Murakami as an Existential Writer Essay -- Philosophy, Writing

Existentialism is a 20th century philosophy and school of literature that holds that life is meaningless and chaotic, and any abstract theories about it are useless. All that exists is the world of phenomena as perceived by our senses. Whatever metaphysical concept that lies behind this world is not only impossible to know and understand, but also holds no significant value. The only choice we have to make in life is to accept this world with a kind of determined joy, to discipline ourselves, and to defy the emptiness and the chaos by finding our own meaning in life (â€Å"Friedrich Nietzsche Part 4†). Although Haruki Murakami does not directly express any existential views in What I Talk about When I Talk about Running and Norwegian Wood, he is a quintessential existential writer because so much of existentialism involves the working out of private dilemmas. There is much focus on introversion in existentialism, and it can be seen in the lives of Murakami’s chara cters. In What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Murakami was facing the dilemma of participating in a 62-mile ultramarathon that took place every June at Lake Saroma in Hokkaido, Japan (104). According to Murakami, â€Å"The runners run around the shores of Lake Saroma, which faces the Sea of Okhotsk. Only once you actually run the course do you realize how ridiculously huge Lake Saroma is† (105). The weather gradually changed from being freezing to being too warm for heavy clothes during the ultramarathon (105). While Murakami was running, he began feeling intense pain in different parts of his body (109). Even so, he felt very happy upon reaching the finish line, not so much pride as a sense of completion (115). Through running, Murakami finds his own meaning... ... Through perseverance, we overcome obstacles and find happiness in this chaotic world of ours. We find our own reasons to live and we choose to hold our own values. All of these things are tenets of existentialism. There is no purpose in life but what we make for ourselves. Works Cited "Friedrich Nietzsche Part 4 - YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. . Murakami, Haruki. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. New York: Vintage, 2007. Print. Murakami, Haruki. Norwegian Wood. New York: Vintage International, 1987. Print. "Island of Freedom - Sà ¸ren Kierkegaard." RobertHSarkissian.com. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. . Murakami, Haruki, Alfred Birnbaum, and Jay Rubin. The Elephant Vanishes: Stories. (TEV)New York: Knopf, 1993. Print.

The Learning Of English At Preschool Education Essay

â€Å" Preschool is an exciting clip to watch a kid explore and larn about their universe. Learning English in preschool enables yearlings to hold the tools to pass on with the universe around them. At this age, childs can inquire for specific points, ask inquiries, talk about their universe and communicate on a much higher degree than they did before come ining preschool. â€Å" [ online 1 ] â€Å" Preschoolers enjoy the thought of playing. A universe that is filled with different drama activities will ensue in better acquisition. That is why it is good to utilize games that are fun and exciting to assist childs easier learn. A great trade of linguistic communication will be retained and kids will hold no thought they ‘re being taught specific letters, words and constructs. Teachers can give kids to paint a letters, pigment words, colour images of letters, pattern composing letters, act out scenes from narrative books, bring in points that begin with a specific missive or consonant sound to make learning chances. â€Å" [ Online 2 ] â€Å" Child development refers to the biological and psychological alterations that occur in human existences between birth and the terminal of adolescence, as the single advancements from dependence to increasing liberty. Because these developmental alterations may be strongly influenced by familial factors and events during antenatal life, genetic sciences and antenatal development are normally included as portion of the survey of kid development. Related footings include developmental psychological science, mentioning to development throughout the lifetime, and paediatricss, the subdivision of medical specialty associating to the attention of kids. By three old ages the kid is get downing to utilize complex sentences, including comparative clauses, although still honing assorted lingual systems. By five old ages of age the kid ‘s usage of linguistic communication is really similar to that of an grownup. From the age of about three kids can bespeak phantasy or pretend linguistically, produce consistent personal narratives and fictional narration with beginnings and terminations. It is argued that kids devise narrative as a manner of understanding their ain experience and as a medium for pass oning their significance to others. The ability to prosecute in drawn-out discourse emerges over clip from regular conversation with grownups and equals. For this the kid needs to larn to unite his position with that of others and with outside events and learn to utilize lingual indexs to demo he is making this. They besides learn to set their linguistic communication depending on to whom they are talking. â€Å" [ Online 4 ] â€Å" Several tips to assist parents of immature kids promote literacy at place: read to child, as in before a sleep, bedtime, or after dinner, Hold the book so that she or he can see the images. Take clip to look at and speak about the images. Do n't merely read the narrative: talk about it. Let child indicate out letters, forms, colourss, and animate beings. Understand that reading begins at place. Children read their environments, so do place a print rich environment. Read! Do n't anticipate reading to be of import to kids if they see that it ‘s non of import to their parents. Invite kid to read laud.A If he or she is a pre reader, he ‘ll frequently construe his ain narrative utilizing illustrations and his imaginativeness. Read aloud to child every twenty-four hours. Preschool larning online can assist parents to learn childs at place with many preschool activities, games, prek printables, child preschool activities and professional lesson programs during showery yearss or preschool clip. There are free preschool activities and printables for childs, childs preschool larning, childhood development, early acquisition thoughts and learning activities for childs that are easy for parents or instructors to learn childs at place. These preschool course of studies can be used in daycare/preschool schoolrooms every bit good. Preschool online activities are focused on easier acquisition. Daycare tiffin bill of fare, healthy bites and dainties for childs, a assortment of preschool subjects, preschool course of study, child instruction thoughts, lesson programs for instructors, lesson programs for yearlings and assorted preschool activities for learning childs and yearlings at place are free for everyone ‘s usage. aˆz [ online 6 ]

The Real Value of “E-Business Models”

Summary Note: The real value of â€Å"e-business models† Research Questions Asked * What is the meaning of e-business model? * Do the e-Business model really matter to create a thriving e-firm? * Can only a good e-business model will give the strength to company to get success? * What are the real key factors determining the survival or failure of e-firm? The e-business model is a model used by the e-commerce company to better be organized for providing a product or service, generating revenues and, especially, creating and adapting to the new market and technologies.Summary This article suggests in a critical way how this important model could be applied to different types of company, distinguishing the model by categories. It pays attention how the particular model is not the only successful key of the company, but it will an important tool if the company understands the linkage between it, its core business and the marketplace environment. The article presents some cases of failure and success, and how it creates a thriving for the firm. Supply chain model Direct sales: the firm provides a product or services directly to a customer ( Dell, Cisco, Aol) * Intermediary: the firm sells goods from a third party (Amazon) * Electronic marketplace: make easier the direct communication between buyers and sellers (Autobytel) Revenue model * Income is generated directly from the customer transaction * â€Å"Free sires where the income is generated through advertising or sponsorship (Napster) Internet business can also be distinguished according to the markets they serve * B2B business to business * B2C business to consumer Click and mortar: relies on offline asset * Pure play model: purely net based Failure and key of success Odds of survival of different business models compared| E-tail vs direct sales | 0. 93:1| Portal vs direct sales| 0. 97:1| Marktplace vs direct sales| 1. 30:1| Pay vs free| 0. 80:1| Clicks/mortar vs pure Net | 11:01| * E-tail and portal si tes are slightly less likely to survive than direct sales sites * Marketplace model are likely to survive that direct sales sites * Free sites are a little more likely to survive than pay sites * Clicks and mortar are 11 times more likely than pure Internet sites.Observation : * Firm that are part of group have a strategic advantages as brands, customers and suppliers relationship and cash * E-models are flexible and they enable rapid growth. Why some company in the same market will get success and some are not? * Logistic strategies – Case of eVineyards and Wine. com: the first decides to set up own retails store in each location generating a quicker and more reliable service. The second decided to outsource by relying on retail partners in various location, but it generated longer delivery times and out-of-stock problems Channel conflict: some firms have to cease trading via the Net owing to conflicts with existing channel partners (Starbucks, Levi Strauss, Reebok) * Free a nd pay web sites: the mass of users is attracted when the service is free * Lack of customer benefits is a common cause for the failure of the company * Network externalities: some firms focus on creating an high numbers of user, reeling in a large enough user base to make it attractive for the other users to join (eBay) * Level of utility and value added: to achieve a high target market penetration it may be necessary to be innovative (Priceline)What to take from it? * Each model raises particular issues * There is not a â€Å"perfect model† * Key factor is understanding and managing the particular problem inherent in their model * The chances to be successful are much higher when the firm is a part of a larger group Critique * It's a bit old. * It does not tell us , how is perfect business model look like? Questions for class * Is necessary to have a business model? * What are the key drivers of success in the business model? * How will these change in the future?

Shell Ethics in Nigeria Essays

Shell Ethics in Nigeria Essays Shell Ethics in Nigeria Essay Shell Ethics in Nigeria Essay Shell Nigeria Some of these theories can be used to measure Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (Shell Nigeria). The first ethical measure discussed Is utilitarian reasoning, also referred to as cost-benefit analysis, which compares the costs and benefits of a decision. Secondly for the human rights theory, were the rights of the stakeholders respected? Third, the ethical theory of Justice is measured by whether the benefits and costs are fairly distributed equitably and according to some accepted rule. Finally, the legal theory Is explored to determine If a company Is acting within the legal Limits of the law. Using the utilitarian reasoning, it Is clear that Shell Nigeria Is unethical. Under revenue sharing agreements, only 1. 5 percent of the governments revenue from oil was returned to the communities where the production plants were and much of that revenue was taken by officials in those communities. Lawrence, Weber, Post) This is while the Nigerian government received 90 percent of the net revenue on each barrel of oil sold. In a nation where the business elites and the nations military grew wealthy from oil revenues, most Nigerian lived In poverty. Shell Nigeria had to have realized how poorly the Nigerian government treated Its citizens. The emphasis was on making a profit rather than making sure they were ethically responsible. Based on the information presented in the Case Study, Shell Nigeria did not respect the human rights of the Going people by continually polluting land, streams and creeks. Shell Nigeria never took responsibility for any ecological damage that had occurred. Whenever an Issue was brought to their attention, Shell Nigeria could explain how or why it was not their fault and problem. For Instance. A hotly contested oil spill that had occurred in Beebe that spread over 25 acres penetrated deeply into the soil and contaminated nearby waterways. Shell, however, maintained that the Beebe spill had been caused by retreating Barbarian Troops, during a period when the company had temporarily withdrawn from the area because of a civil war. (Lawrence, Weber, Post) under the distributive Justice method, the comparison Is between an equitable striation of the benefits and the burdens to determine If decisions are fair and equitable. The income made from the sale of crude oil was not distributed evenly among the stakeholders. The Nigerian Government benefited greatly by receiving great wealth while no costs were imposed because of the lack of economic or social regulations on Shell Nigeria. The benefits of Shell Nigeria producing oil greatly favored the Nigerian Government officials and military while the costs of oil production fell heavily on the citizens, communities and environment of the people vying in and near the Nigerian oil fields. Under the legal theory, if you are within the boundaries of the law, you are acting ethical. Based on the information in the case study, Shell Nigeria could be considered ethical. The business culture practiced by Shell Nigeria was not in contrast to the laws set forth by the Nigerian Government. Due to the lack of laws and regulations for OLL producing companies It was not difficult to be considered tentacle when comparing Dustless practices to teen legal tenure. Snell Enlarge obviously put greed ahead of doing the right thing. They put their own welfare ahead of all others, regardless of the harm done to the people of Condoling. Assuming the facts of the case are true, almost every reasonable person would agree that the total disregard for the ecological and social welfare of a foreign country for a quick profit is improper under any ethical standard. The flagrant unethical acts in this case could easily result in a tarnished image. Lawrence, Anne, and Weber, James, and Post, James. Business and Society. Case Study: Shell Oil in Nigeria. Page 484, 486.

Cross-Cultural Film Analysis Gattaca Essay Example

Cross Cross-Cultural Film Analysis Gattaca Paper Cross-Cultural Film Analysis Gattaca Paper ‘GATTACA’ Film Summary Vincent is destined to be a second class citizen, conceived naturally, rather than in a laboratory. He is born into a world which discriminates against genetics, rather than religion, race or gender. In order to gain access into the Gattaca Corporation and reach his dream of going to Titan he takes on the identity of Jerome Morrow, a person with ideal genes but crippled from an accident. He uses Jerome’s hair, blood, urine and skin to pass all tests and is set to reach his lifelong desire when the mission director is murdered. He inadvertently loses one of his own eyelashes at the scene and becomes the main suspect in the case. The killer is determined to be another of Gattaca’s directors who is initially overlooked because his DNA profile indicates that violence is not in his nature. In the end Vincent takes off on his mission to Titan. Discussion Culture Shock due to contact with unfamiliar cultures (Stephen Bochner, 2003) Culture shock is something that Vincent experiences as he makes the transition from a culture comprising of second class citizens to a culture of superiority as he takes on the identity of the genetically superior Jerome. The first stage of culture shock is the honeymoon period (Bochner, 2003). Vincent experiences this before he meets Jerome for the first time and thoughts of fulfilling his life-long dream are active. He then goes through a period of fear and denial where he is not confident and actually refuses to go ahead with the plan. He is talked around by the real Jerome, who needs the money to pay for his alcohol addiction, and prepares himself to lie and cheat just to succeed. Situations similar to this are played out in organisations regularly where people are prepared to lie, cheat and steal to gain success, typically financial success; and management must deal with effectively. As time goes on Vincent gradually adjusts to the new expectations of within the Gattaca Corporation. A cross-cultural obstacle that needed to be overcome was the difficulty that Vincent has in accepting himself as Jerome which is essential if he is to succeed within Gattaca and not give up his cover. This is overcome by the real Jerome referring to Vincent as Jerome when they spoke. One thing that this framework does not discuss is the idea of never fully coming to grips with the new culture. The question I pose is: Can a person entirely take on a new culture or does their childhood culture remain with them for life? The film shows that people cannot fully accept a new culture and when forced upon them they show resistance. An example of this is when Vincent becomes aggressive towards one of the murder detectives in fear of being proven as the murderer. The implications of cultural shock for organisations can be seen when an employee is sent on sojourn, typically overseas, and needs to cope in an unfamiliar culture. Management could overcome some of these issues by educating the employee about the foreign culture and some expectations prior to leaving. Software of the Mind (Hofstede, 2005) Culture as mental programming: At the beginning of the film, during his childhood, Vincent’s patterns of thinking, feeling and acting are established in his mind. He learns to accept himself as inferior to his genetically ‘perfect’ brother Anton. When he finds a way of living his dream and must take on a new identity (Jerome) he finds it difficult to unlearn this mental programming. However, a person’s behaviour is only partially predetermined by their mental programming (Hofstede, 2005, p. 3), and this is seen as Vincent deviates from his culture and creatively takes on the identity of Jerome. Hofstede describes culture as being derived from exposure to the world rather than from one’s genes. Hofstede discusses the possibility of intelligence being attributed to genetics and suggests that on the basis of ethnic groups it is difficult to come to a conclusion. In the film it is clear that within Gattaca there is wide acceptance that yes a person’s genes do determine their intelligence. Vincent’s interview for entry into Gattaca entails solely a genetic test and not a physical or mental assessment. Manifestation of cultural differences: In the film we see the divergence of two very strong cultures. One belongs to the genetically gifted; and the other to the ‘degenerates’. The ways these cultures have divided themselves is explained well by Hofstede’s depiction of the ‘skins of an onion’ (Hofstede, 2005, p. 6). The heroes in the film (the genetically gifted) are highly valued and show model behaviour to inferiors or naturally conceived people. Depicted as the more capable members of society the heroes display symbols which carry specific meaning such as formal hair styles and very professional, clean clothing. The heroes display rituals such as the day on the treadmill where they assert themselves superfluous to reaching a desired end as assessors are solely interested in genetic make-up rather than fitness. Contrary to Hofstede’s view that values are acquired early in our lives we see Vincent’s values change significantly in the film. These values are a strong determinant of culture and as Vincent takes on the identity of Jerome he moves into the hero status of society, or as Hofstede describes it, from abnormal to normal (Hofstede, 2005). His move from second class status to hero status is a good example of how culture reproduces itself. His role models become the members of the Gattaca Corporation and he sees an opportunity to fulfil his aim in life. It appears that the hero’s culture is growing as more and more parents are opting for gene selection of their babies. Stereotyping The culture within the Gattaca Corporation shows clearly the human tendency to stereotype. Assessors discriminate against new applicants with undesirable genetics rather than testing each person individually to determine their capabilities. Genetics gives them a preconceived opinion of how people will perform and people are rejected or accepted accordingly. A specific example of stereotyping in the film is when the actual murderer of the mission director is excluded as a suspect because of his genetics. This would suggest that the idea of selection of people with ideal genetics and reliance on this for behaviour of people may be major a cause of stereotyping, not just a result of it. The implications that this has for managers of organisations are that they need to be aware of their stereotypes and ensure that this doesn’t affect their decisions or cause them to discriminate unnecessarily when dealing with people. References Bochner, S. (2003). Culture shock due to contact with unfamiliar cultures. Found in W. J. Lonner, D. L. Dinnel, S. A. Hayes, D. N. Sattler (Eds. ), Online Readings in Psychology and Culture (Unit 8, Chapter 7), Center for Cross-Cultural Research, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington USA. Accessed 1st September 2008, from ac. wwu. edu/~culture/Bochner. htm Francesco, A. M. and Gold, B. A. (2005), International Organizational Behaviour: Text, Cases, and Exercises, 2nd Ed, Pearson Prentice Hall, pp. 17-45 Hofstede, G. and Hofstede, G. J. 2005, Culture and Organisations: Software of the Mind, 2nd Ed, McGraw-Hill P. L. Duffy Resource Centre, 2006, Gattaca, Trinity College WA, Accessed 31st August 2008, from trinity. wa. edu. au/plduffyrc/subjects/english/media/gattaca. htm

America and Immigration

When reading two articles that have been decades away, people will see the national opinion changed the immigrants. In the article of 1905, the southern part was cheap labor and he wanted immigrants. Almost 80 years later in 1983, the south showed different views on immigrants. In the 1905 article Immigration and South, Robert DeCoury Ward has just started talking about the idea that immigrants may be unfavorable for the US economy. Instead, in the 1983 article Immigration: How It Affects the United States, James Faros said drowsily that immigrants are harmful to the United States. Today 's Americans know that there are problems with illegal immigration. Every day many illegal immigrants pass through the country. There are 122 million to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States. (Terrible immigration statistics) 1) The United States should allow all illegal immigrants to register or exile in their home countries. The United States should also develop plans for immigrants to obtain legal permission. If immigrants do not want to cooperate, they can not stay in the United States. - Many presidents promised to strengthen government regulation of the illegal immigration control cycle. But they have not succeeded. This seems to be an impossible task, thousands of people travel every day, many deceive the United States by getting a working visa and returning home. Illegal entry in the United States America consisted of immigrants from our country once. However, illegal immigrants are currently plaguing our economy. What happens if you allow millions of people to enter the country, whether legal or illegal? What happened today? You have dozens, hundreds of different nationalities from various places. Make yourself an isolated community and then let the country make changes for them. - Illegal entry The U.S. is a breach of US immigration policy and national law by foreigners entering the country or studying abroad without permission of the US government (illeg al immigration). Illegal immigration has occurred since the 1880's, and the number of foreigners is increasing year by year. The Web law in 1875 is known as the first federal immigration law prohibiting immigration. A new problem emerges in a new round of immigrants. This is a form of illegal entry. Many illegal immigrants come from Latin America (Mexico, Latin America). Mexico resulted in a number of illegal immigrants who changed the way most Americans think about immigrants and how the US government is trying to ease illegal immigration. In the climax of President Trump 's elections, immigrants represent a central position because they represent the difficulties, beliefs, and principles of many people of the American people. Voters desire more economic stability and regard illegal immigrants as a deterrent to the true prosperity of the United States. President Donald Trump won the voting of a considerate voter using this platform and handed this power to the hands of many illegal immigrants. Even banning immigrants forbidding the entry into and leaving the US to date. Country Immigration Essay (May 19, 2017) https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essay/immigration-essay/ From America and Immigration When reading two articles that have been decades away, people will see the national opinion changed the immigrants. In the article of 1905, the southern part was cheap labor and he wanted immigrants. Almost 80 years later in 1983, the south showed different views on immigrants. In the 1905 article Immigration and South, Robert DeCoury Ward has just started talking about the idea that immigrants may be unfavorable for the US economy. Instead, in the 1983 article Immigration: How It Affects the United States, James Faros said drowsily that immigrants are harmful to the United States. Today 's Americans know that there are problems with illegal immigration. Every day many illegal immigrants pass through the country. There are 122 million to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States. (Terrible immigration statistics) 1) The United States should allow all illegal immigrants to register or exile in their home countries. The United States should also develop plans for immigrants to obtain legal permission. If immigrants do not want to cooperate, they can not stay in the United States. - Many presidents promised to strengthen government regulation of the illegal immigration control cycle. But they have not succeeded. This seems to be an impossible task, thousands of people travel every day, many deceive the United States by getting a working visa and returning home. Illegal entry in the United States America consisted of immigrants from our country once. However, illegal immigrants are currently plaguing our economy. What happens if you allow millions of people to enter the country, whether legal or illegal? What happened today? You have dozens, hundreds of different nationalities from various places. Make yourself an isolated community and then let the country make changes for them. - Illegal entry The U.S. is a breach of US immigration policy and national law by foreigners entering the country or studying abroad without permission of the US government (illeg al immigration). Illegal immigration has occurred since the 1880's, and the number of foreigners is increasing year by year. The Web law in 1875 is known as the first federal immigration law prohibiting immigration. A new problem emerges in a new round of immigrants. This is a form of illegal entry. Many illegal immigrants come from Latin America (Mexico, Latin America). Mexico resulted in a number of illegal immigrants who changed the way most Americans think about immigrants and how the US government is trying to ease illegal immigration. In the climax of President Trump 's elections, immigrants represent a central position because they represent the difficulties, beliefs, and principles of many people of the American people. Voters desire more economic stability and regard illegal immigrants as a deterrent to the true prosperity of the United States. President Donald Trump won the voting of a considerate voter using this platform and handed this power to the hands of many illegal immigrants. Even banning immigrants forbidding the entry into and leaving the US to date. Country Immigration Essay (May 19, 2017) https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essay/immigration-essay/ From America and Immigration When reading two articles that have been decades away, people will see the national opinion changed the immigrants. In the article of 1905, the southern part was cheap labor and he wanted immigrants. Almost 80 years later in 1983, the south showed different views on immigrants. In the 1905 article Immigration and South, Robert DeCoury Ward has just started talking about the idea that immigrants may be unfavorable for the US economy. Instead, in the 1983 article Immigration: How It Affects the United States, James Faros said drowsily that immigrants are harmful to the United States. Today 's Americans know that there are problems with illegal immigration. Every day many illegal immigrants pass through the country. There are 122 million to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States. (Terrible immigration statistics) 1) The United States should allow all illegal immigrants to register or exile in their home countries. The United States should also develop plans for immigrants to obtain legal permission. If immigrants do not want to cooperate, they can not stay in the United States. - Many presidents promised to strengthen government regulation of the illegal immigration control cycle. But they have not succeeded. This seems to be an impossible task, thousands of people travel every day, many deceive the United States by getting a working visa and returning home. Illegal entry in the United States America consisted of immigrants from our country once. However, illegal immigrants are currently plaguing our economy. What happens if you allow millions of people to enter the country, whether legal or illegal? What happened today? You have dozens, hundreds of different nationalities from various places. Make yourself an isolated community and then let the country make changes for them. - Illegal entry The U.S. is a breach of US immigration policy and national law by foreigners entering the country or studying abroad without permission of the US government (illeg al immigration). Illegal immigration has occurred since the 1880's, and the number of foreigners is increasing year by year. The Web law in 1875 is known as the first federal immigration law prohibiting immigration. A new problem emerges in a new round of immigrants. This is a form of illegal entry. Many illegal immigrants come from Latin America (Mexico, Latin America). Mexico resulted in a number of illegal immigrants who changed the way most Americans think about immigrants and how the US government is trying to ease illegal immigration. In the climax of President Trump 's elections, immigrants represent a central position because they represent the difficulties, beliefs, and principles of many people of the American people. Voters desire more economic stability and regard illegal immigrants as a deterrent to the true prosperity of the United States. President Donald Trump won the voting of a considerate voter using this platform and handed this power to the hands of many illegal immigrants. Even banning immigrants forbidding the entry into and leaving the US to date. Country Immigration Essay (May 19, 2017) https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essay/immigration-essay/ From

Standard Deviation as a Risk Indicator for Investment Purposes Essay

Standard Deviation as a Risk Indicator for Investment Purposes - Essay Example 41, 2003). However, over the years, many experts and researchers have also tried to point fingers at this approach trying to highlight its serious shortcomings. This paper is an attempt to capture a glance of that debate and critically analyze the use of standard deviation as a risk indicator for investment purposes. Discussion Standard deviation, in finance, is one of the widely used indicators of risk associated with any given security such as bonds, stocks, properties, commodities and others. Standard deviation allows the investors to predict and anticipate the behaviour of the security in the near future (Bhansali, pp. 34-35, 2010). Simply, standard deviation, which is square of the variance, tells the investors that how much they can expect the price of the security to deviate from its mean returns (Brase & Brase, pp. 10-12, 2011). Therefore, securities with high standard are more likely to show violate behaviour but the ones with low standard deviation are more likely to show c onsistent behaviour. Quite understandably, the former type of securities will have a great risk and later would be less risky (Wander & D'Vari, pp. 36, 2003). Investors are interested in the values of standard deviation because that helps greatly in the process of portfolio construction and management. A risk adverse investor will only select a handful of securities high standard deviation in terms of its returns and mix that up with securities having lower standard deviation in order to offset the impact of risk and enjoy stable returns (Gravetter & Wallnau, pp. 22, 2010). First, the biggest and the most important shortcoming of standard deviation as the measure of investment risk is rooted in the fact that it assumes normal distribution of values and they are poor measures of risk when it comes to asymmetric distribution. In normal distribution, the values are distributed equally to both sides of the graph; however, in any asymmetrical distribution one tail of the graph, either po sitive or negative side has greater concentration of values (Brase & Brase, pp. 10-12, 2011). Therefore, standard deviation fails to give an exact picture of the possible variation in the values. Even the father of the concept of financial engineering, Harry Markowitz has admitted, â€Å"Downside variance is more accurate than standard deviation when it comes to financial risk analysis†. This is true because not only many investing portfolios have asymmetrical distribution but their distribution is skewed positively as well (Haslett, pp. 264, 2010; Connor, Goldberg & Korajczyk, pp. 88-89, 2010). Second, like many other statistical measures of risk computation in finance, standard deviation relies heavily on historical data and there is no guarantee that historical trends will continue in the future as well (Brase & Brase, pp. 10-12, 2011). Furthermore, the period undertaken to calculate standard deviation is also of great importance. For example, the standard deviation of sto cks for the period of 2002-2006 may show lower standard deviations for most of the stocks, however, the standard deviation computed over the last five years will show higher standard deviation for many of the stocks (Gravetter & Wallnau, pp. 22, 2010; Brigham & Houston, pp. 74-75, 2009). Therefore, it