This thesis provides a thorough definition of corporate branding, including its benefits when used as a strategic marketing tool. There are many who believe that the logo of a corporation is its brand. However, the logo is only one interpretation of the brand. The brand is the corporation's ethos. It is the fundamental character or spirit of the corporation. It is an expression of who the corporation is. It is the essence that links the corporation's product or service with its consumer through loyalty and emotional attachments. Corporations use various processes and methodologies when they begin to create and enhance their corporate brand. Corporations must define their corporate personality, build recognition, standardize, and fulfill brand promises. There are also obstacles and challenges that corporations face in their endeavor to implement a branding guideline, and the chance of overcoming them without defined leadership is unrealistic. This study focuses specifically on existing literature about corporate branding and cites case study examples to show what makes the best brands successful and where failing brands could have been more successful. The study concludes by providing insight into the future for corporate branding and offering suggestions for technical communication professionals who find themselves a part of the brand building and defining process. There are various rules to branding and traits that are common to every top brand in the world. By instilling its brand with such traits, and following certain processes with focus, passion, and persistence, and most of all a long-term commitment to the brand, a corporation will find its brand among the most recognized brands in the world.

共壹冊，約一萬五千字，分五章八節。 本研究的目的在探討： (1)國內個人核心生舌興趣的傾向； (2)探討領導型態，角色 特性及核心生活興趣對組織承諾的影響： (3)領導型態對角色模糊與角色衝突的影響 。受試者包括縣市政府人員 194人，中國造船員工 144人，太子汽車 102人，總計440 人。研究中對受試者施以領導行為描述問卷，角色特性問卷，組織承諾問卷及核心生 活興趣問卷。統計方法採因素分析，相關分析，典型相關分析，逐步迴歸分析， T考 驗，X2考驗及變異數分析。結果顯示： (1)國內個人核心生活的傾向偏向彈性及工作 方面，非工作層面者非常少。 (2)領導型態、角色模糊、角色衝突、角色過度負荷及 核心生活興趣均對組織承諾有所影響。 (3)領導型態對角色特性之知覺有所影響。

Ce mémoire examine le rapport du visible à l’invisible dans l’œuvre du cinéaste hongrois Béla Tarr afin de montrer comment cette œuvre fait sa plus grande place, quoique le plus souvent sous la forme d’une absence-présence, à la question du néant et de la mort. À travers une étude tripartite, tour à tour concernant le traitement cinématographique et thématique du monde, du temps et du personnage et de leurs fonctions, l’objectif de cette recherche est celui de montrer comment cette œuvre soustractive interroge le rapport de l’existant à un monde qui fait défaut. C’est la promesse, en partie telle que théorisée par Peter Sloterdijk, qui permettra ultimement d’éclairer la démarche tragique des personnages tarriens : lutte contre la mort au moyen d’un constant effort de soi et ce, jusqu’à l’épuisement radical. La notion de personnage-figurant développée dans ce mémoire se propose d’articuler ensemble les valeurs figuratives et thématiques communes aux différents personnages qui traversent l’œuvre afin d’en mieux comprendre, malgré les ruptures stylistiques et narratives, la continuité. Enfin, le dialogue engagé ici entre l’œuvre du cinéaste et certains concepts-clé de la tradition philosophique (le monde, le soi, le temps) entend montrer comment la première ouvre des pistes pertinentes pour une réflexion sur le sujet contemporain et son époque. / This master’s thesis examines the relation between the visible and the invisible in Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr’s work in order to shed light on the exploration of nothingness and death—mostly appearing as an absence-presence—in Tarr’s cinema. Through a tripartite study focusing on the visual and thematic treatment, as well as the function of the world, of time and of the cinematic character, I will demonstrate how Tarr’s “subtractive” films interrogate the relation of the self to a missing world. The notion of the “promise”, as conceptualized by Peter Sloterdijk, will provide insight into the Tarrian character’s tragic fate: a tremendous effort to escape death that can only end in an extreme fatigue. The notion of “personnage-figurant” proposed here aims to bind together the figurative and thematic values shared by the various characters in order to better understand the continuity of the work beyond its stylistic and narrative ruptures. Finally, the dialogue initiated here between Tarr’s work and various philosophical key concepts (world, self, time) intends to demonstrate how the Hungarian director’s work opens up interesting avenues for a discussion of subjectivity in our own times.

O presente trabalho analisa o contrato de fiança no Código Civil brasileiro, bem como a sua utilização na locação de imóveis urbanos. No campo das garantias contratuais a fiança representa a modalidade mais utilizada no Brasil, notadamente pelas facilidades práticas em sua constituição, bem como pelo caráter gratuito da sua prestação. No entanto, ao longo dos anos o contrato de fiança, tal como fora moldado pelo legislador, vem sendo desafiado pelos tribunais que ora suavizam as suas regras em benefício do fiador ora fortalecem a posição do credor, gerando profunda insegurança social e instabilidade jurídica. Por esta razão, neste trabalho procuramos discutir se as regras atuais relativas à fiança são adequadas à sociedade brasileira ou se estão a merecer uma profunda reforma para torná-las efetivas, funcionalizando-as de acordo com a finalidade a que se destinam: um reforço ao adimplemento em favor do credor; assim, defendemos que a confiança gerada pela promessa manifestada pelo fiador de que irá efetivamente garantir o adimplemento de um contrato deverá ser efetiva, por ser um instrumento a serviço do credor, visando pô-lo a salvo de riscos. Neste trabalho foram comparados os momentos históricos em que surgiram o Código Civil de 1916 e o de 2002, e apresentadas as origens históricas da fiança. Posteriormente, a dogmática do instituto foi apresentada com a sua análise nos planos da existência, validade e eficácia, bem como foram apresentadas as questões controvertidas envolvendo o contrato, com a apresentação de soluções que foram refletidas e julgadas adequadas, inclusive no campo da fiança à locação, posto que o instituto é de larga utilização no mercado imobiliário, tendo ainda sido analisada a Lei n.° 12.112/09 que reformou a Lei do Inquilinato. Por fim, foram apresentadas propostas de alteração do perfil dogmático do contrato de fiança, na esperança de torná-lo uma segura garantia contratual da qual poderá o credor se valer como um adequado reforço ao efetivo adimplemento aguardado e que seja dotado de efetiva força vinculante. / This paper analyzes the contract of suretyship in the Brazilian Civil Code, and its use in the leasing of urban property. In the field of contractual guarantees suretyship is the most widely used in Brazil, especially because of the practical facilities in its constitution and by its characteristics of gratuitous guarantee of ones performance. However, over the years suretyship as it had been molded by the legislator is being challenged by the courts that sometimes soften its rules in favor of the guarantor and sometimes strengthen the position of the creditor, creating deep legal insecurity and social instability. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss whether the current rules relating to the suretyship are adequate for the Brazilian society or if they need a radical reformation to make them effective, functionalizing them according to the purpose for which they are intended: a reinforcement to the performance in favor of the creditor, so we sustain that the confidence engendered by the promise shown by the guarantor that will effectively ensure the fulfillment of a contract shall be effective as an instrument in the service of the creditor in order to keep him safe from risks. In this study we compared the historical moments that emerged in the Civil Code of 1916 and 2002, and presented the historical origins of suretyship. Subsequently, the dogmatic of the institute was presented with its analysis in the field of existence, validity and effectiveness, and controversial issues involving the contract were presented with solutions that have been thought and deemed appropriate, including in the field of suretyship of a lease, once the institute is widely used in the real estate market. We have also analyzed the Law n. 12.112/09 that reformed the Landlord and Tenant Act. Finally, proposals were made to change the dogmatic profile of suretyship, hoping to make it a secure guarantee of the contracts which the creditor may avail as a suitable reinforcement of the expected performance and to be endowed with effective binding force.

The work deals with the possibilities of ethical education in the Scout environment. First, it describes the Scout idea, such as the Scouting principles, Scout values, law, promise and ethical education. It also deals with the origin and development of Scouting in our country and in the world and its main representatives. Furthermore, it describes particular Scout activities that take place not only within small groups but also in very large ones, not only in local communities but also in the world. There are meetings of peers but also of all generations. Several life stories from the totalitarian regime demonstrate courage and loyalty to the Scout promise. Using interviews and questionnaires, a picture of how members perceive the Scouting is made - what they value, what they learnt, whether it helps them to cope with difficulties. Last but not least, a chance to criticize contemporary Scout affairs is given. Overall, Scouting offers many opportunities how to influence both individuals and the society in ethical matters and how to make the world a little better. It enables upbringing for true humanity, helps us to fight against consumerism and individualism.

The thesis deals with a comparative analysis of the demon-lover motif in selected texts of English and American literature. The theoretical basis is the characteristics of the medieval ballad James Harris and some variations of the examined representation in the collection of traditional ballads by F. J. Child. Particular attention is paid to the role of supernatural in relation to the issue of guilt and punishment, in this regard, also the romantic versions of M. G. Lewis, G. A. Bürger and K. J. Erben are considered. The following chapters deals with stories that develop the demon-lover motif (the post-war stories by E. Bowen and S. Jackson). The literary analysis focuses primarily on the trauma of personal and historical past, and the related persecution of the victim, committed to the promise, to show the deepening of the psychological and emotional significance of the traditional story.

O presente trabalho analisa o contrato de fiança no Código Civil brasileiro, bem como a sua utilização na locação de imóveis urbanos. No campo das garantias contratuais a fiança representa a modalidade mais utilizada no Brasil, notadamente pelas facilidades práticas em sua constituição, bem como pelo caráter gratuito da sua prestação. No entanto, ao longo dos anos o contrato de fiança, tal como fora moldado pelo legislador, vem sendo desafiado pelos tribunais que ora suavizam as suas regras em benefício do fiador ora fortalecem a posição do credor, gerando profunda insegurança social e instabilidade jurídica. Por esta razão, neste trabalho procuramos discutir se as regras atuais relativas à fiança são adequadas à sociedade brasileira ou se estão a merecer uma profunda reforma para torná-las efetivas, funcionalizando-as de acordo com a finalidade a que se destinam: um reforço ao adimplemento em favor do credor; assim, defendemos que a confiança gerada pela promessa manifestada pelo fiador de que irá efetivamente garantir o adimplemento de um contrato deverá ser efetiva, por ser um instrumento a serviço do credor, visando pô-lo a salvo de riscos. Neste trabalho foram comparados os momentos históricos em que surgiram o Código Civil de 1916 e o de 2002, e apresentadas as origens históricas da fiança. Posteriormente, a dogmática do instituto foi apresentada com a sua análise nos planos da existência, validade e eficácia, bem como foram apresentadas as questões controvertidas envolvendo o contrato, com a apresentação de soluções que foram refletidas e julgadas adequadas, inclusive no campo da fiança à locação, posto que o instituto é de larga utilização no mercado imobiliário, tendo ainda sido analisada a Lei n.° 12.112/09 que reformou a Lei do Inquilinato. Por fim, foram apresentadas propostas de alteração do perfil dogmático do contrato de fiança, na esperança de torná-lo uma segura garantia contratual da qual poderá o credor se valer como um adequado reforço ao efetivo adimplemento aguardado e que seja dotado de efetiva força vinculante. / This paper analyzes the contract of suretyship in the Brazilian Civil Code, and its use in the leasing of urban property. In the field of contractual guarantees suretyship is the most widely used in Brazil, especially because of the practical facilities in its constitution and by its characteristics of gratuitous guarantee of ones performance. However, over the years suretyship as it had been molded by the legislator is being challenged by the courts that sometimes soften its rules in favor of the guarantor and sometimes strengthen the position of the creditor, creating deep legal insecurity and social instability. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss whether the current rules relating to the suretyship are adequate for the Brazilian society or if they need a radical reformation to make them effective, functionalizing them according to the purpose for which they are intended: a reinforcement to the performance in favor of the creditor, so we sustain that the confidence engendered by the promise shown by the guarantor that will effectively ensure the fulfillment of a contract shall be effective as an instrument in the service of the creditor in order to keep him safe from risks. In this study we compared the historical moments that emerged in the Civil Code of 1916 and 2002, and presented the historical origins of suretyship. Subsequently, the dogmatic of the institute was presented with its analysis in the field of existence, validity and effectiveness, and controversial issues involving the contract were presented with solutions that have been thought and deemed appropriate, including in the field of suretyship of a lease, once the institute is widely used in the real estate market. We have also analyzed the Law n. 12.112/09 that reformed the Landlord and Tenant Act. Finally, proposals were made to change the dogmatic profile of suretyship, hoping to make it a secure guarantee of the contracts which the creditor may avail as a suitable reinforcement of the expected performance and to be endowed with effective binding force.

Les actes juridiques unilatéraux des États, extrêmement variés dans leurs formes comme leurs contenus, contribuent à la formation et à l’évolution des normes internationales. Cependant, la présente thèse soutient que ces actes unilatéraux ne constituent pas, pris isolément, un mode de production du droit international ; tout au plus en sont-ils des éléments de formation. Parmi tous les actes adoptés par les États, certains seulement véhiculent des «prétentions normatives stricto sensu». Ces prétentions manifestent une certaine tension entre l’exercice par les États d’un pouvoir d’application du droit existant, en vertu de normes d’habilitation établies ou revendiquées, et d’un pouvoir de l’interpréter ou de le transformer. Dans ces conditions, ces prétentions bénéficient d’une existence objective et d’une opposabilité présumée tout en étant potentiellement contestables durant un certain laps de temps. L’attribution d’une valeur au silence des tiers intéressés apporte la preuve d’un tel présupposé. Ainsi, la représentation proposée met en lumière l’exercice par les États d’un véritable pouvoir de sommation : il découle des prétentions identifiées un effet autonome consistant à requérir les réactions des tiers susceptibles d’en remettre en cause le bien-fondé. Les protestations, reconnaissances ou acquiescements silencieux des tiers constituent alors la condition nécessaire et suffisante aux fins de détermination de l’(in)opposabilité du contenu normatif des prétentions. Du processus décrit, il peut être déduit que l’existence et la signification des rapports de droit produits par la confrontation des prétentions et réactions des États reposent certes sur des accords informels. Toutefois, le fonctionnement du processus révèle avant tout l’influence considérable de l’unilatéralisme sur la définition et l’évolution du droit international. Les États se voient en effet soumis à une obligation accrue de vigilance à l’égard des prétentions susceptibles d’emporter des effets sur leurs droits et obligations. / Unilateral acts of States, which are extremely varied in both form and content, contribute to the formation process and evolution of international standards. However, this thesis suggests that unilateral acts, taken in isolation, are not a means of producing international law; at most they are elements in its formation process. Among the acts adopted by States, some merely express “normative pretentions in the strict sense of the term”. These pretentions express a certain tension in a State’s exercising of a power of application of existing law, in virtue of established or claimed capacitation, and the power to interpret or transform it. Under these conditions, these pretentions benefit from objective existence and supposition of opposability, while remaining potentially contestable during a given period of time. The attribution of a value to the silence of concerned third parties is proof of such a presupposition. This means the proposed representation shows the exercising by States of an actual power of summons: the pretentions identified give rise to an independent effect requiring the action of third parties likely to question validity. Protests, recognition or acquiescence of third parties thus constitute the condition deemed necessary and sufficient to the determination of the (un)opposability of the normative content of the pretentions. From the process described, it is possible to deduce that the existence and significance of law produced by the confrontation of pretentions and reactions of States is based on informal agreements. However, the functioning of the process reveals above all the considerable influence of unilateralism on the definition of the evolution of international law. States are subject to an increased obligation for vigilance with regard to pretentions likely to impact their rights and obligations.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between participation in CTE programs and students’ graduation rates and rates of CTE students’ entrance into postsecondary education or employment after graduation. Possible differences between students’ enrollment in urban and rural school districts and their graduation, participation, and secondary placement rates were also considered. Publicly available data on high school students in the state of Tennessee were analyzed to compare the graduation rates of CTE participants with the graduation rates of non-CTE participants in the state as a whole and in nine selected urban school districts and nine selected rural school districts for the school years 2009-2010, 2010- 2011, and 2011-2012. Research cited in this study indicated that CTE participation could increase students' graduation rates. Some research also indicated that rural students were more likely to complete CTE concentrations than urban students and that other differences might exist in the CTE experiences of urban and rural students. Six research questions were created and their null hypotheses tested with a series of z-tests. Analysis of publicly available data for the selected school systems and for the state as a whole found slightly higher rates of graduation among CTE concentrators than among non-concentrators and higher rates of CTE participation among rural than urban high school students, but these differences were not statistically significant. Differences between urban and rural schools systems' graduation rates and their rates of postsecondary placement of CTE concentrators in education, the military, or employment were also found to be statistically insignificant.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of honors education to student success by comparing honors-eligible community college students who met requirements to academically matched peers who opted out of honors participation. Honors program participation was defined as completing 12 or more credit hours of honors-level course work. The population for this study included 452 honors-eligible participants with 95 honors participants (HPs) and 357 non-participants (NPs) from a community college in Tennessee. The sampling frame was generated using a five-year participation window from 2008 through 2013. Propensity score matching alleviated the threat to validity for self-selection bias by controlling for confounding variables such as high school GPA, dual-enrollment participation, ACT score, declared major, community college GPA upon first term of eligibility, parental income, parental education, gender, and age. Major findings of the study were: honors program participants (a) earned a significantly higher numerical final course grade in Composition II, a first-year writing course; (b) earned significantly higher cumulative GPAs the second semester after honors eligibility; (c) earned significantly higher cumulative GPAs upon completion; (d) were significantly more likely to graduate. Conclusions generated from the data analyses indicate that honors education benefits community college students and provide empirical support for increased investment in community college honors education, especially for high-achieving students experiencing poverty. Low-income students were defined as those students receiving the maximum federal Pell Grant award provided to undergraduate students with financial need. Within the study sample, it was determined that 50% of NPs met the low-income threshold whereas 47% of HPs were identified as low-income. These participation rates suggest that more low-income high-achieving students who could substantially benefit from participating in honors are participating less. Further empirical research studies and policy levers should identify ways to increase honors participation for low-income, high-achieving students.