Managerial Economics Essay Example

Managerial Economics Essay Managerial Economics Exam at EMBA program at Cotrugli Business School Belgrade Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic Date: January 2013 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic CONTENT SECTION A: Question 1 Provide a specific example of a poor decision that cost your company money. Identify the key decision-maker, and explain what happened. Did that person have the right incentives? Did they have sufficient knowledge? Explain how an improvement in incentives mechanisms and/or knowledge systems could prevent similar mistakes being made in future. SECTION B: Question 4 In response to the global financial crisis central banks across the world have cut interest rates. Why? What are the main arguments against rate cuts? SECTION C: Question 5 Many economic commentators believe that the dollar is weak at the moment. Why is this? What are the key drivers of foreign exchange markets? What do you think will happen to the dollar in future? /8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic SECTION A: Question 1 Provide a specific example of a poor decision that cost your company money. Identify the key decision-maker, and explain what happened. Did that person have the right incentives? Did they have sufficient knowledge? Explain how an improvement in incentives mechanisms and/or knowledge systems could prevent similar mistakes being made in future. For almost twelve years I have been working for internatio nal pharmaceutical companies. We will write a custom essay sample on Managerial Economics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Managerial Economics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Managerial Economics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer During this period of time with different companies’ philosophies, I have been able to realize that most of business or business related projects, which have been generated and led from regional offices or headquarters, without market specific modifications and inputs were usually, at least, more expensive. Sometimes, it can lead to project failure or project poor results. Local apples or a foreign strawberry does not matter, if result will come, if business opportunities will be recognised, if strategy will be improved and revenue/profit will grow. Although, nice apple and strawberry salad should be able to satisfy both taste and flavour or result and cost. Decision by our Regional manager (RM) has been made to engage consulting agency from Hungary to lead the project of Profiling, Segmenting and Targeting (PST) physicians and pharmacies in Adriatic Region, which includes Bosnia and Herzegovina. Main purpose of project was to determinate clients who will be segmented, related to current strategy, and targeted based on their potential and their adaption stage. Pareto principle (after Vilfredo Pareto, Italian scientists, 1848-1923), which states that 80% of our revenue/profit comes from 20% of our clients, was undisputed project goal for recognition. We have intended to cover 90% of total universe of doctors and pharmacies in country, and to profile them based on their potential and loyalty. In the project, further analysis included also our internal capacity, internal sales results (national and in territories) and market segments value and volume shares (national and in bricks). 00 90 80 70 80/20 RULE SALES 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 20% CLIENTS 80% RESULTS CLIENTS 3/8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic In preparation stage we have alarmed RM that in BH IMS data (traditional market data in pharmaceutical industry) does not exist with recommendation and suggestion that local agency should be engaged for project execution, what would give us an opportunity to hire the agent based on references (advers e selection) and to monitor further actions. Also, local agencies are operating with valuable market data on daily basis. So, our intention was to decentralise project, but RM insisted on Hungarian agency for entire region. Result project realisation lasted for five months, instead of three, with additional costs for market data from different sources and additional costs of Hungarian agency for analytics and deliverables. Finally, we had to engage local agency for additional consultancies in project. Project itself was finished with costs 25% higher than in the bid, and 56% higher than the local agency’s offer for entire project. Project also included additional work of sales persons with additional, locally adopted, incentive mechanism for motivation. Conclusion RM made the decision although his knowledge about market specifics was not sufficient. Right incentive was questionable, as well. Project described that project costs are unpredictable in case of centralized project with lack of information. This case shows that project decentralisation, with right incentive program for local agency, and adequate (in this case – local) KPI (key performance indicators) would decrease costs in both terms – money and time. 4/8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic SECTION B: Question 4 In response to the global financial crisis central banks across the world have cut interest rates. Why? What are the main arguments against rate cuts? Central Bank look after monetary policy through manages money supply. In theory central bank is using three main tools of monetary policies. First is that central bank has power to create interest rate for lending money to commercial banks, second is to define reserve requirement on bank’s deposit and third is market operations through purchasing or selling assets. With regard to mentioned activities, central bank is able to monitor credit potential of commercial banks in country, to manage financial stability and liquidity in country, to oversee operations of the banking system in country and to be the fiscal agent of government (take care of servicing foreign and domestic obligations). In a time of global crisis and threatened economy growth (decline in economic activity, investment, rising unemployment and general illiquidity), central bank with its instruments of regulation and stimulation of cash flow in country has an obligation and responsibility to influence the policy of commercial banks. The main goal of creating monetary policy of central bank in the current financial crisis is to increase the mass of money in circulation in commercial banks that will serve to increase their loan potential. By increasing the money supply, central bank indirectly intends to generate more investment to the industry as well as to the consumers, what allows faster economical growth and stabilizes liquidity in country. As mentioned, one of significant stimulative monetary policy instrument used by central bank is interest rate policy. Due to decline in economic activity and consequently reduction in investment and consumption, commercial banks are showing more prominent caution in extending credits, what leads to high quantity of money in commercial banks, and less money in circulation. Commercial banks are increasing the mass of deposits held at central bank, which could be higher than the deposit obligation (prescribed by legal regulations). On such deposited funds, commercial banks get a certain interest rate. To indirectly increase the economic growth, central bank is reducing its benchmark interest rate on funds deposited, and stimulating banks to release higher level of money in circulation through loans. Through mentioned activities commercial banks should realize higher interests through earns from the basis of the referral interest rate. In addition to the benchmark interest rate, central bank can influence determination of interbank interest rate. Central bank can lend money to commercial banks, as well. This means that central bank can indirectly affect change in interbank interest rate. Namely, the interest rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial bank is discount rate. Lower central bank discount rate indirectly affects decrease of prime rate. 5/8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic Low discount rate increases the interest of commercial banks to borrow money from central bank, what affects the increasing level of money in circulation and, on the other side, lowers its price (cheaper money) for crediting the economy, population, etc. This means that it will generate lower nominal interest rate to consumer and investment loans. With these activities, mainly with focus on short-term interest rate, central bank is indirectly influencing money supply with intention to boost economy growth and investments, decreasing unemployment and increasing government public works. Most powerful central banks in the world firstly began to apply this type of monetary stimulus. In the second half of 2008 the Fed and the Bank of England began to decrease interest rates dramatically, and these banks ended 2012 with rates of 0. 00% (Fed) and 0. 50% (Bank Engl. ). This type of monetary stimulus was accompanied by many other central banks of the world. However, simulative monetary policy pursued by the central bank through interest rates, as a monetary instrument, if not controlled, can cause negative effects. If there is an increased amount of money in circulation, and on the other hand there is no economic progress, growth in production of goods and services, prices will begin to rise, and lead to significant inflationary disorders. If this stagnation further lead to the lack of major investment in new technology and projects, the entire economy, or the economy of country will become ineffective. Manufacture costs (inputs) start to grow, products’ prices and working costs start to increase, and that all contributes to inflation and multiply inflationary growth. Consequently, money depreciates which can lead to a general financial instability. To keep process in control and do any necessary adjustments in monetary policy or to interest rate, central banks’ committees meet plenty of time a year to review the nation’s economy through essential economic targets and the global financial trends. For instance, the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee), the branch of Fed, meets eight times a year for reviewing process. 6/8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic SECTION C: Question 5 Many economic commentators believe that the dollar is weak at the moment. Why is this? What are the key drivers of foreign exchange markets? What do you think will happen to the dollar in future? I will start with key drivers of foreign exchange markets. First of all, it is important to emphasize main factors which determinate the foreign exchange markets country’s economic and political situation and Forex market philosophy. Economic situation is assessed with real GDP (nominal GDP adjusted with inflation rate), labor market (unemployment rate, incomes), purchasing power and consumer price index, human potential (described through HDI – human development index / index is conglomerate of human education, expectation, incomes , foreign trade exchange (trade balance report relations between export and import / directly influence GDP level ), index of industrial production, retail sales (measure the sales of retail goods over a time period), public finance policy (fiscal policy, direct and indirect taxis), value of foreign debt and country credit potential. Political stability or instability can generally cre ate positive or negative impacts on economic situation and developments. Stabile government, with vision and responsible activities can influence in stronger investments from abroad or by domestic investors. Elections can be reason for fiscal policy changes, or influence the demands and costs of a certain currency. Marketplace philosophy is simple Foreign currency market is driven by demand and supply! However, some drivers are constantly presented like: Central Banks’ activities- explained in section B Crude oil price some currencies are oil dependant (US, Japan), and if oil price decreases, the import value will decrease what will have a positive impact on countries currency value and its strengths. Price of gold – for currencies of countries which are leaders in gold production and trade, for countries that have gold as a standard for monetary exchange. Additionaly, as current key drivers of foreign exchange markets, I would recognize: Greece situation and threats in Spain, Italy, Portugal Arabic political instability and its implications Further development of BRIC markets 7/8 Managerial Economics Prepared by: Enor Cerimagic The intentional weakening of dollar was logical direction for rescuing the U. S. economy. It was direction for healing serious impairments, like: recession, debt crisis (mostly mortgages / which reduced the amount of money in circulation), rising unemployment and increasing government expenditure on social and health care programs. That is why dollar is cheap, for almost two years. The Fed’s monetary policy has significantly increased the amount of money by reducing the interest rate, which was a sure way to weaken the dollar. Main reasons for weakening dollar were: Decline in general economic activity, especially in the most important branches of the economy real sector – manufacturing, especially car and construction industry, with the highest number of employees, Fear of worsening investor mortgage crisis which has hit most commercial banks and America, A more vulnerable population standard, High state deficit, mostly due to the growing needs of social funds, Ineffective fiscal policy tax incentives from the Bush era (rates of tax benefits were not progressive, ie, dependent on the amount of annual income) and so on. The effects of a falling dollar have affected the growth of U. S. exports due to decrease of prices of US goods on world markets, and the launch of additional production capacities, which resulted in a reduction in unemployment rate from 10% to 7. 8% (December, 2012). However, the weakening dollar has caused the falling confidence in the stability of the U. S. currency on the world market. The U. S. olitical scene is currently looking â€Å"promising†, as well, due to positive trend of monetary and fiscal changes. Support came through â€Å"fiscal package† (adopted in January 2013. ) which, certainly, helped to avoid the â€Å"fiscal cliff†, for the time being. Whether these measures will require some new monetary stimulus package to strengthen the dollar and, what is more important for world stock markets, restore confidence in the U. S. currency, it remains to be seen. There is an ABBA song â€Å"Money, money, money must be funny in the rich men’s world†, and we are speaking about US which hold almost 25% of world economy, its currency which is the most famous Money, which â€Å"believe in God†, which determinate measures for suitcases productions etc. Yes, I believe in dollar, as well! Predictions of the world’s stock exchanges and markets are that the dollar will appreciate, over the next 3, 6 and 9 months primarily in relation to the Euro, Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan. Why? Primarily because the U. S. conomy is showing significant level of vitality. The economy growth rate in 2012 was 2. 5%. Number of employees increased, so the unemployment rate dropped from 10% at the beginning of 2012 to 7. 8% in December. Furthermore, the U. S. Congress has done and additional move to reduce the deficit. The newly adopted fiscal stimulus package (Jan. 2013 taxing Americans with annual income over $ 400,000) will reduce the defic it. According to analysts, USA will ensure the level economic growth and stability of the dollar, trough these fiscal measures, for the next few months. The Fed entered into a program of new monetary measures timeless-unlimited purchases of long-term government bonds or repurchase banks active assets. With these measures, the Fed â€Å"relaxed† conditions on financial markets and enables banks to invest with less cautions at low rates. Measures should expand investment and consumption and result should be further economic growth, reduction of unemployment, rise of confidence and strengthening of dollar. 8/8

Appalachian Folk Culture Essays

Appalachian Folk Culture Essays Appalachian Folk Culture Paper Appalachian Folk Culture Paper Essay Topic: 9th Grade Appalachian Folk Culture: Health Care Differences and Disparities The concept of culture is all the characteristics a person has such as language, beliefs, values, behaviors and norms.   It is the objects we hold dear and pass from one generation to the next.   It is every aspect of who and what we are. When we are born we have no knowledge of whom or what we are.   We have no language, no values, no religion, and no morality.   We lack the fundamental orientations that we take for granted and are very important to who we are. These are all learned traits that we usually share within the core group of our family.   It is through the learning of our culture that we understand and give meaning to everything around us and if someone challenges us on our beliefs it usually upsets the individual that has been challenged. This cultural make-up is what defines each person as individual.   We use our culture to sometimes judge others and sometimes this can be negative or this can be positive. As health practitioners must keep in mind that when dealing with others cultures you must remember the framework of that culture and view it from that framework.   Being raised in a different culture gives individuals a different perspective of normal than what most Americans believe. The Appalachian region has several diseases that affect them.   Cancer will be the focus of this paper even though it is all of the conditions combined that have affected the Appalachian culture and to some degree have banded them together as a whole.   In this region health care and disease prevention has been a hot topic for sometime and has been overlooked by the nation. Frustration among this population only reinforces their distrust of health care professionals as well as governmental aid.   Reforming how health care is delivered is now needed to help with bringing this region up to the standards the majority of the nation already has for health care. Demographics: The entire region of the Appalachian covers from southern New York State to the northern part of Mississippi and covers over 13 states.   There is a high percentage of poverty, low income higher than average high school drop out rate, infant mortality rate and a steady migration moving out of the region. Because of the terrain being very hilly basic community infrastructure is difficult and costly.   Per capita income in 1993 for the region was just a little over $15,000 with the poverty in the region, when compared to the nation, shows that 4 out of 10 countries with the highest rates are located within this region. It isn’t uncommon for counties in the region to show unemployment rates of 11 to 15%.   Mining jobs in West Virginia, just in recent times have been eliminated and have placed a great strain in this region.   86% of the counties in the region have been given the distinction of being areas where shortages of health care professional are present and inadequate with insurance coverage. This is shown with higher than the national average, for example, heart disease at 19%, lung disease at 22% and the death rate at 12%.   Education statistics in this region shows that 12% of the adult population only has an education up to the 9th grade and according to The Appalachian Regional Commission this is three times the national average. Another interesting disparity that should be noted is the education since this affects health and how health care is handled.   For example in the Ohio region of the Appalachian spending on students in the region by Ohio in 1991 was only $2,822 per student, while the average for the whole state was $4390. Living conditions are also noted while looking at the health care disparities in the region. Statistics show that more than 15% of homes are substandard when compared to the nation (http://census.gov http://healthypeople.gov) . How Appalachian culture is viewed has great bearing on how health care is approached in this region.   Certain myths and stereotyping of these people probably had a direct cause as to how this culture views health care and the system.   Many see this culture as different, than what it really is.   And many haven’t even heard of the plight in this region in the United States. â€Å"Today’s mainstream media still routinely depicts â€Å"hillbillies† as ignorant, lazy, close-minded and violent rubes, given to â€Å"feuding and fussing† when not handling snakes, brewing moonshine, or fathering children with their cousins† (Noe, 2002, p.1). Kenneth W. Noe a professor at Auburn University wrote that class consciousness seemed to propel this culture into a â€Å"tradition of resistance† (Noe, 2002, p.3).   The region and its people had become exploited causing a general disillusionment for business and government.   In today’s terms business and government is the health care system. So that belief alone would definitely hamper how individuals in this region use and get health care.   In their culture distrust of both is passed down in family beliefs and it seems to be a very difficult cycle to break or change. Many health care practitioners find that it is difficult to overcome the social class barriers that have been built up against this culture.   â€Å"Ohmans, Garrett, and Treichel (1996) recognize that social class can be a significant barrier, particularly for new immigrants whose social status or class distinction may have radically been altered†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Huff Kline, 1999, p.16). This social class is best described in terms of the conflict theory, or how upper classes used their power and privilege to exploit those below them. Through generations of belief and the general neglect of this region and culture this behavior is seen as a problem for health practitioners in this area.   The Appalachian culture has a basic mistrust of physicians and of modern health care practices.

History of the Artificial Heart

History of the Artificial Heart The first artificial heart for humans was invented and patented in the 1950s, but it wasnt until 1982 that a working artificial heart, the Jarvik-7, was successfully implanted in a human patient.   Early Milestones As with many medical innovations, the first artificial heart was implanted in an animal in this case, a dog. Soviet scientist Vladimir Demikhov, a pioneer in the field of organ transplantation, implanted an artificial heart into a dog in 1937. (It wasnt Demikhovs most famous work, however - today he is mostly remembered for performing head transplants on dogs.) Interestingly, the first patented artificial heart was invented by American Paul Winchell, whose primary occupation was as a ventriloquist and comedian. Winchell also had some medical training and was assisted in his endeavor by Henry Heimlich, who is remembered for the emergency choking treatment that bears his name. His creation was never actually put into use. The Liotta-Cooley artificial heart was implanted into a patient in 1969 as a stopgap measure; it was replaced with a donors heart a few days later, but the patient died soon thereafter.   The Jarvik 7   The Jarvik-7 heart was developed by American scientist Robert Jarvik and his mentor, Willem Kolff.   In 1982, Seattle dentist Dr. Barney Clark was the first person implanted with the Jarvik-7, the first artificial heart intended to last a lifetime. William DeVries, an American cardiothoracic surgeon, performed the surgery. The patient survived 112 days. It has been hard, but the heart itself has pumped right along, Clark said in the months following his history-making surgery. Subsequent iterations of the artificial heart have seen further success; the second patient to receive the Jarvik-7, for instance, lived for 620 days after implantation. People want a normal life, and just being alive is not good enough, Jarvik has said.   Despite these advances, less than two thousand artificial hearts have been implanted, and the procedure is generally used as a bridge until a donor heart can be secured. Today, the most common artificial heart is the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart, accounting for 96% of all artificial heart transplants. And it doesnt come cheap, with a price tag of around $125,000.

The Banatao Brothers Build Boards for the Green Wave Assignment

The Banatao Brothers Build Boards for the Green Wave - Assignment Example 1.2 Cost In USA cost of any entrepreneur to run the shop is at least $400 while average hourly manufacturing cost for Asian competitors is $2.50. Minimum purchase price for polyurethane board in the country is around $300 but Asian competitors can manufacture the same product at five times a cheaper price. 1.3 Stringent Business Environment Domestic surf board entrepreneurs are searching headway to compete against cheap import from Asia but till now there is no sign of relief for them. In 2005, surfboard blanks a domestic manufacturer closed their business due to stringent cost competition from Asian counterparts. Government announced hike in the raw material cost to manufacture due untamable recession started in 2007. Clark Foam was the major supplier of polyurethane blanks for surfboard manufacturers but after recession price of polyurethane blank has increased. In this condition Clark Foam ceased production in the year 2007. After the closure of Clark Foam, small and midsized entr epreneurs do not have any choice but close business due to zero inventory of polyurethane blanks inventory. At that time big players banked on existing polyurethane blanks inventory while the condition was perfect storm for small entrepreneurs like Banatao Brothers due to various reasons like loss of main supplier, low priced import from Asia and slump in bottom line. Domestic sales volume for surf board manufacturers has decreased ten percent in last five years due to low cost import from Asia (Rizzo). 2.0 Support Required for Entrepreneur & Source of Support 2.1 Import Quota According to Professor Hill, import quota can be described as direct restraint on quantity of imported goods. Import quota is directly connected with issuing import license to business organization or individual. For example, Federal Government can create trade barriers for Asian competitors by setting annual import limit for polyurethane blanks and other surf board materials. In this way government can help s mall entrepreneurs from international competition and domestic big players (Hill 205-210). 2.2 Environmentally Friendly Materials Banatao Brothers have planned to manufacture Entropy surfboard with sugar beet foam core that is wrapped in hemp cloth instead of a polyurethane foam core encased in fiberglass. This is a green initiative by them and they need further research on creating bio surfboard. They can take help of various university research scholars having expertise in green technology. Further research on chemical composition of sugar beet foam core might help them to create more diversified product line in future. The company is currently taking help from Bayer Corporation but in future taking help from USA universities will decrease their cost on research & development (Boone, and Kurtz 33). 3.0 Lifestyle Changes and Opportunity 3.1 What Customers Buy Surfing industry is worth of $7 billion and its business pattern is constantly evolving with respect to customer demand. In recent years customers of USA are showing their back to petrochemical based surfing board material due to its poor durability in contrast to

Introduction to american civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Introduction to american civilization - Essay Example By the 1840s, steam powered locomotives became the major source of traveling and transportation in the United States. The railroad was used to transport large items which reduced the costs of transportation. By the 1880s, electric railways were being used for transportation in cities like New York (Steven, 2006). The Transcontinental Railroad brought much profit and efficiency to organizations and individuals in the United States. The Industrial revolution allowed the massive cultivation of the American West with the use of new farming techniques and mechanization. This led to efficiencies in production and the railroad ensured the distribution of foodstuff to distant markets. Industrialization also led to the increased urbanization of the American people. Automobiles would further revolutionize the concept of traveling. Mass manufacturing led to an increase in goods and as a result a new middle class emerged eager for these products. The progressive era in the United States was launched in order to protect the rights of workers and reduce waste and corruption. This era was also marked with a desire to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Alcohol was prohibited in this era and women’s rights were achieved. Media exposed corruption in political circles. Political reforms to enable the citizens to rule directly were implemented. Theodore Roosevelt launched the square deal to ensure that food and drugs would be safe for citizens. The railroad rates were also regulated. Universal health care, health insurance and conservation of the environment were some of the major goals of his government. President Howard Taft also believed in the progressive era. During his presidency, the civil service was expanded and the US postal service was made more efficient. He also launched many antitrust suits against large companies and promoted world peace. President Woodrow Wilson is credited with the establishment of the F ederal Reserve System which is the central

Theory Based Character Description Essay Example for Free

Theory Based Character Description Essay The structure of Jenny’s life begins with her beliefs, morals, goals and capabilities of change throughout her lifetime. Early in life, she seemed to have dreams and goals for the future. She desired to be a performer, singer, songwriter and musician. Unfortunately, those aspirations were destroyed when she instead became a nude model and stripper, which killed her college career when she was expelled. She degraded herself and could never recover the self-respect and respect from others that she lost from doing that. There are many examples throughout her life that she seemingly set herself up for failure, as she gets into unhealthy, abusive relationships, and relies heavily on drugs, alcohol and a life of promiscuity. Jenny never followed through with her dreams or made responsible decisions. Her principles and standards changed as her surroundings did. She made many bad choices that led her down a life of destruction. The Social Cognitive process is demonstrated throughout the move as we watch her struggle in life. As Forrest becomes increasingly successful in most things he does. She admires him so much and deeply cares for him as a friend. They remain in contact in high school and periodically throughout life. She reaches out during some of her more desperate times or runs into him as fate would have it. Forrest asks Jenny to marry him, however, she replies, â€Å"You don’t want to marry me†. I speculate that she compares her life to his and therefore feels beneath him, and that he deserves better than herself. He replies that he may be stupid but he knows what love is and in fact does want to be with her. Later that night she slips into his room and they make love. Early in the morning however, she leaves without a word. It is possible that she felt like she made a mistake and did not want to drag him down with her. Her growth and development was demonstrated as her social learning skills were developed throughout life through observation. After her mother died, there was no one to protect her and her sisters from her drunk father that sexually molested them. She is then influenced by the anti-Vietnam war protestors she becomes involved with during her life as a hippie. The direct contact with several extreme activists and other negative groups lead her into a more negative slope. As she lives on, she continues to make terrible decisions. She becomes an increasingly immoral person, and is filled with extremely low self-esteem and deep depression. Jenny does not demonstrate self-efficacy. She slides down a slippery slope of denying her true pain and anguish. She runs away from her fears and feelings and goes out into the world of destruction to attempt to escape her past. She depends on the environment she is in to determine her future, goals, and values. As the movie flashes throughout several different scenarios, Jenny lives through, one-thing remains consistent, and she seeks the ability to forget the past. She does not want to deal with it therefore, she uses sex, drugs, extremist views and lifestyle with hopes it will distract her from the scary truth of her history. Finally, Jenny writes Forest to meet up so she can introduce him to his son. It is only then that she becomes concerned with herself, as well as her son’s well-being. For once, she actually wants to do better from them. She decided to marry Forrest and set her child up for a good example of a healthy family dynamic. It does not appear Jenny ever dealt with her past, her feelings, and the underlying issues that caused her grief. She did however, finally feel real love before she passed away. She understood what it felt like to be unconditionally cared for; something she never thought was possible. Trait Theory Jenny’s personality traits change throughout her life. She was not consistent from childhood to adulthood. As a child, she was kind, caring and generous. As she aged, she became increasingly nervous, scared and unsure of her surroundings. As she moves into late adolescence and early adulthood, she harbors the same fearful attitude and decides to run away, wander and travel with hopes a finding a new identity. Throughout life, she remains in love with Forest but does not love herself, therefore is unable to accept his love in return. Her personality traits come for a lack of understanding of why she experienced such painful things at such a young age. She never received love from her father, but was instead abused physically, emotionally and sexually. This trauma caused her inability to know love, receive love or understand that unconditional love truly exists. We know that her mother died when Jenny was just 5 years old. We do not, however, know why. This may also have influenced her growth and development. We do know that her father has some extreme mental health issues due to his abuse towards his daughters as well as the alcohol usage. As her environment changes throughout life, so does her personality traits. She continues to run from one situation to worse because she is not dealing with the true underlying issues. She ultimately runs to drugs in an extreme desperation to rid her memory of the pain of the past. The Big Five Trait Factor Scale appears as follows: Openness: Very High – Jenny is a creative, inquisitive, imaginative and unconventional. Conscientiousness: High – Before her life ended, after having a child, she finally learned to make the most responsible decision for herself and her child. Extraversion: High – Jenny had to always have someone in her company, whether it be Forrest or male company in the form of boyfriend, male clients or her hippie friends. She finds pleasure in being social. Agreeableness: Very High – Jenny is ultimately a kind hearted and helpful person with good intensions. Neuroticism: Very High – Jenny is highly insecure. This is the reason she bounces from one place to the next so often. This is why she completely submits to men and chooses those that treat her with the same disrespect her father one did. There is no formal model of change in Jenny’s life. Her traits simply change throughout the film as she pursues the task of running away to find herself and erase the past. She completes the cycle of the one sweet, kind and generous Jenny as a child, to a life of self-hatred and destruction, then back to seemingly healthy personality traits of a loving, caring person. After having a child, then learning that she is sick and dying, she finally faces reality and learns to love, accept and embrace love and peace.

“The Martyrdom of St. Matthew” - Painting Analysis Essays -- Art

I chose â€Å"The Martyrdom of St. Matthew† as the painting that best illustrates the baroque period. The reasons surrounding my decision are clear in Caravaggio’s painting. Here Caravaggio uses the entire canvas to illustrate complexity, flow, and chiaroscuro. The painting depicts the source of lighting to be coming from the left side of the plane. The brightest light focuses directly on Matthew’s executioner who intends to strike Matthew with an old balcanic hand weapon. Caravaggio masterfully illustrates the use of lighting by casting believable shadows. As an example, the shadow of the handle on balcanic hand weapon reflects on the executioner’s left thigh and knee. Another shadow appears on the executioner’s right inner thigh. The lighting source to the left of the executioner, the executioner, St. Matthews, the boy, the 2 observer’s bottom, right, and the fainter lighting upper left of the canvas illustrates the technique of vis ual movement. The lighting is placed strategically, causing visual movement within the piece. For example, the illumination of the executioner’s forearm directs my attention to the angel who appears to be handing St. Matthew a palm leaf. As a result, my eyes then focuses on the body of St. Matthew, lying on the bottom of the altar, then my eyes shifts up toward the Angle’s arm. The lighting on the angel's arm contrasted with the darkness of the palm leaf forces the viewer to look at the hand to see what St. Matthew is reaching for. The boy fleeing the scene further draws in the viewer. The two adult observers at the bottom right of the painting are illuminated but not as bright as the two main characters. Next, my attention is drawn to the man lying on the bottom steps, left side of the canv... ...ic landscapes. The baroque marked the time in which painters considered using subjects other than scenes from the Bible and from classical traditions. The baroque period also was the period in which artists painted portraits, and everyday life scenes. Baroque artist broke away from trying to make the calm balance known to the renaissance artists. Artists from the baroque era were interested in no longer tried in the extreme. They wanted to paint subjects possessing strong emotions; they wanted to capture those emotions and feelings in their work. Instead of just extremes of feeling sometimes, these strong emotions were personal. More often artists tried to portray intense religious emotions. Baroque art attempted to explain how and why their subjects fit as strongly as they did by representing their emotional states as vividly and analytically as possible.