Saturday, August 31, 2019

Family structure Essay

Abstract Throughout the course of history and from the time that human beings began to modernize and grow into civilizations, the beliefs of what was thought normal, the distinct ways of living; have greatly changed over time. One certain belief that is focused in this paper is family structure, the contrast there is between nuclear families and the extended ones. Although the United States has now a dominant structure, which is nuclear families, it wasn’t always like this. It alone has many different norms of family structure due to differences in socioeconomic status, the government, religion, media, culture, etc. Moreover, do other countries. One must think how these types of influences also play a key role in other parts of the world, for example the Latin-American countries whose main structure is extended families. This paper will focus on family structure in United States but Latin America as well. How has family structure changed over time in the United States? How has family structure changed in Latin America? How do these two different parts of the world, differ from each other and how do they compare in terms of family structure and what influences them? Finally, where might the future of family structure be headed towards, in both of these regions of the world? Keywords: Family Structure U.S, Family Structure Latin America Modernized Family Structure in the   United States and Latin America Family structure is a concept that has changed over time. As complex as it is, it can have a variety of structures, or forms. There isn’t a single definition for this term, as in there is not only one unique model of family, there’s no stereotype for it. As known families and the changes within them, are different from country to country and around the world, this is due to the fact that there’s different customs, values, morals, cultures and traditions, education, marriages, fertility rates, economy different industrialization levels among those countries, etc. However, the more outstanding change has occurred between nuclear families and extended families, because those are the two main family structures, and the ones who seem to be changing in this modern world. The previous mention facts provide  the reasons why this is happening and also how can it become in the future if it continues this way. The United States is a great example of modernization and these changes in family, because it went from a large number of extended families to an increasing number of nuclear families. On the other hand, there are the Latin American countries, that even though they have also modernized, they still have more extended families due to culture, traditions or education reasons. Using as an example this two different regions, which are completely different economic and culture wise. It will be easier to show differences and similarities that Latin America has undergone compared to the United States of America over time and why it is this way. Types of Structures Family is a social institution that unites people to cooperate with one another in groups, with the purpose of taking care of each one in the group. Therefore, there is not a specific model for what a family should look like. There are different types and ways of families living in households all around the world. For example: One-parent families, composed by single mother or father; families with couples that aren’t married, Blended families; singlehood, single independent people, adoptive families, single childs, etc. However, the two predominant types that have evolved over time and conflict with each other, those are extended and the nuclear families. The Nuclear family also known as â€Å"conjugal family† is a family composed of the two spouses and their children, based on marriage. The Extended family is composed of parents and children as well as other kin; this being grandparents, uncles, cousins, etc. This group is also called â€Å"consanguine family†, because everyone shares blood type. Nuclear families are often seen in industrialized societies, while extended families prevail in preindustrial societies. United States Family Structure Background The United States of America it is now a industrialized high income country that has fully developed; and in which many people seek to establish citizen ship, due to the ease of climbing the socioeconomic ladder or class mobility and also that there is that ease to economically support and provide for families in view of the opportunity there are. Then again, it wasn’t always  like this, economy and the U.S. wasn’t as developed before, and many things were different. Analyzing it from the family’s structure point of view, it historically went from being mainly extended families to nuclear. As it is known the United States, has been colonized by European countries; more specifically England. Then it is no surprise most of its trends, cultural traits, traditions, etc. comes from Europe. Moreover, they brought education. This was why in the time during the colonization form 1600 to 1700’s, the United States was mainly based in agriculture and faming, therefore they needed of many members to help take care of lands and help with children. They were also really numerous families because lack of education. So people used to have a larger number of children, because they weren’t taught how to avoid that, and because they thought the more children they had the better. But this went changing. Moving on to the time of the industrial revolution in the 1800’s, there was an economic impulse, and now that people where more educated and started developing individually, made nuclear families grow. As a result of this situation, the number of extended families went down; however the household population was still 90% extended families. The remaining 10%, who were mostly the ones with extended recourses, rich or wealthy; as mention before, were the ones able to educate themselves, develop economy and therefore, have less children because of ease it represented. On the course of time, around the early 19th century, there was around a 1% increase in extended families due the fact that during 60’s and the 70’s there was a harder economy, so family was needed to help with economy. Regardless of this fact the multigenerational families were still in decay. Furthermore, numbers clearly show this decrease. Parents and children living with other relatives have gone from 65.5% in 1940 to 46.2% in 1970. Also; according to N. V. Benokraitis (2010), â€Å"Two generations ago, the typical American family consisted of a father, a mother, and three or four children† (p. 03). These facts show how from the time of the colonies, the industrialization to the time of the 1900’s, larger families have lessened. United States in the Present Going further; to the end of the 1900’s into 20th Century people started to see more and more changes in family households. In the U.S. it started to emerge the less dominant divers’ types of family structures, making its way to even more developed country. The nuclear family is for now the predominant one cause the economy and the culture has set it as the ideal for the times the U.S. is going through. Although, and as mentioned before these minority family types are in erosion. In the United States these changes occurred because of cause and effect reactions. The three main causes are modernization, economy, and independence. For example, marriages, they are no longer what they used to be. Due to, conflicts that cause divorces; and not to mention, the seeking of independence among men and women specially. Bianchi & Spain, (1996) argued that â€Å"U.S. families are changing in response to a number of factors, including the desire of women to have more career options ant to provide better lives for their children† Bianchi & Spain, 1996, p. 6-8, (as cited in Macionis, 2010, p.368). Also, Brown’s (1981) studies found the following: Comparing the urban and rural parts of the country, between 1950 and 1970, showed that rural divorce were lower, fewer women age 20-24 were unmarried, and the number of children per 1,000 ever married women age 35-44 was slightly higher in rural America. This shows how men and women that live in urban place, tend get more divorces or be single, than those in rural place; where it tends to be more of a family environment. As a matter of fact the individual growth and independence is also reflecting in young adults, as well as adult. Almost 19 million adults around ages 30 to 44 are single and have never been married, representing 31 percent of all people in that age group, this is happening because it is more economic to only look after themselves, rather than for a whole family. For example: in the U.S. out of 117.2 million households, 78.9 million (67%) meet the bureau’s definition of family. The rest of the living units contained single people or not relates, and in 1950, 90% of household where families (U.S.Census Bureau, 2010). Despite, that family health is decreasing; it is fact that these single people are more capable of maintaining their finance, and paying debts. Blended and one parent household have also risen this past years. Trends in culture and modern life, have led people into be more and more unsatisfied with the people they marry. The demands are higher and conflict among spouses get sometimes into violence, abuse, etc. and as a result people get divorces, get remarried or stay single parents. For  example: from 2007 to 2008 the census dated that the percentage of children under age 18 living with two married parents fell from 77 percent in 1980 to 67 percent. In addition, Single-parent American households increased from 11 percent of all households in 1970 to 29 percent. Al this, has led to this last few years, the present day in the United States. In which; nuclear families are the ideal and majority, although this is evidently changing; and also a place where, families are no longer multigenerational, and if there are still some left, they will eventually disappear. In other words, it is a reality that family is metaphorically â€Å"falling apart†, in the United States. Latin America’s family background Many aspects of Latin American history compared to the United States are the same, however the difference lays on the way thing where approached. In Latin American countries’ history, it is evident that the extended families were more of a tradition in the culture before colonies, in which indigenous or native people lived in group and large families protecting each other, similar to the movie â€Å"Pocahontas.† Indigenous didn’t have any education, another reason for why they had larger families. Subsequently, around the 1400’s Christopher Columbus and European missioner, begun colonizing Latin American countries. During this process a new race was formed, the mixed race, which was a result of, the European missioners mixed with the indigenous. Europeans provided the native and mixed races with little if any education; and strongly imposed and established their culture, religion and government trends. For more than three centuries, from 1492 until the end of the rebellions for independence in 1826, European powers ruled Colonial Latin America. Spain and Portugal dominated the majority of Latin America. After that period every Latin American country had its independence. Then again, they still kept the culture and the Catholic religion as well the multigenerational family type of European countries. This remained practically steady for an extended period of time until the early 19th century, were the time for modernization and industrialization in Latin America started. However, until that time a splitting of extended families occurred. This meaning that extended families divided into two: the poor extended families, that where the indigenous families, that because of lack of education had numerous children, and because their poverty the entire  kinship had to leave in the same household, not being able to afford land or properties. On the other hand, there was the wealth extended family that was the white European people and the mixed race successors who were accepted by their European parents; being raced as white and educated at the same level as the white who stayed in Latin America. This side of the extended families, which were wealth and well educated, where the ones who lived in multigenerational family structure due to mostly tradition, and as a sign of well being and success. Further on, in the 1900’s, like stated before modernization process incremented and then the gap among this family type widened. Leading one into successfully adapt to modern way of living; and the other, into a greater pover ty. Latin America in Present Day Since The 90’s Latin America started to follow the path into a modern society. Even thought South American countries don’t have the industrialization level as the U.S., opportunity and economy has also risen. Therefore, Family change also occurred. Basically in Latin America has now divided its family structure into three parts and for distinct reasons. The first one is the wealthy extended families, which live in larger families just because of tradition or culture, for example: as Macionis (2010) states â€Å"Many Latinos enjoy the loyalty and support of extended families. Traditionally, Hispanic parents exercise greater control over children’s courtship, considering marriage an alliance of families† (p. 378). It is basically to have a better control and help with raising of the children. Second there are the wealthy nuclear families, which have followed more North American trends. Finally there is the poor extended family, which live in larger families due to lack of education, and also because help is needed with the raising of children. Even though the economy and the development in South America is not even close the first world countries it still evolved quiet fast into modernized life, with higher numbers of nuclear family. As a matter of fact, extended families are starting to decrease. It went being the majority in developing countries of Latin American two decades ago, to being now in present day around a quarter of the population in every Latin American country. According to the ECLAC (The Economic Commission for Latin America), around 43% of the entire population of Latin America is in poverty or below, and 40% of poor people live in extended family household. Which  means it’s only a 17.2 percent, the number of extended families in present day. A better quality education during the past three decades, has been another factor that impulse Latin American young adults and adults from ages around 25 – 30 f to make decisions in whether they want fewer or more member of their family, living in a harder, more competitive, and modern world. The tradition of large families helped Hispanics to be largest minority groups in the U.S., however, today more and more Latinas are making the same decision, and opting to have fewer children. (Navarro, 2004; U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). In terms of the other family types has also changed, although it is not a noticeable, some of types as; single child families, and adoptive families, have been becoming more frequently seen in Latin-American societies. Although, individualization or singlehood for example, is not that common in Latin American, because for one, in Hispanic countries is not well seen when a person around it late twenties –early thirties; does not have a partner or spouse. Comparing the United States and Latin-America Both backgrounds are mostly the same because both regions had the same lack of education and both where colonized by European countries, although this may be true, things in family structure turned out different because of the socio-economical and development approach they had. Comparing both regions, they both underwent that family structural change, and had almost the same results they both adapted modern family structures. However, the change of the U.S is higher in rates and percentage, because as showed by the research Latin American’s still keep some of their traditions, and extended families either being poor or wealthy. Whereas the United States has industrialized and socio-economy developed that the extended families are reduced to a small fraction, moreover, nuclear families have also reduced. Concluding Research In conclusion of this research, it is clear that in the United States family structure went drastically from being multigenerational or extended, to nuclear, and is turning into independent structure, as an effect of mainly modernization, and practical living. Following the same path, it is Latin-America, whose data shows that family structure has also suffered and  evolved into more nuclear and modern families. But unlike the United States, it still conserves some part of its traditions, culture, and extended family structure, generally speaking, it still in the transition from extended to nuclear family. As a result, of still being several steps behind the industrialization level of the U.S. Nonetheless, all country will get to the same point and this metaphoric conflict there is among nuclear and extended families around the globe, will further on be nonexistent, because there will be a majority of independent people, trying to succeed and survive in a competitive world, where there’ll be no place and time for family. References Benokraitis, N. V. (2010). The changing family. Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices and Constraints (pp. 03 – 25). New York, NY: Pearson Education. Berroa, R. (1986). An introduction to Latin American society: a background to its fiction. Literature of the Americas. vol. 1. Retrieved from: http://mason.gmu.edu/~rberroa/Latinamerica.htm The Economic Commission for Latin America. (2011a.). Types of urban households,by household per capita income level, 2010. [XLS. file]. Retrieved from: http://websie.eclac.cl/anuario_estadistico/anuario_2011/esp/content_es.asp The Economic Commission for Latin America. (2011b.). Poor and indigent population,urban and rural areas. [XLS. file]. Retrieved from: http://websie.eclac.cl/anuario_estadistico/anuario_2011/esp/content_es.asp Farrell, B., VandeVusse, A., & Ocobock, A. (2012). Family change and the state of sociology. Current Sociology, 60(3), 283-301.doi:10.1177/0011392111425599. Kobrin, F. E. (1976). The fall in household size and th e rise of the primary individual in the United States. Population of Studies and Training Center, vol. 13(1), 1-17 Larkin, M. (1966). Family planning in Mexico. Nation, 203(16), 508-511. Macionis, J. J. (2010). Family and religion. Society: The Basics (pp. 366 – 383). NewYork, NY: Pearson Education, Inc. Mogey, J. (1962). Changes in the family: Introduction. International Social Science Journal, 14(3), 411-424. Spain, D., & Bianchi, S. M. (1996). Racial differences in nonmarital births. Motherhood, Marriage, and Employment Among American Women. (pp. 6 – 8). New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation The United States Census. (2010). America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.huduser.org/Datasets/IL/IL08/in_fy2008.pdf The United States Census. (2010). Census Bureau Reports Foreign-Born Households are Larger, Include More Children and Grandparents: 2012 Retrieved from: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/foreignborn_population/cb12-79.html Zimmerman, C. C. (1972). The future of the family in america. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 34(2), 323-333.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Problems at Perrier Essay

The case study Problems at Perrier faces issues of resistance to change and strained relationships. By the end of this short essay we will understand two things about Perrier’s troubles. There will be a clearer definition of the key elements of the resistance to change and we will have also developed a strategy for dealing with the situation. The Communication Connection One thing that can be noted is management may not agree with the changes because of the unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge based on the real issues. Managers, at least as much as any other category of employee, are likely to have within their ranks a range of opinions as to whether a proposed change is a good idea. † (Palmer, Dunford, & Akin, 2009, p. 170). When the managers look back and see that profits were large and growth developed at a rapid pace, moving forward with change is difficult. Often people need to see what is in it for them or have a clear idea of why exactly any change is needed when t hings worked fine previously. Personal Attachment Change can be taken personal and have an affect on a person’s interest in the organization. People who have stocks or retirement plans built in as part of their income might show a strong resistance to the change. That self-interest shows concern for how the change will affect them rather than focus on whether it will be good for the organization. [no notes on this page] -2- Working With Change at Perrier 3 This personal attachment can be built on many factors and opinions which people use to justify their resistance. Something that is similar to personal attachment is the fact that the employee’s and management at Perrier had different ideas as to why the change was happening. They can possible take if personally because they have different thoughts and are confused about the plans being applied. According to the Nestle CEO Peter BrabeckLetmathe, â€Å"We have come to the point where the development for the Perrier brand is endangered by the stubbornness of the CGT† (Palmer, Dunford, & Akin, 2009, p. 183). A New Strategy for Management One of the most effective forms of delivering a solid speech and plan is to have clear communication. The managers at Perrier should help educate the employees and build a chart defining the connection between the change and new strategies. People can be afraid of the unknown and being uneducated and then not being involved with the change is relevant to the â€Å"unknown. † Nestle and the management at Perrier should have began a strategic plan by developing a higher level of communication between themselves first. Once that relationship was established, a plan to rebuild the relations between anagement and the employees would have been easy to build. Becoming Involved People like to generally be involved with things when it will have an impact on them, whether it be at work or at home. Jean-Paul Franc, head of the CGT at Perrier was continuously working against Nestle. Having the employees involved could have brought new insight and ideas into the negations which might have been relevant for Jean-Paul Franc to use in making plans with Nestle. Allowing people to have the opportunity to be involved also increases their knowledge about the situation and allows them to form their no notes on this page] -3- Working With Change at Perrier 4 own opinions which will not be based just on pure resistance. If they have an understanding then their acceptance or resistance will feel justified. Leadership and motivation can also be high points for management at Perrier. Motivation through education and rewards for increasing productivity could encourage new direction. Conclusion A level of support and education needs to be built into a solid f oundation for anyone to understand why change is needed.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Career in Quantity Surveying

Career in Quantity Surveying Quantity surveyors come in two flavors. There is the PQS, Private Quantity Surveyor, who works in professional practice and the CQS or Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor, who works for a building contractor. The Quantity Surveyor   is responsible for all the financial, contractual and legal aspects of a construction project.   The PQS will provide cost planning advice during the design stage of a project and then monitor the actual costs against the budgets whilst the project is being built.   Building contractors are often paid monthly in instalments on large projects and it is the quantity surveyors job to determine a fair valuation for the work that has been completed.   In addition the PQS will advise the client on a suitable form of building contract. The Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor will be involved in pricing work that a contractor is asked to tender for, letting packages of work to specialist subcontractors and valuing and paying for subcontractor’ s work. In the same way that the PQS provides cost planning advice to the client the CQS provides financial advice to the building contractor. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry.   As a student quantity surveyor, Ruth Smart worked on the McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs.   Listen to what she has to say about her work by clicking on her link.   Hit Back on your browser to return to this page. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry. As a student quantity surveyor Ruth Smart worked on McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs. The major one of this stadium was all of these they are called banana trusses because they are shaped like bananas. The steel wo rk that went into this stadium was very expensive. There is a lot concrete in this building as you can see all the seats. The whole structure is concrete. The seats are put on top of concrete. Steps, huge, huge money. The nicer bits are thing like you know the actual pitch, and the lights all these extras that you don’t think of which need to be priced. The line markings, everything we have to take into account everything, signage, big project. I studied quantity surveying at Leeds and years 1 and 2 was spent in the college learning, year 3 was spent on site at McAlpine Stadium and year 4 was my final year again spent in College. It wasn’t just text book stuff it was things like learning to build a brick wall. What construction was about the actual physical building of buildings. Surveyors who have been educated in Britain are viewed very well overseas. Two months after I graduated I started work out in Johannesburg, South Africa. Which was fantastic lots of exposure. Thrown in at the deep end was great running my own jobs.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Father and Son Relationships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Father and Son Relationships - Essay Example Psychologists argue that a good coach introduces specific skills at certain period, for example they say an athlete boy’s skill windows reside between the age of nine to twelve (9-12) because it is during this time that the boy’s body is developing the required enzymes and hormones. It is argued that if speed is not trained at this appropriate skills window then the child will never be in position to run as fast as they could as they grow to adulthood (Thompson 34). Basing on this argument, it is clear that for boys to learn their male roles, get role models and grow up to adulthood without social troubles, then they require closer mentorship from their father, coaches and teachers. According to Dr. David Popenoe, who is a sociologist, the involvement of father to bring up a boy child bring positive benefit to the child that no other person is as likely to convey. In this respect we cannot underestimate the father role in child outcomes, including cognitive ability, soc ial behaviour, psychological well-being and achievement in education. Young boys who have a caring father have better educational outcome, psychologists argue that such boys have higher IQs with good linguistic and cognitive capacities (Popenoe 56). Boys brought up by involved fathers at most begin going to school with better level of academic readiness and are said to be more patient with abilities to handle stress and frustration connected to schooling more readily as compared to those children with less involved fathers or coaches ( Pruett 41). According to (Goldstine 19), this father’s influence in academic achievement is carried by the boys into adolescence and young adulthood, hence making them take up male roles and avoid some troubles like drug abuse and unnecessary sexual activities. The young boys whose fathers is involving are better placed to be emotionally secure, always confident to explore their surroundings and in that process they grow older having good socia l links with peers. The probability of such boys getting into trouble at home, school or in the neighbourhood is minimal. (Lamb 42) Such boys are more sociable and popular among others. The coaches, teachers and at most father’s day to day interaction with young boys learn how to regulate their feelings and behaviour, they can study how to deal with their aggressive impulses and physical contact devoid of losing control of their emotion (Parke 109). Independence is an important virtue to any man. However, most men lack it and that is why they are always in trouble with their peers, teachers, employees among others. It is important to argue that since fathers often push for achievement, a child brought up with full involvement of a father coaches or teacher will grow up more comfortable as he explore the world around him and more likely to exhibit self- control and pro-social conduct hence independence. Most adult men in the world today are dying of depression; this has a dire ct link to father-child relationship. Psychological research has shown that young boys who grow up with close attachment to the father or coach are less likely to experience depression, exhibit disruptive behaviour, lie, instead will exhibit pro-social behaviour therefore they will avoid drugs, violence and other

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

A mini-version of a possible chapter of literature review for a Dissertation

A mini-version of a possible chapter of literature review for a proposal - Dissertation Example In this regard, current scholarly literatures agree that there is an important correlation between the teachers’ perceptions, beliefs and attitudes vis-a-vis inquiry based teaching methodology In this chapter, the research methodology that has been adopted in the entire course of the research was presented. In addition, the justification for the selected research methodology, the research approach, research philosophy adopted some ethical concerns and other significant facets clarifying the research methodology for the study. This was done in order to provide a clear frame in which the information and the data used in answering the questions of the research were gathered. In addition, it established the steps taken to achieve the purposes of the study In this regard, the purposes of this research are first, to determine and establish the correlation between teachers’ perception, beliefs and attitudes and inquiry–based teaching methodology. Second, the study aims to identify the factors affecting and influencing the correlation between teachers’ perception, beliefs, and attitudes and inquiry–based teaching methodology. ... 1. What is the relationship between the teachers’ perception of Science and inquiry-based teaching methodology? H.0. There is no relationship between the teachers’ perception of science and inquiry-based teaching methodology. 2. What is the relationship between the teachers’ beliefs regarding Science and inquiry based teaching methodology? H.0. There is no relationship between teachers’ beliefs regarding Science and inquiry-based teaching methodology. 3. What is the relationship between the teachers’ attitude towards Science and inquiry- based teaching methodology? H.0. There is no relationship between teachers’ attitude towards Science and inquiry-based teaching methodology. In order to clarify further these three main questions, some sub-questions will also be addressed. These are (1) what is perception? (2) What is the meaning of beliefs? (3) What is attitude? All of these questions were asked within the context of Science as formal subjec t in school. It is deemed necessary to ask these questions as these concepts connote broad definitions and scope. As such, as a form of limitation, the focus of understanding perception, beliefs and attitude were geared in connection with teaching Science as formal subject in elementary. These questions were developed to â€Å"give direction to the study, limit the scope of the investigation, and provide a device for evaluating progress and satisfactory completion† (Hatch, 2002, p. 41). Research Design Research design is the overall structure that guides the entire research endeavor. It provides the framework in which the conduct of the research is patterned. The above schema presents the design that has been followed in the conduct of the research. For the study,

Monday, August 26, 2019

Colonialism and African Culture in 19-20th Centuries Essay

Colonialism and African Culture in 19-20th Centuries - Essay Example Conrad outlines a European perspective on African colonialism in the story Heart of Darkness contained in the book Bedford Anthology of World Literature. The story of Heart of Darkness is based on Charles Marlowe, who spends his life as an ivory transporter in along the Congo River. He is a captain and is saddened when he passes the land areas and from afar, he could see black men working hard while under watch by armed men. He comes to hear of Kutz and thinks he is an icon. Later he realizes that Mr Kutz is a hoax; he is engaged in human treaties as opposed to Marlow’s ivory transporter job. Contrary to Marlow’s expectation, he obtains one of Kutz letters written: â€Å"exterminate the brutes.† Kutz was an agent who was gathering information for Europe. Every time Marlow would come near the shore, the pilgrim would open fire, but with the sound of his steamer and this would make them stop opening fire. (Davis et al, 18). Marlow finds Kutz letters when he dies. H e takes it upon himself to deliver them while still hiding some of the information back to his family and friends. To his fiancà ©e, there was a note written â€Å"to my intended† but he tells her that Kutz last words were her name. The company that employed both Kutz and Marlow had its interest focused on the whereabouts of ivory (Davis et al, 14). On the other hand, African culture and responses are evident in Africa through the story of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe in the book Bedford Anthology of World Literature. The story stars a leader known as Okwonko. He was the well-bodied leader who was the local wrestling champion in the village. The book concentrates on the influence of British colonialism and comparison against the African culture. The text also covers Christianity and the effects it brought to the people of Igbo community.  Okwonko is a leader who tries to cover his weaknesses and at all cost tries to avoid succumbing to his father’s fate.     

ACG Group Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ACG Group - Essay Example Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share (EPS) is one of the commonly used and defines the amount of money that a business pays per share of its ordinary stock. The ratio is a significant indicator of returns on investors’ money and influences interest in organizations’ stock prices. It is computed by subtracting preference share earnings from net income after tax and dividing the remaining amount by the number of ordinary shares for an organization. The EPS is a strong profitability indicator because it is a derivative of profits. Baxter offered EPS of $ 551 while Becton offered EPS of $ 5.69. The high EPS for Baxter than Becton suggest higher profitability at Baxter than Becton because it the organization’s net profits that influence the amount offered in EPS. The difference between values of EPS offered by the two organizations is also too wide to have occurred by chance and instead indicates differences in profitability. Observed differences in the two EPS ratio ns imply that investing in Baxter is more profitable than investing in Becton (Siddiqui, 2006). Profit rate Profit margin defines the ratio of gross profits to sales and shows an organization’s efficiency in managing its cost of goods sold.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Integration of Operations Management with Human Resource Activity Essay

Integration of Operations Management with Human Resource Activity - Essay Example (Nankervis, Compton & McCarthy, 1999, p.190). One of the changes is the increasingly important role of line Managers. In many organizations the people who implement the HR strategies are line managers. Line managers are often people from the lower ranks of the management hierarchy and lack formal management training. According to a study conducted by the Bath University for theChartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), these line managers carry out several HR activities like training, communication and people management, discipline and grievances and performance appraisals.(CIPD,2005) While HR managers have traditionally created job descriptions and then tried to find the right person to fit into the job, today's organizations call for integration among their components giving rise to the need for flexibility to use their staff as per the changing requirements.(Essex, Kusy, 1999) Job Analysis: In order to find the right person for the right job, HR managers need to conduct a job analysis to understand the nature of work done by the different employees holding different titles. This would involve examining the b. a. objectives of that job, b. the responsibilities involved c. relation of that job to other functions in the organization. d. the minimum academic qualification of an employee eligible for that job. (Russo.S) Once the job analysis is done, the HR person can look for a person who can take up that job. Sources for Recruitment -The selection and recruitment of 'the right person' for the various job is a laborious task. There are two basic sources HR managers usually look at - a. Internal Sources: HR managers can scout for talent within their organization in what is termed as recruitment from internal sources. b. External Sources: External recruitment on the other hand refers to recruiting personnel from sources outside the organization. Advertising, Internet recruitments, and employment agencies all play a significant role in the external recruitment process. (Bergman, 2001) Selection Process: The selection process follows many steps. These include a. Filling in application forms which must be designed to unravel the skills of the applicant and his/her eligibility for the job b. Interviews and Tests which allow the HR personnel to assess the suitability of the

Saturday, August 24, 2019

A Survey of Language and Literacy (L&L) Programs Research Paper - 1

A Survey of Language and Literacy (L&L) Programs - Research Paper Example This is a program whose main intent is to focus indirectly or directly on economic, social, or inequalities that are political between two parties by literacy. Literacy, in this respect, is referred as a type of knowledge. It allows one to access extensive reservoirs of knowledge thus the saying that knowledge is power (Whitehead 12). In many situations, if one compares the illiterate and literate groups, those individuals who are literate always have an advantage over those individuals who are not. When illiteracy is institutionalized, literacy would be extremely powerful and a liberator who is remarkably effective thus a form of empowerment. In reality, all programs of literacy have a component of empowerment. In this program, empowerment is distinguished since it is a central program’s feature.Empowerment literacy program has some conditions that are normally used in determining its choice. These conditions include An elite that is educated or rather a class considered as a middle class takes advantage of a group that is seen to be disadvantaged preliterate or semiliterate group. A community sector like certain groups clan has opportunities that are limited due to a limited access to literacy that could be intentional. A given community may be politically or socially dominated on the language basis and on education access. In this regard, illiteracy may block efforts of improving welfare and health of the masses thus limiting the meaning of any efforts towards a change that is political.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Next Plc of UK Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Next Plc of UK - Case Study Example "A competitive advantage is an advantage over competitors gained by offering consumers greater value, either by means of lower prices or by providing greater benefits and service that justifies higher prices." (Strategy - Competitive Advantage: Competitive Advantage - Definition. 2008). This has high relevance in the context of the increased competition the company is facing from newly industrialized nations like India, China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The report is also intended to provide required recommendations for Next to solve the issues faced by it in the present market. Next Plc is a retail cloth major that is headquartered in England. The company belongs to the clothing market of UK, which is the second biggest textile and clothing market in European Union. The major share of clothing market in UK accounts for the apparels for women, girls and children. "Womenswear is the largest sector within the market in general, clothing for women and children is worth double the market for men and boyswear." (Clothing Retailers Market Assessment: Largest Sector. 2000). Considering the higher boom in the industry the clothing retailers are at a higher growth pace in the market. The clothing market of UK can be split into everyday wear, high street fashion and top end ready to wear. The market players include right mix of departmental stores and fashion retailers. The major player in the industry is Marks and Spencer whose market share is 15% of the overall market. The most influencing governmental regulation for the industry has been the minimum wage. Due to t his regulation that added more on the costing structure, many companies had moved out of UK. The company that is been mentioned in the assignment is Next Plc which is one of the leading cloth retailer in UK. The company was formed in the year 1982 as a new meaning for the fashion industry. "Next plc designs, manufactures, and distributes clothing and home furnishing and accessory items to nearly 330 Next retail stores and through the company's Next Directory mail order sales catalog." (Next Plc: Company Perspectives: Company History. 2008). The company was able to capture a good share of market in a short period of time with their good branding and marketing strategies. The products of Next are characterized by style, quality and value for money. Currently Next has 460 stores in UK and over 100 franchisees outside the country. The company gives higher priority for customer service as a strategy to capture more and more market. Based on the analysis of Next on the basis of Porter's Five Force model, three areas of concern can be identified for the company. The three areas of concern for the company are market penetration, consolidation and product and market development. Market penetration is a cause of concern for the company especially in the present situation of increased competition. The threat of new entrants is higher in the case of cloth industry. And also the increased bargaining power of buyers will contribute to the competition. The strategy to be adopted by the company is increased product promotion. The product range of the company can also be improved on the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Nature-nurture debate Essay Example for Free

Nature-nurture debate Essay In this task I am going to be going to be discussing the nature-nurture debate in relation to Morgan Freeman’s development through two life stages childhood and adolescence. The theories that I am going to be discussing in relation to the individual are Determinism Choice and interaction Biological programming Maturation theory Theorists and philosophers have argued that we are born to be the way we are and some have argued that it could down to the way we are brought, our environmental influences and surroundings that makes us the way we are. This is known as the nature- nurture debate. Nature is genetic. It is what we inherit from our parents for example eye colour Nurture is the social, economic and environmental influences. Determinism This is a belief that our future’s our determined by either what we have genetically or by the environment and social interaction. According to Morgan Freeman’s biography, he loved movies from a very young age and when he started going to school he appeared in a lot of school plays. I would say that he had the passion but the environment influenced him even more, however in this case I would say that the environment, the passion for acting determined what he wanted to be like in the future. When he won the State-drama competition at the age of 14 that probably added to his determinism environmentally. I don’t think his abilities were down to his genetic makeup because the plays he took part in school and the training to improve his abilities, skills and knowledge. I can also argue that he had the abilities but all he needed was some proper training and guidance to make him the actor he is today. His experiences through these things training and school plays probably made him better since he was a very shy person; I would not say that it was down to his genetic makeup because none of his family members or parents were or are actors. Choice and interaction This is the belief that we can control our own lives through the choices we  make. When you are very young your parents make your decisions for you but as you get into your teenage years you start to make your own choices with the help of your parents. Morgan Freeman from a very young age had the love for cinemas and acting so he made a choice that he wanted to become an actor. I don’t think his parents told him what he should do in the future; even if they did as he got older he still would have had the choice to choose whatever it is that he wanted to do. He had the free will to take control of his own life through the choices that he made he did not have to pursue acting. I can also argue that it could have been down to nature he was probably born with the gift of acting and that was all he knew apart from other careers he could have pursed. He had the choice to stop because at some point in his life he actually stopped when he joined the army this was because of the influences he got from watching movies that had aeroplanes. But he got bailed out and got back into acting because that was his real passion drama and performing arts. I would say Morgan Freeman’s future to become an actor was influenced by the environment because when he moved from Memphis Tennessee to Chicago that is where he developed the love for, he would scour the streets looking for looking for empty bottles of drinks to cash in. However I can say that it could have been down to both nature and nurture because if you have a certain talent in this case acting I think you are more likely to pursue that career and that if you are influenced by the environment for example going to the cinemas to watch movies that is a choice but that choice is influenced by the environment The movies that he watched and the plays he took part in at school made him want to pursue a career in acting. I think Morgan Freeman’s choice to become famous has been down to the choices he made because when he won the State-side drama competition he got exploited and he enjoyed the attention, attention could have been another influence of his choice, by pursuing a career in acting opened a lot of opportunities for him and he got recognition by the roles that he played, however his success could have been down to nurture because I think it all fall into place. Biological programming Morgan Freeman’s biological programming was down to his parents. He is 6’22† in height and I would say that his father or mother were probably tall. His  body shape and size would be down to nature, genetic inheritance for example if both your parents are tall and skinny there is a chance that one may grow up to be like that. However body shape and size can be influenced by the environment for example lifestyle factors what you choose to eat and drink. I would argue that his behaviour was probably influenced by his environment but also it could have been, the area that he grew in there was so much racism. He was very shy and that probably influenced his behaviour even more to be assertive and behaved. His behaviour changed as he got older with the influence of the environment and the choices he made. Maturation Theory The ability to speak a first language and some aspects of development are thought to be an inbuilt genetic process. In Morgan Freeman’s case his ability and a genes that he inherited from his parents, development to speak was probably a genetic thing I don’t think Morgan Freeman had any difficulties learning a native language. His development whether it was social, emotional, intellectual and physical was maybe because of his genes but at the same time it worked in correlation with environment that he grew up in, because genes cannot operate without an environment.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Studying Literature Essay Example for Free

Studying Literature Essay Contrary to students within other provinces, those in Ontario should study only Canadian literature in grade twelve English courses. Although there are many existing writers in different cultures, it is important for Ontario students to first become familiar with Canadian literature before moving on. It is believed that students should focus on their Canadian culture despite being surrounded by other cultures- promote and establish their own writers, and encourage younger Canadian authors. Pupils currently enrolled in English in Ontario are constantly bombarded by American culture, when they should, instead, be concentrating on Canadian literature. This is starting to become a trend in Canada, as they have always been the â€Å"branch plant† of another country. This means that our own culture has never had the chance to develop as we have always been under the thumb of a more powerful foreign culture. This began with the influence of England and France; for many years students in Ontario would study Shakespeare, along with other British writers. This is no different than the impact of American culture, which swamps Canadawith American authors such as Fitzgerald. However, many schools limit a student’s exposure to Canadian novels to those found on International Studies Preparation (ISP) reading lists. In this sense, Canada is an attic in which we have stored American and British literature without considering our own. As a result, many Canadian students have problems appreciating their culture, since Canadian literature is not promoted well enough. It is no wonder Canadian students have problems appreciating their culture. The Canadian literature most frequently studied is typically old. This literature includes works such as â€Å"The Apprenticeship of Duddly Kravitz†, by Mordecai Richler, â€Å"The Stone Angel† by Margaret Laurence and the â€Å"Fifth Business† by Robertson Davies. The Fifth Business is quite unique since it was published in 1970– over 35 years ago – and yet it is still included in many grade twelve English courses across Ontario. A book that is seemingly closer to our time is Margaret Atwood’s novel, â€Å"Handmaids Tale†, which was published in 1985 over ten years ago. Although most teachers allow, and sometimes even encourage, students to focus on more modern Canadian books for their ISP, their classroom experience is usually limited to studying these older generations of Canadian literature. Schools and educators should start to get students more familiar with both past and present Canadian authors- this could lead any student to the path of becoming an author themselves. Another issue with Canadian literature is that the authors are primarily white (English Canadian) and not reflective of our modern multicultural society. As Robertson Davies states, 2â€Å"Canada is not going to have a national literature in the mode of those European lands where a long history has bound the people together, and where a homogeneous racial inheritance has given them a language, customs, and even a national dress of their own†. We need to promote the work of Canadian authors who have come from different backgroundsand who are able make a connection with our multicultural student body. As Canadians, we are lost in a sea of international influences – we hardly know who we are and this happens many of us realizing it. ‘What is a Canadian? A Canadian is a fellow wearing English tweeds, a Hong Kong shirt and Spanish shoes, who sips Brazilian coffee sweetened with Philippine sugar from a Bavarian cup while nibbling Swiss cheese, sitting at a Danish desk over a Persian rug, after coming home in a German car from an Italian movie.. ’, is an anonymous saying that practically defines the typical Canadian experience. It is clear why Margaret Atwood could comment that Canadians have issues with establishing their identity. When discussing Canadian writers she argues that Canada, as a state of mind, does not really exist: 4â€Å"Im talking about Canada as a state of mind, as the space you inhabit not just with your body but with your head. Its that kind of space in which we find ourselves lost. In conclusion, Canadian literature should be more recognized and promoted within our generation of young students. By familiarizing ourselves with our own writers and disregarding writers from other countries, we can gain more knowledge about authors from Canada and their literature. While some might view this as ignorant, taking this approach will allow Canadian students to see the value of our authors. Once our students have a strong sense of our own writers they can start to read about the achievements of American and British authors as well.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

International Product Life Cycle model (IPLC) theory

International Product Life Cycle model (IPLC) theory I strongly agree with the statement The product life cycle theory is out of date in the todays global business environment. I partially disagree with the statement Nowadays, firms should immediately manufacture new products in low-wage countries that offer lower wages. This would enable them to: experience low production costs, and sell the large quantities of the new goods immediately International Product Life Cycle model (IPLC) theory The intent of Vernon, International Product Life Cycle model (IPLC) was to advance trade theory beyond David Ricardos static framework of comparative advantages. In 1817, Ricardo came up with a simple economic experiment to explain the benefits to any country that was engaged in international trade even if it could produce all products at the lowest cost and would seem to have no need to trade with foreign partners. He showed that it was advantageous for a country with an absolute advantage in all product categories to trade and allows its work force to specialise in those categories with the highest added value. Vernon focused on the dynamics of comparative advantage and drew inspiration from the product life cycle to explain how trade patterns change over time. The IPLC international trade cycle consists of three stages: 1. NEW PRODUCT 2. MATURING PRODUCT 3. STANDARDISED PRODUCT New products are manufactured, produced and consumed in the developed (inventing) countries. Then, other high-income countries import it. Production spreads to other advanced countries. The standardised product begins to be produced out of advanced countries into low-wage nation. Advanced countries import it from the low wage countries and Next generation product invented in the advanced countries. Globalisation- Business Environment The tremendous growth of international trade over the past several decades has been both a primary cause and effect of globalization. The volume of world trade since 1950 has increased twenty-fold from $320 billion to $6.8 trillion.1 This increase in the trade of manufactured goods exceeds the increase in the rate of the production of these goods by three times. As a result, consumers around the world now enjoy a broader selection of products than ever before. Additionally, a whole host of U.S. government agencies and international institutions has been established to help manage the ever-growing flow of goods, services, and capital. Although increased international trade has spurred tremendous economic growth across the globe - raising incomes, creating jobs, reducing prices, and increasing workers earning power trade can also bring about certain kinds of economic, political, and social disruption. Because the global economy is so interconnected, when large economies suffer recessions, the effects are felt around the world. Trade decreases, and domestic jobs and businesses are lost. In the same way that globalization can be a boon for international trade; it can also have a crushing impact(www.globalization101.org) Offshoreing trend lower wages The shift of productive capacity from the advanced countries to poor countries can be viewed as a commonality of interest among advanced country business groups and Third World elites, who act in concert against workers both in the U. S. and in developing countries. It can also be viewed as a strategy to change the balance of power between Capital and Labour. By shifting production to jurisdictions which favour Capital, owners gain a larger share of revenue and power, while workers everywhere suffer Multinational enterprises (MNEs) had provided huge number of the employment in countries like Indonesian, Vietnam. It not only solves the countries unemployment rate furthermore it will increase the country GDP and lead to the industrialization process of the country by learning the technical know-hows and other industrial automation process. Countries Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow will increase; it will improve the exchange and currency rates .Good Employment opportunities directs to better living standard and high purchasing power. Nevertheless, the poor wages, Vietnam and low wage nations can welcome the offshore trend and implement the foreign policies accordingly. Over the last two decades, the advanced economies experienced a boom in off shoring and a doubling of imports of manufactured goods from low-wage countries. Over this same period, approximately 6 million jobs were lost in manufacturing and income inequality increased sharply.These parallel developments led many critics of globalisation to conclude that good manufacturing jobs were being shipped overseas at the expense of the domestic labour force, putting downward pressure on wages of American workers. Concern over these developments led the US Congress to pass the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Yet whether these changes in the US labour market are a result of rising import competition or relocation by multinationals to other countries (known as off shoring) is not clear. Paul Krugman (2008) claims that we will never know. He asks How can we quantify the actual effect of rising trade on wages?, and then answers: The answer, given the current state of the data, is that we cant. Yet Krugman suspects that the dramatic increase in manufactured imports from developing countries since the early 1990s has contributed to increasing income inequality. Earlier studies explained rising inequality as a result of technological change which favours skilled workers, a falling minimum wage, or weaker unions (Autor, Katz and Kearney 2008). Larry Katz and David Autor agree with Krugman, arguing that international trade and offshoring will be increasingly important rivers of wages in the future. Theoretically capital mobility should result in higher wages for workers in the developing world, but often it does not. An egregious example of this phenomenon is Nike, the sports shoe manufacturer. Nike makes shoes by contracting with producers in Asian countries. Aggressively seeking the lowest cost, Nike recently moved production from Korea to Indonesia, a military dictatorship which violently represses union activity. The shoes you pay $80 for in the United States are assembled by Indonesian women, working in squalid factories, who receive approximately twelve cents per pair http://home.home.pacbell.net/jfcowan) Benefits of relocating to poor countries For certain occupations there is a greater availability of highly skilled and experienced employees overseas for example manufacturing skills in china and Information technology, Bangalore, India. Cost advantage Companies can save 30-50% compared to the cost of a U.S.-based employee for the same level of performance, and of ten times the offshore employees are more committed, grateful for the work. By using an offshore employee, you eliminate the time you would normally spend on searching job boards, recruiting, interviewing, orientation, managing vacation time and absenteeism, career coaching, and managing employee morale and motivation. Employee issues can be time-consuming and can escalate into legal liabilities. Using offshore staff eliminates certain legal exposure to employment liabilities. Flexibility Unlike traditional employee relationships, off shoring eliminates hiring and termination costs, allowing companies to quickly expand and contract their overseas staff in accordance with business needs. Challenges and considerations Before deciding the relocation plant, the firm has to address the key challenges with respect to cultural, Tax policy, cost savings. Different cultures have different life styles, different attitudes toward conflict resolution and simply different ways of getting work done. Offshore outsourcing is a politically charged issue nowadays, for example the current US government has passed the bill against outsourcing. Expected cost savings might not result from offshore outsourcing. The offshore staff might not turn out to be as productive as expected. Quality of the product also matters for the firm Brand equity. Off shoring can lead to low production cost, if the firm can address all the above mentioned challenges. But, selling the large quantities of the new goods immediately in the poor and low wages countries are always uncertain and it is a risky process also. Every firm has their unique marketing plan and strategy of their products. But, in general poor countries Gross Domestic Product(GDP), Income per captia, and purchasing power of the consumers very less when compare with advanced countries like UK,USA,Germany,France.Canada. Selling a new product in the market requires lot of marketing research and sampling. Due to the uncertain market environment, political disability and consumer behaviour firms are finding difficulties in implementing marketing plan and strategies for the poor countries. In my opinion selling the new goods in the poor countries requires deep understanding of local market and consumer tastes. As per the WTO and ILO reports, more than 3.5 billion people are living in the poor countries. So, firms should understand the culture, life style, of the people to market and sell their products. The plant location and country alone cant decide the success of their products. Findings and recommendations Todays globalization and dynamic business environment has made Production life cycle Theory out of date. Global trade has increased significantly in the last 10- 15 years, thanks to the globalisation world but in the same time inequalities are also increasing. Shifting the production facility or off shoring the manufacturing jobs can increase the profit of the firm due to talent pool, low wages in the poor countries but to achieve this, it has to addresses the challenges of off shoring and draft the business strategies and plans effectively. But quality of the product /service and productivity are the major concern to be addresses by the off shore industry. GDP, income per captia, purchasing power, consumer behaviours are the major deciding factors for buying a new product in any part of the world. All poor countries above mentioned ratios are very less when compare to advanced countries .So launching a new product in poor countries is risky and uncertain even though the product is m anufactured in the same country. Firms should analyze the marketing plans strategy for the poor countries and apply in the poor counties with respect to the market and other demographic factors. Conclusion Globalisation phenomenon gaining across the globe. Trade and culture are exchanging rapidly, thaks, to the advance technology. Shifting the production jobs or off shoring the manufactured jobs has their own advantage and disadvantages. Off shoring has lot of benefits to their own or home country (capital abundant) and new host country (labour abundant) as well. in the same time it has to address the lot of issue in both host and home country with respect to culture, tax policy , environment and other factors. In the open market world firms have the rights to maximize the profits doing offshoreing if obey the terms and condition of the both own and host countries and it should be follow the framework of WTO and ILO

Politicians and Poachers Essay -- Zambian Wildlife Policy, Government

In his book Politicians and Poachers, Charles Gibson analyzes the origins and effects of governmental â€Å"institutions† on Zambian wildlife policy. Keeping in mind his definition of what an institution is- it’s origins, what it does, and what it represents- one can apply his analysis to the nature of tourism. When so much of the tourist industry relies on what is seen as â€Å"authentic† and how it is determined, it is important to focus on how various institutions shape Western and local thought. Charles Gibson puts forth a definition of â€Å"institutions†, on which he bases his argument about Zambian wildlife policy. He says that, essentially, they are the result of â€Å"voluntary exchanges between relatively equal actors who are seeking mutually welfare-enhancing outcomes† . This definition is rather broad; it includes almost any organization with a common goal. However, Gibson narrows this too a more self-serving sense, saying that in addition an institution â€Å"features individuals†¦who seek to†¦augment their private well-being, not society’s†(Gibson 11). Moreover, they seek to â€Å"protect their streams of benefit from uncertainty† (Gibson 11). Therefore, a definition that once included any and all groups of people is now limited to a collection of people who not only seek to further and protect their own gains, but those who do so with only themselves in mind. Such an institution, according to Gibson’s definition, can prove to be very problematic, especially in a political realm. A leader of any sort, in office through election or use of force, who adheres to this sort of government institution, can do little to no good for their country. Such an institution does not have to stem from an individual; â€Å"weaker groups could agree to instit... ...ups of Kenya are equally valued†. This performance is not meant for foreigners; it is â€Å"an ethnic theme park for domestic tourists† (Bruner, Gmelch 209). Those cultural institutions that seem farfetched or overproduced are less likely to be deemed legitimate because they strive not to benefit the community but themselves. Charles Gibson, in his book Politicians and Poachers, establishes the framework of political and governmental institutions and their role in wildlife policy. However, it is not limited to state action; one can apply his basic definition to social and cultural institutions and their influence on the tourist industry. Because tourism, where people go, and how they spend their money are dependent on the concept of â€Å"authenticity†, it is vital that tourist attractions seem genuine, but not to the extent that this legitimacy seems falsified.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Renaissance and Humanism Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Pape

The Renaissance and Humanism You may wonder about, "The Renaissance" and its relationship to another term, "humanism" which fits into the same time period. If you check the dictionary, you will find that both terms can be used in a broad sense or more specifically. Humanism refers generally to a "devotion to the humanities: literary culture." (My definitions come from Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). According to that definition we should all be humanists. The other general meaning is the one that disturbs the fundamentalists who attack secular humanism: "a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason." This definition places human beings at the center of the universe, capable of finding their way by human reason without the help of a supernatural God. It comes under attack from two sides--on one hand by those who defend religious values, on the other by some members of the scientific community who see humans as a kind of accident in a world without purpose. Humanism can also refer to a specific happening in history: "the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns characteristic of the Renaissance." The phrase "characteristic of the Renaissance" shows how ambivalent is the relationship between the two terms, humanism and Renaissance. In other words, which term is the broader, encompassing the other? We associate both with the revival or rebirth of Greco-Roman civilization. Both have been broadened to include more than that. The more specific meaning of the Renaissa... ...oser to Erasmus' position. Perhaps Mennonites have tended to teach grace and live by works. Grierson suggests that Spenser's Fairie Queene comes closest to the spirit of Luther because of its emphasis on grace whereas Milton's Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained reminds us of Erasmas--of the responsibility of humankind to make "a new earth" (26). In conclusion, I believe that each generation must examine the conflict (real or imagined) between the "desire for amusement" and religion, for the answers are neither simple nor abstract. Each "renaissance" period requires a reworking of our responses. Works Cited Abrams, M. H., ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol I. 5th Ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1986. Grierson, Herbert. Cross-Currents in 17th Century English Literature: The World, he Flesh, and the Spirit. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Comparing The Dead and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Essay

The Dead and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man    Unlike the preceding stories in Dubliners, which convey the basic theme of paralysis, "The Dead" marks a departure in Joyce's narrative technique.   As one critic notes, in this final story of Dubliners:   "The world of constant figures has become one of forces that, in relation to each other, vary in dimension and direction" (Halper 31).   Epstein has offered some insight into Joyce's technique in Portrait: "Each section . . . contains significant 'timeless' moments in the life of the artist, selected from a lifetime of events.   The reader's attention traces the line of the curve from one point to the next until the complete curve is defined. . . . Both he [the artist] and the reader became completely aware of the landscape of his soul and the nature of it"   (103). The above excerpt is provided for the benefit of the student only.   The complete essay begins below. To venture into the morass of Joycean scholarship reminds one of the closing lines of the poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold.   It reads: ...The world, which seems To lie before us like a land of dreams, So various, so beautiful, so new, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain; And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Where ignorant armies clash by night. ( 1148 ) The sense of anxious hope captured in these lines is much like the struggle experienced by one seeking to offer a fresh perspective on the complex works of James Joyce.   On a deeper level, though, the poem suggests an important aspect of Joyce's prose.   Arnold's poem is often singled out as a prime exa... ....   New   York:   Penguin, 1976. Levin, Harry.   "The Artist." James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man:  Ã‚   Text, Criticism, and Notes.   Ed.   Chester G. Anderson.   New York:   Penguin,   1968.   399-415. Loe, Thomas.   "'The Dead' as Novella."   James Joyce Quarterly 28 (1991):   485-98. Power, Arthur.   Conversations with James Joyce.   Ed. Clive Hart.   London:   Ã‚  Millington, 1974. Torchiana, Donald T.   Backgrounds for Joyces' Dubliners.   Winchester, MA:   Allen   and Unwin, 1986. Welsh, James M.   "The Dead."   Masterplots II:   Short Story Series 5   Ed. Frank N.   Magill.   Pasadena, CA:   Salem Press, 1986, 510-15. Winters, Kirk.   "Joyce's Ulysses as Poem:   Rhythm, Rhyme, and Color in   "Wandering Rocks."   Emporia State Research Studies 31 (Winter 1983), 5-44. Wright, David G.   Characters of Joyce.   Dublin:   Gill and Macmillan, 1983.   

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Managing AIDS

Introduction In the situation with Frank Deloisio, a middle manager who had AIDS, Jean Langone Smith had one of the greatest tests of her career. She was encountered a case of the type which so many managers can come across, as one in every 250 Americans has been diagnosed with the plague of the twentieth century, yet the situation is so delicate that few books can help a person in managing position to sort out the ethical issues that relate to it. Managing AIDS: Issues To Confront In a sense, managing a person diagnosed with AIDS is similar to managing any other person who has been diagnosed with a different terminal illness like cancer or tuberculosis in the final stages. However, AIDS is a special social phenomenon due to the stigma associated with this contagious disease. It has come to symbolize the bohemian lifestyle of the homosexuals and prostitutes, and many people feel that a person is to blame for having incurred such a condition. Besides, despite the medical professionals’ assurances, there are still fears that a person with this condition may infect somebody in the environment, which makes the removal of such a person from the group desirable for some. One more issue that was associated with AIDS in Frank’s case was his frequent absences. He in some ways had to use Jean and others to be able to pay for his disease. The employees at DEC had to put in extra time and carry the extra workload to compensate for his frequent treatments. Besides, people were not even informed about the reason of his absences, and thus had a reason to believe that he was merely using them to take time off work to attend to his personal matters. Utilitarian Perspective If Jean had viewed the happenings from a utilitarian perspective, she would merely be concerned with the consequences of her decisions, and in evaluating those consequences, her primary focus would be the amount of happiness or unhappiness of the people that would result from it. Thus, dismissal of Frank Deloisio seems a plausible option. If he had been fired for his illness, the company would have to replace him with a different person who would most likely be able to handle the responsibilities, devoting more time to them. Then all the employees would be happy, as they would be relieved of their extra responsibility. As for Frank, he would be less important, as his troubles are those of a single person. Deontological Perspective From a deontological view, it is necessary to do what is right regardless of the consequences. The view taken and the practical steps depend on the stance adopted towards what is right or wrong. Thus, if the right thing is standing by the sick person, then the right thing is to help Frank in his predicament, sharing his responsibilities. One could say that a sick person is not able to care for oneself, and thus it is correct from the ethical standpoint to share the benefits available to other people to help the sick one. On the other hand, if one adopts the view that the ultimate good is efficiency, then Frank’s dismissal is a viable option as he is clearly in the way of the company’s success. His replacement with a different person would contribute to the efficient functioning of the company as a whole. Fairness to AIDS-Infected Person Fairness means dealing with people honestly and in accordance with principles. In this sense, the manager’s obligation consists in dealing with employees fairly, without bias or prejudice. Thus, a person suffering from AIDS should be dealt with in the same manner as any other person who is suffering from a serious health disorder. This also means that the manager should induce all the employees to treat the one infected with AIDS in the same manner. Thinking about Rights Maintaining the rights of a person requires the adherence to a certain set of principles. For instance, the sick person has the right to confidentiality, and this is what Jean has been trying to do for Frank. Besides, Frank was also entitled to company’s medical insurance, and the full coverage of the costs associated with his illness. Regarding a case from this perspective involves the maintenance of a number of basic principles, but there is always the danger that something might fall through the cracks. For instance, if the person is not entitled to a change in job responsibilities, this will not be pursued by the manager as it is not part of the sick employee’s specified rights. How Jean Did Jean, although unprepared to deal with a situation like that, lived up to the challenge of solving organizational problems in her department. She was not reached by the AIDS programs to the extent that she could derive her knowledge of what she could do from that source, and thus she was acting based on her own ethical judgement. Jean went far beyond what was necessary according to the formalities at the company. She assisted Frank in adjusting his responsibilities to suit his current health conditions, and even had an idea to coin a new position designed for him where he could emphasize his technical skills, without putting pressure on him that he could not handle. When his health deteriorated, she relaxed his responsibilities even further. This raised her authority with the personnel, allowing people at the company to see that she was ready to go beyond what was prescribed by the rules to accommodate her employees. In a way, her own ethical perspective was changed: if previously she looked at the people as professionals, restricting her relationship with them as a purely business one, now she could show that she was ready to see them as unique individuals that are important not only as cogs in the machine. Perhaps the clear-cut nature of the case that involved helping a sick person helped Jean to make a leap from a strict and formal manager to a life-and-blood personality. If Jean had been confronted with a more ethically ambiguous case like accommodating the frustration of person in the middle of a divorce, she would be more tempted to think along the lines, â€Å"They have to cope with their problems on their own†. Facing a situation of someone hopelessly ill changed her behaviour and views. Conclusion Jean did well as she preserved the rights of a sick person, acted fairly, and was good at maintaining the basic principle of helping a sick person. Jean’s actions were also right from the utilitarian perspective in a sense. Supporting an employee in need helped her to uphold her image in the eyes of others, as well as the image of the company. The employees at DEC were able to draw the conclusion that if they fall ill with AIDS, they can probably expect the same sensitive and insightful treatment. This idea is going to boost their morale in the long run, and increase their loyalty for the company. The case made headlines, which is going to serve as positive publicity for DEC, elevating the corporate image. It is perhaps unfair to suspect Jean of such a motivation being her primary driver, but this serves to show that her actions gain support from both deontological and utilitarian perspective.

Friday, August 16, 2019

My Teacher Has a Big Influence on My Life Essay

One day I was sitting in my math class, feeling bored and sleepy, when my teacher, Mr. .Ahmed woke me up by his words.He told us his story aboutmath and how his life changed after he changed his way of thinking. He also told us that he used to hate math, but he became good at math after he decided to like it. From that moment, I decided to adopt my teacher`s attitude, and I learned to be open-minded, flexible in my life and positive about math. Mr.Ahmed was a great man; he liked to teach mathfrom his heart. He used to tell us his life story in a way to convince all students to fight negative thoughts and usepositive thoughts instead. Therefore, it taught menot only to change my way of thinking but it also helped me to become open-minded. Because my father never liked math, I assumed that I would not either, so I would never been better than that.In addition Ispent the next few days thinking about the teacher`s story. I was wondering how I could be good at math, and the teacher`s word s were still echoing deeply in my earsâ€Å"My dear kids, open your mind,think in a different waysand imagine yourselves doing what you want to be.† Consequently, I learned to clear my mind, think in a different way and focus on my goals. Another aspect that attracted me more to the teacher’s story was its similarity to my situation. I didn’t like math that time, but my teacher’s words gave me tremendous inspiration I still use that till now. I also became flexible in my life; I could do anything to improve my life without listening to the negative thoughts. I was trying different ways of thinking and listening to the different points of view. As result my family noticed the big change in my life, because prior to that time I waslazy,careless, andunorganized. The next week I felt I was a different person who had a great power to do whatever it took to actualize my plans in life.Not only was my education improved but also my life.Being responsive to change helped me a lot to be successful in most classes and to be friendly with everyone. In addition my brothers appreciated my change and felt like they had their brother back. Finally, my teacher`s story put me on the solid path to walk without failing. My life changed in a positive way from being a lazy student, who hated anything related to math or science, to becoming bright student who enjoyed learning in all aspects. I became very optimistic, confident to face any problems with open heart.In one year my grades changed from D`s to A`s,so my family rewarded me with Safari to Kenya.Since I changed my way of thinking, I changed my life in a remarkable way. My teacher`s advice encouraged me to study human development and psychology.I also decided to study mathematics and to become a math teacher like Mr. Ahmed .Time passed so quickly that I couldn’t believe that I was standing in frontof my own math classteaching.In The first class I couldn’t hide my tears because I remembered my great instructor. My students noticed this, and I told them my story with Mr. Ahmed. I was astonished and unable to understand how his words were powerful for me,completely altering the course of my life. I was writing to my teacher for years telling him every detail of my life; he was a good supporter to me. Additionally, he was very happy to see me successful in my life .When I heard his death , I was feeling sad for months .However , remembering his words â€Å" man will die but his actions and words stay for good† kept me breathing till now. My teacher`s words taught me to appreciate life, and think positively, be open-minded, and be flexible in life. Although he is gone and I am sad for loss of his physical presence, I keep him and his advices in my heart. Therefore, I will keep him as symbol of my success and happiness.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

What Creates One’s Identity

In the book, â€Å"a complicated kindness†, written by Miriam Toews, the main character, Nomi Nickel, fights through many obstacles in her life and learns what reality is. Her characteristics and identities are built in her by the places she lives. The struggling in living without her mother and older sister has made her doing so much than what she would. The small town and her religion have a huge impact in her, where she hates the place but she learns to love it. Her dream of being free has more inspiration in her which makes her wanting to go to the outside world. After learning so much as she has to, she becomes a responsible, kind and strong young adult. When one loss something they would always get something back in reverse, by which cases the one always learns from what she has to go through. In the book, Nomi’s sister and mother’s sudden disappearance has made her handle lot things that she wouldn’t do and handle by herself if she has a full family. â€Å"It’s been three years so far. My period started the day after Trudie left which means I’ve bled thirty-six times since they’ve been gone†(Toews, 5). The quote shows us that Nomi, the main character, has to handle suffers as being a female after her mom has left her. She has to handle it without anyone’s helping. It was the responsible she learns without noticing it herself. â€Å"Doing laundry can be a really interesting thing and intriguing process. Emptying people’s pockets, noticing odours and stains and items, folding the clothes afterwards, opening drawers, putting everything away†(Toews, 35). In the process of learning, Nomi has become responsible and enjoying what she is learning to do. An individual’s past always teaches them how to be a better and kind person. When one thinks about their past over with different point of views, they would realize what they had mistaken. From the book, Nomi often have flashbacks about what she did to others, she then could find the demerit she had done. She is a Mennonite, but she hated her own religion. After she’d look back what she did and how she treated some people, she has learnt how she should treat others nicely. â€Å"My guidance counselor has suggested to me that I change my attitude about this place and learn to love it. But I do, I told her. Oh, that’s rich, she said. That’s rich† (Toews, 8). â€Å"East village has given me the faith to believe in the possibility of happy family reunion someday† (Toews, 324). The quotes tells the change in Nomi, where she becomes someone different. From hating the village to loving it was by changing in herself. One’s dream leads possibilities to the one. The courage of people do something they were afraid has to come from what she believe. Nomi, the girl who lives in a religious town with lots of rules, wants to have freedom. She has a dream of being herself. She wants to get out of the town and a new life. After her father leaves her, which he knows he has to leave first to let go of Nomi, Nomi decide to go to the outside world with no fears. â€Å"I dream of escaping into the real world. I would love t read the diary of a girl my age- a girl from the city. Or a textbook on urban planning. Or a New York City phone book. I would be killed to own a New York City phone book† (Toews, 8). â€Å"I meant to thank you Ray for, in the midst of his own multitude of crap and bewilderment, knowing one true thing. That I would never have left him and that if I were ever to get out of that town, he would have to leave first† (Toews, 322). Nomi wants to go outside so much she would do anything to have freedom, but she promises her father that she’d never leave her father alone. But after her father left, she has noting to worry about. She has the courage of going outside. She is strong. One’s identity is built in them by many factors; life struggling, past and dream. All of the factors are based on realities. Dream is a big part of reality when one believes in themselves. An individual might not realize how dream works out for their identity, but it is the most important part of building their identities.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Democracy Essay

In its simplest term, democracy literally means the rule of the people. It came from the Greek word â€Å"demos† which means people and â€Å"kratos† which means rule. (â€Å"Democracy†) The term democracy was first coined in Ancient Greece. Democracy in Greece was understood to mean the selection of ordinary citizens to government office and courts and the assembly of all the citizens. Through the years, however, democracy as a form of government has evolved into a complex form of government. Despite the changes the concept has undergone, it still espouses the principles of popular sovereignty, political equality, popular consultation and the majority rule. (Austin Ranney, 1995) This essay is concerned with presidential democracy as a form of government. I aim to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the presidential system. In the concluding part, I will take a stand on this issue. The Advantages of Presidential System It is the essence of every presidential democracy that the three main powers of government are constitutionally divided into thee different departments. Read more: How does big states vs small states guard against tyranny essay The three departments are: a) the legislative branch; b) executive branch; and c) judicial branch. The legislative branch has the power to propose, enact, amend and repeal the law. The executive branch has the power to execute the law. The judiciary has the power to interpret the law. The doctrine of concentration of powers is intended to prevent a concentration of authority in one person or group of persons that might lead to an error or abuse to the prejudice of the whole state. It is believed that any concentration of powers in a single branch is tyrannical and only true separation of powers will protect the liberties of the people against the aggressions of government. (Austin Ranney, p. 240) Moreover, the essence of presidential democracy does not only lie in the constitutional separation of powers but it also lies in the system of checks and balances. The separation of powers in the three branches of government is not synonymous to isolation. In the words of Justice Frankfurter in the case of Connally v. Scudder (160 N.  E. 655), he states that while it is desirable that thee be a certain degree of independence among the several constitutional agencies, it is not in the public interest for them to deal with each other at arm’s length or with a hostile jealousy of their respective rights as this might result in frustration of the common objectives of the government. This means that in reality, these three departments actually share their powers for the purpose of establishing a system by which one department could resist encroachment made by another department. Although there is a separation of powers in a democracy, one department is given the prerogative to check whether another department is exceeding its power and prerogative. For example: the Executive department has the constitutional prerogative to check the power of the Legislative branch to make laws by exercising its veto power. This means that the president of a country has the power not to sign into law or veto a particular bill passed by the legislative branch if the president, thinks that the law is not proper e. g. f the law is not timely. The same is true for the legislative branch of government which has the constitutional prerogative to check on the powers of the president by means of the procedure known as impeachment. The same is true with the President who has the constitutional prerogative to check on the functions of the Judiciary. For example, the president has the power to grant amnesty and pardon to those already convicted and have undergone the process in the judiciary. Another essence of democracy lies in the Rule of Majority. This is best manifested in the process known as election by which the people, in accordance with the principle of popular sovereignty, have the power to choose which among the candidates will govern them for a limited period of time. Disadvantage of Presidential System Though the presidential system may have its advantages, one main objection to this system is the delays caused by too much political conflict and gridlock between the President, Senate and the House of Representatives. Several times in the past that needed legislations have been delayed and blocked because of the political bickering that is always inherent in a Presidential system. It must be stressed that laws are passed to address the concerns of the people. If the passage of laws will be delayed because of the disagreements between the executive and the legislative then the people are the ones who will suffer. Conclusion The democracy is adopted by many countries including the United States. I think presidential democracy is better than the other forms of government. Though it has also its weakness, it is only in a democracy where there is a better balance between the powers of the government and the right of the people. It is this balance that ensures that those in the government will not abuse their powers that the constitution has granted to them. It is also this balance that ensures that the people will not abuse their sovereignty. The fusion of the two essential powers of government such as the power to execute laws and to make and amend laws in the hands of a single person will expose the whole state and the citizenry to the possibility that those in power will abuse their position.

Chaos in the Caribbean Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chaos in the Caribbean - Case Study Example In addition, Avey’s responsibilities as the Jamaican government expertise witness involved giving forensic examination and audit assistance. He employed professional examination techniques to carry out an investigation in a way that his findings would be relevant when presented to a court of law (De-Carmoy, 1990). An alert expert witness declaration is essential in any investigation. Avey had an adequate comprehension of the legal course, regulatory and statutory issues of compliance, and pertinent rules of evidence. This made him the most suitable candidate to be appointed by the Jamaican government. Moreover, he investigated evidence that regarded affirmations. This was to determine the evidence association to ascertained criteria performed as required by a court of law. Avey carried out his research on the basis of reliable principles of accounting. This assisted him hastily find out misdealing in Blaise Merchant Bank and Trust Company where finances were lent from a single Blaise financial unit to corporations managed by its main shareholders. In the case involving Century National Bank and its associated financial units, he established dishonesty was the main reason for the issues (McLaughlin, 2006). Question 2 Avey employed professional forensic accounting techniques to investigate the link between Blaise Merchant Bank and Trust Company, Eagle Merchant Bank, and Century National Bank and its associated financial units. Avey may have used source and application of funds technique. This method is utilized when enormous amounts of finances are used for personal gain or growth as a substitute of buying investments or assets. For example, in the Century National Bank and its associated financial unit’s case, the bank used depositors’ money to obtain assets like real estate for the possible personal benefit of the people who managed the financial institutions instead of the benefit of the institutions (McLaughlin, 2006). In addition, the ap plication of funds technique may have been applied in the Eagle merchant Bank case. Here, instead of the depositors’ funds being used for the benefit of the financial institution, the money was misused. This was in connection with the building of a hotel that was intended as an apartment complex with 130 room suites. Avey may also have used analytical tools during his investigation. Forensic accountants make use of trending to examine financial numbers within a period (De-Carmoy, 1990). Trending entails performing indicators ratio analyses, for example, working capital and inventory turnover to ascertain deceitful financial statements. Avey used trending to detect self-dealing in Blaise Merchant Bank and Trust Company. In this case, finances were given out from a sole Blaise financial unit to corporations managed by key shareholders. Donald Panton and his wife’s funds were utilized to finance the institution’s owners businesses. Question 3 The troubles in the fi nancial sector began when Blaise Merchant Bank and Trust Company was temporarily managed by the Finance and planning minister.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Immediate and Continuing Care at the Surgical Department Essay

Immediate and Continuing Care at the Surgical Department - Essay Example During the post-surgical operation, part of my duty includes monitoring the patients for signs of shock, ensure that the patients’ surgical wound is free from infection, and manage the patients’ post-operative pain. At all times, surgical nurses should be able to deliver holistic care to the patients. It means that part of the duty of surgical nurses is to satisfy the pathophysiological, socio-economic, psychological and spiritual dimensions of healthcare. For this reason, it is equally important on the part of surgical nurses to carefully study and re-examine the health and socio-economic consequences of using a prolonged peripheral IV line and the possibility of generating avoidable infection out of using these devices. When I was assigned to care for Mr. Phillip, part of my duty was to regulate his IV line. While regulating his peripheral IV line, I started to wonder how often nurses should change their line to prevent the risk of IV line infection (ONE PROBLEM IDENT IFIED... Delete this part). Is it really safe to extend the patient’s peripheral IV catheter line for up to 96 hours? What does the NHS say about extending the patient’s peripheral IV catheter line from 72 to 96 hours? When exactly is the right time for surgical nurses to change the patients’ peripheral IV lines? To address these research questions, a literature review be conducted based on some peer-reviewed journals. Using search words and phrases like â€Å"health consequences of prolonged peripheral IV line journal†, â€Å"NHS peripheral IV line†, â€Å"hand washing IV line infection†, and â€Å"peripheral IV line 72 96 hours journal†, the researcher will gather evidenced-based journals directly from the databases of NCBI/Pubmed, Medline, and Pubmed Central. Based on the actual literature review, a proposed change will be highlighted in this study followed by describing its actual contribution to the nursing practice, the rational e underpinning the proposed change in patient care, alternative strategies and reasons underpinning the final choice of action, ways on how the proposed change in patient care can be evaluated, and its expected outcomes. Prior to the research study conclusion, the ethical and legal considerations behind the implementation of the proposed change will be tackled in details. Literature Review Intravenous catheterization is one of the most common invasive intravenous procedures being performed in patients who were admitted in a hospital. Basically, the main purpose of administering intravenous fluids on admitted patients is important in terms of promoting electrolyte balance in the human body, for rehydration purposes for patients who are dehydrated due to prolonged diarrhoea, to provide the patients with glucose (dextrose) to increase the body’s metabolism, and administration of water-soluble vitamins and other medications like antibiotics into intravenous line. (Morgan, Range, & Staton, 2007; Kozier et al., 2004, p. 1387). Since IV line insertion is invasive by nature, patients who are receiving IV fluids can be at risk of developing hospital-acquired infection. In most cases, the development of intravenous-related infection is related to the failure of health care professionals to apply a strict sterile technique when performing and managing the intravenous insertion and removal process (O’Grady et al., 2002).