Muslim Societies Essay

The misrepresentation of Islamic societies is nothing new, especially when they are being covered by the Western media. Islamic communities, in reality, span a wider range of traditions and cultures especially when compared to Christian communities. Then again, as they are represented by Western media, Islamic communities are considered as monolithic. This is just one of the many cases that prove how distorted the depiction of Islamic communities are. Western media also tends to consider Muslim states as Islamic without even fully comprehending the differences of the ways in which Islam coexists with the state in various nations. It is also important to consider the complexness of these interactions which most Western media fail to realize. To provide a wider perspective on this issue, a book entitled â€Å"Comparing Muslim Societies: Knowledge and the State in a World Civilization,† edited by Juan R. I. Cole, is penned. This book contains eight essays from different writers across the globe. It also provides the reader several suggestions for further reading. Below is a list of some of the essays included in the book and reviews of each essay are as follows: First Reviewed Essay: Nikki Keddie’s â€Å"Material Culture, Technology and Geography: Toward a Holistic Comparative Study of the Middle East. † This essay is about the influence of changing technologies in the development of Middle East history. The author argues that it is important for historians to interact with engineers and archaeologists, because this is a more effective way to better understand the culture taking place in the Middle East. The author suggests that a historian, when not intimidated by Altusser, Foucault and Freud, will most likely just forget about the main thesis of the subject when simple topics on textile looms are included. Yet, these simple discussions on tools used in history are highly significant parts of the rich history of Islamic communities (Yee, 1992). Second Reviewed Essay: Charles Lindholm’s â€Å"Quandries of Command in Egalitarian Societies: Examples from Swat and Morocco†. What Charles Lindholm did to this essay is to find the challenges of reconciling obvious inequities of power and resources with egalitarian ethos and an egalitarian religion. He made special mention of the Berbers of Morocco and the Swat Pukhtun of Pakistan. What made this essay interesting is his excellent comparisons between the mentioned societies and the United States because the discrepancies between these groups are highly manifested and obviously existing (Yee, 1992). Third Reviewed Essay: Dale Fickelman’s â€Å"The Art of Memory: Islamic Education and Its Social Reproduction†. It is this essay that made readers learn more about the transmission of learning taking place in Morocco during the first years of the century. In traditional system of education in Islamic communities, rote-learning is highly observed. This aspect of their tradition is never magnified and often ignored. However, with Dale Eickelman’s essay, he showed his readers the more complicated picture of this type of education. He emphasized the idea of rote-learning and related it to the role of this type of practice to a social context. Comparisons were made possible with the use of Western educational traditions and Muslim social systems (Yee, 1992). Comparing Muslim Societies is a book that is nothing short of a genius. What this book caters to are students taking up sociology and anthropology, especially if they are starting to be introduced to the Islamic world. Then again, since this book has to have a wide readership since it deserves that anyway, this book then also appeals to general readers who want to learn more about Islam and Islamic communities. Readers will be given a more thoughtful look on a subject such as the representation of Islam which is the same subject that is given very scant attention by mainstream media today. Readers of Comparing Muslim Societies will undoubtedly learn to be more considerate when approaching studies and discussions about Islamic communities. References Cole, J. R. (ed). (1992). Comparing Muslim Societies: Knowledge and the State in a World Civilization. University of Michigan Press. Yee, D. (1992). Comparing Muslim Societies: Knowledge and the State in a World Civilization – A Book Review. Danny Yee’s Book Reviews Website. February 26, 2009, from http://dannyreviews. com/h/Comparing_Muslim_Societies. html.

Japan Net Bank Case Analysis Essay

The banking market, especially Internet-only bank sector, in Japan was going through a period of rapid growth after the Japanese government initiated the famous â€Å"Big Bang† deregulation of the financial market. JNB, which began operation in October 2000, aimed at winning one million accounts and one trillion yen deposits and becoming profitable by the financial year 2002. However, in order to achieve that long-term success, it needed to resolved a number of issues and strengthen its competitive position in face of stiff competition from brick-and-mortar banks and new Internet-only banks. Therefore, this report focuses on the following three issues: †¢ An assessment of the present situation in Japan   regarding the Internet-only model of retail banking, †¢ An analysis of JNB’s competitive advantages, †¢ Recommendations of what alliance strategies to develop to overcome competition from traditional and other online banks. The data in this report was collected by assessing the information of the case â€Å"Japan Net Bank: Japan’ First Internet-only Bank† by Vincent Mark and Pauline Ng under the supervision of Dr. AH F. Farhoomand and surveying relevant materials from the Internet. I have divided my report into three main sections. Firstly, we would assess the potential for Internet-only model of retail banking in Japan. Secondly, we present and analyze JNB’s competitive advantages meticulously in this particular Japanese market. Finally, we would suggest some viable propositions of what alliance strategies that JNB should develop to surpass and obtain the market leader. Internet banking in Japan. 4 Conservative consumer banking behavior 5 Low level of credit card usage Japan did not use credit cards a great deal. By 2001, credit card purchases accounted for just eight per cent of consumer spending in Japan, compared with 14 percent in Europe and 21 percent in the US (The Economist, 2001). Borrowing was considered shameful in a culture much bound by traditional concept, so paying by credit card in public could be an embarrassment. In many cases, credit card users could only repay in one-go or in fixed installments. Therefore, such the culture preferred repaying card debt s in one-go quickly if they could afford it. Card companies’ lack of good marketing accentuated the problem: although there were schemes involving credit cards points, customers could only use their points to redeem low-quality gifts. In contrast, the consumer loan market in Japan was doing much better since it was worth 7 trillion yen by early 2001, double the market size of credit card. 6 The availability of ATMs for cash withdrawals Japanese consumers generally preferred to pay by cash or money transfers. A survey conducted in summer 2000 asked respondents which Internet bank they would deposit their money in. The 3,825 respondents were mostly in their 20s and 30s. Figure 1 illustrates the results: the attractiveness of the online banks in Japan in 2000. [pic] The pie chart illustrates that the success of a Japanese bank relied heavily on its ATM services. Determinant included whether the ATMs were conveniently located, whether they charged a small or no handling fee, whether they were open for long hours, etc. That leads to the wide distributions of ATMs services in Japan. We could recognize that the brand equity also played an important role to attract the customers. 7 Internet usage in Japan On-line banking with limited services-as an extension of traditional banking-was already available in Japan in 1997 with Sumitomo Bank. The total number of Internet accounts at major commercial banks reached 1. 4 million at that time. According to a Nielsen/NetRatings report, the Internet population in Japan was some 38 million in January 2001, and 41% of them were active users. However, a study by Yankee Group in early 2001 found out that some 20% of all Japanese households had a fixed line Internet connection at the end of 2000, less than the 50% Internet penetration in the US. Low penetration of fixed line Internet connections had driven a lot of people to use i-mode, which could cost only about several hundred yens a month. I-mode was a cellular Internet service offered by NTT DoCoMo, allowing emails and other Internet functions to be carried out via handsets. It had more than 22 million subscribers by April 2001. In fact, i-mode becomes so popular that Miyai, director of JNB, once said â€Å"Internet banking is really â€Å"cellular banking† in Japan†. 8 The competitive situation Competition from traditional banks JNB nevertheless had to face stiff competition with well-known bricks-and-mortar banks in a crowed banking market even though it was considered as the Japan’s first Internet bank without physical branches. Banking habits and conservative consumer culture in Japan facilitate traditional banks to gain competitive advantage in the market. Furthermore, traditional banks were making their services more convenient by installing m ore and more ATMs and providing a variety of value-added financial services. The most primary factors which make JNB’s competitors pay attention to JNB seemed to be lower overheads, competitive rates, lower fees and strong alliance backing. 10 Competition from domestic Internet banks Sony Bank JNB also had to compete with new entrants that provided similar services, One of those competitors was Sony Bank, an Internet-only bank with 37. 5 billion capital investment expected to start operation in mid-June 2001. Sony Bank’s strategy was similar to that of JNB in terms of higher interest rates, lower fees, a small workforce and no physical branches. In particular, the new bank’s management stressed customized, one-to-one services. Sony bank took advantage of its strategic stakeholders to deliver high-quality services to consumer. For example, customers of Sony Banks could use SMBC’s ATMs at â€Å"am/pm† convenience store chain as contact point, or J. P. Morgan Chase, one of its important stakeholders, would provide personal financial advice through the Web or Sony Bank obviously benefited from the Sony Empire by utilizing Sony Bank’s settlement service to purchase Sony products online. IY Bank Another Internet-only bank to enter the fray was IY bank, whose â€Å"internet† was predominantly a sprawling ATM network although Internet-based transactions would also be possible. It was expected to install round-the-clock ATMs in 3659s Ito-Yokado supermarkets and Seven-Eleven convenient stores within two years of operation. It had already joined up with a combined network of nine city banks, including one of the Japan’s largest commercial banks Sanwa, and charged commission whenever a customer of another bank in the network withdrew money from an IY Bank ATM. IY Bank intended to be settlement-focused and would develop loan and card business and Internet-based services later. IY Bank planned to install 24-hour ATMs at 3650 stores under the group by spring 2002 and at 7150 stores within five years of operation. Its target seemed to be practical since it could take advantage of the Ito-Yokado group’s existing customer base, which is 10 million customers per day, and its low-cost operation. 1 Competition from international Internet banks Another Internet-only bank, called eBank, was expected to start operation in June 2001. It would specialize in the settlement of payments for small-value online purchases worth up to 100,000 yens and would charge a lower commission than ordinary bank. eBANK was operate by Japan Electronics Settlement Planning Inc and invested by Japan Telecom, Yamato Transport and Ericsson Holding International. Its capital was about US$37 million. Japan Net Bank’s competitive advantages JBN, one of the core Internet businesses of parent company SMBC, aimed to build up its independent, own brand name and aspired to become the de facto standard of the Japanese-style â€Å"Internet Specialized Bank† for 21st Century’s Internet community. Therefore, the bank adopted the customer-centric principle seriously in order to survive and develop. JNB differentiated its financial products and services from those of its competitors by its distinguished characteristics: 3 24/7 availability JNB customers enjoyed seamless financial functions and 24/7 accessibility to their accounts through the Internet. They could carry out transactions or check their accounts through multiple access channels, including physical channels (ATMs or the Head Office) and mobile internet service (i-mode). The interfaces were designed to be very user-friendly. Moreover, JNB began to diversify into services other than basic bank transactions such as ordinary and term deposits. For example, it allowed on-line payment for bills and services of Tokyo Electric Power, Nomura Securities and Nifty Corp. ’s on-line shopping mall. 4 Competitive interest rate JNB offered attractive interest rates and fees compared with conventional Japanese banks [see Exhibit 3]. Its deposit interest rates were more than twice that of the average rates offered by major Japanese banks, and its charges for fund transfer were less than half those of conventional banks. Customized services Every customer had his/her own specific information page on the Web. Customers would receive e-mail notifications of transaction details such as receipt of fund transfers, expiration of term deposits, errors in automatic account debits, etc. 6 Confidentiality of usage The confidentiality of JNB customers’ private information was strictly secured; private information could not be used without customers’ agreement. Information transferred through the network was encrypted by 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). The database and servers storing JNB customers’ information were protected by a firewall and an access-surveillance system. All Internet banking transactions could not be processed without a password. Moreover, the last login date and time was always indicated at every login to a JNB account, so customers would know whether their accounts had been accessed illegally. 7 Flexible organization and IT system JNB maintained a flexible, flat, and team-like structure which had a very low cost base. Its management style was different from the top-down approach of traditional Japanese corporations. Its structure allowed for the contingency between different departments in the organization to coordinate and solve problems. JNB also adopted a flexible, open information technology system which is divided systematically and functionally. The building of JNB’s IT application was quite innovative since it is mostly outsourced under the supervision of IT Department staff. Strategic alliances to develop In the face of fierce competition, JNB had the advantage of strong, broad, strategically important and multi-industry alliances. An appropriate strategic alliance would increase its revenues and market share. The advantages of strategic alliance include: †¢ Allowing each partner to concentrate on activities that best match their capabilities. †¢ Learning from partners and developing competences that may be more widely exploited elsewhere †¢ Adequacy a suitability of the resources and competencies of an organization for it to survive. 9 Shareholder alliance JNB has been forming alliances and partnerships with many blue-chip corporations possessing huge customer bases. Since JNB could acquire customers through its shareholder alliances, it had relatively low reliance on mass-media marketing and therefore had low marketing budget. In next five years, it should continue diversifying its alliances from different sectors of economy to broaden its business and utilize its alliance’s customer base. For instance, JNB might negotiate with ORIX Corporation RIX, one of the Japan’s largest leasing and diversified financial services conglomerate, to obtain equity strategic alliance. This alliance will enable the company to capture a larger share of the Japanese consumer finance market, and make consumer finance operations more efficient and responsive to the financing needs of creditworthy consumers. 10 Global strategic alliances SMBC, as a major stakeholder of JNB, signed a memorandum of mutual understanding (MOMU) on a strategic partnership with The Bank of East Asia (BEA) to co-develop their business potentials in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and other countries. In China, SMBC established a wholly owned subsidiary, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (China) Limited, in April 2009. SMBC has formed alliances with Kookmin Bank in Korea, First Commercial Bank in Taiwan, The Bank of East Asia in Hong Kong, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) in Indonesia and other Asian banks. With Barclays, a major British financial institution, the company is exploring venues of cooperation in wealth management, operations in South Africa and other business fields. JNB should take of advantage of this opportunity to establish its relationship with these foreign banks to market and expand its business to international. These strategic alliances would enable the company to expand its market hare and generate incremental revenues. 11 Non-shareholding alliances Ageing population in Japan likely to increase demand for insurance and pension products The Japanese population is ageing fast. The 65 and over age group as a percentage of total population is expected to increase from an estimated 21% in 2005 to 35. 7% in 2050. Moreover pension assets under management in the Asia Pacific region ar e expected to grow from current E1, 100 billion to E2, 900 billion in 2015. Ageing population in Japan would boost demand for the pension products of the company. The bank should cooperate and offer pension plans services, through Japan Pension Navigator Company to gain a certain advantage. Discerning that changing demographic profile of Japan profoundly therefore would increase demand for JNB’s business. Conclusion Japan Net Bank (JNB), Japan’s first Internet bank without physical branches, began operation in October 2000. It attracted mainly young customers looking for convenient, round-the-clock bank services with much more competitive interest rates and transaction charges than traditional Japanese banks. Its access channels included the mobile Internet service i-mode and fixed-line Internet. JNB relied on flexible, open computer systems and a young workforce of only 100 people to minimize operational costs. Its stakeholders, including parent company Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and NTT DoCoMo (provider of i-mode), were all large companies from different industry sectors. This stakeholder base gave JNB market exposure and access to their established customer bases. By April 2001 JNB had 130,000 customers. It aimed at winning one million accounts and ? 1 trillion deposits and becoming profitable by the financial year 2002. But it needed to resolve a number of issues before it were able to achieve long-term success in the face of strong competition from bricks-and-mortar banks and new Internet-only banks. One of crucial issues was about how to meet with wide fluctuations in usage without over-investing; the other was alliance management, how to co-operate with alliance partners to achieve competitive advantage.

Case study of fostering team in nuneaton

Case study of fostering team in nuneaton The background to your involvement I am currently on placement with the fostering team in Nuneaton which has in excess of seventy five carers in and around the Nuneaton/Bedworth area. The fostering team consists of 4 full time social workers, whose role encompasses assessment work along with supervisory responsibility of foster carers in line with the Department for Children, Schools and Families ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ March 2010 which â€Å"sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to save and promote the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004† ( (DCSF, March 2010) and to identify placements for children being accommodated under various sections of the Children Act 1989. While on placement I shadowed a social worker involved in supporting 14 yr old Philip’s foster carers to deal with particular behavioural issues that had led to his placement breaking down. The foster carers have 3 foster children currently in their care, Phillip 14, James 15 and David 16. The 2 foster carers Mike 49 and Jane 46 live in a 4 bedroom house in Hinckley. Philip had left the house and was refusing to return, stating that his foster carers did not like him and that he wanted to live on his own. Bed and breakfast accommodation was arranged for him for a few days while the situation was re-assessed and a meeting with the foster carers arranged. Fundamental to all relationships and particularly the interaction between Philip and his mother, Philip and his foster carers and social worker and foster carers, communication is a central component. Analysing how effective communication plays a vital part in this client’s circumstances will form the basis of this discussion. Good communication skills are a principle component of effective social work practice. They include active, attentive and empathetic listening, recognition of verbal and non verbal co mmunication and general formal and informal interview techniques, as Payne has suggested, the application of communication theory gives â€Å"practical help in controlling and understanding relationships and interactions with clients and a technology of interviewing and interpersonal skills† (Payne, 2005, pg 178). Over recent year the children looked after by foster carers have included an increasing proportion of distressed adolescences along with the disruption rate for these placements as being high (Farmer et al 2003). One of the aims of the fostering social worker is to conduct detailed assessments of parenting approaches and strategies used by the foster carers looking after a teenager in a long term placement and how these strategies can change and develop during the course of the placement. Research has been conducted into fostering task with adolescents by Farmer et al (2004), found that they were concerns about the behaviour and well being of children when they move into a new placements. The findings in this case study highlighted a number of factors that contributed to the breakdown in the relationship with the foster carers and Philip and finally the placement. In this situation I had found out the Philip’s social worker had not communicated the nature and context of behavioural issues associated with him to the foster carer’s social worker so that foster carers could have been better informed.

Hello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Hello - Essay Example This necessitated that I study the management information systems (MIS). I realized this early enough and had the opportunity to change over from finance. MIS is concerned with processing data into information. I have seen how MIS enables quick and reliable referencing apart from efficient and effective coordination. I have been witnessing this while at the college administration and the library services. As far as our family business of real estate is concerned, technology such as customer relationship management (CRM) can help to enhance relations with customers and increase customer value over time. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is one used by many service organizations as it helps to develop and maintain relations with the customers. Browsing through the dailies I also understand that economic downturn and market globalization have posed a challenge to the real estate market. These challenges range from revenue-generation to cost-cutting measures. I know SAP (Systems, Applications and Products) is one such technology which integrates application for managing all types of real estate. SAP is particularly interesting to me because in Saudi Arabia real estate market and constructional development is undergoing phenomenal growth. Incorporating modern technology in the family business would add value as communication and modern technology have become fundamental for any business. I would like to employ technology to integrate green solutions in real estate projects. Green buildings have profound impact on productivity. The consequences of such projects can bring about reduction in costs while enhancing employee efficiency. It keeps the employees motivated which in turn positively impacts productivity. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead of me in accomplishing my task. The use of technology such as SAP and CRM are fairly new to my home country. I would first need to educate the people in my

JVA Corporation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

JVA Corporation - Assignment Example Organizations that lack proper PMS are unable to fulfill their commitments and even compromise on quality of their goods and services which can significantly impact their relationship with their customers (Performance Appraisal, 2011). Likewise, ineffective PMS will not be able to give confidence to employees as they will see that they are not being rewarded for their contributions and they will be unable to develop important skills required for performing their job with zeal and enthusiasm (Armstrong & Baron, 2005). Since economic recession has impacted working of all organizations, it has become important for them to take appropriate measures that will help them in enhancing their performance and cut back costs (Performance Management, 2012). Organizations have to make choices among various options such as close down their operations, cut down salaries of employees, lay off workers and many more; JVA Corporation will have to review its PMS so that it can make the right decision for its business operations and ensure that it is able to generate enough profit for its ongoing survival in the market. Considering the scenario of JVA Corporation, the most ideal strategy is the second one as it will allow it to ensure that people are secured about their jobs that they will not be made redundant. The strategy suggested for implementation by Human Resource Director is that every six months, performance and revenue will be reviewed so that decision about cutting or increasing pay can be effectively made. During these reviewing periods bottom line will be revisited as well. Employees will be motivated that they can get raises in their pay twice a year if they perform well. Implementation plan for PMS Since JVA Corporation has been losing money in the last couple of years due to economic recession, it will have to cut back perks and amenities that are offered to the employees. Before making any adjustments in compensation packages, heads of respective departments will ha ve meeting with their departmental employees so that they convey the changes being made in PMS. Along with modifications in their pay packages, JVA Corporation will be able to save 2-3% of their net income; in order to raise salaries and wages, employees will have to meet demands of enhancing their performance so that they are eligible for pay increases. With this strategy, employees will be affected to a greater extent as they will be suffering from incentives such as pay raises, auto insurance, transportation cost and many more. However, workers’ morale will get boosted as they will realize that the company will not lay off the workers and they will not lose their jobs. JVA Corporation can be affected by implementation of the strategy because some employees might be reluctant to such impositions which will affect their motivation level and they will be discouraged to enhance their productivity; as a result of this, employees might get de-motivated. In order to boost the mor ale of such employees, HR staff will arrange counseling sessions with them so that they can tell them the reasons of making such changes and help them in developing their potential skills. One point needs to be clarified that strategy implementation is temporary and

Refle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Refle - Essay Example My future career plans My future career plan involves opening and running a finance company in Qatar. The company will deal in brokerage of financial securities in the entire country. The business scope will involve the purchase and sale of listed public companies’ securities as well as securities for credit facilities. The business activities will include service delivery to investors through their brokers and offering advice on trends in security prices for clients’ informed investments decisions. The finance company will also offer credit services to people to facilitate entry into, and growth in the financial market industry and the services will be charged independently. My future study plans My future study plans include completing a Masters program in accounting and I plan to do this in the United States. My plan for further academic potential is a factor of the competition in the job market and my career objectives of establishing a private enterprise. With the current competitive environment in which graduates enter the market at a higher rate than the rate of job creation, employers are increasing their recruitment standards for entry positions and for career development within organizations. A Masters degree will therefore facilitate my competitiveness in the job market for successful mobility and promotions within organizations. The future study plan will also be significant to my objective of establishing my enterprise because gained knowledge and skills will be fundamental to the enterprise’s operations and management. Steps that I have taken to facilitate future goals Achieving my future goals requires personal initiatives and I have taken diversified steps to ensure that I qualify for the Masters program and that I gain the capacity to establish a brokerage financial company. Hard work in my academic ventures has been one of the steps towards my academic plans as well as the entrepreneurial venture. My desire to develop a ca reer in accountancy has led to diligence in studies from elementary level. By high school, I was determined to excel, qualify for an accounting course at undergraduate level, and then proceed for a Masters program. I have similarly worked hard in college and I am confident of surpassing the minimum grade for the Masters program in accounting. Some of the particular initiatives that I have undertaken to boost my final college grade are private research into the course concept, consultations with lectures, and group discussions. I have also consolidated funds for the program. I have similarly made efforts to facilitate my future entrepreneurial initiatives through conducting research into the financial industry in Qatar. I have determined the legal environment and understood the required formalities for establishing the type of venture. I have similarly explored the market and its competitive forces and established high probability of success. My initiatives into the venture have also evaluated required resources for the

Criminal Justice System Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Criminal Justice System - Case Study Example In the first section of the report I will also summarize not just the role and approach of the consortium I represent but also the organization's response to the overall consultation. To describe the British Retail Consortium, an introduction of the organization would be based on what is given on the website of British retail consortium. It is one of the leading associations representing all kinds of retailers from all parts of Britain. According to the website, 'The British Retail Consortium is the lead trade association representing the whole range of retailers, from the large multiples and department stores through to independents, selling a wide selection of products through centre of town, out of town, rural and virtual stores' (brc.org, 2008). The mission statement of the company focuses on the vision and mission of the company that aims at creating a vibrant and sustainable retail industry and also defends the retailers' interests. Improving retail services in general and providing advice and other kind of help services to the retailers are also equally important. The actual mission and vision of the organization as available on the organization website is given here: from brc.org, 2008 The British Retail Consortium also works closely with governments on campaigning and policy issues and maintains constructive relationships with governmental departments. The BRC has strong ties with governmental and non-governmental organizations including the DFID, the Department of Health, Revenue and Customs, Home Office, Health and Safety Executive as well as several non governmental organizations (BRC.org, 2008). The Policy Action Group of the BRC provides responses to government on policies that would be burdens to the retail sector and recommends changes for smoother working of public and private sector. BRC undertakes regular consultation responses and policy consultation is an essential part of BRC's wide ranging activities. The Policy Action Group of the British Retail Consortium has been especially established to tackle responses and consultations with Government departments and this particular exercise on policy appraisal of the Criminal Justice System falls within BRC's responsibilities on providing the right kind of consultation and responses to policies dealing with sentencing cases of theft from a shop. CONSULTATION RESPONSE: The consultation response to the policy on theft from a shop that the British Retail Consortium provides for the Criminal Justice System would be aimed at maintaining the best interests of the consumers, retailers from all sectors, the government, the sentencing guidelines council and the criminal justice department. According to

What can we learn from the communicative behaviours of aphasic Essay

What can we learn from the communicative behaviours of aphasic children and adults about the role of the brain in the acquisition, production and understanding - Essay Example nguage is an indispensable part of human culture, without which jurisprudence, commerce, science and other human endeavors could not exist in the forms we know them.† Because of this significance of language in individual and societal lives, many researchers and scientists have studied it and the various language disorders in order to better understand the processes that inhibit or stimulate and reinforce its use. The brain is central to the scientific study of language as it is in the brain that language has evolved from mere monkey utterances into words and then coherent phrases and sentences (Deacon 1997). The increasing occurrences of language disorders have also made the brain the focus of language studies in order to ascertain what can be done—if there is indeed something that can be done—to correct or cure these illnesses that debilitate the afflicted from functioning normally in society. This paper will focus on a specific language disorder called Aphasia, as it is through the research and study of language disorders that most findings about the brain, in relation to language, are grounded on (Chudler 2007). Through the discussion of the ins and outs of this type of language disorder, the author aims to present an exposition of the role of the brain in the acquisition, production and understanding of language. For the clarification of the objective of this paper, it is important to note that the acquisition of language will pertain to the different regions in the brain that are designated to be language areas; the production of language concerns Brocas Aphasia research; and understanding is explained through Wernickes Aphasia. The complex structure of the brain and the vast range of its functions have long been a source of interest that has spawned an evolution of theories and scientific facts. Due to this, what is dubbed as â€Å"the mysteries of the brain† can no longer be characterized as wholly mysterious—the neuroscientists have shed light

Franciscan Values in Cardinal Stritch University Essay

Franciscan Values in Cardinal Stritch University - Essay Example Therefore, the Cardinal Stritch University offers a course in Franciscan values that are intended to better human beliefs and actions in the best interest of mankind. The fundamental purpose of delivering this knowledge is to make people love and respect one another. People sharing similar values become affiliated to one another and become united. The multicultural faculty and learners expand the horizons of the university beyond limits. The university offers indiscriminate and unbiased teaching to people belonging to all classes. The values emphasize upon maintaining the environmental health and safety. The Franciscan values discourage violence by resolving interpersonal clashes. Through this course, Cardinal Stritch University becomes home to disabled and socially excluded people where they can acquire similar lifestyle as others. People from all ethnic backgrounds are able to benefit from the course. The university intends to develop increased communication links and hence better understanding between teachers and students. The course aims at addressing issues related to sustainable development and ensuring environmental health and safety by developing and implementing such programs. The course is also intended to play a big role in eliminating inter-racial conflicts and spread love, peace, and harmony between people belonging to different races and cultures. Critiques may argue that learning manners in such a formal programme as that offered by the Cardinal Stritch University is a waste of time and may question the justification of such courses. However, a deep analysis of the course suggests that it is a comprehensive course of Franciscan values and has the potential to bring positive results for the society. The course on Franciscan values offered by the Cardinal Stritch University provides a comprehensive understanding of these values.

Elementary School Conduct Essay Example for Free

Elementary School Conduct Essay Keeping in mind the fact that the beginning years of a child’s academic education build the foundation of his future life, this school holds certain policies, which aim to provide an effective learning climate where students are trained to develop social skills and gain responsibility. This paper outlines those policies as well as presents a number of academic and behavioral standards that should be maintained by the school members at all times. Academic Standards The academic syllabus of our school stresses on three chief study courses: †¢ Skill development of different forms of communication, which include comprehensive reading and listening, good legible handwriting, and speaking power. †¢ Providing an appropriate understanding of the use of numbers and the significance of basic calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in our daily lives. †¢ Development of relationship building skills, which give the students a chance to interact with people outside their home and expand their social circle. Moreover, as these students are new to the academic world, our school makes it mandatory to construct such a syllabus that widens their conception of the world they live in. In view of this notion, students from Grade-1 to Grade-6 are taught about love at home, neighbor and classmate relationships, relationship between one’s own society and the others, the state and country they live in, and lastly, information about the rest of the world, respectively. In addition, character building and teamwork is encouraged throughout the elementary level. (McCarthy, 1990) Behavioral Standards In order to create a disciplined and comfortable learning environment for the students, our school requires all school members to appreciate and conform to the following rules and regulations regarding their conduct at the facility: †¢ Honor the attributes and integrity of themselves and other people present at the school. †¢ Hold a fair attitude to everyone at school avoiding any form of discrimination whether it is racial, cultural, gendered, ethnic, etc. †¢ Communicate in a decent fashion avoiding any form of profanity or obscene gestures. †¢ Avoid an attitude that is hurtful, discriminatory or unacceptable in any other form, to anyone at school. †¢ Everyone should be dressed in compliance with the dressing code of the school. †¢ Commodities belonging to the school or any other person should be dealt with proper care. †¢ Appreciate the different tasks assigned to the various employees working at the school. †¢ Avoid carrying any form of harmful instruments inside the school building. †¢ Avoid consumption of any substance that could cause to lose your actual demeanor. Members of the school failing to comply with the above rules will have to face consequences in accordance with intensity and frequency of their offences. (Student Services Division, 2001) Professional Relationships The teachers at our school are trained to cooperate and work jointly with the parents in order to augment the learning abilities of students both at school and home. Moreover, our school works conjointly with various professionals and organizations to build a healthier learning climate for the students. Roles Responsibilities Students: †¢ Should avail every chance to learn offered to them, and study to the best of their abilities. †¢ Should come to school regularly and attend all classes, reporting any reason for an absence. †¢ Should understand and follow all the rules, and face the consequences of any misconduct. †¢ Should handle school or any other individual’s property with appropriate care. †¢ Should participate in creating a secure and suitable learning climate for the pupils. Parents: †¢ Should extend any hand required to expand their children’s learning abilities. †¢ Should encourage their students to comply with all the rules and standards of the school. †¢ Should have regular meetings with the teachers on their child’s overall progress. †¢ Should make sure that their children are well fed and physically fit for school. †¢ Should cooperate with the teachers in providing their children with quality education. Teachers: †¢ Should provide a keen knowledge and understanding of the syllabus assigned to them. †¢ Should use techniques that provide a quicker and better understanding of the subject. †¢ Should compare the results and use the more influential teaching method. †¢ Should devise various plans and strategies for students that require special attention. †¢ Should discuss with students their academic progress, and give advice for its enhancement. †¢ Should take every action necessary to maintain a healthy and disciplined working climate. †¢ Should make an effort to create respect, in the minds of the students for any race, minority, religion or country found anywhere in the world.†¢ Should maintain a healthy classroom at all times (Student Services Division, 2001) Works Cited 1. McCarthy, William G. (1990). Elementary School. In The World Book Encyclopedia (Vol. 6, pp. 223). Chicago: World Book, Inc. 2. School Code of Conduct. (2001). Student Services Division. Retrieved July 27, 2008, from Nova Scotia Department of Education. Website: http://www. ednet. ns. ca/pdfdocs/studentsvcs/code_of_conduct/conduct. pdf

What is the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Emissions?

What is the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Emissions? Alvena Nance Abstract Are we paying attention to the effects of carbon dioxide emissions and doing everything we can eliminate the negative effect it has on our overall air quality, our agriculture, and the environment? In the world the United States stands second to China among the ranks of other countries that utilizes carbon dioxide as the primary source of emissions. Energy Choices We count on the common forms of energy that are known as fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, that when combined we breathe them. It is vital that this out pouring of energy or emission into our environment is processed and monitored with the greatest accuracy so it does not negatively affect us, our country, our climate, and our agriculture. In 2016 China with 28.21 percent and the United States with 15.99 percent were the largest producers of carbon dioxide emission worldwide. World carbon dioxide emissions are one way of measuring a countrys economic growth too. The latest figures published by the respected Energy Information Administration show CO2 emissions consumption the vast majority of carbon dioxide produced. On pure emissions alone, the key points are: China emits more than CO2 than the United States and Canada put together up by 171% since 2000 The United States has had declining CO2 for two years running, the last time the United States had declining CO2 for 3 years running was in the 1980s The United States is expected to decrease their carbon dioxide emissions by 46 percent by 2040. Looking at the two leading countries agriculture growth China is the leader in gross value of agriculture outpour is rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton, oilseed, pork and fish. The United States ranks high in wheat, corn, other grains, fruit, vegetable, cotton, beef, pork, poultry, poultry, dairy products, fish and forest products. The comparison between China and Americas materials and energy production and consumption in the early 2000s with those of today. China now produces, and consumes approximately 60% of the worlds cement and second to that on the planet is India. As far as cement goes, China produces thirty times more cement each year then America. Chinas cement industry is the significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions.ÂÂ   Interestingly that in a single decade China went from producing 20% of the worlds steel to producing half of it. The comparison with America is equally striking. Given that almost 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from iron and steel making, this has both obvious and important consequences. (Wilson,2017) The production of aluminum was ten time more for China than America. China produced 60 % more than America, however Americas production declined by 25%, while Chinas increased by nearly 400%. Electricity generation is important and China has total electricity capacity increased from 344 to 1,100 gigawatts between 2001 and 2011. While Chinas primary energy consumption increased by 150% in a single decade, Americas decreased by 4%. (Wilson,2017) Coal is used a lot by China, today it consumes half of the worlds coal about four billion tons. America however is now using much less, with a decline of 20% between 2002 and 2012. (Wilson,2017) Looking at carbon dioxide emissions Americas is 50% higher than those in China, and a decade later China produced almost twice that of America and now produces more than America and the European Union put together and likely a decade from now China will emit at least three times more carbon dioxide than America. (Wilson, 2017) According to this source (Wilson, 2017) forecasting is futile however an illustrative statistical comparison to put possible energy futures of both America and China in context. Climate change is a shared challenge. The EPA collaborates with Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology on research to better assess emissions and their impacts, improve mitigation practice and technologies, and enhance sustainability. Areas of shared research include emissions that impact air and climate, water sustainability, computational toxicology, soil remediation, and toxic air pollutants. Also participating in government -wide EPA initiatives with China, is the United States. (EPA and OITA, 2017) Culture and the expectations within cultures affect all business transactions and it is important that all involved understand one another. (Pitts et al).ÂÂ   The US standard of ethics may have the potential for conflict, therefore an understanding of knowledge, of culture ethics, set expectations, and guidelines will play a role in these countrys success in working together. In conclusion it is clear that understandings of the energies and how they are studied, processed and utilized are important because they affect every human being and space around the globe and should be treated as a safety issue to mankind and the environment in which we live.

How Do The Characters in An Inspector Calls Reflect 1912 Society? :: English Literature

How Do The Characters In An Inspector Calls Reflect 1912 Society? J.B Priestley, born in 1894 in Bradford. He went to Bradford Grammar School but did not decide to go to University but to follow his passion for writing, first he wrote articles for the local London papers before going on to be a playwright. He joined the army in 1914 at the age of 20. After being on the frontline in the Second World War, Priestley became very political and started to involve his political opinions in his work, as in 'An Inspector Calls' which he wrote in the second week after the Second World War which only took him a week to finish. He put his message across to the audience through the play, which states that people of all the social classes must learn to get along with each other since everyday is spent together. The play 'An Inspector Calls' is set in 1912 but written in 1945. The characters reflect the society of 1912 in many ways. There are six main characters that reflect 1912 society and one character, the Inspector, who takes control and who basically expresses the opinions of Priestley. The Birling family are the stereotypical upper class family of 1912, they own a 'large suburban house', the father of the family is a wealthy businessman and all have high social status. Mr Arthur Birling is the man of the house he has his wife Sybil, his son Eric and his daughter Sheila. He is a hard headed businessman, only concerned with wealth, profit and social status. He reflects a stereotypical upper class businessman of 1912 because the husband would go out to work, run the business and earn the money. Mr Birling is the person who got the Birlings their high social position, this is all he cares about for example when he realises that Eric stole money from his office he says, "I've got to cover this up as soon as I can. You damned fool" here he shows how concerned about his social position he is. This is what Priestley gets at. Priestley is annoyed about the fact that the upper-class businessman, such as Birling, had no outlook on others, mainly the working class, and Priestley tries to get his message across to the audience that people in Birling's position should not act as arrogantly as he and realise the value of others across the community. Mr Birling thinks very highly of himself and it shows especially where he talks about the First World War and how war was impossible, "Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two, or a

Born Of Different Cultures Essay -- Cultural Identity Essays

â€Å"Many of us live on the hyphen of Different cultures.† This statement by Richard Rodriguez is true from many people in the world today. But what factors contribute the identification with culture and a nation? The various factors that define a culture are the way people see a cultures attitude, family values, religion in the family, and the origin of your family. At the present time the people of the world are very stereotypical, this is one of the many ways to misinterpret people of a different culture. To best understand a culture you should take the time to absorb their way of life to really appreciate their culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first factor, which contributes to the identification with a culture and a nation, is a culture attitude towards outsiders. In â€Å"Canadians: What do they want?† written by Margaret Atwood, it tells of Americans attitude toward the Canadians as a lesser person and their need to be liked by others. The Canadians are looked at as inferior because after WW II, American business owners went into Canada and took over most of their businesses. Some Canadians hate Americans for this because they have taken their own identity away from Canada. In â€Å"The Arab World† by Edward Hall, he uses hidden dimensions and proxemic patterns to show how the Arab culture presents itself. â€Å"I moved my body in such a way as to communicate annoyance. Strangely enough, instead of moving away, my actions seemed only to encourage him, because he moved even closer.†(p.201) This statement shows how an Arab man makes an American man nervous by getting to close. But what is too close? In the Arab culture closeness is a sign of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 respect, but in American culture closeness is only for people who are affectionate. Another example of attitudes in culture is in the story â€Å"Some Reflections on American Manners† by Alexis de Tocqueville. Tocqueville argues that American have no code of behavior and also has too much mobility in their actions. Through his essay Tocqueville uses the example that America has turned into an Individualistic Society and have destroyed the Aristocratic way of life with the new idea of democracy. The attitude of an insider of a culture is seen differently than what the visitors of that culture see. This view f... ...en their child is growing up in a neighborhood where they are the majority they can identify with them more easily. But when they move into a new neighborhood where they are the minority, they are usually picked on and have lower self-esteems. Trying to identify with a culture is a hard task to do for the children of the world today. Trying to find an identity for a child is an important thing while growing up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion I believe that the factors that contribute to the identification of a culture are attitude, family values, religion, and the origin of your family. I was brought up not to stereotype; my parents put me in a school where there were diverse cultures. I 5 made many friends of different cultures and that has helped me to this day. Being able to identify with a culture better helps you to understand why and how the do things differently than you do. Most people are afraid to learn something new but when learning a new culture and not having a basis against it makes other cultures more interesting. I believe having more influence from many cultures make you a better person because you have the view of many, not just a few, or just one.

Salem Witch Trial :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Between the months of June to September of 1692, the infamous witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts resulted in the deaths of twenty men and women as a result of witchcraft charges. Hundreds of others faced accusations and dozens were jailed for months during the progress of the trials. There are an numerous number of explanations for the hysteria that over took the puritan population of Salem. This year marked a very disturbing time in the history of the Salem that is unique in the entire history of the United States of America and, in some respect, also in the history of all over the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The maps show the locations of major landmarks, farms, land grants, physical features, and the dwellings of prominent and important residents in Salem during 1692. For example the maps claimed that accusers came mainly from families who lived in the western part of the village, while the accused witches came predominantly from families living nearer to Salem Town. The following persons are not included on the map: the â€Å"afflicted girls† Sarah and Dorcas good, who had no fixed residence; Mary DeRich; and the five Villagers who were both accusers and defenders in 1692. The charts reveal older women were accused of witchcraft because of their economic vulnerability and because they were liable to senility, depression, or both. They also indicate that most of the accused witches were both young and old women. The men fall highest in the category as witnesses.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Church was the cornerstone of 17th century life in New England. Most people in Massachusetts were Puritans. Puritans are colonists who had left England seeking religious tolerance. But the strict Puritan code was far from tolerant. It was against the law not to attend church, where men and women sat on opposite sides through long services. The Puritan lifestyle was restrained and rigid. People were expected to work hard and repress their emotions or opinions. Individual differences were frowned upon. Even the dark, somber Puritan dress was dictated by the church. Since Puritans were expected to live by a rigid moral code, they believed that all sins from sleeping in church to stealing food should be punished. They also believed God would punish sinful behavior. When a neighbor would suffer misfortune, such as a sick child or a failed crop, Puritans saw it as God’s will and did not help. Puritans also believed the Devil was as real as God.

Grunge to Urban Grunge Essay

The grunge scene is considered the most depressing, angst filled style. But how did ‘grunge’ become grunge? How did a six-letter word meaning dirt, filth, trashbag become synonymous with a musical genre, a distinct fashion statement and most especially, a subculture? According to the book Surfers Soulies Skinheads and Skaters which talks about different sub cultural style from the forties to the nineties, â€Å"Membership of subculture groups, whose ideas and lifestyles are at variance with those of the dominant culture, is usually dominated by the young. For some it is fleeting and forms a rite of passage; others move through a series of subcultures, and some remain committed to one, long term. Belonging to a subculture can be liberating, offering, for example, certain freedoms in lifestyle, sexuality and politics. By defining their own geographical, social and sartorial boundaries, subcultures also provide a sense of belonging which is independent of the family. † (Amy de la Haye and Cathie Dingwall, 1996) Grunge style was sort of rebellion against the starched yuppiedom, first appearing in Seattle in the late 1980s. America’s answer to Punk Rock, described both a new generation of loud, guitar-orientated rock music and the attitude of its exponents. Grunge was originally a genre of alternative rock; the fashion scene however is different. Grunge fashion was influenced by grunge music, which achieved mainstream popularity in 1992 due to the overwhelming success of the band Nirvana and their hit single Smell Like Teen Spirit. In Great Britain, Grunge was the name given by the music press to a loose and short-lived collective of new rock bands. The word has since been used to describe the attitude, scruffiness and loud music preferred by youth who identify with this kind of music. The Grunge fashion is a combination of second-hand clothing like lain flannel shirts worn with faded stonewashed blue jeans and heavy boots. The grunge scene was commonly associated with dark colour palettes like maroon, forest green, indigo brown, and the most popular colour combination, black and white. In 1988, a Seattle record label called Sub Pop released a boxed set with a compilation of grunge bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney and it came with a booklet with pictures by Charles Peterson, the photographer credited for creating grunge’s hair-sweat-and-guitars look. Sub Pop also sent it to the nation’s alternative-rock intelligentsia describing its bands’ punk-metal guitar noise as â€Å"grunge†, the first documented use of the now-ubiquitous term. The vibe now is a little bit like the early 70’s, before metal ceased to be heavy and relied on adrenaline highs as opposed to despondency,† said Simon Reynolds, the author of Blissed Out (Serpent’s Tail, 1990) a chronicle of rock subcultures. â€Å"There’s a feeling of burnout in the culture at large. Kids are depressed about the future. † James Truman, the editor in chief of Details, the young men’s style magazine that took grunge to the masses, said: â€Å"To me the thing about grunge is it’s not anti-fashion, it’s un fashion. Punk was anti-fashion. It made a statement. Grunge is about not making a statement, which is why it’s crazy for it to become a fashion statement. † Hollywood also weighed in with a grunge-scene movie, â€Å"Singles† released on the year 1992 by director Cameron Crowe. Then came fashion designer Marc Jacobs who was hailed as â€Å"the guru of grunge† but has never even been to Seattle that time. On April 1993 he launched a grunge-themed fashion show called Couture Grunge and Heroin Chic. During the spring fashion shows, designer Marc Jacobs debuts the seemingly oxymoronic â€Å"couture grunge† that emulates the loose flannel shirts, shabby cardigans, wrinkled and torn pants, and the notoriously thin body frames of grunge rock and its largely Seattle-based musicians. This look involves an element that some call â€Å"heroin chic†, characterized by extremely thin models like Kate Moss, and controversially alluding to drug use as an element of the latest trend. No one wants to pay designer prices for flannel shirts, and Jacobs’ collection (for the Perry Ellis label) was shut down, but not before making a profound effect on the fashion industry. Jacobs’ Spring/ Summer 1993 ‘grunge’ collection was a seminal moment in modern fashion, launching the then relatively-unknown young designer’s straight into the big league as well as his dismissal from Perry Ellis, leading him to set up on his own. Today, the grunge fashion scene has been polished and renewed and turned into Urban Grunge, a more sophisticated, edgy vibe of wearing the worn-out flannel and denim jeans. Typical for big city’s street style, the urban grunge fashion will never go out of style. The trend always appears in a new and interesting manner, whether it has futuristic details, vintage influences or masculine accents. The urban grunge street-inspired fashion comes back every season as an inspiration for high-fashion brands like John Galliano, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs to name a few and as well as for underground fashion designers. I for one am a big fan of urban grunge fashion and I think it’s very hip and doesn’t require a lot of effort to dress up. Grunge will always live on forever carrying the name of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain proving that Grunge is Not Dead.

Gran Torino Transcultural Analysis Essay

Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood was about a man’s struggle in adapting to the changes in his environment when confronted by unfamiliar exposure to cultural differences. The film was chosen because it told a story about one’s struggle with traditional practice, cultural diversity, gender roles, and the acceptance of others. In terms of culture, there was an abundance of traditional practices related to the Hmong community. The screenplay was written by Nick Schenk and the movie was filmed in July 2008 (Longwell, T). Gran Torino was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also played the role of the main character known as Walt Kowalski. Walt was an American man and a Korean War veteran who resided in a neighborhood that became inhabited by Hmong families (Gran Torino, 2008). The relationship that Walt had with his own family was disconnected and distant because his sons embraced the modern way of living but Walt was more traditional. Walt was portrayed as a grum py old man who did not like to socialize with others. All of that changed when Walt became associated with the Hmong children next door, Thao and Sue. Walt saved Thao from being taken by the Hmong gang members and was viewed as a hero by the Hmong families despite the fact that Walt was just trying to keep other people off his lawn. Upon an unexpected invitation by Sue, Walt’s world became intertwined with the Hmong community as he was introduced to various traditional Hmong customs and foods. After a series of events, the Hmong gang returned and injured Thao’s family which prompted Walt to seek redemption from his war past by sacrificing himself for the safety of Thao and Sue. The film portrayed culture clashes between an American and Hmong families while focusing on the struggles that Hmong immigrants endure to survive within their community. The Hmong population was great in Minneapolis, Minnesota and it was the original setting of Gran Torino and also the home town of screenplay writer Nick Schenk (Longwell). Schenk had never written any other featured films prior to Gran Torino and it was his first recognized piece. In the early 90s, Schenk worked at a factory where many of his co-workers were Hmong and he gained some knowledge about the history of Hmong people (Longwell). The Hmong sided with the U.S during the Vietnam War but ended up in refugee camps due to communist takeover after the U.S. troops left, which resulted in the Hmong fleeing to the U.S. to escape from the communist forces (Gran  Torino, 2008). Schenk began to incorporate Hmong families into the story with a Korean War veteran to emphasize a clash of cultures. The intended purpose of this film was to express the cultural barriers in the language, customs, and gender roles between Hmong people and Americans. The writers and directors did a great job on portraying masculinity as the perceived dominant role between the characters. In Gran Torino, Walt criticized Thao for doing things that men are not supposed to do such as gardening. Thao does a good job in representing role reversal because he was proud to do women chores like washing the dishes and gardening. Walt tried his best to look after Thao and made Thao masculine by teaching him how to talk to other â€Å"real† men. Walt believed that real American men are supposed to be strong, fight for themselves, pay taxes, and work hard at a hands-on laboring job. Walt eventually helped Thao become a man by getting him a â€Å"real† job, tools for construction work, and social skills to interact with other men. This film was derived from Schenk’s prior experience as a factory worker with other Hmong people and this writer did not create any other significant work subsequent to the production of Gran Torino. The plot of t he movie was to show how two different types of culture collide and interact. In addition, there was also indication that masculinity in males was important as shown by the main character, Walt. The sub-plot was to show the viewers that men are not supposed to be barbaric but to become a sophisticated people with class and follow society’s rule. The main characters were Walt Kowalski, Spider, Thao, and Thao’s older sister, Sue. Walt played the dominating male that represented how a real man should be. Spider, Thao and Sue’s cousin, represented an antagonist barbaric villain that supposed to be a gangster whom terrorized Walt’s neighborhood. Thao played an innocent feminine teenage role that Walt believed was not masculine, but has class and self-respect. Sue played the smart, sophisticated, typical school Asian girl who ended up getting injured by her cousin, Spider, and his gang. It was through the interaction with Sue and Walt that the viewers were able to experience Hmong history and cultural customs. In one of the scenes during a car ride home, Sue explained to Walt the origin of Hmong people and she also invited him to her house for meal where Walt thoroughly enjoyed the foods of Hmong culture. Walt and Spider treated Thao like a child because they both wanted to teach Thao how to become a man. Spid er taught Thao that  he needed to become a barbaric person to become a â€Å"real† man, while Walt taught Thao that hard work and following society norms was what a â€Å"real† man should do. Sue was the only main female character that was able to change Walt’s mind about Hmong people. Because of Sue’s persistence, Walt decided to help her and her family from Spider and his gang. Walt became the protagonist at the end of the movie by risking his own life to bring down Spider and his gang and restoring peace to the community. My opinion about the film was that the director did a good job on portraying masculinity and how a real man should act and treat a woman. There were a lot of racism coming out of Walt’s mouth about Asians, but in the end, I believed he had a change of heart about his Hmong neighbors. I believe he came to realizations that not all Asians are the same as he remembered during his Korean War days. The way Walt finally gave a confession to the priest and how he died for his neighbor was really unexpected. The acting of Walt’s character by Clint Eastwood was really good as well. Walt’s character caught my attention and made me want to know more about his previous life, especially when he talked about how he was in the Kore an War. The cinematography could have been better and at times, it felt like I was watching a biography rather than a movie. One of the flaws was that Walt did not get in a fight for his rude behavior towards everyone that he encountered. Another flaw was that he sacrificed his life for a neighbor when he knew that he could have called the cops on Spider and his crew for possession of a fire arm and shooting his neighbor’s house, rather than choosing death at the end. Also, I believed the movie could have been better if they left out his illness from the doctor’s visit. If they had left that out and continued with the suicidal death in the end rather than risking Walt’s life because of a terminal illness, Walt’s character would have been more heroic. On the contrary, a strength of the movie was when Sue corrected Walt about the pronunciation of her race while giving him a history of where Hmong people came from and why they immigrated to America. The ultimate strength was when Walt died for his neighbor by going to Spider’s apartment complex with witnesses around to see h im get murdered. Throughout the movie, the film showed the audience that Walt always carried a gun to scare off his foes, but at the end, he realized that he did not need a weapon to bring down Spider and his gang. One of the things that I learned from the film was that nurses should not be too quick to judge someone based on appearance, like how Walt called all the Asians â€Å"gooks† without knowing their nationality. In one of the scenes in the movie, Walt was in the waiting room at the hospital for a check-up and a nurse mispronounced his name. The nurse called him â€Å"Koski† while his name was â€Å"Kowalski.† Walt gave her a disgusting look and the nurse did not apologize or asked if she was mispronouncing his name or not. As a future nurse, I want to maintain a professional role and acknowledge patients by their correct name. Correctly pronouncing a patient’s name also eliminates human error and also prevents doctors from diagnosing the wrong person. In conclusion, I would recommend this movie to people who are uneducated about Asian culture. There were a lot of racist terms that Walt used in the movie about Asians and the stereotypes of Asians eating dogs which are not true. I would rate the movie a 4 out of 5 stars because the movie was rich in cultural content and character development. The film is appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up and mainly geared toward mal es. There were a lot of violent content and gang related terms involved. As a result of watching this movie, I learned that one can change if surrounded by the right people under inevitable circumstances such as Walt’s culture clash with his Hmong neighbors. In addition, helping one another was the most rewarding take home message of Gran Torino. Whether I am helping a patient or just lending a helping hand to my next door neighbor, I will remember to be kind as to prevent one another from going down the wrong paths. References Eastwood, C. (Producer & Director). (2008). Gran torino [Motion Picture]. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. Longwell, T. (2008). Eastwood recognizes Hmong immigrants with new film. Reuters. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/12/09/us-gran-idUSTRE4B81ZC20081209

Blue Nile Essay

Question 1. What are some key factors in diamond retailing? How do Blue Nile, Zales, and Tiffany compare on those dimensions? All the companies involved in the diamond market want to have a big share of that market. And, the bigger the share, the company makes bigger revenue. It is very interesting that all three companies (even though they are in the same ‘business’) have different approaches in ‘taking market share’. An important fact is that the companies have a different clientele. The market population is different. The first 2 paragraphs of the case study state a common concern in any industry: do you reduce prices in order to compete with the competition? [research is needed to see and predict the implications of discounts] 2008 is a good year to analyze the situation from all aspects (and to see how our three companies handled the ‘meltdown’). â€Å"As customers tightened their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, high-cost purchases such as diamond jewelry were often the first to be postponed.† Responses are needed. Adjustments are needed. We can segregate the industry in two parts: wholesale and retail sales. Moreover, the price, selection and customization of services are other dimensions that differentiate the companies. Blue Nile – internet base Zales – mall based kiosks (teenagers); working-class mall shoppers; fancier locations (upscale market) Tiffany – high-end products Blue Nile has an advantage due to lower ‘location’ costs. These funds (that would be placed for renting space) can be allocated to additional inventory. This would in turn signify that the company would have a higher selection. Also, having lower markup percentages lowers the price of the diamonds. Moreover, when purchasing from Blue Nile (besides having a low-pressure selling approach), you are also not buying a name/brand (in comparison with buying from Tiffany). It must also be noted that Tiffany started its business in 1837; Zales in 1924; and, Blue Nile in 1999. This history (and all the aspects that the latter comes with) provides different advantages (competitive, brand, customers, types of customers†¦.) [A greater description of the manner in which the three companies are different and differentiate each other is provided in the answers to the following questions] Question 2. What do you think of the fact that Blue Nile carries over 30,000 stones priced at $2,500 or higher while almost 60 % of the products sold from the Tiffany Web site are priced at around $200? Which of the two product categories is better suited to the strengths of the online channel? It must be taken in consideration that Blue Nile is an internet based business. It has not choice but to provide its high priced items on the internet. In comparison, Tiffany also provides a shopping (in store) experience (something that Blue Nile does not have). In order to increase its market share, Tiffany provides lower priced items on the internet. It is true that the client does not have the in-shop experience, but he/she is buying a Tiffany item. [More information is needed, but it is my assumption that Tiffany is focusing a lot on the in-store experience] Which of the two product categories is better suited to the strengths of the online channel? It depends. Blue Nile is only on online. Hence, it has no choice but to increase all the aspects/strengths of online purchasing. The Tiffany’s online ‘department’ is only a small aspect of the company’s business. Even if a customer does not want to have (to purchase) the in-store Tiffany experience, he/she still has the possibility of having a Tiffany item. [These type of customers are not the ‘regular’ ones. Personally, if I do not have the money – purchase as well as travel – and I would like to buy my lady ‘something special’, I would do an internet Tiffany purchase. My lady would be happy (impressed and grateful)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..because it is Tiffany.] Question 3. Given that Tiffany stores have thrived with their focus on selling high-end jewelry, what do you think of the failure of Zales with its upscale strategy in 2006? New market, new challenges. One important aspect (from the perspective of the customer) is the brand association. Zales already had a name made for itself: working-class clientele and teenagers (â€Å"lower-end reputation†). Once the brand is made, it is very hard to change the perception of it. A lot of energy, time and money need to be allocated in order to change the nature of the brand. Tiffany already had a brand that was associated with high-end jewelry. Tiffany did not need to change its brand (or the perception of it). In order to ‘fix’ the problem, the transition to promotional retailer (discounting inventory), Zales lost a considerable amount. Even though in the long run the fix was beneficial, it was an answer to a problem that the company should not have. Another problem that Zales had was that deliveries were not on time. Question 4. What do you think of Tiffany’s decision to open smaller retail outlets, focusing on high-end products, to reach smaller affluent area in the United States? I believe that this move was beneficial for Tiffany. Having a strong brand, a world known brand, people know what to expect from the company. If a potential client wanted to have the Tiffany experience, the former was able to have it. It is true that the selection was not the same as in the company’s flag store. However, having also the catalog, the smaller retail outlets could very easily have access to the entire inventory. What the clients wants, this is what he/she will have. Also, as stated before, the Tiffany experience is essential to Tiffany’s business. Therefore, having more stores (even though the inventory is not ‘full’) (potential) clients may be drawn to come in and make a purchase. Question 5. Which of the three companies do you think was best structured to deal with the downturn in 2009? Tiffany. The market sector was appropriate for it (high-end). As the case study states: â€Å"As customers tightened their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, high-cost purchases such as diamond jewelry were often the first to be postponed.† However, this is applicable to lower-income customers. The lower the income, the higher the chance that a client would not spend on jewelry. Even though the 2009 downturn affected everyone, the priorities of lower income customers shifted drastically. The higher income customers, (I am making the assumption), were not affected as much. Therefore, instead of buying a 10,000$ ring/bracelet/etc, they could afford a 5,000$ purchase. Moreover, Tiffany had also its own manufacturing facilities. If the rough diamonds (after process) did not meet the desired standards, they were sold to third parties, ensuring additional revenue for the company. Question 6. What advice would you give to each of the three companies regarding their strategy and structure? All three companies were affected by the economic crisis. This is normal. They have to wait for the economic come-back. As stated in the answer of the first question, the three companies have different clientele, different products and different customer experience. Blue Nile I was very impressed by how Blue Nile handled the 1.5 million purchase. Having an internet base company, it reduces certain costs. The 30 days money back guarantee is essential in order to gain (and attract) customers. The lower marked-ups also contribute to lower prices for the clients (thus, attracting even more). Blue Nile brand is already established. It should not have any strategy that could influence negatively the name that it made for itself. Zales Due to its type of customers (lower and middle class), and to the economic problems, Zales has the most to ‘loose’. Moreover, its transit strategy was not appropriate (the reasons were explained earlier). There was a commercial that stated â€Å"Don’t change horses in mid-stream.† Even though adaptability to the environment is crucial in today’s economic system, not knowing how to adapt, and change just for the sake of change, can be (and in Zales’ case was) very destructive. The Zales’ brand was already established. Changing the products without hard work to change the brand, the company will loose ‘face’; clients are disoriented. Tiffany The company is well established. The band is strong. People associate with the brand. They take pride saying that they purchase from Tiffany’s or have goods from Tiffany’s (this is one of the most important aspects). The (majority of the) clientele is more well-off (in comparison with that of the other companies). When buying from Tiffany, a customer does not only buy a good; he/she also buys the experience and the brand. Tiffany should also include higher-end items on their website. However, extensive research on this must be done. The company does not want to ‘dilute’ its brand by providing internet orders. If the brand is not touched by this strategy, then Tiffany should go through with it (by incremental increase of item provided on the internet). All three companies should have a catalog, an internet site (that can receive orders), provide from time to time discounts. Yet, for any strategy (whatever it may be), the specific company should do extensive research in order to calculate the different impacts that a (potential) strategy might have on the company.

Is Price the Only Factor That Determines a Buyer’s Decision Essay

When consuming products and services, customers pay attention to several factors to make sure that they have made a sensible decision. Perhaps, the very first thing to be taken into account, under some circumstances, is price. However, it should not always be the sole consideration for purchasing decisions. From my point of view, apart from price, there are other determinants that can have a strong impact on a buyer’s decision, namely quality, buyer psychology and commitments that a firm offers its customers. To begin with, it can be said for sure that for most wise consumers, the quality of products or services is remembered long whereas the price is soon forgotten. When people make up their mind to consume something, they definitely want it to be worthy of their money. To be more specific, they are willing to have their ideal products although their prices can, sometimes, be very costly simply because of their durability. Long-lasting products are preferable, especially for careful consumers who are always in pursuit of the stability of the products. From another context, in terms of buyer psychology, many customers are not afraid of high cost to own certain products since not only do the products serve their needs, but they also help them to express their fashion-consciousness and status. For example, fashionable clothes enjoy increasing demand from celebrities every year though the producers set high prices. In addition, pricing low does not always work, even it can be counter-productive because consumers may assume that the products are below normal standards or the firm is going bankruptcy, which may lead to the damage of the company’s image and prestige. Last but not least, commitments to customers that a producer makes are also of great importance. These commitments usually come along with guarantees or after-sales services. Customers may pay higher amount of money for the products, however, in exchange, they are certain that they can have substitutes or indemnities when problems associated with the products happen. In other word, regardless of high prices, consumers are satisfied because they are offered certainty. In these cases, prices are also not the matter. In general, price is a significant factor that affects buyer decisions, but it is not the only determinants. Wise customers always seek for perfection from the products or services; hence, price should only be one of the aspects to be considered.

Explain the factors influencing demand and supply of motor vehicles Assignment

Explain the factors influencing demand and supply of motor vehicles Explain what effect an increase in the price of petrol is likely to have on equilibrium price - Assignment Example if consumer’s income is reduced then demand for motor vehicles, especially higher priced vehicles, is reduced; as a result the price and supply of vehicles drop. Incidents such as strikes or a rise in the cost of steel incur extra production costs for manufacturers; a rise in output costs means a fall in supply at a higher cost for the vehicles. On the other hand, if production costs are decreased and therefore motor vehicles are cheaper to produce then an increase in supply will occur with a reduction in price. Supply and demand can be illustrated as curves on a graph and where the two curves merge is the equilibrium price and number; the equilibrium sets the benchmark towards which the market moves and if demand and supply swing then the equilibrium correspondingly changes. An increase in petrol prices is an additional drain on consumer’s incomes particularly those who receive low or middle incomes, thus higher petrol prices will affect demand for vehicles in that consumers will not be able to maintain them by way of affording petrol. Demand will therefore drop and the demand curve will move to the left while the curve representing supply will move to the right resulting in a lowering of the equilibrium price of the

Summary of experience in zoo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of experience in zoo - Essay Example They swallow large chunks of food. It sleeps only when very full and curls up in the grass to rest. They eat and lie during the day. None are nocturnal. They like long grass and dense to lie on. It is an insectivorous mammal that feeds on large and small insects mostly ants because termites were not in plenty. It uses the back to carry small ones. They also use their fore limbs to reach on trees with feet to the ground. It uses its front limbs to walk and then pulls the rest of its body forward. Thus, the hands serve as the legs too. They do not vocalize anything. They seem to lack expressions more so due to their elongated snouts. Females take care of their young ones protectively. The gorilla is a terrestrial quadrupedalism primate. It however is more like a human. It uses its front limbs to eat and hold with its fingers. They rest on grass or open ground; play with others and even with humans. They also rest on tree branches. They sleep on trees where mostly have built their own nests. When climbing one may say they are vertical clinging and leaping primates. They are fed with fruits and leaves of certain plants. They also eat roots and feed on succulent things. They are always looking for something fleshy to feed on such as a fruit. They hold on the hand and eat like a human. They hold on to their young ones with front limbs like the arm of a human. They also carry them on their backs when walking. A gorilla knuckle walks using its four limbs. They make some utterances that cannot be understood. They mostly have the horizontal pout. However, they grin when food is brought to them or when asking for food they pout. They live in groups. The monkeys are mostly arboreal. They are vertically clinging and leaping primates. They rest on trees and hold on to branches with arms like humans or their tails which are rather flexible. They sleep on trees where mostly have built their own nests. They like to sleep high on the trees they live on.

Critically explore the legal and etihical context of delivering Essay

Critically explore the legal and etihical context of delivering healthcare to patients who do not speak English and issues around informed consent- look at the - Essay Example condition is with the care that can be provided and will thus have the option to freely consent to, or refuse treatment on the basis of complete information. The language barrier can be a significant detrimental factor for patients because it can decrease access to and adequacy of health care due to the inability to communicate symptoms effectively, especially when they are brought into the emergency department and the use of language interpreters can significantly reduce the obstacles that are created through the inability of provider-patient to communicate effectively (Woloshin et al 1995:724-28). A study conducted by Hampers et al (1999) in the United States specifically examined the barriers cast by language and the inability of patients and their families to speak English when receiving health care in the emergency department, in order to determine whether there was any difference in diagnostic testing and length of stay. As a result, the practitioners were required to assess health care and make clinical diagnoses without the facility of a full or complete history due to the language barrier between health providers and patients. M oreover, this study showed that such patients were also less likely to be insured when they arrived for emergency services and the hampering of diagnostic and testing resulted in higher costs per patient and longer lengths of stay in the emergency departments. Similarly, a research report was prepared by Shah and Priestley (2001) which examined the experiences of black and minority disabled patients in Leeds hospitals. This report highlighted some of the specific concerns of Asian and black disabled patients and the obstructions to their health care that resulted from the lack of sensitivity of health care providers to language, religious and cultural issues. This report also showed that most minority patients who were older did not know English and the function of interpretation when they arrived at the hospital was carried out

English Business law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

English Business law - Case Study Example een caused by communication breakdown whereby we could not directly get in touch with our members since we are still using the traditional form of communication which is the use of mail. It is our intention that we would harness the new information technology in the form of internet use so as to avoid inconveniences in the future with regards to books that end up failing to be collected by the supposed owners due to technical problems. We would also like to bring to your attention that our members are ladies in their fifties and we would like to put them in a category of old people who are no longer able bodied hence the inconvenience to respond accordingly. In some cases they would fail to get to us on time which would make us unaware of what may be taking place since it is a requirement that they should communicate with us directly should they require any changes to be made to their orders. It should also be brought to your attention that this has not been the usual way we conduct business hence accept our statement of apology. Indeed, we are currently in a financial crisis which has taken a toll on almost all facets of the economy across the board. Our organisation as well as our members have also not been spared by the tough financial crisis, the reason why some of the books may lie unclaimed at your premises. We would try to follow up on the issue since we assumed that if we do not get response from our membe rs they would have accepted their orders. We would also like to inform you that we will take appropriate action that is not in contravention with the law. It is our own knowledge that no one can operate above the law of the land and we would wish to inform you that we would take necessary measures that would ensure that we are not found at the wrong side of the law. Initially, we require our members to pay a membership fee which makes them legitimate and we would try to put measures that ensure effective communication among our members so as to avoid

Religion and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Religion and Society - Essay Example There are many individuals who feel that in order to embrace the principles of science and its fundamental ability to offer great insights into life one has to abandon faith as well as its implications which come in the form of religious indoctrination. Many individuals such as the author and prominent zoologist, Richard Dawkins, Madalyn Murray O’Hare, a woman who considered her most prominent accomplishment to be the fact that she has become known to many as an atheist, Victor J. Stenger, a particle physicist and Isaac Asimov embody the belief that the only proof of the existence of a phenomena or an entity is that can be ascertained through empirical means. Conversely, there are individual psychologists who view the role of religion as a vital one in the lives of many individuals and explain how religion can be utilized as a guiding force in the decision-making processes. These individuals include William James, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Gordon Allport, Abraham Maslow, Alfre d Adler and Erik Erikson. An investigation of these individuals as well as the self-proclaimed atheists will prove to be quite beneficial in arriving at the underlying determinants of one’s religious beliefs and practices. ... Instrumentation The only instrumentation for this study is an interview protocol which was devised and modeled after the interviews conducted between Richard Dawkins and Sheena McDonald, an interview of Madalyn Murray O'Hair by The Freedom Writer and an interview of Isaac Asimov which discussed the correlation between science and the Bible. These interviews were utilized as a basis for the creation for this instrument. Procedure Through a guided case-study, I will examine my religious beliefs and frame them within a psychological framework. In so doing, the self-created tool will establish an indelible link between my religious beliefs and the pertinent psychological theories/concepts. The primary method of attaining this information will be through the utility of open-ended questions followed by a clarification when needed. Methodological Assumptions The only methodological assumption utilized for this case study was the notion that such a study would yield accurate results with regards to the underlying psychological determinants of religious beliefs and practices. It is felt that much of religion serves as a means of quelling irrational concerns with regards to questions that will remain unanswered as no clear scientific explanations can be offered in support of or in refutation of the origins of man as individuals who are capable of deciding whether we should operate solely based on faith or whether we should always resort to science for our explanation of phenomenon which, on the surface, seem unexplainable. Limitations The limitations of the survey methodology are (1) The study is very subjective as it is a case study based on one's own religious convictions, and (2) The

Water Supply and Its Situation in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, Ca Dissertation

Water Supply and Its Situation in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, Nevada andMexico - Dissertation Example First, in the case of Texas that is experiencing about 40% of drought conditions as Hess & Frohlich write, the state needs to reverse the heavy use of water in the processing of natural gases in the fracking process (1). This will help save water and even save the agricultural sector. Oklahoma’s water problem may be solved by making agreements with other states on how it can save water even if it has to dig underground reservoirs for the same. Hess & Frohlich says that the same case would apply for Arizona since the state enjoys seasonal rains throughout the year (1). Through saving this water in underground reservoirs, the state can help deal with the severe drought conditions. Kansas, Nevada, and Mexico would greatly benefit from an institution of a water management plan that would even include the help of engineers to even construct underground pipes that will help store and transport water in the required places. For the case of California, investing in desalination water plants would prove useful since these plants as Hess & Frohlich explain would help save a lot of water that would have otherwise gone into waste (1). This water would also help in agricultural practices among the many farm workers in the state. From an analysis of the water supply conditions in these states, it is evident that there requires having stringent and timely measures to solve the water problems existing today. As seen in the compilation of Hess & Frohlich, fracking is a major contributor to drought in Texas (1). According to BBC, fracking is the process that involves drilling into the earth in the quest to release the gas underground (1). In this process, water of high pressure is directed at that underground rock so as to release the gas underneath. In the course of the fracking process, BBC writes that gas flares up from the ground either after the horizontal or a vertical process of hitting the rock layers.

Comparative analysis of Employees' job satisfaction in pakistani Essay

Comparative analysis of Employees' job satisfaction in pakistani banking - Essay Example level of employees is not appropriately evaluated and rewarded by managers in Pakistan (Abbas et al., 2008, 435); in western countries the recognition of the value of employees seems to be problematic (Abromovitz, 1998, 175). Towards this direction, the identification and the presentation of facts that prove the value of employee performance should be characterized as an emergent need. However, the above assumption does not refer to all industrial sectors; in most of these sectors the role, the characteristics and the importance of employee satisfaction have been adequately addressed and related with the overall corporate strategy (Rasca, Deacon and Dumitrescu, 2008, p.535); there are also sectors, like the banking industry, where the importance of employee satisfaction has not been appropriately examined – further analysis is required (Jamshed Adil Halepota, 2007, p.1). In banking sector, employee satisfaction can lead to a series of a benefits for the organization involved; the increase of employee productivity, the improvement of the customer services, the development of coordination and cooperation within the organization and the increase of organizational performance – either in the short or the long term – are indicative benefits for the banks that focus on the development of employee satisfaction. Because of the value of employee satisfaction for the banking industry – as explained through the examples mentioned above – it is necessary that the various aspects of the specific concept are analytically explained and evaluated. The analysis of employee satisfaction in the banking industry could face many obstacles. An indicative one is the difference on the perceptions of managers on employee satisfaction; the development of policies for the increase of employees’ satisfaction can be considered as an emergent priority or just as a measure that needs to be included in the organizational strategic plan – among other plans. It is also possible that