Income Statements Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Income Statements Analysis - Essay Example The â€Å"profit margin† is a good indicator of how a company is able to manage costs in its operations, for example, selling stock. It does not mean that if the total earnings of a company are increasing, then, the profit margin improves. When the costs increase at a greater rate than the sales, then the profit margin reduces. The opposite of this statement is also true. Note that net income is a perfect indicator of the financial health of a company. Net income also indicates the performance of the of the core business operations. The net income is calculated by deducting the expenses from the sales revenue (Fridson, Alvarez and Finance Pro, 2011). As stated earlier, the net profit margin is computed from the net income and sales’ values indicated in the income statement and thus it is also important to discuss the income statement in this section. The income statement mainly includes the items directly or indirectly related to the companies’ activities. The activities can be primary or secondary. Examples of the items included in the income statement may include incomes, revenue, cost of goods sold, tax expenses and gross profit. With these items, we can therefore, compute the net profit margins, which are necessary in determining the profitability of a company from its operations. Before comparing the profit margins for each company, it is important to look at how each company has prepared its income statement. Emaar Properties PJSC and Arabtec Holding PJSC have indicated the particular items included in their income statements. The other companies have indicated the specific items included in their income statements. For example, Emaar Properties’ income statement includes the cost of goods sold, revenue, gross profit, administrative cost profit before tax and tax expense. The company has eliminated other, operating expenses, other operating income,

Discuss the extent to which an understanding of marketing would be of Essay

Discuss the extent to which an understanding of marketing would be of use to organisations other than businesses - Essay Example In as much as distribution plays a significant role in ensuring that marketing is successful, the event of developing and effecting a promotional strategy is normally worthwhile as it ensures that organizations realize the objectives that they laid out when introducing the product or service of interest (Cohen 2012, pg. 36). Over and above, marketing plays a decisive role in making sure that organizations remain relevant in the market for a considerable duration. As a matter of fact, global brands such as Apple, Samsung and Coca-Cola take marketing very seriously and customarily allocate a substantial portion of their budget to handle marketing issues. This essay aims to provide more insight into the aspect of marketing, putting special emphasis on understanding the nature of marketing as well as the role that it plays in any organization. Similarly, the essay analyzes how marketing operates within a business and outlines the steps that an organization can embrace in order to influen ce the judgments of a number of customers. The nature of marketing is such that customer focus is central, and activities habitually revolve around the customer. The primary aim of those who are involved in marketing is to ascertain that the needs and desires of the buyer are met. To this effect therefore, marketers can be forced to raise the cost of going about the marketing exercise, just to certify that the goals and ideas of the organization are realized (Evans et.al 2009, pg. 80). Marketing can hence be regarded as harbouring a dual objective as it ensures that the customer is satisfied and the organization registers positive returns. The fact that marketing certifies that the standard of life within the society is maintained portrays it as a social process. This because it takes into consideration the changing needs and wants of the community, puts in place an effective provision and payment

Prejudice And Discrimination In Social Care

Prejudice And Discrimination In Social Care As human beings, we socially categorise people as members of social groups rather than as individuals. The reason why we do so is because it provides useful information that cannot immediately be perceived and it allows us to ignore unnecessary information (Bruner 1957 cited in Smith and Mackie: 145). The danger of this social categorisation is that it makes a group seem more similar to each other than they would be if they were not categorised. (McGarty et al cited in Smith E and Mackie D: 165) The process of seeing ones self as a member of a group or self categorisation can have positive effects for individuals within a group. Tajfel (1972) argues that people seek to derive positive self-esteem from their group memberships. (Smith E and Mackie D: 189) As social care practitioners, we work with various social groups such as people with disabilities, the travelling community, young offenders, children in care, the elderly and many others social groups. These groups have been socially categorised and can often be considered as outgroups by society. They are often considered by society to be vulnerable groups and are often pushed to the margins of society and excluded from the mainstream. (Thompson: 2003) The definition of social care is the provision of care, protection, support, welfare and advocacy for vulnerable or dependant clients, individually or in groups (Joint Committee on Social Care Professionals cited in Share P and Lalor L: 5) Each individual who is in need of social care can socially identify themselves as part of a group. Tajfels Social Identity theory suggests that members of a group gain a self-concept and self-esteem as a result of their group membership. Seeing oneself as a group member means that the groups typical characteristics become norms and standards for ones own behaviour. (Turner et al cited in Smith and Mackie: 195). This, therefore results in members of the group acting in group typical ways. This theory can help us to understand the behaviours of various groups we are working with as social care practitioners. For example, a group of young adults who are engaging in criminal activity may be doing so as this behaviour is a norm within their group. It also enables us to see why these groups are considered as outgroups in society and can help us to understand why these groups are seen as oppressed by mainstream society. Tajfel s theory also tells us that often the individuals who make up the group are seen as uniform and their diversity is underestimated. This is certainly common with people who have intellectual disabilities. The ingroup, which in this case is the group who does not have intellectual disabilities, often views the outgroup, or the people with disabilities as all being the same. The individuals who have disabilities are categorised because of their disability rather than their individualistic characteristics and are therefore stereotyped due to their disability. Stereotypes can be described as over generalised sets of beliefs about members of a particular social group. (Schultz and Oskamp: 63) They are the views we form about groups as a result of social categorisation and reduce the complexity of the world into a few simple guidelines that suggest how members of certain groups should be treated (Schultz: 63) They act as generalisations about a group of people in which identical characteristics are assigned to virtually all members of the group, regardless of actual variation among members. (Aronson et al: 2004:466) These stereotypes can lead to both positive and negative evaluations being made about the members of the group. They can also lead to the target group acting in stereotypical ways, for example, one of the reasons why a group of young offenders may be engaging in criminal activity could be a result of stereotype threat. This refers to being at risk of acting in a manner consistent with a negative stereotype about ones group. (Schultz: 69) The group of offenders are seen as an out-group and may feel their offending behaviour is justified because they have been oppressed, but their treatment must be disproportionately severe (Harrower J, 2001:4) Prejudices, hostile or negative attitudes towards a distinguishable group of people, based solely on the membership in that group.'(Aronson et al: 2004:467) can have extremely adverse effects on the individuals within these categorised social groups. Any group that shares a socially meaningful common characteristic can be a target for prejudice (Smith and Mackie: 143) Prejudices against people in marginalised and vulnerable groups are prevalent in the society in which we live. By virtue of their role and the social groups they engage with, social care practitioners witness the impact of inequality on the everyday lived experience of people affected'(Share and Lalor: 110) Ethnic groups such as the travelling community are constantly subjected to prejudices. Much research has been carried out in recent years in relation to this. One survey found that 42 percent of the population held negative attitudes towards the travelling community (Behaviour and Attitudes in Ireland 2000) and another revealed that 72 percent of the settled community did not want the travelling community to live amongst them. (Lansdowne Market research 2001). People with disabilities are another group in society which are subject to prejudices. Often society has the assumption that disability is a form of illness (Oliver: 1990 cited in Thompson: 128) People with disabilities have also been viewed as not fully human, or even subhuman (Brandon: 4). Despite the fact that societys attitude towards people with disabilities has improved over time as a result of moving away from the medical model to the social model of disability which involves the integration of people with disabilities into our communities, people with disabilities are still not regarded as complete human beings of an equal status to the remainder of society. (Share and Lalor: 334) Research suggests that prejudice is learned from the groups in which we belong. Racial and ethnic identity is a major focal point for prejudiced attitudes. (Aronson: 457) Discrimination can be defined as unequal or unfair behaviour toward an individual based on his or her membership in a particular group (Schultz: 63) and is commonly seen in the area of Social Care at many levels. Thompson (2003) outlines many processes closely linked with discrimination. He refers to Invisibilzation, a type of discrimination whereby dominant groups are constantly presented to us, for example through the media, and are strongly associated with power, status, prestige and influence, while other groups are rarely, if ever seen in this light'(Thompson: 2003.13) This is true of many social groups in social care. People with disabilities are rarely seen in the media. Infantilisation, which Thompson refers to as ascribing a child-like state to an adult (Share and Lalor: 2009:278) is also common in social care. Society tends to regard people who are elderly or who have a disability as child-like and dependant, unable to interact in their own right. (Thompson: 88) Thompson also argues that discrimination occurs in other forms such as marginalisation, welfarism, medicalization, dehumanization and trivialization. The Experience of discrimination in Ireland (2004), a piece of research carried out by the Equality Authority, found that people with disabilities reported one of the highest rates high rates of incidents of discrimination both while accessing services and at work. Various theories in the area of social psychology focus on the ways to minimise prejudice and discrimination within society. Allports theory known as the Contact Hypothesis, suggests that intergroup contact can lead to reducing prejudice but only under a number of suitable conditions. These conditions are that (a) the groups in the situation have equal status, (b) are not competitive and (c) have support from the relevant authorities for the contact and (d) have common goals. As social care practitioners, we can promote Allports theory through the work we do with the various vulnerable groups we are involved with. This can be done by promoting social inclusion within the community. Although attitudes towards groups such as people with disabilities have changed over recent years, there is much work needed in order to ensure that this group has equal status within our society. The same can be said for the other vulnerable groups we work with as social care practitioners. The subject of prejudice and discrimination is highly relevant to the area of social care and with the help of research carried out in this particular area of social psychology, we can have a clearer understanding of the reasons why, as human-beings, we develop and utilise these actions and behaviours. By having this understanding, we can develop skills and mechanisms to help reduce prejudice and discrimination, and combat the damaging effects that they can have on vulnerable groups in society.

Irony in Edwin Arlington Robinson’s Poem, Richard Cory :: Richard Cory Analysis

In Edwin Arlington Robinson’s poem â€Å"Richard Cory,† things are not what they seem. People saw that Richard Cory had wealth, power, education, fame and good looks. They thought that all this brought Richard happiness. They all wanted to be like him . No one got to know who he was but only knew him for what he had. It seemed that he had everything yet it was not enough to make him happy. His wealth did not give him happiness nor did it bring him friends. Richards’s loneliness is what makes him kill himself. What seems to be true is not actually true underneath it all. In the beginning of the poem, Richard Cory is described as a person who seems to have everything: â€Å"And he was rich†¦/ And admirably schooled in every grace:†(9-10) so he was wealthy, powerful and good-looking. These are things that everyone wants to be. It is thought that money can buy happiness but it can not. It seems as if Richard would be happy with the things that he has but it was not as it appeared. The people and Richard Cory have their differences. While Richard was â€Å"richer than a king-†(9) the people â€Å"went without meat, and cursed the bread:†(14). The people were too poor to afford meat and despised their lives. They wanted to be like him and wished that they â€Å"were in his place.†(12) They thought they would be happy if they were rich like Richard. The â€Å"people on the pavement looked at him:†(2) as if he was above them. The pavement showed that they were below him and it emphasized the next line that he was like a king. The people seemed to keep their distance from Richard because of their differences. This makes him lonely, which leads him to his death. At the end of the poem, it is bluntly stated that Richard Cory kills himself because he was unhappy with his life. â€Å"And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, / Went home and put a bullet through his head.†(15-16) He shot himself because he was lonely having

Principles of Organizational Communication Essay

Two ladies wished to sit near one of the managers; the manager was unaware of this. As everyone took their seats at the tables, only one of the ladies was able to sit at the same table as the manager. The lady who was not able to sit on the manager’s table became quite upset and the following day at work refused to speak to the other girl. All the colleagues in the office who were aware of the situation did not pay too much attention to the dispute as they thought it would pass the next day, however as the week went on, the dispute continued and then other parties became involved in taking sides. What communication theories apply to these problems? It’s the leader’s job to point people in the right direction with clear, coherent, and consistent communication designed and planned thoughtfully and in advance. The leader of today thus has to lead with a clear direction in mind, and at the same time, ensure that the rest of the team understands which direction they are going. It is only when the whole entire team, together with the leader are working towards a common goal and final destination that success can really be achieved. Communication is thus essential because leaders must be able to communicate the goals and directions to the team other than being able to define it. Finally, they must communicate in such a way that the team will be inspired and motivated to take action. What organizational theories or perspectives are apparent? Principle; this is a narrower process of developing and maintaining procedures. This principle gives clear structure and rules which considers changing environment. It applies to the organization, powers, duties and its functions. In relationship to organizations today we do see that there is a rigid form of rules and power being installed by organizations such as the Unity of command. What information is missing? In week two the atmosphere became quite volatile and the work rate of the staff was definitely affected. In the case I encountered at work, I believed the conflict was just a clash of personalities between the two people concerned, however as the conflict evolved there became a deeper meaning to the reasons behind the problem, which moved onto to needs and expectations. What assumptions are we making about the organization, its people, and their problems? Lack of communication skills training. Lack of confidence in the quality, attitude, and management to the staff. Good idea to hire positive personalities that are good with people. This will help the company build a positive image for itself. Sensitivity Who or what appears to be most responsible for the communication problems? Good communication is the key to a successful business. Identifying the signs of communication problems is the first step in solving communication issues. Some of the things to look for are mistakes, apathy, lack of cooperation, frequent complaining, and poor communication can increase the issues. Diagnosing the problem and finding ways to lessen the impact can help reduce conflict and restore business productivity What are the shared realities in the organization? Empathy. The ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people. A skill in treating people according to their emotional reactions. Before make decision I think leader should think as the way employees think then they can make intelligent decisions Are the principal individuals good communicators? Everyone needs to take the time to listen and reflect on what is being said, good communication requires everyone to participate fully. Knowledge of a culture is key to business success and to recognize differences sometimes requires you to put aside your own sensitivities to do what is necessary to work together. Are the principals in this case assuming responsibilities for the communication behaviors? No. Both the manager and the employee have the responsibility of seeking clarification whether they understand each other to minimize conflicts between them. Skills What skills do the case principals exhibit? Analytical problem solving skills. Make decisions based on well reasoned assumptions. Alert to personal characteristics and relationships among the principals of the case. What additional skills are needed? Understanding the situation in which the problem is located. Sort out the relevant from the irrelevant, facts from the assumptions and goals from actions, and organize the issues into a clear exposition of the problems at hand. How could these skills be developed? Through understanding SWOT (strengths weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. It helps to convert wish statements into concrete attainable objectives. What overall organizational skills are lacking? The skill of making logical consistencies with the situation analysis that was done. What are the major organizational strengths? Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including problem identification skills, data handling skills and critical thinking skills. Application skills, using various tools, techniques and theories. Oral communication skills, including speaking, listening and debating skills. Values What is important or valuable to the involved individuals? Being able to understand and deal with the different viewpoints and perspectives of the other employees on their team Do they share similar values? No. Some need to display ‘aggressive hospitality,’ that is, be encouraged to provide good customer service to other employees well beyond their expectations. How would you describe the culture of the organization? Good communication flow, its diversity and various languages. Having people with different background and skills is one of the most important benefits for one organization. Are the individual and organizational goals compatible? Yes. Everyone is working together and is ready to give and take, help and support one another because the main focus is to accomplish their mission. All the team members have a common goal to achieve. Develop alternatives and test the â€Å"reality† of possible solutions What should be done? Everyone needs to have a brainstorm session to find a solution for the problem, that way there is high probability of obtaining many different and creative ideas. This effort enables the team to obtain many alternatives and implement the best action plan and assign the tasks to the people involved. How many alternatives can be generated? 5. They can use Maslow’s Hierarchy of human needs and it can be classified into five categories (physiological, security, belongingness, esteem and self-actualization).

Islamic Art in Europe Essay

Islamic art and architecture is worldly renowned. It was developed during the era when the West was surrounded in Dark. It was the time when the West was learning to live in a society while the Islamic world was enjoying their glorious time. They had mastered the language of social survival and aesthetic beauty. They had excellence in the field of science and arts especially chemistry, physics, mathematics, and astronomy, painting, sculpturing wood carving and calligraphic art, the dominant feature of Islamic art. The sea route of Mediterranean Sea spread the Islamic art and knowledge in the world of West. The elites would visit the land of Muslims so as to gain knowledge from Muslim and Jewish scholars and brought with them the memories of Islamic art. Later, this art was exported to the West and was the sign of status. This art brought the glory of Muslim into another world and created patrons of Muslim art. When the Muslim glory was declining, the art did not lose its significance in the world and many Muslim artisans and Jewish craftsmen were employed by the Christians to build extravagant and highly admired buildings. (Derhak, 1) The roots of European culture can be traced back to the time of Renaissance that brought a glorious time to the field of arts, science commerce and architecture. But long before this Spain was well developed in the humanistic and aesthetic beauty ingrained in the society which was at that time under the rule of Muslims. At the time when Europe a feudal society and all the powers were held by the Church, the Spain was booming and flourishing with half a million of population living in 113,000 houses and 700 mosques. The houses were properly built catering the needs of the people as they provided marble balconies to serve people in summer and hot-air ducts built under mosaic tiles to prevent people from cold and winter. There were gardens with artificial fountains and orchards in every house. The streets were paved and properly constructed. There were seventy libraries in Cordova, capital of Muslim Empire while Europe was unknown to the material, paper. (Derhak, 1) Students from around the world came here to learn philosophy, science and medicine. The society was tolerant to other faiths and religions which prospered the growth of art and architecture. But after some years, the period of intellectual and economic success began to decline and new Arabic dynasty was formed. Conservative in its nature, the new dynasty could not bring the glory to the Cordova society. At that time the Western society was growing and the Europeans were forming a lobby to drive the Muslims out of Spain. They set a system of translating the work of Muslims which had the philosophies of Greeks and Romans. â€Å"They translated astrology, astronomy, pharmacology, psychology, physiology, zoology, botany, mineralogy, optics, chemistry, mathematics, physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, music, meteorology, geography, mechanics, hydrostatic navigation and history†. Europeans learned a lot through the text of Moors. Along these texts, the Arabic music was spread teaching the use of flute, keyboard and harmony. (Derhak, 1) The values and ideas taught by Islamic culture were called the secular humanism as it drove the people away from the powerful grip of Roman Catholic Church and these studies were having the progress of human nature as the centre of interest. The rise of humanism was seen in the paintings created by Renaissance artists. In the middle Ages, saints were the centre of drawings and they were portrayed as the humans larger than ordinary life. The landscapes in those painting were heaven but the renaissance art transformed and saints were depicted of the size of common man and earth became the landscape of the paintings. Now the saints occupied similar to the common man. The renaissance art gave new tools to the artist to portray three-dimensional picture giving a new effect of illusions in paintings. The frame of the paintings was becoming more the frame of the window and the painting was the view of the place seen beyond the window. (AAM—The Renaissance Connection Lesson Plans Humanism in the Renaissance, 1) It gave the artists the idea of using oil paints and egg tempera in their paintings. These paints gave depth and roughness to the painting which gave a life to the paintings. The glass and ceramics which became the identity of European courts for three hundred years was brought by Muslims in Spain. The skilled technique used to make glassware more ornamental was practiced by Muslim glassmakers in 800 AD. These techniques include gliding, enameling and tin-glaze and luster on glass. â€Å"Italy was at the heart of sea routes in late Middle Ages and was surrounded by Muslim Empires of Turkey, Palestine, North Africa and Spain†. This link helped in mixing the cultures of East and West. Sea routes brought exposure to various forms of art and techniques. It introduced glassblowing in west practiced by east and learnt from Syrians of Roman Empire. This also diffused textiles, metal work, carpets and ivories, popularizing the motifs and styles of Islamic world in the West. (AAM—The Renaissance Connection Lesson Plans Humanism in the Renaissance, 1) The international luxury trade from 14th-17th century brought in a great impact on Italian art and architecture as it was heavily influenced by the items imported to European market from the Islamic east. The Italians adapted and imitated the imported Oriental art. The Italians have little knowledge of the geographical distinction of the foreign items that they admired. The paintings that revolutionized the Italian culture gave rise to the trade and travel across the Mediterranean Sea. Ceramics that were regarded as mediocre in Islamic society were admired by the Italian society and had great impact on the pottery of Italy. (The Islamic Influence On The Italian Renaissance Is Explored In Exhibition Tracing The Roots Of Luxury Glass And Ceramics, 1) The Cathedral built near Pisa at the end of 20th century has Islamic earthenware bowls called bacini are basically painted with the traditional Islamic animals, plants and geometric motifs. These bacini were also used as kitchenware demonstrating the diffusion of Islamic utensils in late middle Ages. It is thought that these utensils were brought in by Crusaders or donated by the travelers to local institutions or building projects. Bacini caused improvement in Italian pottery. The largest surviving Islamic bronze sculpture was brought in during the conquest of the Muslim Empires on Mediterranean shores. The Lion of Venice, another bronze rendition came from the eastern shores of Mediterranean Sea and was placed at the entrance of the Piazza San Marco in Venice. (The Islamic Influence On The Italian Renaissance Is Explored In Exhibition Tracing The Roots Of Luxury Glass And Ceramics, 1) The Abbasids Caliph in Baghdad developed a rich urban culture giving high value to pleasure and luxury in every day’s life. They developed silk weaving, ceramics, metalwork and wood carving in daily utensils turning them into the work of art. The tapestries, cushions and rugs were woven in silk. Clothing became rich and elegant and the daily utensils were given visual and demonstrative qualities adding the fun to use them. These items were heavily imported even among the Muslim Empire from Spain to China. Later they were exported to the European society when the wealth started flowing in their life. The items of decorations were also heavily imported which had no offending material to the Christian community as idolatry is not permissible in Islam. Most of the Islamic art were abstracts in which the sole or the dominant theme was religious. (Bent, 1) The human figures drawn or sculptured in Islamic world consisted of humans engaged in pleasure of drinking, horse riding and hunting which was also with correspondence of the feudal society of Europe. The jars known as albarelli was commonly used in Islamic society to preserve spices was aesthetically beautiful and showed style in its use. The ivy and fern leaves painted in horizontal bands in cobalt blue and gold metallic luster highly complemented the shape of the jar. The Italian Renaissance and Islamic art both emphasizes in the harmony of design, balance of parts and perfection of the whole body of the item. (Bent, 1) The main difference between Renaissance art and Islamic art was that European art was the representation of Greco-Roman traditions while Islamic art was ornamental. The depiction of plants was strikingly similar to the nature as they grow and behave. The borders or the frames carry most of the meaning of the drawing. The art influenced by the oriental imports focuses on pleasing the senses and enhanced the object. These art pieces lost their religious meaning of Islamic culture as the seculars or Christians employed the artists who were highly regarded for their craft. For example the basins which were used for washing hands before meals or prayers in the east Islamic Empire lost its meaning and were used as the containers of wines of Eucharist. Even the garments also lost their original identity. The silk garments which had woven Arabic inscriptions on them praising the Mamluk Sultan worn by the princes according to their statuses and adherence also lost their original representation and were worn by the clergy of Roman Catholic Church. (Bent, 1) The most important room of Italian courts, the bedchambers were highly decorated with the tapestries, in which Arabic inscription were woven, and expensive carpets, originally traded from the Muslim market or are the original depiction of Muslim art. The silk gowns which were presented to Muslim rulers for their statuses were then presented to European kings as diplomatic gift. The use of silk became so much prevalent in European society that later the princes were buried after being wrapped in Ornamental silk. Most of the silk was consumed by the Church as it was used as drapes on altars walls and funeral biers. (Bent, 1) The vessels made up of rock crystals, glass and ceramics acquired a sacred status as they became the containers of relics. The use of precious metals gems also started prevailing in European society and started defining the statuses of the people. The bourgeoisie proudly showed off the pieces acquired from the Italian culture. The use of such materials prominently defined the difference of statuses among the rich and powerful. The cost, rarity technique and the eastern origins made the goods more appealing to the European society. Sometimes the richest Europeans had difficulty in collecting luxury item in quantity like the Islamic carpets and Chinese porcelain. (Mack, 1) The Italians tried to establish local markets of such items but they failed to produce the quality and the design similar to the original item but some imported item became so popular that exceptional efforts were made to create an imitation of those goods which was quite similar to the original one. The imitation was so similar that it was difficult to distinguish the original piece from the mimic intricate indicating the sophisticated appreciation of Islamic art. The foreign art highly contributed in the development of the Italian art as these patrons and artisan were always in thrust of exploring and developing new techniques in art to give it a more luxurious touch. (Mack, 2) The script of the movement of Oriental art written by Italians have little value as at that time they had little knowledge about the geographical origins and foreign artistic styles and little has been written by Muslim authors. It is believed that cross-culture has occurred when a native artist migrated to another land and trains the patrons of the other society. Another way of cross-cultural development was due to the sketches or memories of patron or the traveler who had highly admired the art and culture and other societies and brought it to his land. (Mack, 3) The early transference of Muslim culture showed its early traces in Venice when a state chapel and a shrine was being built for the saint relics. A Byzantine architect and a Greek craftsman worked on its structure and earlier designs of mosaic decoration. These Gothic last of Italian art had its roots back to Islamic culture. It has its historical analogies with styles of Pisa and Norman Sicily. This form of art soon appeared in the state buildings giving great credit and honor to the Christian as they defeated the Muslim and drove them out of Mediterranean shores. Soon the Christian had full control on the goods let by Muslims as war booty and was used for commercial advantage. The Pisans and Normans styles quickly grew but were highly affected by the architecture of Mediterranean but significantly expressed the shift of powers. The conquest in west Mediterranean shores also created extensive trade across the sea routes. The variety of color and texture in the cathedral’s exterior ornaments bring to mind the great Islamic art of Spain and North Africa. High influence of Islamic art was depicted on the governmental and religious buildings especially in Norman Sicily and Pisa as they hired the Muslims and the Greek inhabiting the shores of Mediterranean. (Mack, 4) The geometric marble traceries screening windows in lunette above the Porta Sant’ Alippio at the extreme left of the facade is quite similar to the window grill of Great Mosque in Damascus. The striking similarities between the Islamic and Christian buildings created confusion among the travelers and they started considering the Dome of Rock as the temple of Solomon and Herod. Another example of such confusions is Al-Aqsa mosque considered as the palace of Solomon. (Mack, 5) The domes were highly regarded in Islamic building especially mosques. The trend on the domes in mosques can be traced back to the early time of Islamic civilization. The most original form is muqarnas dome or semi dome. It is truly Islamic creation and was not influenced by any other culture or civilization. They could be made of wood, stucco, brick or stone and are the most characteristic feature of Muslim world. These were later adopted by the Christian in their religious building especially that of Pisa. (Grabar, 1) The varied Oriental culture in Venice showed the growing trade relations with the eastern Mediterranean. The Gothic architectural style highly expressed the values and culture of the ruling class and also developed a distinctive dialect which had any words of Arabic language and this dialect survived in the palaces till sixteen century- showing the high influence of Islamic society in Venice. (Mack, 6) Later in the 14th century the theme of Italian paintings changed and they showed the arrival of luxury items from Islamic society and their use by the Italian people. The paintings, drawings and sculptures portrayed the understanding of cultures of East and West but these understanding were based on the imports of goods, religious and political strategies with each other. (Mack, 7) The fascination for Islamic art was beyond the bounds of Islamic world. The development of blue and white on ceramics in Islamic art was desirable to Chinese as well as Europe. It was highly bought by these societies for decorative purpose. (Bent, 1) The Quranic scripts written on mosques developed calligraphy in Islamic art. This decoration was applied to various buildings of religion, military civic and private use. it was the main feature and identity of Islamic art. The earliest surviving building of calligraphic art is Dome of Rock in Jerusalem. The inscription on buildings used to show the praise to God, construction date and patronage scripts on the religious buildings while the civic buildings had date of construction, details of the architects and artisan but most prominently it had reference inscriptions of the caliph to demonstrate his power and benevolence. Variety of calligraphic art was developed for aesthetic beauty. It was applied on many surfaces like wood, stone, plaster and ceramic tiles. Later it was developed on books, coins and metal wares. This form of art highly attracted the west due to its origin and writing pattern. They were usually used for decorative purpose. The crockery having calligraphic art was highly regarded for their classy use and was mainly consumed by elites. (Renaissance art and architecture – FREE Renaissance art and architecture information Encyclopedia_com Facts, pictures, information! 1) Works Cited AAM—The Renaissance Connection Lesson Plans Humanism in the Renaissance http://www. renaissanceconnection. org/lesson_social_humanism. html Accessed May 08, 2009 Bent. B, (1991), Islamic Art, 2nd edition, Harvard University Press, England. Derhak. D (2005) Muslim Spain and European Culture http://www. xmission. com/~dderhak/index/moors. htm Accessed May 08, 2009 Grabar. O, (1985), Muqarnas: An Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture, illustrated edition, BRILL Mack. E. R, (2001) Bazaar to Piazza: Islamic Trade and Italian art, 1300-1600, illustrated edition, University of California Press, California. Renaissance art and architecture – FREE Renaissance art and architecture information Encyclopedia_com Facts, pictures, information! http://www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1E1-Renaisart. html Accessed May 08, 2009 The Islamic Influence On The Italian Renaissance Is Explored In Exhibition Tracing The Roots Of Luxury Glass And Ceramics, March 23, 2004 http://www. getty. edu/news/press/exhibit/artof_fireshort. html Accessed May 08, 2009