Burmese Days: an Example of Imperialism

Burmese Days: An Example of Imperialism Nineteenth century industrialization brought new riches and power to Western Europe, driving the expansion of opportunities and the building of empires in undeveloped territories. Although the developed countries brought many modern technologies to under-developed nations, they also brought fierce racism and European arrogance. Burmese Days by George Orwell was written in 1834 as a satirical view of English imperial life in Burma. Orwell provides a realistic observation of the arrogance the English demonstrated towards the natives and how they justified their actions. Europeans brought many new technologies to the countries that they imperialized. They built railroads and other types of infrastructure, and they brought new technology in weaponry and manufacturing. However, it seems that their extreme arrogance had the most impact on the native people. Cecil Rhoads epitomizes the attitude of all Europeans when he says â€Å"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is† (Hunt et al 802). Although Orwell’s characters in Burmese Days are English, the attitude was not exclusive to the English. Hunt et al discusses how King Leopold of Belgium claimed the Congo region of central Africa â€Å"inflicting on local Africans unparalleled acts of cruelty† (801). The fact that the Europeans thought themselves superior to all other races seems to give them permission to treat the native people in any manner they choose. Ellis is an example of an extreme racist in Orwell’s work. Ellis is a member of the European Club, a manager at the timber company, and is the most outspoken and obviously racist character in the novel. He spews forth a diatribe of foul language and name calling directed towards the Burmese people at every opportunity. No one can reason with him or change his attitude, as he is completely blind to any endearing qualities of the native people. He is very resentful of Flory, the protagonist, who has an affection for the Burmese and who considers Burma his home. Although Flory has a fondness towards the Burmese people, he still considers himself superior to them which is especially demonstrated through his interactions his Mistress, Ma Hla May. On the day he meets Elizabeth, when Ma Hla May shows up he tells her â€Å"Go away this instant. If you make any trouble I will afterwards take a bamboo and beat you till not one of your ribs is whole† (Orwell 87). It is doubtful that he would carry through with the beating, but the threat demonstrates his feeling of superiority. The attitudes of the English are wrong, but perhaps understandable. They assume that because the Burmese are not educated in the same manner as the English, they are not as intelligent. Since the country is not industrialized they have no ambition. Since they are mild mannered and do not fight the English (who have guns), they have surrendered to their natural place in society. Since their skin is brown instead of white, they are not beautiful. One must question how history would change if the Europeans of the 19th century and all people up to today would choose to learn and understand the cultures of others rather than pass judgments and make assumptions. Just as struggles between the upper and lower class were born from a lack of understanding for the other man’s condition in the early days of industrialization, the same is true for the times of imperialism. The English in Burmese Days have taken control of the area with no consideration to the plight of the native people. They are stronger and in their own world they are smarter. The strong dominate the weak, and the weak have no choice but to submit. One can be hopeful that strong societies will learn the rewards of building others up through education and sharing rather than tearing others down through dominance and discrimination. In the end, Burmese Days is a sad story. The protagonist, John Flory commits suicide over the loss of the woman he loves. However, the saddest part of the story is that the English never really discover the error of their superior attitude. Although these are fictional characters, it is clear that they will go through life with their self-righteous attitudes, and will never know what the Burmese can teach them. They have convinced themselves so thoroughly that their actions are justified; there is no hope for change for them, but there is still hope for us. Work Cited Hunt, Lynn et al. The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures. Boston. Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2007. Orwell, George. Burmese Days. New York. Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. 1950.

Explorations of Astrology

One of astrology's first graces on human minds was with the Babylonians and Ancient Egyptians, and then spread throughout the Arab world. Since, there has been explorations of astrology through manuscripts and celestial objects made by Arab craftsmen. Many islamic ornamental motifs and architecture references astrological findings. The Islamic calendar says that the day begins at sunset and the five prayers start from that time. Adjusting times for prayer grew out of observing the heavens, a practice known since the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians. The Arabs, for centuries, studied the sky and examined the groups of stars and phases of the moon on their long desert travels. This education of space was adapted and developed to conform to the practice of Islam. During the medieval period of the Islamic world, the science of astrology as a branch from astronomy was translated by the Greeks into Arabic, along with Sasanian, Indian and ancient Egyptian influences, allowing more scientific and mathematical development by mathematicians and scientists of the Arab world. The subject came to be a very popular one, as it was taken interest in by scholars such as Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi, al-Biruni, and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi. There is evidence of this topic being widespread throughout the Islamic world, such as manuscripts and astrological records found in al-Fustat in Egypt. Since there has proven to be much scientific evidence and involvement in the study of the stars and planets, how did this outbreak of information in the Islamic world affect Islamic Art? And why was it so significant?There is much architecture, objects and textiles from the Islamic World that express the significance of this topic, such as Qusayr ‘Amra (figure 1) in Jordan, built by Umayyad caliph Walid II in the early 8th century, which features a frescoed caldarium ceiling depicting the twelve Zodiac constellations. The exterior of the construction is very minimal; the only ornamentation being small domes and triple arches. Otherwise, the ornamentation becomes servant to the architecture. The techniques that were contributed into constructing Qusayr ‘Amra references the Roman and Byzantine techniques: predominately limestone and terracotta brick, along with other types of stones. The frescoed ceilings in the caldarium, or the hot plunge bath, is said to be the earliest depiction of the stars painted on a domed surface. It features 35 recognizable constellations along with, as mentioned previously, twelve zodiacs. There has been reported to be one mistake: the order of the stars in the counterclockwise direction, which tells that it is possible that the fresco was copied from a flat surface. This fresco, however, is not the only one in Qusayr ‘Amra: there were many brilliant murals in several of the other chambers that suggest that the caliphs of this â€Å"pleasure palace† lived a luxurious lifestyle. This luxury tells of an involvement in The use of imagery in relation to astrology began in the twelfth century, and eventually taken in for its visual decorative quality, by the Ghaznavids and the Seljuqs among others, and they adopted it with their own meanings and influences. The gilded and over glazed bowl (figure 2) depicts figures very close to those of the Kashan. There is Kufic inscriptions around the rim of the bowl, and the focal point is the sun-shaped face in the center, with a classical depiction of the six planets surrounding it. There are images of figures sitting on thrones, riding on horseback, and playing instruments composed in a radial composition, following the form of the object. The only two seated figures on thrones sit across from each other on the band, with the other figures surrounding it. This motif combines two different motifs that are common in Islamic art together: the image of figures performing activities or in a scene depicted centrally to the object, as can be seen in the Stain- and overglaze-painted bowl (Ettinghausen, Grabar, Jenkins-Madina, 175), for example, and images of a single figure repeated to create a visual pattern, as demonstrated in the outer rim of Glazed and lustre-painted composite-bodied bowl (Ettinghausen, Grabar, Jenkins-Madina, 174). This royal bowl is very similar to the Stain- and overglaze-painted beaker (Ettinghausen, Grabar, Jenkins-Madina, 176) in the way that it has different tiers showing different figures in action repeated across the band of the beaker. The copper-alloy mirror (figure 3) is another royal artifact that utilizes the zodiacs as symbols of power made for Artuqid ruler Artuq Shah. The heavy-relief bird in the center of the mirror

Psychology of Language Essay

To briefly introduce the topic, this reaction paper is reflective of David W. Caroll’s book, entitled: ‘Psychology of Language’, which was published in 2008 by Thomson and Wadsworth Publishing. The three selective chapters of the book, namely Chapters 4, 9 and 14 will be the main focus of discussion. As a synopsis of the book, Caroll’s (2008) purpose is to examine how and why human behavior expressively reacts on language, and what influences the language patterns the environment. In search of this critical thinking has explored the observations on the psychological effects of language to the well-being of people and his societal interaction. Chapter 4: Perception of language In ‘Chapter 4: Perception of Language’ examines the comprehension on language that is conveyed in oral and written forms. Caroll pointed out the â€Å"prosodic factors† as a result of physical tension from environmental distraction affects the human mind to understand the message and flow of information (Ferreira, 2003; in Caroll, 2008). It may be interpreted, the prosodic factors is even resulting tremendous difficulty to the â€Å"receiver of information† or listener, from which inability to comprehend and keep abreast to the â€Å"informant† or source of information bears psychological effect of anxiety. Caroll has implied the relevance of tones, use of semantics, time, place and circumstance in transmitting the information. In short, conveying the information can be more expressed according to the emphasized situation and level of expression of the â€Å"talker†. From this, the human behavior develops â€Å"signals† to emphasize the language. As cited, the reconfiguration of transmitting information has been applied in the â€Å"trace model† purposely to analyze the level of comprehension and the pattern of processing the information (McClelland & Elman, 1986; in Caroll, 2008). However, the study may be solely applied in the processing of restricted information that holds risk to national security, wherein US Naval Force adopts the â€Å"trace model†. Significant to human behavior response to information, written communication is described firstly as a â€Å"formal norm† to communicate, I would say, secondly at a long distance â€Å"inscription and transcription†. At this point and time of electronic-telecommunication, written information is relayed through mobile phone and Internet messaging system, in which electronic mail and short-messaging system (SMS) becomes the usual medium of communication, as well as the digital-video-electronic gadgets together with the television, print and broadcast media. The point of view of observing how the human behavior react to present day telecommunication system [not only in written but in digital-communication] could have been a peripheral concern of Caroll. Overall, I would say that both oral and written communication are of formal norms according to the topic, theme, mood, circumstance and notion or understanding the way the information is presented and acknowledged by the receiver. However, it is the â€Å"expression† or could be the body language and emphasis to communicate that can be critically considered by the exhibition of human behavior, applying both expression and feelings that interact between talker and listener, wherein reaction or response depicts the behavior. Chapter 9: Conversational interaction The discussions in ‘Chapter 9: Conversational Interaction’ refers to the exchange of ideas or dialogues between two persons, groups and an individual to a group. In this chapter, Caroll implied the common understanding that conversational interaction is a â€Å"joint action† where individuals converse in a coordinative yet unsystematic flow of ideas, information and topic. As cited, the structure of conversational interaction is the exchange of â€Å"language† in a face-to-face manner and deviate from topic-to-topic, ideas-to-ideas and expressions (Filmore, 1981; in Caroll, 2008). It may be deduced that conversation is important especially in the aspect of clinical psychology, especially considered as a therapy or therapeutic treatment. The inference of conversational interaction can be defined as a â€Å"simple non-drug-related treatment†. Thus, I agree to the explanation that good conversation opens the â€Å"minds and spirit†, and confer the long-kept inner agonies to a good conversationalist. Conversational interaction in the field of psychology can be exemplified by the patient-psychologist conversation on critical thoughts affecting the anxiety of a patient. However, I would like to expound my reaction to the previously discussed norm that conversation has â€Å"unsystematic flow of ideas† since conversation as a therapy for psycho-treatment is applied with the scientific and structured rules. As cited, conversational interaction is institutionally used with specialized therapeutic discourse of a psycho-therapist to a patient (Caroll, 2008). I would further react that the cognitive presentation of theories in Chapter 9 tends to convey a lot of information on conversational interaction but somehow deepen the â€Å"interpretative result† at an average understanding, and hardly express the â€Å"layman’s language† or common knowledge that conversational interaction can be simply described as a convenient manner of talking-listening-talking human behavior. In sum, what Caroll could have simply implied in Chapter 9 is the significance of conversation as an â€Å"easement of barrier†, accordingly in the aspect of â€Å"putting up† a dialogue through therapy in psycho-treatment. On the other hand, conversational interaction can be called as partly â€Å"a way of life† of people, interact each other to communicate, develop ideas and explore the relevance of â€Å"two-way information† on the basis of personal, private and publicly known topic. In addition, interest and willingness could be the expressive rule that creates the â€Å"instinctive† behavior to interact and converse. Chapter 14: Language, culture and cognition The relatedness of language, cultural traits and perceptiveness highlights the discussions in ‘Chapter 14: Language, culture and cognition’. Accordingly, language is primarily the end-result of communication barriers. Indeed it is, for the main reason that the whole wide world is separated by language and dialects, and even the semantics that describe a figure, name and place. It is also a common knowledge that variety of cultures, races and ethnicity has their own system of understanding aside from language in a country. Further, group of people in certain organizations or societies, gender, generation of young and adult and heterosexual groups adopts a â€Å"language† of their owned-meaning and interpretation, like the word â€Å"joint† which has variable meanings for a dope, club, getting-together, and so forth. Caroll (2008) explained that language creates the â€Å"hypothetical understanding† being interpreted by the commonality of meaning, in which individuals and groups in a community understand and accept the perception. In which case, culture and cognition is a belongingness in a given group and community of people. However, according to Carroll, â€Å"linguistic determinism† is different from language of individuals or its groups, as cited, linguistic determinism is the â€Å"learning of language† for certain reasoning or cognitive process (Bloom & Keil, 2001; in Caroll, 2008). Reflective of the above explanation, it may be well explained that what Caroll (2008) implied is the language or word-meaning of scientific and technical terms being used by people in a variety of profession, like the language referring to the use of terminologies in medical science, social sciences, engineering and related fields. However, it may be analyzed that the â€Å"cognitive value† of scientific and technical terms [becoming a language] attributed to the profession or processed knowledge discovers and rediscovers the effects to human behavior, and therefore provides the opportunity to reach out the processes of learning abilities and information sharing at a broadest recipients throughout the world. Again, receiving the information requires the use of language to process the communication, of which the cyclical process of knowledge correlates learning, interpretation, perception and acceptance. It may be therefore said that language is the bottomline to critically convey the culture and cognition, wherein influences interrelate in human behavior. In this regard, I resoundingly acknowledge the fact that language is the key linkage to assimilate cultural diversity, belongingness and displacement of communication barriers. Moreover, it may be further implied that understanding the reciprocity of inherent cultural values, traits and traditions is a critical thought founded on reverent co-existence. Conclusion Human behavior is a fascinating, deeply-intriguing and challenging subject of examination not only in the field of psychological science, but emanates the observation itself within a family and community. It can be said that human behavior is the bulwark of societal development and a never-ending influence to the destiny of an individual. The human behavior patterns the cycle of influence through perception-expression process. From this point of view, language is the most conveyed interaction of human behavior. The psychology of language is a meaningful and motivating exploration of cognitive thoughts adherent to guiding and developing a human behavior that signifies belongingness, progress and harmonizes cultural posterity in transnational boundaries, although in the strictest sense, psychology of language can be inversely applied in the reproach to vindicate human dogmas, greed and plunders of war. On this day and age of integrating information technology, psychology of language is perceived to revolutionize communication exchange effective on how human behavior explicitly react and act, interacting in the fast-changing environment. In conclusion, the study on psychology of language relating the human behavior addresses the critical characteristic and role of individuals in psychosocial landscape. References Carroll, D. W. (2008). ‘Psychology of Language’. 5th Edition, Thomson Wadsworth Publishing, ISBN-10: 0-495-58730-3, ISBN-13:978-0-495-58730-9. Retrieved 22 January 2009 from http://www. ichapters. com/market/eBookAccess. html.

Modern fiction for children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Modern fiction for children - Essay Example The author gives the text to the publisher who, in turn, oversees its production and its shipment to the sellers. When the bookseller makes the book available to the public, this completes the life cycle or circuit since the reader can influence the author before and after the composition. This cycle, in the case of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is complicated because before the publisher, the literary agent affects the narrative produced. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’s two English language publishers in the UK and the US took the book’s text and made very different books, although the story remained as it was (Whited, 2009). The text’s presentation, therefore, is able to alter the public’s perception of her narrative, although this may be very subtle. This essay seeks to discuss the way in which the book’s production, enhanced its contents and led to the universal success of Harry Potter and the Philosopherâ₠¬â„¢s Stone. In the creation of all books, the beginning is the transformation of the book’s manuscript into a product that can be marketed. While J.K. Rowling claimed that the book was written for her consumption and not for children, she did eventually decide to have it published and sent her work to her agents (Whited, 2009). The agency she used was renowned for choosing writers with good commercial value, such as writers like Anna Pasternak, Alistair MacLean, and A.J. Quenelle. The agent, Christopher Little, did not normally deal with children’s books as he did not believe in their commercial value. However, his contract with J.K. Rowling is probably his most profitable and accumulated at least 15% of gross earnings for the British home market and 20% in the US, film, and translational deals (Whited, 2009). What the emphasis of Little’s agency on profitable business practice indicates is how the agent influences the manuscripts. Two of his assistants thought that the presented chapters were unusual to a sufficient degree to warrant his interest. However, they insisted that there should be two changes in enhancement of the narrative. One of them was that Neville Longbottom’s character needed extra development and that Quidditch, the wizard sport, needed to play a bigger role since it could appeal more to boys as a game with the rules included in the book (Rana, 2009). This alteration was significant as it indicates the manner in which the book’s agency saw the narrative. In the majority of novels aimed at schoolchildren, sport plays a major part, and the focus of the sport and its necessity, for detail, suggests that the agency saw the book as a sure bet for the school-story model (Rana, 2009). There were also doubts as to how popular the book would be; whether it would generate high sales. This was not because of the book’s contents, but because while girls were accustomed to reading books authored by men, boys wer e less likely to read books written by a woman (Mullen, 2010). As girls are avid readers compared to boys, there was a need to increase the popularity of the book for boys. This led to Rowling agreeing to publish Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and her other subsequent books as J.K. Rowling, rather than Joanne Rowling. These alterations show the agent’s concern for popularity among a diverse audience. This also indicates how the original text had to be altered with the aim of increasing its

Maritime piracy along Malacca straits 800-1830 Research Paper

Maritime piracy along Malacca straits 800-1830 - Research Paper Example Privateering under the Dutch was initially started in the 1600s as a weapon of war in the Malay Peninsula against the Iberian army which was perceived to be threatening the Dutch’s strategic frontlines and may potentially cripple the Dutch’s trade in the region. Privateering was considered legitimate according to the laws of war at that time since privateers operate with company licenses or a letter from a marque stating privateers can only attack and seize enemy ships. This paper investigates how the Dutch, other European countries and native Sultans employed privateering as a legitimate operation in war. Therefore, privateering activities along the Malay Peninsula in the 19th century, was instrumental in the development of piracy activities, mainly motivated by trade activities between the Europe and the Asian, and which were responsible for promoting piracy activities along he Malay Peninsula. This paper also investigates the effects of piracy activities on both the Europeans and natives, and how both parties viewed such piracy activities which are often in contrary to each other, resulting in tensions between them. Privateering is a concept closely linked to just war, and was designed to work from a legal perspective in the high seas.4 Since the 17th century, Europeans had made their way in the Malaysian Peninsula and developed sets of rules that explained how, and under which conditions such privateering activities were to be carried out; the Dutch were the main European powers behind privateering. To ensure adherence to legal limits, privateers had only to operate under a letter of marque and reprisal, which was only issued if such groups showed evidence of loss suffered as a result of their enemies.5 These groups were therefore allowed to seize such enemy vessels along the peninsula, and covert such goods as a ransom for

Last day at school Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Last day at school - Essay Example I gained many friends in these years and they really changed my world. Even the teachers of the school were different in their own way. Somewhere friendly but others grave and did not talk freely with us. It is sometimes hard to imagine that these lovely years of learning has at last come to an end. It is impossible to believe that I need to leave the high school where I met so many wonderful people and friends. I know I have become close with my fellow students and this bond is not easy to forget. It is really difficult to assume what life would have been without these happy high school years. These days I was sometimes joyful and sometimes nervous and also there were days of sorrow. All these emotions took a ride through my years in high school. And the day when I had to bid good bye to my friends, tears rolled out of my eyes. I never realized that I love my school so much .It has given me valuable experience and knowledge and number of friends that I can never forget. It was a mem orable days, when I was busy compiling my graduation book with my friends and fellow students. All of us with a mixed feeling of sorrow and anxiety in our mind spend the last days of school in unity. I remember the times when I was busy with compiling the graduation book, the one with all the memories, fun photos and writing jotted down in it. The graduation book is a treasure for me, when I look in to the book I find my friends face glaring at me which give me utter happiness. The day when I was compiling it, I requested my best friend to put his picture on the front page and he sticked a photo in which both of us were holding hands in a sportive manner. He wrote words which displayed his feeling and love for me. I could not look in to his eyes as I could see the tears ready to fall out of his eyes. I did not know to cry or smile and was in a big confusion as to how to express my feelings for my friend at this delicate moment. The second page of the book I dedicated to the sporting days that me and my friend have spend together .The picture of me and him in soccer shorts and dribbling the ball through the foot ball ground and how messy we looked. Those beautiful days are hard to be captured in the space of a book. In that joyous moment I hugged my friend as he meant a lot to me. The main reason for this is that he was with me through all the good and bad times of high school days. He drew a picture of my smiling face with the pen on this page and I knew he always wanted me to laugh and be happy. The other moment was to confront my only friend who was a girl and she was such a lovely person, less could be told about her. She was the one who gave me confidence and hope in times of despair and depression. When I moved to this school, I was all gloomy and disturbed but she came to me as a hope. She consoled me and introduced me to other students proudly and made me converse with my class mates. On this day I expressed to her what she has meant to me. I hugged her and express my gratitude and respect as she was unlike other girls in the class. It was surprising when she wrote that sweet poem in my book which related to friendship and love. There were words from heart and is heart touching every time I read it. The picture taken with me and her on the birthday was the best picture in my graduation book. Her smile was radiant and always gave me positive vibes. I remember the day, when I approached her at home and requested for a picture for my book. And she came with a wrapper of chocolate that I have given her during my school days. She still had it, and she stuck that to my book and I could not ask for more. The wrapper still smelled of chocolate, it had the aroma of friendship and warm feeling she had for me. I could n

Development of English as a Global Language Essay

Development of English as a Global Language - Essay Example "Standard English" is a general term for a form of written and spoken English that is considered the model for educated people. There are no set rules or vocabulary for "standard English" because, unlike languages such as French, English does not have a governing body that establishes official usage. The concept of "standard English" is therefore fluid. ELFE stands for "English as a lingua franca for Europe." It is promoted by some linguistics experts, and aims to standardise the use of the English language in the European Union. RP, as in "British RP," is short for "Received Pronunciation" - received from the Queen or King, as it were. It is sometimes defined as the "educated spoken English of south-eastern England." RP is itself sometimes called the Queen's English, which stands to reason, but the Queen's English is sometimes even defined as "the language of the United Kingdom." RP was sometimes referred to as "BBC English," since this was the traditional pronunciation to be heard on the BBC, but RP is not often called "BBC English" any more-as a result of the multitude of accents heard on the BBC these days. "Oxford English" is simply the dialect of English spoken at Oxford University. Some consider Oxford English the most standardised, and sometimes even as synonymous with "Standard English," whereas others consider it pompous and pretentious. Standard English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_English RP: www.infowrangler.com/phpwiki/wiki.phtmltitle=Received_Pronounciation BBC English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_pronunciation Oxford English: Wikipedia. The rest of the information is something that I know. Official versus Global Status How does one language achieve such a status First, the using of language is a social act (Cameron, 1995); language is the means of communication. It follows that social change will contribute to a change in status of a language, as Knowles implies in his study of the history of the English language (Knowles, 1997). Next, that medium can become the official language (as distinguished from global) of a country when it is adopted (and adapted) as the mother tongue and used by "such domains as government, the law courts, media, and the educational system [of that country]" (Crystal, 2003, p.4). Finally, language achieves a genuinely global status as it "develops a specific role that is recognised in every country" (Crystal, 2003, p.3). English, however, did not achieve global status by way of one or two variables. Several factors contributed to the process and arrival of English as a global language. These factors are part of a slowly evolving phenomenon that parallel the social changes experienced by numerous cultures over many eras. Social Changes as Influences Political, military, economic, cultural, scientific and technological changes in society propelled the English language towards the historically significant status of "global language," since no other language has ever laid stake to so grand a claim. 1. Emigration and Invasion The Old Saxon language (also called Old Low German) and related dialects influenced Germanic populations. Germanic peoples from the coast of Frisia, Lower Saxony, Jutland and Southern Sweden emigrated to Britain during the Roman occupation of Britain, lasting,

The Lotus Sutra- three parables Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Lotus Sutra- three parables - Research Paper Example This analysis will consist of their summary as well as their meanings and applications to the modern society. Expedient means of teaching use everyday life experiences to enlighten people. Buddhism uses expedient means to skillfully device ways of teaching people and leads them to salvation. A Buddhist teaching is referred to as a true teaching only when it leads them to enlightenment and Buddha hood. The reason for applying expedient means of teachings is to reach the close-minded audience, for whom the teachings of Buddha are directed. All these teachings are goal oriented, and aimed at reaching the Truth of the One Vehicle, that is, The Lotus Sutra. Expedient means of teaching are delivered depending on the listeners listening and understanding ability as will be described in this paper. Parable of the Burning House Buddha narrated the parable of the burning house. This narrative was about a rich man who lived in an old large house that was near crumbling. The house was in such po or condition that all forms of creatures roamed around its hallways. The house had many people living in it, about five hundred. The house seemed haunted with pure evil. The rich owner had left the house and gone out for awhile. Upon his return, he found the house on fire (Watson and Kanai, 2010). The worn out partitions crumbled as the fire spread to the rest of the house, burning even the creatures that inhabited it. The most agonizing point is that the rich man’s sons were inside the burning house, playing games. The man sounded an alarm and shouted warnings to his sons to come out of the evil possessed and burning house, but to no avail. Instead, the sons continued playing their games ignoring their father’s pleas. To lure them out, the rich man devised a trick, where he told the boys that there were plenty of gifts waiting at the gate. He named goat carts, deer carts, and bullock carts for his sons. To entice them, he described the gifts as explicitly made for his sons, and the trick worked. His sons came out of the burning house to where their father was. This made their father happy, and he was pleased that his sons were safe. Then the sons demanded the gifts that their father had promised them, which was no problem because their rich father had many gifts in store (Watson and Kanai, 2010). The man offered his sons more magnificent carts that enormous than the ones he had promised them. The carts were ox drawn as opposed to the deer, goat, and bullock carts promised. The sons were extremely pleased and enjoyed their new gifts immensely, much to the satisfaction and content of their father. Meaning and Relevance of the Burning House Parable When the Buddha completes the story, he likens himself to the father in the story. The decaying and crumbling house represents the three-fold world. The old man’s children in the story are the disciples, whereas the ox carts symbolize true liberation. Just like the rich man, Buddha is the owner of all things in the world, and all living things are his children. Buddha remarks that the living, his children, is so attached to worldly possessions that they ignore teachings and instructions. In fact, they lack understanding and wisdom to analyze this world critically and identify the right path. When the man gave his sons the gifts, he did this out of love for his sons. In addition, he had many gifts, so much, that

Managing and leading strategic change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Managing and leading strategic change - Essay Example Its purpose is to critically analyse and evaluate the nature of these relationships shared by organizations’ environment and their external activities. Introduction As the business world continues to evolve every day, people are moving from the olden formulas of doing business to new and technological equipped systems (Schniederjans, 2005:74). The scope of this paper is to show that it is needful for managers and marketers to incorporate knowledge of substantiated organizational change in order to ensure that business organizations and their environments correlate with the internal activities, processes, and systems (King, 2009:59). The essay discusses that the art of technological advancement is high thus; management and its team need to be up to date. Ultimately, this helps the company to achieve both short and long-term objectives. Further, the scope of the essay presents a documented evidence of research based on selective appropriate academic literature, concepts, models and theories based on change management in an organization. ... Critical outlook into the nature of the rapport between an organization’s surroundings and its management of internal activities shows that, at times, it may be sore following the idea that not all suppliers, consumers, and other actors in the outside environment will find the organization’s systems, activities, and processes convenient. This indicates that the nature of the relations shared between and among these agents undergoes residual changes based on prices and time (Collier and Agyei-Ampomah, 2009:44). According to evolutionary models that include adaptive models and systems theory, expound on organizational change management as cognitive. Today, organizations are facing a primary problem, which is the disconnection between organizations internal activities and their external aspects. Formerly, organizations were able to disconnect their external relations from their internal functioning activities mainly because there were just a few communication methods betwe en the outsider and insiders (Shah, 2007:82). Public relations, purchasing, marketing, top executives, and the strategic planning sectors of an organization handled the external functions (Mcdavid and Hawthorn, 2006:41). On the other end, the production, engineering, accounting, human resource management, both middle and lower level managers attended the internal aspects of the organization. However, when the facade of networking, flexible manufacturing, business process re-engineering, and redefined production as well as the new customer service focus entered the market, organization relations changed (Ramanathan, 2009:60). These constructive changes indicate that all people involved with any organization need to engage both their knowledge from the

Business finance-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Business finance-2 - Essay Example In order to spread risks, most investors diversify by investing in more than one type of security or portfolio. It should be noted that investors like returns but at the same time dislikes risk and uncertainties (Sharpe, 2007). Though financial market has significant rewards and benefits, it is very complex and very volatile, thus critical analysis is required in risk evaluation so that the expected returns can be validated. Dating back in 1950s an American economist managed to establish the theory of portfolio choice (Markowitz, 1959). This was a tool used by investors during this period to analyze and predict risk in relations to the expected earnings or returns. Markowitz’s theory is the currently renowned Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Basically, it is an investment theory that was designed to help in maximizing portfolio returns. This is done relative to the level of portfolio risks meaning that a minimum risk levels correspondents to an equivalent expected return level. Though this theory has been widely applied within the financial sector, a lot of challenges have been pointed on its basic assumptions. However, being an improvement of the traditional investment framework, it provides an advance system for the application of the mathematical model, especially, in finance. Portfolio theory supports asset diversification as a strategy to hedge against any possible market risks that are unique to particular company. As a sophisticated investment decision making tool, it helps investors to estimate, classify, as well as, controls the amount of possible risks that may affected the expected investment returns for the company. The Essentials of Investments /Portfolio theory There are necessities to portfolio or investment theory. These include the quantification of risks and return relationships. The second one is the assumption that compensation should be awarded to investors due to risk assumption. Practically, portfolio theory differs from the traditio nal system of security analysis on the basis that it changes focus from an individual investment characteristics to exploring statistical relationship exhibited within individual securities that represent the entire portfolio group (Sharpe, 2007).. Through mathematical formulation, portfolio theory formulate diversification concepts in the investment with an ultimate goal of carefully selecting viable investment assets with low risks compared to the rest of asset groups. This is intuitively possible since assets can change its values in opposite direction. However, the diversification approach has been recognized to effectively lower risks even when there is no negative correlation in asset returns, but it is more effective in scenarios of a positive correlation. Looking at the technical dimension, portfolio theory models assumes that returns on assets exhibits a normal distribution function (Sharpe, 2007). It also uses standard deviation relative to investment returns to define ris ks. In addition, a portfolio is modeled on the basis of weighted asset combinations in order to have what is referred to as a weighted assets return combination. Based on this view, assets whose returns are not positively correlated are combined, thus helping to reduce variations in the portfolio returns. Another assumption made with regards to portfolio theory is that market is efficient and mainly comprised of rational investors. As far as this discussion is concerned, it should be noted that the main fundamental

The Relationship Between Media and Politics Essay Example for Free

The Relationship Between Media and Politics Essay Introduction The Access to Information and Privacy Bill, 2001 (Media Bill) is currently being considered by the Zimbabwean Parliament. Passage of this Bill, which is part of a series of restrictive measures proposed by the Government, was recently delayed when the parliamentary legal committee failed to report on it in advance of the second reading, as required by the Constitution of Zimbabwe. This Bill, if passed into law, would severely restrict freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. The timing of the Media Bill, just prior to the presidential elections scheduled for March of this year, makes ARTICLE 19’s concerns about it all the more poignant, given the crucial importance of freedom of expression to free and fair elections. As the name of the Media Bill implies, it does formally establish a right to access information held by public bodies, something ARTICLE 19 welcomes. However, this right is so limited by exclusions and exceptions that its practical impact is likely to be extremely limited. The Media Bill does also impose limits on the collection of personal information by public bodies and the uses to which such bodies may put this information, again something we welcome. However, the bulk of the provisions in the Media Bill have nothing to do with access to information or privacy. Instead, they impose a range of harsh restrictions on media freedom. This gives the impression that the name and information/privacy provisions have been included simply to draw attention away from the real import of the Media Bill. Key problems with the Media Bill are as follows: the exceptions and exclusions to the right to information are so comprehensive as to effectively negate the right; all media outlets and any business disseminating media products or even video or audio recordings must obtain a registration certificate from a government controlled body; all individual journalists must also obtain accreditation from the same body;  all foreign ownership of the media is prohibited and no non-citizen may work as a journalist; and excessive restrictions are imposed on the content of what the media may publish or broadcast. This Memorandum analyses the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill, setting out ARTICLE 19’s main concerns, along with recommendations as to how to address them. Our concerns are grouped into five main categories. First, the provisions on freedom of information are seriously undermined by an extensive regime of exclusions and exceptions. Second, the Media Bill allocates broad regulatory powers to an Information and Media Commission but this body is firmly under the control of the Minister responsible for information. Third, all media outlets, as well as those who disseminate information, including through video and audio cassettes, are required obtain a registration certificate from the Commission. Fourth, conditions are placed on who may practise journalism and all journalists are required to obtain accreditation from the Commission. Fifth, the law imposes strict restrictions on media content, including by reintroducing provisions which were recently struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe. International and Constitutional Standards International Guarantees of Freedom of Expression The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is generally considered to be the flagship statement of international human rights, binding on all states as a matter of customary international law. Article 19 of the UDHR guarantees the right to freedom of expression and information in the following terms: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a legally binding treaty which Zimbabwe ratified in 1991, guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression in very similar terms to the UDHR, also in Article 19. Zimbabwe is also a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression at Article 9. These guarantees allow for some restrictions on freedom of expression and information but only where these are prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim and are necessary in a democratic society to protect that aim. Constitutional Guarantees Article 20(1) of the Zimbabwean Constitution guarantees freedom of expression in the following terms: Except with his own consent or by way of parental discipline, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence. As under international law, the Constitution does permit some restrictions on freedom of expression, but only where such restrictions are â€Å"reasonably justifiable in a democratic society† The Importance of Freedom of Expression International bodies and courts have made it very clear that freedom of expression and information is one of the most important human rights. In its very first session in 1946 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 59(I) which states: Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated. As this resolution notes, freedom of expression is both fundamentally important in its own right and also key to the fulfilment of all other rights. It is only in societies where the free flow of information and ideas is permitted that democracy can flourish. In addition, freedom of expression is essential if violations of human rights are to be exposed and challenged. The importance of freedom of expression in a democracy has been stressed by a number of international courts. For example, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has held: Freedom of expression is a basic human right, vital to an individual’s personal development, his political consciousness, and participation in the conduct of public affairs in his  country. Similarly, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights stated: Freedom of expression is a cornerstone upon which the very existence of a democratic society rests. It is indispensable for the formation of public opinion. [I]t can be said that a society that is not well informed is not a society that is truly free. This has repeatedly been affirmed by both the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights. 1 Constitutional Rights Project and Media Rights Agenda v. Nigeria, 31 October 1998, Communications 105/93, 130/94, 128/94 and 152/96, para. 52. 2 Compulsory Membership in an Association Prescribed by Law for the Practice of Journalism, Advisory Opinion OC-5/85, 13 November 1985, Series A, No. 5, para. 70. The fact that the right to freedom of expression exists to protect controversial expression as well as conventional statements is well established. For example, in a recent case the European Court of Human Rights stated that: According to the Court’s well-established case-law, freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and one of the basic conditions for its progress and for each individual’s self-fulfilment. Subject to paragraph 2 of Article 10, it is applicable not only to â€Å"information† or â€Å"ideas† that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb. Such are the demands of that pluralism, tolerance and broadmindedness without which there is no â€Å"democratic society†. These statements emphasise that freedom of expression is both a fundamental human right and also key to democracy, which can flourish only in societies where information and ideas flow freely. Media Freedom The guarantee of freedom of expression applies with particular force to the media, including the broadcast media and the Internet. As the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has stated: â€Å"It is the mass media that make the exercise of freedom of expression a reality.†4 Because of their pivotal role in informing the public, the media as a whole merit special protection. As the European Court of Human Rights has held: [I]t is †¦ incumbent on [the press] to impart information and ideas on matters of public interest. Not only does it have the task of imparting such information and ideas: the public also has a right to receive them. Were it otherwise, the press would be unable to play its vital role of ‘public watchdog’. This applies particularly to information which, although critical, is important to the public interest: The press plays an essential role in a democratic society. Although it must not overstep certain bounds, in particular in respect of the reputation and rights of others and the need to prevent the disclosure of confidential information, its duty is nevertheless to impart – in a manner consistent with its obligations and responsibilities – information and ideas on all matters of public interest [footnote deleted]. In addition, the court is mindful of the fact that journalistic freedom also covers possible recourse to a degree of exaggeration, or even provocation. This has been recognised by the constitutional courts of individual states around the world. For example, the Supreme Court of South Africa has recently held: Nilsen and Johnsen v. Norway, 25 November 1999, Application No. 23118/93, para. 43. Compulsory Membership in an Association Prescribed by Law for the Practice of Journalism, op cit., para. 34. 5 Thorgeirson v. Iceland, 25 June 1992, Application No. 13778/88, para. 63. 6 Fressoz and Roire v. France, 21 January 1999, Application No. 29183/95 (European Court of Human Rights). The role of the press is in the front line of the battle to maintain democracy. It is the function of the press to ferret out corruption,  dishonesty and graft wherever it may occur and to expose the perpetrators. The press must reveal dishonest maland inept administration. It must also contribute to the exchange of ideas already alluded to. It must advance communication between the governed and those who govern. The press must act as the watchdog of the governed. Restrictions on Freedom of Expression The right to freedom of expression is not absolute. Both international law and most national constitutions recognise that freedom of expression may be restricted. However, any limitations must remain within strictly defined parameters. Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights lays down the benchmark, stating: The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals. It is a maxim of human rights jurisprudence that restrictions on rights must always be construed narrowly; this is especially true of the right to freedom of expression in light of its importance in democratic society. Accordingly, any restriction on the right to freedom of expression must meet a strict three-part test, approved by both the Human Rights Committee8 and the European Court of Human Rights.9 This test requires that any restriction must a) be provided by law; b) be for the purpose of safeguarding a legitimate public interest; and c) be necessary to secure that interest. The third part of this test means that even measures which seek to protect a legitimate interest must meet the requisite standard established by the term â€Å"necessity†. Although absolute necessity is not required, a â€Å"pressing social need† must be demonstrated, the restriction must be proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued, and the reasons given to justify the restriction must be relevant and sufficient.10 In other words, the government, in protecting legitimate interests, must restrict freedom of expression as little as possible. Vague or broadly defined restrictions, even if they  satisfy the â€Å"provided by law† criterion, will generally be unacceptable because they go beyond what is strictly required to protect the legitimate interest. The Freedom of Information Regime Government of the Republic of South Africa v. the Sunday Times, [1995] 1 LRC 168, pp. 175-6. See, for example, Mukong v. Cameroon, 21 July 1994, Communication No. 458/1991, para. 9.7. 9 See, for example, Goodwin v. United Kingdom, 27 March 1996, Application No. 17488/90, paras. 2837. 10 Sunday Times v. United Kingdom, 26 April 1979, Application No. 6538/74, para. 62 (European Court of Human Rights). These standards have been reiterated in a large number of cases. The Media Bill establishes a general right to access information held by public bodies (section 5). ARTICLE 19 has long advocated in favour of legislative protection for the right to information and, to that extent, welcomes this development. However, the regime of exceptions is so comprehensive as to render any right to information largely illusory. Furthermore, review of refusals to disclose information are heard by the Information and Media Commission, a body controlled by the government, rather than by an independent body. Several provisions in the Media Bill provide for exceptions. The First Schedule lists a number of bodies to which the Act does not apply (pursuant to section 4). These include, among others, records held by officers of Parliament which relate to their functions, records of an elected local official which are not held by the local body and any record relating to the exercise of the functions of the President. Indeed, the First Schedule formally excludes from the operation of the Act any record which â€Å"has no bearing on the election campaign itself†, thereby restricting the scope of the Act in this regard to the election period, although it is possible that this is a drafting error. Section 9(4)(c)  provides that public bodies do not have to provide information where granting access â€Å"is in the public interest†. This again is presumably a drafting error, with the word â€Å"not† missing from this phrase. Sections 15 – 26 provide for a comprehensive regime of exceptions from the duty to disclose information. Exceptions include all cabinet documents, including draft legislation, advice or recommendations provided to public bodies (with some exceptions) and information whose disclosure would â€Å"affect† relations between different levels of government or which may result in harm to the economic interest of the public body. Pursuant to section 5, non-citizens and any mass media outlet which is not registered do not have any rights under the Act. The Media and Information Commission is responsible for reviewing, upon request, any refusal to grant access to information (sections 9(3) and Part X). ARTICLE 19 is of the view that the right to access information held by public bodies is part of the general right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek and receive information. We therefore welcome any moves to provide for this right in national legislation. However, the right to information as provided for in this Bill is so thoroughly undermined by the very broad regime of exclusions and exceptions, as described briefly above, as to render the right essentially nugatory. A detailed analysis of the regime of exceptions and exclusions is not provided in this Memorandum; instead, a general critique is made. Exceptions are only legitimate according to international standards if they meet a strict three-part test as follows: †¢ the information must relate to a legitimate interest clearly defined in the law; †¢ disclosure must threaten to cause substantial harm to that interest; and †¢ the harm to the aim must be greater than the public interest in having the information (in other words, the law must provide for a public interest override).

Poverty in the World Essay Example for Free

Poverty in the World Essay Many third world countries are faced by the challenges of poverty and unproductivity of land. The survival of the people who live in such nations depends mostly on aid from developed countries. There is a fact about the developed countries that needs to be addressed before the aid is delivered to the poverty stricken nations. The developed countries have gained that title due to the fact that they are way too ahead in terms of technology and industrialization. The returns they get from both domestic and foreign trade are redirected on further investment. Incase other nations faced by catastrophes; these returns are used to cover those in need of help. The intervention by these developed nations is a form of quick measures to calming situations down. Back at home, it is funny how the citizens from such nations struggle to make ends meet. Once foreign help is delivered to the nations that are faced by natural, human, or climatic catastrophes the people living in those countries assume that the aid comes from very rich countries. The truth of the matter of foreign aid is that once help is delivered from a certain country be it in form of money or food there are strings attached. If one country demands for help from another, there are possibilities that the national debt of that nation grows. On the other hand, if the help is in form of a donation through the international organizations it is likely that the help addressed the issue at hand and not the future. Going back to the issue of foreign aid and reduction of poverty; two crucial elements come to play. These include the issue being addressed and the type of aid being delivered. Foreign aid is mostly volunteered to suffering nations by developed nations. In other times, organizations and NGOs take responsibility to raise money that can be used to provide for the suffering lot. By assessing the nature of the issue that is being addressed, it can be told whether the form of aid aids in reducing poverty. Looking at the situation at the horn of Africa, the type of help that is being delivered to the starving communities in that region is food and medical supplies. Looking closely at the matter and others similar to that, it will be found out that foreign aid is not a form of borrowed capital but rather a last option. Foreign Aid cannot reduce poverty due to five reasons associated with the problems and the nature of help. First, foreign aid is delivered to rescue and not to prevent; second, it is given when the situation is almost escalating out of proportion; third, nations or parties that require foreign aid are marginalized and the living conditions don’t allow for any form of secondary benefit from the aid; fourth, starvation and disease outbreaks are mostly the problems requiring foreign aid to address the issue quickly; and finally, the nature of aid cannot be invested neither can it be used while other resources are redirected to other activities. The above reasons make foreign aid seem like some form of nutritional therapy’ whose importance is lengthening the period of survival as one witnesses the problems. The US and other nations have been donating relief food and vaccination to African nations and some Asian nations as well for a long time. However, it the aid is form of funds the situation changes from aid to assistance that requires repaying as times advances. Foreign aid d oes not come to the poor in form of basic needs but rather basic rescue. It would be otherwise if foreign aid was in form of compulsory jobs for the poor or mandatory quality education.

Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder Analysis 1. Briefly describe the seven steps of stakeholder analysis A. map stakeholder relationship Before the stakeholder relationship has been made, there are some questions that will be asked for analysis and identifying major stakeholder. The stakeholder to be selected must knowledgeable, current and close to the source of the issue at hand. The stakeholder analysis is only as valid and reliable as the sources and the processes use to obtain the information. For example, if the Mattel’s recalls, you would place the Mattel Inc. in the centre stakeholder box and then continue identifying the other groups involved with that issue. B. map stakeholder coalitions After identify and make a map of the stakeholders who is going to involved in the firm in the incident addressed, this step is to determine and map any coalitions that have formed. The coalition among the stakeholder is important. Interest groups and lobbyists sometimes join force against a common ‘enemy’. If the numbers of the advantages is seeing by, the competitor may join force. Mapping actual and potential coalitions around issues can help the CEO anticipate and design strategic responses toward these groups before or after they form. C. assess the nature of each stakeholders interest There are four types of stakeholders the CEO may face in the company. That is supportive, non-supportive, mixed blessing and marginal. The supportive and the non-supportive will against the CEO. While the mixed blessing and the marginal, the CEO are less sure for their support for the strategy. The opening example like Mattel, if you are the CEO, along with his staff, you might determine that the support of Mattel would be many. Non-supportive stakeholders or those who may include some shareholders and their lawyers, the Chinese government, members of the U.S. government, the victims and their families, consumers, competitors and the media. The interest of these stakeholders is varying. By systematically, completing this audit, as a CEO in facing the crisis, it can create a broader or more objective picture in the situation faced. D. assess the nature of each stakeholders power There are eight types of power that different stakeholders exert, first, voting power, the ability of stakeholders to exert control through strength in numbers. Second, political power where the ability to influence decision making processes and agendas of republic and private organizations and institutions. The third is economic power, which the ability to influence by control over resources either monetary or physical. Forth, the technological power where the ability to influence innovations and decisions through uses of technology. The fifth is the legal power by the ability to influence laws, policies and procedure. The sixth is the environment power, where the ability to impact the nature. The seventh is the culture power, the ability to influence values, norms and habit of people and organizations and the last one is the power over individuals and groups. This is the ability to influence particular, targeted persons and groups through different forms persuasions. For instances, the Mattel suggests that shareholders, number of congress and individual constituent have voting power over the Mattel policies and officers jobs and responsibilities. In that case, the Chinese contractors and government representatives the economy power over the Mattel expenses and profit. While the U.S. government also use the political power for the Mattel’s operating and manufacturing polices and the process. E. construct a matrix of stakeholder moral responsibilities This step is to determine the responsibilities and moral obligations for company have to each stakeholder. A matrix of stakeholder has their own responsibilities. For example, the Mattel’s CEO may see the firm’s economic responsibility to the owner to preventing as many costly lawsuits as possible. Legally, the CEO may want to protect the owners and the executive team from liability and damage. This would entail proactively negotiating disputes outside the courts. Ethically, the CEO may keep the company’s stockholders and owners current regarding his or her ethical thinking and strategies to show responsibility toward all stakeholders. To complete the matrix in this stage, the ethical principles can be referring to follow as: utilitarianism (weighing costs and benefits), universalism (showing respect and concern for human beings), rights (recognizing individual liberties and privileges under laws and constitutions), justice (observing the distribution of burdens and benefits of all concerned). In this stage, the CEO might advise shareholders to show responsibility by publicly announcing their plans for resolving the problem. F. develop specific strategic and tactics After get the result from the preceding steps, it can continue to outline specific strategies and tactics that wish to use with each stakeholder. Firstly, a CEO should consider whether to approach each stakeholder directly or indirectly. Secondly, need to decide whether to do nothing, monitor, or take an offensive or defensive position. Third is determine whether to accommodate negotiate, manipulate, resist, avoid or ‘wait and see’. Finally, the CEO can decide what combination of strategies those want to comply to achieve the goal. G. monitor shifting coalitions In this stage, the time and the event can change the stakes and the stakeholders and their strategic. Tracking external trends and events and the resultant stakeholder strategies can help CEO and his or her team act and react accordingly. This dynamics process that occurs over time and is affected by the strategic and action that a CEO and the team direct with each stakeholder group as events occur. Decisions of a CEO are influenced by how effective the stakeholders respond and the CEO team strategic and action. A CEO would typically follow the utilitarian ethic of weighing costs and benefits of all your strategies and actions toward each major stakeholder group. If the CEO neglecting the public, the company ‘bottom line’ can be affect. By following the Mattel case, when you see the child who is harmed or may be at risk, you might have attempted to take care of each child. You may recall the manufacture at China, then plan meeting with the person in charged and pay a vis it to the victim families to show the concern about the case and to protect the company image and reputation going forward. 2. Explain the diagnostic typology of organizational stakeholders The diagnostic typology of organizational stakeholders can be separate into two classes and four types. For the classes, the low class is the supportive and the marginal while the high class is mixed blessing and non-supportive. The diagnostic typology of organizational stakeholders shows two dimensions, that is potential for treat and potential for cooperation. The type one is the ideal strategic for the focus corporation. Type 1 is the supportive stakeholder with a low potential for threat and high potential for cooperation. Here the strategy of the focus company is to involve the supportive stakeholder. In contrast, the is a non-supportive stakeholder who show the high supportive for threat and a low potential for cooperation. The type four stakeholders is mixed blessing. The mixed blessing is with a high potential for threat and cooperation. In this situation, the stakeholder could become the supportive or non-supportive. And the last one is the type two, the marginal stakeholder . This stakeholder has a low potential for both threat and cooperation. This kind of stakeholder may not be interested in the issue of concern. 3. Discuss the 7-phase issue development process using an example Seven phase issue development process are felt need, media coverage, interest group development and growth, leading political jurisdictions, federal government attention, legislation and regulation and litigation. The first is a felt need arises; this is for emerging events, advocacy groups. The second is media coverage. The media coverage is developing such as the television segment like news, internet, or the newspaper and other news and blogging sources. The third is the interest development gains momentum and grows. The fourth is the policies. These policies are adopted by leading political jurisdictions for cities, states and country. The federal government gives the attention to the issue occurred. The federal government have the responsible to hearing and the studies for the cases. The sixth is the issues and policies evolve into the legislation and regulation and the last one is issues and policies enter litigation. In the Mattel’s company, the CEO and the top level te am is use this framework to anticipate and prevent the recalls and also respond to the public about the cases. The Mattel toy recalls and its partnership with the Chinese contractors and subcontractors the outsourcing debate in general is related to the topic to analyse by using the second issue frame work that is media coverage. There is an article which is written by Christopher Clott’s with the title â€Å"Perspectives on Global Outsourcing and the Changing Nature of Work†. This article provided the excellent background information. These seven steps are useful in identifying and following the public issues like the Mattel’s Inc. faced. 4. Describe the 4-stage issue life cycle approach There are four stages in life cycle, which is social expectation, political issues, legislation and social control. The first step is social expectation and the awareness. In this process, it is about the social discussion and debate. The societal awareness is low at first and approached the highest at stage there that is legislative engagement and decrease when it reaches the stage four. The social awareness is like the emerging the events, advocacy books and so on. In the event, they will discuss about the problem occurred and debate about the problem. The interest group will pay the attention if the problem is related to them. The second of the stage of life cycle is the political awareness. The political awareness involved the media attention and the hearing is held. In this stage, is include the incorporate of the media coverage available in the country, the interest group development and growth and the leading political jurisdictions adopt policies. The third phase is the legis lative engagements which are law passed, legal involvement and regulations enacted. And the last stage is social control and litigation. This are include the compliance issues, legal conflict and court rulings. 5. Identify and explain the 4-stage approach to crisis management Crisis management is a method that to study how corporation and leaders respond to the crisis faced. By using this method, it is essential for understanding and possibly preventing the future fiascos because crises is continue to occur year by year. There are the four stages for crisis management. That is prodramal, acute, chronic and conflict resolution. The prodromal or pre-crisis is also known as the warning stage. The second stage still can proceed although this stage is not recognized or does not actually occur, but is requiring the damage control. For the example, Mattel experienced several recalls with its Chinese subcontractors. First recall is given by sending a warning sign that issues existed. Represented from the Mattel let the subcontractor takes blame at first. In the second stage, acute crisis which mean the damage has been done. This stage is use to control the damage as much as possible. This is the short stage among the four stages. In 2005, a toddler died from inge sting a magnet from a Mattel toy that was manufactured in China. Since there is no laws governing this type of incident, Mattel had not considered the risk faced. The third stage is the chronic crisis. The chronic crisis is also mean clean up stage. This is a period of recovery, self-analysis, self-doubt and healing. In this process, the congressional investigations, audits and interviews occurred. The final stage is crisis resolution. This stage is the goal of crisis management. In this stage, it is about what is the best solution for the problem occurred.

Free Essays - The Merchant of Venice is Far from Perfect :: Free Merchant of Venice Essays

Auden's Dystopia The Merchant of Venice is Far from Perfect In a perfect world, hatred would be without justice; love would be totally innocent. However, utopias like that are nonexistent; thus, one can easily look around, like Auden, and exclaim, "No hatred is totally without justification, no love is totally innocent." In The Merchant of Venice, there is an imperfect world, as well as a perfect world. The flawed world is the materialistic and bustling city of Venice. The impeccable world is the fairy-tale city of Belmont. Despite Belmont's perfection, a bit of justified hatred from Venice would ruin its innocence. (Paradise lost.) Alas, as Auden suggests, there are no utopias. In Venice, time is of the essence. If one were to momentarily forget the real world, one would be trampled down by its massive stampede of events, bonds, et cetera constantly being made, ubiquitously in its domain. Shylock and Antonio are just one pair of culprits adding to the ultimate imperfection of Venice. However, the bond made between Shylock and Antonio sets them completely apart from the normal villainy dealings, "If you repay me not on such a day... let the forfeit / Be nominated for an equal pound / Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken..." [Act 1, Scene 3]. A shrewd merchant, Antonio does not immediately agree to this. He first reasons it out: "Within these two months--that's a month before / This bond expires--I do expect return / Of thrice three times the value of this bond." [Act 1, Scene 3] If all goes well, our merchant of Venice would have no difficulties in paying Shylock back. However, not all goes well; a while after this bond, rumors on the Rialto suggest that Antonio has lost his fortunes at sea. With not enough wealth to compensate for his due payment, Antonio is now in danger of losing a pound of his flesh, which in those days meant almost certain death. In Belmont's high peak, secluded from the merchants of Venice, time is a silhouette of the real world. Portia sits there weary and bored, waiting for the brave suitor who would agree to risk all for her. She is the perfect woman, wrought of both intelligence and beauty; she is like a doll trapped in Wonderland. In addition to those materialistic qualities, she is also a faithful daughter. She dutifully holds true to her father's dying wish and allows her suitors to be chosen by a lottery system.

The Bomb :: essays papers

The Bomb One of the most powerful and intriguing people for the 20th century is Mother Teresa. She is probably the world’s best-known humanitarian. She spent her life caring for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind and the lepers. She cared for all people who felt unwanted, unloved and uncared for in society. The purity of heart and of purpose was what made her able to focus every ounce of her energy on her simple and unserving purpose in life: to do, to made, to be something beautiful for God. Mother Teresa had a devoted Catholic family. It was their generosity and care for the poor and less fortunate that helped her decide what she wanted to do with her life. She received a calling from God â€Å"to serve him among the poorest of the poor† while she was riding on a train to recover from suspected tuberculosis. Mother Teresa opened houses for lepers, alcoholics, drug addicts, the homeless and destitute, mothers with unwanted pregnancies and for people with AIDS all over the world. She felt that abortion is the worst evil. Her life exemplifies the true meaning of Christianity. The event we chose to be the most powerful in the 20th century is the bombing of Hiroshima. The bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. The bomb had lots of killing power because of its size. The A-bomb had lots of killing power. Many people were burnt by the heat rays emitted from the bomb. Anyone who was located within 1.2 km from the hypocenter of the explosion at the time it went off died within a few days because of the exposure to direct heat rays. Radiation from the bomb caused certain blood disorders. Survivors of the blast soon reported cases of leukemia. Incidents of lung and thyroid cancer increased during the 1960’s because of the radiation. In utero exposure caused microcephaly, a smaller than normal skull, and mental retardation. The bomb â€Å"killed† the city as well. Fire was set to the entire city and buildings were gutted by the fire. Because of this enormous amount of power, 140,000 people died. There was power in sheer size of the bomb. It weighed 9,000 pounds, over 4 tons. The diameter measured 28 inches. It was 120 inches long. This particular bomb had more power than 20,000 tons of TNT. It contained 2,000 times more power than the British bomb, â€Å"Grand Slam.

Jasmine Essay -- essays papers

Jasmine Bharati Mukherjee was born on July 27, 1940 in Calcutta, India. (Pradhan ) She was born into a wealthy family, which assisted her in her dream of becoming a writer. She lived in India, Europe, the United States, and Canada. Migrating to these countries that are so different from her place of birth enabled her to write very powerful novels on immigrant experiences. Mukherjee’s novels focus on exploring the migration and the feeling of alienation that is experienced by these immigrants. (Pradhan) Her works have explored such themes as isolation, sexism, discrimination, the mistreatment of Indian women, and exploring identities. In Bharati Mukherjee’s novel Jasmine, the character shows some similarities to the author, but there are many differences. Both were born in India, but Jasmine was not born into wealth. Jasmine does not have the same resources as Bharati, so it is harder for her to leave her home and to migrate to the United States. One of the similarities between Jasmine and the author is their drive to go after what they want and to not stop until they get it. Bharati’s drive is to become a writer, and Jasmine’s is to go to the United States. Another similarity is their struggle to find their identity when they migrate to the United States. This is one of the major themes in Jasmine. One important aspect about the novel Jasmine is that it is not written in chronological order. The novel is written as though the main character is remembering events out of sequence. The author employed this method of writing quite efficiently. It was not entirely confusing and it set a mood of anticipation of what is to come. The novel starts out when Jasmine is a young girl in India. She is consulting an astrol... ...arries his child. This is evidence that she is steering further away from her Indian values. Someone may say that Jasmine is about a victim struggling in America or that it is about an immigrant who has assimilated herself into becoming an American. I think it is a little bit of both. I think that the main theme of this novel is exploring identities. Jasmine’s struggle in America and her immigrant experience force her to explore within herself and to discover what she is capable of doing in life. Jasmine has many stages in her life. Even her name changes throughout the novel, becoming more American, which corresponded to the stages in her life. Jasmine went through a metamorphoses in this novel in which she had to suffer many terrible and some wonderful events in order to become the person that she is at the end of the novel when she leaves Bud to be with Taylor.

Effective Communication in the Workplace

As a baby, you learn that if you cry and fuss, Mom and Dad will rush over to comfort you; however, as you mature, you realize that there are better ways of communicating. I will present my message here today on â€Å"Effective communication in the work place. † Communication in the work place is essential because first, communication skills prepare you to perform specific duties in the work place making you a better employee. Second, communication skills in the work place prepare you to exercise flexibility. Last, communication skills form better relationships and understanding amongst other employees and managers. Body I. Communication skills prepare you to perform specific duties in the workplace making you a better employee A. Good communication passes information along and if you can effectively communicate, then people understand you much better, and information you are trying to tell or receive will get across without being misunderstood. 1. Marsha Ludden states in a book he had written that, â€Å"if you can communicate effectively what you need or want, you are more likely to be successful in getting it. An example will be a bigger salary. 2. Effective communication also helps you to convince others to agree with you in a persuasive setting. B. Good communication helps you to think better which are essential to make you perform well when performing duties in the workplace. 1. In order to communicate effectively, you have to think ahead and organize your thoughts. 2. When performing job duties this teaches you not only how to learn how to organize, but how to plan ahead. II. Communication skills in the work place prepare you to exercise flexibility A. Communication in the workplace reflects key personality traits, as well as key competencies for success. Show yourself, your staff or your employer you have the necessary intellectual, creative and behavioral flexibility to handle what each work day brings. 1. Studies show to suggest positive aspects of a challenging situation. Examine how a change in a supplier, for instance, can improve a product you manufacture or a service your company provides. Resist insisting that a change cannot work, advises the University of Bradford, Career Development Services office. 2. Have a scheduled time with each department in your company. Add to your skills set to enable you to better understand new issues that may arise in each department. B. Find the secret of effective, easy performance to get more equip with difference task including other workers. 1. Implement team problem-solving measures. Meet with key staff members when changes arise. 2. Get brief insight and solutions from your team if, for example, a valued client decides not to interact in certain situations. III. Communication skills form better relationships and understanding amongst other employees and managers A. Good communication passes information along and if you can effectively communicate, then other employees understand you much better, and information you are trying to tell them will get across without being misunderstood. 1. This prevents arguments, especially between co-workers, explain your thoughts and feelings, and then you won't misunderstand each other. 2. If you can effectively communicate, then you can get along better with other employers. Most arguments are caused by people not communicating effectively and not being able to negotiate with each other. B. Being respectful and using manners in the work place sets a great tone in the environment and forms better relationships with managers 1. Good listening skills are part of good communication; you need to understand what you’re manager is saying to you as well as to say what you want. 2. Communication often includes non-verbal clues such as tone of voice, facial expression, gestures, and body posture. Good communicati on includes being observant and focusing on the other person. Conclusion I. There is always room for improvement when it comes to communication skills. The more you practice by interacting with others, the better you will be. In addition, you will be better able to tell when you are getting your ideas across effectively, and how to improve if you are not. The better you are at communicating, the easier it will be to do your job and work with others- making the workplace more enjoyable, and making you a more successful employee. II. In the words of Tony Robbins, â€Å"To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. †

Marketing Strategies for Cell C Essay

It has been argued that â€Å"strategic marketing planning can be viewed as the solution to multitudinous issues which face modern management† (Haris, 1996). Indeed, it is often contended that the process of strategic marketing planning is crucial since planning determines what must be done in the future whilst giving an opportunity to test what has been achieved against the framework of the existing plan. However, it is universally acknowledged that not only is planning far from simple but also that few organizations plan well (Piercy, 1997). As Cell C, we intend using our marketing plan as a road map, to plan our course and help us reach our goals/destination. Typically a marketing plan should consist of information about the company and its products or services, marketing activities, objectives and strategies, and its method for measuring success. It should also have a designated time period (i.e. 6 ? 12 months) and one should document the costs of the planned marketing activities. (after D.K Schofield ? De-mystifying Marketing plans) MISSION â€Å"A company must get to the future not only first but also for less.† (HBR G. Hamel & C.K. Prahald) As Cell C is the third mobile operator in South Africa, this poses a tough challenge, but we believe we’re up for it, and we intend being First on innovation and Customer Service. Our goal is â€Å"competitive innovation not competitive imitation† (adapted from STRATEGIC INTENT ? C.K. Prahalad & G. Hamel) The marketing strategies for Cell C are focused on meeting the needs of our future customers, and keeping them met. We plan to achieve this through the provision of world class service and innovative products at competitive prices. MARKETING OBJECTIVES To realise (win over) 15 ? 20 % of existing cell phone users. To attract new users from all spheres, in particular the under serviced areas i.e. rural and semi-urban communities. To create a visible profile through an explosive branding campaign. â€Å"BUY – CELL C† To be able to offer customers the option of a 1 year contract, and still make a profit. (presently the two players in the market only offer 2 year contracts) FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES Having seen that over the past year our competitors, Vodacom and MTN have attained returns on capital invested of 41 % and 27 % respectively, we will be aiming for a return of 20 %. MARKETING MIX We believe that in order to put even a slight dent in the marked we need to be aggressive in our marketing attack. â€Å"we can proceed with the implementation of our aggressive cellular network rollout, paving the way for us to introduce innovative new competitive service and product packages designed to further expand mobile telephony to the mass market†. T. Laham Cell CCEO Our intention is to use a combination of marketing concepts in order to have the best impact i.e. Product concept, production concept and the market concept. Product concept To be in a position to offer cell phones and contracts that are in high demand but at the lowest possible price. Production concept To be able to offer unique products and offer the best quality and performance (on the 1800 Mhz spectrum.) We will find out what it is the customer wants and ensure that we give it to them in that way we will ensure customer satisfaction. Market concept Customer orientation ? The key to customer retention is customer satisfaction. We subscribe to the belief that perceived benefits go beyond product performance, to service quality, company image, sales service and relationships. (after A. Arbee & K. Naidu, Marketing Management) Collaboration ? We believe that it is the mandate of all employees of Cell C to undertake in the marketing of the company, after all if the marketing exercise fails Cell C fails. Competitive Advantage ? We are planning to build the reputations of and maintain successful brands, in this way ensure customers confidence in the brands ensuring repurchases. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES We will offer all the products our competitors offer but at a more competitive price. We will offer a 1 year contract to subscribers as opposed to the two year contracts offered by our competitors. (This will be accompanied by a free Siemens phone to the value of +/- R600) We will introduce a wristwatch phone (assuming that the technology is available) ? this will be marketed to children as well as in industry. The watch / phone will have two buttons, an answer key and a Hang up key, these will double up as pre-programmed dial buttons. (maximum of two numbers pre-programmed into the watch) I.e. a child needing to call mom to fetch them will push the pre-programmed button and this will automatically dial mom. Companies could avoid those â€Å"private call† cell phone bills and still  keep in touch with their drivers for instance. We will offer better connectivity and speed for data connection on the 1800 Mhz spectrum. COMPETITORS We believe it to be of utmost important to be aware of what our competition has done, and are planning to do. Not only do we have to match what they’re doing but we have to do it that much better and faster. MTN Overview MTN ranks as one of the largest GSM networks in the world with operations in Africa (Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda and bidding for licence in Nigeria?) and has roaming agreements with 153 networks in 76 countries. In September 1999, M-Cell acquired Orbicom, the largest provider of satellite services in Africa. The company distributes digital signals and manages value-added networks across Africa. The brand has established many world records in performance, including   judged among world’s top three GSM operators (Financial Times London)   product innovation (1st Prepaid in SA, Faxmail, global SMS on internet) MTN is pro-actively channeling resources towards the development of previously disadvantaged areas:   connecting more than 300 communities to the most modern form of communication   job creation, skills development and economic empowerment through Community Payphones Programme Vodacom Overview Vodacom started operations during 1994, thus becoming SA’s first network operator It attracted 50 000 subscribers within the first month (June), the number rising to 100 000 by October of the same year. Today Vodacom owns the majority share of the market (approx. 55%) and services some 3,6 million customers Vodacom has won awards for Advertising, Marketing, Corporate Social Investment, amongst others,PMR Golden Arrow and SA non-listed company of the year Vodacom is however considered a follower, providing products and services in response to MTN’s innovation Vodacom Corporate Structure Vodacom Group (Pty)Ltd shareholders are Telkom SA Ltd – 50%; Vodafone Airtouch Plc – 31,5%; Rembrandt Group Limited – 13,5%; and HCI – 5% (After MTN Disruption 2 presentation) Global mobile phone sales have shot past the total number of PCs sold Mobile handsets have potential to become the most dominant device linked to the internet in the future   The implications:   more people will have access to the internet as cellular is cheaper than PC   value added services will become more and more of a competitive edge   more specialization by service providers thus cutting down on customer confusion and finding own niches, e.g. References Haris, 1996, Piercy, 1997 adapted from article posted on Gmarketing website. Written by J. C. Levinson â€Å"De-mystifying Marketing plans† G marketing. D.K Schofield â€Å"Competing for the future† Harvard Business Review, July /August 1994- G. Hamel & C.K. Prahald â€Å"Strategic Intent† Harvard Business Review, May/June 1989 – C.K. Prahalad & G. Hamel â€Å"Marketing Management† A. Arbee & K. Naidu, Book 1 Marketing Pilosophy and Strategy. 2001/2 edition

Meaning of life Essay

â€Å"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. † –Nelson Mandela The importance of learning is to enable the individual to put his potentials to optimal use. Education makes man a right thinker and a correct decision-maker. It achieves this by bringing him knowledge from the external world, teaching him to reason and acquainting him with past history, so that he can be a better judge of the present. With education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open to the outside world. A well educated man is a more dependable worker, a better citizen, a centre of wholesome influence, pride to his community and honour to his country. A nation is great only in proportion of its advancement in education. Education is Self Empowerment. Receiving a good education makes a person strong enough to look after himself in any given situation. It keeps him aware of the given surrounding as well as the rules and regulations of the society. It’s only through knowledge that one can question authority for its negligence or discrepancies and only then that can a person avail his rights as a citizen and seek improvement in the structural functioning of governance and economy. As a whole, people can bring about development only when they know where improvement is necessary for the greater good of mankind. Education gives a better understanding to the person, it helps realize potential and qualities one possesses as a human being. It helps tap into latent talent, so that people can sharpen their skills. Education teaches what man lives and struggles for. It cultivates an integrated life. By so doing, it gives significance of life. It helps restores financial stability and dignity of life. It is the essential basis of a good life. Education enlightens and lifts a nation to heights of progress. The problem in India is that it has adopted democracy without preparing the ground for it by educating population. But its never too late to undertake mass programmes of Adult education or Social education. Adult education is the education of grown up men and women. In the complex modern times, people must be knowledgeable and be aware of what they are doing and what is being done to them. To create such sentience every responsible citizen should take up this social cause and educate the knowledge deprived people. Teaching a daily worker for just an hour daily can change their lives in propitious ways as it was rightly quoted by Neil Armstrong, ‘One small step is a giant leap for mankind’. In recent history our country has taken up good measures to ensure a high educated population by taking up several social causes and concentrating on the rural areas, since they comprise a majority but the system has been laid back due the restraints imposed by old cultural ethics. For the past few centuries in India, the girl has been completely neglected even as a human being, her sole purpose of life has been to feed the family and bear a child. Good education has been denied to women. It is argued that women have their domestic duties to perform and that, if they were educated, they would bury themselves in their books and have little time for attending to the management of their households. But what people fail to understand is education involves knowledge of the means by which health may be preserved and enable a mother to consult such modern books as will tell her how to rear up her children into healthy men and women and skilfully nurse them and her husband, when disease attacks her household. The purpose of education is not just earning a livelihood but education makes an individual into a good human being, which is passed on to the next the kith and kin. It is true that, the education of girls has lately taken a slight leap but this is only in a very small segment of Indian society. Unless the motion is fast and continuous, and includes more of poor urban and rural girls in the field of education, there can be no hope of having a developed and first world country status for India. â€Å"When a man is educated, only he is educated but, when a woman is educated, a family is educated. † – Indira Gandhi â€Å"Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another. † – Nelson Mandela.