Stat 101 Project Essays - Human Development Index,

Stat 101 Project College of Business and Economics Department of Statistics Fall 2013 Project (1) Group No. ( 5 ) Rigidity of Employment Index The rigidity of employment index is the measurement of the regulations of employments. With measures ranging between ( 0 - 100 ) higher ratings mean more rigid employment and less ratings indicate less rigid employment by companies. The rigidity of employment index consists of three sub indexes : 1.A difficulty of hiring index . 2.A rigidity of hours index . 3.A difficulty of firing index . The United States and Canada currently hold the first and second place in the rigidity of employment ratings and the countries that we are about to discuss are ranked as below : Rigidity of employment index, value Country2009Rank/Global 1-Oman13128 2-KSA13128 3-Qatar13128 The REI index For all three countries is 13 , which is low which indicates low rigidity of employment and all are ranked 128 Globally . The Human Development Index (HDI) : The Human Development Index is the latest in the series of global human development reports published by the UNDP which is an empirically grounded analysis of major development issues trends and policies all around the world. HDI is a country-level measurement of social welfare based on national values for average life expectancy, rates of adult literacy, school enrollment and gross domestic productivity per capita . It is commonly used by scholars, policy makers and development professionals to compare the levels of development in each country and to measure each nations progress of development . HDI lacks any information about the distribution of health, education or income within countries because it is based entirely on national averages. HDI Country2013Rank/Global 1-KSA0.78257 2-Oman0.73184 3-Qatar0.83410 he 2013 Human Development Report is the latest in the series of global Human Development Reports published by UNDP since 990 as independent, empirically o the HDI for KSA is 0.78 , which is high and which is better than Oman . KSA is ranked 57 Globally . the HDI for Oman is 0.731 , which is high but it is less than KSAs . Oman is ranked 84 Globally . the HDI for Qatar is 0.834 , Which is the highest among the three countries . Qatar is ranked 10 Globally . Global Competitiveness Index : The global competitiveness index is an index which consists of three sub indexes which are : 1.The technology index . 2.The public institutions index . 3.Macroeconomic environment index . The global competitiveness index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum ( WEF ), based in Geneva, Switzerland in 1979 . The global competitiveness index covers 131 countries and it provides a mirror image of a nations economic environment and its ability to achieve desired levels or prosperity and welfare of its people . The GCI tries to provide an image which is as close to reality as possible and the GCI draws its data from two sources : 1.International hard data sources . 2.The Executive Opinion Survey . The GCI has been conducted annually for 30 years and going and it has improved over time to include new data points essential to the Global Competitiveness Index . Global competitiveness index, Value (1-7) Country2013Rank/Global 1-KSA5.1020 2-Oman4.6433 3-Qatar5.2413 1.The GCI for KSA is 5.10 which is above average and is better than Omans and KSA is ranked 20 Globally . 2.The GCI for Oman is 4.64 which is the lowest compared to the other two countries and Oman is Ranked 33 Globally . 3.The GCI for Qatar is 5.24 which is high and is the highest among all three and Qatar is ranked 13 Globally . Sources : 1.http://books.google.ae/books?id=_qsP_uVTHQIC&pg=PP62&dq=global+competitiveness+index&hl=ar&sa=X&ei=tB3LUvHYBqLG0QWv6oCwDA&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=global%20competitiveness%20index&f=false 2.http://books.google.ae/books?id=xGIXXZZJZOoC&pg=PA12&dq=global+competitiveness+index&hl=ar&sa=X&ei=tB3LUvHYBqLG0QWv6oCwDA&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=global%20competitiveness%20index&f=false 3.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 4.https://www.sourcingline.com/country-data/labor-market-efficiency-rigidity-employment 5.http://www.tradingeconomics.com/japan/rigidity-of-employment-index-0-less-rigid-to-100-more-rigid-wb-data.html 6.http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/lab_rig_of_emp_ind_0le_rig_to_100_rig-0-less-rigid-100-more 7.http://books.google.ae/books?id=voiYQduZNmEC&pg=PA39&dq=global+competitiveness+index&hl=ar&sa=X&ei=tB3LUvHYBqLG0QWv6oCwDA&ved=0CEIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=global%20competitiveness%20index&f=false

Free Essays on World Wars

Wars of the 20th Century Wars of the 20th century were fought for many reasons. Some for land, some for political power, and some to save a country from being overran. Wars are fought on many fronts. These can include terrain’s such as jungle, island, forests, cities, deserts, and in some cases even arctic climates. In the following paragraphs you will read about World War II (WWII), the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. They were fought for different reasons, but in the end it only comes down to one thing, the more powerful will emerge. World War II started off because of Adolf Hitler’s need for power and hunger for more land. It started with him taking over Austria, then Czechoslovakia, and onto Poland. When Poland was attacked France and Great Britain declared war on Germany. This however led to France, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway being overran by the nazis by 1940. Great Britain on the other hand was not about to let Germany over run there country. Even with the countless air raids on English towns know as Blitz’s. by 1941 the U.S. still had not entered the war but that didn’t them from sending supplies to Allied countries to aid in the fighting. The U.S. was trying to stay out of the war but that all changed on December 7, 1941 when a horde of Japanese fighter planes bombed the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. The next day the U.S. along with Canada and Great Britain declared war on Japan. Throughout the next few years the fighting turned in favor of the allies a nd on May 2, 1945 Germany surrendered. Only one problem Japan was being stubborn and would not surrender. The U.S. then resorted to a mass bomb they had been testing called the Atomic Bomb. This was used in august of 1945 on the cities of Hiroshima and then on Nagasaki, thus ending World War II. The Vietnam War started in 1959 and was very different from World War II. Do to the fact that the U.S. did not send in full force.... Free Essays on World Wars Free Essays on World Wars Wars of the 20th Century Wars of the 20th century were fought for many reasons. Some for land, some for political power, and some to save a country from being overran. Wars are fought on many fronts. These can include terrain’s such as jungle, island, forests, cities, deserts, and in some cases even arctic climates. In the following paragraphs you will read about World War II (WWII), the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. They were fought for different reasons, but in the end it only comes down to one thing, the more powerful will emerge. World War II started off because of Adolf Hitler’s need for power and hunger for more land. It started with him taking over Austria, then Czechoslovakia, and onto Poland. When Poland was attacked France and Great Britain declared war on Germany. This however led to France, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway being overran by the nazis by 1940. Great Britain on the other hand was not about to let Germany over run there country. Even with the countless air raids on English towns know as Blitz’s. by 1941 the U.S. still had not entered the war but that didn’t them from sending supplies to Allied countries to aid in the fighting. The U.S. was trying to stay out of the war but that all changed on December 7, 1941 when a horde of Japanese fighter planes bombed the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. The next day the U.S. along with Canada and Great Britain declared war on Japan. Throughout the next few years the fighting turned in favor of the allies a nd on May 2, 1945 Germany surrendered. Only one problem Japan was being stubborn and would not surrender. The U.S. then resorted to a mass bomb they had been testing called the Atomic Bomb. This was used in august of 1945 on the cities of Hiroshima and then on Nagasaki, thus ending World War II. The Vietnam War started in 1959 and was very different from World War II. Do to the fact that the U.S. did not send in full force....

A Practical Guide to Teaching, Training and Learning Assignment

A Practical Guide to Teaching, Training and Learning - Assignment Example Short-term memory is also one of the reasons. Some of them were unable to remember previous days lessons or unable to grasp features of learned lessons quickly. Due to the above-mentioned reasons teachers should be responsible towards the students. They should employ different teaching methods so that students could easily grasp the subject. Student oriented and student concentric activities should be encouraged. Assessing student's abilities and disabilities is the major factor and teachers should strive to identify these issues. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses one can easily work on these issues. Self-confidence plays an important role in everyone's lives. It is the deciding factor that decides a winner and a loser. Like in any other department catering department also needs to work on the above-mentioned reasons so that most of the students were benefited. The classes were conducted as per the schedule. Eight students a day attend the classes on different days of a week. Each batch of the students has to attend classes 4 days a week. Classes had been classified into theory and practical. During these 4 days 3 hours of practical lessons and 1 hour of theory lessons would be conducted. More number of hours was allotted to practical lessons because students could gain hands on experience with the tools and the methods that would be employed during the course process. Theory lessons were also as important as practical lessons. In theory classes discussions would be held, future plans could be discussed and many other things could be employed. Students attending these classes may suffer from learning disabilities. The onus is on lecturers or on the teaching staff. They should shoulder the responsibility of improving student's abilities and make them believe in themselves.In catering care should be taken about following the health standards. The students should be taught about the basic heath, safety and hygiene rules. The teaching staffs have to ensure that every student follows the safety standards prescribed by the health department. Negligence regarding health and standards should be treated severely. If violated counselling of students should be conducted. All the safety measures should be up to date and checks has to be done on safety equipment. Since kitchen is not a safe place first aid and emergency telephone numbers should be kept in an easily accessible place.In theory classes teachers should employ different methods of teaching so that students can grasp easily. There should a constant interaction between stude nt and teacher. This kind of interaction eases the tension in the classroom and student feels at home and shows signs of interest in the subject.The Q & A session tests the ability of a student. Through Q & A teacher comes to know whether a student has understood the lessons or still facing any problems with the subject. Teaching staff should encourage the students to involve in discussions. This kind of discussions could help in clarifying their doubts and improve the assessment skills. This formative assessment is very much important before doing any assessment on summation. Methods like quiz and solving puzzle would be helpful in making the students to understand the concepts very easy. Programmes like

Relationship between EU and Ukraine Research Paper

Relationship between EU and Ukraine - Research Paper Example The Ukraine political system which does not encourage democracy might also have been a hindering factor to the good relationship between the EU and Ukraine. Some people also believe that the relationship between Russia and Ukraine would have also contributed to this hardship. Russia has been long known to have a poor relationship with Ukraine. The preparation of Ukraine to accession into the EU began in the year 2012 in Brussels. However, by November the same year, the twenty seven governments under the European Union and the European parliament had not signed the agreement. This was a result of the poor relationship between the EU and Ukraine because of the way the former prime minister of Ukraine, YuliaTymoshenko was treated and sentenced. The European Union and a section of its member states, Germany being the most notable, had resulted to putting some pressure on the then president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich to stop the sentencing of the former prime minister because of her poor health status (Movchan and Shportyuk 12). Despite there being a number of meetings that had been organized between the EU and the Ukraine government, the EU leaders had snubbed some of these meetings. The relationship between Ukraine and the EU only got worse after this. In the year 2012, the EU leaders snubbed the 2012 UEFA Euro championships after being requested to do so by Ukraine’s opposition leaders. The EU leaders asserted that there would be no signing of the Association Agreement if Ukraine did not attend to the concerns about democracy in their political system.

Performance management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Performance management - Essay Example Studies have revealed that the simplification process has produced results that have not only been conflicting but also ambiguous. Due to the disadvantages stated above, Ferreira & Otley's formulated the performance management framework that clearly describes the operation and structure of performance management system. Researchers have emphasized that to obtain accurate results that are essential in developing skills and knowledge on management performance, it is important to use theoretical foundations. Managers of an organization need to select rational theories that will guide them when analyzing performance of an organization (Chapman, 2007p. 664). Performance management approach usually involves many processes that take place in an organization. These processes include analysis, measurement, control, and planning. The mechanisms employed in performance management systems are formal and informal controls. The controls are usually dependent on the size of the organization because larger firms use administrative controls (Margret, 2010 p. 210). Performance Management Framework by Otley’s In the year 1999, Otley developed a framework that was to provide a guideline in the study of the operations of management control systems. He focused on five areas that included identification of the main goals of an organization. ... The fourth area that Otley emphasized was the implications of either achieving or failing to achieve the targets set in an organization. Lastly, he focused on monitoring the performance of an organization. Levers of Control framework Simons proposed the levers of control (LOC) framework in the year 1995. These included beliefs, boundary, diagnostic and interactive control systems (Simons, 1995:p177). Simons’ framework was based on four major concepts especially core values, the risks, the variables of critical performance and strategic uncertainties. The belief system controls the core values while the risks are regulated by the boundary system. The diagnostic control system controls the critical performance variables. The main function of the diagnostic control is to monitor, assess and provide rewards based on the different levels of performance. Lastly, the interactive control system regulates the strategic uncertainties in a company. The levers of control framework have fa cilitated the study of the interaction between boundary systems and beliefs (Collier, 2005:p321). The LOC framework was criticized because of its incompatibility with the informal controls that exist in many organizations (Hutzschenreuter, 2009 p.10). However, the employment of LOC framework facilitates the assessment of the balance between positive and negative controls (Ferreira, 2002: 053). The Performance Management Systems Structure The existing frameworks had a number of limitations that prompted researchers to develop an extended framework. The extensive framework highlights the main aspects of performance management system, and provides foundation for the development of further investigations. The performance management system focused on several areas including organization structure,

Individual Reflection Report On A Business Plan Education Essay

Individual Reflection Report On A Business Plan Education Essay Terms of Reference This report has been prepared as a reflective work of my groups business plan for MBA course. The purpose of this reflection sheet is to redirect how I and my team mates worked while undertaking the project. The point of writing this report is to include my thoughts and reactions to the experience. The reflective journal is a personal record of my learning experiences (White, 2005). I have been asked by university management to write an individual reflective journal on business plan that should consist of my critical way of thinking in an analytical way. It has been written to reflect on my work which will allow the readers to understand my achievement being a member of a team and my role as a researcher, analyser, critical thinker, reporter and presenter (White, 2005). I tried to be as specific as possible as this journal is a persuasive essay arguing on behalf of myself. It includes where my inspiration comes from, how I made use of my ideas to develop my work and my awareness of t he context in which I work. This reflective journal is an individual report that has described my work based on the business plan that I have participated in. I was chosen to work in a team of five members to build a business plan regarding launching a business in Cardiff. My team members for this assignment were Archana Ashu, Gagan Deep Singh, Nadeem Khan and Rachit Ajmera. The business plan that we have worked together, is regarding launching a multiplex cinema in Cardiff. This business plan provides a 3 year operating plan for a Multiplex cinema with a start-up capital of  £5 million. In this report we highlighted and analysed all the factors essential for a start-up. We considered market analysis, market strategy and costing, staffing and resourcing, and financial projections for the first 3 years of the business. In this reflective journal I have described objectively what happened, I tried to Interpret the events explaining what I saw and heard, my insights, my connections w ith other learning, my hypotheses and my conclusions. I also evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of what was observed. In this journal, I have described how I tackled team issues, interpreted my role as a team member, what did I learn being a team member and How I approached challenges. Other than problem solving I have recorded and mentioned knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, synthesis of what would I do differently next time reflecting on how the workshops/meetings helped develop my study? I have been asked to reflect an analysis, taking into account aspects of my strategy formulation and explaining how I built upon and applied knowledge from taught modules. I have made sure that structure of work follows all the section headings and recognises marking scheme, language is concise and this journal is presented according to school guidelines. Problem solving I was chosen to work in a team of five members to build a business plan regarding launching a business in Cardiff. My team members for this assignment were Archana Ashu, Gagan Deep Singh, Nadeem Khan and Rachit Ajmera. Although I wanted to be in a team of my close friends, the administration allocated teams randomly and put me in a group of five students. Luckily I already had close friendship with one member and I knew one other as he was in a same study group as mine. Initially I had objections with the supervisors decision of allocation but gradually as I started to know my team members, this opposition faded away. I felt friendly and enthusiastic being in this team. Being students from different backgrounds and societies naturally raised some problems for us but we managed to solve all the issues quite amicably (Gillie, 2010). All the disagreements were resolved and we worked together harmoniously. As a contemporary management student, I understood the capability of a team is gre ater than the collective abilities of the individuals within it. As soon as I was consigned in a team, I called everyone for a meeting to know each other and discuss task in hand. For me, doing the work in a friendly environment and more casually could make the task easier. Rest of the team members did not agree and had some reservations but I motivated them and persuaded them to follow my arrangement. In the meetings, plan was discussed and ideas were revolved (Gillie, 2010). I also put forward my thoughts and plans. After careful planning, thorough discussion and constructive arguments I made them agree on the topic. We defined our roles according to our strengths in subject areas and tasks were assigned to each member. My team set its standards of ethics and behaviours to achieve positive synergy and to create effective environment (Levin, 2008). All team members were highly committed and motivated. My strong area was marketing, hence id been assigned with collecting, analysing a nd evaluating marketing aspects of the business plan. I also convinced them to work closely and stay in constant contact. Although we had to work individually on our tasks but I collaborated to help others in their work and vice versa (Levin, 2008). Apart from problems mentioned above, I and other team members faced some other problems such as lack of knowledge of how to conduct the study, inexperience of research process, lack of critical analysis during research process, less research was done on every individuals part and there were critical judgements on each others work, no involvement of critical thinking which made our presentation look descriptive, and inconsistent decision making. All these problems were solved jointly (Gillie, 2010). I have learnt that team is more successful when members within it are able to create synergy. Since our goals, objectives, tasks, and priorities were larger than any individual, teamwork was required. When team members know how to be more effective together, synergy happens and greater organizational success is achieved. I have also understood the importance of teamwork (Sugars, 2005). I considered every member of my team as important as each person brought unique skills, knowledge, and experience. Team members also brought energy, drive, passion, and determination. Since not everyone brings different amounts of all of these things, team members needed each other. Increasing the strength of each team member produced greater team success and results. I along with my team members approached all the issues quite confidently as I knew our collective strengths could tackle any problem we face (Glover, 2009). Knowledge and Understanding By conducting a research as a team, I felt that there is no doubt team theory is relevant in practice. I was confident to relate the research and the theory I have studied during my MBA course (Sugars, 2005). Previous experience in management field also came handy. The most important thing I have gained knowledge of is the effectively working in a team. In the later stages of the project, coordination among team members increased considerably. This helped in improving and polishing our communication skills. We learned that everyone can do their own part to work towards a common goal and that there doesnt need to be just one distinct leader (Glover, 2009). Although different tasks were assigned to team members, I remained in constant contact with every member and consulted on every possible occasion. This also helped me learn and understand their approach as well (Glover, 2009). As an individual, working on a business plan has helped me to understand how to make an official report. It assisted me in research methodology, how to check different sources and how to carry out research. The proposed business plan was solely concentrated on market penetration and market acquisition with its customer service, facilities, ambience, and projection technology and above all, operational benefits (Sugars, 2005). Beside this, I managed to learn different marketing techniques and got a practical experience of how to apply marketing models and theories. I considered myself an important member of a team in formulating strategy and objectives to achieve this strategy. The main purpose of conducting a market research was to identify and establish potent ial market and also to get the reliable data for product. I have learned to analyse the market and potential customers before entering the market. I understood the market analysis for business is to check the feasibility and the absorbance of product in the market and to understand the trends and behaviour of the consumers in market and to apply strategies accordingly (Dyer, 2007). All this provided crucial and reliable information. I studied to carry out market analysis; learned about market size and forecast; its share, trends and behaviour. I also assessed competitors and their strategies, targeted market segments, analysed our business core competencies and critical success factors; marketing and costing strategies. This business plan also assisted me in projecting financial position and reports along with knowledge of staffing and resourcing for business (Sugars, 2007). Synthesis Although all team members planned the business plan and divided the tasks according to their strengths but we still faced some problems. I would like to change my approach a little next time I involve myself in this type of activity. I would definitely focus on time management and motivation issues (Dyers, 2007). Others areas need to be improved are analytical skills and market assessments. The area of critics of team needs some perfection as well. Every members presentation skills were weak that resulted in lower marks. The report looked descriptive and team members just read that in the presentation meeting. Experience gained from this project will definitely help to improve the above mentioned areas in the future (Saunders et al. 2009). There are a lot of aspects and factors that helped me develop my understanding and improve my knowledge. Workshops and lectures taught me how to carry out a research in desired fields, what method to select and what approach to take. Meetings provided facilitation in problem solving and strategic planning. These also helped me in decision making and working in a team (White, 2005). Analysis and Evaluation As a student studying MBA course from a renowned university, I was expected to apply critical thinking and analyse the business plan. The modules that I have studied during my lectures helped me apply marketing tools and techniques to my research. I learned how to apply theory into practice. This was a new idea to me but I was successful in interpreting this. This helped me gained both theoretical and practical knowledge. I applied knowledge from the books and journals to formulate the strategic plan, mission and vision of the company that I was working on. I applied different models successfully such as McKenzie 7s model, Porters generic strategies, Ansoffs growth model, IR model, Porters five forces model and some others (Kotler. 2010). The knowledge from the lectures helped me how to search different sources which was useful in strategy formulation. Overall the use of theoretical knowledge in practical situation helped me understand the business plan. I used the theories to advanc e my understanding of the business plan. The practical experience was built upon the theoretical knowledge (Saunders et al. 2009). Theory asked me how to conduct a research; based on this I practically collected data and information for analysis. Theory taught me how to calculate; I practically used this knowledge to formulate a financial projection; Theory explained how to apply different models; I managed to use these theories according to my situation and constructed a whole report. I practically worked in human resource filed to staff and resource my business. Having completed this project, I have learned how to better argue a point in discussion. Using facts and example, my arguments have become much better (Sugars, 2005). The project taught me and my team members to be good team members, cooperative and helpful. I felt a change as my researching skills increased considerably. I can better understand the topic and use a variety of sources for search purposes which will help me a lot in future research process. I can create a conclusive argument that can set a tone of the entire project. Using latest techniques of researching and arguing, my paper will seem clearer and my arguments more apparent (Bryman and Bell, 2007). I have also updated my accounting knowledge by working on new accounting principles. I was responsible for quite of lot of report writing. It was good for me to get practice at writing, at proof reading, editing, etc. I did have a sense of achievement when a report was finished. And finally my computer skills have also impr oved from writing reports and through having 24-hour access to the computer. These skills are not great, but in comparison to my own skills before working on this project they have progressed well. I personally feel that business plan is viable as it helps us understand not just to apply critical thinking and analyse the information but to use the theory into practice. This is what I think MBA requires. It helps the students getting management experience and applying what they have learnt in their lectures and workshops.

Light and Darkness in Antigone and the Gospel of John of the Holy Bible

Light and Darkness Found in Antigone and the Gospel of John As a child, my world was enraptured by the wonderful Fisher-Price toy known as the Lite-Brite. By inserting multicolored little pegs into their corresponding slots on a detailed guide, I could transform drab, dull, and dark pieces of paper into wondrous works of brilliant art. The light that filled and transformed the plastic pegs closely parallel concepts of light and darkness found within the Gospel of John and in Sophocles' drama Antigone. The Gospel of John focuses on the profound meaning of the life of Jesus, whom he saw as the manifestation of God's Word (logos). Teiresias, of Sophocles' play Antigone, is a blind prophet whose lack of vision does not prevent him from recognizing the truth. The words of John and the characterization of Sophocles, although similar in many aspects, differ in the extent to which their concepts of light and darkness affect humanity. Sophocles' light, in the form of Teiresias, allows truth to permeate throughout one's lifetime. John's light, as the manifesta tion ofthe logos, presents truth and enlightenment to humanity, but also ensures a glorified and joyous afterlife through Christ's salvation. Teiresias, the voice of fate and harbinger of truth in Sophocles' play Antigone, humbly enters the drama by addressing the malevolent Creon and stating that he "must walk by another's steps and see with another's eyes" (Antigone, 102). The wise prophet was metaphorically declaring that he delivered the message of a higher truth. This truth existed as Natural Law. Teiresias advised his m... ...light, only the Gospel of John carries the secret to eternal salvation. In a way similar to a child playing with a Lite- Brite, the Gospel of John and Sophocles' character Teiresias allow rainbows of light to exist in a world devoid of color. While both allow the existence of a form of the truth, it is only the Gospel of John that provides a detailed guide that will allow a person to find order in their truth. Through such truth and enlightenment, an abstract world of chaos and ignorance can be engulfed by a world full of order and wisdom. Realms of beauty and glory can manifest themselves to individuals who accept the truth and the essence of light as a message from a higher existence. Great joy and pleasure shall come to the child who can find beauty and order in a bleak world full of ignorance and emptiness. Light and Darkness in Antigone and the Gospel of John of the Holy Bible Light and Darkness Found in Antigone and the Gospel of John As a child, my world was enraptured by the wonderful Fisher-Price toy known as the Lite-Brite. By inserting multicolored little pegs into their corresponding slots on a detailed guide, I could transform drab, dull, and dark pieces of paper into wondrous works of brilliant art. The light that filled and transformed the plastic pegs closely parallel concepts of light and darkness found within the Gospel of John and in Sophocles' drama Antigone. The Gospel of John focuses on the profound meaning of the life of Jesus, whom he saw as the manifestation of God's Word (logos). Teiresias, of Sophocles' play Antigone, is a blind prophet whose lack of vision does not prevent him from recognizing the truth. The words of John and the characterization of Sophocles, although similar in many aspects, differ in the extent to which their concepts of light and darkness affect humanity. Sophocles' light, in the form of Teiresias, allows truth to permeate throughout one's lifetime. John's light, as the manifesta tion ofthe logos, presents truth and enlightenment to humanity, but also ensures a glorified and joyous afterlife through Christ's salvation. Teiresias, the voice of fate and harbinger of truth in Sophocles' play Antigone, humbly enters the drama by addressing the malevolent Creon and stating that he "must walk by another's steps and see with another's eyes" (Antigone, 102). The wise prophet was metaphorically declaring that he delivered the message of a higher truth. This truth existed as Natural Law. Teiresias advised his m... ...light, only the Gospel of John carries the secret to eternal salvation. In a way similar to a child playing with a Lite- Brite, the Gospel of John and Sophocles' character Teiresias allow rainbows of light to exist in a world devoid of color. While both allow the existence of a form of the truth, it is only the Gospel of John that provides a detailed guide that will allow a person to find order in their truth. Through such truth and enlightenment, an abstract world of chaos and ignorance can be engulfed by a world full of order and wisdom. Realms of beauty and glory can manifest themselves to individuals who accept the truth and the essence of light as a message from a higher existence. Great joy and pleasure shall come to the child who can find beauty and order in a bleak world full of ignorance and emptiness.