 step fellowship can help. d. One condensable way to describe what these steps can do is stated from a website formed by members working through Narcotics Anonymous World Services, â€Å"These steps include admitting there is a problem, seeking help, developing a spiritual self, confidential self-disclosure, making amends where harm has been done, and working with other drug addicts who want to recover.† Transition: Now that I have discussed what Narcotics Anonymous is, I will give some history of Narcotics Anonymous. II. Narcotics Anonymous started as a small US organization that has grown into one of the world’s oldest and largest international programs of its type. A. Narcotics Anonymous has been around since the late 1940s and over a period of time has developed into a notorious global community. 1. It was extremely difficult for addicts to find help, especially in the 1930s and 1940s. a. Searches, harassment and incarceration were normal for addicts, and even doctors trying to help addicts at this time. b. Many soldiers came back from World War II and Vietnam (59 to 75) with addictions to habit forming drugs including alcohol, tobacco, nicotine and heroin. c. At this time in the U.S very few addicts had proven solutions until the  formation of NA. 2. Narcotics Anonymous was derived from another well know fellowship called Alcoholics Anonymous. a. The 12 steps and 12 traditions laid a foundation for the early members of NA struggling with addictive substances other than alcohol. b. Houston Montgomery, a member of AA, had a difficult time helping a man with an addiction to multiple substances. The other man could stop drinking, but was unable to stop using drugs. c. Houston thought that it was important to form a group for those with specific drug problems. 3. According to a book written by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, called _The Birth of Narcotics Anonymous_, the Narco group was created in 1947 allowing a group of addicts to meet in Lexington Kentucky. a. The Narco group was later developed into Narcotics Anonymous by a man named Jimmy K. b. The first NA meeting was in Southern California in a church basement. c. Different books and pieces of literature were published at this time. d. In the late fifties the first piece of NA literature was published in order to help addicts identify if they belonged in the program. Transition Narcotics Anonymous has had a long history, bringing me to explain how NA has an impact on today’s society. C. According to the National Institute of Drug abuse, over 600 billion dollars in spent annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and healthcare due to abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.  Narcotics Anonymous helps to bring these numbers down by helping those addicted. 1. The Narcotics Anonymous World Services clearly states that this program is not affiliated with other organizations including other self-help fellowships, treatment centers, or correctional facilities. a. Not only is NA a non-affiliated program but it is also fully self- supporting, declining all outside contributions. b. Narcotics Anonymous helps recovering addicts, but it does so without the need of nonmember’s money or endorsement. c. Recovering addicts donate money inside meetings in order to support rent for meeting places, literature and other expenses to keep the fellowship running. 2. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcotics Anonymous offers an added layer of community-level social support to help people in recovery with abstinence and other healthy lifestyle goals. a. Family relationships are reestablished once a member utilizes the fellowship and finds a new way to live. b. The official Narcotics Anonymous website states in a survey taken in 2011, 95% of NA members stated that their family relationships had drastically improved. c. These improvements in family relationships help create better home lives, communities and social atmospheres for members and nonmembers alike. 3. When those with addiction begin to follow the 12 steps, they also become better employees. a. In the same survey, 61% of NA members stated they were employed full time  and 10% employed part time and the other percent were home makers, retired, unemployed or students. b. Too many times those struggling with addiction are unemployable or unable to function in everyday society. c. Narcotics Anonymous helps people become responsible and productive members of the community and world around us. Conclusion Summary: Today, I spoke on general information about Narcotics Anonymous, the history of the fellowship, and the impact Narcotics Anonymous has on our society. Closure: After thinking about 60,000 people struggling with addiction, I can now give you a much greater and more enlightening number. According to the Faces and Voices of Recovery organization website, there is an estimated 23 million Americans that are in recovery from alcohol and other drugs. In conclusion, Narcotics Anonymous is an organization worldwide, created to help those struggling with substance abuse. This organization has been around for over 60 years, and has helped many people. Narcotics Anonymous has an impact on people everywhere by teaching addicts how to become normal, productive members of our society. Bibliography Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office,. _It works: How and Why_. 1993. 159. Print. Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office, . _Miracles Happen: The Birth of Narcotics Anonymous in Words and Pictures_. Canada: 2002. Print. Services, N. A. W. , and W. S. Office. _Narcotics anonymous_. 6th. Van Nuys: World Service Office, 2008. 17,27. print. Services, N. A. W. , and W. S. Office. _Sponsorship_. Information Packet #11. Van Nuys: World Service Office, 2005. Yang, Carter M.. â€Å"ABC News.† _Part 1: Baltimore is the U.S heroin capital_. ABC News, 14 Mar 2014. Web. 6 Apr 2014. . â€Å"Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction.† _NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse: The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction_. National Institute on Drug Abuse, n.d. Web. 6 Apr 2014. . â€Å"Trends and Statistics.† _NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse: The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction_. National Institute on Drug Abuse, n.d. Web. 6 Apr 2014. . â€Å"Narcotics Anonymous World Service.† _Information about NA: Public Relations_. Narcotics Anonymous, 01 Jan 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2014.

Crisis Management Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Crisis Management Paper - Essay Example An important question faced by governments and democracies is whether this change from crisis management as the politics of exception to crisis management as part of regular politics may require different political arrangements: in the relation between the executive and legislative branches of government, for example, and regarding questions such as whether more stringent policy coordination is required, whether we need better communication and interaction with the public, and whether we need different modes of intergovernmental cooperation. The particular policies defining staff duties in hotels will vary somewhat, as will the moral orientations of the supervisors, and the nature of the clientele and "intruders" encountered, but from the security officer's perspective, keeping order is characterized by two major elements. The first and most apparent responsibility is that of "protecting hotel guests, staff, and property from theft or other abuse." Secondly, the security officer is expected to operate in a "public relations capacity;" to help make the guests' stays pleasant and to maintain a respectable image of the hotel. While much more important than might first seem, this second concern has profound implications for the management of trouble. It places limitations on the ways in which security officers may respond to troublesome persons, suggesting that deviance be handled informally and as unobtrusively as possible. Perceiving hotel security to be disadvantaged relative to the authority of peace officers and more r esponsible for public relations, security people (and their employers) place considerable emphasis on abilities to handle incidents with a minimum of physical force. Keeping a Clear Lobby: the lobby areas of hotels can represent difficult places in which to keep order. Thus, in addition to the possible confusions which may result from guests (and their children) checking in and out of the hotel with baggage and other belongings, security officers frequently have unwelcome entrants such as drunks and vagrants, hookers and hustlers, and other loiterers Dealing with Room Trouble: Trouble in the rooms involves the guests in some respect, but the knowledge that trouble is taking place in these locations is of limited value in predicting its form. Thus, while noise, drug use, theft, and vandalism are among the more common sources of trouble, guests may also call security in matters pertaining to physical violence, accidents, sicknesses, and misplaced items. The staff should be hired to keep a note on things in the rooms as the customer prepares to leave, further there should be clear notice inside the room regarding things not to do. Hijacking The pilot is the prime player in the hijack situation because he controls the aircraft and the crew. The first concern the pilot has, after ensuring the safety of his passengers, crew, and aircraft, is to advise the ground authorities that he has been hijacked.

Social psychology High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social psychology High School - Essay Example As far as obedience is concerned we will consider many things like the peoples demographic and social issues. Jim Jones always stood up for social causes that drew people in and he was easily able to take control his members. Because of that reputation, he was considered the people's leader. Another theory is conformity, this was easy to for him to achieve for they gave up their own beliefs in order to fit in with Jones' plan. The last theory is cognitive dissonance. As far as cognitive dissonance is concerned, it was undoubtedly occurring at Jonestown. By doing this, Jones made his people fear leaving and become grateful for his protection. Until the unexpected tragedy happened. Other events that shocked the world share almost the same theories and mechanisms like the My Lai massacre, people looting during a blackout or natural disaster, the mob scenes, and using of media for persuasion an anything from needing Tylenol for a headache to political and ideological persuasion. Recently around the world we could read, hear and see or simply remember many disasters, charities and causes wherein people voluntarily lend their assistance and helping hands. Assisting people in times of trouble is quite an instinct of every human being. This instinct is made even better by our desire to volunteer.

Super Bowl Ads Do They Work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Super Bowl Ads Do They Work - Research Paper Example Because of such high viewership of Super Bowl, it serves as a unique platform for advertisers and marketers to sell their product. The commercial airtime during Super Bowl broadcast is most expensive and therefore, companies create their most unique and expensive advertisements to be aired during Super Bowl game. As a result, watching and discussing the broadcast's commercials has become a significant aspect of the event. DATA ON COSTS In 2011, Super Bowl game had the largest television audience of a U.S. program ever and therefore, companies willingly paid up to $3 million for a 30 second slot during Super Bowl broadcast. This year the viewership of the Super Bowl game reached 111 million people, some of which tuned in to watch the game, while many of the others tuned in to only watch the commercials. The high price tag of the commercials assures that they will be spectacular and innovative in most cases. The commercials are often highly anticipated, generating much buzz even before the game is played usually because of their innovation or sense of humor. (Reporter, 2011) WHY SPEND THE ADVERTISING DOLLARS Thomas Harpointner, CEO of the e-business and interactive consulting company AIS Media, says "The Super Bowl commercials are the most talked-about commercials on the planet," he said. "And that's what makes the commercials and the opportunity to advertise on the Super Bowl so special. So for a company that is just launching, or launching a new product line, or is making a big company shift, the Super Bowl offers a unique platform." (Schy, 2010) Therefore, companies avail this opportunity of Super Bowl platform to advertise their product even at a very high cost. They make special and high budget ads to be aired specially during Super Bowl game, which has also made Super Bowl advertising as one of the most watched out time of the year for marketers as well. EXPLORATION OF SOME SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES SUCCESS OF PEPSI CO. SUPER BOWL ADS In 2010, for the first time in 23 years Pepsi did not run an ad during the Super Bowl itself despite the fact that it was the official NFL sponsor. However, in 2011, Pepsi Co. became one of the game's biggest ad spenders when it bought three 30-second Pepsi Max spots, along with three spots for Doritos in the game on Fox. This marked the partnership of Pepsi Co.’s Doritos and Pepsi Max brands to launch a campaign in which consumers were to submit ads for the slots to be run during Super Bowl broadcast. Entrants will submit creative ads via a dedicated site at crashthesuperbowl.com, out of which ten ads will be shortlisted and announced in January. Then, consumers will vote for their favorite ads after which PepsiCo executives would be selecting the final two ads. Each of the ten finalists will receive $25,000 in prize money and a trip to Dallas to attend the game in a private luxury suite. The six winners will be awarded a maximum of $5 million, depending on the success of their ads in USA Today's Ad M eter panel, and a contract to create additional ads for the two brands in 2011. The idea turned out to be in favor of Pepsi Co. as according to Ace Metrix, analytics agency, the Pepsi ads scored higher than most beer brands, says CEO Peter Daboll, "certainly Doritos and Pepsi Max are the anti-celebrity ads. I mean, basically, people filmed these in their garages, and they actually did better than some of the high-priced ads

Discussing the loss of the role of main exporter by USA Essay

Discussing the loss of the role of main exporter by USA - Essay Example This is the reason why, at present, companies usually segment their products to target the various consumers and fit what their wants and needs are. Consumer characteristics have a direct bearing on the choice and management of a marketing channel. Determining which channel is most appropriate is based on answers to fundamental questions such as: Who are potential customers Where do they buy When do they buy How do they buy What do they buy These answers also indicate the type of intermediary best suited to reaching target buyers. This is why knowledge of consumer characteristics plays an extremely important role in many marketing applications, such as defining the market for a product or deciding on the appropriate techniques in marketing. In contrast to consumer purchasing, business purchasing is generally based more on economic reasons than on emotional ones. Among the many factors business purchasers consider when choosing a supplier are the quality-price ratio, delivery reliability, reputation of the supplier, information and market services provided by the supplier, and previous experience with the supplier. The Internet has revolutionized the purchasing behaviours of consumers because built deeper, more personalized relationships with customers because they can purchase anything anytime inside the convenience of their own homes. Although much is still needed to be learned about online consumer purchase behavior, research has documented the most frequently purchased products and services bought online have been mostly reservations for plane tickets, cars and hotels. These products fall in the category of items for which product information is an important part of the purchase decision, but prepurchase trial is not necessarily critical. Also, items such as computers, computer accessories, and consumer electronics sold by Dell.com fall into this category. So do books, which accounts for the sales growth of Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com ) (Kerin, 2003). Internet consumers differ from traditional offline consumers in their approaches to buying and in their responses to marketing. The exchange process via the Internet has become more customer initiated and customer controlled. People who use the Internet place greater value on information and tend to respond negatively to messages aimed only at selling. Traditional marketing targets a somewhat passive audience. For example, buyers would prefer to buy paints offline because they want to see the actual product and test it themselves. However, more and more companies are now creating a marketing website, instead of a purchasing site. These sites engage consumers in an interaction that will move them closer to a direct purchase or other marketing outcome. Such sites might include a catalog, shopping tips, and promotional features such as coupons, sales events, or contests. For example, visitors to Nokia.com can search through dozens of categories of Nokia products, review detailed features and specifications lists for specific items, read expert product reviews, and check out the latest hot deals. They can place an order for the desired products

Analysis of My Genetic Inheritance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analysis of My Genetic Inheritance - Essay Example My younger brother Larry is very close to my Father. I am not sure why this is, but I think it might be because he is very cute, and he likes the same sports as my Dad. They do things together sometimes, such as watching particular sports programs on tv, and I can see that they both like this very much. My Dad never did that with me when I was his age, and I think maybe as Dad gets older he is not so busy with work, and he likes to spend time with Larry to relax. Dad was not close to his own father, and I am guessing that he wants to make up for that with his own sons, or at least one of them. I am really happy about this because it shows that a person can break free from the patterns that they experienced themselves as a child, and they can make a new start with the next generation. My older Brother Mark has left home and does not have much contact with the rest of us in the family. I used to be a bit afraid of him because he always seemed to be a person that wants to be in control. Now I think maybe he had a difficult job, being the oldest of three boys, and he used to argue a lot with my father. He is the same age as one of the cousins on my father’s side, and I think that he learned some bad habits from him, such as drinking and smoking. I would not be surprised if he even takes drugs, because he was never that impressed with rules and authority. It seems that alcoholism is a common occurrence in my father’s side of the family. My Dad talks about his brothers sometimes, and the mischief they got involved in when they were teenagers. I can see that he has changed since then, and that is probably due to the influence of my mother. She does not drink alcohol, and although she is not totally against it, she would prefer if her family stays away from things that make them behave badly. My brother seems to have a very independent mindset, and it may be that he has inherited this from my grandfather on my father’s side. The cousin that he used to spend time with his now broken contact with his parents and he lives in some community in Nevada. I am not sure what that is all about, but it may have something to do with alternative lifestyles and a kind of resistance to mainstream American values. My older brother does not follow the same kind of crazy ideas that my cousin does, but I think he is disillusioned with his job and wishes he could move away from this state and start something new in a different place. He is certainly more rebellious than my younger brother and me, and I think in the future he might surprise everybody by doing something quite amazing. He is the brightest of us all, but he chooses not to study hard, and so it is possible that one day he will come back to our way of thinking and do something useful with his life.  Ã‚  

Answer brief questions about hinduism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Answer brief questions about hinduism - Essay Example However, despite this, people spend the daily life in a normal way, and this belief makes little to no difference in their day to day living. However, the extent to which an individual gains influence of this belief depends upon his/her religiosity. A highly religious person is too concerned about the world hereafter and thus, lives in this world as a passenger. He/she really considers the other world more important than this world. On the other hand, there are people who run after money and power in this world and commit sins despite their knowledge of and belief in the world hereafter. To them, this world is more important than the other one. Thus, it varies from individual to individual, though a vast majority of people value this world more than the other one. 3. Shiva is an interesting character in Hinduism. What does it mean? Hindus hold the belief that all motion that takes place in the universe starts from God and terminates in Him. Since the start of time, the universe has r emained engaged in a continuous whirl of activity and change. Sun rises and sets. Moon undergoes a continuous cycle of appearing and disappearing. Likewise, atom that every matter is made up of keeps swirling. This is what Hindus refer to as the dance of Shiva.

Pride and Prejudice Plot Essay Example for Free

Pride and Prejudice Plot Essay Elizabeth Bennet receives two proposals; one from Mr Collins and one from Mr Darcy. Mr Collins was a tall and heavy looking man of twenty-five years. Although he was polite and well mannered he was also pompous and had a self-inflated ego. He always made never ending speeches about nothing and bored everyone to death. Mr Collins flattered everyone constantly but sometimes inappropriately. He begged to know which of his fair cousins the excellence of its cooking was owed. -By this, Mrs Bennet was offended and assured him they were in fact able to keep a good cook. This showed his lack of judgement in when to compliment. He was also quite absurd and Mr Bennets sarcasm often went completely unnoticed. For example, on page 54, Mr Bennet asked if his flatteries were prepared and Mr Collins admitted that sometimes he would think of them for his amusement! Lady Catherine de Bourgh who was his patroness employed him. He grovelled to her constantly as she paid his way; because of her, he was middle/upper class. He was a clergyman at Hunsford near Rosings, Lady Catherine de Bourghs home. When Mr Bennet dies, Mr Collins will inherit Longburn, as Mr Bennet cannot leave the house to his wife; women couldnt inherit. In Mr Collins letter, he proposes to make peace with the family. Mr Darcy on the other hand was very good looking. He soon drew the attention of the room by his fine tall person, handsome features, noble mien He is also described as a fine figure of a man. But he was soon to be discovered to be proud above his company. He was clever, but at the same time he was haughty, reserved and fastidious. He owned Pemberly Estate and got one thousand a year. -He was upper class and he knew it; He had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest. Darcy and Bingley had a good friendship despite many differences. Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared; Darcy was continually giving offence. Darcy had no sense of humour and admitted it. He couldnt see the funny side of life whereas Bingley was light hearted and liked to enjoy everything he did. In the past Wickam and Darcy had a disagreement. Mr Darcys father had promised Wickam a place in the church but when he died Darcy refused to help him. Mr Collins first hints on his future plans in his letter to the Bennets when he writes; I cannot be otherwise than concerned at the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends. On the first day of staying at Longburn, he, in a conversation to Mrs Bennet said; I can assure the young ladies that I come prepared to admire them. -Here he gave Mrs Bennet a small glimpse of his intentions. Jane Austin then gave it away saying that now having a good house and income; Mr Collins was in want of a wife. He was also pleasing Catherine de Bourgh who thought he should marry. So for the first evening Jane was the settled choice being not only the eldest, but the prettiest -this was, until he was informed by Mrs Bennet that she was soon to be engaged to Bingley (exaggeration). Then at the Netherfield Ball he asked Lizzy to dance several times and she realised she was the chosen one out of the five sisters. Mr Darcy on the other hand was far from admiring Lizzy at first and when Mr Bingley suggested he dance with her at the Meryton Ball he replied that he had not the least intention of dancing. -Bingley was dancing with the only good looking girl in the room. Here he was referring to Jane. He said Lizzy was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Then at Sir William Lucass party, William tried to pair up the two of them and Darcy did not resist, but Lizzy brushed him off with; I have not the least intention of dancing. -this was pay back. It was at this party that Darcy realised his true feelings for her. At Netherfield when Jane went to stay, she fell ill and Lizzy being worried came to visit. Here, she noticed that Darcy was constantly watching her. Miss Bingley who secretly liked Darcy, in seeing that he was drawn to Lizzy tried to turn him against her. But all in vain, for whatever she said, he just stuck up for Elizabeth. Miss Bingley, in Mr Darcys defending her said; I am afraid Mr Darcy that this adventure has rather affected your admiration for her fine eyes. I think when she says this shes half-teasing and half jealous of him liking her. Before proposing, Mr Collins said to Mrs Bennet, May I hope madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning? -Here, he was basically asking Mrs Bennets permission to propose. He then launched straight into his speech. Mr Darcy came to visit Lizzy and at first made light conversation, asking about her health. Then there was an awkward silence where he must have been trying to think of how to start before proceeding. -Differences are already showing through. Mr Collins first said hed chosen Lizzy almost as soon as hed met her (which was a lie) and went on to specify his reasons for marrying her. He, as a clergyman wanted to set an example to the rest of the parish, he thought it would make his happy and he was following Lady Catherine de Bourghs advice. Hed obviously planed out his speech carefully but in his reasons, he had not mentioned that he was in love with her! Darcy on the other hand offered his hand in marriage because he did love her and his opening sentence expressed this clearly; In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how I admire and love you. Mr Collins also made several insults to Lizzy when proposing to her without even realising it! For instance, he said that if she refuses, she my never get another offer. He also reminds her that if she stays single, all she may ever be entitled to is twenty-five pounds when her mother dies. Darcy put his foot in it too. After saying how much he loved her, he went on to say that it was not his wish to do so with her connections and status; His sense of inferiority -of the family obstacles which judgement had always opposed to inclination. When he was turned down he thought she was just offended; Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? -To congratulate myself on the hope of relations, your connections? He also admitted to trying to split up Jane and Darcy and even rejoiced in his success of doing so. In response to rejection, Mr Collins thinks Lizzy is playing hard to get and says this is to be expected of a lady. He goes on to say all the good materialistic reasons to marry him forgetting to mention things like love. He acts as if marrying would be a good investment for Lizzy or something. He then assured her that both of her parents approved of the marriage. Mr Darcy in response to rejection is shocked and angry but manages to control himself. He asked why he had been refused and thought she must be offended by what he had said earlier; Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? But after saying these words he accepted her answer. Both proposals were made for very different reasons; Mr Collins obviously proposed for convenience, whereas Mr Darcy was in love. Both men also reacted in different ways when turned down; although Mr Collins couldnt take the rejection, he was not actually bothered about anything other than having his male pride hurt. -Darcy must have been extremely upset, to him Lizzy was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with but he tried not to show his emotions. They both involved a lot of snobbery in their proposal speeches. They thought that Lizzy would not reject someone of the higher class and she should be grateful that she was chosen out of all the other girls; both reminded her constantly about her status. Mr Collins was more personal mentioning both what would happen when her mother and father died but Lizzy got more angry at Darcy because of things he has said and done in the past. Mr Collins and Mr Darcy both said in much detail all the pros and cons of the marriage. In conclusion, both proposals have some similarities but they differ in the essential requirement of love.

Reflection of Personal Art Therapy Experience as Facilitator

Reflection of Personal Art Therapy Experience as Facilitator Brett Cartwright Description I have chosen to do my reflection on the Art Therapy Focusing model in which I facilitated a process for my client, who for the purpose of confidentiality we will call ‘Jemima’. This session was conducted at the Phoenix Institute of Australia as a part of the learning model presented by my lecturer within the Art Therapy Module. During the â€Å"setting up† (Malchiodi 1998) the space process I went about finding an appropriate area and making sure there were sufficient items conducive of an Art Therapy session, such as pastels, paper, and markers, as well as a cabinet in the corner filled with Art Therapy supplies, should Jemima wish to use something different. Upon the completion of the setting up process, I quickly checked in with myself to ensure I was capable of holding space for my client before walking into the waiting area to greet Jemima, inviting her to join me in the room. Once in the room I enquired about how she felt regarding the comfort of the space and offered her the opportunity to rearrange it in any way she saw fit, also pointing out that there were many more art supplies in the corner cabinet. Jemima nodded and said â€Å"I’m actually quite happy with this† making a bodily gesture toward the previously setup space. Now sitting, we began to talk about how her day was going so far and if there was anything specific she would like to focus on. Upon creating an intention for the session I suggested that we try an Art Therapy Focusing process and proceeded to explain what would be involved. We began by drawing her attention into her body, in search of a ‘Felt Sense’ (Gendlin 1996) eventually finding an image that had an ‘emotional quality’ fitting to the intention we had set for the session. I then extended an invite to open her eyes and bring the image to concretised form on the paper, inviting her to open up a dialogue with me about the process if she saw fit at any time, which she ackn owledged but declined. The rest of the session was quite silent and required little more than my presence, â€Å"unconditional positive regard† (Rogers 1980) and holding of the space to facilitate. Jemima indicated when she had finished her image, at which time I asked her to close her eyes again, inviting her to bring her awareness back to the room and slowly drawing her out of the focusing process. At this point I asked her if she could share with me how the process was for her. I let Jemima know that the session was coming to a close, offering her the opportunity to express anything else that might have come up for her during the process, and we closed the session. I then invited Jemima to give reflection on my performance as a therapist, took some notes, and the entire process was complete. Feelings I felt quite comfortable entering into this process as I am reasonably familiar and confident with the focusing process from both the ‘Focuser’ and ‘Companion’ perspectives. Also, I have worked with Jemima on a number of occasions and have developed a good amount of rapport with her, which makes for a productive and healthy therapeutic relationship. Having said that there were, and always are, a certain amount of nerves for me when stepping into the role of therapist, as I have recently discovered via an empty chair process that I have a dominant inner critic that has created really strong insecurities around professionalism. This was, however, coupled with intense feelings of excitement about acting out the entire process of a therapy session and the learning that comes from the experience. At the end of the session, as always, I found myself left with mixed feelings. I became highly stressed and critical about how I performed as the therapist, and some of the feedback I received from Jemima, again coupled with an element of excitement about having made it through the process without any major hiccups on my end. Evaluation At the time I felt things went reasonably well for both the client, and myself. It seemed that the client had really managed to embody the Art Therapy Focusing process. The â€Å"Coming in† process (Purton 2004) was smooth and seemed to flow quite well as we slowly drew Jemima’s awareness toward her inner-world, searching for a Felt Sense that eventually matched that of a ‘Protector’ (as referenced in the Analysis section below). Throughout the creation of the artwork I made a few observations about certain things, such as the way Jemima smiled when the image of her protector came to her; the movements and motions of her strokes on the paper which were reflected as being â€Å"helpful for meaning making† by the client; and the pressure she seemed to apply to different areas of the page. The end of this session felt a bit rigid and clunky upon reflection, as I always seem to have some amount of trouble tying things off without interrupting the clientà ¢â‚¬â„¢s process. Analysis Upon analysis of the session and the feedback given by the client, it would seem that it was a productively therapeutic session that helped the client in â€Å"clearing space† (Gendlin 1996) and creating a â€Å"safe space† using an image of a â€Å"protector† as tools created by Judith Herman and described by Rappaport (1998), which the client can now refer to in consecutive sessions to help return to that feeling of safety, if the client resonates strongly with that image. There was the possibility for a couple of intersubjective responses, as I had a couple of images with protective qualities come up for me when I was witnessing the client’s process unfold, which I held back due to some nervousness around projection and interpretation as I did not want to influence the client’s process in any way. Conclusion In Conclusion, upon reflection of the content of the session from both my perspective and the feedback given, I realise that there is a level of incongruence, and slight lack of unconditional positive regard in not sharing my intersubjective responses with the client. Thus putting distance between myself and the client, and in turn creating a lack of attunement. As a final note, there is very little I would change about the process apart from exercising more congruence and working on developing better skills around closing the session. References Malchiodi, C.A. (1998). Setting up: Drawing on Environment and Materials. The Art Therapy Sourcebook: Art Making for Personal Growth, Insight, and Transformation. (p.79 – 102) Rappaport, L. (1998). Focusing And Art Therapy: Tools for Working Through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Focusing Folio, Vol. 17 (1), (p.2-3) Gendlin, E.T. (1996). Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy: A Manual of the Experiential Method. New York: Guildford Press. (p.57-58) Purton, C. (2004). Focusing as a Taught Procedure. Person-Centred Therapy: The Focusing-Oriented Approach. United Kingdom: Palgrave MacMillan. (p.90) Rogers. C. R. (1980). Characteristics of the Person-Centred Approach. A Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. (p.115-116)

Hilton Hotels A Name That Has Been Synonymous Marketing Essay

Hilton Hotels A Name That Has Been Synonymous Marketing Essay Chapter 1 Introduction Overview The hospitality industry has from time in memorial revolutionised to ensure business in this service industry is conducted in a unique way such that at the end of the day, customers get value for their money. In brief, that is Satisfaction. Hilton Hotels, a name that has been synonymous with excellence in hospitality is a hotels and resorts worldwide that goes a notch above and believes that their customers are not only customers but they are their guests. Therefore, ensuring customers stay is memorable has always been paramount and of great concern to Hilton group of Hotels. Furthermore the hotel ensures that they supersede their customers expectations and always guarantees satisfaction. The research focuses on Customer satisfaction in the Hospitality industry with a Particular reference to Hilton London Hyde Park hotel. Located a mile from Oxford Street and the west End, the hotel is one of the distinct, exciting hotels on the city doorstep. The researcher sought to find out the unending process of ensuring and guaranteeing customer satisfaction at this hotel property which forms part of the entire Hilton hotels fraternity. (Hilton Hotels and Resorts, 2010) Customer Satisfaction in Hospitality industry has been the bottom line in earning competitive advantage. It should be of interest to the reader that there has been enormous competition in this industry that is always highly competitive and all Hotels whether for business or leisure strives to ensure they meet and exceed their customers expectations. Meeting Customers expectation ensures customer satisfaction, and that is what all customers look for when they check in at the Hilton- London Hyde Park. Aims and Objectives of the study. This research sought to evaluate customer satisfaction at the Hilton- London Hyde Park. To ensure a clear guideline on how this research was going to be conducted, the researcher developed the aims and objectives which have been outlined below; To review the existing literature on customer satisfaction and add to the body to of knowledge how to ensure customers expectations are met and exceeded in achieving customer satisfaction. To find out competitive advantage that Hilton- London Hyde Park has earned that guarantees customer satisfaction. To investigate on regular customer complaints and ways in which customer complaints are handled at the Hilton London Hyde Park. To recommend suitable ways to ensure good customer care at the Hilton London Hyde Park that would be part of ensuring customers expectations have been met. Research Purpose and Rationale. The main purpose of this study is to independently ascertain in details the process of customer satisfaction at the Hilton- London Hyde Park. When customers needs and expectations have been met, customers are said to be satisfied. It is every customers desire that businesses take their needs and expectations at heart, this in the end has a long term results since it compels them to come back to the business hence becoming loyal. Businesses also benefit by ensuring customer satisfaction. This is evident when the same customers frequent the business daily or regularly, it creates loyal customers who will purchase more and even recommend that business to their friends and colleagues. Its from this fact that the researcher sought to evaluate customer satisfaction at a Hotel that champions it. Hilton -London Hyde Park has been on the fore front in ensuring and guaranteeing customer satisfaction, as a matter of fact the hotels has also been used as a benchmark for other properties that are struggling or yearning to achieve satisfy their customers. The research also sought to tackle customers perception of products and services at Hilton- London Hyde Park. Customers perception is always as a result of what they have experienced first hands at they Stay in the Hotel or what they have heard about the Hotel, the issue of perception cannot be ignored since it affects business performance. Hilton -London Hyde Park has put in place brand standards in every area of operations; this is for the sole reason of ensuring that customers expectations are met and exceeded as well as to maintain a positive image to the customers who are in the Hotel either for business, meeting and conferences or leisure. The researcher therefore was prompted to find out customers perception on products and services at the Hotel. Scope and Limitations Due to lack of funding and inadequate resources to support the project, the researcher focused only on Hilton London Hyde Park out of the hundreds hotels around London. Some of the customers who were presented with questionnaires most of them didnt fill them in because the hotel also provides questionnaires to the guests on arrival. Most of them always felt in a rush due to their busy schedules and lack of time to respond to the customer satisfaction questionnaire. Questionnaires that were returned, some were half filled or poorly filled. The other challenge was lack of information from first time customers at the hotel. On the questionnaires, it showed lack of knowledge and that some customers dont care about customer satisfaction especially those who dont pay for their bills such as business customers. Summary The introduction chapter highlighted the pre amble of this research. This has been achieved by giving a simple synopsis of the research aims and objectives, presenting the background information of the research conducted as well as the importance of the research and all the limitations that were encountered while at it. In the following chapters an in-depth and detailed piece of this work is presented that will shed more light on the various literature and scholarly works that has been carried out on customer satisfaction. Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Introduction In this chapter various scholarly articles on customer satisfaction are going to be examined and compared, further more academic literature on the same will be reviewed and this will help the researcher relate to the research findings. This chapter will highlight various literatures on customer satisfaction and all the factors related to customer satisfaction. It describes in depth how good customer service from business acts as a catalyst in achieving satisfaction. However from this section it will be interesting to note that, not all customers appreciate what businesses does for them and hence the issue on customer complaint which can either be genuine or not. This opens the eyes of the potential reader to note that customers whose expectations are met tend to be satisfied, those whose expectations were exceeded tend to be delighted and those whose expectations were not met at all tend to be dissatisfied, this categorised the various kind of customers as much as customer satisfaction is concerned. 2.2 Who is a customer? There have been various definitions as well about who a customer is, but regardless of any definition its fundamentally clear that a customer is the most important person in any business. Every business must realise that a customer not dependent upon the business but on the contrary the business is dependent upon them since they are the sole reason as to why that business exists and favours the business when they come to buy the products or services that a business offers. Any business therefore knows that the customer is an essential part it, not an outsider. (Robert, 2005) The customer is the person who comes to the business with his needs and wants and its ultimate for that business to fulfil their requirements. A business should also accord every customer the most courteous attention they can give them since the customer is the lifeblood of every business, as a matter of fact Its Important to realise that without the customer any business would have been behind to closed doors. (Don and Martha, 2004) 2.3 Customer Satisfaction A result of good customer care is referred to as customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction therefore is a derived term that shows the results of offering good customer care in a business. It should be noted that customer care therefore involves the planning of all activities in customer supplier relationship including the pre, during and after stages so as to ensure the customer expectations with regard to transaction process are met or exceeded (Withey and Lancaster, 2006). This clearly shows that for customer satisfaction to be achieved the process towards customer satisfaction starts before the product or a service is offered to the customer. Customer care involves more than just customer service, as a matter of fact; customer service is an important facet of customer care especially in ensuring that customer satisfaction is achieved. The latter necessitates the involvement of every facet of the company marketing and customer related programmes and should affect every single stage of the marketing planning and implementation process (Withey and Lancaster, 2006). Its therefore important for marketing managers to ensure that good customer service is put in place and addressed in the marketing process since this will be part and parcel for ensuring that customer satisfaction is finally achieved. Kotler (2009) approaches customer satisfaction from a different perspective. He refers to customer satisfaction as the customers feeling of pleasure or disappointment that arises from comparing the products perceived performance to their expectations. This means that customers have a certain perception towards every product they use hence its evident that if this products or service doesnt fulfil the customer expectation according to his or her perception about the product there will be dissatisfaction. Furthermore if the performance of the business matches the expectations in which the customer had perceived the product or service the customer is satisfied and if the performance exceeds expectations, the customer is highly satisfied or delighted. Customer Satisfaction therefore starts even before the product or service is provided to the customers, its important to note that every aspect of the business contributes to the overall customer satisfaction. It is vital for all the companies to realise that investing in good customer service and care will result in total customer satisfaction. But as much as companies that are customer focused is concerned will create customer satisfaction, its not the ultimate goal of a business. If a company will reduce the price of the products and service that they offer so as to ensure satisfaction then it means that as much as customers are going to be happy and get satisfaction from lowered price then that means the business may suffer as a result, and when a business suffers all the stake holders will suffer as well. Its reasonable therefore for all the company that seeks to create total customer satisfaction to do so subject to offering acceptable levels of satisfaction to the stake holders given the total results, (Kotler, 2009). Customers form their expectations from various channels. Kotler (2009) explains that the following aspects build up customers expectation; Past Buying experience. Friends and associate advice. Marketers and competitors information and promises. A customer previous or past buying experience can be a great determining factor that can persuade him or her to purchase and repurchase the product. If a product met the customer expectations in the first instance, it is possible that the customer will go back and repurchase that product or service. On the other hand friends and associate advises really count on building up customer expectations, consumers often tend to seek advises on where best to get a certain product or which company offers the best services, from this aspect there is a greater likelihood of the customer to believe his or friends or associates if they have had a first experience with the companys product or services. Lastly Kotler (2009) emphasis on Marketers and competition information and promises cannot be ignored many times the markers raise hopes on a certain product by doing a massive advertisement on that product. Competitors who seek to enlarge their market share are usually ion the spree on luring customers, the sum total of this builds up customer expectations before buying the product. From the companies perspective the dilemma that comes with customer expectations is that if their marketers raise high expectations, the consumers will be disappointed, the need to raise expectations by the company acts as a great marketing tool but can be disastrous if that expectation is not met at all. However if a company decides to set expectations too low, then that means that the company will not attract buyers but the likelihood of customers whose product value includes low prices will be satisfied. Companies should therefore raise expectation and deliver so as to match hence creating satisfaction Kotler (2009). 2.4 Cost of Poor Customer Care (Michael and Steven, 2005) emphasizes that if a customer expectation at any point of the customer relationship is not met, the result will customer dissatisfaction. These consequences can be mild or worse depending on the circumstances given. Most of the dissatisfied customers tend to complain to the company, others decide to stop purchasing from the same company, however the worst of dissatisfied customers are the ones who bad mouth the company especially if they were treated in a way that did not favourable to them, this kind of customers spread the news and unfortunately bad news travel faster than good new hence these might have negative impact to the company. (Michael and Steven, 2005) further confirms that dissatisfied customers with bad experiences are twice as likely to tell others as the good experiences customers, this pointer indicates the extent to which lack of satisfying customers expectation can lead to. Its important for business to realise that maximizing customer sa tisfaction gives them a competitive edge to exist in the market, customers are faced by many similar products as well as complimentary product, which makes it easier for them to switch to another product if they are dissatisfied in any way. 2.5 Benefits of Good Customer Care Contrary to a dissatisfied customer, a customer who is satisfied is a major asset to the business. The business can be rest assured that they will come back and in the long run become loyal customers (Lancaster and massingham, 2010). This explains why most customer focused companies are setting up loyalty programmes that seek to reward customer in order to woo them to be loyal and keep them in the business. The value of maintaining loyal customers is immeasurable to a business; it affirms the business that there will be repurchase from the loyal customers and at least a good word will pass around from them, which is a consequence of good customer care. The cost of acquiring new customers as opposed to maintaining the existing ones is very high, and every business primary goal is to minimise cost as well as maximizing profits. Good customer care ensures that business maintains its regular customers and still maximize on the loyal customers (Lancaster, 2010) 2.6 Loyalty from Regular Customers This is the act of particular customers returning to make purchases on the same product and services and choosing the same business for their purchases. A repeat purchase is another benefit of good customer care. Customers who are impressed and whose expectations are met will end up buying from the same business from time to time, this gives the business leverage when it comes to competitive advantage Below is a ladder of customer loyalty. From the above diagram, the suspect is the lowest level of the relationship ladder whereby the suspect includes everyone who might buy the product or service, a prospect is one who has the potential of buying your product or service while customers have purchased either a product or service from you and have the potential of buying it again, clients are those who do come back and then lastly but not least the advocates are those who market a product or service on behalf of your behalf. (Smith, 2006) 2.7 Referrals from Customers When businesses make sure that all their customer expectations have been met, they are indirectly marketing themselves to the potential buyers. Regular customers of any organizations always advise potential buyers about the products and services offered by that business. It is a common practice for satisfied customers to tell others especially their friends and colleagues about the exemplary service they received from particular business. This boosts the business in a ways that it even reduces on its costs of advertising since the outcome of good customer services is that word is spreading about what customers perceive on the products and services that are being offered. Referrals are more credible than advertising, while advertising convinces the potential buyer to buy a product that not been tried by the potential buyer, referrals offer a firsthand advise from an individual who has had a good experience with the companys product. Therefore its evidently clear that good customer care gives birth to loyalty that generates referrals which is a benefit to the business in terms of maximizing profit. 2.8 Customer Retention A business that meets customers expectations and surpasses those expectations and remains consistent in its customer care tends to retain those customers. These are the type of customers who will be loyal to the brand or the business in terms of purchases. Customer retention is as simple as making sure that the loyal customers are given all the reasons to buy the product again and again either by giving them incentives or by introducing a loyalty programme that will be rewarding them and earning them points every time them make a purchase. Most of the companies have implemented strategies that allow the marketing department to take care of their customers so as to make sure they are faithful to the brand in order to create retention. It should be noted that customer retention is a process that takes time since customers tend to judge the ability of a company to be consistent in being good to them. Its highly advised that the companies should rethink about their ways in which they ret ain their customers since in this competitive age a competitive strategy goes hand in hand with ensuring a market share is maintained and increased. 2.9 Steps in Customer Satisfaction Encourage face to face dealings. Dealing with customers face to face can be outright scary for any sales or company representative if they are doing it for the first time. However the results can reward handsomely and moreover the nervousness ceases with time. Depending on the kind of business that a company is operating its vital for the marketers as well as the sales team to go out and meet their customers face to face so as to get a firsthand experience and to create the business bond. It is advised that when meeting the customers calmness and confident are the two characters that need to be utilized. Listen to them and ask them what they need. It is believed that if a potential client in a business spends over half the meeting doing the talking, the company is on the way to making the sale. Face to face dealings is therefore paramount in dealing with your customers. Respond to messages promptly. Customers always want their queries and questions about a product or service to be answered promptly or as soon as possible. It is very unprofessional to keep customers waiting for a response that takes ages before its replied. Its also advised that even if the query cannot be answered at the exact time the courtesy of letting the customer know that their query has been received and will be attended to as soon as possible will be indispensable. Customers feel appreciated when their queries have been attended to and someone has taken their time to. Be Friendly and approachable. Customers always want to deal with someone who they can talk to and even relate in a friendly manner, this breaks down all the business formality and creates a conducive atmosphere to do business. Its very important to be friendly and courteous and to make them feel that they are part of the business and can be helped out when in need, this gives them some emotional security to know that they can always count and rely on the business. It should be noted that as much as some customers are annoying and would like to take advantage of every situation, its critical that you keep a positive outlook as well as give them feedback as best as you can while maintaining politeness and courtesy. Have a clear defined customer service policy. Every company that is customer focused understands the value of implementing customer service policy for efficiency in handling customers. It not only saves time but serves as a competitive advantage for the company as far as customers are concerned. Customer service policies are rules and guidelines that a company sets up for the purposes of ensuring customer services are handled in the most appropriate manner that it deserves. Its the procedural process in which customers queries are handled and this procedures outline the steps in which certain steps should be taken if the usual way doesnt work out. Customers should know what kind of steps they should take when making an inquiry since they find it annoying to be transferred to from the staff to the supervisor, to the manager who will then fail to solve it. A clear defined customer service policy therefore ensures that the company takes into consideration the needs of the customers as w ell as saving time for the company. Anticipate clients needs. Anticipating clients needs is a very high level of customer and company relationship that not many companies achieve. But it is evident that they companies that can boast about knowing and anticipating customer need can boast as well about the great rewards that yielded from it. This refers to a pro active nature of the company to look beyond what the customers wants and spoil them for what they wish to have without charging them any extra penny. It refers to a level where the company takes an insight into the customers needs and supersedes it. This act of anticipation to the customers needs will be used to spread good word about the company and the results will be referrals since many would love to be treated the same way. Honour Promises. Companies sell their products and services by promising amazing rewards from purchase of their product and services. It is empirical that this promises should be honoured otherwise the consequences can be daunting. Customers always want to make sure that they relate to the company that promises and delivers the promise. Lack of delivering promises can cause dissatisfaction and customers can bad mouth the company. Most importantly the company might suffer from lack of purchases that will eventually result to low profitability as well as losses. Benefits on products purchase, services on goods bought, meeting deadlines on projects and even charging for the amounts quoted are examples of keeping promises to the customers. 2.10 Monitoring Customer Satisfaction It is important for companies to monitor satisfaction since its the only way they can be able to know factors that shape customer satisfaction and from this they can be able to know what areas to improve on so as to ensure customer satisfaction is achieved by the company. Kotler (2009) argues that the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty is not proportional, the level of customer satisfaction varies from customer to customer hence its evidently clear that the lowest level of satisfaction can be characterised by customers who can find it easy to switch since as much as their expectation have been met, they still feel there is a better product out there and this means they can easily switch. The other level which is a bit higher than the lowest level of satisfaction refers to customers who are fairly satisfied and are likely to buy again as well as talk good about the company and the products. The level that is ultimate in customer satisfaction is where the customer is delighted, at this level there is an emotional attachment to the company and not just a rational one. Companies are therefore advised to always aim to achieve maximum satisfaction since its the only sure way of ensuring repeat business in the company. Measuring customer satisfaction will allow a company to be able to recognise what makes customers attain different degrees of satisfaction. Kotler (2009) lists several measurement techniques which include; Periodic Surveys. Customer loss rate. Mystery shoppers. Periodic surveys refers to ways in which companies track customer satisfaction by sending customers survey questionnaires to measure level of satisfaction as well as to know whether the customers can repurchase from the business again. Customer Loss rate is another way of monitoring satisfaction where the business tracks the lost customers and seek to find out why they dont purchase any more of the companys product or why they switched to a different brand. A mystery shopper has been a new trend that is first hand and that gives evidence on buyers experience. This method involves hiring potential customers to pose as customers so as to get the experience of how customers are helped and treated by buying the companys product in comparison with the competitors product. Additionally it should be a caution to companies that are complacent with their achievement on performance of customer satisfaction. They are highly always advised to monitor competitors performance in this areas since what might seems satisfactory to a company, might mean a low mark to another company. This is evident since some companies set a certain target of ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved and when achieved and possibly surpassed, they tend to relax and be comfortable not knowing that their competitors bench mark is even higher than what they are aiming to achieve. Companies should therefore do everything as possible to monitor customer satisfaction for purposes of efficiency. 2.11 Customer Complaints. Customers always look forward to companies to fulfil their expectations once they go there to make a purchase. Customer complaints refer to grievances placed by the customers if they are disappointed by lack of companies in fulfilling their expectations. Some companies have always been mistaken to measure customer satisfaction by analysing customer complaints; this is wrong and ineffective since a customers perception about a product or service starts even before a purchase is done. Jobber and Lancaster (2009) said that perception is a complex process by which people select, organise and interpret sensory stimulations into meaningful picture of the world. The process might be used to sort out the masses of stimuli that could be perceived into manageable amount. So even before the customer makes a purchase there has been a perception about the brand. 2.12 Benefits of Customer Satisfaction A company that ensures customer satisfaction is achieved is at the verge of enjoying benefits that is linked to it. (Vadim, 2010) highlights the benefits of customer satisfaction as; Highly satisfied customer generally stays in the business longer. When customers needs are totally met the tendency is that the customer will stick to that business more and more since he or she will always want the expectation to be met. This in turn will be an advantage to the business since there will be repeat business that will favour profitability. Less sensitive to price. Customers who normally stick to a particular business have a perceived value as well as firsthand experience on the companys products and services, its an advantage therefore to the business since anytime there will be a change it the price structure or a price quote, the business will enjoy the fruits of loyalty. Pays less attention to competing brands, a company can boast of having a market niche that does not pay keen attention to the competitors because of the relationship they have with a company that delivers and gives them satisfaction. Most customers are always happy why they realise they have a shoulder to lean on and thus shunning away any competitor trying to convince them otherwise. 2.13 Influence of Customer Satisfaction. Customer satisfaction influences the whole company as well in terms of the daily running of the marketing activities which are costly. Marketers are therefore left with a challenge of maximising profits, ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved and guaranteed as well as costs are minimised as soon as possible. 2.14 Summary. Customer service is a practiced art that takes time and effort to master. All one needs to do to achieve this is to sit back and reverse roles with the customer. What would you want from your business if you were the customer? How would you want to be treated? Treat your customers like your friends and theyll always come back. In conclusion the customer is the most important person in any business and if it was not for the customers the business wouldnt be established in the first place furthermore customer satisfaction basically ranges from industry to industry and in this research the researcher will be able to know customer satisfaction in the Hospitality Industry. Chapter Three Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction In the prior chapter, customer satisfaction was clarified conceptually and clearly outlined by use of the available literature the researcher was able to compare notes to. From the literature reviewed it is evident that customer satisfaction is a product of good customer care in every business, further more from the literature the researcher was able to categorise customers in three categories ; Dissatisfied, Satisfied and Delighted customers. In this chapter, the researcher outlines how this research was conducted in order to evaluate customer satisfaction at Hilton-London Hyde Park Hotel. The chapter opens up by outlining the research aims and objectives so as to keep abreast with the main reason as to why this research was conducted, more so by outlining the aims and objectives, the researcher is able to have a clear guideline on the use of relevant research philosophy to be used as well as the research approach to be put in place. In addition, an effective research strategy had to be inculcated by the researcher so and to ensure that data collected was credible and would be able to give the researcher the desired results; this chapter explains in depth the use of the research strategy used in this case. Towards the end of this chapter the research explains the data collection method this research employed as well as putting ethical consideration into perspective. Last but not the least the chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this research methodology. It should be noted that lack of a clearly defined methodology may lead to the wrong collection of data that can be tendered irrelevant to the research report, its therefore highly important for researchers to have a critical analysis of the broad research methods and select the appropriate to be used in their research. 3.2 Research Aims and