Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Bite Me: A Love Story Chapter 24
24. A Love Story? JODY It wasn't the first time she'd crept out of a guy's apartment in the middle of the night with her shoes in her hand, but it was the first time where the decision had been because she didn't want to kill the guy. He was so little, so frail, so lonely. She had taken people before who had the black ring in their life aura like Okata's, and they had thanked her. It had been mercy, relief, the end of pain, yet she couldn't make herself do it. She'd left him there, not to die alone, although he probably would, and not because he had been so kind to her, saving her, which he had, but because the prints weren't finished. He was a strange little man, a hermit and a swordsman, and he carried some great pain in him, but above all that, he was an artist, and she couldn't bear to stop that. So she'd left. Now she was back. He sheathed his sword and tried to lift her to her feet. Her limbs still felt like they were on fire, and she could move only her right arm on her own. She nodded toward Bella's pellet weapon. ââ¬Å"Give it to me, Okata.â⬠She made a grasping motion. He leaned her in a sitting position against the wrought-iron railing that surrounded the steps to his apartment, then retrieved the weapon and fit it into her hand. Then he held the barrel firmly and said something stern in Japanese. ââ¬Å"No, I'm not going to off myself,â⬠she said, and she smiled. He let go of the barrel of the gun and she sprayed Bella's corpse with pellets until the gun stopped firing, then she threw the gun over the rail and motioned for Okata to help her into his apartment. Bella's body was nothing more than slimy chunks of meat by the time Okata got her through the door. In the morning, when the sun hit it, there would be only a charred stain on the sidewalk with burned gobs of plastic that had been a Kevlar suit, shoes, and sunglasses. Okata helped her to the shower, where he rinsed out her wounds, then dried her off and retrieved the last bit of the pig's blood, which he'd kept in the refrigerator. Jody felt a horrible twinge of guilt. He'd been waiting for her, probably had been outside looking for her when Bella had chased her around the corner. After she drank the blood, and her legs had healed enough to hold her weight, she went to his workbench and turned on the light. The last print was there. Not finished, but two of the woodblocks had been finished, the black and the red. There she was, in the shower, her red hair streaming behind her in the water, black bits of ash puddling at her feet. Okata was beside her, looking at the print critically, as if there was something he might have to fix at any second. She bent down and looked back from the angle of the print into his face. ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Thank you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠she said. FOO DOG Abby lay on the futon in the loft's great room. The empty rat cages were stacked in the corner of the room and Foo had unscrewed one of the plywood panels over the windows to let some light in. He'd been monitoring Abby's vital signs since six in the morning. At least she had vital signs. She hadn't even started with those. At noon, she opened her eyes. ââ¬Å"Foo, you dick, I'm mortal.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're okay!â⬠He threw his arms around her. She pushed him away. ââ¬Å"Where's Tommy? Where's the Countess?â⬠ââ¬Å"Tommy's in the bedroom. I don't know where Jody is.â⬠ââ¬Å"She didn't call?â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠ââ¬Å"Fucksocks! Did you turn Tommy back, too?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. I started making his serum, but he didn't want to do anything until they take care of the other vampire. We need to, though, Abby. He won't live much longer if we don't.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know. The pirate Rasta guy on the black ship told us. Other vampire? Only one?â⬠ââ¬Å"Rivera called while you were unconscious. The Animals took one of them down at the Safeway.â⬠ââ¬Å"Did you tell him to stay off the black ship?â⬠ââ¬Å"Tommy did.â⬠ââ¬Å"What about Chet?â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't know.â⬠ââ¬Å"He could be-Hey, where's my tail?â⬠ââ¬Å"It sort of fell off when you turned back to human.â⬠ââ¬Å"Did you save it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, no. I left it on the coffee table and when the sun came up, well, it sort of burned up.â⬠ââ¬Å"You burned up my tail? That was a part of me.â⬠ââ¬Å"It was a disgusting part of you.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're such a racist, Foo. I'm glad we broke up.â⬠ââ¬Å"We did?â⬠ââ¬Å"We were going to, weren't we? Wasn't that what you wanted to talk about? About how I'm way too complex and mysterious for you and you need to return to your traditional science-nerd values and live in the Sunset with your parents, instead of the awesome love lair with your goddess-like vampire girlfriend, who will never do you again, even when you beg, even out of pity, no matter how fly your sexy manga hair is? Isn't that what you were going to say?â⬠ââ¬Å"Not in so many words. I'm going to move to Berkeley. It's hard, Abby-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Well, save your breath, s'il vous pla;t, I'm over you. I will not be further abused by your toady banalities and whatnot.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your mom called. She wants you to come home.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, that's going to happen. Oh, what's this, monkeys flying out of my tailless butt?â⬠ââ¬Å"She said they sent your report card. You passed Mr. Snavely's biology class.â⬠ââ¬Å"I did?â⬠ââ¬Å"She said she almost fainted. Jared said it was your extra-credit project that did it. Why didn't you tell me you took one of the rats to school with you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I didn't think it worked out that well. I mean, the rat was already vamped, so when I took him out of the shoe box, he just looked kind of dead. And Mr. Snavely was all, ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËOh, that's lovely, Allison, a dead rat.'â⬠But it was sunny in biology lab, and all of a sudden my rat just spontaneously combusts, and I'm all, ââ¬ËCheck it, bitches, spontaneous rodent combustion, it's the wave of the future.'â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, because he couldn't figure out how you did it, he passed you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I am the dark mistress of Biology One-oh-two. Fear me. Rawr!â⬠she said. Then she kissed him hard, but not as hard as she had when she was a vampire, which was a relief, but then she pushed him away and slapped him. ââ¬Å"Ouch. I didn't think you were a slut.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know, that's was our bittersweet break-up kiss. I will go grieve now until Lord Flood awakes and we resume the search for the Countess. I'm starving. Do you want to go get a sammy and a Starbucks? I have like ten grand in my messenger.â⬠THE LOVE LAIR He awoke at sundown with her face in his mind's eye and panic running up his spine. He bolted out of the bedroom into the great room, where Abby was hanging up the phone. ââ¬Å"That was the Countess,â⬠Abby said. ââ¬Å"She's okay. She'll be here in a few minutes.â⬠ââ¬Å"And you're okay? You're alive. You have heat.â⬠He could see the heat coming off her and the healthy life aura around her. ââ¬Å"Yeah, thanks. Foo destroyed my tail.â⬠She turned and looked to the kitchen. ââ¬Å"The traitorous racist heartbreaking fucktard!â⬠ââ¬Å"Little harsh,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"He saved your life.â⬠ââ¬Å"Heartbroken. Grieving. Inconsolable. Tail's gone. Going to have to get totally repierced and tattooed.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you showered and your eye makeup isn't all racoony anymore.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks. I like the blood splatters on your pants.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hi,â⬠said Foo Dog from the kitchen, where he was filling a syringe with what looked like blood. ââ¬Å"I have your serum ready, whenever you're ready.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm not ready.â⬠ââ¬Å"You have to, you know.â⬠The doorbell buzzed. Tommy keyed the intercom. ââ¬Å"It's me,â⬠Jody said. He buzzed her in and she was at the top of the steps in an instant, then kissing him. He pushed her back and looked at her clothes, shredded at the elbows and knees, stained with blood. ââ¬Å"What happened to you? Where were you?â⬠ââ¬Å"One of the old vampires? She ambushed me on a roof across from the black ship. That weapon they have did this. It's horrible. We can't let them get near us with that thing.â⬠ââ¬Å"How did you get away?â⬠ââ¬Å"I was hiding at the bottom of a pool, trying to figure out what to do, when Chet jumped her. I got out of there while Chet was dry-humping her.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. Go Chet!â⬠said Abby. ââ¬Å"Abby!â⬠Jody ran to Abby and hugged her, kissed her on the forehead. ââ¬Å"I was so worried about you. You're alive. Really alive.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. Foo changed me back. I want to be nosferatu again.â⬠They all turned to face Foo, who was still in the kitchen. ââ¬Å"Can't do it, Abs. You won't survive a second time. I tried it on the rats. You're only human.â⬠ââ¬Å"Doomed,â⬠Abby said. ââ¬Å"Jody,â⬠Tommy said, ââ¬Å"what about the vampire who attacked you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Gone. Destroyed. Someone rescued me just before she killed me. So there's only one left, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"They're all gone,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Rivera called. The Animals got the other one. There's only Elijah on the black ship.â⬠Jody put her hand to his face. ââ¬Å"Tommy, we have to talk.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠he said. Foo Dog said, ââ¬Å"Jody, I have no way of knowing when Tommy might, uh, expire. He could go faster than Abby was going.â⬠ââ¬Å"Come with me.â⬠Jody took Tommy's hand and led him into the bedroom. ââ¬Å"I've got to show you something. You two, do not come into this room, do you hear me?â⬠TOMMY AND JODY ââ¬Å"We can't make crazy monkey love now, Jody. They'll hear us, and we usually end up breaking all the furniture.â⬠ââ¬Å"You learned how to go to mist, when you were with Chet. You said you learned?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, that's how I got these clothes. They're stupid, aren't they?â⬠ââ¬Å"Tommy, the vampire, the old one, her name was Bella, she told me something. Kiss me. Kiss me and go to mist. Don't think about it, don't stop, just melt into the kiss.â⬠She kissed him and felt him as he faded from solid, and followed him exactly, until they were a single entity, sharing every secret, every fear, every victory, everything, the very essence of who they were, wrapping around each other, winding through each other as each lived the other's history, as every experience they had, they had together, with comfort and joy, with abandon and passion, without words or boundaries, and as often happens to two in love, time lost all meaning, and they might have stayed there, like that, forever. When they finally fell out of it they were naked, on the bed, giggling like insane children. ââ¬Å"Wow,â⬠Tommy said first. ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"So, Okata saved you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, he needed to save someone. He had always needed to save someone.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know. I'm okay with it, you know?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, I know,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"I can't do it, Jody. It's amazing, and I adore you, but I can't do it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠she said, because she did. ââ¬Å"This is me now, Tommy. I like this, I like the night, I like the power. I like not being afraid. I was never anything until I was this. I love being this.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠he said. He knew that she had always been cute, but not beautiful. Always a little dissatisfied with who she was, worried about what men, or her mother, or anyone thought of her. But she was beautiful now. Strong. She was exactly what she wanted to be. He said, ââ¬Å"I need the words, Jody. It's who I am.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm not a vampire. I'm a writer. I came here to be a writer. I want to use gelatinous in a sentence. And not just once, but over and over. On the roof, under the moon, in an elevator, on the washing machine, and when I'm exhausted, I want to lay in my own gelatinous sweat and use gelatinous in a sentence until I pass out.â⬠Jody said, ââ¬Å"I don't think gelatinous means what you think it means.â⬠ââ¬Å"It doesn't matter. It's what I need to do. I need to write something. I need to write my little Holocaust girl story.â⬠ââ¬Å"I thought it was a little girl growing up in the segregated South.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, whatever. It's important.â⬠ââ¬Å"You know I know this already, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"I know, but that's what I'm saying, I need the words. I love you, but I need the words.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Let's go let Foo change you back into a word guy.â⬠ââ¬Å"And you're going to go away?â⬠ââ¬Å"I have to.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"You know, I think that merging might have ruined me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because you're lying there completely naked and I don't want to sex you up.â⬠ââ¬Å"Really?â⬠ââ¬Å"Let me think about it. No, false alarm, I'm okay.â⬠ââ¬Å"C'mere, writer boy. Let's break some furniture.â⬠THE RAVEN ââ¬Å"Praise Jah's sweet love for given us a fired-haired snowy biscuit,â⬠Kona said. ââ¬Å"Welcome, me sweet deadie sistah. Welcome aboard.â⬠ââ¬Å"Mistress,â⬠Jody said. ââ¬Å"Sweet deadie mistress.â⬠ââ¬Å"Troot, mistress. Welcome aboard.â⬠The ship was a wonder of technology and luxury. Kona had lent Foo Dog his security bracelet and Foo had gone aboard and reset the security so the ship didn't kill anyone who set foot on board, then he and Kona had walked her through the ship showing her the thousand different ways it had been set to kill a person. It was an elegant, redundant death trap. ââ¬Å"You'll want to turn the systems back on,â⬠Foo had said. ââ¬Å"There's a reason they had this kind of security.â⬠Jody said good-bye and led him off the ship. Now that she had one of his UV lasers in one hand and a number of vacuum blood vials in the other she followed the ersatz Rastaman down to the deepest chamber of the ship, where Foo had not gone. They approached a wide, white, waterproof hatch with a small porthole and a heavy stainless-steel wheel securing it. Kona hit a light switch. ââ¬Å"That make just a wee UV, mistress. Make dat dogheart bastid turn solid so he can't sneak out.â⬠Jody looked in the port and a face hit it with a snarl, leaving bloody spit on the thick glass. ââ¬Å"Well, hello, pumpkin. How have you been?â⬠The vampire snarled. It was Elijah, the old vampire who had turned her, turned them all, really, if the legend was true. But he looked like a wild animal now, naked, his fangs bared, snarling at the tiny window. ââ¬Å"Can he hear me?â⬠Jody asked. ââ¬Å"Oh yeah, he hear. You got to tell him to go to the back of da room, ma. I'n'I can lock him back there with the second door. Like an airlock. Dat's how we feed dat old buggah.â⬠ââ¬Å"Go to the back of the room, Elijah. I have something I need you to do.â⬠The vampire snarled at her. ââ¬Å"Okey dokey,â⬠she said, and she put on her sunglasses, placed Foo's laser against the glass, and promptly blasted Elijah's right ear into ash. He roared at her. ââ¬Å"Oh, I know that had to hurt. Hear that high whining sound, Elijah. That's the laser recharging. Takes about a minute. When it's done I'm going to burn off your willie unless you get your ancient ass to the back of the cell.â⬠She smiled. ââ¬Å"Shoots, brah, she a cold heart bitch don't you know. You outta-shoulda do what she say, yeah?â⬠The old vampire backed through the inside door, snarling, and Kona worked the switch, sealing it. Then he opened the heavy outer hatch. Jody placed the vacuum vials in the chamber, then said, ââ¬Å"Okay, Elijah, I need you to fill these with that sweet, first-generation vampire blood.â⬠They sealed the outer hatch, and Elijah snarled and resisted, but after having his other ear burned off, relented. Twenty minutes later Jody was holding the four vials of Elijah's blood and Elijah was lapping two quarts of tuna blood out of a stainless-steel bowl. ââ¬Å"He be all right,â⬠Kona said. ââ¬Å"Dem ear heal up in minutes and he be back in the mystic fo' weeks.â⬠ââ¬Å"And how long to get the rest of the art supplies onto the Raven?â⬠she asked. ââ¬Å"It's all on board, mistress.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then cast off, Cap'n.â⬠ââ¬Å"Aye, aye, mistress.â⬠Jody turned to Okata, who had stood silently, his eyes wide, watching the whole scene. ââ¬Å"These are for you,â⬠she said, holding out the vials. ââ¬Å"I'll help you. I hope you like night scenes. You're going to have a lot of prints to make. But you'll have time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠said the swordsman, with a smile.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Environment of Firms Essay
Environment of Firms Introduction Business environment consist of all those factors that have a bearing on the business. The term ââ¬Å"business environmentâ⬠implies those external forces, factors and institutions that are beyond the control of individual business organizations and their management and affect the business enterprise. These forces are customer, creditors, competitors, government, socio-cultural organizations, political parties national and international organizations etc. some of those forces affect the business directly which some others have indirect effect on the business. Types of Environment 1Internal Environment The internal environment is the environment that has a direct impact on the business. Here there are some internal factors which are generally controllable because the company has control over these factors. It can alter or modify such factors as its personnel, physical facilities, and organization and functional means, like marketing, to suit the environment. A) VALUE SYSTEM The value system of the founders and those at the helm of affairs has important bearing on the choice of business, the mission and the objectives of the organization, business policies and practices. B) MISSION,VISION AND OBJECTIVES Vision means the ability to think about the future with imagination and wisdom. Vision is an important factor in achieving the objectives of the organization. The mission is the medium through which the objectives are achieved. C) Organizational Structure It includes the values and expectations of your firmââ¬â¢s stakeholders; its mission, goals and objectives; and its resources. These factors combinedà determine what your organization is trying to accomplish and how successful it is likely to be. 5 basic parts of organization: Operating core, Strategic Apex, Middle line, Technostructure, and Support staff basic organization structure: a) Functional b) Divisional c) Hierarchical d) Line and Staff Structuree) Task Force The Need for Organizational Structure Organizations needs structuring so that lines of authority along with individual duties and responsibilities can be understood by every company member. f) Matrix Structure TRENDS IN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES The growth in retailing, both on-site and off-site, has required merchants to readdress their tables of organization so that they will better serve the needs of their customers and make their companies more profitable. Some of todayââ¬â¢s trends in organizational structuring for the fashion-retailing arena are described in this section. Restructuring to Accommodate Multichannel Expansion When department stores in particular expanded their catalog operations, many initially opted to make this division part of their brick-and-mortar operations. Similarly, when retailers saw that the Internet had the potential to increase revenues, they changed their organizational structure to reflect this and to make the overall operation function more efficiently. Today, the trend is for the major multichannel retailers to adjust and expand their tables of organization and separate the three functions into separate channels. Macyââ¬â¢s, for example, is one of the giants in the industryà that has changed to that format. Consolidation of Divisions The acquisition of department stores by major retail groups has become a dominant trend. May Department Stores and Federated Department Stores, for example, are two companies that have expanded their operations by purchasing other retail companies. In their pursuit of maximizing profits, these groups have, in many cases, decided to merge the new acquisitions into some of their own stores. May, for example, purchased sixteen Wanamakerââ¬â¢s stores and three Woodward & Lothrop stores and merged some into their Hechtââ¬â¢s division and some into the Lord & Taylor group. Through this practice, fewer buyers and merchandisers were needed as were other executives who previously worked exclusively for one store. As this acquisition trend continues, this staff consolidation is likely to continue as well. Decentralization Much of the growth in large-scale retailing has come about by expansion into new trading areas. Although centralization was once the forte of the chain organization, this expansion has necessitated some decentralization of functions. Merchandise distribution, for example, has now been decentralized to include regional operations. When stores were so far from the single distribution center, the time it took for merchandise to reach many of the units was both inefficient and costly. SMALL STORE APPLICATIONS The manner in which small stores are organized is unlikely to change, because these operations require few employees to run them. The key roles are usually performed by the owner or partners with the remainder of the functions such as selling and stock keeping left to the sales associates. When there isnââ¬â¢t a store manager on site, as is often the case, a particular salesperson should be designated to take charge and assign tasks such as handling temporary changes in sales associatesââ¬â¢ hours. When outside tasks, such as advertising and visual merchandising, are required, outside agencies should be hired to take care of them. The need for in-house specialists to perform these tasks is limited and is too costly for small businesses to afford. Strengths and Weaknesses Strength is any attribute or ability of the organization that may help it in accomplishing its mission and in fulfilling its vision Weakness is any attribute or ability of the organization that may hinder it in accomplishing its mission and in fulfilling its vision â⬠¢For example factors relating to products, pricing, costs, profitability, performance, quality, people, skills, adaptability, brands, services, reputation, processes, infrastructures, etc â⬠¢Factors tend to be in the present Starbucks SWOT analysis 2013 Strengths 1.Sound financial records 2.No. 1 brand in coffeehouse segment valued at $4 billion 3.Starbucks experience 4.Largest coffeehouse chain in the world 5.Employee management Weaknesses 1.Coffee beans price is the major influence over firmââ¬â¢s profits 2.Product pricing 3.Negative publicity Opportunities 1.Extend supplier range 2.Expansion to emerging economies 3.Increase product offerings 4.Expansion of retail operations Threats 1.Rising prices of coffee beans and dairy products 2.Trademark infringements 3.Increased competition from local cafes and specialization of other coffeehouse chains 4.Saturated markets in the developed economies 5.Supply disruptions 2External Environment It refers to the environment that has an indirect influence on the business. The factors are uncontrollable by the business. Two types of external environment: Micro Environment The micro environment is also known as the task environment and operating environment because the micro environmental forces have a direct bearing on the operations of the firm. a) Suppliers An important force in the micro environment of a company is the suppliers, i.e., those who supply the inputs like raw materials and components to the company. b) Customer The major task of a business is to create and sustain customers. A business exists only because of its customers. c) Marketing Intermediaries The marketing intermediaries include middlemen such as agents and merchants that help the company find customers or close sales with them. d) Financers The financers are also important factors of internal environment. e) Public Public can be said as any group that has an actual or potential interest in or on an organizationââ¬â¢s ability to achieve its interest. Public include media and citizens. Macro Environment Macro environment is also known as General environment and remote environment. Macro factors are generally more uncontrollable than micro environment factors. When the macro factors become uncontrollable, the success of company depends upon its adaptability to the environment. a) Economic Environment Economic environment refers to the aggregate of the nature of economic system of the country, business cycles, the socio-economic infrastructure etc. b) Social Environment The social dimension or environment of a nation determines the value system of the society which, in turn affects the functioning of the business. Sociological factors such as costs structure, customs and conventions, mobility of labor etc. have far-reaching impact on the business. c) Political Environment The political environment of a country is influenced by the political organizations such as philosophy of political parties, ideology of government or party in power, nature and extent of bureaucracy influence of primary groups etc. d) Legal Environment Legal environment includes flexibility and adaptability of law and other legal rules governing the business. It may include the exact rulings and decision of the courts. e) Technical Environment The business in a country is greatly influenced by the technological development. The technology adopted by the industries determines the type and quality of goods and services to be produced and the type and quality of plant and equipment to be used. Financial System of the Country and Selected Items of Monetary & Fiscal Policies The structure of the Philippine Financial system is dominated by a banking system. Bangko Sentral is the official central bank in the Philippines. The structure of the financial system allows the option to take debts and buy bonds or stocks. There are many private banks present for this purpose. Financial Institutions are the intermediaries that mobilize savings and facilitate the allocations of funds in an efficient manner Fiscal policy refers to the ââ¬Å"measures employed by governments to stabilize the economy, specifically by manipulating the levels and allocations of taxes and government expenditures. Fiscal measures are frequently used in tandem with monetary policy to achieve certain goals.â⬠In the Philippines, this is characterized by continuous and increasing levels of debt and budget deficits, though there have been improvements in the last few years. The Philippine governmentââ¬â¢s main sources of revenue are taxes, with some non-tax revenue also being collected. To finance fiscal deficit and debt, the Philippines rely on both domestic andà external sources. External Sources of Financing are: 1 Program and Project Loans ââ¬â the government offers project loans to external bodies and uses the proceeds to fund domestic projects like infrastructure, agriculture, and other government projects. 2 Credit Facility Loans 3 Zero-coupon Treasury Bills 4 Global Bonds 5 Foreign Currencies Domestic Sources of Financing are: 1 Treasury Bonds 2 Facility loans 3 Treasury Bills 4 Bond Exchanges 5 Promissory Notes 6 Term Deposits In 2010, the total outstanding debt of the Philippines reached Php4.718 trillion: Php2.718 trillion from outstanding domestic sources and Php2 trillion from foreign sources. According to the Department of Finance, the country has recently reduced dependency on external sources to minimize the risks caused by changes in the global exchange rates. Efforts to reduce national debt include increasing tax efforts and decreasing government spending. Monetary policy is the monitoring and control of money supply by a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve Board in the United States of America, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in the Philippines. This is used by the government to be able to control inflation, and stabilize currency. Monetary Policy is considered to be one of the two ways that the government can influence the economy ââ¬â the other one being Fiscal Policy (which makes use of government spending, and taxes). Monetary Policy is generally the process by which the central bank, or government controls the supply and availability of money, the cost of money, and the rate of interest. The Philippinesââ¬â¢ inflation target is measured through the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2009, inflation target has been set to be 3.5 percent, having a 1% tolerance level, and 4.5 percent for 2010, also havingà 1% tolerance. Also, the Monetary Board of the Philippines announced a target of around 4à ±1 percent from 2012 to 2014. Opportunities and Threats Opportunities are any issue, event or trend that may help the organization in accomplishing its mission and in fulfilling its vision Threats are any issue, event or trend that may hinder the organization in accomplishing its mission and in fulfilling its vision â⬠¢for example, factors relating to markets, audience, fashion, seasonality, trends, competition, economics, politics, society, culture, technology, environmental, media, law etc â⬠¢factors tend to be in the future
Monday, July 29, 2019
Abraham Lincoln and Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Abraham Lincoln and Slavery - Essay Example Undoubtedly, Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most prominent and remarkable president in the Americaââ¬â¢s history. He lived between February 12, 1809 and April 15, 1865. He was the 16th president of the United States. He served as president from March 1861 until 1865 when he was assassinated. The reason why he is considered the most important president in Americaââ¬â¢s history is the fact that he led the country through major military, moral, and constitutional crisis - the American Civil War. During his presidency period through this crisis, he was able to end slavery, promote financial and economic modernization, and preserve the Union. 1 Lincoln was brought up in a poor family after his father, Thomas Lincoln, had lost his land through court cases, having been accused of possessing property titles which were faulty. Lincoln, therefore, did not enjoy most of the luxuries that were enjoyed by children from relatively rich family; luxuries such as quality education, go od-conditioned housing, and descent meals among others. Regarding Lincolnââ¬â¢s education, it is approximated that he spent only one-year worth of classes in his formal elementary; most of education he received from various itinerant teachers. It is worth pointing out that he was an avid reader and he acquired most of his knowledge through self-education.2 He eventually became a country lawyer, legislator of Illinois State, and the US House of Representatives member for one term, but he failed twice in his attempt to capture US Senate seat. Lincoln married Mary Todd on November 4, 1842 and got two children, namely Robert and Edward. His political career began on March 1832 with his first campaign for a post in the Illinois General Assembly. Lincoln had professed in 1861 that he had been a steadfast Whig; Whig was a party that subscribed to the ideas of espoused urbanization, protective tariffs in order to fund internal developments, and economic modernization. His beliefs in Whig ââ¬â¢s ideology informed most of his political decisions especially concerning Americaââ¬â¢s economic growth and development.3 Besides, he favoured unification of the US nation and opposed slavery and its expansion in the US. Therefore, the questions of how and why Lincolnââ¬â¢s ideas about slavery evolved are considered in this paper; besides, it tackles his ideas about Blacks and the institution of slavery. It seems to nearly every person who knows about Abraham Lincoln that his belief on slavery and race was well-defined and firm. It is a well-documented fact that Lincoln was against slavery and racism in period prior to his presidency and after. However, what still puzzles historians, political scientists, and other individuals concerned with Lincolnââ¬â¢s history and issues to do with slavery is whether his fight against the aforementioned issues was because of him being a politician or a leader. Until 1850s, slavery was legal in the southern US but had been outlawe d in the northern states like Illinois. Lincoln was opposed to slavery and its spread, especially to the new territory of western states. As a young person, Lincoln had little knowledge on slavery that was dominant in the south because he had seen little of it as a child. As he grew older, his stance on slavery developed because of what he witnessed and experienced. Lincolnââ¬â¢s marriage to Mary Told contributed greatly to his developed stance on the slavery issue since Mary had had first-hand contact with slavery as she came from a slave- owning family; she, therefore, narrated to him slavery stories.4 In addition, having had a career as an attorney provided him with experience on slavery issue.5 He handled several slavery cases, the most notable being Bailey v. Cromwell and Matson
Sunday, July 28, 2019
NCLB and Students with Disabilities Research Paper
NCLB and Students with Disabilities - Research Paper Example The enactment of NCLB changed the educational landscape for students with disabilities by introducing vast changes (Peterson and West, 2003). The act gave children with disabilities access to free public education improving their educational outcomes. The act has raised awareness of poor performance of many schools and students especially those with disabilities. According to the federal law, states, schools, and communities have to collect data on student performance, broken in categories of race, and factors such as the native language and disability (Peterson and West, 2003). Public schools are faced with the greatest challenge of producing good performance raising concern for families with children in these schools. Students with disabilities have low rates of high school completion, success and graduation with diplomas in the market as opposed to those without disabilities. The dropout rates for students with disabilities are high, and most of them fail to achieve a high school diploma making their dropout rates four times higher than for those without disabilities (Peterson and West, 2003). NCLB has helped states and schools change their strategies in order to prepare students with disabilities for challenges of higher learning and economic self-sufficiency (Peterson and West, 2003). This involves evaluating the federal and state level programs and strategies that enhance educational practice. This has in turn improved the valued educational outcomes for youth with disabilities.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
CIPD, People Management & Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
CIPD, People Management & Development - Essay Example The autocrat approaches of managers gave way to democratic approaches. More and more scientific methods implemented in the employee organization relationships. Modern century witness changes in every aspect of human life. Fast developing technologies and new thoughts developed after cold war changed the complexion of human life. Scientific methods are applied everywhere and the business arena also not an exception. Rapid changes in business strategies is taking place in order to explore the possibilities of new liberal world as well as due to the competition in the market. The Human Resources departments are also no exception. Out of the 4 Mââ¬â¢s of an organization, Man, Material, Machine and Money, I think Man or the human resources are the most important entity. Competitive employees will always be an asset to organizations. Even if the other resources of the company are less, still only the smart employees can utilize it to ensure maximum productivity. If the employees are not competent enough then they will always complain about the resources which are not available rather than utilizing the existing ones. I have seen some examples in our company itself, in which some smart workers utilizing the available resources to ensure optimum production. Though our company is engaged in construction activities, as you know we donââ¬â¢t have enough resources and modern equipments to explore the available construction market, positively. Our equipments need to be modernized based on the requirements in order to compete in the market with quantity and quality. One of our regular clients has approached me with a job few months before. As soon I seen the specifications, I concluded that this job is not possible by us and at the same time I was not willing to disappoint the customer as he was a regular one giving us around 10% of our annual volume of works. I have discussed this project with our expert people and enquired about the possibilities of
Data analysis report Lab Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words
Data analysis - Lab Report Example Further, his/her intentions (both planned and whished were collected in addition to the probability and confidence of stopping smoking for participants from the four countries. The probability of not stopping smoking is very high for those who feel that smoking is very positive, pleasant and enjoyable despite that fact that they agree that smoking is harmful to oneââ¬â¢s health. Planned behavior at time affects the real actions of a research participant. The Theory of Planned Behaviour is the model proposed for use in the determination of smokersââ¬â¢ attitude and the plans to sop smoking in the near future. According to Ajzen and Driver (1991), ones attitudes and behaviour towards a certain habit determine the future relations of the person and the habit. Quoting the example of smokers and their habits, Conner (1993) focuses on the social well-being of the person as a concrete part of the habits arguing that they have a strong bearing on the social well being of an individual. Accountability on the other hand is a very complicated variable which really contributes to the habit-person relationship since ones belief on how to handle certain situations determine future actions significantly (Dejoy and Wilson (1995); DeVellis et al. (1990); Godin et al. (1993)). Further, many other conditions exist which have been and others are being discussed and evaluated. Some of these are behaviour related where the person is evaluated by investigating his/her attitudes towards certain behaviours. For example, in this case the behaviour is smoking while the attitudes include smoking being a positive thing, smoking being pleasant, smoking being good or bad and smoking being enjoyable (Fiore (1992); Godin et al. (1992); Joreskog and Sorbom (1993); Hellman et al. (1993); Heatherton et al (1993)). The other belief to habits is included in the situation where a person is subjected to a certain condition and then
Friday, July 26, 2019
Evaluate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Evaluate - Essay Example Where I do not understand something the lecturer has taught, I also make a point of asking for clarification as this is very important in that it helps me grasp difficult concepts in class making it easier for me to go back and read further about them in my free time. Over the years, I have learnt to appreciate the importance of attending classes and being attentive when the lecturer is teaching. I have learnt that it is easier to grasp difficult concepts in class from the lecturer than going to read about them from text books. This is due to the fact that it is easier to remember what you hear someone else saying than to remember what you read from a textbook. I therefore prefer to sit in class, listen and participate when the lecturer is teaching than sitting long hours in the library or in my study room trying to read difficult concepts alone. I therefore make sure that I attend all the lectures in time and this particular class has not been an exception. Another reason why I have been attending all my classes and being attentive is due to the fact that I find it irresponsible to skip classes and yet I have paid school fees for the same. I therefore find it necessary and satisfying to go to class and listen as the lecturer teaches since it makes me feel that I have utilised my tuition fees for a good purpose. Skipping classes or attending class and not being attentive is a waste of time and money and I find it wrong. The whole of this semester I have always given my full attention to this class so as to avoid wastage of time and the money I have paid for tuition. One other very important reason why I have been attending my classes without fail is so as to ensure that I increase my chances of passing the final examination. Listening to the lecturer in class ensures that you pick up the important things that he/she stresses on and
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Interior design profession Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Interior design profession - Essay Example The advancements in technology, communication, and media today have highly educated and informed the general public regarding the various aspects of interior design and this, in turn, has stimulated enormous interest in the subject as a whole. The creative and technical solutions of interior design have great implications in the modern world as they improve the quality of life and culture of the occupants. Based on a systematic and coordinated methodology, such as research, analysis, and integration of knowledge into the creative process, the interior design process tries to satisfy the needs and resources of the client in producing an interior space to the complete accomplishment of the project goals. Therefore, the work of an interior designer is highly challenging and it incorporates principles from several disciplines including environmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional design with aesthetics and cosmetics. In a reflective analysis of the wide-ranging area of the work of an interior designer, it becomes evident that interior design is an essential profession in the modern world and it makes an immense contribution to the adorning of the human environment to make it appealing to live in. Interior design is a profession which covers several significant areas of human life in the modern world and it incorporates the principles of different disciplines such as environmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional design with aesthetics and cosmetics. Significantly, the training for interior design is provided by established departments such as art, architecture, human ecology, and home economics and the career disciplines of an interior designer include several vital areas such as environmental planning, space planning, construction engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, ecology and the interrelation between humans and their environment, design as related to the home etc.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Investment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1
Investment - Essay Example Thus why they have steady feature for portfolio. Bonds also have a better planning. This is due to the higher stability in their returns as opposed to real estate. It is easier for a person to plan for his or her future. Having the knowledge that the amount you invested in bonds will pay you the interest it has earned in a year enables a person to set a target on the savings. Also he or she will be in a better position to estimate his or her return on investment. A house may is not an investment, this is because houses are not efficient ways of investing. They usually cost more to buy and to manage. Though it may seem as if it will have more returns in future this does not hold because of the cost that was incurred in purchasing it, renovating, insuring, repairing and paying taxes on it. All this costs will not make the house to appreciate in price in reality. Even if I was to sell the house in the future the profit I will earn is not a true one but it will just be a large refund of the cost incurred. I do not view jewelry as an investment because not all the times it appreciates in values. Many jewels although they seem to be pretty they may not be having any significant value in them. Most of the jewels are only covered with precious materials and the underneath material might be of less value. Others are not made of pure materials thus making them depreciate it value. Also other factors that determine the value of the jewelry are: when you purchase jewelry from a trader, its mark up is rather heavy. Also the size of the jewelry will determine how it is going to appreciate. A large size will appreciate more than a small one. A high quality jewel will have more value as compared to a low quality one. Lastly the jewel will appreciate depending on its history and uniqueness. The one which was made by a famous designer is likely to have more value. The more rare the jewel
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
English for Hospitality and Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
English for Hospitality and Tourism - Essay Example We have prepared for you the most interesting five-day package of touring Hong Kong. Prepare to be enthralled with the architecturally advanced cityscapes of Hong Kong to its serene and culturally- preserved landmarks, museums, and monuments. Get ready to be exposed to how Hong Kong manages to balance and preserve its rich Eastern culture and history while being updated with a Western tradition and lifestyle. Full Day: Man Mo Temple where ancient beliefs of literature (man) and martial arts (mo) is discovered, Victoria Peak which overlooks Hong Kong's famous skyline, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Boat Community where famous floating restaurants are located, Jewelery Factory in Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market for bargain-shopping of souvenirs and other Hong Kong memorabilia, Lan Kwai Fong (*Lunch will be at Stanley Market) AM: Tai Fu Tai Mandarin's Mansion where a vast collection of artifacts and historical memorabilia is preserved, Fan Tin Village where traditional villages and lifestyle can be explored, Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, Lo Wai Walled Village, Tai Po Market, Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees PM: How is the night life in Hong Kong Find the answ... Then enjoy the Night Harbour View at Stubb's Road where the different lights and glitter of Hong Kong's harbor can be witnessed. Tour Price: HK$480 (adult), HK$380 (senior/child) DAY 3 Full Day: Yuen Yuen Institute where monasteries of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism can be found, Tai Mo Shan lookout which is Hong Kong's highest mountain peak, Fanling Walled Village, Luk Keng Road lookout, Bride's Pool Falls, Sam Mun Tsai fish farming zone (* includes Chinese lunch) Tour Price: HK$395 (adult), HK$345 (senior/child) DAY 4 Full Day: Step aside from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's city life and experience the relaxation, reflection, and nature-tripping in Lantau island, the largest island in Hong Kong. The tour starts off with a ferry ride to Lantau Island, then bus ride to Po Lin Monastery, and the 2-hour adventurous downhill walk to Tai O Fishing Village Tour Price: HK$600 (includes transport and lunch) DAY 5 Full Day: Hong Kong Disneyland which includes the themed parks of Main street, USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland (*includes round-trip transfer from hotel to park) Tour Prices Mon- Fri: HK$520 (adult), HK$440 (child), HK$400 (senior) Sat- Sun: HK$580 (adult), HK$490 (child), HK$440 (senior) (United States) For tour operators and agents: This five-day package includes air travel through the Cathay Pacific Airlines. A round trip flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong approximately costs USD3,077.02 (http://www.cathaypacific.com). This of course varies depending on what state the flight to Hong Kong would come from. Accommodations will be arranged at The Peninsula Hong Kong, a five-star hotel located at the city of Kowloon. Its average nightly rate falls from HKD 3,200 for the Rack Rate to HKD 13,030 for the Value the
Monday, July 22, 2019
Comparison between the South Asia and East Asia during WW1 Essay Example for Free
Comparison between the South Asia and East Asia during WW1 Essay In the twentieth century, WWI was a political tornado of change, sweeping over the entire world, augmenting everything in its path. Although the Allied and Axis powers were affected the most by WWI, East Asia and South Asia were also transformed as well, through considerable social and political reform. In East Asia, China was the country outside of the Allied and Axis powers affected the most in WWI, through the creation of the Chinese Communist Party. After WWI was over, the Treaty of Versailles transferred all German holdings in East Asia, including those in China, to Japan. To China, this was an outrageous offense. Although China certainly didnââ¬â¢t enjoy Germany owning part of their land, to have their worst enemy, Japan, owning it would be positively loathsome. A demonstration broke out in Beijing in protest over Versailles. After being defeated by both Japan and the West, China had enough humiliation and demanded social reform. It was then that Mao Zedong came forth and established the Chinese Communist Party. Although the Nationalists would crush the Communists efforts to overthrow the government, the Communist Party would eventually return and take control, changing China forever, because of the outcomes of WWI. In South Asia, India was affected by WWI through the heightened support of the Indian Nationalist movement. When England forced their colony India to support the war effort, the Indians complied, and the Nationalist movement remained dormant during the war. After WWI was over, most of the world saw Europe as a time bomb of conflict, and this combined with the oppressive efforts to force Indian soldiers into the war cause the Indian Nationalist movement to return full force. Intellectuals like Gandhi appeared with ideas as to what a post colonial India would look like, and almost everyone in India, Muslims and Hindus alike, could agree they wanted England out. Soon, England complied with Indiaââ¬â¢s cries for independence and simply pulled out of South Asia. After discordant internal conflicts, India finally stabilized, with its independence intact, because of the outcomes of WWI. WWI changed the world forever and left many problems unsolved that would return again more forceful than before. In China and India, WWI provokedà social and political reform, but the two outcomes were very different. India gained its independence and set up a Western-style democracy, whereas China would eventually be ravished by the tormenting policies and killing-spree of Mao Zedong. Both India and China were directly affected by the outcomes of WWI.
Tiger Airways Essay Example for Free
Tiger Airways Essay Tiger airways have a few critical issues which could be solved. Tiger airways did not seem to have a very good relationship with their consumers. For one, despite the attempts to connect with the consumers through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, consumers were regularly complaining about the company on these sites. Instead of clarifying matters and executing a good customer relations strategy, Tiger deleted negative comments off their official Facebook page and remained silent for 72 hours after the grounding took place. Tiger also allowed an Australian television channel to air a program documenting all the negative and dismal areas of Tigerââ¬â¢s operations. All these actions only served to reduce consumer confidence and trust. With consumers being the driving force behind Tigerââ¬â¢s profitability, the company should focus on building goodwill and trust, and in light of the grounding, to also reassure them of their values of low cost and safety. The solution is to offer complimentary flights to affected consumers and make use of this opportunity to build good relations with them. Tiger can also turn this into an opportunity for positive media coverage showing the companyââ¬â¢s sincerity in righting the wrongs. Encourage two-way communication between tiger and its stakeholders. Start being more proactive in communicating with consumers and anticipate their grievance. Come up with a contingent communication strategy and how to deal with consumers to build goodwill and trust. Or they can improve the consumer hotline and reassure customers about their safety by hiring a third party to vouch for them (ingratiation strategy). Tiger airway is also facing issues with the investors. As soon as the grounding took place, Tigerââ¬â¢s SGX stock price plunged, showing a lack of confidence on the part of investors. Interesting to note was that share prices continued to plummet even after tiger resumed its flights. This would not probably be because airline capacity was still low due to consumer doubts about the airlineââ¬â¢s safety. The only way investorââ¬â¢s confidence can be improved is by first gaining the support of consumers because they are the ones fuelling tigerââ¬â¢s profitability. With a lack of consumer support, investor confidence will be equally weak as they would not see any growth prospects or returns from their investment. Hence, this problem can only be fixed over time and is dependent on tigerââ¬â¢s ability to convince consumers of safety of their flights. It has to work on building strategic credibility in the long run. In the meantime, tiger should provide a short-term solution to calm investors and convince them their investments will be worthwhile. Solution to this is that communicating to all stakeholders about what exactly tiger airways us trying to do to gain consumerââ¬â¢s confidence and increase transparency, whether regarding tigerââ¬â¢s financial losses or the real reason behind the grounding. Assure investors that Australia is a profitable region worth investing in and thank them for their loyalty to the company. Another solution is capitalized on SIAââ¬â¢s reputation to gain investor confidence. Inform investors that SIA holds majority of the shares in tiger airways and they still have confidence that tiger airways will be able to get back on its feet soon. As CYS is taking over as CEO, tiger can capitalise on his reputation by mentioning that the company will be in good hands given that CYS is from SIA and has experience leading a world class airline. Tiger airways should also focus on building consumer confidence and assume investor confidence will improve from there. In other words, maintain status quo and remain silent. Lastly, being a budget carrier, low fares of priority to Tiger. Just like wal-mart, this drive to attain lower and lower costs results in employee neglect. Pilots became overworked and underpaid, and employees were either offered redeployment to other bases or given redundancy packages during the period of the grounding. Some employees even threatened legal action against the company when tiger did not make the payments required to them. Employees are no doubt an important group of stakeholders in any company, as can be seen from recent cases of worker strikes causing huge airlines such as Qantas to halt operations and experience significant losses. As company already in the red, anymore losses resulting from employee mistakes or strikes will not bode well for the future prospects of Tiger, especially with it being a budget carrier. There is no other option for tiger but to build up their relationship with their employees. Possible solutions is to provide greater benefits to employees such as off-days for a flight lasting for a number of days, to prevent employees from being overworked and making unnecessary and costly mistakes. Increase employee welfare by providing channels for them to air their grievances and implement a two-way communication system where their problems or difficulties can be sorted out. Apologising for their inconvenience and mistakes made in the handling of the situation and assure the employees of the steps the company is taking to clean up the crisis. Engage employeesââ¬â¢ help to build up the reputation and trust of the company by first treating them better and allowing them more channels to communicate with management. Tiger airways are a low-cost airline whose corporate strategy is centred on cost-cutting measures. The grounding, however, serves as a reminder of the importance of the airlineââ¬â¢s safety. Tigerââ¬â¢s flawed corporate strategy could also be seen when they failed to take CASAââ¬â¢s show cause notice in May seriously, leading to the eventual grounding of their entire fleet. Although it can be said that tigerââ¬â¢s reputation is derived from their low fares, it is the basic prerequisite for airlines to ensure safe operations. This is where they differ from Wal-mart, which has a similar ââ¬ËEveryday Low Priceââ¬â¢ strategy. Improving their strategy would serve to improve tigerââ¬â¢s reputation in the long run. Solution to it is to increased transparency of tigerââ¬â¢s operations. Update stakeholders regularly with a list of actions that tiger airways will undertake in the following months to improve safety, and also prepare a crisis communication plan this is updated regularly. Tiger airways should work with CASA to come up with safety regulation guidelines that complement tigerââ¬â¢s low-cost strategy. Of all the critical issues being mentioned above, it is in the best interest of the company to choose to improve on the relationship with consumers. Tiger should understand that two-way communication and dialogue is pertinent in establishing mutual trust and loyalty amongst consumers. Neglecting their social media feeds in their time of crisis resulted in a missed social media opportunity for the company. Tiger should have taken advantage of the instant communication provided by these social media outlets to convey important messages to consumers during the crisis and answer all their queries and allay concerns immediately. This would definitely reduce the frustrations felt by consumers arising from the silent approach employed by the company.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Investigating the role of regionalism towards globalisation
Investigating the role of regionalism towards globalisation Is regionalism best interpreted as contradictory to the logic of globalisation, or as an integral part of globalisationà ? Since 1990, end of the Cold War, the world is an ideological cease-fire, but it is still in search of paradigms to shape the new international order. We all tend to think in industrialized countries as well as in poor countries that further integrations of economies through increased interconnection and integration of markets would be ideal. Indeed, globalization is a phenomenon that calls to break boundaries and interdependence among peoples. Regarding the regional integration, it refers to a process of gathering together several distinct elements, in principle, but generally have common aspects with a view to strengthening their individual strengths. The question is either Regionalism poses a serious challenge to Globalisation or would Regionalism builds on Globalisation. The latter is a process that also announces the integration of the world in a new era of thought and actions, and as such, regional integration both in its objectives and forms, participates in this process. Thus regionalism is a decisive step to include in the globalization. We can distinguish two types of regionalism: one tries to resolve any issue amicably, to show consideration for individual needs, they agree on some basic rules to make life easier in overall, but they are also attached to their privacy. In terms of economic cooperation, this type of regionalism is essentially the removal of barriers. From that view, members remain free to pursue their own path of development, cooperating only on issues where they share the same perspective. The other is united by the desire of its members to share their lives, based on common values and views. States share the same political will to build a community and pooling their sovereignty. This type of regionalism tends to lead to the integration of different policies including the establishment of a common market, harmonizing standards and regulations. The first argument is that regional integration covers a wide range of economic and political agreements between nations. These agreements may be formal or informal, bilateral or multilateral, but with specific objectives and phases which are intended to prepare the States to globalization. Specific goals of integration are precisely to ensure access to a wider market, also improve international competitiveness through more efficient use of resources and the removal of structural barriers, promote political cooperation to reduce tensions, increase the bargaining power of the group and thus its members. Face to the competition required by globalization, particularly in dealing with inequalities in development between the countries of the world, integration is a lifeline for developing countries which cannot go to globalisation at risk to suffer from harmful consequences. As such, integration does not offer the same benefits as it applies to a developing countries or an industrialized country. Which brings us to recognize that integration is an additional asset to globalisation. This one is presented as a jungle, where the most powerful economic entities hold sway. Regional integration as a grouping of countries that are geographically close is a way for them to prepare for globalization. The second argument is that regional integration is a factor of industrialization and international trade development. Measures to foster regional integration have an impact on the economies of the region and intra-regional trade. These are mainly the reduction of the tariffs, the effect of expanding demand and the effect of common external tariff. The reduction of tariff barriers leads to greater development of community trade. Regional integration, when it well manages allows to corporate of the community to be more organized in order to compete internationally in their own regions and in the international environment. A study has demonstrated that MERCOSUR has served as a training ground for insertion in the global market economies in this group,especially those that are more powerful as Brazil and Argentina. The European Union and NAFTA, under their respective constitutive documents, are implemented free trade zones. The enlargement of the European Union expands eastwards to the European market of seventy five million consumers. European companies thus have a huge market and can use the European space to go to the conquest of the international market. Countries within a region can use regional integration to promote their presence in international markets and benefit from their comparative advantages in the world trade. The third argument is that borders are no longer a division and opposition between the states. They become factors of cooperation. The best example is found in the European Union with the Schengen zone which has institutionalized the free movement of persons within the area. Regional integration has the same objectives as the globalisation: the abolition of borders. While a feature of globalisation is the free movement of financial flows, regional integration through the creation of large areas of free trade more easily attracts investment and encourages capital accumulation. For example, following its accession to the European Union, foreign direct investment have been in some economic sectors of the UK to benefit from huge market offered by the community. The European Union, with its economies increasingly integrated and market power play a significant role in international negotiations held in the context of globalisation. It can better defend its interests within the WTO. Through regional integration, Africa can speak in a loud voice on the international scene and better defend its interests . However globalisation which refers originally to an integration of different political units that build up the world, finally directly produces its opposite: the fragmentation of the world. It seems that the fragmentation causes the consequence whereby the primary role is to resist to the globalisation. Some apply the quota system to limit quantity of goods to enter their area, others prefer to allocate subventions to local and subregional businesses. Thus integration in this sense means inequality which is paradoxical to globalisation. Therefore we should remember that this simplistic view that tends to make integration an asset for insertion into globalisation must be taken with caution. The integration that has been illustrated is sometimes a factor of disintegration, but beyond that, we must admit that gathering within a region can achieve a real integration into globalisation. If regionalism is a real factor to globalisation then we can wonder what should be done to ensure that imbalance is observed in developing countries especially in Africa can be restored ? African should accept to join themselves to face to the international competition, as if the economy is bad it will also apply to its policy. It must be admitted that a lot of things remain to be done for the integration. It is the search for greater economic security that motivates developing countries to look into developed countries and to seek new forms of partnership with them, others advocate more of a neighborhood regionalism between developing countries, less disruptive and closer to their needs. But the general idea is that North-South agreements provide a lot more advantages than disadvantages. For developed countries they are eager to promote such partnerships, particularly to stimulate development and reduce the problems of insecurity. Finally it allows people to better enjoy the benefit s of globalisation and to spread in the common interest. Besides regionalism allows flexible agreements, indeed increasing economic interdependence in regions does not systematically mean formal agreements. The establishment of the EU, NAFTA or MERCOSUR has involved increased intra-area trade, but it was not the case for ASEAN. The intra-regional trade are much denser at the entire Asian Eastern region (ASEAN but also China, Japan and Korea) although there are no formal structures of integration. East Asia perfectly illustrates the coexistence of regional global dynamics. In this part of the world, deepening regional interdependence is partly due to an opening outside and a search for competitiveness in global markets. Conversely, areas that least involved actively in globalisation are also those that are poorly integrated regionally. This is particularly the case of economies in the Middle East. Finally globalisation has a number of risks, especially related to the financial sphere and acceleration of capital movements. In these circumstances, regional integration can be a way to be protected from disruptions caused by globalisation. The debate on globalisation and regionalism has long been focused only on trade policy issues. To conclude, regionalism is both a component of globalisation and a response to this process.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Andy Warhol Essay -- essays research papers fc
The first superstar of American art, Andy Warhol was obsessed with fame, glamour, and money. He is best known for his images of stars and celebrities and for his reproductions of symbols of the American society. à à à à à Andrew Warholaââ¬â¢s (he later dropped the ââ¬Å"aâ⬠) birth date is uncertain, Andy said himself that his birth certificate had been forged and June 6, 1928 became the date taken as his birthday. Others say he was born December 6, 1930 and then others say it was August 6, 1928. Andy was very mysterious about his private life and was said to be in another world most of the time. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents, Ondrej and Julia Warhola were working-class immigrants from Eastern Europe, his father worked in the coal mines. Andy was the second of three sons. He showed an early talent for art, and from the age of nine, he took drawing classes. When Andy was fourteen, his father died from drinking poisoned water. From that day on Julia Warhola and her boys would be part of a struggle with poverty. In 1945, Warhol left school, and went to study art and graphic design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and within a year he moved to New York, to expand his career. Soon after his move Andy found work as a magazine illustrator, producing shoe designs for ââ¬Å"Glamourâ⬠(the womenââ¬â¢s fashion magazine) He produced designs for such movie stars as, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Mae West, and Julie Andrews. In the credit line the last ââ¬Å"aâ⬠was dropped from W...
Friday, July 19, 2019
global anomie :: essays research papers
Global anomie, dysnomie, and economic crime: Hidden consequences of neoliberalism and globalization in Russia and around the world TRANSNATIONAL CRIME HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED A PROMINENT PLACE IN PUBLIC debates. It is commonly presented as the most significant crime problem at the turn of the millennium (Myers, 1995-1996; Shelley, 1995). Many have even suggested that it represents a serious domestic and international security threat (Paine and Cillufo, 1994; Williams, 1994). The argument is also made that a wave of transnational crime undermines neoliberal policies and the functioning of an increasing number of market economies around the globe (Handelman, 1995; Shelley, 1994). As a consequence, the proposed remedies are often quite drastic and involve undercover operations, privacy-piercing approaches, and the participation of intelligence services in the fight against global crime (Andreas, 1997; Naylor, 1999; Passas and Blum, 1998; Passas and Groskin, 1995). Yet, little attention and virtually no systematic research has been devoted to understanding the causes, structure, extent, and effects of serious cross-border misconduct (Passas, 1998). The risks it poses may be grossly exaggerated (Naylor, 1995; Lee, 1999). The draconian measures being contemplated and implemented in different countries, therefore, are essentially an exercise in shooting in the dark. Chances are good that the target will be missed and substantial "collateral damage" may be caused by ill-conceived policies in this "war" on crime. This risk is particularly high in countries in transition toward a market democracy. It would be much wiser, thus, to carefully study the problem before taking ineffective and possibly damaging actions. This article seeks to make a contribution by concentrating on the causes of transnational economic crime. The main argument is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, neoliberalism and globalization contribute to processes leading to global anomie, dysnomie, and, ultimately, economic misconduct. They do so by activating the criminogenic potential of economic, political, legal, and cultural asymmetries, as well as by creating new such asymmetries (Passas, 1999). These asymmetries cause crime by furnishing opportunities for misconduct, by generating motives for actors to take advantage of such opportunities, and by weakening social controls. More specifically, means-ends disjunctions are systematically created, as neoliberal policies foster new needs and desires that are all too often left unfulfilled. Promises of more freedom, prosperity, and happiness for a larger number of people have turned out to be chimerical. Economic and power inequalities have widened within and across countrie s in the last two decades. The number of poor has reached unprecedented levels, while welfare programs and safety nets are reduced or abolished. global anomie :: essays research papers Global anomie, dysnomie, and economic crime: Hidden consequences of neoliberalism and globalization in Russia and around the world TRANSNATIONAL CRIME HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED A PROMINENT PLACE IN PUBLIC debates. It is commonly presented as the most significant crime problem at the turn of the millennium (Myers, 1995-1996; Shelley, 1995). Many have even suggested that it represents a serious domestic and international security threat (Paine and Cillufo, 1994; Williams, 1994). The argument is also made that a wave of transnational crime undermines neoliberal policies and the functioning of an increasing number of market economies around the globe (Handelman, 1995; Shelley, 1994). As a consequence, the proposed remedies are often quite drastic and involve undercover operations, privacy-piercing approaches, and the participation of intelligence services in the fight against global crime (Andreas, 1997; Naylor, 1999; Passas and Blum, 1998; Passas and Groskin, 1995). Yet, little attention and virtually no systematic research has been devoted to understanding the causes, structure, extent, and effects of serious cross-border misconduct (Passas, 1998). The risks it poses may be grossly exaggerated (Naylor, 1995; Lee, 1999). The draconian measures being contemplated and implemented in different countries, therefore, are essentially an exercise in shooting in the dark. Chances are good that the target will be missed and substantial "collateral damage" may be caused by ill-conceived policies in this "war" on crime. This risk is particularly high in countries in transition toward a market democracy. It would be much wiser, thus, to carefully study the problem before taking ineffective and possibly damaging actions. This article seeks to make a contribution by concentrating on the causes of transnational economic crime. The main argument is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, neoliberalism and globalization contribute to processes leading to global anomie, dysnomie, and, ultimately, economic misconduct. They do so by activating the criminogenic potential of economic, political, legal, and cultural asymmetries, as well as by creating new such asymmetries (Passas, 1999). These asymmetries cause crime by furnishing opportunities for misconduct, by generating motives for actors to take advantage of such opportunities, and by weakening social controls. More specifically, means-ends disjunctions are systematically created, as neoliberal policies foster new needs and desires that are all too often left unfulfilled. Promises of more freedom, prosperity, and happiness for a larger number of people have turned out to be chimerical. Economic and power inequalities have widened within and across countrie s in the last two decades. The number of poor has reached unprecedented levels, while welfare programs and safety nets are reduced or abolished.
Government Subsidies to Correct Externalities Essay -- Alternative Ene
Government Subsidies to Correct Externalities The provision of energy is riddled with market failures. For instance, the U.S. maintains a military presence in the Middle East at least partly in order to secure energy supplies, but to what extent do U.S. consumers pay for that at the pump? Anecdotally, petrol costs about half in the States what it does in Europe. For another example, short haul flights are often cheaper than train tickets to the same destination, and yet, air travel is about ten times worse for the environment than is rail. Does the cost of either ticket account for this difference? Both the production and consumption of energy give rise to economic costs that are difficult to allocate. These externalities are a long-recognized economic problem. That is why we are in the midst of boom times for the alternative energy industry. For the most part, alternative means alternative to derivatives of crude oil, but it also seeks to substitute for coal and to a lesser extent nuclear energy. In many cases, demand for alternatives has exceeded supply. Similarly, demand for investments in new alternative energy technologies has exceeded the stock of available good ideas (Green Dreams, 2006). But has this driven up the price? Well, sort of. What has happened is governments around the world have stepped in to support alternative energy. According to The Economist magazine, 49 governments have made formal commitments. So while consumers by and large are still minimizing cost in the energy purchases, their elected governments have demanded dramatic changes in patterns of production (Investing in clean energy, 2006). There are broadly three reasons for consumer preference for alternative energy.... ... to assure that society gets the package of output that it desires. Works Cited The answer, my friend? ? Can the windy Great Plains be a new power source, or is that just bluster? (2006, October 26). The Economist. Green Dreams ? The flood of money into clean energy is better news for society than it is for investors. (2006, November 16). The Economist. Investing in clean energy ? Tilting at windmills. (2006, November 16). The Economist. Hammond, P., Gamble, B. (2006, February 16). Simmons Oil Monthly ? Solar Energy Overview. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from: http://www.simmonsco-intl.com Campbell, J. (2005, February 12). NOPA Biodiesel Speech. National Oilseed Processors Association 2005 Annual Meeting. Wind Power. Wikipedia. Retrieved 17 November 2006 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_energy
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Rasta
Shaquille T. Sailsman Literature and Composition March 26,2013 Rastafarianism The Rastafarian religion has many different elements. These elements include: history, beliefs, customs/culture, celebrations, and worshipping. Rastafarians believe in the divine nature of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whose title before his coronation of 1930 who Ras Tafari (Prince of the House of Tafari). The name Haile Selassie means ââ¬Å"Power of Trinity. â⬠He was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974. Haile Selassie never regarded himself as God, nor did he adhere to Rastafari.According to iconn. org, Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garveyââ¬â¢s prophecy ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemerâ⬠ââ¬â was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie I is regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the black race. The Rastafarian religion began in Jamaica i n the 1930s. The religion was formed after periods of slavery. Rastafarians regarded Jamaica as hell and Ethiopia as heaven.Rastafarians called Jamaica hell because Africans were divided up and sent to destinations throughout the world, in most cases as slaves to whites. This is why many Africans found themselves in Jamaica. Ethiopia, the homeland, was seen as a place of fond memories of freedom and life prior to oppression. This meant it eventually became regarded as heaven. ââ¬Å"Rastafarians believes Jah (God) lives on in some form, and believes that one day he will bring about the return of all black people to their ancestral home in Africa,â⬠(Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 152).When Rastafarians have kids, they raise their kids to believe in Jah and after a certain age they should be able to identify who he is. They are also raised to believe that one day he will be raised from the dead and bring them back to Africa, their supposed homeland. Rastafarians dedicate them selves to preparing for this homecoming, growing closer to Jah, (Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer). They do this by cultivating peace and harmony with all and by living in a way that is close to nature, mimicking Jah.Another way Rastas try to mimic Jah is by rejecting practices introduced from white culture, which is symbolically called ââ¬Å"Babylon. â⬠The culture of Rastafarian is to condemn the eating of meat. They are all vegetarians. In order to spiritually grow as a person, meat has to be gradually eliminated from the diet. According to www. iconn. org, ââ¬Å"the main reason Rastafarians don't eat meat is because animals try so hard to get away. The fear of the animals can be seen in their eyes.It is evident that they are begging for mercy. Rastafarians will have to show mercy. Within the book of genesis, the LORD gave man dominion over animals. It was not to eat them but to care for them. â⬠An efficient healthy body is very basic. The Rastafarian's diet is desig ned to meet their personal needs. The Rastafarian's food is normally referred to as ital food within the Rastafarian culture. The most traditional way to know a Rastafarian is by their dreadlocks. Some people may wear their hair the Rastafarian way ââ¬â dreadlocks ââ¬â without being committed to Rastafarian belief or lifestyle, while many believers feel obligated to abandon the traditional hairstyles for the sake of gaining or remaining in employment,â⬠(Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 152). Rastas wear dreadlocks because they do not believe in cutting or combing their hair. It is also the way some ancient African priests and Israelites wore their hair. Sometimes you see a green, red and yellow colored hat over a Rasta's hair. These are the colors of the flag of Ethiopia.Rastas also wear a turban, which is a headband based on cloth winding, over their head to protect and keep their dreadlocks clean. According to www. iconn. org, the holy herb, or known to most as mari juana or ganja, is used in all major Rastafarian celebrations to enhance feelings of peace and community, aid meditation and inspire religious visions. There has often been controversy concerning the legalization of marijuana. Rastafarians are perhaps best known for their religious use of marijuana, which grows plentifully in Jamaica. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it o a variety of ailments including colds. Many followers also believe that marijuana aids in the worship of God, Bible study, and meditation. Although not all Rastafarians use marijuana, most believe it will bring a person closer to God. Reggae music originated as an important part of Rastafarian celebrations ââ¬â asserting the pride and dignity of black people, rejection of white oppression, the beauty of Africa and visions of a peaceful future. Reggae music is intimately connected to Rastafari and its lyrics often speak of oppression, poverty, slavery, aparthe id and human rights.One of the most important figures in trying to spread reggae music was Bob Marley. Born Nesta Robert Marley (1974ââ¬â1981), he remains the most widely known and the best-selling performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. A Nyabingi ceremony brings together believers from a wider area, and often last from several days. At these ceremonies, there are chanting, drumming, singing, praying, and dancing as well as shaving of vegetarian food and smoking of marijuana.Some occasions for a Nyabingi are based on the Julian calendar used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; with the Rastafarian faith has strong links. Holy days and holidays are periods of solemn times for the Rastafarian community worldwide. The Holy days are to pray and ask for penance, fulfilling 2 Chronicles 7v14, ââ¬Å"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, search for me and rep ent of their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. â⬠(Himchurch. org).Some Rastafarian celebrations includes: Ethiopian New Year ââ¬â Sept 11th (represents a holiday, which is, observed with a short Prayer Service from 10am-11am), Christmas Day ââ¬â Jan. 7th (Rastafarians observed this as a holiday), Haile Selassieââ¬â¢s Birthday ââ¬â July 23rd, and the Anniversary of his coronation ââ¬â Nov. 2nd, (Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 153). Influential prophets and teachers may also be commemorated, but there is no official festival calendar. Rastafarians do not have a specific religious building that is set aside for worshipping.They usually meet weekly, either in a believersââ¬â¢ home or in a community center. The meetings are referred to as Reasoning Sessions. They provide a time for chants, prayers and singing, and for communal issues to be discussed. Marijuana may be smoked to produce heightened spiritual st ates. The music used at these meetings is known as Nyabingi, and so when meetings are mostly musical they are often referred to as Nyabingi meetings. Meetings may also include large feasts. Rastafarians lay great stress on individual bible study and interpretation. Rasta Shaquille T. Sailsman Literature and Composition March 26,2013 Rastafarianism The Rastafarian religion has many different elements. These elements include: history, beliefs, customs/culture, celebrations, and worshipping. Rastafarians believe in the divine nature of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whose title before his coronation of 1930 who Ras Tafari (Prince of the House of Tafari). The name Haile Selassie means ââ¬Å"Power of Trinity. â⬠He was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974. Haile Selassie never regarded himself as God, nor did he adhere to Rastafari.According to iconn. org, Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garveyââ¬â¢s prophecy ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemerâ⬠ââ¬â was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie I is regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the black race. The Rastafarian religion began in Jamaica i n the 1930s. The religion was formed after periods of slavery. Rastafarians regarded Jamaica as hell and Ethiopia as heaven.Rastafarians called Jamaica hell because Africans were divided up and sent to destinations throughout the world, in most cases as slaves to whites. This is why many Africans found themselves in Jamaica. Ethiopia, the homeland, was seen as a place of fond memories of freedom and life prior to oppression. This meant it eventually became regarded as heaven. ââ¬Å"Rastafarians believes Jah (God) lives on in some form, and believes that one day he will bring about the return of all black people to their ancestral home in Africa,â⬠(Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 152).When Rastafarians have kids, they raise their kids to believe in Jah and after a certain age they should be able to identify who he is. They are also raised to believe that one day he will be raised from the dead and bring them back to Africa, their supposed homeland. Rastafarians dedicate them selves to preparing for this homecoming, growing closer to Jah, (Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer). They do this by cultivating peace and harmony with all and by living in a way that is close to nature, mimicking Jah.Another way Rastas try to mimic Jah is by rejecting practices introduced from white culture, which is symbolically called ââ¬Å"Babylon. â⬠The culture of Rastafarian is to condemn the eating of meat. They are all vegetarians. In order to spiritually grow as a person, meat has to be gradually eliminated from the diet. According to www. iconn. org, ââ¬Å"the main reason Rastafarians don't eat meat is because animals try so hard to get away. The fear of the animals can be seen in their eyes.It is evident that they are begging for mercy. Rastafarians will have to show mercy. Within the book of genesis, the LORD gave man dominion over animals. It was not to eat them but to care for them. â⬠An efficient healthy body is very basic. The Rastafarian's diet is desig ned to meet their personal needs. The Rastafarian's food is normally referred to as ital food within the Rastafarian culture. The most traditional way to know a Rastafarian is by their dreadlocks. Some people may wear their hair the Rastafarian way ââ¬â dreadlocks ââ¬â without being committed to Rastafarian belief or lifestyle, while many believers feel obligated to abandon the traditional hairstyles for the sake of gaining or remaining in employment,â⬠(Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 152). Rastas wear dreadlocks because they do not believe in cutting or combing their hair. It is also the way some ancient African priests and Israelites wore their hair. Sometimes you see a green, red and yellow colored hat over a Rasta's hair. These are the colors of the flag of Ethiopia.Rastas also wear a turban, which is a headband based on cloth winding, over their head to protect and keep their dreadlocks clean. According to www. iconn. org, the holy herb, or known to most as mari juana or ganja, is used in all major Rastafarian celebrations to enhance feelings of peace and community, aid meditation and inspire religious visions. There has often been controversy concerning the legalization of marijuana. Rastafarians are perhaps best known for their religious use of marijuana, which grows plentifully in Jamaica. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it o a variety of ailments including colds. Many followers also believe that marijuana aids in the worship of God, Bible study, and meditation. Although not all Rastafarians use marijuana, most believe it will bring a person closer to God. Reggae music originated as an important part of Rastafarian celebrations ââ¬â asserting the pride and dignity of black people, rejection of white oppression, the beauty of Africa and visions of a peaceful future. Reggae music is intimately connected to Rastafari and its lyrics often speak of oppression, poverty, slavery, aparthe id and human rights.One of the most important figures in trying to spread reggae music was Bob Marley. Born Nesta Robert Marley (1974ââ¬â1981), he remains the most widely known and the best-selling performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. A Nyabingi ceremony brings together believers from a wider area, and often last from several days. At these ceremonies, there are chanting, drumming, singing, praying, and dancing as well as shaving of vegetarian food and smoking of marijuana.Some occasions for a Nyabingi are based on the Julian calendar used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; with the Rastafarian faith has strong links. Holy days and holidays are periods of solemn times for the Rastafarian community worldwide. The Holy days are to pray and ask for penance, fulfilling 2 Chronicles 7v14, ââ¬Å"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, search for me and rep ent of their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. â⬠(Himchurch. org).Some Rastafarian celebrations includes: Ethiopian New Year ââ¬â Sept 11th (represents a holiday, which is, observed with a short Prayer Service from 10am-11am), Christmas Day ââ¬â Jan. 7th (Rastafarians observed this as a holiday), Haile Selassieââ¬â¢s Birthday ââ¬â July 23rd, and the Anniversary of his coronation ââ¬â Nov. 2nd, (Breuilly, Oââ¬â¢Brien, Palmer, 153). Influential prophets and teachers may also be commemorated, but there is no official festival calendar. Rastafarians do not have a specific religious building that is set aside for worshipping.They usually meet weekly, either in a believersââ¬â¢ home or in a community center. The meetings are referred to as Reasoning Sessions. They provide a time for chants, prayers and singing, and for communal issues to be discussed. Marijuana may be smoked to produce heightened spiritual st ates. The music used at these meetings is known as Nyabingi, and so when meetings are mostly musical they are often referred to as Nyabingi meetings. Meetings may also include large feasts. Rastafarians lay great stress on individual bible study and interpretation.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Ethics in Decision Making Essay
Decision fashioning or the performance of choosing among alternatives is pr chipiced by near all individuals (Mingst, 2001). In al virtually both situation populate is faced with the belief of make closings whether it is as simple as choosing what clothes to buy up to sprightliness changing choices standardized deciding on a bad-tempered c atomic count 18er path. This figure of act is not al styluss as simple as it looks like peculiarly when endings are perceive according to finical f musicians that usurp it. The choices that a psyche im break down are often figure outd by umteen factors and unmatch open of which is the subject of morals. moral philosophy is a set of standards that directs an individual on how to act in certain situations. The root word of moral philosophy is often confused with feelings, law, religion, science, and cultural norms. These concepts influenced moral philosophy in mavin way or an otherwise but these are not synonymous with i t. estimable standards are derived from v sources namely Utilitarian Approach, Rights Approach, candor or rightness Approach, commonplace heavy Approach, and law Approach (Santa Clara University, 2007).The Utilitarian Approach emphasizes the idea that good work gives greater pricy and minimal misemploy. This come on is after the results of event finalitys that it should strived to give more advantageous effect rather than adverse consequences. A hale-be fatherd exercising of this is morals in union that aim to produce more in effect(p) results for e genuinelyone in the company (Santa Clara University, 2007). The Rights Approach is a source of ethical standards that gives high regards in regarding and protecting the moral rights of those people concern.This keister be rooted from the idea that the precise essence of an individuals populace that enables him/her to make decisions for oneself entitled each one of them to a sense of dignity. Based on this dignity , their rights as individuals should be given referable importance. These rights in like manner come with its corresponding duties and one of which is to respect the rights of other people as hygienic (Santa Clara University, 2007). The Fairness or arbitrator Approach is based on the arguments of Aristotle and other Greek philosophers that all equals should be do by evenly.Ethical actions should treat individuals equally but if there is inequality indeed there should be a invulnerable standard as to such. A corporate environment is a best example of such approach because workers are nonrecreational according to their productivity and contribution to the company, which is perceived as fair. However, there is contention when it comes to the CEOs of companies because their remuneration is many times larger than the others which make such disparity unfair for near (Santa Clara University, 2007).The Common Good Approach gives time value in the importance of life. They belie ve that the very idea of life is good which is wherefore ethical actions should contribute to the well-being of that life. The intermingling of societal relationships as well as the respect and care for others especially the marginalized are emphasized. Furthermore, this approach withal highlights the importance of conditions that bring putting surface good (Santa Clara University, 2007). The Virtue Approach is considered as a very ancient way of looking at ethical actions. authorized virtues are to be followed in determine to attain the full teaching of human beings beings. These virtues are needed in rule to reach the full potential of ones character. Questions like What kind of person will I become if I do this? or is this action consistent with my acting at my best? are taken into reflection in this approach (Santa Clara University, 2007). These aforementioned sources of ethics could be applied in the parade of decision make especially with the individuals or decisio n masters that are involved at bottom the process.Decision clerics form various penurys and characteristics that affect their choices. There are two types of demand namely the in- aim-to motives and the because-of-motives. The in- show-to motives explains that a decision maker will choose a particular decision in order to finish a certain verifiable (Mingst, 2001). Ethics could highly influence this kind of need especially in name of the Utilitarian, Virtue, and Common Good approaches.The Utilitarian approach is manifested in the in-order-to motives because if an individual will make a decision based on an objective of producing more good rather than harm then it already fulfils an ethical action in the Utilitarian perspective. In terms of the Virtue approach, ethics is seen in the motivation of the decision maker when the choices do are based on an objective that helps the development of an individual towards its full potential. The Common Good approach also asserts ethi cs because actors are influenced to choose decisions that will bring slightly the greater good to the most number of people.On the other hand, the because-of-motives arises from the unconscious or semiconscious motives or impulses arising out of preceding life experience or inner(a) set, interests, or drives of the decision maker (Mingst, 2001). Ethical action becomes possible in the decisions made by an individual based on the ideas of the Rights Approach and the Fairness or Justice Approach. The Rights Approach exemplified the moral rights of the people that should be respected and protected. These rights motivate the decision maker to make choices that will uphold these values.Similarly, the Fairness or Justice Approach also influences the motive of the decision maker by putting in mind the idea of what is equal from what is not especially if such idea is something that the individual values or has interests on. According to the assumptions of the Decision Making Theory, a ra tional actor plays a vital role in the decision making wherein that individual is well-aware of the list of available alternatives and undetermined of calculating each options possible results and has the freedom of choice to remove the one with the highest preferential value.However, the biographical fellowship of the decision maker has a polar role in the choices that will be made. Factors such as a persons educational background, religion, life experiences, noetic and physical health as well as other activities could explain the interests and values of the decision maker (Mingst, 2001). An individual decision maker is already influenced by numerous factors that affect its decisions which make decision making for a collective entity of diverse people more complicated.A macrocosm would have various and sometimes unlike interests and basically different decisions. In such case, the consequential factor for this diverse population to successfully arrive at a most advantageo us decision is to acquire consensus. Consensus expression is an important factor for the decision making process of a diverse population. Since they have numerous interests and motives they need to be able to arrive at a decision that everybody will benefit from even if it sum having to compromise at times.In doing so, they also need an suppress leader that would meet their interests. A democratic form of leaders is a good example of how the process of decision making takes place in a diverse population (Bissessar, 2004). The interests of its citizens are represented through party scheme as well as by elected political leaders. However, numerous party systems is still not that easy to roll in the hay which is why a rational and curb leader is still needed that would be able to make sound decisions for its citizens.The decision maker is the most important part of the decision making process. The motives, interests as well as the background of this rational actor are vital in order to understand the choices that are made. Being the case, ethical standards is also one of the factors that influenced these decisions.This also applies in the decision making of diverse population because they need consensus building in order to embody their various and sometimes conflicting interests. In doing so, it also need an appropriate leader that would collaborate their interests and implements the decision.Ethical standards and the other factors that influence the decision maker have a big part in the excerption of sound decisions.ReferencesBissessar. A. M. (2004). Globalization and Governance Essays on the Challenges for Small Countries. North Carolina McFarland. Santa Clara University. (2007). A modeling for Thinking Ethically. Retrieved 14 May 2008, from http//www. scu. edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework. html. Mingst, K. (2001). Essentials of International Relations. New York W. W. Norton & Co.
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