Didion “In Bed” Thoughtful Analysis

Her ethos is her personal experience with the subject as demonstrated in the first paragraph: â€Å"Almost every day of every month, between these attacks, I feel the sudden irrational irritation and the flush of blood into the cerebral arteries which tell me that migraine is on its way, and I take certain drugs to avert its arrival. † She uses exact medical terms such as â€Å"Methodologies,† â€Å"lysergic acid,† and â€Å"synthesized L SD-25† to demonstrate her knowledge and research on the subject. 3. ) Make observations about the remarkable language use in the first paragraph.Here are a few to get you started, but add a few of your own: â€Å"unconscious with pain,† â€Å"shameful secret,† â€Å"chemical inferiority. † What does each of these phrases do for the passage? Doing is showing what the majority of people think of migraines by using these words. Most people don't understand that it is more than a headache, but people thin k those who suffer from migraines are weak and that it's something they do to themselves due to â€Å"bad attitudes, unpleasant tempers, [and] wrongdoing. † Doing sort of mocks the general preconceived attitude towards her affliction. . ) What is the intended effect of the parallel structure at the end of the second paragraph? What type of appeal is this? Be specific. Doing utilizes the parallel Truckee to provide specific examples of her struggles with migraines. Doing uses logic to contradicts her statement the when she said â€Å"nothing wrong with me at all: I simply had migraine headaches, and migraine headaches were, as everyone who did not have them knew, imaginary' and then uses the parallel structure to show that migraines are an issue. 5. ) What is the purpose of including Jefferson and Grant?What about the lengthy paragraph on medical treatments? Jefferson and Grant weren't weak people who were likely to complain about a â€Å"headache. It's not just a disease th at affects weak personality types, so the two men lend credibility to the issue of migraine. The paragraph on medical treatments demonstrates her knowledge of the issue. The medical paragraph lends credibility to Doing, but it also shows that there is no easy cure for migraine; one of the drugs is even a derivative LSI showing that it's a pretty intense treatment. . ) Comment on the importance of the phrase â€Å"ambiguous blessing. † The blessing is arguable because in the midst of a migraine, the individual suffering the attack would rather die than eave to suffer, but after the attack is over they're glad they survived. 7. ) Find a logic fallacy in the first full paragraph on the back (HINT: Doing herself is not culpable Of the offense). What is it, and how does it strengthen her argument? The doctor makes an assumption about her condition based on her appearance, specifically her messy hair.He assumes she must be a compulsive housekeeper because her hair is messy and that all patients with her condition have a specific personality, and he tries to find a way to file her within that personality type. 8. Throughout the essay, why does she refer to it as â€Å"migraine† and not â€Å"migraines'? Doing is trying to express the seriousness of migraines by stating it by its medical term, much like we call cancer cancer and diabetes diabetes. 9. ) What do you think is the purpose of the final paragraph?Its purpose is to show that she's found a silver lining in the pain of a migraine. The migraine is brought on by the small stresses of her everyday life, and every anxiety she has is magnified by the migraine before the pain, but then the pain comes and she has to focus all of her energy on that singular pain. When the pain passes, all of her problems are no longer real problems. The migraine is now a kind of therapy. It brings her life into perspective and while it's violent in its execution, its still a form of meditation. 0. ) How does she create empathy in the essay? Dingo's personal experiences bring out the pathos in the passage. Her suffering and struggles are empathic by the reader because Doing is so descriptive of her own experiences with migraines; she makes the reader feel and understand what she is feeling during a migraine. 11. Using Doing to justify your response, explain why a balance of pathos, ethos, and logos creates the most effective arguments.

If I Were a Boy Essay

The artist Beyonce has a fantastic music video, directed by Jake Nava. He is best known for his Anti-gun campaign music video; he also attended University of Westminister. It is about a girl who put herself in a guys shoes. This particular song portrays an R&B genre. Beyoncà © is shown as a female police officer arresting a grown, black male who looks to be from an impoverished area. This often times suggests R&B; however, both Beyoncà © and the male featured in the video appear to be clean cut and well presented. They also show the couple’s nice apartment, and the guy is shown giving Beyoncà © an expensive-looking pair of earrings. Based on this information, one can assume that this music is not R&B, it’s pop. The purpose of this video was to highlight the misunderstanding between genders. The theme of role reversal was used. Beyoncà © was shown in the shoes of a man. She treated her man the way your stereotypical male would treat a female. Men don’t take the time to sit down and eat breakfast together, as shown in the video; they tend to worry more about work, alcohol and other women. Beyoncà © illustrates the feeling of men coming and going, always assuming that when they do in fact come home their girl will be right there waiting for them. She proves that point wrong when she says â€Å"you lose the one you wanted because you’ve taken her for granted†. A person can only take so much before they decide to walk away. Aside from what had previously been mentioned it is noted that there is a very strong relationship between the lyrics and the visual. The way Beyoncà © acts towards her man in the video is much the same as she describes it through her words. She shows distance and selfishness. She puts herself first, which is what she feels most guys do. This video portrays their closeness, but also her reluctance  to be treated poorly. At this point, viewers are able to sense her. confusion: she seems tired of the situation, tired of her man constantly coming and going. It almost seems as if its time for her to make a decision, judgment day. The roles are suddenly flipped and everything begins to make sense. However, if you pay close attention you also begin to realize that the record company is trying to do multiple things with this song. You can tell that the record company is not only trying to sell the track but the artist as well. A vast majority of Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s songs have leaned more towards the R&B genre, all songs that could be played at a party and cause a live atmosphere whereas this song is deeper and more heartfelt. This song is looking to grab peoples attention in a different way, she wants people to relate. The record company tries to sell her as a diverse artist, and was trying to prove that she is capable of executing multiple forms of music. Overall, this song is about a female who feels as if men have it easier, almost like they can sa y and do things that woman cannot do within a  relationship without facing consequences. Beyoncà © feels a man wouldn’t stick around if they were treated like a female. They wouldn’t have the patience nor would they continue to make an effort. This song/video combo was well executed and served a clear purpose. Some women feel a man’s position is easier to fulfill, but who is to say that some men don’t feel that way about women? It would be very interesting to see a male version of this music video.

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

History - Essay Example Trench warfare was the norm, and soldiers were pitted against one another in horrible conditions. The use of mustard gas by the Germans against the British in the Second Battle of Ypres increased the horror of this war. (WW1 timeline). Valery wrote from a position of intellectual and emotional shell-shock. The scope and terror of the war left him questioning everything, and he was afraid: â€Å"We modern civilizations have learned to recognize that we are mortal like the others.† He was no longer complacent about the death of past cultures: â€Å"†¦through the misty bulk of history, huge vessels once laden with riches and learning†¦were no concern of ours.† The mind, Valery wrote, is deeply injured and may not recover from the shock of its realization that there is no longer the buffer of time. Civilization could end at any moment. The Lost Generation epitomizes the feelings of British intellectuals in WW One’s aftermath. Hugh Dalton writes of his frien d Rupert Brooke â€Å"with his passing, a bright light seemed to go out of my life, and a bright hope of the future† (The Lost Generation).

Risk Management - Critical Analysis Research Paper

Risk Management - Critical Analysis - Research Paper Example In addition, I also focused my analysis on how the history of the scenario contributed to the current state of affairs. I made a conclusion that top managers must be change-oriented to serve the interest of the company, external and internal customers. I also recommended that firm must ensure that change-resisting managers are dismissed to realize the company objective. In this paper, I will showcase how I managed to restore normality based on the risk of employee mass dismissal that led to strike within my workplace. The employee had been complaining about poor working conditions, as well as poor wage packages in our company for a long period of time, but the top management did not take any actions. The situation became worse with time as the manager was rigid and resisted change at all levels. The commandeering style of leadership that he portrayed at the workplace never augured well with the employee who decided to join hand to benefit from a collective bargaining but all their grievances fell on deaf ears. Several peaceful boycotts followed putting the company operations at a risk. Production declined to a greater degree, and the sales volume reduced to a worsening condition with lower employee productivity due to dissatisfaction. The top management ignored the pieces of advice that arose from the emergency and risk department to which I led an d thus it became very difficult to counteract the scenario proactively before it gets out of hands. I tried on several occasions to talk to the executives about the impending risk attached to the employees’ job dissatisfaction ranging from the threats of shuttering the brand image, low sales and even the collapse of the company. However, the executive would never buy any of my ideas as they have more positional power and authority of my position. The results were the company worsened reputation, low sales, massive loyal customers withdrawal with the greater possibility of the company collapse. I will,

Employee stress in the work place Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Employee stress in the work place - Essay Example Managers need to create a stress-free environment at the workplace for employees in order to ensure sustainable organizational performance. In this paper, we will discuss some of the main factors that can contribute to employee stress in the workplace, as well as the possible measures that managers can take to reduce stress in employees. 2. Factors That Cause Stress in Employees There are many individual, administrative, job concerning factors that can cause stress in employees. Some of those factors include discrimination, keeping employees away in decision-making processes, less promotional opportunities, rotating shifts, work overload, role conflict, team-based conflicts, excessive managerial control, increased job timings, lack of confidentiality, unsafe working conditions, and less salary (Akrani 2011). Let us discuss some of these issues in detail to know the way they cause stress in employees. 2.1 Discrimination Discrimination is one of the main factors that make employees str essed. Discrimination occurs when managers give preference to a particular individual or a group of individuals while taking any important decision. Such preference is usually based on racial, ethics, social, religious, and gender differences. For example, promoting a male employee to a higher position even when his performance is low than his female counterparts. Such decisions put a negative impact on the productivity and performance of other employees. 2.2 Keeping Employees Away In Decision-Making Processes Employees also feel stressed and depressed when they are not involved in decision-making processes related to their jobs. Employees want some recognition and value for the performances that they show for their companies. Involving them in decision-making processes is one of the best ways to do so. However, when employees are neglected during critical decision-making processes, they feel inferior and their level of commitment to their jobs decreases. 2.3 Less Promotional Opport unities If there are less opportunities of employee promotion in a company, employees may not like to work there because of less chances of career development. Working in a company where there are less progress opportunities and job enrichment is a main factor of stress in employees. 2.4 Increased Job Timings The balance between work life and family life is very important for every employee. In situations where employees do not find enough time to spend with their families due to longer working hours is also a reason of stress in employees. 2.5 Work Overload As Akrani (2011, p. 1) states, â€Å"excessive work load leads to stress as it puts a person under tremendous pressure†. Employees feel stressed when their managers give them huge amounts of work to complete in a single day. Similarly, giving less or very simple work also causes stress in employees. Doing work of simple nature leads to boredom that eventually leads to stress and depression. 3. Strategies for Managing Stre ss in Employees As Manley (n.d.) states, â€Å"stress in the workplace is bad for an employee's health and also causes distractions, making it harder for the stressed individual to perform their job† (p. 1). It is the responsibility of managers to take effective measures and strategies to offset those negative effects

African American Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

African American Culture - Essay Example African American Culture is one such culture, which exhibits certain uniqueness, as the Afro-Americans practice certain activities in various spheres of their life, which is quite different from the dominant culture of White Americans (Marionis, 2004). But, on the other hand, certain activities or characteristics of African-Americans are stereotyped by the majority. So, this paper will list certain cultural characteristics, which are stereotyped. The immigration or the influx of African Americans into U.S. from a diverse range of cultures and countries started in the early centuries itself. As, they came from Africa, and later from the Caribbean countries and the Central and South American countries, they brought majority of their cultures, and this culture continues in their population, generations after generation with modifications in tune with changing times. Music of Afro-Americans is mainly polyrhymic music with roots in the African tradition, but now they are stereotyped as creators of only Rap, hip-pop music, with limited talents in other genres. The ethnic dance of the Afro-Americans is mainly based on the dance practices of the African slave communities, but now that cultural perspective is changed and break dances, which are done mainly done in the streets, are stereotyped as the dances of the Afro-Americans. When it comes to Literature, the Afro-American cultural characteristic is the verbal tradition of story telling. And as the modern day writers like Alex Haley, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, to name a few, started to write works based mainly on Afro-American themes, they are again stereotyped. (Scott, 2005). Theirs distinctive Language patterns are also stereotyped nowadays. For example, Pidgins, a mixture of several languages, is normally spoken by African Americans. But, today inner city young people speak AAVE which is

Blindness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Blindness - Essay Example Some of the causes include infections, injuries, lack of glasses, trauma, etc. Blind students are also taught using various technologies, including Braille and assistive computer technology. These technologies enable students to read and listen to lecture notes, presentations, course materials and other reading materials. Causes of blindness depend on the socioeconomic conditions to which a person is exposed. They include causes that affect the eye directly and those that affect visual processing centres like the brain. In developed economies, the primary causes of blindness include macular degeneration, traumatic injuries and ocular diabetes complications. In developing and underdeveloped nations blindness is caused primarily by infections, glaucoma, lack of glasses, injury, and cataracts. Some of the infections that lead to blindness in underdeveloped countries include onchocerciasis (river blindness), leprosy and trachoma. The herpes simplex is the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. There are also other causes of blindness such as retinopathy, deficiency of vitamin A, diseases affective the retina or optic nerve e.g. stroke, inflammation, eye malignancies, abnormalities of the congenital, hereditary eye diseases, and chemical poisoning. According to Bourne et al (2013), catarac ts and macular degeneration are the leading causes of blindness. Cataracts affect people from developing and underdeveloped world while macular degeneration mainly affects people from developed countries. Blindness can also be caused by amblyopia, or the lazy eye. This refers to the condition in which a child is born with poorer vision in one eye than the other (NIH Medline Plus, 2015). Untreated amblyopia leads to vision loss and blindness. As the child grows, the brain ignores images from the affected eye, leading to loss of vision in that eye as the child enters teenage stage of life. The condition starts when one of the child’s eyes develops a

Low and management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Low and management - Essay Example A binding precedent adheres closely to the precept of stare decisis. It is â€Å"based on the premise that the function of judges is not to create law, but to find law in conformity with existing legal rules.† Under this doctrine, the judge is legally obliged to base his own rulings on previously decided cases, applying the principles of law determined therein. â€Å"This coercive character of the doctrine of precedent is a feature peculiar to the English legal tradition.† (Antoine 2008) On the other hand, persuasive precedents are those legal principles which, while controlling in previous cases, are merely referred to for guidance in the pending case. The judge may refer to these earlier decisions, but will not consider himself bound to abide strictly by them. Examples of such persuasive precedents are decisions of a court of another jurisdiction, and decisions of a lower-level court. Another consideration would be the date the precedent case was decided, since generally, cases which are more recent would be more authoritative as a basis for new decisions. Also, if the case were promulgated by a judge with more prominent reputation, the greater the degree of persuasiveness of that decision. (Gall, 1983) An important basis as to whether a precedent is binding or persuasive is that portion of the judgment from which the legal principle is drawn. Judgments are comprised of the ratio decidendi and the obiter dicta. The ratio decidendi is that part of the judgment where the judge states the material facts of the case and sets down his legal reasons for arriving at his or her decision. If the court which ruled on the precedent case is higher than the court hearing the pending case, then such precedent is binding upon the lower court. On the other hand, the principle may be embodied in the obiter dictum, which comprises the opinions and observations of the judge. The obiter dicta are persuasive in nature; the judge in the

Sociology (Culture & Immigration) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sociology (Culture & Immigration) - Essay Example Increasingly, the rights of groups such as immigrants (transnationals) came to the forefront of sociological discourse, and the "politics of identity" were at one time seen as constraining the solidarity of the welcoming states sense of citizenship and democracy. New ways of understanding the world were emerging (Mills & Wright, 1992; Robinson, 2001). However, a contrasting viewpoint approached globalization as a positive change in the concept of democracy, and a positive end to the nation-state. At the same time multiculturalists advocated that minority rights were of importance and integrationists lobbied for solidarity of values and national aspirations, regardless of a citizen being an immigrant or a person born into the state. The argument focused on the concept of national identities being outdated. This approach stated that states will become less able to influence and regulate its immigrants, and in turn the groups will cease to consider themselves, and to be viewed as disadvantaged minority groups. This paper will review the concepts of culture and immigration with regard to public boundaries and cultural adaption, using Anderson's (2006) thesis as a filter to reinterpret the immigration issue in the 21st century. Firstly, the effects of globalization on immigration and culture shall be presented. Secondly, social being in the forms of private and background cultures will be discussed. Next, the effect of immigrant culture on the socialization of children will be outlined. Finally a conclusion shall synthesize the main points and demonstrate that culture and immigration are undergoing change in the new millennium. Globalization Effects on Immigration and Culture Current discourse on immigration notes that closed societies and the concept of a homogenized culture within a nation will limit a state's ability to compete in global markets, or to draw capital from foreign investment. This is because a global marketplace constrains state governments in their implanting regulatory economic policies, advocating instead, negotiated trade agreements that take consideration of many nations. Following the Cold-War and the fragmentation of many Central and Eastern nations, there has been an increase in attempts to constrain traditional approaches to trade and politics, which promoted sovereignty, and a shift toward flexible boarders and more collaborative decision making among states. The rapid advances in technology have provided wider access to information, skills and competencies, as well as decreased the cost of travel, which in turn has aided immigration as an option for seeking work, stable family life, or just general well-being. Hence, the bound aries between "immigrant" and "native" have become blurred globally. In turn this breakdown of boundaries has promoted new ways of celebrating and practicing culture. A transational sphere of society is created that extends and limits opportunities for immigrants (Smith, 2003). This occurs through the establishment of "diasporic membership" new political participation for immigrants within their receiving nation and their home state. The

Definition of Design Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Definition of Design Thinking - Essay Example For example, in engineering, education is geared towards the creation of engineers who can think and create designs (Pourdehnead, et.al, 2011). However, design thinking is a complex subject and one of the approaches used in teaching engineers design is the project-based learning approach (Dym, et.al, 2005). Engineering design thoughts involve a divergence-convergence thought process and a systems perspective. It encompasses several levels of interaction with system components that may be interconnected to other systems (Frisk, et.al, 2014). Few studies have demonstrated thought processes and strategies involved in the engineering design process. One such study investigated engineering design thinking among K-12 learners (Lammi, & Becker, 2013). The research analyzed how the high school learners engaged design thinking in systems processes never before viewed or understood (Bruton, 2010). The students’ cognitive capabilities were analysed by use of an investigative triangulation mixed technique (Lammi, & Becker, 2013). Their cognitive abilities and mental processes during collaborative engineering design were studied with the aid of a Function-Behaviour-Structure cognitive analysis mechanism (Lammi, & Becker, 2013). While other forms of data were collected, the research had to be guided by a set of two issues: Design thinking has also generated interest within business circles. The interest was directed towards understanding how the design thinking process impacts business in creating fads or contemporary phenomena (Hanttu, 2013). Design thinking focused on how designers thought and the tools and methods they used in their profession. Peter G. Rowe published Design Thinking in 1987 where he studied the design process and the intellectual activity of designing architects (Cross, 2011). Business publications such as the Bloomberg’s Business Week and Harvard Business Review have also printed articles on

The Qur`an Essay Example for Free

The Qur`an Essay This website contains selections from the Quran, particularly those sections fundamental to Islam. These sections deal with Allah (God), the worship of Allah, mans purpose in relation to Allah, and the purpose of the revelation to Muhammad.   In addition, this website provides scripture about the Quran, belief and disbelief, the relationship between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and the Islamic view of an afterlife. Given the history of wars between these three faiths, it is interesting to note just how much their scriptures teach similar precepts. Islam views Mohammed (approximately 570 A.D. until 632 A.D.) as the final revelation from God or Allay to people of this world until the world comes to an end. Like Judaism that had been in existence for at least 1500 years and Christianity that had been in existence for more than 500 years, Islam is a monotheistic religion based on a book, the Quran. Each of these religions come from the tradition of Abraham and his descendents. Given the world today and the current animosity between those nations considered Christian and those considered Muslim, there are a surprising number of similarities between the two religions. In addition, given the strong anti-Semitic feeling among the more radical groups of Islam, it is hard to believe that they both come from similar traditions. In the discussion of Muhammads purpose, we read. Thus have we sent amongst you an apostle of yourselves, to recite to you our signs, to purify you and teach you the Book and wisdom, and to teach you what you did not know; remember me (God), then, and I will remember you; thank me, and do not disbelieve. This is remarkably similar to much of the teachings and actions of Jesus who worked against the Pharisees to purify Judaism in Jerusalem in the first century A.D. In the section called God it is interesting to read and note how much of the description is like the book of the Old Testament. Your God is one God; there is no God but He, the merciful, the compassionate of the Quran compares to the ten commandment statement of thy God is a jealous god, Thou shalt have no other god before Me. In the Quran Allah seems more mature. It is claimed that he is the one god, but that he is merciful and compassionate. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God seems less mature, more given to anger and more demanding of those who worship him/her. There is a more alive and celebratory quality to the writings of the Quran. Instead of saying something like God created the heavens and the earth as in the Old Testament, just a simple declarative statement, the Quran provides a different slant, He created the heavens and the earth. May God be exalted above all that which they join with Him! This passion and emotion expressed in the Islamic tradition is greatly different than what is experienced in many Christian Churches today. This is reflected in the behavior of Muslims, who are passionate and open in newscasts today, as opposed to the restrained, remote, detached worshipping that many Christians and Jews do. The Quran and the Bible offer many similar teachings. Sadly, Moslems, Christians and Jews seem determined to emphasis the differences instead of embracing the similarities. Works Cited Hooker, Richard. Islam the Qu-ran. 02 Dec. 2006 http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ ISLAM/QURANSEL.HTM

Efficient managers and effective managers

Efficient managers and effective managers Difference between efficient managers and effective managers Effectiveness and efficiency are mutually exclusive things. For a manager, they are both fundamental preconditions. Being effective means that one is able to properly analyse the evolving environment and selecting the right things as the areas of strategic focus for the enterprise. On the other hand, being efficient requires a carefully carved cultural and operational framework which helps the manager to achieve a particular degree of success, given the level of resources applied to a particular objective. In any business, an efficient manager is one who uses limited resources available viz., time, material and men to get the job done in a more professional manner. This includes securing productive and profitable results in a short span, using funds allotted for a business more legibly yet smartly, and appraising employee performance etc., In other words, an efficient manager would keep the business running even in dire circumstances. An effective manager, on the other hand, is slightly different from the efficient one. The effective manager focuses on productivity rather than increased/balanced profitability. Effective management has various layers in its setup such as motivation, teamwork, communication and objectives. An effective manager is someone who leads, coordinates and filters various activities of the sub-ordinates and decides an appropriate mechanism to work upon. An effective manager usually works without any constraints such as funds, manpower etc. The focus always implies on better management practices and in turn, better output. Effectiveness is a precondition for the success of any manager; however that depends more upon the uncontrollable variables dictated to the manager by the operational environment and his ability to come up with the right choices that would suit his resources built over time. It may be appreciated that a firms resources in terms of manpower and technology as well as capital would have been built up over time and they have a great degree of rigidity. Once you become effective, efficiency can be an easier thing to bring into operation. The two things are in fact complimentary. Efficiency in fact depends upon the lower level managerial abilities and culture while effectiveness is almost always a top management variable. In management, operating in efficient and in effective ways is a key to good performance and to successfully reaching the goals set for the business. While efficiency and effectiveness are similarly desirable characteristics of business behavior, either one is often seen as attainable only at the expense of the other. Looking at the interplay of the two characteristics can give a clear insight into the ideal behavior for a manager when faced with tasks which must be completed quickly, but also completed in such a way that the key goals are attained. Luther Gulick advocates seven elements which make up common management in any organization. He calls it the POSDCORB. Planning a strategy to accomplish the objectives set for an enterprise. Organizing a formal structure of authority, arranged and defined for specific jobs. Staffing / Recruiting and training personnel. Directing/ Decision making and embodying rules, instructions etc., Co-ordinating various parts of work. Reporting through records, research and inspection. Budgeting in form of fiscal planning, accounting and control. These make up the common administrative tasks managers perform in an organization. The effectiveness of each element makes up both an efficient and effective management system. The following make up management behavior. Management of human resources is a social phenomenon. An effective communication channel is always imperative in any kind of an organization. James Pfiffner calls it the heart of management. Chester Barnard remarks it as the foundation of co-operative group activity. For an effective communication, the information passed on must be clear, consistent, adequate, timely, uniform, flexible and acceptable. A manager must make sure that a proper communication channel is present in an organization. This includes avoiding semantic and ideological barriers, two-valued thinking (Halo effect), stereotyping and dogmatism among the employees. Decision-making is a vital part of an efficient management system. Robert Tannenbaum says decision-making involves a conscious choice or selection of one behavior alternative from a group of two or more behavior alternative. A behavior alternative may simply be known as a decision. Decision-making, in more ways or the other, is a singular function of the manager. It is thus very important in an organization. Herbert Simon came up with the fact that every decision has two basic premises a factual premise and a value premise. A fact is a statement of reality while a value is an expression of preference. A manager would go by decisions based on these only. An effective manager goes in for the factual premise because it can be measured empirically, while the value premise, which may determine efficient factors such as profit, loss, employee satisfaction, cost-cutting etc., would be more preferred by efficient managers. Rensis Likert calls motivation as the core of management. Motivation is a psychological process which energizes and activates an individual to achieve formulated objectives. A manager thus plays a vital role as a driving force behind motivation. On this part, both effective and efficient managers must be good motivators, so as to bring about the best in the employees. Classical and modern management thinkers have listed money and a variety of socio-psychological factors as a source of motivation. Motivation also helps to build teams and perform better. Teamwork is another essential part of management. A manager is the undisputed leader of a team. He delegates work to his sub-ordinates, assigns tasks, creates plans and makes decisions. An autocratic manager would do all the above functions by himself. It is not desirable in an effective organizational system. On the other hand, an efficient manager would tend to be a little autocratic in his functions, because of the limited resources available and some other constraints. It is however better for an organization to be more democratic for proper functioning. Importance Managing effectively and efficiently is the way to go about in business. Efficient business tactics would help to know how to deal with finance and personnel in a more productive way. Most successful businesses in the world today are rather efficient than effective. Efficient management practices provide increased sustainability and stability in an organization. It involves novelty in management practices and output. An effective management system takes a long time to fully materialize. It has more to do with the long-term vision of an organization than its present objectives. Effective management also involves setting time benchmarks within the organization, so that a given objective gets completed within a set time. Traditional management practices are usually followed, and the manager sets up an instructional framework within which the sub-ordinates are expected to follow. An effective management system, summarily can be defined as, one which Raises productivity Increases work output from sub-ordinates Functions within a set of rules and regulations Works in a more democratic manner Builds teamwork and effective communication channels A good manager, therefore is one who works both efficiently and effectively simultaneously. It is imperative that he does work in a more systematic manner and adapts himself depending on the organizational situation and environment. What an organization / business would need is an effective mechanism and an efficient output.

Exploring Death In The Odyssey

Exploring Death In The Odyssey In Homers The Odyssey, many different motifs and themes into his epic, and this theme catches the attention of several critics: death and rebirth. There are several examples of how a burial is not necessary for the people to make their journey to the underworld, such as Elpenor, who is left behind by Odysseus and his men during the war. Also, a situation arises at the beginning of the epic where Telemachus does not know the fate of his father, who has been absent from Ithaca for twenty years. Other examples include when Odysseus and his crew visit the Kingdom of the Dead, Odysseus many hardships he has to endure, and when he finally returns home from the Trojan War. The motif of death and rebirth is weaved intricately throughout Homers epic tale. This paper examines Book XI for how this key theme is apparent when Odysseus is able to communicate with his kin and fellow soldiers in the Kingdom of the Dead. In Book XI, Odysseus and his crew sail to the Kingdom of the Dead. This first soul he recognizes is that of Elpenor, his fallen comrade, and vividly retells the events that take place in a flashback: But first the ghost of Elpenor, my companion, came toward me. /Hed not been buried under the wide ways of earth, /not yet, wed left his body in Circes house, /unwept, unburied-this other labor pressed us. /But I wept to see him now, pity touched my heart /and I called out a winged word to him there: Elpenor, /how did you travel down to the world of darkness? /Faster on foot, I see, than I in the black ship. (XI. 56-64). This passage explains how the Greeks thought burial to be an end of some sort, but this proves that Elpenor still makes it to the Kingdom of the Dead even though Odysseus did not give him a proper burial. He also recalls meeting the great warrior Achilles and praising him for his kleos: But you, Achilles, /theres not a man in the world more blest than you- /there never has been, never will be one. /Time was, when you were alive, we Argives /honored you as a god, and now down here, I see, /you lord it over the dead in all your power. /So grieve no more at dying, great Achilles. I reassured the ghost, but he broke out, protesting, /No winning words about death to me, shining Odysseus! /By god, Id rather slave on earth for another man- /some dirt-poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive- /than rule down here over all the breathless dead (XI. 547-58). By Homer placing this warning to Odysseus from Achilles, it seems that Achilles wanted to highlight that Odysseus needed to rethink how he wanted to be remembered; glory was not everything it was cracked up to be. Odysseus and his crew return to the living world, . . . where Helios, the sun, makes his uprising . . . (XII. 4), symbolizing their rebirth. Homer uses light and dark images to emphasize this rebirth. In this passage, the two heroes delve into the variances between the two realms they now inhabit, and each perceives the grass to be greener on the opposite side. Odysseus is envious of Achilles strength and the glory he had won from it; Achilles is jealous of Odysseus for being alive. Homer also uses many light and dark references to accentuate the death and rebirth theme in this epic novel-the darkness is symbolic of death, and the light represents life, and therefore, rebirth. Achilles informs Odysseus about his eventual return home whilst visiting the Kingdom of the Dead. The first example of how the motif of death and rebirth is evident in this poem is that of Telemachus uncertainty of his fathers fate. In Book I, he tells Athena, who is disguised as Menelaus, But now, no use, hes died a wretched death. /No comforts left for usà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦not even if /someone, somewhere, says hes coming home. /The day of his return will never dawn (I. 193-5). This symbolizes the fact that Telemachus is dead in the sense that he does not have any desire to reclaim his house from the suitors. Athena, disguised as one of Odysseus friends, convinces Telemachus that Odysseus is not dead and to set out on his quest to receive his kleos. This is very significant because Homer shows how each character goes through a level of death and what happens after the fact. In book XXIV, the last example of this motif is found. Upon realizing Odysseus return home, Laertes faints. Symbolically, this refers to the death of Laertes. He is essentially reborn when he awakens, and is instilled with a new passion for life and no longer wishes to make his journey to the underworld. Overall, the death and rebirth theme makes a very significant impact in The Odyssey. Homer makes use of this theme for several reasons. One of the more important underlying themes in the entire book is that one should never give up on living, and this theme highlights that in several passages and scenes. In this epic, Homer emphasizes that, even though a situation may seem undefeatable, there is always a route that will not only keep one alive, but will also provide some valuable lesson to learn from or insight. In this epic, the theme of death and rebirth is universal and proves The Odysseys timelessness and longevity.

Strategic Management at Honda Essay -- Business Management Studies

Strategic Management at Honda 1. Firstly what is strategic management? It is the process of specifying an organization’s objectives, developing policies and plans to achieve these objectives, and allocating resources so as to implement the plans. Strategic management is usually performed by the highest level of managers in the company. A company’s strategy must be realistic enough for it to achieve it; hence it must make sure it has the right resources to be able to cope with the strategy. An example of an overall business strategy may be to put the organization in a position where it can carry out its mission. Now to see how the definition of strategic management conforms to what’s been written about how Honda grew and developed its markets in the US. Firstly in the BCG account of how Honda grew into the US markets it quotes â€Å"the success of the Japanese manufactures originated with the growth of their domestic market during the 1950s.† To think strategically there are three big questions that need to be answered that are, where are we now? Where do we want to go? How will we get there? I believe the first question of thinking strategically is now answered, â€Å"where are we now† Honda must of seen that they have been successful in their own domestic market and are ready to go into other markets so at this point they must have been thinking where do they want to go next hence the second strategic question. Another quote from the BCG report, â€Å"†¦.the basic philosophy of the Japanese manufactures is the high volumes per model provide the potential for high productivity as a result of using capital intensive and highly automated techniques.† This now I believe has answered the third question of thinking strategically, â€Å"how will we get there.† Honda knew from the success of their own domestic market the key to their success was gaining economies of scale as the cost of producing motorbikes declined with the level of output. So this would be their way of entering the US markets as they also knew their competitors would have a scale economy disadvantage in technology and manufacturing. If we look at the second account of how Honda grew and developed its markets in the US we can see other ways of how its conforms with strategic management. Pascal’s version is based on interviews with the Japanese executives. They say they had no ... ...aving a formalised approach to strategy and implementations there are some disadvantages. Having a formalised strategy can mean a lot of time and thought need to be put into forming a good strategy which might mean a huge drawback in cost savings whereas this time and thought could be implemented elsewhere in the business. A formalised approach to strategy development can also mean a slow response when there is a change in the market. Developing a strategy and implementing as said before takes a long time and a lot of thought which in business means money so when there is a change in the market the strategy may not be relevant to the new situation which could consequently mean further cost occurring such as forming new strategies and responding to the new market situation. A situation like this can be learnt from Honda when they thought their larger bikes would sell as Americans liked bigger things and also they thought the Buddha like handlebar would assist in sales of these larger bikes, but when this was not the case and they learnt it was the smaller bikes (50cc) the consumers wanted they had to quickly change their main strategy and follow on with a new one.

Robert Siricos Samaritans Dilemma :: essays research papers

In the essay Samaritan’s Dilemma, Robert Sirico claims that charity is not always helpful to society. He implies that some people take advantage of others kindness, in this case, soup kitchens. To support his claim, Sirico told a story of when he was training to be a priest. He states that each Friday he would help set up and serve a free meal to those in need, usually 200 to 500 people. One Friday after the meal, he and a friend cleaned up then went to a seafood pub just down the street. While eating the two men realized that the soup kitchen they had just finished working at was competition to the seafood pub and other surrounding restaurants. They realized that their charity was making it harder for other entrepreneurs to make a living and provide for their families. Sirico basically states that when people are waited on â€Å"hand and foot† they become more dependant on others, therefore, making it even harder for them to get out of poverty. He also implies that giving â€Å"handouts† to people encourages laziness. He says, â€Å"When charity creates a disincentive for an able-bodied person to work, it leads this person down the wrong path. It encourages indolence. Real work provides the individual with the vehicle for a productive and virtuous life. It gives a person self esteem and a role to play in society.† The support he uses does not help his case, though. For example, the comparison Sirico makes of the soup kitchen to a seafood pub is irrelevant. He states, "Just a block away we provide a product and a service that make this man's effort to provide for his own family more difficult.† A soup kitchen and a seafood pub are not comparable. The pub has the intention to make money, whereas a soup kitchen is not interested in money. Soup kitchens are there for the purpose of people who cannot afford to eat at other places. The speaker never states the prices or quality of food at the pub. This information would help the reader recognize the similarities and differences between the two. Sirico fails to mention the other restaurants that are also the pub owner's competition. Surrounding restaurants may be taking business from the pub, not the soup kitchen. In addition, Sirico uses insufficient personal experience to suggest that people are taking advantage of charity. After observi ng people coming to the soup kitchen, Sirico noticed a couple that "told me they needed to eat quickly because they were planning to go shopping after dinner.

Speech Community :: essays research papers

Speech Community Contribution There is an infinite amount of chat rooms available on the internet and each one can be defined as its own speech community. I have chosen to analyze a chat room that is devoted to the hit Fox reality show, American Idol. The transcript used was from a chat session that occurred at 10:00 PM on March 27, 2005. This online chat room seemed to be the source of a continuous flow of opinionated statements regarding the television show. Due to the anonymity of the internet, members of the many speech communities within are uneasily identified. Members tend to rely solely on â€Å"screen names† for identification purposes. With names such as TanBear251 and MegaBob12, most statistical information regarding the identity of participants is limited. The context and purpose of the chat room, however, allow for various limited conclusions to be drawn. For the American Idol chat room, it can be assumed that participants include people who watch the television show regularly. These people are likely to statistically fall into the show’s target audience in regards to age and income, among other factors. The target audience of American Idol consists of middle to upper-middle class viewers between the ages of 20 and 45 years of age. No physical location can truly be defined for this speech event. One participant may reside in Houston, Texas, while another may live in Puerto Rico. Due to the time of day, a casual setting can be assumed since it is likely that most participants are located within their own homes. Participation is fully voluntary and in most cases is for enjoyment purposes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For this chat room in particular, knowledge truly is power. The status of a participant grows with their expertise on a subject of discussion. The chat room â€Å"regulars† seem to hold a higher status that those who are entering for the first time. This is seen with the amount of posted messages a person makes. Those who regularly participate in the chat room from day to day dominate the discussion while newcomers tend to sit back and watch. In order to gain inclusion in a discussion, one must prove themselves as knowledgeable about the subject at hand.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some of the barriers that coexist with chat room communication include a limited ability to show emotion as well as a tedious typing requirement. To address these issues, many new abbreviated expressions have been introduced.

Asses sociological explanations for ethnic differences in educational achievement Essay

Ethnicity refers to shared cultural practices, perspectives, and distinctions that set apart one group of people from another. That is, ethnicity is a shared cultural heritage. The most common characteristics distinguishing various ethnic groups are ancestry, a sense of history, language and religion. Modern Britain is said to be a multicultural society made up of many different ethnic groups. Achievement within education is very varied across cultures, with some such as Chinese and Indian students performing above the average, and African-Caribbean and Pakistani students performing well below average. There are many factors which can reduce a child from an ethnic backgrounds attainment. For instance, Material deprivation. Material deprivation focuses on income inequality and the material problems that are associated with it. An example of such a study is J. W. B Douglas, ‘The Home and The School’ (1964). He argued that an interlocking network of inequalities existed which operated against many working class students. This included, differential effects of regional and variations in educational provision and expenditure. Also, housing and environmental factors. Which led to chances of access to ‘good’ primary schools. Therefore, hindering the chance of access to top streams. As a result, minority ethnic children are more likely to live in low-income households. This means they face the problems that Douglas highlighted, the material factors, such as poor quality housing, no working space and even possibly bad influence of peers. One other reason for differences in educational achievement between ethnicities is the basic family life. African-Caribbean communities have a high level of lone parenthood. Actually, it is estimated 50% of African-Caribbean households have a lone-parent . This can mean that many face financial problems, this can lead to lower achievement in school (Douglas’ material factors). Conversely, single mothers can be a positive role model or influence for many young girls, meaning they perform better in education. Another explanation for ethnic differences is Language. For many children of an ethnic minority English is not their primary language. This can be a disadvantage because they may not understand exams as well as others. Also they might struggle to express themselves with limited English. Finally, some teachers may mistake poor English for a lack of intelligence, when actually this could be completely untrue, meaning that a clever child may be let down by the teacher who might not push the student to their full potential. However, you could argue that Chinese and Indian students first language isn’t English, on the other hand in these two cultures it is the norm to learn English as a strong second language. Therefore, they are not hindered by the second language barrier, as opposed to Bangladeshi’s for example. Language was such a big issue that Bernstein (1973) categorised students into two groups. Elaborated and restricted. In the case of an elaborated code, the speaker will select from a relatively extensive range of alternatives. However in the case of a restricted code the number of these alternatives is often severely limited. Bernstein’s work was not always praised. For instance, Labov (1974) argued that young blacks in the United States, although using language which certainly seems an example of the restricted code, nevertheless display a clear ability to argue logically. Their lack of knowledge concerning the subject may reach further than just the exams they have to take. For instance, due to the large amount of failing black Caribbean’s and Bangladeshi’s (a combined total of 41% managed to get 5 A* – C grades), teachers may be subconsciously prejudiced against ethnic minorities. This can lower the students attainments in many ways, one is that the teachers give the student lower grades. Another way is that the teacher negatively labels a student of ethnic minority which can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy. Racism can also lead to conflict between students and teachers, making learning a much harder task. Lastly, racism can lead to low-self esteem among ethnic minorities. A researcher who studies this was Howard Becker (1971). Becker Interviewed 60 Chicago high school teachers. He found that they judged pupils according to how closely they fitted image of â€Å"ideal pupil†. Their conduct & appearance influenced judgement. Middle class was closest to ideal, working class furthest away & labelled as badly behaved. As a result you can see, if teachers labelled students on how they look, you can imagine how they would label a whole ethnic race. Another factor for ethnic differences in educational achievement is the ethnocentric curriculum. There are several reasons why ethnic minorities may struggle due to this curriculum. One is that the subjects often focus on British culture; naturally White British students will have grown up with this culture, so they might have a greater understanding of the content than students who grew up in a different culture. Another reason is that the content of the curriculum could lower ethnic minorities self-esteem, this is because often the white character is seen as â€Å"good† and superior whilst the ethnic minorities are seen as â€Å"not as academic†. However, it is crucial not to forget that every ethnic minority underachieves at this level. In fact, in the UK, Chinese and Indian pupils score better grades than the â€Å"White† ethnic race. One of the main reasons for this is the support of the parents. Research has shown that some parents of ethnic minority, such as Chinese and Indian, take more interest in their child’s education, they also encourage their child more than other in other cultures. This obviously leads to higher achievement for the child. Not only the parents play a part. Some teachers may stereotype some ethnic minorities to be intelligent and hard-working. This encouragement and sort of support can aid a student in raising their grades. To conclude, there are many sociological explanations for the ethnic differences in educational achievement, from language barriers to family life at home. However, it is important to remember not all ethnic minorities to underachieve. Rafi Kentafi – Lindill 12P.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children Essay

Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that impacts every segment of the population. While system responses are primarily targeted toward adult victims of abuse, increased attention is now being focused on the children who witness domestic violence. Studies estimate that 10 to 20 percent of children are at risk for exposure to domestic violence (Carlson, 2000). These findings translate into approximately 3.3 to 10 million children who witness the abuse of a parent or adult caregiver each year (Carlson, 1984; Straus and Gelles, 1990). Research also indicates children exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk of being abused or neglected. A majority of studies reveal there are adult and child victims in 30 to 60 percent of families experiencing domestic violence (Appel and Holden, 1998; Edleson, 1999; Jaffe and Wolfe, 1990). The main focus of the study is to look at the impacts of domestic violence on the upbringing and well-fare of children who find themselves in homes and families were domestic violence is predominant taking into consideration that children in homes where domestic violence occurs may â€Å"indirectly† receive injuries. They may be hurt when household items are thrown or weapons are used. Infants may be injured if being held by the mother when the batterer strikes out; also, many children in homes where domestic violence occurs have difficulties in school, including problems with concentration, poor academic performance, difficulty with peer interactions, and more absences from school. More so, children may become withdrawn, non-verbal, and exhibit regressed behaviors such as clinging and whining. Eating and sleeping difficulty, concentration problems, generalized anxiety, and physical complaints (such as headaches) are all common. Finally, through violence in the home, children may suffer emotional and psychological damage. The very young may show physical signs of distress such as bedwetting, stomach-aches and disturbed sleep. Older children can become withdrawn or exhibit extreme behaviour, such as misusing alcohol or drugs. Therefore, the type of research to be used for the above topic will be the â€Å"descriptive and analytical research† this is because one has to only describe what is has happened or is happening concerning a particular situation and with regards to analytical research, the methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and correlational methods. In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. The research seeks to know if there is a direct impact on children’s well-being as a result of domestic violence from their parents, guardians and other family relatives. Specific objectives †¢ To know the behavioral, social, and emotional problems faced by children who find themselves in homes were domestic violence is recurrent. †¢ to know the value parents attach to the psychological well-being of their children †¢ To examine platforms to sensitize and educate parents and guardians on the need to avoid acts of domestic violence in the presence of their children. Parents are the most important social agents on children’s upbringing, care and control. They are directly involved with their well-being as well as the sound state of mind at all times. Domestic violence therefore affects children. All children are affected emotionally by witnessing violence. Children who witness regular acts of domestic violence have greater emotional and behavioral problems than other children. Some of the immediate effects may include nightmares, anxiety, withdrawal and bedwetting. (Aron, L. Y. and Olson, K. K. 1997) Believe the historical inequality of women and gender socialization of females and males contribute to the root causes of domestic violence. Until the 1970’s, women who were raped or suffered violence in their homes had no formal place to go for help or support. Shelters and services for victims of domestic violence did not exist and there was little, if any, response from criminal or civil courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and social service agencies. Society and its formal institutions viewed domestic violence as a â€Å"private matter.† In Cameroon it is estimated that more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends and women experience two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year. Many of these women are mothers who often go to great and courageous lengths to protect their children from abusive partners. In fact, research has shown that the non-abusing parent is often the strongest protective factor in the lives of children who are exposed to domestic violence. However, growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a child’s life, growth and development. In spite of this, we know that when properly identified and addressed, the effects of domestic violence on children can be mitigated. (Henriette Ekwe Ebongo 2011) Studies have shown that more than 700 children live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and 500 children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred. It is also estimated that; for every hour, as many as 115 children are abused, 90% of children from violent homes witness their fathers beating their mothers, 63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder, kill the man who was abusing their mother, Daughters of abused women are six times more likely to be sexually abused as girls from non-abusive families, Child victims of severe violence have two to four times higher rates of trouble-making friends, temper tantrums, failing grades in school, having problems in school and at home and finally, Children in homes where violence occurs are physically abused or neglected at. a rate 1500% Children’s risk levels and reactions to domestic violence exist on a continuum where some children demonstrate enormous resiliency while others show signs of significant maladaptive adjustment (Carlson, 2000; Edleson, 1999; Hughes, Graham-Bermann & Gruber, 2001). Protective factors, such as social competence, intelligence, high self-esteem, outgoing temperament, strong sibling and peer relationships, and a supportive relationship with an adult, can help protect children from the adverse affects of exposure to domestic violence. Many theories have existed over time to attempt to grasp the reasons for domestic violence in human society. This analysis of violence ranges from the macro level (wars, government, repression, etc) to acts between the couple and the individual. Such efforts to define violence, particularly partner violence which integrates complex interrelations of gender and sexuality need to be investigated within the context of their respective societies. Here are two examples of theories that have been used to explain the effects of domestic violence. 1. Feminist Theory There are many different ideas within feminist theory of domestic violence, but in Feminist Perspectives on Wife Abuse they have identified four common strains. These are:- 1 that as the dominant class, men have differential access to material and symbolic resources and women are devalued as secondary and inferior 2 intimate partner abuse is a predictable and common dimension of normal family life 3 women’s experiences are often defined as inferior because male domination influences all aspects of life 4 the feminist perspective is dedicated to advocacy for women. 2. Traumatic Bonding Theory: This theory seeks to explain why women remain with men who beat them. Two features have been recognized: the existence of a power imbalance within the relationship, so that the batterer perceives him or herself as dominating the other, and the intermittent nature of the abuse. This theory postulates that as these power relationships polarize over time, the powerless individual in the relationship becomes increasingly dependent on the dominator. In addition, moments in between abuse are times when positive displays of love and affection cement the legitimacy of the relationship.

Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Marijuana has been one of the many abused substances in the world especially in the United States of America. It has been argued as one of the many existing substances which has caused lives to go astray and even to the point of taking away innocent lives. There have been heinous crimes committed which have been linked by the authorities to the abuse of marijuana by the suspects. But even with these apparent ‘hindrances’ to the acceptance of marijuana as a substance which also has its uses, it has been observed in the scientific community that there are medical benefits with the use of marijuana (Sydney, Stephen, et al., p. 722). Apparently, it can be said that there is a tension between the democratic ethos that permeates popular American thought and the republican constitutional foundations that impede the realization of the medical use of marijuana. As far as the democratic ethos is concerned, it can be seen that there is the acceptance of marijuana in the medical field precisely because marijuana can be used as a drug which has the â€Å"potential for use in decreasing the rejection of organ transplants or in slowing the growth of tumors (Dell and Snyder, p. 630).† It has also been found that marijuana can stimulate the appetite of individuals who do not eat well, can serve as an analgesic and an anesthesia among many others (Dell and Snyder, p. 630). With these things, there is the argument that, indeed, marijuana has its own positive effects on the body of the individual and that it can greatly help in the development of a medicine out of marijuana. However, the republican constitutional foundations would argue that the use of marijuana can open the way to substance abuse. Since marijuana is classified as an addictive substance which is prohibited by the laws of the land, the republican constitutional foundations would very well block any efforts in legalizing marijuana purely out of its medical purposes and benefits. That is because the republican constitutional foundations are inclined to promote the laws as they are written or as they have been conceived. The arguments that can be proposed by the republican constitutional foundations can be summarized into the idea that anything that is against the law or anything that is proscribed by the law should not be justified before the law. Doing so would defeat the very purpose in which these laws have been conceived and institutionalized in the first place. Indeed, it should be noted that certain laws have been created in order to promote the interest of the public inasmuch as the welfare of the public is not harmed in the process. With marijuana, it can be argued from the republican standpoint that marijuana use is basically prohibited by the law. Any efforts to circumvent the law should be stopped, which goes without saying that any efforts to turn the prohibited substance, marijuana, into a substance which is accepted by the society if not by the law would very well undermine the spirit and the letter of the law. The tension between the democratic ethos and the republican constitutional foundations, then, rests on the part where marijuana has its perceived medical uses. From the perspective of the democratic ethos, it can be said that marijuana, as discovered by the scientific community, as its medical values although to a certain extent the abuse of the substance would also lead to dire consequences to the health of individuals. On the other hand, the followers of the republican constitutional foundation will argue that marijuana is essentially a prohibited substance although they may agree that substances with medicinal value should also be looked into by the government. To mitigate the tension is paramount in order to close the gap between the two contending sides and bring about a favorable result. In order to do so, it can be proposed that regulatory policies should be enforced by the government in terms of the use of marijuana for medical purposes. As for the part where the abuse of the substance is involved, the legal prohibitions against the abuse of marijuana can nevertheless still be retained without compromising the medicinal uses of the substance. By establishing both a regulatory body on the medical facilities which will utilize marijuana and by putting up stringent measures on banning and sanctioning the offenders who abuse marijuana, a compromise can be attained without putting down the guards of both the democratic and republican sides. It should be noted that even from a democratic or a republican standpoint, issues concerning the larger population can still be mitigated to a point where a solution is crafted regardless of one’s political positions. The issue of marijuana being legalized as a substance used for medical reasons can be met if both republican and democratic sides would agree on two things. One is that the medical value of marijuana is there and cannot be discredited. Two is that, though marijuana abuse is present, marijuana can be regulated within the medical facilities which will adopt the substance in the medical practice of treating patients. In general, the viability of marijuana as a medicine is already established. Substance abuse pertaining to marijuana is already determined both by the legal enforcers as well as the medical field. By not withholding the potential use of marijuana in the broader medical field without abandoning the ever present need to proscribe and to sanction the abuse of marijuana, the middle ground can be established. Works Cited Sidney, Stephen, et al. â€Å"Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence.† Cancer Causes & Control 8.5 (1997): 722. Dell, Deena D., and Judith A. Snyder. â€Å"Marijuana: Pro and Con.† The American Journal of Nursing 77.4 (1977): 630.

Using Material from Item a and Elsewhere, Assess the Usefulness of Subcultural Theories in Explaining ‘Subcultural Crime and Deviance’ in Society Today (21 Marks)

Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess the usefulness of subcultural theories in explaining ‘subcultural crime and deviance’ in society today (21 marks) Subcultural theories believe that people who commit a crime share different values to the rest of society. Subculture theories come from two different schools of sociology which are appreciative sociology and strain theory.Appreciative sociology came from the University of Chicago in the early 20th Century; Chicago sociologists were determined to appreciate other lifestyles and cultures in Chicago using a participant observation which existed after a huge number of migrants from Europe and Southern USA. Whyte’s Street Corner Society (1943) suggests that deviant groups in society have clear norms and values which justify their behaviour.The Chicago study would say that it is useful in explaining subcultural crime and deviance because they used participant observations to get more accurate results within d ifferent subcultures and Whyte would also agree that it is useful because they could justify their behaviour by the norms and values in which they share. In item A â€Å"some sociologists link subcultural crime and deviance to the nature of capitalism† this shows that some sociologists believe that it doesn’t matter about what your norms and values are but depending on the amount of money that you have will determine you to turn to crime.In a stratified society they have goals which are linked with their position in the social system, each layer share different goals, but the system can only work if the majority of people can reach their goals, however, if they can’t then you can reach an anomie. This theory of that crime is committed due to your social class isn’t useful because it is more stereotypical to say that a lower on under class would commit the crimes rather than middle and upper class due to their subcultures norms and values being different b ut it isn’t to say that they won’t commit the crimes but it would be for different reasons.Robert Merton (1938) located a deviance within a functionalist framework. He said that crime and deviance were a result of a strain between the socially accepted goals of society for example having your dream house, and socially approved means of achieving these goals which are getting a job in which can support the socially accepted goals. This can lead to a state of anomie in which an individual suffering from anomie would strive to attain the common goals of a specific society yet would not be able to reach these goals legitimately ecause of the structural limitations in society. As a result the individual would exhibit deviant behaviour. Merton then suggested if a section of society cannot achieve a set of goals, they look to alternative ways of achieving their goals. There are 5 different forms of behaviour which could be understood as a strain between goals and means and th ey are: conformity (wanting to fit in), innovation (progressing), ritualism (things you go for), retreatism (step back from society) and rebellion (rebel against society).Merton’s theory has proven useful because he said that due to the poor fit in society causes anomie and by identifying 5 different forms of behaviour each member in society will fit into one section and is easier to place them into a subculture to help explain crime and deviance, by using the five stages will help locate the highest rates and become more useful to people analysing crime rates and what their behaviour is between their goals and means.Cloward and Ohlin (1960) said that Merton had failed to appreciate that there was a parallel opportunity structure to the legal one which is called the illegitimate opportunity structure. In this illegitimate opportunity structure a regular criminal career is available, with recognised means of obtaining the society’s goals. Dick Hobbs (1998) used the ille gitimate opportunity structure to interview successful professional criminals who had demonstrated that they have a possible career in crime as they were given the right connections and qualities to be a criminal.The illegal opportunity structure has 3 different subcultures which are: criminal such as gangs, conflict such as people fighting against society and retreatist which are people retreating from society. The illegitimate opportunity structure is seen as useful in explaining subcultural crime and deviance because for some people there is a criminal opportunity structure and is easy to identify which category they fall into and how it is easier to move from one to another depending on the values and morals in each group.In conclusion subcultural theories are useful in explaining subcultural crime and deviance in society today because categorising people into particular groups allows it easier to compare and allows people to justify reasons for committing the crimes rather than just stereotyping particular people, and as seen in the Chicago study using participant observations becomes more reliable and get more of an insight into why people commit the crimes they do.

Political Science 3991 A1 (2) Institutional Role of the State to Make Essay

Political Science 3991 A1 (2) Institutional Role of the State to Make Trade Possible - Essay Example The government of United States played a significant role in the growth of infrastructure as well as technology. The nation undertakes various regulatory as well as social functions for the development of the economy. The state has an important role to play in the market The US government plays a vital role for ensuring the development of its economy. The state ensures that there is a free flow of credit for the development of the groups which are not effectively served. It also undertakes steps to provide an amount of credit for the development of small entrepreneurs and imports as well as exports services. The government or the overall nation has also been involved with the tasks of developing the infrastructure as well as technology for the progress of the economy. The revenue collected by the government is transferred among the income classes by the tax system as well as outlays. The government generally pursues a vertical redistribution of income which assists the elder people t hrough the social security programs. The US government influences the economy through its tax collection systems such as charging more taxes on products which are identified to be obsolete. It controls numerous economic activities for the progress of the economy of the country. The nation has played a significant part in the development of economy as along with providing social services. ... he state formulate plans as well as undertake steps for the development of economy which will help in enhancing the trade in the global market (Labonte, 2010). The institutional role of the state to make trade possible The US government has undertaken various plans as well as actions for the improvement of economy of the country. The state has adopted various steps for ensuring free flow of financial supports for the improvement of the society as well as overall economy. The government has played a vital part towards developing its economy by providing financial support for enhancing exports as well as imports. It made attempts towards the development of small business entrepreneurs for enhancing trade as well as market. The trade practices of the state should be fair as well as efficient for its enhancement at the international level. The government regulates the financial sectors for free flow of credit for the purpose of providing assistance to the under developed sectors for impr oving the economic conditions as well as trade (Stiglitz, 2006). The trade of goods as well as services in between the countries entails numerous costs. Transaction cost is identified to be one such cost and is considered to be a direct cost which is believed to be associated with trade. It is a cost which is charged on the profit earned for the trade of goods as well as services. The transaction cost is classified into three stages of which the first stage is supposed to be contact and signifies that the buyer looks for information about the product of the supplier with the intention to trade. Traders in this stage carry on with exploration of information in relation to the trade that is planned to be performed. In the similar context, transaction cost is believed to be associated with the

Information Sensitivity and Protection of Data Essay - 4

Information Sensitivity and Protection of Data - Essay Example More importantly, public access to information collected on patients is an instrumental component of the themes because all the organizations give recognition to the fact that people information are the private ownership of the patients, the information cannot be put out to public domain without necessary due course and procedure followed (Fielding., Teutsch and Koh, 2012). In some cases, the organizations even consider the possibility of the information being put on public domain as a last resort. Another important theme also has to do with the right to amend health records. This is an important theme to the organizations because they consider health state of patients as something that is not perpetual but periodically changes with time. As these changes take place, right is given for the amendment of the health records. Finally, the theme of privacy complaint reporting and tracking runs through almost all the organizations as the organizations use this as a medium for ensuring that there is an effective evaluation and monitoring system by which all forms of irregularities with information practices can be tracked and appropriately addressed (Mayo Foundation, 2002). In terms of aim and purpose, it would be said that almost all the organizations have a common objective to attain with protected health information. However, a line of significant difference is drawn when it comes to the mode of implementation of this all important goal of ensuring that health information of patients are protected. Between Mayo Foundation and Georgetown for instance, it would be observed that there is a clear cut different in the approach to ensuring that there is implementation whereby Mayo Foundation prefers the use of information security program, which is an integrated action plan, whereas Georgetown uses Privacy Complaint Reporting and Tracking to achieve the same goal. Between the two the

Marketing Design and Innovation Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Marketing Design and Innovation - Dissertation Example Influence of insurance on the business industry provides a clear indication of the significance and value to the global economy. With the emerging insurance sector worldwide, policy holders as well as investors are exposed to a wide range of products (Augustine & Chandrasekhar, n.d.). The insurance industry contributes to economic growth and national prosperity in multifarious ways. Insurance helps to strengthen the effectiveness and resilience of the economy by minimizing risk. It helps individuals by reducing the financial impact of unpredicted and unwelcome incidents, and helps them to perform their work activities as well as organize their lives with greater certainty. Risk-averse people are able to enjoy greater utility from their assets. Today almost every conceivable asset can be insured such as car, motorcycle, business, travel and others (Wahi & Et. Al., 2010). 2.0. Synthesis and Review of Literature 2.1. Stylistic Change towards Insurance The insurance industry is considere d to be one of the major segments for economic growth and development. In other words, perceived benefits compared to actual benefits are the backbone for marketing of insurance services. Over time, the insurance industry has found new and innovative ways for expansion. ... The regular dissolution of conventional social structure also increases the demand for insurance. In this growing competitive insurance sector â€Å"customer is the king†. For this reason, insurance products are designed and customized in such a way that they can be tailored to the changing style of customer tastes. Insurance products are developed by considering various demographical factors such as family status, gender, age, employment and income level (Kumar, 2008). To illustrate the critical importance of insurance, HDFC Standard Life has developed ‘Super’ series products for the diverse need segments. This series has developed to meet changing needs and preferences of customers across various life stages. For example, ‘HDFC Young Star Super’ product caters for those customers who wish to provide for their children’s education, and ‘HDFC Pension Super’ for those customers who plan for retirement and save for key milestones (HD FC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited, 2009). Another example is ‘Oman Life Insurance Company’ which introduced ‘Property Owner’s Association Package Insurance’, a new product in the UAE insurance industry. This product will provide multiple insurance coverage including ‘Property Insurance’, ‘Third Party Insurance’, ‘Office Bearer’s Liability Insurance’, ‘Fidelity Guarantee Insurance’ and ‘Machinery Breakdown Insurance’. Oman Insurance Company believes that this policy will provide coverage to all in a jointly developed property, for instance, residential tower, commercial offices and villa communities. Both owners and renters will benefit from this insurance product (Mesbah, 2010). 2.2. Changes in Customers’ Taste, Need and Fashion In the past, younger generation was not

Why did Republican Arizona lawmakers pass SB 1070 at this particular Essay

Why did Republican Arizona lawmakers pass SB 1070 at this particular time OR Why has the economy not yet fully recovered from the recession, in spite of the government stimulus package - Essay Example ollowing measures of production; investment spending, gross domestic product (GDP), household incomes, capacity utilization, inflation, and business profits. Often recession occurs when spending falls following adverse supply recessions. Since recession has adverse effects such as increased rates of unemployment, reduced business profitability, and negative social effects like family instability, most countries usually put measures in place to prevent it from occurring. In the event that it occurs, governments usually respond by adopting macroeconomic policies such as decreasing taxation, increasing government spending, and increasing money supply (Samuelson and Nordhaus 14- 15). Since the recent recession began in late 2007, the United States economy is yet to recover fully from it. This is despite numerous efforts by the government such as the economic stimulus package. There have been debates among scholars, economists, government officials, policy makers, and the public on what could be the reasons behind delay in recovery despite the fact that government has put efforts towards recovery such as the stimulus package. The debates have been stirred further by the fact that other large economies such as China recovered long time ago and are on the path of growth. Besides, there are worries that even though US has witnessed various minor and two major recessions since its independence, the most recent recession may be the longest to recover from and the most difficult in US history (Whoriskey 1). All major measures of the health of the economy namely industrial production, employment, output, and incomes still indicate that US is yet to recover fully and tha t the growth has been significantly weak despite the fact that, technically, the recovery begun in June 2009 (Rampell 1). This concern has captured the attention of Barrack Obama, the US president and has been on record saying on 6th August 2011 that he acknowledges the challenge and that the country’s urgent

Business Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Business Law - Case Study Example the police officer handled the arrest in a harsh manner before confirming that he was indeed the ‘scum’ who was being sort after because of killing a cop. Once, Tyrion is taken to the police, and is handed over to Bolton, the supervising sergeant, all the officers at the police station gave him a hostile reception since they were made to understand that he was ‘Rob Stark’. As Bolton, the supervising sergeant allows Tyrion the right to remain silent, and the right to have an attorney, he is moved to the interview room under close check but his right to attorney is denied because the attorney does not appear during his arrest(Ripstein 200). Apparently, due to his condition at the time of arrest, he suddenly passes out and when he regains consciousness in the hospital bed, he has injures in his body, an indication that he might have been tortured at the police cell. The event of Wednesday night as the comic book night had brought friends together. Never the less, after the comic night these friends engaged themselves in various criminal activities that could lead to arrest (Abbott 95). In this case, Amy Farrah Fowler, ex-jilted lover to Cooper has committed criminal offenses because she is in possession of a stun gun, and she has also managed to cause fire to the adjacent building from where she had caused intimidation to Cooper and Hofstadter by ordering them to undress as gun point and further burning their clothes. Similarly, in defence Hofstadter commits a criminal offense by grabbing the knife that was in possession of Cooper and stabs Fowler in the abdomen four times before he and Cooper run way. Previously, Cooper has used the same knife to stab Fowler in the bid to defend himself and Hofstadter from Fowler’s attack (Abbott 95). In regard to Wolowitz, he has committed a criminal offense because he has willingly accepted to take a date from an undercover female police officer who happens to have disguised herself as a prostitute. Due

Important Partnerships between Police Officers and the Community Research Paper

Important Partnerships between Police Officers and the Community - Research Paper Example This research paper explores the importance of partnership between police officers and community in reducing criminal activities in the society. Today, law enforcing agencies look at the best approach to handle domestic violence and crime. The need to stump out crime in the society needs a collective effort, which would involve the police and the community. Criminologists argue that partnership between the police officers and the community can help to reduce crimes committed in the community. Largely, the society has a role to play in controlling the security, crime and any other vice that is likely to occur in the community. The manner in which prosecutors handle cases of domestic violence indicates the partnership between the police officers and the community could help to avert criminal activities in the society. Notably, prosecutors use the following approaches to handle cases of domestic violence evidence based prosecution, no drop policies, and special regional or district atto rneys. In conclusion, the importance of partnership between community and police officers include improved safety in the society, effective police activities in the community, leverages of resources used by the police, and leads to a reduction of criminal activities or improvement of behavior in the society. Largely, coordination of information between the society and the police leads to address and possible prosecution of the criminals. Arresting and prosecution of criminals would be difficult without the cooperation of the community.

Scholarship for Young Entrepreneur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

For Young Entrepreneur - Scholarship Essay Example ion called Pausa-GmbH as an internee, where I was responsible for cash and inventory management; along with these responsibilities, I also took active part in the strategic planning function of the organization. This experience further enhanced my abilities as a proficient manager and helped me developing my own business. I am a person with skills and talents, which I try polishing rather than wasting. Therefore, I keep myself busy working on different tasks and gaining experience, with the help of my multitasking ability. I joined JU Rosenheim, a political party and worked there as a recruiter. My major responsibility was to convince people to join the party and, as a result, I developed strong communication and convincing skills, which could definitely help me as an entrepreneur. In addition, I am active in physical activities and served as football coach at SpVgg-Unterhaching. Keeping in view that I am an active participant in various entrepreneurial activities, I believe, that I ideally qualify for the scholarship; however, my grim financial position will make it difficult for me to continue my educational journey. As I am an established entrepreneur, I hereby, apply for young entrepreneur scholarship. I hope that management of the institute will consider my request. I will be very grateful for this kind

Movie Critique on Gothika Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critique on Gothika - Movie Review Example Movie Critique on Gothika She is paid a lot of money and to her, the patients are just crazy. She is doing her usually routine of a morning swim and working her normal case load but one day she travels down the highway and meets a woman in flames. She almost runs over this woman but has stopped the car to see what happened to her. The woman in flames is in turmoil. The next thing that the psychiatrist knew is that she is in a psych ward prison cell for the murder of her husband. The story revolves around trying to discover who murders this girl on the road and clearing her name. She is in a frantic battle with the psychiatric prison facility staff to clear her name. The psychiatrist clears both her and one of her main patients when she discovers that the patient was actually raped by one of the guards who is responsible in murdering the girl in flames and the many other girls at the ward. The guard and the psychiatrist's husband had been raping women for a long time in the facility. The story presented in thi s movie had so many twists and turns and interwoven pieces that it made for a great story while being a horror film. The characters in the story were portrayed wisely delivering an outstanding performance. Halle Berry is a remarkable actress in most movies she is in and she won an oscar in some of her film Monster's Ball so it is no surprise that she is capable of a brilliant performance. Halle Berry played the psychiatrist and she is incredibly rich and famous. It is important to recognize that if she was not famous, she would have still delivered a great performance because we see the flawless acting with an elegant flow. She is unlike any other actress because she draws her audience in effortlessly. She is incredibly beautiful but somehow conveys such an ordinary character position. Robert Downey Jr is also in the film and his role is more subdued but it still delivers quite an impact because it is Robert Downey Jr. When he is forced to go against Halle, we see a performance that is quite honest and genuine in its delivery. The prison guard has a poor performance only in the reason that I found he had an annoying persona and did not play evil enough like other people play evil. He is far from being an Anthony Hopkins type character from The Silence of the Lambs. Penelope Cruz plays crazy and beautiful extremely well and holds her own and goes beyond that in this film. Her acting ability is outstanding and her delivery of portraying most characters is quite powerful. The cinematography has quite an impact because the woman in flames is so tortured and is also quite good at acting. The flames and the blood scenes are quite remarkable in terms of how esthetically pleasing and horryifying they are all at the same time. The thunder storm on Halle's way home and the swim scene is incredible as well because we all like a good thunderstorm in a movie. The editing had quite an impact and I felt that the scenes that were in the movie delivered such an awesome film an d nothing was left out. We see the many great qualities in this film with the editing job because there was nothing in it that needed to be added or left out. All the scenes belonged and brought the film to a position of greatness that we have to pay tribute to the editor for doing such a good job. The sound was good but not much more impressive as compared to any other film. We see the woman in flames screaming and the scenes where Halle has fits and outbursts in her reflection of memories

Impact of the Recession on Construction Contractors Essay Example for Free

Impact of the Recession on Construction Contractors Essay The current crisis in the world’s financial system has left the construction industry facing its toughest challenges for a generation. Salaries are falling; job cuts are predicted to reach 400,000 in England alone; and the impacts look set to get much worse before they get better. No country is immune from the impact of this and the UK, and much of the rest of the world, is already in, or about to enter a recession. Even buoyant construction markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are starting to feel the effect, with construction growth rate expected to slow from 20% to 15% in 2009 (Al Mal Capital). The United Nations (UN) predicts world economic output will shrink by as much as 0.4% in 2009 (UNs World Economic Situation and Prospects Report, 2009). These are serious times, however, the industry needs to be prepared to contribute to the recovery by retraining workers, maintaining the highest of standards of quality and supporting innovation. Construction professionals must not lose sight of their commitment to issues of sustainability, health and safety, ethical business practices and improved building standards. These will future-proof the industry and allow it to grow after the economy recovers. Companies seeking to find an extra edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace are likely to employ greater innovation as they look to become more efficient. This could have far reaching benefits for the industry in the future, where innovation has never been more vital. Construction Output It is clear that construction is in for a period of deflation. Forecasts suggest that there will be a 7% decline in output over the next three years, however, this figure is heavily contingent on Government spending coming through as planned (Construction Products Association). In the second quarter of 2008 new order figures were at their lowest level since 2004; 14% below the average last year. Housing orders were down 30%, private industrial orders by 36% and commercial orders by more than  £1bn from 2007 (Construction Products Association). A rapid decline in private work has been partly propped up by more public sector spending, however the outlook for the private sector over the next few quarters is set to get worse. The Olympics will prop up the industry to a certain extent but the cessation of office development will have a much greater effect. Overall, even if all public sector funding was spent next year, the construction industry in 2009 would still see the largest percentage of fall in output since the early nineties, when over 500,000 left the industry. This has been brought about by the sharp fall in private sector investment in construction – offices, retail, entertainment, as well as private house building. Public Sector Spending The Government’s decision to bring forward  £3bn of capital spending on infrastructure was cautiously welcomed by the construction industry (Pre-budget statement, November 2008). Given the extremely high levels of borrowing that the Treasury is expecting over the next few years, there is a risk that Government will fund later debt repayments with cuts in capital spending on construction further down the track. There is also a risk that delays in the Government’s existing build programmes will lead to increased under-spend. Programmes such as the Building Schools for the Future Programme have already fallen behind schedule, and reports suggest that this is as a result of bureaucracy rather than lack of funding. Business Finance and Loss of Confidence According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), more than half of British firms have seen a decline in the ease of access to capital since the onset of the credit crunch; 30% of businesses have been, or expect to be refused new credit; and 78% expect business conditions to be worse next year. The Government must urgently take steps to unblock the financial markets and improve the flow of capital to business. The fiscal mitigation measures that were recently announced by the Chancellor (Pre-budget statement, November 2008) were not sufficient to address the underlying loss of confidence facing all UK businesses (and people). More innovative ways could be investigated by Government to help the industry survive, such as providing credit insurance; relaxing bonding requirements on public projects; setting up project bank accounts; and providing tax breaks/concessions for sustainable construction RD. At present, the latter has effectively ground to a halt largely as a result of the deeply entrenched uncertainty that abound. Jobs Loss of Skills Almost 400,000 jobs in the construction sector in England could be lost over the next two years (assuming GDP shrinks by 2.2% in 2009 and rises by 0.75% in 2010). It is predicted that the worst affected area will be London, where 23% of workers are expected to be made redundant (Public and Corporate Economic Consultants for the Local Government Association). On the other hand, Eastern Europeans are responding to the downturn in the market by returning home, and this has eased the severity of the job situation in many instances. Given the forecasts for construction output in 2009, it could be assumed that jobs in the public sector may offer more security than those in the private sector. This reinforces the need for Government to establish how an accelerated public spending package will be implemented. It is essential that the government makes sure timetables don’t slip, and that it does what it can to speed up deal flows and bidding times. Through no fault of its own, the Construction Industry, in particular the house-building Industry, is having to dramatically re-structure and down-size merely to survive. The loss of technical resource and therefore expertise has been considerable and there are already signs that an upturn in the fortunes of the UK economy will not see these people return. This is a real concern, particularly as the science and technology that underpins UK sustainable construction is becoming even more complex and at a time when we need experienced people if we are to meet our sustainability objectives. Furthermore, it is not something that can be addressed overnight by short-term training and/or education. Procurement It has been reported that the credit crunch is likely to reverse the industry’s trend towards negotiated contracts and partnering. Instead, there could be a swing back towards single-stage, lowest bid tenders aimed at achieving the lowest possible outturn cost. While single-stage tendering may be seen as a quick fix during the economic downturn, this does not take the long-term view, nor adequately consider best value for money. It does however provide a more risky financial environment which is likely to become a fertile breading ground for claims and liquidations as contractors cut their profits to secure work in a decreasing market. Partnering has proved itself as the most efficient way of undertaking all kinds of construction work including new buildings and infrastructure, alterations, refurbishment and maintenance. Indeed the figures show that that in the four years from 2001 to 2005,  £700m of public money was saved, and the potential for two and a half billion in savings, would have been feasible had best practice been adopted across the board. When times are hard, best practice is at its most crucial to successful business. Fraud An unexpected knock-on effect of the credit crunch has been a dramatic rise in worldwide construction fraud. Evidence suggests that the average construction companys loss to fraud has increased by 69% in the last year (Kroll Global Fraud Report), driven largely by tough economic conditions. A total of 890 senior executives participated in the worldwide survey, which covered 10 industries, with just over one-quarter based in Europe. More than 95% of the construction companies surveyed said they had suffered from corporate fraud in the past three years up by 77% from last years survey. Most frequent types of fraud occurring in the construction industry include theft of physical assets or stock, financial mismanagement, management conflict of interest, and corruption and bribery. Companies will need to be even more vigilant than usual to reduce fraud in the construction industry. Sustainability Opinion is divided about the impact of the credit crunch on the sustainability agenda. A recent survey from the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC) suggests that while the conventional building industry suffers, the sustainable building sector is experiencing growth. Asked whether the financial crisis has impacted on their organisation in tackling sustainability, 56% of UK GBC members said sustainability had become a bigger focus. Only 18% said the credit crunch has had an adverse effect on efforts to address sustainability. On the other hand, a survey of small-medium sized contractors suggests that tough government targets on sustainable construction are being missed, as buildings fail to achieve the standards set by the Code for Sustainable Homes (National Federation of Builders). The survey revealed that contractors appeared to be quite knowledgeable about the driving issues and regulations for sustainability, but in over half (53%) of projects tendered for, sustainability was not a client requirement. Either way, it is important that new buildings, not least those procured by government, are of the highest possible environmental standards. Green building can be at the heart of a low-carbon economic recovery, boosting growth and creating green collar jobs. This is particularly true in existing homes and buildings, where we need a massive programme of refurbishment to cut carbon, reduce energy bills and produce more comfortable places to live and work. By continuing to build using sustainable technologies the built environment will be preserved for future generations, and a proven record in sustainable design will be invaluable in gaining new contracts in the growing sustainable market. Education and Training The future success of the construction industry depends on the availability of skilled professionals. The credit crisis poses a significant threat to the number of students enrolling in graduate construction courses. Students may be apprehensive about pursuing a career in construction in this unstable climate. This would result in a loss of specialist skills, which in turn would hinder the recovery and future development of the industry. Sandwich courses could be at particular risk because of the lack of available placements available. Many companies are reducing the number of placements they have for students or not taking on any at all. This could result in a reduction in the number of places available on the courses because they can not guarantee work experience placements. Apprenticeships in the UK house-building industry have also suffered as a direct result of the credit crunch. However, opportunities still exist in the bigger public sector infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, railways and roads. As a result of these risks the Government is working with Construction Skills to try and secure as many positions as possible for students. A new taskforce is being created to ensure that construction training is as effective as possible, and apprenticeship funding will also be increased to over  £1 billion to try and prevent skill shortages (Department for innovation, Universities Skills). For professionals already within the industry, there is research to suggest that individuals with specialist skills or training could potentially gain a competitive advantage in the current economic climate (Chartered Institute of Management). The research predicts that professional qualifications could result in an additional  £152,000 in lifetime earnings. It also suggests that a working knowledge of sustainable building and other innovative methods will be a particular advantage, with major projects on the horizon requiring an extensive skilled workforce in these areas. It is important for employers to train and encourage further development if they want to secure the future of the construction industry. This will ensure that their workforce is properly trained in up-to-date techniques and will put them in a stronger and more competitive position to win new contracts when market conditions improve. Although it may be inevitable for some to make financial cuts to survive, it is crucial to maintain a constant number of new innovative minds that will allow the industry to recovery and continue to grow.