Federalism, unitary and confedrate government Essay

Federalism is a governmental organization in which authority is divided between two sovereign levels of government.  ·National  ·Regional Federalism is a method of government where decision on taxes and education are shared between two political powers and are exercised on two levels of government. There are several distinguishing deference’s between federalist, unitary, and confederation government structures. Federal states may be created in one of two ways  · Separate political units may decide to join together in a political partnership.  ·An existing unitary government may choose to disperse. In a federal system, each citizen is subject to two governments: the national or federal governments and the regional, state, or local government. The courts or some other impartial body is usually given the power to interpret the conditions of the constitution concerning the political powers of each level. A single level government for the entire country characterizes a unitary state. There is also no municipal, or local government working without help of the national government unlike the federalist government. An example of a unitary government would be Sweden. Confederacy is a union in which the states alone are self-governing. The power of the central government is derived from the states. Confederation that is traditional is described as the following:  ·Structure is based on centralized command of politics  ·Confederate law is superior law  ·State borders are fixed or determined by central authority. Federalist, unitary, and confederation governing structures are distinctly different in several ways. Governments chose to run their country with different methods that work for them.

How Entrepreneurs Impact an Economy

Introduction As economies continue to integrate due to globalisation and formally closed economies like India and China march toward total liberalisation, entrepreneurship is on the increase. A close analysis of developed and industrialised economies indicates a common denominator that stands out amongst all of them, which is the important role played by entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in such economies.This phenomenon has proved to us that if an economy is to develop fully, entrepreneurship should be allowed to flourish. Therefore it is the objective of this paper to critically analyse the impact of entrepreneurs in any given economy. In this paper the writer will identify and discuss the many benefits afforded to an economy through entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship and the disadvantages of the same and draw conclusions on the overall impact of the entrepreneurs. InnovationIndividuals often resort to entrepreneurship for one of the following reasons, because they find a market n iche and have the solution to profit from such niche, because they have been unable to find suitable employment or a suitable means of income and therefore have resorted to using their creativity to generate an income for themselves, or because they have the technological know-how and the financial resources (or able to source all of the above) necessary to generate income by satisfying a need in the marketplace.Irrespective of which of the above led an individual to become an entrepreneur it is clear that innovation and creativity is the driving factor and therefore it can be stated that the biggest impact of entrepreneurs to an economy is the innovative contribution that they make. Job Creation As stated in the previous section one of the main reasons that individuals tend to become entrepreneurs is because they are unable to find suitable jobs.As a result, by being enterprising, creative and finding a market niche, not only are they able to generate an income for themselves but a lso to employ other individuals in their business operations. Therefore one of the most positive impacts that entrepreneurs make on an economy is job creation and the reduction of unemployment levels within that economy. In developed countries we see that almost 40 – 50% of the workforce are employed in small and medium scale business enterprises that were started up by very enterprising individuals.Likewise in countries like India we see that millions of women have been able to pull their families out of poverty through self employment and entrepreneurship that has been made possible by different Non Governmental Organisations and due to the availability of such resources through micro finance etc. Africa is another good example of small scale entrepreneurs helping to reduce poverty and help many avoid destitution. Therefore based on everything that has been stated above it is apparent that entrepreneurs can cause a great degree of impact on an economy through job creation a nd income generation.Increased Competition Another positive impact of entrepreneurship on an economy is the increasing level of competition in that economy as new entrepreneurs join the fray in existing domestic markets. While one may venture to say that this will only lead to market saturation, the upside of such a phenomenon is that it causes all the players in the market to re-evaluate their operational capabilities, increase value addition, lower costs and become more efficient.Thus it can be stated that competition reduces likelihood of monopolies and oligopolies in the marketplace and is beneficial to the customer and the economy as a whole. Increased Productivity One of the advantages of increased competition in an economy is that individuals and firms continue to source methods that can better improve their operations, use resources more efficiently and most importantly reduce costs while adding value. All this often results in an increase in productivity in an economy and a increase in the gross domestic product (GDP), which is indeed a benefit for the economy.While opponents tend to state that when productivity increases the unemployment can often increase, thus reducing the positive impacts, it is the opinion of the writer that increased productivity which can then lead to increased unemployment will then cause more individuals to be creative, find niche markets, become entrepreneurs and begin generating more employment opportunities, thus re-inventing the wheel and driving the economy forward.New Markets As stated in the previous section increased competition in the marketplace can cause saturation and as a result many entrepreneurs maybe driven to seek new markets for their products and services or adapt market penetration tactics.Either way such a phenomena of increased competition, which ultimately causes individuals to look for new markets can be considered as a positive impact on the economy and therefore entrepreneurs can be considered to pla y a very important role in the economy. As integration of economies continues due to globalisation entrepreneurs often tend to look for markets that are outside of their domestic sphere thus generating foreign revenue and increasing the prosperity of the economy as a whole.While this maybe a very simplistic explanation of the impact that entrepreneurs make on an economy, it is also safe to say that the employment generation, increased competition, market expansion, market penetration and sourcing new markets all result in income generation that ultimately help an economy to become more prosperous, draw millions out of poverty and generate funds for social welfare activities that ultimately uplift the living standards of its citizenry.Negative Impacts of Entrepreneurs The single largest negative impact of entrepreneurs on an economy is the plundering of resources, which can have a disastrous affect on the environment. While such negative impacts are mitigated to some extent in develo ped economies due to the enforcement of environmental protection standards and regulations, this is not the case in developing economies.Further entrepreneurship requires a certain degree of business knowledge and know how, without which entrepreneurial ventures can often fail, which can also cause many financial hardship that in extreme cases can even lead to destitution. Social Entrepreneurship Today we see the realm of social entrepreneurship growing exponentially which is a very positive sign and has helped to draw millions out of poverty, decrease unemployment, decrease the number of people dependent on social welfare and all in all uplift the living standards and quality of life of millions.Further social entrepreneurship initiatives are also often seen as ‘green initiatives’ that take into consideration the impact on the natural environment and therefore strives to keep this at a minimum, thus increasing awareness about such issues, avoiding plundering of natural resources and conserving the environment wherever possible. Therefore it can be stated that the negative impacts of entrepreneurs on an economy can be mitigated to some extent through social entrepreneurship. ConclusionBased on everything that has been discussed above it is apparent that the positive impacts of entrepreneurs on an economy, far outweigh the negative impacts. Job creation, reduction in unemployment levels, increased competition, opening new markets, increasing productivity, foreign income generation and poverty alleviation are some of the positive impacts that entrepreneurs have on an economy. However this is not to say that there are no negative impacts such as the wastage and plundering of resources, yet taken as a whole it is apparent that the entrepreneurs positively impact an economy.

Jay Gatsby- The Legend Essay

‘It is not enough to make progress; we must make it in the right direction. ’ How important is it to apply this saying our lives? Well, is very important. What is that makes us human beings and not animals? Is it where we come from and what we have or self-control of our wants and needs? To what extent are we ready to go to gain power that we no longer remember who we are! Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby will be able to answer these questions to us. Jay Gatsby, a year or two over thirty, was a mysterious persona. He lived in West Egg, Long Island and was greatly known in the locality for his lavish parties that housed both the invited as well as the uninvited. With extravagant cuisine, rich fresh fruits from New York, Vladimir Tostoff’s Jazz and his Rolls Royce moving to and fro picking up guests, Jay Gatsby threw big parties. He used the phrase ‘old sport’ very often while addressing everybody. His picking of words with care only showed some fishiness regarding his identity. By calling himself an Oxford Educated and wealthy person without any family, he camouflaged his true identity and was a liar. Jay Gatsby, was truly James Gatz a nobody from North Dakota whose parents were unsuccessful farm people. Gatsby’s humiliation of being poor and a man without any class increased his hunger for power and he didn’t care how he got it. â€Å"Contemporary legends such as the â€Å"underground pipe-line to Canada. attached themselves to him, and there was one persistent story that he didn’t live in a house at all, but in a boat that looked like a house and was moved secretly up and down the Long Island shore† (Fitzgerald) only establishes the fact that his business was unethical and notorious. He was a bootlegger and had various links to people like Wolfsheim. His current attitude and outlook that showed off his wealth and dignity was certainly not inherit ed as he worked as a janitor and was a drop out from St. Olaf’s college in Minnesota. Unhappy about his poverty and class, â€Å"he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end. † (Fitzgerald) His belief that money and power could accomplish anything and change the past, only portrays his blatant attitude that led to conceal his true identity and he thus showed off his wealth through his parties despite that fact that it mostly invited fake people. Madly in love with Daisy, a beautiful woman who was married to the Tom Buchanan, Gatsby hoped to win her back and thus kept throwing those wonderfully big parties. His world and life revolved around the dream of winning back his love Daisy. â€Å"Gatsby buys his West Egg mansion with the sole intention of being across the bay from Daisy Buchanan’s green light at the end of her dock, a fantasy which becomes Gatsby’s personal version of the American Dream† (Novel Analysis). Having his emotions bottled up for Daisy for so many years, it became a burning passion in his heart, made him very obsessive. He used richness and wealth to lure her back to him. His love for Daisy had blinded him to the fact that she had left him for a man with solid position, wealth and prosperity which was another reason in his life to become rich. He idolized her and he felt married to her and wanted her back at any cost even though she killed Myrtle-Tom’s lover while driving Gatsby’s car. Having lived the life the way he want and working towards achieving his goal and dream, Jay Gatsby is that legend with whom we can relate ourselves. We all have wants and desires. But his desire for Daisy only led to his downfall. Misguided by his belief and seeking vengeance for Myrtle’s murder, Myrtle’s husband George killed Gatsby in his own pool thinking that it was Gatsby who murdered his Myrtle which in reality was Daisy! A funeral with only few friends and his father Henry Gatz and none of the fake people who attended his parties, nor Daisy for whom he was killed, Jay Gatsby’s life only portrays that it is not money that maketh man, it is his values and ideals. It is not what we want, but why we want something and a constant check on the direction we are going makes us who we are!

Planning and Goal Setting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Planning and Goal Setting - Research Paper Example I have suggested these improvements to provide the customers with a clearer perception of what our business is about. In addition to that, the revised vision statement clearly mentions the aspirations and goals of the Moonlight Bakers that are required to be known by the company’s leader to make advancements for their achievement. Besides, development of a powerful vision statement is fundamental to the strategic planning and attainment of competitive advantage for the Moonlight Bakers. I would do some literature review to note down the benefits of making a business plan as well as to collect information about companies that attempted to started new businesses in the past but failed because of lack of a business plan. I would say to the CEO, â€Å"Sir, it is in the air that you are about to take over a new business. If that is the case, may we please have the opportunity to make a business plan for you? It is very useful while starting a new business in the contemporary age. I have done the literature review and these are some files I would like to share with you.† The rationale behind my soft words is that I don’t want to offend him that we know his plans even though he has not shared them with us. Secondly, I have tried to convince him with proofs of benefits of using a business plan in such situations. In the contemporary world that is changing at a fast pace, leadership with vision or visionary leadership is required for the organizations to thrive and stay competitive (Kantabutra and Avery, 2010, p. 37). Making vision statement is a preliminary step in the development of such leadership since the goals of the leader are aligned with and retrieved from the ones mentioned in the vision statement. Development of the vision statement is one of the vision driven strategies employed by organizations to succeed. â€Å"[O]rganizations which utilize effective Business plans maximize the

ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT IN CIS COUNTRIES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT IN CIS COUNTRIES - Essay Example In fact the changes perceived in the structure of the various political elite groups in this region which was stimulated by the changes brought in by democracy, did not essentially lead to the renewal of the political elite, primarily in the nature and manner of their conscription and commissioning. The fragile nature of the democratic institutions were revealed when the actors in the new political order that came into power during the first democratic elections, instead of aiming at creating a better socio-economic future for their respective countries, used the new positions for amassing personal wealth and strengthening their personal power. The result of the plans adopted for orienting all governmental organizations towards a system of Presidential domination that would democratically control the executive, legislative and judiciary, failed. In its place, there was the rapid emergence of a group of hybrid political elites, where the authoritarian power was well in vogue, albeit b ehind the facade of democratic institutions. ... Other international and regional bodies that provide corruption survey figures based on perceptions and experience in this sub-region, present a very analogous picture that portrays a ‘systemic’ form of corruption, having disastrous effects on the lives of the common citizens of these states. A study of these reports make it very clear that the political elites of these regions are creating a hindrance in the developmental strategy of these regions, and in order to initiate growth and development in the CIS countries one must make a thorough study of the elites that run these countries. One must take heed of their perception of national development and personal power, and also comprehend how the elites analyze the role of various international development bodies like ‘The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development’ (EBRD). The research project primarily aims to study these issues in order to identify in which CIS countries the political elites are deter mined to act in a manner that has positive economic and social implications, and thereby aiming to create a favourable climate for investments. Objectives The target of this research paper is to propose various recommendations that are based on strong and logical evidences, for the increase in the EBRD’s investments within the CIS countries. Since this international developmental body is supporting a research project and providing ?5 million for investigating the role of political elites in the development of CIS countries, it necessary for the researcher to study in detail the various notions and ideals practiced by the ruling political elites that are mainly responsible

How the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has made an impact on business Essay

How the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has made an impact on business - Essay Example r example, the Canada’s long standing principles-based stock exchange was replaced with a hybrid rules and principles based corporate governance regime that was modeled in SOX and administered by security regulators (Sibold, 2009). Largely, as Sibold elaborates, the act aims to harmonize the global fiscal management polices by shifting these from the pervious rules based to principles based management, where a global platform on financial management can be achieved. The act largely bases on management through virtues and morals as compared to through rules. However, Sibold (2009) argues that there are possibilities of more executives and editors using the trust and moral trust enhanced by this act to act unethically as compared other previous management through rules. Family owned enterprises according to Sibold portray better performance of family influence that focuses the investments of the firm, and this lessens the moral hazards due to the minority equity claimants and in creasing form values. Therefore, as a profession in financial management or any other related field, the act requires that moral standing, virtues and business ethics have to be more pronounced in an individual to avoid conflict of interest in the workplace, where one is tempted to behave unethically. As a professional in financial management, it would be necessary to integrate both the rule based and principles based approach in financial management to ensure a wider approach to management problems in finances and reduce possible cases of unethical behaviors in managing

Federico World Travel Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Federico World Travel Services - Essay Example FWTS is concentrated on a friendly eco green environment that is both memorable and entertaining, giving the brand first class value. the company employs many revenue flow plans involving membership up-grade packages, Hotel and advertising packages for domestic airlines and outsourced advertising packages, the sales or brokering of accounting software, and subscription benefits for hotel chains. Primary traffic will originate from the free information provided to our FWTS customers and the world, using reviews, travel advice, local news resources, links, a blog, pictures, videos and universal articles, and allowing search engines to deliver guests to FWTS at no direct price. The earnings are generated perpetually as members submit content and new members are attracted, thereby attracting new advertisers. The brand model is developed specifically to fit an exponential function growth curve. Product and Services: Consultation related to activities and the complications of traveling Res ervation and lodging facilities Special customized packages for travelers Pre-arranged tours Supplemental services also include helping customers in cases related to the acquisition of passports. Mission Statement: The mission statement of FWTS clearly illustrates the scale of services, its diversity, and the target market for which the business intends to offer its services. Industry: Developing an approach of understanding the different kinds of applications that can be used primarily for improving the reputation of their businesses. Therefore, the strategic interests of businesses have leaned towards the e-commerce industry, which was later symbiotically affiliated with the Internet. Business Objectives and Goals: To shift attention towards things that carry a more â€Å"sustainable† functioning procedure and image. FWTS labels itself as a full-service tourism business. If its suppliers fail to live up to these expectations, they will be expelled from the corporation. Comp etitive Advantages: FWTS is always creating new ideas to improve the company and discovering new adventure destinations. The company strives to improve travel facilities, equipment, and technology and adopt the strategy of price leadership. Strengths: The market and size of the travel industry is continuously growing FWTS receives a majority of the customer base Weaknesses: FWTS is not very popular among people above 40 years of age, and does not capture a fair share of this specific market. Conclusion: In these competitive times, all organizations intend to introduce measures to being bring creativity to their marketing strategies and advertise the products they provide. Topic: Federico World Travel Services Introduction A marketing plan is the guideline to all the activities that a company uses to penetrate the industry market in order to sell its products and have a share in the market (Micheal,2010). To start with when formulating a marketing plan solid industry and market analy sis is vital (Michael & Susan, 2007). In the travel industry, the current players such as Air America, Fly emirates, Air Dubai do not satisfy customer needs because the market is too big for them to exhaust. Therefore, FWTS will take advantage of these weaknesses to satisfy customer needs and penetrate the market. Also, the current major players in the industry are poorly distributed only in the major cities again this is a major weakness which FWTS will capitalize on, by providing its services everywhere in the world. Also, the

Multiculturalism - Freedom, Recognition and Authenticity Essay

Multiculturalism - Freedom, Recognition and Authenticity - Essay Example It is often thought that this is the best framework that would accommodate different parts of the population, especially if they come from various cultural, religious or other backgrounds (Appiah 2007, p. 14). Nevertheless, I have considered some of the peculiarities of it and came to a conclusion that that it may be flawed to a certain extent. A. That is exactly what I wanted to talk about. Do not you, wise men, think that this is too unrealistic? Equal respect is truly a platform that the stability of a diverse society rests on, but it is too abstract, especially when it comes to actual application (Abbey 2000, p. 118). B. Our friend is absolutely right here, equality is something that can hardly be achieved in a society where citizens are different in numerous aspects, starting from the level of income and up to the very place where they live. It is virtually impossible to create equal conditions for everyone. A. C, my friend, I can see where you are going with this, but I would like to point out that the politics of equal respect, the one that you like so much, is actually inhospitable to difference (Ferrelly 2004, p. 88). B. I fully agree. C, you see, diversity is a factor that is dynamic, it is not static; in other words, one can hardly make a set of coordinates that would include all the differences and find harmony between them. In addition to that, acknowledgement of difference requires a constant change with in the social framework. A. Exactly! Do not you see that this is absolutely the opposite of what the system was designed for. The universal application that you have mentioned relies on one size fits all ideology. In other words, while claiming to respect the difference, this politics actually eliminates it (Fraser & Honneth, 2003, p. 30). B. Indeed, if two groups of people believe in different, sometimes opposite values, do you think that there can be a single policy that would unite them. Nevertheless, if the principle of

Globalization, Gentrification and Migration Impact to New York Coursework

Globalization, Gentrification and Migration Impact to New York - Coursework Example There has been an argument as to whether the processes of gentrification, globalization, and migration lead to involuntary displacement of the low-income residents in a city. For instance, in New York City, the low-income residents are not likely to move out of a gentrifying suburb than they are to move out of a non-gentrifying suburb. On the other hand, the process of globalization in New York is explained in terms of the strategic sites where various global processes materialized and the various linkages that join them. Among the above-mentioned sites are the off-shore banking facilities, export processing areas and the global cities (Hamnet 1994, p.422). According to Sassen, the rapid growth of the global economy in New York City has led to the modern geography of marginality and centrality. The above mentioned modern form of geography causes inequalities, nevertheless, it leads to the formation of dynamic economic growth, where the city operates from the development of the employment structures to the distribution of telecommunication. New York as a global city possesses a lot of economic powers and various financial services, which offer super-profits. The level of transactions in New York specifically through the trade in services, financial markets and investments have rapidly increased, therefore, the orders of magnitude involved have also increased.

Correlations In research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Correlations In research - Essay Example Depending on the type of the research, the data are later analyzed to draw out provable conclusions. For instance, a research can focus on climate and its effect on agriculture. From the relationship between agricultural productivity and climate, variables can be identified to aid in the process of information collection. In the long run, a relevant hypothesis is then formulated which will be rejected or accepted depending on the outcome of the research. The favorability of climate is inversely proportional to the quality of agricultural productivity in an area. In proving such a hypothesis, some of the most common working definitions are thus listed herein. I. Good climate - a good climate is one which fosters the production of agricultural products. Farming heavily relies on the pattern of rainfall. However, excessive rainfall destroys the crops in the field. The most conducive rainfall pattern, therefore, is one in which it rains moderately. A moderate rainfall is between twenty to sixty millimeters per day. According to this research, a good climate is therefore measured in terms of the volume of rainfall an area receives in a week. An unfavorable climate is characterized by below ten millimeters of rainfall a day. II. Research productivity-The number of researches carried out in an area defines its productivity in terms of contributing to human development. In this context, the productivity is compared on the number of researches that are produced in the region within a period of one year. A bad productivity infers zero to twenty cases within a year. On the other hand, good productivity refers to the production of fifty to one hundred researches per year (Sharon and Anthony 66). Operational definitions make it possible for computation of research variables. Furthermore, the definitions of the conflicting factors make it easier for one to carry an effective research on the issues. The goodness of climate is defined in a manner that enables

The Political System of the United Kingdom Essay Example for Free

The Political System of the United Kingdom Essay The United Kingdom has enjoyed a relatively strong government in the entire course of its history. A major part of this could be attributed to its unique but very effective political system. There are at least five aspects that had been major contributory factors in its political stability, namely: Transparency and Accountability of Government, Consensus building on major issues, Reforms on a gradual and necessary basis, Absence of threat from coups and armed overthrow of government, and the Check and Balance of powers in its three branches. England is the land of Kings and Queens. Down the years the monarchy had played a crucial role in the political system of the nation. The reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II remains the constitutional and Ceremonial Head of State. She continues to exercise discretionary powers like the Royal Assent for Bills from Parliament and Royal Prerogatives like appointments of Ministers, formal consent to the declaration of war by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, and the suggestion for the dissolution of the Parliament. The last discretionary power has never been resorted to anytime in the history of the United Kingdom. The Armed Forces swear allegiance to the Queen and that makes her their Commander-in-Chief. This is also the reason why a military-backed revolt to overthrow the government would be extremely difficult in England. In both instances, dissolution of the Parliament and unconstitutional change of government, the Crown had always been very circumspect in averting constitutional crisis. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government in the United Kingdom. He is appointed by the Monarch from the Members of Parliament of the largest majority party in the House of Commons. The current Prime Minister is Gordon Brown from the Labour Party. Coming from the largest majority of Parliament, the Prime Minister possesses the ability to form a government and push for important legislation. The Prime Minister and other senior ministers, each in charge of a government department, make up the Cabinet and together they function as the Executive Branch or Government. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet are all from Parliament but they are accountable to it. There are three Ministers in each department. They are the Head or Secretary of State, the second in rank is the Minister of State and the third in rank is the Undersecretary of State. They report to Parliament regarding their work and a committee in the House of Commons oversees their work. The Prime Minister reports to the Parliament every Wednesday for the Prime Minister’s Question Time broadcasted live in radio and television and covered by the broadsheet press. This is a democratic process of Government Transparency and Accountability. Since the Bill of Rights of 1689, sovereignty resides in the Parliament or the legislature. Like most of the world’s democracies, the United Kingdom has a bicameral legislative body. The Parliament is composed of two chambers, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The population is proportionally divided into constituencies who elect their Members of Parliament to the House of Commons. The largest majority in the House of Commons is commissioned by the Queen to form a government. This means that a government is not voted upon by the House of Commons but it does get to exercise its vote of confidence when the legislative agenda is laid out on the Speech from the Throne. The House of Lords, on the other hand is not an elected body. It used to be hereditary among aristocratic families. Presently, the House of Lords is composed of hereditary/aristocratic members, bishops or Lords Spirituals of the Church of England, and those who have made valuable contributions to England and whose memberships were approved by the Queen but are limited to their lifetime and can not be inherited by kin down the line. Both Houses do legislative work while the House of Lords are limited in powers such as in the reviews of, proposing amendments to, or veto of Bills, except of those bills related to Monetary and Finances. The Members of Parliament have no fixed term of office. There will be a General Election when the Prime Minister calls for it, but which should not be more than five years since the last one was held. There are three major parties such as the Labour, Conservative and the Liberal Democrat, each with dramatically opposing political stand on issues. In the British Parliament, however, they build on consensus with regards to issues on national order and security, economy, health and foreign policies. Interestingly, the House of Lords acts as a Court of Appeals that decides on cases with finality. The Law Lords, which is a part of the House of Lords, is the one which hears and tries cases for judgment. A review is being made to study the possibility of replacing it with a Supreme Court, in accordance with the Constitutional Reform Act of 2005. The Lord Chancellor is the Head of the Judiciary in England and Wales for 1,400 years. Today it has been replaced by the Department of Constitutional Affairs. This is a case when changes in the system is initiated whenever Parliament sees a need for it. Such ensures that the change is necessary and called for, instead of a measure that is in place but without substantial value and significance at all. The United Kingdom has a political system with features that are common with some of the world’s leading democracies, and yet, it is for the large part distinctly different. Where in some countries there is a separation of powers among their branches of government in the United Kingdom it is not the case. Government Ministers are Members of Parliament. The Law Lords are members of the House of Lords. The Prime Minister is from the Parliament’s largest majority party. Despite the overlapping functions, the checks and balance of powers are in place. The Monarch commissions the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister consults with the Monarch, the Prime Minister calls a General Election for Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister and his Cabinet report to Parliament regularly. The best thing about the political system of the United Kingdom is that it had stood the test of time. It had worked for more than a thousand years, it could work for another thousand. But like an evolving parliamentary democracy, it is still a work in progress. References Darlington, R. (2007). A Short Guide to the British Political System. Retrieved October 1, 2008 from http://www. rogerdarlington. co. uk/Britishpoliticalsystem. html. NRI Online Pty. Ltd. (2008, October 1). Political System in the UK. Retrieved October 1, 2008, from http://www. nriol. com/welcome2uk/politics-in-uk. asp.

Chemistry and Anatomy Essay Example for Free

Chemistry and Anatomy Essay My life began as a simple and talented student in Geneva. My father was Alphonse Frankenstein, who was a wealthy, rich and benevolent man. I was the first son of my father, Alphonse Frankenstein. My mother Caroline visited a beautiful orphan girl, Elizabeth Lavenza, fair-haired girl. She was adopted by my family and was my cousin. I had two brothers who were very lovely and they loved me and Elizabeth a lot. My best friend was Henry Clerval, who was a considerate man. I became a student of Chemistry and Anatomy in the quest to determine what gives life. I was a young man who led a happy and peaceful life, but the events happened after, made a great change to my living. The world according to me was a secret of research, creation and experimenting. I learnt the theories of electricity and galvanization. I also initiated a theory of how to create human life using the principles of electricity. I became devoted to the human creation and the spark of life that I had abandoned earlier. I asked my University for specimens to make my creation. I figured out what gives life.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I have begged my University for specimens. They say I’ve had all their best material for years, and produced nothing to show for it.† I feel that I have begged my University for some specimens to make my creation, but they refused to afford me the specimens because they say that they have given all the best pieces of specimens to me for creating nothing. Finally, I got the body parts from the graveyard. Then I went out without my meals to buy some chemicals. I took the body parts from the corpses. I stored my chemicals and specimens in the dissecting room so that it would be safe. I constructed a giant man, 8 feet tall, with super human strength and endurance from harvested body parts that I took from the corpses. I worked secretly without rest for almost a year. I can tell you that I was a bit disappointed with my creation. My perfect creation was a frightening disaster. My creation was a result of horror.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"No, this isn’t what I wanted. Oh, dear god, what have I done?†Ã‚  I was not at all happy with my monstrous creation. So, I rejected, abandoned and left him away. I was also scared, frightened and afraid of him. I also avoided my scientific studies because it remained me about the disastrous experiment. I wanted him to help and like mankind. This was not what I expected. I wanted my creation to be helpful rather than being a nuisance. My excitement soon changed when my creature came into life. My lovely, little brother William was murdered by my creation, the monster. Elizabeth cried a lot and I was not able to convince her. She also told me that my five- year-old brother, William and she went for a walk. She also told me that she saw William disappear. She was searching for him all over. I examined what had happened and found out that it was the monster, who was responsible for the murder of my brother. I was very angry with the behaviour of my creation. I created him to help human life and not to destroy them. He came to my room. I was very angry at him and wanted to destroy him. He told me to control my temper and he asked me to listen to him. He told me that the only person to be kind to him was Agathe, a young blind lady. The other villagers chased him away through their dogs. He also told me that his intention towards William was not to kill him. Then he explained to me about what had happened. He told me, â€Å"I put my hands to his mouth to silence him, because I was afraid.†Ã‚  The monster asked William to play with him for a while. But William shouted and refused to play with him. So, he just kept his hands in William’s mouth to silence him and request him to play with him. He also convinced me by telling the truth, but I am very sad that my brother is being murdered by my creation.  I was asked by the monster to make a bride to the monster. I agreed to him because as a creator, I should have to fulfill the wishes of my creation. He said to me that,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create.† He conveyed me his feelings of how it was to be alone without a companion or a comrade. He also gave me two years time to make a complete creation. He also told me that he would not trouble me in the time in between. I repulsed myself to make a bride for the monster. I wanted to finish the bride before marrying Elizabeth. I was also worried that the monster may harm my family. I still found it difficult to make the second monster. I made it because he told me that he wanted to love. I also made it, but this creation was spoilt by the monster, himself. The thing where he went wrong was, giving wrong wire connections to the creation and made it destroy. I explained to him that,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"She’ll never live now! Monster, what have you done?†Ã‚  He thought that he knew to make his own creation. He acted over- smart by giving the wrong wire connections and destroying his bride by himself. I beautifully laid out the bride in white colour clothes, to symbolize that she was going to get married. There is no use for him to commit the murders of Elizabeth and Clerval, by knowing that was his fault. I was really angry when he killed my brother, William. Then, he explained to me about what had happened. He told me that,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I put my hands to his mouth to silence him, because I was afraid.†Ã‚  It was my fault to create him and abandon him. Since I have created him I lost my Elizabeth, Clerval and my dear brother William. I got the feelings of how it was to face death. If I think of him, my first thoughts were, why did I create him? I found it like a battle of â€Å"Evil vs. Good†.

Tescos Strategic Planning and Implementation

Tescos Strategic Planning and Implementation This report focuses on the UK grocery market with great emphasis on Tesco plc, the largest grocery supermarket in the UK. Highlighted in this report is Tescos connection with some strategic planning and implementation, its vision and mission. Further discussed in this report is Tescos diversified culture with some social factors, brand value, and its innovativeness with the current environmental circumstances. Also in this report are strategic models which illustrate Tescos business environment and other market situations in terms of the stability and core competence. The models used are SWOT analysis and the Porters Five Forces. Finally, in this report is the strategic development of Tesco with some recommendations including a suggested implementation plan to carry out the identified strategies with the monitoring and evaluation process. 1.1 BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF TESCO PLC Tesco plc is one of British largest retail grocery currently the first in terms of the top 10 retail grocery in the United Kingdom. It was the first UK business to make  £2 billion in profits when it announced the feat early in 2005, (Tesco Annual Review, 2005) and the third largest global retailer based on revenue. Over the years, retail grocery sector represents the largest industry in UK providing employment for millions of people in UK either in manufacturing or in retailing. In 2003 retail accounted for 9% of domestic product (Datamonitor, 2003). The name TESCO was derived from the combination of a tea suppliers name T.E.Stockwell and Jack Cohen the founder of Tesco plc. Tesco was founded by Jack Cohen when he began to sell surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London in 1919 and in 1924 Jack Cohen made a new label by combining the first three letters of the suppliers name (TES), and the first two letters of his surname (CO) to form TESCO. It was a typical of Cohens eye for a bargain of his unshakeable lifetime conviction that it was low prices and nothing else that moved business fastest. By the mid-1950s Tesco have 150 small and physically unimpressive stores, most of them on self-service formats. As the supermarket revolution arrived, Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in 1956. But in all conscience Cohen was singularly ill-equipped in either visionary or operating terms as a leader to handle this level of radical change (Seth Randall, 1999). In UK, Tesco plc operates under four banners namely Tesco Extra, Superstore, Metro and Express. The first Tesco store was opened in 1929 in Burnt Oak, Edgware, and Middlesex and in 1947; Tesco was floated on London Stock Exchange as Tesco Stores Holdings Limited. Fifty percent of sales in Tesco are gotten from Tescos own-label products which are in three levels, values, normal and finest. Tesco plc is also becoming one Britains largest independent petrol retailer because as well as convenience produce, many stores have gas stations and other retailing services rendered by Tesco also include Tesco personal finance. 2.0 EXTERNAL (ENVINRONMENTAL) ANALYSIS OF TESCO As noted by Johnson, Scholes, Whittington, (2008) The environment is what gives organisation their means of survival and there are five different layers of a business environment namely: the macro environment, industry or sector, competitors, the organisation and the market Business environment is a set of political, economic, social, technology, environmental and legal forces that can potentially have both positive and negative impact on the business. (Johnson, Scholes, Whittington, 2008). 2.1 EXTERNAL OPERATING ENVINRONMENT The constant change in market demands has made the economy so complex. Therefore analysing TESCOs eternal operating environment, the following tools will be applied to ensuring that TESCO meets the changes in market demands: the PEST tools, the SWOT tools and porters 5 forces. these tools will be to examine TESCOs operating environment. The PEST framework provides a comprehensive list of influences on the possible success or failure of particular strategies (Johnson, Scholes, Whittington, 2008). This framework categorises environmental influences into political, economic, social and technological. 2.1.0 POLITICAL FACTORS This factor highlights the role of government institutions. Take for stance in UK when the business environment was hit by credit crunch which lead to great unemployment. This trend actually helped TESCO because of their dominance in UK and as one of the fastest growing retailer they tried as much as possible to reduce the level of unemployment caused by these changes thereby creating employment. For employment legislation, the government encourages retailers to provide a mix of job opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally -based jobs to highly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally located jobs (Balchin, 1994). Also the strong government restriction against monopoly which is one of the threats TESCOs are faced with because within the customer law, it is very critical to note that protecting consumers and ensuring that entrepreneurs have the opportunity to compete in the market economy is very important. Also TESCO need to look critically in the aspect of government policies o n taxation because high taxation is one the major problems businesses face in the UK because it is never stable. The issues of government policies on trade restriction and implementation of new regulations could also affect in a way especially when there is free trade between the European Union which will be of TESCO benefit. 2.1.1 ECONOMIC FACTORS This is another environmental factor which can make a huge impact in TESCO. Take for stance the economic down turn faced in UK due to the unemployment which drastically reduced the demand of so many good more so affecting the demand required to produce such goods which is a major concern to TESCO since they are highly dependent on the UK market. In addition if TESCO had known the economy was heading for a recession, with the use of PEST framework analysis it would have helped plan ahead. It is good to note that this factor can influence demand, cost, price and profits. 2.1.2 SOCIAL/ CULTURAL FACTOR TESCO plc is one of the retail groceries in UK who has successfully address peoples social and cultural needs, and as it involves the reflection of the increasing immigrants and visitors from all over the world who have different food preference, and clothing variations with different beauty products choices, this have sort of encouraged customer to move towards bulk shopping. The demographic changes like life style that is, the customers belief and attitudes have made TESCO to concentrate on added-value products and services. Another factor is population which has forced TESCO to have more interest in customers increased demand for organic products and this has in many ways help TESCO to strategies ways to drive cost out of the market. Wilson and Gilligan (2005), states that a variety of other equally important and far-reaching changes in social, cultural and demographic environments are currently taking place. 2.1.3 TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS The use of technology in marketing is one of TESCOs expansion strategies. It has enabled customers to pay their bills electronically thereby reducing long queues. Online marketing has also influenced the development of many TESCO products and this benefits both the company and its customers. This personalised service makes shopping more convenient for the customers and has positively affects the growth of TESCO plc. 3.0 PORTERS FIVE FORCES Porter (1980) argues that the most significant influence in an organisations environment is represented by the nature of the industry in which the particular company operates in. 3.1 Threat of New Entrants The UK grocery market is so saturated with very few competitors dominating the market. There are five major key players in the UK grocery market namely Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury, Iceland and Safeway, all sharing the highest market share. Threat of entry depends on the extent and height of barriers to entry (Scholes, et al, 2008). With Tesco on top coupled with its huge investment and aggressive operational tactics in product development, it is difficult in all ramifications for a new entrant in the market to pose a threat the business of Tesco. 3.2 Suppliers Bargaining Power Understanding that the suppliers bargaining power is very low, Tesco will not give room for a small chain to dictate prises in the market. The cost of raw materials and components can have a major bearing on a firms profitability. The higher is the bargaining power of suppliers; the higher the costs of the goods. (Svend Hollensen, 2003). The ability of Tesco as a huge grocery in UK to source for cheaper supplies abroad ,has enabled them to negotiate prices being brought forward by supplier which other small chains are not capable of meeting. For the fact that most of the major suppliers are scared of losing business to foreign supplier has influenced Tesco positively. 3.3 Bargaining Power of Consumers When Tesco introduced Loyalty card and branded Clubcard in 1995, it did not succumb to other grocery that it was Tescos strategy of customizing service to gain dominance when it comes to meeting customers needs. This strategy not only made much profit for Tesco but also enabled Tesco to get a comprehensive database of all its consumers. This initiative actually won lots of customers for Tesco and has become standardized. It is amazing to the customers that they can get two clubcard points for every  £1 they spend in Tesco which means the more you spend in Tesco, the more clubcard points you make and these points can also be converted to coupons which can be redeemed for cash. The more the products that become standardized or undifferentiated, the lower the switching cost, and hence, more power is yielded to buyers. As theorized by Porter M. (1980). 3.4 Threat of Substitute This threat can make great impact on Tesco plc when it comes to a product being substituted for another product which can make a customer switch to the alternative. This is mostly caused by the introduction of other small-scaled operations in the market. The demand of a particular product can be reduced if a customer sees an alternative in another market and for these reasons, Tesco are trying reduction of prices and modification of such products in the other banners they are operating on example Tesco Metro to avoid such threat. 3.5 Bargaining Power of Competitors There are wide range and variety of competitions in the grocery business either on the small and large scale. Tesco in the grocery business has long witnessed a significant growth in size since its establishment in 1924, though not the first to be establish in UK but currently the first of the top 10 grocery in operation in UK and the third largest global retailer based on revenue. Over the years, grocery business has remained so competitive that it triggered a high level of development by major competitors like Asda, Sainsbury, Iceland and Safeway which has made Tesco to be more innovative thereby making them the largest grocery business providing employment for millions of people in UK either in manufacturing or in retailing and since been known for their market dominance. 4.0 SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT analysis is a tool which could be used to audit an organisation and its internal and external environment. Tesco is the first of the top 10 grocery in UK with an excellent record in product and format innovation. And with the introduction of online shopping, Tesco became the only food retailer to make online shopping profitable which puts them ahead of other competitors. 4.1 STRENGTHS Products with range of Prices: Tesco has several kinds of product in the market. These products range from food, non-food products, home appliances, medicines and so with different prices on all the products. In Tesco you can get whatever product you want at an affordable price. The prices vary anyway, the higher the quality, the higher the price and vice versa and this depend on the choice of the customer. Growing supermarket space: Tesco in the grocery business has long witnessed a significant growth in size since its establishment in 1924 and this is as a result of the growing population of consumers patronising the company and their increasing demand of several products. Strong brand image: Tesco is a household name in UK known for their market dominance in good quality and trustworthy product. It is because of Tesco strong brand image that most customers see great value in their services and this has earned the company lots of profits. Tesco Online: Online marketing has also influenced the development of many TESCO products and this benefits both the company and its customers. This personalised service makes shopping more convenient for the customers and currently being used by over one million customers in UK. The use Tesco Online in marketing is one of TESCOs expansion strategies. It has enabled customers to pay their bills electronically thereby reducing long queues thus bringing simplicity and value to the market. 4.2 WEAKNESS Prices: Their price of goods poses lots of problem for Tesco plc. Trying to satisfy their customers needs by cutting cost of their products even their services can lead to a reduced profit margin for their business. High reliance on UK market: Tescos reliance on UK market is also one major weakness because if at any time the economy faces any challenges, this will definitely affects the business of Tesco, so it very much advisable for Tesco to look beyond UK and increase its foreign outlets and selling other commercial items. 4.3 OPPORTUNITIES Internet: Tescos online successes is one great opportunities. Since the introduction of Tesco online, the use of technology in shopping has grown in quite a short space and moved into profitable status. Their website is so fully packaged totally different from all other grocery site and since there are no matches in terms of comparisons, it remains an advantage on the side of Tesco. Intervention in Asian market: Tescos intervention in the Asian market has serious positive implications in their growth internationally and this in no doubt will give Tesco an opportunity to develop its brand more so make Tesco much larger than they were due to Asias massive economies with huge growth forecast. Growth of non-food sales: Tesco known for their cut-cost structure can initiate same strategy to non-food retail and it is evident that Tesco capitalising on these opportunities are opening new store basically for the sales of non-food items which has given Tesco a tremendous result in increased market share in UK 4.4 THREATS Economic instability: The unstable, unpredictable nature of the economy and political changes in UK pose lots of threat to Tesco and one critical example of these changes is the credit crunch which strokes the UK. This impacted on the consumers a lot because going by their low income, they had to go for products with low prices thereby paying less attention to higher priced brands and this can force a switch in Tescos price structure. Competition: This has also been a persistent threat and this one major reason why Tesco will keep up with the price cuts so as not to lose their customers to major competitors like Asda and Sainsbury. High price of raw material: The upsurge in cost of raw materials from both food and non-food could trigger poor production and this can impact Tesco overall profit margin. 5.0 VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT FOR TESCO The study of mission statement stated in the early 1970 s, and Drucker (1971) referred to them as a precursor to clear and realistic business objectives. As stated by Harrison and Enz(2005), An organizations mission statement provides an important vehicle for communicating ideals and a sense of directions and purpose to internal and external stakeholders. It can inspire employees and managers. It can also help organizational managers in resource-allocation decisions. With these definitions, it can be further explained that mission is what the organization is and its reason for existing whereas a vision is a forward-looking view of what the organization wants to become. Drummond and Ensor (1999) defined the mission of an organization as the unique purpose that distinguishes it from other companies and defines the boundaries of its operations. 5.1 Vision Tescos vision is concentrated basically on their customers. They see themselves in many years to come as being the only grocery business in UK due their market development strategy. 5.2 Mission statement To ensure continued income streams to the business from our key customers in all segments by removing the impediments which prevents them from the optimal enjoyment of our product and services. With the above mission statement, it is assumed that Tescos mission is to permanently dominate the market giving no room for any competitors or competition. 6.0 CRITICAL SUCCCESS FACTORS Objectives: The objectives of an organization govern the potentials value of the organisation and it also shows the platform on which the organisation is built in terms of profitability. The following describes Tescos objective: Tesco aims to minimize the cost of products and at the same time aim to earn high. Profit maximization is one major reason why a business will stand and Tesco sees selling at low price will attracts more customers thereby giving customers better chances of making choice in the quality and quantity of products at a valued price. Tesco need to ensure 100% customers satisfaction by offering good customers services and excellent Value for their money which differentiates them from their competitors. Dedication to their employees as well as to customers, ensuring that all their wants and needs are met 7.0 KEY PERFORMANCES INDICATOR For Tesco to remain on top rather to maintain its position in the top 10, the following measures need to be critically evaluated: Tesco employees need have sound knowledge of their products so as to make shopping not too complex for their customers. This can also give customers ideas of some products they are not aware of more so forcing out a change of choice in their decision to buy more. Customers satisfaction is one vital key to business success. If a customer is not satisfied with either the product or the service then it will be difficult for such business to exceed. In other words, Tesco actually need to improve more in their customer service. Tesco at all time need to assure customers quality brands and also services by investing more in employee training. 8.0 CORPARATE AND BUSINESS STRATEGIES Tesco is an organization more voluminous in terms of revenue acquisition and customers than any other grocery market in UK and for it to maintain its current standard or create a wide margin in the market, a lot need to be done to achieve it objectives. Firstly, Tesco need to divert the attention of customer from non-food products to food products. To do this, they need not to concentrate their advertisement more on non-food products but also encourage their customers to eat more sea foods, fruits as well as vegetables. They should also emphasis more on sales promotion of their own-labelled products on advert thus re-directing the customers usual orientation of branded products. The management need to put the quality of staffs into consideration not only the quality and quantity of their products. Arranging training programs will be appropriate to evaluate their employees quality, such programs will enable them gather vast knowledge of their products more so keeping the goals of the organization alive in the employees. Theoretically Tescos strategic development can also be analysed using Ansoffs matrix and BCG matrix. For Tesco to achieve high sales level, they need to penetrate the market and this will surely maximize profit level. Penetrating the market could be in two ways from my point of view: Tesco due to its voluminous structure can choose to merge with another grocery in the UK to expand its market and increase its market share. Another method of development suggested for Tesco is to look into international alliances especially with the Asian market like china for this strategy can be used to exploit current recourses. Market development of Tesco can be achieved if they concentrate in developing new markets by creating more portfolios which is one major success secrets of an organization. More so, their alliance with this Asian market can introduce a new business in the area of high technology. Another development is their freight service. TESCO Freight services in every Tesco stores also boost the companys sales. The services include free pick-up and sealing of the box. Tesco has focused their attention now on non-food products and as such developed new products in the grocery market. It is also evident that the high demand for these new products is as a result of these changes in the market and has differentiated Tesco from other grocery market. Since Tesco non-food products are developed for existing markets, it has forced other grocery market to consider this product development strategy. Tescos ability to offer a value added services, cost advantage s and high value products than the competitors is said it be their diversification strategy The power of Tesco brand name generate a wealth of good consumer products and its market sales for clothing and grocery items are doing well which is the star product of the company. And this is because these products have competitive pricing which gives higher profits so, Tesco Obviously has to do more advertisement and produce more to meet up with the consumers demand. The electrical and electronic products like mp3 players, I-touch, I-pod, and other appliances are considered as the cash cow in the market since the market share is high and the industry sales is not because of its quality. Although Tesco is producing cheaper electrical supplies but when it comes to safety, the consumers go for value and quality. The dog products of Tescos are the CDs and DVDs, these products are expensive in any way. Although these are original copies, low income and budgeting consumers still opt to watch movies over the net or download music instead. Promote the buy-one take-one free for every CD or DVD a customer may buy. If sales for the dog products are still stagnant, the store may resort for CD DVD movie rentals. And the problem child of Tescos business is the own-labelled products and this caused by its inability to compete successfully with the competitiveness in the UK grocery market. 9.0 IMPLEMENTATION Strategic development is the identification and leverage of the resources and competences of the organisation which yield new opportunities or provide competitive advantage. (Johnson Scholes 1999, p.25.) There is need for new strategy development and new strategy implementation which is essential for a highly competitive business like Tesco with the current market situation. There is a need to consider the external and internal factors of Tesco to set the structure of the implementation and guidelines for its new strategy. For a huge market like Tesco, we need to evaluate the market opportunities for market development, product development and integration Another very important influential factor of Tesco new strategy development is their innovative and diversified culture which is responsible for the implementations in the market. Feasibility Analysis: To implement the proposed strategy, one need to do the feasibility studies of the subject. This study will look at how Tesco projects in terms of funds and will also help Tesco identify potential target areas for the products. Tesco funding requirements and profitability in the future can also be illustrated using Feasibility Analysis. Evaluation of opportunities: if a big grocery like Tesco wants to enter a new market within the country or other countries considering its dominance in UK grocery market, there will lots of opportunities and growth prospect thus the market attractiveness can be evaluated Resource allocation: product market penetration and Implementation of cost leadership strategy will involve lots of resources. It is essential for Tesco to allocate these resources appropriately. These resources will include financial, human resource, material and time resources. 9.1 Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring measures the effectiveness and efficiency of the desired outcome of the strategic plan of an organization and it is a regular, ongoing management activity which through reliable record-keeping provides information to managers. It is essential that Tesco monitor and evaluate the progress of the implementation process to enable them identify gaps and areas of improvement. The gap analysis is logical framework which Tesco can use to review progress and enable them identify the progress of the strategy according to the specific time duration. 9.2 RECOMMENDATIONS Tesco, as Britains largest grocery market should maintain its position on the top and to support this, I recommend the company must open additional 24/7 Tesco Express on high streets but with additional self-service facilities for this will increase market sales. To boost the companys sales profit and image more, recommended promotions should be done every season. Like raffle draws with corresponding prices. Tesco can also increase their sales by providing free health services like free medical check-up for the aged, nutritionist and medical practitioners to conduct blood-pressure monitoring and free eye test. The customers will benefit the free consultation and at the same time will gain points for their clubcards. Also for Tesco to improve its position, they will need to add new products more so improve on the quality of product they provide to their customers

Francesco Petrarch Essay -- essays research papers

	Francesco Petrarch, was a man held in high regards of his peers. The life in which Petrarch lived, was certainly not one of which many people could have had dealt with. A life of solitude, misplaced love and, family misfortune that was endured. But, through hard workand perseverance, loyalty to the churches which lead to good connections, he was regarded as one of the most influential persons and authors of his time. 	Petrarch was not a man with greatest of family lives. Born in Arezzo in 1304, to a family that had just been exiled from Florence, his family had to move to Incisa, Tuscany. Petrarch spent most of his childhood in Incisa. From then on, his father pushed him into the path of law. His brother, Gheredo, the most stable family figure in his life, later became a monk and throughout his life stayed in contact with Francesco. Petrarch had another brother, who died at a very young age. His mother died when he was 15 years old, which was consequently when some of his earliest works have been recorded. At the age of 22, Francesco's father passed away, which caused Francesco to attain a career. Giovanni, his son, was born illegitimately in 1337. The relationship between the two was disappointment to Francesco. He describes him as: "Intelligent, perhaps even exceptionally intelligent, but he hates books" He let Giovanni live with him till he could no longer stand the sight of him and sent him to live in Avignon, at the age of 20. It wasn't until just before Giovanni's death, of the Black Plague, did they start to write each other. Just before his sons death, Petrarch's friends though of Giovanni as a good person and wrote Petrarch about this. He never saw his son before his death but in his mind knew that he had started to get his life back together. He also had a daughter, Francesca, she gave birth to Petrarch's grandchildren one of which died during the Plague. This was of great disheartenment of Petrarch. 	Much to Petrarch's dismay he studied law at the University of Bologna and he earned his degree. Beyond the levels of his peers at an early age it was obvious the intellectual presents he had. Moving from school to school he realized that his true interests were in the ancient authors, not the law. He sought out and recovered manuscripts' Cicero, Virgil, amongst others. When his Petrarch's father found these manu... ... earth', it is this quote that shows how much he loved Laura, even though she did not return this love. 	Francesco Petrarch, was regarded amongst his peers and superiors as a powerful man. After having been sent on many missions of peace by the Archbishop. The King of France and, the Emperor of Italy trying to persuade Petrarch to join them. In his writings, Emperor, Kings wanted copies of his books, friends and other great authors desired to own and read these books as well. A man that could write about feeling he had even though they were not respected. Having gone through death and disappointment within his family. It is only fitting that a man who over came all of these obstacles, be considered one of the greatest Italian of his time. 	Bibliograghy 1. Bishop, Morris Letters of Petrarch (Indiana 1966). 2. Dobson, Susana Life of Petrarch (London 1805). 3. Einsenbichler K., Iannucci A. Petrarch's Triumphs (Toronto 1990). 4.Wilkins, E. H. Life of Petrarch (Chicago 1961). 5.Wilkins, E.H. Petrarch's Eight Years in Milan: 1353-1361 (Cambridge 1958). 6. Wilkins, E. H. Petrarch's Later Years (Cambridge 1959). 7. Wilkins, E. H. Triumphs of Petrarch (Chicago 1962)

Physics of Skydiving :: physics skydiving

The Forces at Work Gravity ... God OBVIOUSLY intended for us to skydive. After all He DID create gravity! So exactly what forces are acting on the skydiver? Well, of course there's the obvious one, the force of gravity of the Earth. This force is exerted on everything on the Earth and is exerted on the skydiver even though there is no direct contact between the skydiver and the Earth. This type of force, when two objects exert forces on one another even though they are not touching, is known as a noncontact force. According to Newton's second law, the acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object; or Fnet =ma The gravitational force that the Earth exerts on the skydiver is equal to the weight of the object on Earth. The acceleration of the gravitational force is the acceleration due to gravity (g), which is the acceleration of an object under the sole influence of gravity. Thus, the weight of an object is a product of its mass and acceleration due to gravity or W=mg The acceleration due to gravity (g) near the Earth's surface is a constant that was determined to be 9.80 m/s. So, the weight of an object depends on how much mass an object has. The mass of an object is a quantitative measure of inertia, where inertia is the natural tendency of an object to stay at rest or in motion at a constant speed along a straight line. Air Resistance Another force acting on the parachutist is air resistance. Air resistance is the colliding of an object with molecules of air. The falling skydiver collides with air molecules during the downward fall. These air molecules create a force pushing upward which is opposite to the skydiver's direction, as well as the force of gravity. Air Resistance is more complicated force than the force of gravity because it is a nonconservative force. A nonconservative force is one in which the work it does on an object moving in between two points depends on the path of the motion between the two points. The amount of air resistance encountered by the skydiver depends mainly on two factors: 1: The speed of the skydiver. 2: The cross-sectional area of the skydiver. An increase in the speed and/or the amount of cross-sectional area leads to an increase in the amount of air resistance encountered.

The Character of Uncle Ben in Death of a Salesman Essay -- Death Sales

The Character of Uncle Ben in Death of a Salesman The character of Ben in Arthur Miller's Death of A Salesman serves a complex dramatic function.   He is Willy Loman's real brother, the idealized memory of that brother, and an aspect of Willy's own personality, and these distinct functions are sometimes simultaneous.   Through his aggressive actions and vibrant speech, the audience is given a strong contrast to Willy's self-doubt and self-contradiction.   In addition, the encounters between Ben and Willy serve as an extended examination of professional and familial morality.   Finally, Ben personifies the burden of Willy's expectations in regards to both material success and the proper role of a father. The most fundamental of Ben's characteristics evident in his language is his haste.   Appearing in the middle of Willy and Charley's card game, Ben's first words are, "I only have a few minutes"   (45).   He makes his departure shortly after announcing, "I'll be late for my train"   (52).   During his second appearance, he declares, "I haven't much time" and "I've got to go"   (85-6).   These lines are emblematic.   In the two scenes with his brother that are based on Willy's memories, Ben comes and goes when he chooses, despite sometimes desperate pleas that he stay.   This is in direct contrast to Willy, whose life has been structured around appointments and whose livelihood depends on the forbearance of near strangers. Because of his position as a traveling salesman, Willy never controls the parameters of his interaction with other people.   He calls upon customers and must depend upon their willingness to see him in order to make a living.   Willy's affair with The Woman is only partially motivated by a need for sexual fulfillme... ...l Ben.   The briefness of these meetings also serves to convince Willy of his own inferiority by concealing any difficulties that might have existed in Ben's life.   Ben has exactly the wrong degree of interaction with Willy.   If he were entirely absent, he would not haunt his younger brother so.   If he were more fully present, he would either have been of more comfort to Willy, or have been revealed as a more fully human, less mythic character.   As it is, Ben serves only to remind him of his past loss, emphasize his current failure, and provide the means of his final destruction. Works Cited Centola, Steven R.   "Family Values in Death of A Salesman."   CLA Journal.   37.1 (1993):   29-41. Jacobsen, Irving F.   "Family Dreams in Death of A Salesman."   American Literature.   47 (1975):   247-58. Miller, Arthur.   Death of A Salesman.   New York:   Penguin, 1976.

Ancient Discoveries: Troy Essay

This report covers a brief historic background on the discovery of the Hisarlik site of Troy; Heinrich Schliemann (refer to figure 1.), its discoverer and his methodologies whilst excavating the site. It focuses primarily on his second campaign, the most famous of the five- and his lack of scientific archaeological structure whilst excavating, rather using philological and relative dating methods; mistakes as a result of careless excavations, and the legacy it has left on history and archaeology of Troy till this day. As a child, Heinrich Schliemann had an obsession with Homer’s epic cycles/poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. After cornering the market at the age of 41, he became a millionaire and retired from merchantry to pursue his love of archaeology, committing to proving the actual historicity of the â€Å"Trojan War† and the Homeric city of Troy. (Refer to figure 2.) Schliemann had a good idea of where to begin looking. In 1868, Schliemann journeyed to Greece and Asia Minor in search of the lost city, travelling north-west Turkey to examine both mounds Bunarbashi and Hisarlik. Because, according to Greek myth, the general Agamemnon collected his force in Aulis, a site on the eastern shores of Greece, Troy must have lain to the east of Greece. The Iliad mentioned that Mount Ida was visible from the walls of Troy, but from Bunarbashi the mountain could not be seen. There were also a number of topographical discrepancies such as, the distance from the sea being eight miles where Schliemann approximated from the text that it should not be more than four. Using geographic clues from his copy of the Iliad, Schliemann discovered another hill near the village of Hisarlik that seemed to fit Homer’s description. Schliemann’s decision to excavate at Hisarlik was confirmed after incurring a preceded theory by British archaeologist, Frank Calvert that Hisarlik was indeed the ancient city of Troy. Calvert had been working on the mound for over 20 years and had acquired half of the hill but lacked in finances to pursue further investigations on the site, so he decided to confide his archaeological findings with Schliemann, gaining collaboration with the rich benefactor in uncovering Troy. (Refer to figure 13.) The exact location of Troy (or Ilium) was lost after 400 B.C., and over the centuries the site was buried under many layers of earth, however fortunately preserving the site for its future excavations. Schliemann was to excavate Hisarlik during five separate campaigns: Mycenae (1876-78), Ithaca (1878), Orchomenus, Boeotia (1881-82), and Tiryns (1884-85); but it was the second one of 1871-1873 which proved to be famous. Ruins were uncovered soon after the excavation began at Hisarlik. Nevertheless, Schliemann was perplexed by the complexity of the mound, whose stratification resulted in the discovery of four superimposed towns (later excavations revealing nine cities). (Refer to figure 3.) To get to the supposed level of Homer’s Troy, Troy II, he dug vast trenches through the entire mound, unceasingly demolishing later structures and crucial historical evidence- his reason being that he thought it was built later than Homer, and was therefore in the way. Schliemann mentions employing large numbers of local labourers on the site, which varied from 80-125 men at a time using crude pickaxes, spades, and wheelbarrows to dispose of â€Å"intervening rubble†. On his way through the mound he destroyed the foundations of a large building. Completely ignoring all the layers which clearly revealed a variety of different settlements, he continued to dig- removing an estimated 325,000 cubic yards of earth. (Refer to figure 4.) Priam’s Treasure (refer to figure 5.) consisted of 8700 pieces of golden pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, diadems, cups, salvers, cauldrons, vases; however Schliemann’s account of finding the treasure unfortunately is believed untrue. His fixation to reach what he considered to be â€Å"the real troy† was so intense as to render him cataloguing some of the more interesting finds even if his dating was totally wrong. Subsequent checks of dates/events do not support Schliemann’s claims. For example, Priam’s alleged Treasure was assigned to Troy II, whereas, we now know from Wilhelm Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rpfeld’s later excavations that King Priam would have reined Troy VI or VIIa, which occupied hundreds of years later. (Refer to figure 6.) Unlike many of his scholarly contemporaries, Heinrich Schliemann regarded the stories of the ancient Greek poet Homer as being literally true. He used this as the basis of dating all artefacts obtained from the dig, essentially using philology as a method of relative dating. In an analogy to philological methods, he used the term â€Å"comparative archaeology† to his system as early as 1880, pointing out in a letter: â€Å"In its way comparative pottery is as important as comparative philology.† His diaries, such as Troja, (refer to figure 7.) reveal detailed records containing sketches and accounts of all the finds- geological, botanical, and meteorological observations. However, Schliemann worked in an era when archaeology was mostly treasure-hunting. Only some of the most advanced archaeologists were beginning to understand that excavation is a destructive process- It must be done slowly and carefully, while recording detailed information, to learn as much as possible. When Schliemann began excavating, there was no accepted practice existed for archaeological fieldwork. Stratigraphy had been observed and understood in the Danish peat bogs, the Jutland barrows, and the prehistoric Swiss Lake dwellings, but Hisarlik was the first large dry-land man-made mound to be dug. Schliemann was no pioneer of the rudimentary scientific archaeology and did not adhere to a scientific method when carelessly excavating Troy. Later on as his career progressed, he eventually enlisted the help of specialists such as Rudolph Virchow (pathologist, anthropologist, pre-historian, biologist), Archibald Sayce (linguist), Max Mà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ller (German philologist and orientalist), and Wilhelm Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rpfeld. Wilhelm Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rpfeld, a famous architect can be accredited for teaching Schliemann archaeological method, specifically how to dig stratigraphically at Troy, majorly assisting with Troy’s stratigraphical dating methodology (and after Schliemann’s death was able to determine that Troy VI, not Troy II was most probably Homer’s Troy). Ironically, Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rpfeld joined the team around 1882, once Schliemann had already mass-destructively excavated Troy layer-by-layer from top through to bottom. It was then that Schliemann realized that he had gone too far because the settlement at the Hisarlik site predated Troy II by 1,700 years, however all in vain as irreversible damage done to the stratigraphy meant the loss of its multiple cities. A popular tourist attraction, this can still be seen today in Turkey at the ruins of Troy where walls from different historical periods have been excavated. (Refer to Figures 8 and 9.) Many other archaeologists followed Schliemann, conducting more methodical and scientific excavations of lands surrounding the Aegean. Recent archaeology of the classic civilizations of Europe has concentrated on the lives of common citizens. American archaeologist David Soren, for example, led a research team in the 1980s in southwestern Cyprus. Soren and his team reconstructed the events of a powerful earthquake that struck the Roman port of Kourion in AD 365. Soren’s team uncovered collapsed buildings in which entire families had been buried in their sleep. Despite Schliemann’s controversial reputation as a fraudulently cunning and amateur archaeologist among historians, his discovery and excavations of Troy has left a legacy on historians and archaeologists today. More importantly, Schliemann revived the lost interest in Ancient Greek societies and was one of the first popularisers of archaeology. With his books and dispatches to The Times, the Daily Telegraph and other papers he kept the world informed and excited by his archaeological discoveries as no one had done before. (Refer to figure 14.) Most scholars considered Homer’s stories of the Trojan War to be just Myths. (Refer to figure 12.) By excavating Hisarlik, Schliemann successfully disproved them; although his work raised more controversy over the existence of troy and the authenticity and historicity of Homer’s Epic poems/cycles among historians [i.e. Michael Woods] (refer to Figure 11.). This has lead on to a legacy of excavations to be held at Troy till this day (Refer to Figure 10.) including those of Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rpfeld, Carl Blegen, and Manfred Korfmann who all proved evidence of occupation/activity on the site from findings of skeletons, helmets, bronze weaponry as described in the Iliad; with the help of University knowledge and more advanced technology which helped draw conclusions of more accurate stratigraphy dating of the cities and artefacts. If the Trojan War is accepted as an authentic event in history, there are many opinions divided over the subject of the wooden horse leading to Troy’s downfall. Cline, a Bronze Age scholar, has suggested that the Trojan Horse could have been a reference to an earthquake, since Poseidon- the sea god also known as â€Å"Earth-shaker†- had the horse as his particular animal. (Refer to figure 16.) As mentioned earlier, Schliemann worked in an era when archaeology was mostly treasure-hunting, but he had successfully demonstrated the value of archaeology for historical purposes, being the first person to test an ancient myth by excavating an archaeological site. He discovered Homeric Troy as well as a citadel that existed long before homer- a prehistoric Bronze Age civilisation in Turkey. Prior to that, historians only recognised 4 empires: Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Babylon-Assyria. Schliemann discovered two new civilisations which lengthened the perspective of history; nearly discovering a third, situated in prehistoric Crete. Because of his errors and mistakes, archaeologists are more wary of archaeological methods of excavation and have improved in preserving/conserving sites whilst excavating. Another contribution to archaeologists was his very careful observation of pottery. In the 1800s, objects such as pottery were only important for display in museum show cases. But Schliemann insisted that pottery, even fragments of unpainted coarse ware, constitute as a historical document/clue. He realized value of pottery for chronological and stratigraphical questions. In an 1873 newspaper, Schliemann wrote â€Å"At any place, where there have been human settlements, we find lots of potsherds, which are far more durable than city-walls or fortification-walls†¦They give us two termini for the date of the enclosing walls: they can neither be older than the oldest potsherds, nor later than the latest.† For example, most historians and archaeologists of the time believed the city of Troy never existed and among the few that did, most deemed Bunarbashi-located a few miles inland from the Aegean sea as the location. Schliemann, not only argued this using philological comparison to the Iliad, but also proved that Bunarbashi could not be the site of troy, because of potsherds-he found no potsherd older than the fifth or 6th century BC. Ancient Greek historians placed the Trojan War variously in our 12th, 13th, or 14th century BC: Eratosthenes to 1184 BC, Herodotus to 1250 BC, and Duris of Samos to 1334 BC. The legacy of Troy has since prompted Hollywood’s â€Å"long love affair† with the ancient world- inspiring the genre of the â€Å"sword and sandal epics†; and continues to be a popular subject that many Hollywood directors attempt to interpret and reconstruct- despite the highly inaccurate facts regarding characters and the series of events plot development. However, they remain imbedded in our mass media and popular culture; varying from 1950s-1960s classics like that of Ben Hur, Cleopatra, Spartacus, The Ten Commandments or the more contemporary editions such as 2004 make Troy starring the likes of Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Rose Byrne, and Orlando Bloom. (Refer to Figure 15.) In conclusion, Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of Troy served as a stepping stone in what we know as modern archaeology. He uncovered Troy of Homeric legend and found a new world of recovered history. But the question of if he really did find Homer’s city of Troy, no one can know for sure. Whether or not it is, Schliemann definitely won himself a place in history as the â€Å"father of archaeology’- and his excavations at Troy are still widely studied by many students; who learn from his mistakes in crude methodology as well as adopt his romance for the lost city (or cities) of troy.

Huckleberry Finn Essay

In the protagonist Huckleberry Finn as he is depicted by Mark Twain, Emerson’s idea of the American scholar is epitomized. The following essay will present the points of Mark Twain as an American scholar through the character Huckleberry Finn; it is through Huckleberry Finn that Emerson’s ideas of nature, books and action become realized and this essay will bring to the forefront of its argument these facts among many other ideas of Emerson’s American scholar are epitomized in Twain’s character Huck. Huckleberry Finn is a character whose main purpose seems almost like a young tale of the Iliad in which fate seems to simply happen to Huck Finn. The events leading up to his stay with the widow Douglas he accounts are no fault of his own, as the metaphor of the story is found with the great Mississippi River so does Huck Finn’s life simply flow along until he makes a conscious choice. This choice comes into being when Huck decides that ‘sivilised’ life is not for him. In the rejection of civilized life Twain is brining in elements of Emerson’s ideals: Huck Finn is a very simplistic character and his thwarting of Widow Douglas best attempts of making him presentable to society become the correlation of Emerson’s American scholar. The American scholar according to Emerson is best found in nature since it is with nature that man learns how the world works; in the trees, and in the roots. This classification allows a man to simplify his life; life is easier with just nature and without civilization. Thus, it may be surmised that Huck’s doffing off of nature is Twain’s own sentiment on the subject of culture and the evilness of society. In Huckleberry Finn’s disappearance from civilized life, after his father kidnaps him and Huck fakes his own death, the voice of Emerson is best found with Jim the slave. Jim gives advice to Huckleberry Finn about the disappointments found in the world and how a man may be able to handle himself by making conscious choices. In the litany of Emerson, this concept is also found by way of Emerson stating that a scholar must gather for himself the appropriate information from different books in order to find an organized opinion about a subject and to take a side of each books’ opinion in order to find himself. Jim states similarly to Finn that he should experience what life has to offer and decide for himself the difference between right and wrong, morality and immoral nature. Thus, the point of going down the Mississippi is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in order to later filter opinion from fact, one’s own thoughts from society’s mores. It is in the creation of man’s own thoughts, of Finn deciding throughout the journey that no man should be a slave that Huckleberry Finn becomes a man, becomes an American scholar since he is finally thinking for himself. He rejects Widow Douglas, his father, society in whole and travels with Jim collecting his own thoughts and deciding what is wrong and what is right in the nature of man. In a subtler note, Emerson states that the American scholar must take action and in this capacity Mark Twain does not falter with his protagonist Huckleberry Finn. Huck’s action consists in the part of the story where the Dauphin capture Jim and subsequently sells him in order to receive the reward. Huck is completely outraged by this betrayal and in the course of the story this signifies the first time that he acts upon his own judgment and he rejects the advice of his conscience which tells him that by helping Jim escape to freedom he is in a way stealing Miss Watson’s property. Huck tells himself, â€Å"All right, then, I’ll go to hell! † (Twain), Huck resolves to free Jim. Emerson’s concept of the American scholar persists with this idea of action; Emerson states that the scholar must fill every moment of every day with action. The scholar should accordingly work different jobs in order to become fluent in a myriad of vocations. The scholar must also be a poylglot in order to express himself with different thoughts. In the language of the text Huck Finn speaks a very succinct colloquial language as well as proper grammar at times. Thus, he is fulfilling Emerson’s concepts. Finn’s epiphany while traveling and having conversations with Jim is such that he discovers man is his own master; in discovering that Jim has to hide in order to be free and comparing that with Finn’s own hiding in order not be kidnapped he relates himself to Jim. The discovery upon the river is as Emerson highlights, â€Å"And, finally, is not the true scholar the only true master? But the old oracle said, `All things have two handles: beware of the wrong one. ‘ In life, too often, the scholar errs with mankind and forfeits his privilege. Let us see him in his school, and consider him in reference to the main influences he receives† (Emerson). Thus, Finn epitomizes Emerson’s view of the American scholar through not only his thoughts but also his behaviors and his actions.

Plato and the Concept of Knowledge Essay

Plato’s Theaetetus is a dialogue that discusses and attempts to find a definition of knowledge. The two characters, Socrates and Theaetetus, approach the argument with the initial idea that knowledge is the addition of a true judgment and an account. However, Socrates raises some concerns regarding the fundamental aspects that make the definition true. Ultimately, the two characters find that their original definition of knowledge is not as accurate, nor as simple as they once believed. The article opens with Theaetetus recalling a definition of knowledge he once heard, which stated â€Å"true judgment with an account is knowledge [and is therefore knowable], and the kind without an account falls outside the sphere of knowledge [and is therefore unknowable]† (126). Socrates begins to question one’s ability to determine whether something is or is not knowable, and he demonstrates the concept using the relationship between elements and complexes. In doing so, he explains a recent dream of his, which, in turn, is actually an explanation of Dream Theory. Dream Theory states that â€Å"the primary elements, of which we and everything else are composed, have no account. Each of them itself, by itself, can only be named† (126). In other words, as elements cannot be broken down further, elements cannot have an account because that would require the determining of whether or not the said elements exist. The addition of that information onto the original element itself results in something that is no longer in its simplest form. Therefore, no elements can have accounts, nor can they be knowable; elements can only be perceived. Consequently, this poses the question as to whether or not complexes are knowable given that their elements are not. When complexes are viewed as the sum of all their elements, it is safe to conclude that the complexes are unknowable, as their elements are unknowable. This idea allowed Socrates to then consider whether complexes were mere sums or if they should instead be viewed as wholes that cannot be dissected into parts. However, the problem with this idea is that, when viewed as a whole that cannot be separated, the complex is then no different than an element, and therefore cannot have an account. After failing to determine what does and does not have an account, Socrates decides to turn his attention to determining what constitutes an account. First, he defines it as stating one’s judgment through speech. Immediately, this manifests flaws in the sense that any true statement could then be considered an account. If this were the case, there would be no differentiation between an account and a true judgment. Next, he defines an account as listing the elements of the things known. Again, this must be incorrect because the possibility exists that one could simply memorize the elements without actually understanding them. Without understanding, one cannot have knowledge. Finally, he defines an account as differentiating the known thing from everything else. This would require knowledge of the differences, and ultimately would again be a reiteration of the true judgment. Additionally, one would be defining knowledge as true judgment plus knowledge, which would be considered a fallacy. This marks the final turning point in Socrates’s and Theaetetus’s overall definition of knowledge, where the two characters decide that their initial definition could not be considered correct. Through their attempts to dissect the supposed explanation of knowledge, Socrates and Theaetetus finally reach the conclusion that knowledge is â€Å"neither perception, nor true judgment, nor an account added to true judgment† (133).

Electronic media Of Pakistan

1. What is electronic media? â€Å"Electronic Media† are those communication mediums which are based on electronic or electromechanical means of production and most often distinguished from print media. The primary electronic media sources familiar to the general public worldwide include radio, sound recordings, television, video recording and streaming internet content† . It denotes, â€Å"the main means of communicating with large number of people, especially television, radio, internet and satellite†. The electronic media have four basic functions; to inform, entertain, educate and influence the public opinion.The 20th century can be termed as the century of communication. The main mean of mass communication grew in succession as the century unfolded. Motion pictures arrived on scene in the first decade of this century. Regular radio broadcasts started in 1920s. Television entered the arena in 1940s, followed by cable television in 1950s, and satellite televisi on in 1970s. Lastly the personal computer gave access to Internet in 1980s. It transformed the interconnected computer networks through World Wide Web by the 1990s. . 2 Influence of electronic mediaIn the last 50 years the media influence has grown significantly with the advance of technology, first there was the telegraph, then the radio, the newspaper, magazines, television and now the internet. We live in a society that depends on information and communication to keep moving in the right direction and do our daily activities like work, entertainment, health care, education, personal relationships, travelling and anything else that we have to do. â€Å"What we need to be aware is that most of our decisions, beliefs and values are based on what we know for a fact, our assumptions and our own experience.In our work we usually know what we have to do base on our experience and studies, however on our daily lives we rely on the media to get the current news and facts about what is im portant and what we should be aware of. † We have put our trust on the media as an authority to give us news, entertainment and education. However, the influence of mass media on our kids, teenagers and society is so big that we should know how it really works. . The electronic media has touched every sphere of the human aspect. In the present times, information and technology are interwoven with the society’s economic progress.The evolution of electronic media has had an overwhelming impact on the society. The Opportunities of communication have broken all barriers across national boundaries and have led to the germination of new ideas through the cross pollination of cultures. Electronic information has had a positive impact in the promotion of various social regimes. . 1. 3 Functions of electronic media. The primary functions of electronic media are; to inform, educate, influence and entertain. This means of communication has maximum size of audience, its reach, cove rage and effectiveness of its impact is increasing.Following is a brief description of some of the functions of the electronic media:- To Provide Information. The provision of reliable verifiable; adequate and complete information is one of the primary functions of the electronic media, objectivity is expected in arranging information for the population. To Provide Education . The electronic media can become a powerful and economical tool for education and has a great potential if used imaginatively and with vision. The media can also be used to raise awareness and educate the masses to overcome various social problems and development of civic sense. .To Influence Public Opinion. The revolution in information technology and potential of media to influence and analyze various national and international issues, suggest various options, weigh the best option to arrive at the correct solutions to guide their audience. To Entertain. The electronic media can cater for a wide range of ente rtainments for tastes and requirements of almost all the segments of the society. 1. 4 Growth of electronic media in Pakistan The electronic media in Pakistan has made rapid progress. Only three or four decades ago, radio and state owned TV was considered to be the main sources of information.Today, we have more than 77 Satellite TV Channels, 2346 cable operators, 28 landing TV Channels from abroad like BBC, CNN, Sky, Star etc. and more than 129 FM Stations(on air and in some cases licences issued) including 46 Radio Channels. The investment this year is expected US$ 1. 5 billion. Total investment in this sector is US$ 2. 5 billion. The new jobs likely to be created are 150000. The indirect employment is 7 million. The advertisement market in 2008 was US$ 431 Million and in 2009 it was estimated as US$ 691 million.This growth has made available more knowledge and up to date information in all spheres of life to the general public. TV started its test transmissions in 1964. Pakistan Television Corporation was incorporated as a joint stock company in 1967 and in 1984 it was converted into a corporation under the Companies Ordinance. PTV has been a great source of entertainment. TV has also effectively disseminated information on a variety of subjects to its viewers. However, the objectives set out for PTV at the time of its inception were:- †¢ Instruction and enlightenment.†¢ Enrichment of knowledge and information. †¢ Wholesome entertainment. †¢ Promotion of national outlook and integration. †¢ Presentation of news in a fair, objective, factual manner free from deception by implication and omission. 1. 5 Types of electronic media Radio. In Pakistan like other developing countries, radio is the major source of information and entertainment due to its reach to the far flung areas and being relatively economical. Broadcasts carry news, analyses, commentaries and advertisements. This medium, however, is losing attraction in the public. Tele vision.TV due to its potentials to offer a greater variety than other elements of electronic media has become the strongest form of media to perform all four functions, i. e. information, education, influence and entertainment. Internet. Internet is the latest addition into the elements of medium of electronic communication. It is swiftly bringing a historic shift in the dynamics and profile of the global information sector. The medium also provides instant access to the largest data bases and archives of information around the world. 1. 6 The media and the ground realitiesThe most critical obligation of electronic media is to act as the custodian of the facts. There are certain realities and electronic media’s mindset and peculiarities, which to some extent are universal. The electronic media is a business, a billion dollar industry and thus its primary motive remains to earn money and not harmonize the society. Due to intense competition in the field of electronic media ind ustry, media has to be competitive; to be â€Å"Exclusive and First†. The electronic media often looks for controversy, sensationalism and negative news to make headlines.In some cases the electronic media feels that it has the right to interpret what is good or bad for society using its own standards. The electronic Media was primarily and popularly used by our previous regimes as tool of self propaganda, the quality of news poor, unreliable and un-imaginative presentation of events and stories, ultimately losing the confidence of general public. Introduction of Satellite TV, Cable and Private Channels and Dish widened the scope of awareness of people. The Government of Pakistan realized the sensitivity and potential of private electronic media which could not be avoided through State controlled TV only.The governmental policies regarding electronic media took a different direction, to regulate this sector. 1. 7 Pakistan electronic media regulatory authority The objective of PEMRA was to regulate the electronic media i. e. Radio and TV. This was necessitated by the decision to allow a large number of private TV and radio channels. The Ordinance also gives a Code of Conduct for media broadcasters/ cable TV operators. â€Å"This Regulatory Body was established under the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, having the following goals in mind† i) Improve the standards of information, education and entertainment.ii) Enlarge the choice available to the people of Pakistan in the media for news, current affairs, religious knowledge, art, culture, science, technology, economic development, social sector concerns, music, sports, drama and other subjects of public and national interest. iii) Facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grass roots by improving the access of the people to mass media at the local and community level. iv) Ensure accountability, transparency and good governance by optimization of the free flow of information. . ChallengesIn a democratic country like Pakistan where freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution. This fundamental right has to be exercised by all with due care to ensure that it may not incite violence, terrorism, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination, sectarianism, extremism, militancy, hatred, pornography, obscenity, vulgarity or anything offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency. Similarly, the sanctity of national institutions needs to be respected at all costs. In this regard, PEMRA has formulated a Code of Conduct for the broadcasters.However, the concept of Self-Regulation is promoted to encourage the broadcasters to formulate the rules of the game, themselves. . SECTION-2 FAULT LINES IN NATIONAL COHESION AND INTEGRATION 2. 1 What is National Integration? The concept of National Integration is subject to a wide range of interpretations. However, two definitions which catch the essential spirit of the concept include, â€Å"The creation of a National Political System which supersedes or incorporates all the regional sub-cultures† , and the creation of a â€Å"Common national consciousness, a common national consensus and a common national identity† .These two definitions appear adequate for working purposes as they underline both the political as well as the socio-cultural ingredients of the process of integration. National cohesion refers to the bonds or â€Å"glue† that binds members of society, community or other groups together. The most obvious bonds are ideological, ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural and historic. However, the homogeneity of a nation is no guarantee of successfully bonding together as a cohesive whole. â€Å"The extent of the threat posed to the integrity of a state by the multiplicity of languages, races, religions etc., depends on a variety of factors but there are basically two requisites (conflict of ideology and economic decline) which must be present b efore a country may be deemed to be faced with a problem of national disunity. † The Pakistani society is in transition, and it faces challenges but still the national interest is to make Pakistan as a unity-in-diversity and there is an ever-growing need to develop a harmonious society. â€Å"The balance sheet of social changes in Pakistani society over the past half century has both cost and benefits.Pakistani society has split into class-cum-lifestyle segments. Its social institutions do not dovetail into each other; instead fissures of institutional lag run through them. Its cohesiveness has given way to the fragmentation and the erosion of value and moral consensus†. 2. 2 Fault Lines in National Cohesion and Integration in Pakistan Integration or cohesion is an ideal, â€Å"it is not a thing but a process. It is dynamism ruled by an inner necessity, being guided in a direction chosen by itself as a goal or rather a series of goals leading to a certain direction â⠂¬ .National integration and social cohesion is the capacity of a society to ensure the welfare of its all members, minimize disparities and avoid polarization. A cohesive society is mutually supportive community of free individuals, pursuing these common goals by democratic means. National integration and social cohesion is at risk in Pakistan because of many impeding factors, which originate within the country or influenced by external reasons. It may also be a complex outcome of interaction between the country forces and stresses and influences of global scenario.The socio-political factors and socio-economic factors as listed below have contributed to cause fault lines in national cohesion and integration. 2. 3 Socio-Political Factors Intolerance and near absence of civic responsibility, now manifested in our society is indeed the outcome of a hierarchical structure and social barriers, further and enforced by policy approaches in the 80s. Politicizing of religion and language is one major source of fractionalization. â€Å"Presently, the culture and society of Pakistan are in the grip of an unprecedented upheaval.In the post 9/11 world, the political, religious, and the social dynamics in Pakistan have been under major internal transformation and intense international scrutiny. Ethnic and sectarian violence which ravaged the country for the last two decades has sharply polarized the society. Various Islamic religious groups jostle violently for power. Religious faith, usually a matter of personal redemption, is flagrantly flaunted and a stunning lack of tolerance for difference increasingly defines Pakistani society. † Constitutional Crisis.The non-agreement and lack of consensus on various revisions and amendments in 1973 constitution remained a contentious issue among the federating units since long. The delayed process of reconciliation and agreement, on this only document to govern the state is a serious threat to national cohesion and integra tion. Provincialism. Imbedded strides of sub national identities engraved into the fabric of the provinces pose an existential threat to national cohesion. This issue is even more pronounced in case of smaller provinces like Khyber Pukhtunwa and Balochistan.Identity crisis prevailing with in the provinces is tarnishing the very physiology of democracy in essence and in dispensation at National level. There are contradictions between national and provincial interests, particularly in matte relating to language, ethnicity, identity, and power. There are small Political groups and movements agitating for their rights, including Baloch issue. Nevertheless, such provincial or regional sentiments swirl within the national cultural pool. Sectarian Intolerance. The division of society on the basis of sects, tribes, colour and creed gives rise to intolerance towards other sects.The violence on sectarianism basis is on the rise. The religious intolerance and extremism, and over emphasis on re ligious identities due to that Pakistani society is facing continuous challenge of terrorism in the name of religion and belief. Political Process and Direction. The directionless political system rarely delivers to the satisfaction of voters. Various derivations of political process have no regard for national objectives and national interests and efforts for achievement of these goals for the country are hardly visible. The political system as a whole is driven by conflicting vested interests.The political parties lack democratic norms in their rank and file. Leadership Style and Direction. The political leadership as a whole has failed to satisfy the masses. The trust deficit between the leadership and the people has widened, and is increasing with the passage of time. The social and political positions of so-called ruling elites are just a symbol of false pride without much regard for vision and justice. Non-State Actors. Unorganized political parties have increased the influenc e of non-state actors in national politics, thereby vested interests are perpetuated, at the cost of national interests.Challenges to the Writ of the Government. The manifestation of this divide is the challenge to the writ of the State in FATA and Malakand Division where state infrastructure of governance has been uprooted, the power elite has been eliminated (either by murder or forced migration) new and parallel structures have been created and the application of Constitution is challenged. â€Å"The so-called Islamic fundamentalists have always been influential in the largely poor, illiterate, and rural Pakistan society.These groups represent a variety of power centres based on an array of belief systems from within Islam. Historically, none of these groups have had much success at the ballot box, but with a strong core of ‘true believers’ with blind faith and unflinching allegiance, they have often been able to display enough Street power to disrupt civil life. Si nce the war of independence in neighbouring Afghanistan in the 1980s, these religious groups have been encouraged and aided by the government of Pakistan and the US State Department.As a result they have ‘flourished and proliferated under the exhilarating notion of jihad. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been porous for centuries because of the unusual terrain that facilitates traffic and a common tribal ethos that informs the lives of the bordering populace. With the rapid and fearsome Talibanization of Afghanistan and the Mullahisation of Pakistan, the borders for all practical and ideological purposes dissolved, and these processes played a vital role in the fluctuating social ethos of Pakistan.† War against Terrorism. The country is facing various challenges. The multiple threats and constant pressures are very serious since post 9/11 due to Pakistan’s commitment with West for fight against terrorism. This involvement is viewed as being done to oblige the West. The suicidal attacks and drone attacks are the result of this involvement. Feudalism / Tribalism. In Pakistan the feudal and tribal society where rights of human being are violated is a matter of concern, people are not free to express their desire to govern.In such circumstances the leadership style is power centred and feudal in character, this leadership enjoys respect because of fear, and not because of trust. â€Å"National and regional culture has, at various times, interwoven and competed with each other. In times when centralization is the ideological thrust, national themes and institutions are in the ascendancy, but when the pendulum swings toward decentralization, regional and ethnic societies and cultures reassert their autonomy.The political ideologies and movements that shift the balance between national and regional social and cultural systems are the markers of Pakistan’s social change. † Role of Madrassa. There is little control of gov ernment over madrassas in the country, these madras do pose a threat to the cohesion of the society in Pakistan, if not regulated adequately. . 2. 4. Socio – Economic Factors Socio – Economic disparities. The poverty and inflation has caused disparities in the society. The people living below the poverty line have increased in number.The unemployment and low income has caused economic imbalance in the society. The division of society and decline in socio-economic standards have adversely impacted the quality of life. Bad Governance. Undemocratic & non-participatory governance. . .The perception of governance leading to good governance is flouted; concepts of transparency and accountability are misleading in Pakistani experience. The accountability is selective and by choice, its aim is not to reform the society of negative practices, but to benefit the fittest and powerful.The people have no faith in the system of governance and accountability. Violation of Human Right s. The human rights violation is on the increase, the weaker segments of the population even do not get the rights given in the constitution and the irony remains ignorance on their part of basic rights bestowed by the constitution. â€Å"The perception of women as having a lower status at all levels is the principle barrier in the way of gender equality and is reinforced by customary practises and the laws of the land.Women education, health, labour force participation, mobility, decision making etc, all reflect the unique situation of women in Pakistan. † Personal Security Perception. The constant engagement of population in this war against terrorism has changed its perception of personal security. The people have doubts about the success of governmental policies. Loyalty towards State /individualistic behaviour. The notion of loyalty towards state is blurred, people’s expectation of justice and fair play are shattered, and therefore, their loyalty towards State is also undermined.The individualism has replaced collectivism; the bigger societal group is vanished. The conflicts of values, beliefs, and other sociological imbalances has damaged the national fabric and has caused segmentation on the basis of caste and class Justice and Rule of law. The justice is uncertain; the rules of game are settled by abuse of power. The respect for justice is linked with status and position of the seeker. The attitude towards Rule of Law is very negative, law breaking is considered as a pride for the powerful.Due to delayed justice people have lost hope in the system to get justice. Violence against Women and minorities â€Å"Many Analysts are in agreement that women’s poor status as well as poverty is rooted in social and cultural organization of society†. The rights of the women are abused, and such abuse is referred to the culture and customs and here- say, this victimization is devoid of any ideological, religious and legal and Constitution al basis. The religious minorities are threatened and do face violence at their religious places, thereby show concern of threat and personal security.â€Å"Empowering women is a challenge, requires changes in the existing class and caste based structure and it needs a focused and active public delivery system to ensure that resources and opportunities earmarked for women reach them† Mistrust in Criminal Justice System. The people do not have trust in criminal justice system, and lack of trust generates uncertainty and confusion in the society. â€Å"In Pakistani society, the judiciary plays a pivotal role in articulating and enforcing rules of conduct for its citizens. The judiciary derives its legitimacy and power from the constitution. †