The Effect Of Using The Balanced Scorecard Information Technology Essay

The Effect Of Using The Balanced Scorecard Information Technology Essay This research is basically to access and analyse the effect of the use of balanced scorecard as a strategic management system in an organisation. In the course of this research, extensive literature review of the balanced scorecard will be made. However, this research will run in the confines of a case study. Since the aim of this research is to analyse the effect of using the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system, ASDA/WALMART SUPERSTORES will be used as a case study. ASDA/WALMART is the second largest retailer in the United Kingdom and the use of the balanced scored card as a strategic management system will help them align their vision with set objectives of the organisation. After much research consideration of this subject matter, it can be established that this approach can work for any organisation in the retail industry. CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION The balanced scorecard (BSC) model was developed by US academics Robert Kaplan and David Norton in response to the shortcomings of traditional financial measures. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a management tool that helps to align behaviour of all employees to the organisations strategy (Marr, B. Neely, A, 2003) Tuan, L.T and Venkatesh, S. supported that the balanced scorecard (BSC) provides a framework which encourages the use of financial and non-financial measures of performance. This also will allow organisation to identify its strategic object. This can be achieved by balancing four core perspectives- Financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business process perspective and learning and growth perspective to measure performance (Kaplan and Norton 1992) BACKGROUND Source: www.theagileexecutive.com CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To carry out a critical literature review to identify and assess the role of the use of balanced scorecard performance appraisal system To examine the criticism of the balanced scorecard as against the traditional methods of performance measurements. To carry out an empirical research to establish the opinions of the top Management team of ASDA/WALMART about the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system. To find out whether the middle managers in ASDA/WALMART support the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system and if they find it effective? To come to a conclusion on the extent to which the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system is effective. 3.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES After carrying out a literature review to collate data on the views of different authors on the use of balanced scorecard as a strategic management system, a set of questions will be prepared. This is necessary so as to be able to have a wide range of top management and middle managers view on the subject matter. In order to obtain relevant information needed to achieve the objectives stated below; questionnaires will be sent and delivered to top management team and middle managers of ASDA/WALMART for the following reasons: To examine the controversies of the use of the balance scorecard as a strategic management system. To analyse and establish the opinions of top management team and middle managers on the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system. To draw a conclusion on the extent to which the balanced scorecard model is more effective than traditional methods of performance appraisal. 3.3 RESEARCH APPROACH 3.3.1 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY Blaikie, N. (2003) defined positivism as the research that assumes that social reality is external to people involved and only the aspect that can be measured are regarded as relevant to research. Jackson, W. (1995) stated that research just like positivism relies on experiments, survey and secondary data, therefore, according to the research onion model, my research philosophy is positivism based. The author will be using questionnaire which comes under the Survey category. 3.4 RESEARCH STRATEGY The deductive approach research strategy will be used for this research because; sufficient materials like journals, articles and periodicals are available to carry out a test on how effective is the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system. This research approach will involve different researches strategies ranging from Experiment Survey, Case Study, Ethnography and action Research but the Survey strategy will be used for this research. Survey strategy and questionnaire option are chosen under this category leaving behind the structured interview and observation. Kumar, R (1999, p.104) stated that sometimes information required to carry out a research are readily available but needed to be gathered or collected from different sources to get the clue to what one is trying to find out or achieve. To achieve the objective of this research as earlier stated above, questions will be tailored to answer the Research Objectives. Questionnaire was chosen because it allows the collection of data from a sizeable population i.e. the top management team and middle managers of ASDA/WALMART. The delivery and collection questionnaire method is considered appropriate for this research. The questionnaire will be delivered in person to selected top management team and middle managers, asking them of a possible date of collection. This is chosen to be the best form of questionnaire method necessary to achieve the aim of the research, Saunders et al (2009) The author considered interview as another option to this research, but realised that time may be a limiting factor. It may be impossible to interview all the top management team/middle managers of ASDA/WALMART. The author also considered the convenience of answering the structured interview as respondents may be busy with other business matters on the day of interview. This may cause lack of concentration or simply not getting the best from the person interviewed. If time permits, additional information through interview would be gathered. This will be done by carefully selecting respondents from the questionnaire who are willing to supply more information on the subject matter and are ready to be interviewed, to assist in achieving the objective of the research. A question will be in the questionnaire asking whether respondent are willing to give further information to help achieve the research objective (Interview). Other research strategy or methods are considered inappropriate for this kind of research. ADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRE Questionnaires are generally seen as been cheaper to administer compared to interviews. Researchers and authors believe that questionnaire saves time, human and financial resources. Bryman, A. (2004, p. 133) added that, the reduction in cost of carrying out a research is an advantage considering a sample that is geographically widely dispersed. Questionnaires are also quicker to administer as they can be sent out through the post, distributed in an office, school or working place etc. It also offer greater anonymity as some questions are sensitive and are best asked without face to face interaction, Kumar R. added. This allows the respondent to freely express his/her opinion on the topic of research. According to Bryman, A. (2004), it has been argued that the characteristics of the interviewers (and respondents) do affect the answers that people give. It was discovered that characteristics like ethnicity, gender, social background of the interviewer may combine to bias the answers that the respondent provides. This is also part of the reason why questionnaire was chosen to be the most appropriate method of data collection. DISADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRE Despite all these advantages, questionnaire also has its own disadvantages and these are discussed below: Questionnaire can only be applied to a population that can read and write. This does not provide opportunity for the population sector that is part of the research that is illiterate, very young or old, or handicapped, Kumar R. stated. A low response rate or low feedback from the distributed questionnaire is a major disadvantage of the use of questionnaire. Some of the distributed questionnaires are thrown in the waste bin, some are forgotten where they are kept by the respondent; these do not make the researcher to get a perfect picture on the subject matter and conclusion may be drawn from few respondent who returned the questionnaire. Kumar, R. (1999), stated factors that can contribute to low response of the questionnaire as follows: The interest of the sample population on the topic of study; the layout and length of the questionnaire; the methodology used to deliver the questionnaire. In tackling these factors for the purpose of this research, I have carefully selected auditing firms that are directly involved in provision of non audit services. I have also considered the small business entities that desire the use of auditors for both auditing purposes and non audit services. Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (1997, p.89), stated that all questions in the questionnaire should be really relevant to the research question, therefore I have handled the issue of relevance, layout and length of question with care. I have also made up my mind to deliver the questionnaires in person to the sample of population selected and asking a convenient day and time for collection of the questionnaire. This approach will assist to reduce the problem of low response rate experienced using questionnaires. Another disadvantage of questionnaire is that respondent does not have the opportunity to ask for clarification on issues. This does affect the quality of information supplied by respondent. The may also cause collation problem for the researcher, if different respondent interpret same question differently. In handling this, the questions in the questionnaire will be set in a simple and unambiguous manner. The questions will be stated in clear terms for all to understand. Questionnaire cannot probe, stated Bryman, A. (2004). The researcher cannot probe further on an issue apart from that which is in the questionnaire. The only way that questionnaire can be made to probe is by asking an open-ended question. In Open- ended questions possible responses are not given to the respondent. The respondent write down the answers in his/her words, Kumar, R. (1999, p.116) The disadvantage of open ended questions is that it may be difficult for the research to summarise his find as opinion of respondent may be far apart/ different from each other making it difficult for researcher to summarise and conclude. Kumar, R. (1999), gave another disadvantage of questionnaire as its inability to be supplemented with other information like interview which can be supplemented with observation. To handle this, if time permit as earlier stated an interview will be conducted to supplement (additional information) the information gathered through questionnaire. CHAPTER FOUR RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Conduct a review of literature on the use of balanced scorecard as a strategic management system in order to develop research question. A case study methodology will be used as the primary research method A questionnaire will be developed with question based on the background and objective of the research. The questions in the questionnaire will seek to test the research question; does the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system have any effect on performance? The questionnaire will be distributed to the corporate directors and also Middle Managers of ASDA. Data analysis that will be used is percentage method and chart, to evaluate the effect of non audit service on auditors independence. 4. If required, conduct interviews with some auditors after the collation of Questionnaire. RESEARCH DESIGN DATA REQUIRED The Data required are data that will give information about the effects of the use of the balanced scorecard. Also data that will give information about how middle managers find the implementation and what their opinion will be is very essential too. SOURCE OF DATA Textbooks, journals, online and articles will be consulted. Information will also be gathered through questionnaires. SAMPLE PLANNING/SAMPLE SIZE DATA ANALYSIS Charts and graphs and grant chart will be used to analyse findings. HYPOTHESIS TESTING Hypothesis drawn on this research will be tested and the most appropriate will be considered in the course of this project. CHAPTER FIVE EXPECTED RESULTS/FINDINGS It is expected that the response that will be gathered from the ASDA/WALMART will be the secondary data that will be analysed to help us come to a conclusion on the research. RESOURCES I have access to finances that can sustain the research program. I have access to libraries, books, journals, online e-books and organisations. CONTINGENCY PLAN Plans are in place to continue with this research in case the current methodology fails. Structured interview will be used, however this approach may be time consuming and respondents too may not be readily available. We will need to have this approach as a backup plan.

The Black Death Essay -- Plague Disease History Europe Essays

The Black Death   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Black Death had profound effects on Medieval Europe. Although most people did not realize it at the time, the Black Death had not only marked the end of one age but it also denoted the beginning of a new one, namely the Renaissance. Between 1339 and 1351a.d, a pandemic of plague called the Black Death, traveled from China to Europe affecting the importance of cities, creating economic and demographic crises, as well as political dislocation and realignment, and bringing about powerful new currents in culture and religion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the beginning, the Italian town of Genoa was one of the busiest ports in Europe. Ships sailed from there to trade all over the Mediterranean Sea. In October of 1347, 12 merchant ships sailed from Caffa to Italy. A strange disease had infected the crew of these ships. Dying bodies lay aboard the ships. City officials, afraid that the disease might spread, issued an order that no person or piece of merchandise was to leave the ships. They even forbade medical treatment for the sick sailors and passengers. The disease still spread. The officials had not considered that the rats from the ships were able to leave the ships by crawling along the ropes that were tied to the ships. From Italy, the disease spread all over Europe, traveling along the major trade routes. The rats were responsible for carrying the disease, which was transmitted by fleas from infected rats. The fleas drank the rats' blood that carried the bacteria. The bacteria multiplied in the flea's gut. While the fleas gut was clogged with bacteria, the flea bit the human and regurgitated blood into the wound.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Black Death came in 3 forms: the bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic. Each different from of the plague killed people in a vicious way. All forms were caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bubonic plague was the most commonly seen form of the Black Death. Which had a mortality rate of 30-70%. The symptoms were enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes (around armpits, neck and groin). The term "bubonic" refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymphatic gland. Victims were subject to headaches, nausea, aching joints, fever of 101-105 degrees, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. Symptoms took from 1-7 days to appear.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The pneumonic plague was the second most commonly seen form of the Black Deat... ...mand fairer treatment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lastly, the change in spirituality was one of the major effects of the plague. The Black Death left survivors mourning, depressed, and fearful of its return.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the groups that suffered the most was the Christian Church. It lasts prestige, spiritual authority, and leadership over the people. The church promised cures, treatment, and an explanation for the plague. They said it was God's will, but the reason for this awful punishment was unknown. People wanted answers, but the priests and bishops didn't have anything to say. The people abandoned their Christian duties and fled. People prayed to God and begged for forgiveness. After the plague ended, angry and frustrated villagers started to revolt against the church, this caused the churches to be abandoned.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Black Death changed European history in many ways. Its fatal symptoms took many human lives, and its influenced carried over into many areas of society. People suffered religiously because the disease brought out the darker side of life and made them question God. Europe would not be the same today without these changes brought on through the devastation of the Black Death.

Scientology Scam :: essays research papers

So, can you say anything good about Scientologists? Well, they are snazzy dressers. Oh and Tom Cruise is one! And the person who started scientology also wrote that sci-fi classic "Battlefield Earth". What a great movie... :-| OK let me go on the offensive now... Scientology is rather young. Beginning in 1953, during a coincidentally timed slump in Layfaette Ronald Hubbard's book sales. Originally a few "help centers" sprung up, taking the places of bookstores where for a nominal fee and the purchase of a copy of Dianetics, you could soon be feeling the effects of a new way to look at religion. Of course the timing is all coincidental right? BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Wrong-O-Laserbrain! Take a look at this quote from a Sci-Fi convention in Newark, New Jersey: "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wanted to make a million dollars, the best way to do it would be to start his own religion."Guess who said that? OK that was an easy one... Guess when he said it? March 1949. Oddly enough he hasn't mentioned this directly to any of his cul-- I mean, his congregation. Scientology bases itself on a belief that we are simply the living vessels for an alien soul. That's right. The alien soul is called the thetan. A human being can get in touch with his inner E.T. by achieving a level of clear (Scientology plays like an RPG, you get XP, you raise levels) It takes a lot of money to become clear, for reasons I have yet to discern, but Juliette Lewis apparently was able to do so, which leads me to believe it was indeed money that spurs the alien to the surface, and not intelligence. Now, let's take this further.... As many of you know, I'm not a religious man, however I would be remiss to use one of the fundamental pillars of Christianity to lend credence to a new religion I was trying to set up. Yep, that's right, Jesus was a Scientologist. According to L. Ron Hubbard, Jesus was an ordinary man, who went a shade above clear. This allowed his mortal body to produce what looked like miracles, although according to L.R.H. any scientologist can do this with enough training in the way of the thetan. I'm wondering why Scientologists aren't trying to bring more credibility to their religion if this is the case, hell, one or two of them could damn near end world hunger! Oh right, the thetan needs money to perform.

The Types of Skiing Essay -- Classification Descriptive Ski Sports Ess

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Every four years in the Winter Olympics, we see professional athletes compete in many areas ranging from downhill skiing to high-speed bobsledding. We see the professionals demonstrate their spectacular abilities, and we try to emulate them in our own activities. In the Olympics, cross-country and downhill skiing are two very popular sports, and even non-professionals can get into them. In this essay I will classify the various types of skiing into three categories and inform you about each.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first type of skiing that I will discuss is cross-country skiing. As its name implies, cross-country skiing consists of horizontal travel across flat land and relatively few hills. Cross-country skis are not optimized for speed, but instead for easier long distance travel. This type of skiing is also the least expensive of the three types and has recently been gaining many new enthusiasts. A decent quality cross-country ski package would cost around $150. As for choosing equipment, the skier should pick out poles that are as tall as his shoulders. (For most people this would mean a 140 cm to 150 cm pole.) Skis come in three common sizes, 190 cm, 210, cm and 240 cm, and the proper length depends on the height of the person. To determine the size needed, the person should hold his hands above his head and choose the ski that most closely approximates the distance from the base of his palm to the floor. The following table gives some guidelines as to which ...

Tattoos

Tattoos BY rhtanne0529 Many people Judge the outward expression of others' creativity and beauty. Though opinions of this art form have become more accepting, it is still considered taboo. Tattoos should not determine people's views or thoughts on those who have them. At one time, society thought tattoos were only for those in biker gangs or the military. Only the outcasts of society were known to partake in the taboo tradition. Actually, anyone, from a college professor to a soccer mom, can have a tattoo. The presence or absence of body art does not define the person.I have four tattoos that I decided to get for various reasons and at different times in my life. Each has a special meaning and allows me to have an outward representation of emotions I sometimes cannot voice. My tattoos are an expression of my personality, and no one should Judge me for them. I have faced adversity, even from family members, due to my tattoos and piercings. I did not take getting a tattoo lightly. I di d not walk into a random shop and point out a drawing on the wall to be inked on my skin. I talked to my parents, riends, pastor and tattoo artists before getting tattooed.I wanted my decision to be well informed so I would never regret it. Though I know I did nothing wrong, I still face people who Judge me. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said he hoped his children would not be Judged by the color of their skin but the content of the character. Though his â€Å"l Have a Dream† speech did not refer to tattoos, it advocated equality. It should not matter if someone is white, black, green or tattooed, everyone should be treated the same. People should be Judged by their character, not their appearance. It is who a person is on the inside that matters.As Christians, we are commanded not to Judge anyone, whether it is for their actions or their appearance. God will be the one to Judge me. My Father created me beautifully and loves all of me, including my tattoos. Tattoos, honestly, ar e Just as much of a way to show style and artistic value as the types of clothing worn; except, they are permanent. Until someone gets to know a person with tattoos, they should not believe any stereotype about the tattooed. We are all humans and need to show love by not Judging others' appearances.

Trends in American Pop Culture

Today in America, much of our lives is defined by popular culture. Traditions and patterns handed down from generations have been influenced by popular culture in society more today than of yesteryear. Trends are changing in regard to convenience, communication, and personal gain. In this essay, I will speak on the trends of social, political, personal, and religious. When I think of social trends, I am reminded of the new technology that exists today. Technology has change the way we communicate forcing us to stay abreast on the latest version and gadgets to remain functioning actively. Computers and cellular telephones, once accessories, but are necessities today. The Internet is a tool that has changed the way we live when shopping, paying bills, even doing research. Gone are the days of land lines and pay phones. Those gadgets are replaced by cellular phones with text messaging capabilities that allow instant messages to be received faster than voice messaging. Electronic mail, also known as e-mail, whether used personally or in the workplace, has replaced postal bulk mail in some instances. Social networking websites of Twitter, Facebook, My Space, YouTube, and eHarmony are very popular today. Users of these sites can share a personal profile, make new friends, date online, post a video and daily messages. Also, Fortune 500 companies use the internet to advertise to increase sales and business. A popular trend in politics during the 2008 Presidential Election was voter registration. Many community websites drew subscribers to register to vote. Volunteers across the country supported their candidate of choice to get the message out to vote, by going door to door, holding community rallies, and voter drives. Also, celebrity endorsement in the election became a popular trend. Many celebrities did television commercials, and group songs in support of their candidate of choice based on their belief of important values. I believe both trends will continue in future elections as they proved to be key factor in winning votes. From the aspect of personal trends in American popular culture, tattoo and body piercing are the happenings. Both genders of young adults including celebrities, athletes, and singers are following this trend of displaying visual art and design on their body. Also, young adults are influenced today with rap and pop music, urban clothing lines, team sportswear, video games, and iPods. By way of education, online universities are offering classes to earn degrees. This trend is convenient for many working adults with families. While living in the digital age, the digital/video camera is a common personal item that is used to capture memories of special events that is recorded on digital video disc (DVD) to view with family members and friends. Also, movies are now recorded on DVD, while music is recorded on compact disc (CD). Lastly, I will speak on the religious aspect of popular culture in America. The Scientology and Kabbalah religion are popular among celebrities in Hollywood. In the catholic religion, not much has changed by way of traditions. However, there are reports of priest sexually abusing alter boys, that has resulted in convictions and various lawsuits against the Vatican. This action may be called a trend, but the abuse happened years ago that is now visible on the forefront in today's society. In other religions, there are trends of many church leaders under scrutiny for using church funds for personal financial gain as they live lavish lifestyles. Some are also involved in sex scandals, committing adultery and accused of domestic violence. Some trends have spoiled us in becoming impatient for instant gratification, while forgetting the traditions handed down to us. American popular culture is exposed through the mass media every day in areas of social, political, personal, and religious. We are affixed to tuning in to hearing the latest to keep up with the happenings in American society to get us through the day, which is a trend in itself. References Wilson, J. R. , & Wilson, S. R. (2001). Mass Media, Mass Culture, (5e).

Shutter Island Essay.

Shutter Island Essay. I'm going to write an essay about a film named Shutter Island which was taken from Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel which is also called Shutter Island, the film it's self was directed by Martin Scorsese in 2010. In my essay I plan to write about how important the genre and the characters is to the film and how the film makers use it to create a successful film. To give you a brief of the film I am going to use Gustav Freytag’s five part analysis, exposition; two U.S. Marshals, Edward â€Å"Teddy† Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule, who have been sent to the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island which is located in Boston Harbour to take part in an investigation about the disappearance of patient Rachel Solando, who was accused of drowning her three children. Then there’s the rising action; shortly after they arrive on the island, a storm stops them from returning to the mainland for a couple of days.Teddy soon finds that the staff are confrontational; the lead psychiatrist, Dr John Cawley refuses to hand over records of the hospital staff and Rachel Solando's doctor, Dr Sheehan who had suddenly left on vacation after her disappearance plus Teddy and his partner Chuck have been band from searching Ward C and they are also told that the lighthouse on the island has already been searched.The turning point is when Teddy begins to have migraine headaches, horrible visions of his involvement in the Dachau liberation reprisals and he also has rather disturbing dreams of his wife, Dolores Chanal who was killed in a fire set by arsonist Andrew Laeddis. Teddy decides to break into Ward C and he meets George Noyce who is another patient. George warns Teddy that Ashecliffe is performing experiments on the patients and sends the people who can’t be cured to the lighthouse to be lobotomized. When Teddy begins to leaves Gorge claims that everyone on the island, including his new partner is playing this delusional game designed for Teddy.The climax is when Teddy goes to the lighthouse and breaks into it. At the top of the lighthouse he finds Dr Cawley waiting for him. Dr Cawley explains that â€Å"Daniels† is really Andrew Laeddis, which was made up after killing his wife after she drowned their three children. According to Dr Cawley, the events that had happened over the last couple of days had been designed to break Laeddis conspiracy which was insanity by allowing him to play out the role of Daniels which was an anagram of his name. The fallen action happens whenLaeddis sits on the hospital grounds with Dr Sheehan; he calls him â€Å"Chuck† and says they need to get off the island. Dr Cawley takes this as a sign of regression so decides there’s nothing more he could do. The resolution happens when they take him away, Laeddis asks Dr Sheehan, â€Å"Which would be worse? To live as a monster, or die as a good man? † and then calmly leaves with the doct ors. The gothic setting is really important to the film in a whole as it makes us see the film for the way it is because if you have loads of flowers and bright happy colours in a mystery/horror film you aren't going to get the same effect are you?No, so all the gothic genre mixes with the plot and show's us the true effect of the genre. There are loads of gothic settings amongst the story line, for example; the island itself, hospital building, mansion, death camps, ward C, woods, cemetery, cave, the lighthouse, fog, the extreme weather, darkness, the lake, etc. But I am going to write about the main three in my opinion. The first one I am going to write about is the death camps because they hold a whole lot of darkness in their name never mind anything else.In the film we see the death camp through Teddy's dreams and we are hit with death and decay straight of the bat and then there’s dark colours mixing with greys to make the moment even darker and the whole idea is very e erie with its secrets which is important to the film because it lets us see a different side to the genre and not just the typical hidden passage ways and it also strikes up our emotions because we all know the uncanny truth about what happened in death camps.The second one I am going to write about is the extreme weather, usually there’s some of this in every gothic tale but I like how they used it in this film because they hit us with the mysterious storm and the darkness behind it which brings a very eerie feeling but while Teddy and Aule are out during this storm they run through the woods and into a cemetery where they take shelter, which is also two other factors of a gothic genre and this helps us see how dark the story is straight from the start.The last gothic setting, but the best one I am going to write about is the Lighthouse as it’s the ultimate and strongest gothic setting throughout the whole film. In my opinion this Lighthouse has the ultimate gothic fe elings in it, it holds mystery, something everyone loves but hates at the same time because the suspense kills us. It has death and decay all over it as people had died from time to time getting lobotomized, the darkness practically oozes from the Lighthouse.It’s very eerie with its location, surrounded by water and sharp rocks, away from every one which gives us an uncanny feeling about why they use it and all the dark shades of grey and black from the outside to the inside of the Lighthouse. But in the end of the film we also see it’s the place that holds all secrets and the truth, the place where the emotional extremes are held and to me that’s why it’s the most important gothic setting throughout the film. Each character in this film holds a very different type of gothic from a hero to a villain and then to a manic Byronic hero.The three characters I am going to write about give a different importance to the film, each give a different purpose from st icking emotions to making us shiver from the bottom of the spine to the top and back down again yet there’s always one you can't help feeling dramatically sorry for. The first character I am going to write about is the hero who in my opinion is obviously Dr John Cawley; he never gave up on Teddy when everyone else would have. He was willing to hold out and help him through what he had done and give him a chance to sort his life out and make something of himself.Dr Cawley did do harsh things, played tricks with Teddy’s mind, played into his second persona and even repeated stuff he had said to his wife, â€Å"Why you all wet, baby? â€Å", on the day he killed her out of revenge for his three kids but even with that considered it was all for Teddy’s benefit and I think that’s what made him such a good here character as he seemed like the villain who was covered in darkness all the way through the film until we see what he was truly doing for Teddy.This i s important to the film because it gives us a twist of guilt for hating him and it also shows a whole different side to the story. The second person I am going to write about is the villain who is Dolores Chanal whose plays the role of a murderer, a wife and a mother. But at the start we see a sweet house wife who had a very loving husband and she was murdered out of cold blood which makes us feel sorry for her because she didn't deserve it but as the story begins to unfold we find out that none of that was true and that she was mentally ill and needed real help.We feel hatred for her as she rips her family apart and kills her three young children and ruins her husband’s life but we also feel a deep sadness for her because she really lost herself to the point she couldn't control herself and she couldn't be blamed for her actions. This is the most important role in the whole film because if we take this role away there would be no film, the story would crumble without the vil lain. The last character I am going to write about is the manic Byronic hero who is Edward â€Å"Teddy† Daniels who is better known as Andrew Laeddis.There is so much to this one character that I don’t see why he never cracked up before killing his wife, he served in the second world war and he was part of the Dachau liberation reprisals which means he seen some pretty disturbing things that were filled with darkness and then he came home to a wife who was seriously ill and he knew this, â€Å"After she tried to kill herself the first time, Dolores told me she†¦ she had an insect living inside her brain. She could feel it clicking across her skull, just†¦ pulling the wires, just for fun. She told me that. She told me that but I didn't listen.I loved her so much. â€Å", which shows he loved her so much that he couldn’t just put her away so he moved to a nice lake house in the country thinking that this would cure her but it doesn’t help, nothi ng helps. So when he comes home after a hard day of work and see his kids dead in the water he loses his self and kills his wife, in a way I think he didn’t just do it out of revenge for his kids, I think he did it out of love and mercy for his wife so he put her out of her misery and because of this I can’t make myself mad at him I only feel sympathy and sadness for his loss.This all came as such a shock that he made himself a second persona were he began to hate the real him, Andrew Laeddis, he knew he killed her but he got that lost in himself that he made up the second him. All this is vital to the story as a whole because he is a maniac yet he is a Byronic hero with his troubled past and how he tries to become a better person but what really struck me is how the film makers made the last sentence in the film very deep and dark, â€Å"Which would be worse? To live as a monster, or die as a good man? , because we can see that he is totally cured yet he would rather be lobotomized to forget what he done than to face it and live with it and to me that is very dark and gothic. The film makers made this film amazingly good, each technique made us think differently to the outstanding setting to the mind-blowing characters. They used every gothic term in the book and made it into their own way and it worked out well, they defiantly deserved the award they gained for this brilliantly well-made film. In my conclusion you can see I have written why