Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Driving Age Should Be Rasied to 18

NZ young people are increasingly proving that they are too immature, too irresponsible to get behind the steering wheel of a car. Instead of cleaning up after young drivers who have crashed, or advertising against student drunk drivers, the Gov. t could put more money into public transport so youth wouldn't have to drive to work. 15 are far too young, and it definitely should be raised. Remember – a driving license is a privilege not a right, as some of you think it is†¦Not only should the driving age be lifted to 18, there should be more draconian restrictions in place during the licensing period. Road safety should be compulsory in schools from an early age. Bicyclists should be licensed, as party of attaining a full ‘drivers' license – having completed the bicycle module, the applicant must then spend a compulsory period on the treadle; the next step will be a basic motor scooter/motorcycle course, followed by another compulsory period riding either a scoo ter or restricted output motorbike.Having completed these modules, an applicant may then apply for permission to be considered for a ‘full' driver's license – the process of attaining such should NOT be easy; too many of us consider piloting two tonnes of death down our highways at lethal speeds to be a ‘right', when it is, in fact, a responsibility. And, time and again, we continue to prove that we are not responsible beings. 15 year old minds are not able to link cause with effect and therefore are not mature enough to hold a drivers licence. The age for driver’s licences should be raised to 18.In conjunction with this, the money spent on safe driving advertising campaigns (which are proven to be ineffective) should be spent instead on public transport systems. The young kids are too irresponsible to be driving at anything less than 18. The school leaving age should be 18 too. I think the driving age should be raised to 18 because†¦ young people stri ve to take opportunities that take advantage of something†¦ everyone knows is big. They think that they can tackle the road by the horns, knowing that their 15 years old, confidence is more powerful than common sense in such early development.Basically, the number '15' makes young teenagers react like they have the experience†¦ when they don't. Privacy and Freedom sometimes lets kids go all cocky because they want to impress a cute girl or a group of wannabe gangsters. Here is a question. How do you keep your kids at home? And here is the answer. Let the air out of their tires. Or let them wait until age 18 before being able to drive. I agree. Let's face it. Anything under 18 is still a child. Even a lot of 18 yr. olds are still kids really. However (especially in Auckland) they need a good public transport system as an option.Also another option is to restrict the ownership (and driveability) of vehicles to people under the age of say 25 to a certain horsepower. Jap impor ts are so cheap. I've seen teenage (looking anyway) people driving Subaru's that have at least a couple of hundred kilowatts-that my friends is a recipe for disaster. Earn your right to drive a performance car. A full license should only be able to be obtained at the age of 17-18. You should really be in school until this age and there is no need to being able to get to work. If you do have a part time job, jump on a bike or if too lazy for that, get a scooter.Also I have never understood the point of learner, restricted and full licenses. No one follows these rules anyway, how many learners don't we see on the roads without any supervision? The attitude towards cars and driving in NZ is all wrong and the penalties are far too soft. I totally agree with the above comment that the young kids are too irresponsible to be driving at anything less than 18. The school leaving age should be 18 too. I've been a teenager and I certainly thought I was old enough to concur the world, but looki ng back I know now how immature I was.Although it is required to have better and cheaper public transport in place. If this is obtained we may see fewer cars on the roads altogether which would benefit in so many other ways as well. It has been shown that a lot of youth are not aware of their actions and drink driving, by increasing this age, the number of car crashes should decrease. Anyone under 18 is not responsible enough to be in control of something that can kill people. I think that adulthood should be defined as 18 at which point everything that is currently prohibited based on age can become available.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

American Revolution Essay

The American Revolution is said to be one of the most impacted events that shaped America into what it is today. The American Revolution was also known as the American War of Independence, which lasted for eight long dreadful years. There were many causes that caused the revolution which also lead to terrible events afterwards (although some of the outcomes were good). One of the causes was the Stamp and Sugar Acts, 1763–1766. The Stamp Act (1765) was â€Å"designed to raise revenue from the American colonist in the thirteen colonies.† (landofthebrave.com) The Sugar Act (1764) set a tax on sugar and molasses that was imported into the colonies, and also taxed other foreign trading goods. (historyrocket.com) Another cause of the American Revolution was the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party, 1770-1773. The Boston Massacre was a â€Å"protest against the tax collector’s, government officials and merchants,† British troops were called in to handle the crowd s, but when they got there the crowd had grew. When the crowd and troops fought, only 5 civilians were killed. The Boston Tea Party happened on December 16, 1773, which was when the crowd in Boston dressed up disguised as American Indians, then they boarded ships which contained the tea, and then proceeded to dump 342 chests of tea that belonged to the East India Company into the sea. Another cause of the war was that the American colonies had a growing demand of freedom, to get away from the British. One of the effects that came out of the American Revolution was the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of independence was written in July of 1776, by Thomas Jefferson. It â€Å"explained why the colonies have overthrown their ruler and chosen to take their place as a separate nation in the world.† (sparknotes.com) The Declaration Independence was to express the way that the colonies were now their own, not under British rule anymore. People in the United States of America now celebrate this very special holiday every year on July 4. Another effect of the American Revolution was the Bill of Rights, December 15, 1791. The first ten amendments of the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights, and are ten of the most important amendments written in many peoples opinion. After the war, trading with other countries in the Mediterranean became even more difficult. This was because there was a lack of protection by British navy from all of the pirates out in the open sea.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Fay Weldon

Fay Weldon uses the setting of her story to teach a young woman a lesson in morality, and about life and love. This unnamed young woman narrates the story from the first person point of view, giving the reader a private glimpse into her inner struggle. I like how Weldon’s story is filled with irony, as the young woman seeks justification for an affair with a man who was, â€Å"supervising my thesis on varying concepts of morality and duty† (Weldon 147). As a married man, Peter is burdening her with the choice between her own morality and a struggle to be like her sister. The woman’s sister urges her to â€Å"just go for it, sister. If you can unhinge a marriage, it’s ripe for the unhinging, it would happen sooner or later, it might as well be you†. Weldon uses rain to bring Mrs. Piper into the story, though she is not present in Sarajevo. The young woman notes that every sidewalk is sheltered by â€Å"a shield of bobbing umbrellas†¦to keep the rain off the streets. Using the rain pouring down upon the main characters while the townsfolk remain sheltered, Weldon shows how exposed the two lovers are, and how Mrs. Piper, too, is affected by their actions. Peter complains that Princip’s footprints in the sidewalk are obscured by the rain, in much the same way that his lust for the young woman obscures the importance and pain of his wife. The inordinate affection that the young woman feels begins to wear off, starting a downpour, which is unstoppable until its inevitable conclusion. The rain continues to drive the storyline, forcing the woman and her lover to dine in a restaurant, under the scrutiny of the public eye. Under the watchful stare of the waiters, she finally sees herself as others do. â€Å"In a world which for once†¦was finally full of young men, unslaughtered, what was I doing with this man with thinning hair?† (150) Here the pieces fall into place, and the woman realizes that she is selfish in her pursuit of a marrie... Free Essays on Fay Weldon Free Essays on Fay Weldon Fay Weldon uses the setting of her story to teach a young woman a lesson in morality, and about life and love. This unnamed young woman narrates the story from the first person point of view, giving the reader a private glimpse into her inner struggle. I like how Weldon’s story is filled with irony, as the young woman seeks justification for an affair with a man who was, â€Å"supervising my thesis on varying concepts of morality and duty† (Weldon 147). As a married man, Peter is burdening her with the choice between her own morality and a struggle to be like her sister. The woman’s sister urges her to â€Å"just go for it, sister. If you can unhinge a marriage, it’s ripe for the unhinging, it would happen sooner or later, it might as well be you†. Weldon uses rain to bring Mrs. Piper into the story, though she is not present in Sarajevo. The young woman notes that every sidewalk is sheltered by â€Å"a shield of bobbing umbrellas†¦to keep the rain off the streets. Using the rain pouring down upon the main characters while the townsfolk remain sheltered, Weldon shows how exposed the two lovers are, and how Mrs. Piper, too, is affected by their actions. Peter complains that Princip’s footprints in the sidewalk are obscured by the rain, in much the same way that his lust for the young woman obscures the importance and pain of his wife. The inordinate affection that the young woman feels begins to wear off, starting a downpour, which is unstoppable until its inevitable conclusion. The rain continues to drive the storyline, forcing the woman and her lover to dine in a restaurant, under the scrutiny of the public eye. Under the watchful stare of the waiters, she finally sees herself as others do. â€Å"In a world which for once†¦was finally full of young men, unslaughtered, what was I doing with this man with thinning hair?† (150) Here the pieces fall into place, and the woman realizes that she is selfish in her pursuit of a marrie...

Monday, October 21, 2019

A marketing Research on mobile banking

A marketing Research on mobile banking Research plan The study plans to bridge the gap of knowledge in the acceptance and adoption of mobile banking among the consumers. The research will be an exploratory research. The reason for the choice of this methodology is due to its innovation of novel ideas that is required in the mobile banking market. Through exploratory study will provide new and clear concepts explaining the dynamics of mobile banking consumption.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A marketing Research on mobile banking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research problem The realization that the technology plays a critical role in the development of banking have adverse effects on the performance of the banking institutions and has led to reorganizations of the operation process and as well as the way banking processes are conducted. The most affected process is the customer services. Technological developments have caused banks to move from the traditional queuing services to the modern day where customers can reach banks at any place and at any time. In fact technological development has revolutionized the banking industry. One of the areas that have been affected is the communication. Technology is utilized by banks to enhance connectivity and communication as well as in other business processes including customer services. Mobile technology is one of the technological developments used by banks to increase the customer services. Currently, banks utilize mobile technology to allow their clients pay bills, receive updates in, plan payments as well as other aspects of consumer services while in their private life. The major issue is whether the consumers have adopted the technological developments in banking. Banks have not established whether the consumers have adopted the new electronic payment services as in mobile banking. In addition, it has not been established what factors affect the mobile adoption. These are the p roblems and relations that will be examined in this research study. Research objective The research study has the following objectives To investigate the adoption of mobile banking by the consumers To establish specific factors affecting the mobile banking adoption by the consumers. To formulate appropriate recommendations to the banking institutions and the industry regarding strategies that may enhance the adoption of mobile banking. Research hypothesis This study will test the following hypothesisAdvertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More H1: mobile banking is effectively adopted by the consumers and not influenced by many factors Ho: mobile banking is not effectively adopted by the consumers and influenced by many factors Research plan For this research to meet its obligations, it will be an exploratory research. The reason for the choice of this methodology is due t o its innovation of novel ideas that is required in the mobile banking market. Through exploratory, the research will come up with new and clear concepts explaining the dynamics of mobile banking consumption, set up main concerns, build up on operational explanations and improve on the final research design. The study is both qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative part will be based on the literature review while the quantitative will be based on data collected through a survey. The survey will consist of a questionnaire that will be administered to the sampled population of both mobile banking users and non-users. Data collection As a field survey, the information concerning mobile adoption and the factors afecting the adoption will be collected through administering properly designed research questionnaires, observation alongside conducting well-structured in-depth interviews to the unbiased selected users and non-users of mobile banking. The well-designed research question naire will be administered to 60 users and 40 non-users. Each part of the questionnaire will constitute key items that suitably attend to the research questions. For instance, part one will constitute whether the consumer have embraced the mobile technology in banking services while part two will elicit factors that may have contributed their adoption or not of the mobile banking. Other parts will generate insights amidst offering recommendations to the organization to adopt or abandon the employees training strategy to augment success. Some items in the questionnaire will throw light on the mobile banking services and its impact on the consumers along with the consumer knowledge of existence of such services. The questionnaire will thus be made of both open and closed ended research questions and this is believed to be of great significance to the researcher since it will assist in performing data analysis. Minor research tools namely direct observations, personal in-depth intervie ws and occasional conversation will be used to collect primary data. Conversely, secondary research data will be acquired from the banking institutions, industry records, and other documents, which contain mobile banking information as well as its successes. For this particular case, the researcher intends to trace the mobile banking history and its adoption successes over the past years from the research secondary sources. Different scales will however be applied in the survey questionnaire during data collection to ensure the scales reliability and validity of some research questions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A marketing Research on mobile banking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, ordinary scale will be applicable in various research questions given that most questions will measure knowledge, feelings and experience. In contrast, the scale reliability will be made certain via applying the repeat ability and internal consistency concepts. This implies that, the questionnaire will comprise of different questions asking about the same thing yet in a very different way. Finally, split half technique will be applied to attain internal consistency. Data analysis In order to ensure logical completeness as well as response consistency, the acquired data will be edited by the researcher each day to be able to identify the ensuing data gaps or any mistakes that needs instant rectification. When data editing is completed, the collected research information will definitely be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. For example, any data that will have been collected through in-depth interviews and secondary sources such as the mobile banking files and the banking organizations documents will be analyze by means of content analysis along with the logical analysis techniques. Furthermore, from the acquired independent variables values such the number of customers using the mobile bank ing services and the institutional success measured in terms of total output or general productivity, regression analysis will be applied to establish the correlation that exist between mobile banking services and the success of those institutions. To obtain the best correlation approximation values, the study quantitative data analysis will be carried out by utilizing the integrated approach. Further quantitative data analysis techniques including percentages, frequency distribution and deviations will be used to determine the research respondents’ proportions that chose various responses. The method will be applied for each group of items available in the questionnaire that ideally corresponds to the formulated research question and objectives. Line graphs, tables as well as statistical bar charts will be used to maker sure quantitative data analysis is simply comprehensible. The findings indicate mobile bank services, in delivering the services to the clients, try to elimi nate the impediments that the customers face from the conventional banking delivering of the services. The obstacles were identified to be from a diverse combination of items that are replicated from the obstacles in supply part of services. In addition, the hurdles are reflected from the obstacles associated with the purpose of cell phones as a means of conveying information from the part of the client in the delivery of services.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The study also indicated that mobile banking has achieved tremendous acceptance among consumers compared to other ways of banking such as internet banking that is still at its developing phase. Consequently, consumers have perceived mobile banking as the best way of carrying out banking transactions. According to the institutional studies, 80% agree that the mobile banking sector has made major strides in the delivery of services due to the rapid acceptance by majority of consumers. However, the approval pace of mobile banking among consumers is not equivalent to the rate at which technology advances. Therefore, many factors were found to have a strong influence on the way consumers perceive and adopt mobile banking. The impact of the increased technological advancement has compromised the proficiency of service superiority because services are initiated in the premature phases due competitiveness as well as outlay constraints. Consequently, the clients’ responses to the cons umption of services are low because they think their needs are not considered. For instance, the customers feel that the adaptability of sustaining item services is inadequate. Moreover, emphasis on expertise has an impact of overlooking basic requirements for approval in the provision of services. Technology has enabled mediums of creating new supply channels as well as communicating attributes of technology. Conversely, delivery involving technical knowledge comes with its own shortcomings. For example, there is lack of composition of service delivery and worth creation. In addition, customers have to know how to use technology-based electronics to achieve optimal usage. An additional drawback in mobile banking is the functionality of cell phones in transacting banking services. Customers feel that the mobile phones are not effective in banking because for example, the cell phones have small keyboards leading to errors while accessing the services. Further, studies show that consu mers are dissatisfied by the confusing nature of the mobile phones while transacting banking services. Moreover, increasing concerns by consumers about transacting banking through wireless ways due to safety as well as significance of the services has had negative impacts acceptance of the service. Conclusion and Recommendations Results show that service providers must recognize the importance of client requirements when devising innovative services and products. Additionally, execution of information from familiarity of wireless banking should not be directed to the clients. As a result, banks have been able to make well-versed judgments in distributing assets as well as reduction of expenses. It is evident that cell phones bear a huge ability of enabling success in accomplishing monetary operations and has led to the attainment of expansion in the financial sector with ease and less expenses. Therefore, it is essential for banks to expand their banking services to enable accessibi lity of their services. As a result, government, supervisory bodies, service providers and all the stakeholders have easy access to the banking services from all regions. Further, implementing mobile banking services will bring on board non-bankers in the financial system. In addition, through creation of the understanding of mobile banking services among the people, they are able to embrace its use for personal gains.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Outer Circle - Definition and Examples - World English

Outer Circle s - World English The outer circle is made up of post-colonial countries in which English, though not the mother tongue, has for a significant period of time played an important role in education, governance, and popular culture. Countries in the outer circle include India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and more than 50 other nations. Low Ee  Ling  and Adam Brown describe the outer circle as those countries in the earlier phases of the spread of English in non-native settings[,] . . . where English has become institutionalized or has become part of the countrys chief institutions (English in Singapore, 2005).   The outer circle is one of the three concentric circles of World English described by linguist Braj Kachru in Standards, Codification and Sociolinguistic Realism: The English Language in the Outer Circle (1985).   The labels inner, outer, and expanding  circles represent the type of spread, the patterns of acquisition, and the functional allocation of the English language in diverse cultural contexts.  As discussed below, these labels remain controversial. Explanations of Outer Circle English In the Inner Circle, English spread largely because of a migration of English speakers. In time each settlement developed its own national variety. On the other hand, the spread of English in the Outer Circle has occurred largely as a result of colonization by English-speaking nations. Here, two major types of linguistic development occurred. In some countries like Nigeria and India, where under colonial powers it developed as an elite second language, only a minority of the society acquired English. However, in other countries like Barbados and Jamaica, the slave trade had a significant impact on the variety of English spoken, resulting in the development of English-based pidgins and creoles.(Sandra Lee McKay, Teaching English as an International Language: Rethinking Goals and Approaches. Oxford University Press, 2002)The Outer Circle may be thought of as country contexts where English was first introduced as a colonial language for administrative purposes. . . . English is used in these countries for intra-country purposes. In addition to Outer Circle, terms frequently used to describe the manner in which English has evolved in these settings include institutionalized and nativized. In these countries, a variety of English has evolved which possesses the common core characteristics of Inner Circle varieties of English, but in addition can be distinguished from them by particular lexical, phonological, pragmatic, and morphosyntactic innovations.(Kimberly Brown, World Englishes:  To Teach or Not to Teach. World Englishes, ed. by   Kingsley Bolton and Braj B. Kachru. Routledge, 2006) Problems With the World Englishes Model Considering the history of the emancipation of various Englishes around the globe, it is obvious that the groundbreaking work emanated from and has been essentially focused on the Outer Circle. But it has been an uphill struggle. Even today, what is often termed international by Inner Circle scholars, publishers, etc. is often simply interpreted as the international spread of native-speaker Standard English (a minority variety in itself) rather than the way English has changed to meet international needs.(Barbara Seidlhofer, World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca: Two Frameworks or One? World EnglishesProblems, Properties and Prospects, ed. by Thomas Hoffmann and Lucia Siebers. John Benjamins, 2009)As a large number speakers from the Outer-Circle and Expanding-Circle countries now live in the Inner-Circle countries, even native speakers of English are increasingly exposed to World Englishes. This means revising the notion of proficiency even for the English of native speakers . Canagarajah (2006: 233) maintains that, in a context where we have to constantly shuffle between different varieties [of English] and communities, proficiency becomes complex . . . one needs the capacity to negotiate diverse varieties to facilitate communication.(Farzad Sharifian, English as an International Language: An Overview. English as an International Language: Perspectives and Pedagogical Issues, ed. by F. Sharifian. Multilingual Matters, 2009) Also Known As: extended circle

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Current performance of Islamic bank around the world Dissertation

Current performance of Islamic bank around the world - Dissertation Example However, some countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia and Jordan are offering the services of Islamic banking through traditional banking services. In some countries like Pakistan, there are banks that are operating in accordance with the Islamic laws and at the same time there are some banks that are practicing conventional banking and at the same time some of their branches are offering Islamic banking services. Not only there has been an increasing trend of Muslim majority countries practicing Islamic banking products but certain Western countries including United Kingdom, United States and Australia have been also observing an increasing trend in regard to the Islamic banking. Although the industry of Islamic banking is still growing and an emerging industry, but in different parts of the world this industry has been achieving very high profits unlike United Kingdom. However in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain this industry has been growing. In Pakistan, Islamic banks have reported a profit of 5.7 PKR which is approximately 59% of the total market share in the year 2011 (The News, 2012).). In Bahrain, Islamic banking industry is also one of the fasted growing industries of the countries and still there are several opportunities in the countries (Laxman, 2011). In addition to this, Islamic banking industry is showing good progress and is giving tough time to traditional banks in several other western countries. Financial performance of Islamic financial institutions in UK United Kingdom and particularly London has been considered as an important market place by investors and in this part of the world; both Islamic and non-Islamic banks have inve sted. Initially Islamic banks started their services in London by offering simple products like house financing however with the passage of time the quality of products as well as the complexities involved increased (Ainley, Mashayekhi, Hicks, Rahman, and Ravalia, 2007). after analysing different opportunities for profits and growth, number of Islamic banks invested in United Kingdom and tried to capitalise on these opportunities. Some of the most prominent names of Islamic banks in UK are: Islamic Bank of Britain HSBC Amanah Lloyds TSB The products and services offered by Islamic banks are not only for Muslims but for non-Muslims as well and this is one of the reasons why it has become highly famous in UK despite of the challenges it faces. However recently the performance of the Islamic bank has not been satisfactory and the opportunities that every one identified had not been capitalised by these Islamic banks. This is one of the reasons why one of the leading Islamic banks, Isla mic bank of Britain had to be bailed out in the year 2010 by Qatar after several successive years of losses. After the financial crisis, the Islamic banks in United Kingdom have suffered a lot. Lloyds Islamic bank also removed its investment from United Kingdom as they did not see bright future in the country (Goodway, 2010). Islamic Bank of Britain which has been able to make a name in the United kingdom is also losing its customers. in 2009, the Islamic bank had lost almost 50,000 customers as the total loss of the bank increased to ?9.5 million from ?5.9 million. Considering the situation of the bank, IBB had to raise additional capital of 2009. Then

Friday, October 18, 2019

Sustainable Management Future Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sustainable Management Future - Dissertation Example In addition, according to teleological theory, an action is good if the outcome is desirable. For example, by companies building more schools for children in such developing countries, they will help the children to improve their later lives and be more resourceful people to the companies and the society in future, which is a desirable outcome. Consequently, some companies with FDIs in developing countries have undertaken to support local education by building local schools for their workers’ children (Dagdemir and Acaroglu, 2010) Scenario 3 Integrity may be defined as the fit between course and calling. It is as a result of consistent and continuous relationship between the mission, vision, and values of an organisation and the values of an individual. Integrity is defined by individuals themselves. Integrity goes beyond ethics in that it is the characteristics that define an individual that are considerate, transparent, honest, ethical, and compassionate. Trust is critical i n defining integrity; a person who does not attract trust and confidence is not regarded as trustworthy, implying their value is destroyed (Quigley, 2007). On the other hand, loyalty results from mutual relationship based on trust, fairness, and integrity, all values that define the success of a company. Loyalty refers to doing the job that one is obligated to do, and doing it to the best of one’s ability, with both elements of integrity and honesty. Therefore, Integrity complements loyalty, without which the value of loyalty loses its meaning. Sometimes, it is good to lie in business, though such lies must be ethical. Boylon (2000) explains utilitarianism theory by stating that an action can only be considered morally right when the act results in more good for... In postmodern view of values, a dilemma or fragmentation is accepted as part of human condition. However, in this case, there are no established truths or values (Holtzhausen & Voto, 2002). What is thought to be true is as a product of discourse emerging from both power and knowledge. The manager has to portray organizational activism in their decision making process, portraying a need to change from traditions. For example, a manager in an ethical problem will try to change from acting normally by upholding the dignity of the people involved as employees and championing for the rights of such employees. The manager will thus look beyond profits for the organization to consider the concern of all those involved, and try to resist the dominant power that may work against such involved parties. For example, if a company is making a loss, the manager will not hasten to cut wages or sack employees, but will fight to resist this by trying different methods that will ensure all parties eme rge from the crisis more empowered. In pragmatic consideration of values, the inability to ground any values in overarching theories such as Marxism, Christianity, Islam, or capitalism does not prevent people from making sensible decisions for ensuring a civil and well-mannered life .