Quality and Quantitative Approach in Engineering

The objective of this paper is to propose a study and discussion on the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in engineering research methods and design. In this introduction it is to provide a thorough presentation on the aspects of qualitative and quantitative approaches for engineering research. As such, the scope of this paper covers a broad range of topics and it is important that the engineer to perform successful experiments, and it is equally important that to understand and be able to estimate the accuracy of the engineering investigations through these approaches. In the past research approaches in engineering have accumulated to a point at which the engineers and investigators have many selections. For those designing an engineering research proposal, it is recommended that a general framework be maintained to accommodate advice about all facets of the study, from assessing the general theoretical ideas behind the investigation to the detailed data collection and test procedures. Using an extant framework also allows engineering researchers to lodge their plans in design ideas well grounded in the literature and recognized by audiences that read and support the proposals for engineering research. The focuses in this paper are on the use of quantitative and qualitative approach and the comparisons and contrasts in the characteristics as well as the significances of these approaches within the field of engineering design research. 2. Background This section suggests the background and the framework of quantitative as well as the qualitative approaches for engineering research. The theoretical assumptions about what constitute the knowledge claims; the general procedures of research are the strategies of investigation; and detailed procedures of data collection analysis are called methods. . 1 Outline of Quantitative Approach to Engineering Research A quantitative approach in engineering is defined as one in which the engineer mainly employ postpositivist claims for developing knowledge. The knowledge are called cause and effect thinking, reduction to specific variables and hypothesis and questions, use of measurement and observation, and the test of theories. Quantitative appro ach employs strategies of analysis such as experiments and opinions, and collects information on predetermined instruments that yield statistical information. In this scenario the engineer tests a theory by specifying narrow hypotheses and the collection of experiment data to support or refute the hypotheses. An experiential engineering design is applied in which attitudes are assessed both and after an experimental treatment. The data are collected on an instrument that measures attitudes, and the information collected is analyzed using statistical execution and hypothesis testing. 2. 2 Outline of Qualitative Approach to Engineering Research. A qualitative approach in engineering research is one in which the engineer makes knowledge claims based primarily on constructivist perspectives and that is, the multiple meanings of individual experiences, meanings evidently and historically constructed, with intent of developing a theory or pattern, and that is issue-oriented or collaborative. It also uses strategies of investigation such as narratives, phenomenologies, ethnographies, grounded theory studies, and case studies. The engineer collects open-ended, emerging data with the primary intent of developing ideas and design from the data. In this situation the engineers seek to establish the meaning of a phenomenon from the opinions of participants. This means identifying a culture-sharing group and studying how it developed shared patterns of behavior over time (i. e ethnography). One of the key elements of collecting data is to observe participants’ behaviours by participating in their activities. For this research approach, the engineer seeks to examine an issue related to oppression of individuals. To study this, the approach is taken of collecting stories of individual oppression using a narrative approach. Individuals are interviewed at some length to determine how they have personally experienced feedback. 3. Comments and discussion Different form of investigations must be performed on all experimental data. The examination may be a simple verbal appraisal of test results or a complex theoretical analysis of errors involved in the experiment and matching of the data with fundamental principles. The discussion considers the analysis of data to determine errors, precision, and general validity of experimental measurements. The experimentalist should always know the validity of data. In order to specify the performance of an amplifier, an electrical engineer must know the accuracy with which the appropriate measurements of voltage and distortion have been conducted. A nuclear engineer must know the accuracy and precision of many instruments to make radioactivity measurement with confidence. In the quantitative approach like experiential analysis, design engineers have drawn on their own experience of designing to give explanation of aspects of design. Design researchers are also concerned about the lack of acceptance of their ideas by practicing engineering designers. By involving in the engineering research, it is more likely that the outcome of the research will be taken up because of the shared ownership of the knowledge produced by quantitative approach. On the other hand, in the qualitative approach, historical analysis is the discovery from past records a description of explanation for invention in the past. Scientists divide data into primary and secondary sources. Primary source include eyewitness and contemporary records such as instruction manuals and the personal notes. Secondary sources are summaries and reports of invention by other scientist or engineers. The role of historical analysis in qualitative approach is to provide theoretical base for the current research. Development in design due to the introduction of new technology can be compared to the development in the past. During the last decade, the strategies of investigation affiliated with quantitative approach were those that invoked the post-positivist perspectives. These include true experiments and less rigorous experiments. More recently, quantitative strategies involved experiments with many variables and treatments such as factorial and measure designs. They also included elaborate structural equation models that incorporated paths and the identification of the collective strength of multiple variables. The two critical strategies of investigation in the quantitative approach are test experiments and surveys. Experiments include authenticated test experiments, with random assignment of subjects to treatment conditions, as well as quasi-experiments that use non-randomized design. Survey includes using questionnaires and structured interviews for data collection to gather the feedback from the past records. In the qualitative approach, the experiment results those are usually rich and detailed, offering many ideas and concepts to inform consumers your new invention. Qualitative approach can display how the product user feel and think, but cannot tell how many of the audience feel and think that way. Qualitative approaches in research results are considered thought of as themes; they should not be reported as percentages, subjected to statistical analysis or projected to a wider population. The main reason is because the participants do not make up a randomly selected representative sample and not all participants are asked exactly the same. This approach offers flexibility as far as timing is concerned and exhibits an important challenge for engineering design. 4. Conclusion The following points can be considered and taking note when using the quantitative and qualitative approaches for engineering research: 1. Examine the data for consistency. No matter how hard an engineer tries, there will always be some data points that appear to be grossly in error. For instance, if adding heat to a container of water, the temperature must rise, and so if a particular data point indicates a drop in temperature for a heat input , that point might be eliminated. The data should follow common sense consistency. If many data points in the experiment fall in the zone of â€Å"inconsistent†. The entire experimental procedure should be investigated for gross mistakes and miscalculation. 2. Perform a statistical analysis of data. A statistical analysis is only necessary when measurements are tested several times. If this is the case, make estimates of such parameters as stand deviation or etc. 3. Estimate the uncertainties in the test results. The engineering researcher should bear in mind the influence of different variables by the time the final results are collected. 4. Anticipate the test results based on theory. Prior to obtaining correlations of the experimental data, the researcher should review the theory affiliated with the subject and glean relevant information that will indicate the trends the results may take. Critical dimensionless groups, pertinent functional relations, and other information may lead to a fruitful interpretation of data. 5. Correlate the data. The investigator should make sense of the data in terms of physical theories and on the basis of previous experimental work in the engineering field. The test results should be analyzed to display how conform to or differ from previous investigations or standard that may be employed for same measurements. In quantitative approach, the experiments are number-based whereas the qualitative approaches are text-based. Statistical test are used for investigation in quantitative method and more in-depth information on case study of a qualitative method for research in engineering. The main aim in the use of quantitative approach provides observed effects that are interpreted by engineers of a test program on a problem or condition whereas the main function of qualitative approach is more subjective and that is, solving a problem or condition from the point of view of the past experience. In conclusion, both quantitative and qualitative approaches are valid and reliable. However, the use of quantitative approach accounted largely for the measurement device and engineering instrument employed. This offers heavier time expenditure on the planning and lighter on the analysis phase. The use of qualitative approach depended largely on the skill and rigor of an engineer, and that allows the engineer a lighter time expenditure on planning end but a heavier during the investigation stage.

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction with the Implementation of Total Quality Management

Mehra and Ranganathan (2008) reported that in 1979, Crosby gave 14 steps for quality improvement his work was supported by the work of another researcher, Ishikawa who stated that training, problem solving, and quality circles are very crucial ways of achieving continuous improvement. The researchers also spoke about the work of Deming with his contribution of giving 14principles that has become the foundation of TQM and acknowledged Juran for identifying the three basic functions of a quality management process which are planning, organization, and control. To Juran these functions of quality management process are different levels in any programs for quality improvement. TQM and customer orientation It has been observe that only those business organizations that pay attention to the need of their customers and make efforts to meet those needs become successful. Naturally, customers have their perceived expectations of quality of products or service they want from businesses they patronize and when they get satisfied they stay, else they leave for somewhere else. This is traceable to why customer satisfaction receives much attention and emphasis in the field of marketing. Researchers studied the profit of 472 restaurants and their results showed that data collected about customer satisfaction rate at a time has a direct impact on the profit margin of an organization nine months thereafter and concluded that quality as perceived by customer is what determines return on investment of any company( Mehra and Ranganathan 2008). It is therefore very important for organizations to focus on customer satisfaction so as to build a long lasting relationship with them. Customer satisfaction was not given much emphasis in the past but these days with intense competition in the global market, Organizations have come to realize its importance to as to maintain their stance in the market. Now, they know well that customer satisfaction will lead to customer retention and profits improvements. Scholars stated opined that the chances of customer leaving an organization due to poor products or services quality would definitely be reduced when customer satisfaction is achieved by a company ( Mehra and Ranganathan 2008). Agus et al. 2000) established that a successful implementation of TQM by a company will enhance its customer satisfaction and lead to financial performance. Goldman (2005), stated for an organization to remain competitive , it must identify its customers’ needs and find a way of building them into the products and services designs and development. Some researchers share the believe that in order for a company to satisfy its customer, their needs must be identified and incorporated into the design and development of appropriate product or service ( Spring et al. 998). Chan et al. (2001) report that quality function deployment is one appropriate TQM techniques that is a customer oriented approach and translates the voices of customers into the design features of products and services. This technique has three objectives which are to identify the customer, what he wants and find ways of fulfilling those wants. Researchers stresses that QFD methodology works by relating customer requirements with the design features (Govers 2001) Researchers emphasize a company need of its customer loyalty, stressed that a company would retain its customers if only a higher level of service than those of its competitors is achieved (Alomaim, 2003). The measurement of quality is dependent on meeting the expectations and requirements of customer the first time and at every other time. The federal Quality Institute (FQI) states that â€Å"TQM is a comprehensive, customer-focused system that many organizations are adopting to improve the quality of their products and services† (Alomaim et al. 2003). Alomaim et al. 2003) stated that TQM is management at all levels in an organization with the objective of customer satisfaction. They went further to state the largest percentage of scores for this award. TQM in Services. Mehra and Ranganathan (2008) established that TQM has a wide application in the industry of health care to enhance customer satisfaction after they reviewed the work of Ingram and Chung (1997) who reported tha t successful adoption of TQM programs has led to maximally satisfied customers. Hasin et al. (2001) affirmed that hospitals have engaged TQM principles as a weapon to gain competitive advantage. Researcher conducted a study to investigate success factors that are critical to TQM programs among corporations in US by surveying literatures (Dayton 2003). This effort led to his discovery of ten TQM success factors that are critical which includes orientation of customer satisfaction , quality improvement measurement, planning operational quality, customer and people management, management of external interface, improvement information communication, structures that facilitate team work, strategic partnership with suppliers and organizational culture of quality. The cue for these factors was taken from Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. According to the results of the findings, it was revealed that quality management and organizational culture of quality as TQM most important success factors as it relate to organizational performance. These research efforts found support in the work of Sit et al. (2009) that highlighted six core TQM practices that is acceptable by award models for quality like European Excellence Model and Quality Award and MBNQA through reviewing of literatures on TQM practices. These six TQM core practices are human resources focus, strategic planning, information analysis, customer focus, leadership and process management. TQM in Manufacturing. Scholars studied the Australia manufacturing industries to examine the impacts of TQM programs on their operational performance and reported that application of TQM in an organization helps to achieve success in relationships among employee, customer satisfaction and performance in business ( Terziovski and Samson 1999). To support this view another researcher reported that Malaysian manufacturing industries enhance their financial performance by engaging TQM programs and traced this performance to their achievement of customer satisfaction (Agus et al. , 2000). It should be acknowledged that when organizations successfully implement TQM, the result is that high level of customer satisfaction and improved financial performance would be achieved. This stated fact finds supports from literatures on TQM and customer satisfaction. Mehra et al. (2001) strongly mphasized that customer focus play an important role towards implementing TQM and established that TQM is customer –oriented. They also affirmed that customer satisfaction and customer loyalty are important elements for organizations that possess the value of customer focus. Attempting to further stress the necessity of engaging TQM to improve customer focus, suggested that organizations must pay serious attention to customer satisfaction. Researchers established that literatures abounds that mention customer focus and suggested that definition of TQM in the future should give customer focus its rightful place (Mehra et al. 001). Chien et al. (2002) state categorically that a strong relationship exists between the customer satisfaction level a company can achieve and its commitment to TQM practices which determines its performance. Other researcher believed that there is need for further research that presents the TQM relationship with customer relations ( Kaynak 2003). The impacts of the practices of TQM on customer satisfaction have been examined by many researchers and its wide applications in manufacturing and service industries alike have been reported. TQM and cultural differences. Researcher contested that cultural differences among industry types and across nations will vary the applicability of quality programs ( Dawson 1995). In the author opinion, TQM has a strong inclination in the culture of Japanese which makes its adoption not applicable universally. He therefore suggests that businesses and nations that will adopt TQM should conduct studies on examining how it could be adapted to their cultures. This view finds support in the work of other researchers who express their believe that TQM is neither effective nor fit for business environment that involves multiple cultures. Some other scholars doubt that TQM is effective in service industries because of the uniqueness of this industry in that their product is not visible. These concerns made Mehra and Ranganatha ( 2008) to undertake a study in the literature of TQM and customer satisfaction. Based on the results of their findings, they affirmed that implementation of TQM programs in an organization improves customer satisfaction. They rejected the argument that the only culture where TQM programs will succeed is collectivistic and also established that TQM programs will succeed in both collectivistic and individualistic cultures and across business types and national cultures. The result of their research made them to redefine TQM â€Å"as a management strategy that, with sound design and successful implementation can be adopted to enhance customer satisfaction through a concerted focus on customer and that this strategy is equally applicable to both service and manufacturing businesses operating in varied global cultures. For managers with kin interest on successfully adopting TQM implementation, they suggested 3 action plans; develop unique skills for identifying customers’ needs in their workforce, train their employees to understand global market competitions and global customer, and train specific personnel on ways of determining the customer satisfaction level at sensitive and throughout the contact points that are major. Mehra et al. 2001) and kaynak (2003) stressed that there is need for research that examines the impact of TQM programs on performance of an organization. Researchers are of the opinion that there is need for studies that will investigate the relationship between organization performance and TQM practices. This view finds support from Yasin et al. (2004) who expressed their concern for the rare nature study reports that relates performance of an organization to its improvements efforts on quality. TQM and Human resources. Researcher examines in an empirical study the role of human resource management practices towards implementing TQM within the advanced technology companies and the results of their findings was that the practices of HRM impacts significantly on customer satisfaction (Yang 2006). Many business organizations have place strong emphasis on customer satisfaction as they believe it would help them to increase productivity and ultimately profitability. Yang (2006) argued that company must put structures in place for customer satisfaction management and that company need employees to maintain such structures. Other researchers carry out an investigation on the relationship between the role of HRM and client satisfaction in the health industry (Ott and van Dijk 2005). Their study explored activities of HRM such as employee involvement, transparent management, plan for personal development, on the job training, supportive management style. They found that the manager’ management style nfluences the employee satisfaction. When Sit et al. (2009) reviewed the work of Adsit et al. (1996) that examines the association that exist between customer satisfaction, employee attitude and performance evaluation. They reported that employee attitude have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction which made them to conclude that human resource focus induced customer satisfaction. It is rather unfortunate that literatures of studies on the relationships between customer satisfaction and Organization’s vision are rare. Kantabutra and Avery, 2007) affirmed that what is found is a casual link of customer and employee satisfaction with the organizational vision. To this effect, these researchers embarked on an empirical study to investigate how organization’s vision affect customer and employee satisfaction in retails stores in Thai. The research findings revealed that organization’s vision, employee satisfaction, communication, motivation and empowerment enhanced customer satisfaction. Based on the findings of their result, It was established that vision significantly enhances customer satisfaction. Sit et al. (2009) carried out a research study to examine the relationships customer satisfaction and TQM practices based on the perception of managers in the service organizations that are TQM certified in Malaysia. They reported that TQM enhances customer satisfaction and went ahead to establish customer focus, human resources, leadership and information and analysis as critical success factor of TQM practices and that they induce customer satisfaction. It was revealed in their findings that human resources and information and analysis were TQM dominant practices because they have close relationship with Customer focus within the service organizations under consideration. Customer satisfaction and customer loyalty: (Bennette and Rundle-Thiele 2004) conducted an empirical study to examine the relationship between customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty of customers. The researchers work took premise from the previous literatures on the subject. They reported that out That four biggest bank in Australia ecorded customers’ dissatisfaction percentage of about 23-32 percent and they are among the nation’s six top companies that is public. It was surprising that their performance was not affected as they posted large profits. They found that customers still patronized these banks even though they were dissatisfied which made them to argue that customer loyalty and organization performance does not depend solely on the single factor of customer satisfaction even though this go against the popular opinion that abound in the literatures that satisfaction is what leads to the attitude of loyalty often display by customers. They established that these customers were simply loyal. While public relations make every effort to convince the public that customer satisfaction is necessary for customer retention, these researchers discovered from the literatures that in 2003, the Bank of America earnings reports that customer satisfaction level of 14 percent constitutes 5. 3 percent of its customers. The question then remains, what is the satisfaction level experienced by other 94. perfect? This further proved that customer satisfaction does not necessarily leads to customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction has become a factor that is of high significance to business organizations and marketers alike especially in the service industries. Organizations because of so much emphasis that is place on this subject often see it as the ultimate in order to sustain the stiff competition in the global business environment. It is believed that customer satisfaction will help companies to retain their customers so as to maintain their market share and ultimately achieve organizational performance. The researchers surveyed a sample of 267 businesses and investigated their satisfaction level and attitude of loyalty to the services of an advertising company(Bennette and Rundle-Thiele 2004). The result of their findings revealed that loyalty that is of high level do not in all cases due to high levels of customer satisfaction. They went further to stress that customers often stick to a particular company, not because they enjoy the quality of its services and concluded that while customer satisfaction will remain the core of any organizational performance, it should not be the only goal (Bennette and Rundle-Thiele 2004). They pointed that attitudinal loyalty which customers sometimes display is another factor that enhances the performance of an organization. Given that they have considered attitude of customers to be critical success factor to business performance, it would be necessary to consider the impact of employee satisfaction on customer satisfaction. This view find support from the work of scholar (Oakland 2003) who opined that performance as perceived by the customer will always be the core of TQM model but it need not be limited to this and there should be an extension of it to other stakeholders’ performance measures. Other researchers gave their suggestions for the need of further empirical researches that would examine the impacts of quality improvement efforts on organizational performance (Yasin et al. 2004, p. 45).

Music paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Music paper - Essay Example There is no doubt that the outward appearance of these two is very dissimilar to each other, however, both are alike. Starting from the basic elements of the two, they are analogous. The elements of music can be taken to be different manifestations of the elements of visual arts. For example, color in visual arts can be comparable to harmony in music. Color is a very important element of visual arts – use of color is what makes the piece of art stand apart: the amount as well as the technique in which color is applied to a visual art piece will definitely go a long way in qualifying and categorizing it. Moreover, if color is not properly or appropriately used, it can have a devastating effect in visual arts. Similarly, in music, harmony is what sets a piece of music apart from the rest. Harmony, or lack of it, can make a certain piece of music enjoyable or unpleasant. Also, harmony can also help in classifying music, just like color does in visual arts. Moreover, value, a way of analyzing the intensity of color in visual arts, can be parallel to timbre in music, which analyzes the intensity of tone in music. Often, visual artists use the intensity of color, or lack thereof, to portray a certain feeling through the piece they are creating. Such is the case in music as well: musicians also take advantage of timbre in their musical piece to portray certain emotions or to give a certain feel or effect to their creation. The use of space in visual also has its parallel in music. There is a certain sense that visual arts can give with their use of space, not only in helping in its classification but also in the overall effect or feel of the piece. Varying use of space can make the same subject matter have different feels in various manifestations of visual arts. In music, the counterpart of use of space can be rhythmic sense. It is through rhythmic sense or rhythm that music is often arranged. And just like use

Public International Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Public International Law - Essay Example To stop the influx of the people from the mentioned countries, the Immigration Act 1971 came into being. According to which only those Britishers who have strong links with the United Kingdom, the  Channel Islands  and the  Isle of Man had the right to abode, live and seek employment in the United Kingdom and the cited Islands2. Gone are the days when Indians, Africans and the Carribians were on the priority list of job seekers in the United Kingdom. The people of mentioned countries joined Armed Forces and Factories to help the Britishers to fight against their enemies in the World War-II and to produce war related products. Another factor of migration to Britain on the mass scale was the wages of working in the Armed Forces and the Factories, which were higher in Britain as compared to their homelands3. International Laws The International Law, unlike national laws has to address certain laws, rules and regulations, customs (interaction with the people of different countries) , respective governments, businesses entities besides rights and responsibilities in dealing with the sovereign states. The apex body responsible for making international laws must take into consideration the international norms; agreements; treaties; accords, UN charters, protocols; tribunals; memoranda’s; legal precedents of the International Court of Justice etc to adhere and to abide by the member countries4. The diverse legal systems and different historical backgrounds of different countries have compelled the countries to address international law including common law and civil law. It covers all the aspects of domestic laws, substantive laws, procedures and the remedies. The international law is heavily dependant on a) Principle of Comity   b) State Doctrine  and c) Sovereign Immunity5.   Keeping in mind the importance of International law, the developed world hires to address international issues in many of its agencies. The prominent entities are a) State Depa rtment b) Commerce and Environmental Protection Agency. There are number of lawyers who are working in a) United Nations b) World Bank c) Bureaus of American States d) International tribunals e) International Court of Justice and f) certain intergovernmental establishments. Apart from that mentioned above, there are NGOs who keep an eye on the international issues, including but not limited to, development activities, protection of human rights, environment laws, power sector, trade, arms control, drugs, human trafficking and transitional justice6.    National Laws of USA According to the US Nationality Act of 1952 (INA) â€Å"any person who is not a citizen or a national of the United States is considered as Immigrant.† U.S. Immigration law further provides a detailed guidance to the immigrants in terms of residence and naturalized citizenship, wherein they will avail full citizenship rights. It includes regulatory body, which deals with the immigrants, who intend to enter in the US with reference to how long he or she will remain in the country and when he will leave the country7. As far as the duties and obligations of US law enforcers are concerned, they can be termed as shared responsibilities. For example, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking care of its responsibilities towards a) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) b) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Hidden Valley Resort Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hidden Valley Resort - Research Paper Example Hidden Valley Resorts are known for the eco-friendly environment that they serve. This report aims at discussing the current marketing situation of the company and also aims at developing a few opportunities for the company. An analysis of the internal as well as the external environment of the company has been made which permits a chance to draw out the opportunities and to study the viability of the opportunities. The report will set down two to three opportunities for the company which can be used to help develop the current market condition. These will be accessed financially and the details like the changes that might occur within the operations of the company will also be discussed. The next section will provide a brief overview of the company and a high-level image of the operations will be discussed. Hidden Valley resorts are a renowned resort located about one and half hours Northwest of Townville in the Paluma range in Queensland. The location of the resorts has untouched nature at its best and there is a wide range of natural species of birds, butterflies, wallabies and also other nocturnal animals. The cabins are known for the carbon Neutral Resort and the operations are based completely on green working. The company operates completely on solar power and as explained on the website of the company, â€Å"... with the help of our friends at Climate Friendly we purchased carbon credits to offset the greenhouse gases we emit into the atmosphere and are now CLIMATE NEUTRAL†. The resort was introduced in 1982. The main focus of the resort then was to cater to the needs of the timber cutters, tin miners and the graziers. The resort has been owned and operated over the last 24 years by Ian and Bonnie McLennan and has been developed over the years to improve and become better.

Play review of Richard Nilson's Some Americans Abroad at Second Stage Essay

Play review of Richard Nilson's Some Americans Abroad at Second Stage Theater, New York - Essay Example The play revolves round Joe Taylor, who is the new head of the English department of a New England college, his colleagues and students. On the tour they race from one literary landmark to another. As they do so the director showcases the character of these people. They are shown as spineless, arrogant, penny pinching, pompous individuals who in spite of all the knowledge they have are quite ill-equipped to handle conflicts that arise when they come out of their orderly campus and step into the real world. Mr. Nelson’s script is finely crafted pointing out a basic fact concerning tourists. Tourists are often too busy rushing from one tourist attraction to another without actually seeing. Even though the script was written nearly twenty years ago, the story is still topical and interesting and does not appear outdated. The comic and the serious elements that run throughout the play make for some interesting viewing. Gordon Edelstein, the director, has been able to get some fine performances from the cast. The acting is strong throughout the play and all the characters, though stereotyped at times, come across as fully formed characters. They are convincing and professional in portraying their empty but complicated and tense lives. Tom Cavanagh is excellent as Joe Taylor, the department head, who is friendly but aloof. John Cunningham and Pamela Payton-Wright play the politically incorrect Anglophiles. Anthony Rapp is good as the timid Henry, who is shown taking desperate measures to save his job (even dressing like his boss). Emily Bergl, who plays Betty, Henrys loyal wife, has a small part to play but stands out in the crowd with a compelling performance that has bitterness and anger written all over it. John Cunningham, a veteran and seasoned actor is able to make the audience laugh as the retired department chair with a mean streak. All the characters have a common thread among them,

Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Interview - Essay Example My uncle reckons that this was the year that Ronald Reagan became the President of U.S after defeating Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. According to him, this set tone to the famous â€Å"Reagan Revolution† (The White House Web) that marked the end of distress and humiliation in America. Indeed, he recalls that life was so tough that at twenty-one years, he did not have a car neither was he married. As a result, he states that he was using the train and bicycles to shop, attend school, and search for a part-time job. This actually relates to my life today where I also do not have a car nor am I married despite having a part-time job. He quotes that many Americans at his age were economically and socially unstable in 1981. He laments that the fact that the economy was crippling and unemployment was significantly high in America in 1981 led to this situation. However, this was to change in the â€Å"Reagan Revolution.† Indeed, the levels of employment are significantl y better today than they were in 1981 when Mr Haskins was aged 21 years. In fact, the level of unemployment fell to a 7.7 percentage this year that reflects economic stability in the US (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Indeed, he reckons that Reagan was fundamental in restoring the Americans’ pride and confidence in facing the future. To him, this year marked a political shift in American, as a massive number of Americans became converts to the conservative political ideology adopted by Reagan. In the same manner, the political ideology adopted by President Obama during his swearing-in to serve his second term, derives a lot of confidence to most Americans today. Actually, the promises made by Reagan to fix the economy and safeguard America from its enemies, encouraged Americans to face the future. This promise relates to the one made by President Obama this year. Nevertheless, Mr Haskins claims that the planned President Reagan assassination on March 30 1981 almost shut th e new American spirit. However, Mr Haskins reckons that the survival of the President from this unfortunate event in American history was the turning point in modern American history. According to him, this event seemingly washed away all the negativity in America. In contrast, there has been political stability in US this year and Americans feel safer and well governed. In the same year, the laws of equality came to life in America when Reagan nominated Judge Sandra Day O'Connor as the first woman Chief Justice in the US Supreme Court (The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Web). This equally nourished the spirits of many Americans and magnified the image of US in the world of democracy. This trend has continued over the years and today we have more respect to human rights and equality in US. Indeed, we have had more females serving the Americans in higher government levels. Specifically, we have Hillary Clinton who retired this year as the Secretary of State (United S tates Department of State Web). Unfortunately, the Air controllers’ strike on American soil disrupted flights in 1981 thus increasing Mr Haskins worries and fears. However, this year has seen Americans enjoy heightened security and they feel more secure in U.S. At the same time, my uncle claims that US government brought new disability eligibility rules thus affecting my grandfather who consequently lost his