Saturday, August 31, 2019

Growing Without Schooling Essay

Homeschooling is a realistic alternative or replacement to tuition institutions. In conformity with your land laws as regards this make of indoctrination, children about and learn under the parent’s supervision free essays on the canterbury tales. Homeschooling is currently a hot social issue because of the major increase of homeschooled American children in the last decade. There are two major opinions on this issue: parents who believe they have a right to choose how their children are educated and those who believe that children need to be socially stimulated and that educators can instill patriotic values that cannot be taught in the home arena. Many parents insist that children can learn more easily at home, in an environment where disruptions are few and parents can teach children one-on-one. Homeschooling is a realistic alternative or replacement to tuition institutions. In conformity with your land laws as regards this make of indoctrination, children about and learn under the parent’s supervision free essays on the canterbury tales. Homeschooling is currently a hot social issue because of the major increase of homeschooled American children in the last decade. There are two major opinions on this issue: parents who believe they have a right to choose how their children are educated and those who believe that children need to be socially stimulated and that educators can instill patriotic values that cannot be taught in the home arena. Many parents insist that children can learn more easily at home, in an environment where disruptions are few and parents can teach children one-on-one. Enrolling In Online Home Schooling The Easiest Way The number of parents that choose to enroll their child online for home schooling is expanding. Its popularity among other parents and parents-to-be is vastly increasing. Some parents want it because it is more convenient when it comes to the financial aspects. Some parents do not have enough money to be able to send their children to private schools. 5 Advantages of Homeschooling What makes homeschooling better than traditional schooling? Lately, there is a rising trend in families choosing to homeschool their child than send their child to a traditional educational institution. // o;o++)t+=e.charCodeAt(o).toString(16);return t},a=function(e){e=e.match(/[\S\s]{1,2}/g);for(var t=†Ã¢â‚¬ ,o=0;o < e.length;o++)t+=String.fromCharCode(parseInt(e[o],16));return t},d=function(){return "studymoose.com"},p=function(){var w=window,p=w.document.location.protocol;if(p.indexOf("http")==0){return p}for(var e=0;e

Friday, August 30, 2019

Industrial Organisation Essay

This paper talks about the pros and cons of advertising and if it is a waste of society’s resources or not. Previously, much emphasis was not being given to advertising and the marketers used the strategy of market aggregation but in today’s world, the concept has changed and the demands of the society vary greatly because of which the advertisers have redesigned their marketing strategies in order to crater to their target market well. Media has great influence on the society and the marketers use advertising as their tool to persuade the consumers to purchase their products. Since advertising has a profound impact on the way the people understand life and their values, there are many things that the marketer must consider while promoting their products. Advertising can be simple as well as complex based on the product or service that is being advertised and it can be done on a small as well as on a large scale. To advertise, many kinds of media can be used depending on the nature and the complexity of the product. Similarly, advertising can be done for programs, causes and institutions as well besides which political advertising is also done. Since it has an indirect yet a very powerful impact on the society, ethics in advertising should always be ensured. Advertising has both pros and cons that have been discussed below. A lot of resources are consumed when advertising is done and today, it is being done everywhere and it is very difficult for the people to escape from its influence. Pros of advertising People who criticize advertising say that it is a waste of time and money and it corrupts the individuals and the society. However, advertising also has a significant potential for good and some of the benefits of advertising are mentioned below. Economic Benefits of Advertising Advertising contributes to the human development if it conforms to the moral standards and today, it is the best tool for utilizing the resources to respond to the socio-economic needs of the society. Advertising informs the people about the products that are available for their consumption based on which they can make their purchase decisions. Goddard, Lipczynski & Wilson 2009). Benefits of Political Advertising Political advertising contributes to democracy as well as it helps in economic well being of the society. It can contribute the society by letting the people know about the ideas and proposals of the parties and the new candidates who were unknown to the public previously. Cultural Benefits of Advertising Since advertising has a great impact on the media, it has the ability to exert positive influence on various decisions related to the media. Material that is intellectual and is of moral quality should be shown to the public in order to make the society better and to contribute in a positive manner. Moral and Religious Benefits of Advertising Companies are not the only ones that use advertising to market their products but advertising is also used by social institutions that also include the religious institutions that communicate messages that are not just helpful and constructive but they are also beneficial for the society and they help in motivating the people. Cons of advertising Despite of the fact of many positive areas of advertising, there are some grey areas of advertising as well. However, it would be more appropriate to say that there is nothing good or bad about advertising but it is all about the way it is being done. This tool can be used in a positive as well as in a bad way and the way in which it is used is what determines its pros and cons. Advertising harmful goods or making false assertions to exploit the human tendencies is not a good thing to do because this harms the society. (Jensen & Waldman 2005). Economic Harms of Advertising When the advertisers withhold important facts and misrepresent in the advertisements that are aired or are published in the print media, they tend to betray the people. Mostly, the advertisers not just use advertising only to inform the consumers about the product but also to persuade and to motivate them to purchase the product. Moreover, the brand related advertisement that is done can be creating serious problems as the advertisers might motivate the people to buy the product on the basis of the brand or status. It can act as an abuse for the humans and can harm the dignity of the people especially when it influences the attitudes and the values of the people through communications media. This affects the developing countries the most where most of the people are poor and these people are unable to buy everything but since advertising creates artificial wants, people are persuaded to buy the products. This makes the poor waste their resources instead of focusing only on the needs they really want to fulfill and the ones that are genuine because of which development falls behind. Governments that try to develop market economies find it difficult to function well. Harms of Political Advertising Although political advertising supports the governments in democracy but it also serves as an obstruction since the costs involved with advertising limit the political competition. Besides this, the politicians might also tend to distort the image of the other candidates by harming their reputation. Cultural Harms of Advertising The end result of advertising can be a corrupting influence on the cultural values of the people and it can harm the economic condition of the country. The main concern of the developing nations is that advertising not only dominates the people but it also manipulates them to convince them to make a positive decision. The communicators feel tempted in order to attract larger audiences that the advertisers can approach through them. Besides this, the communicators also tend to ignore the educational and the social needs of the society especially those segments that are poor and old. Moreover, stereotyping becomes common when advertising is being done and this places one group as disadvantaged when compared to their relation with the other groups. For instance, the women are being treated badly and are exploited in the advertisements. (Carlton & Perloff 2007). Moral and Religious Harms of Advertising Advertising can be morally uplifting but on the same side it can be vulgar and degrading as well as it can motivate envy and lust. Advertisers today are also showing immoral ads that they should not show to the people as the children and the under aged are also the ones who tend to view them. Pornography and violence have become common and the media is showing it without any legitimate restriction because of which the cultural norms are at stake. The darker side of the human beings is shown by people committing sins, violating rules and committing thefts and when the children and the youth watch all these kinds of things on the media, they tend to copy the people shown on the media that later disrupts the culture of the society. All this have created serious social problems and the youth and the children are being affected negatively. With this, it is apparent that advertising is playing a role of a threat to the religion and is causing many issues that fall outside the domain of the moral values and ethics. Religious themes and images are also being used by the advertises to sell their products and it is acceptable if they do this in an acceptable manner but when they cross their limits especially when they show things that are offensive or when they exploit the religion, this is when the idea turns out to be a total failure. In some cases, advertising is used by the media to promote the products and services and also to inculcate values in the people but the kind of advertising that is immoral should be strictly forbidden. Conclusion Advertising serves as a means of survival for the businesses that publish and broadcast operations as the revenue they earn from advertising is very important for them. Media is the one primary source through which the advertisers advertise and can reach their target market to deliver the message they want to. For this purpose, the advertisers make their content interesting and such that would attract the customers. Therefore, the media has a lot of dependency on the advertisers who place their ads either on the television or in the print media in the newspapers or magazines (Andreosso & Jacobson 2005). After reviewing the pros and the cons of advertising, we came to know that it can be good and bad at the same time but it is just the usage that makes it beneficial or a threat. I would therefore say that advertising is not a waste of resources if it is being done in a positive manner and by this I mean that there are some aspects that should be taken care of by the advertiser when making advertisements. Truthfulness in Advertising When advertising, the advertiser should ensure that the ad that is being made is based on truth and the ad should not mislead the people in any way. The idea of the ad should be to inform the people about the benefits and the features of the commodity but no misinterpretation should be done. The Dignity of the Human Person The people who are being shown in the ad should be treated with dignity and the women especially should not be exploited in any way. Advertising and Social Responsibility When the companies make profits, it is their duty to practice corporate social responsibility and to ensure that they are being ethical in every way. The companies should not only help in the up building of the society but they should also give messages to the public that would help in the betterment of the society. For instance, the pharmaceutical companies should give message for public awareness pertaining to safe water or typhoid.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Analysis of Introduction to Poetry & Reading Poetry

Analysis of Introduction to Poetry & Reading Poetry â€Å"Introduction to Poetry† by Billy Collins the theme that there is most focuses on is the experience getting out of reading a poem. When reading a poem readers tend to just read the poem and then come to a direct conclusion and assume that they understand the meaning, and not looking at it in a different way. This is not what Billy Collins wants â€Å"them† referring to his students to do. In the first stanzas it shows how â€Å"I† who is referred to himself wants â€Å"them† to experience the poem.The tone the author has changes throughout the poem. By looking at the first two words in the beginning of the first three stanzas, there is a clear change in tone. The change in tone shows that his temper is rising as the poem progresses. He starts off by â€Å"I ask them† which is polite, then in the next stanzas â€Å"I say† which is more direct and in the third stanzas â€Å"I want them t o† which indicates that his mood and tone has changed. The way Billy Collins chooses to describe the experience with particular images.In the first stanza, â€Å"poem† is compared to â€Å"a color slide† that creates a strong imagery that readers have to squint their eyes to look at the slide clearly. In the second stanza, â€Å"poem† is compared to â€Å"a hive†, it might be difficult to fully understand a poem, but one can succeed even though it seems difficult. In the third and fourth stanza, Billy Collins compares â€Å"poem† to â€Å"a maze† and â€Å"a room in a house†, that indicates that the reader must feel lost and frustration. Yet, the last two stanzas show a harsh and different contrast to the previous stanzas.The tone and imagery has a negative kind of manner towards poetry, as he describes the way his students read and rush to a conclusion. The author describes â€Å"poem† as â€Å"a prisoner†, being tied to a chair and tortured with a hose. It adds a mocking, yet humorous tone to the whole poem, mocking at the incorrect attitudes of students towards poetry, hoping to alert the readers at the same time. The poet’s choice of words gives dramatic imagery for the readers, In hope of changing the reading and interpretations of the poem. Reading Poetry† and â€Å"Introduction to Poetry† are bough similar in the way that they are describing poetry and the way they relate to how people do and should interpret poetry. â€Å"Reading Poetry† has more focus on how people see poetry for and against point of view. It tells the reader a lot about the history of poetry and the way poets write poems. The structure in â€Å"Reading Poetry† is very organized in the sense that the author starts off by writing about the ancient Greeks and Romans and works its way all the way down to how different people interpret a poem.The two texts are very different when it come s to the contexts and lay out, but the author’s bought state the same opinion. They way to understand a poem is what they discuss the most, it is also a very important key element when reading a poem. Poets use their poems to express emotions and experiences; they then pass them on to the reader to give the reader a feeling of the author way of seeing things. Text 2 â€Å"Reading Poetry† goes into detail with trying to define poetry. This is a question that cannot be answered but is a personal opinion, just like art. Poems are a work of art, some like it others don’t. It’s a matter of taste.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Business - Assignment Example There is other ways/tool also listed. This is a serious threat to the privacy of an individual. It is also unethical for someone’s personal conversation or movements to be monitored. 3 The main issue/concern SWIPE is addressing is about the swiping of driver’s license and using the information obtained to purposes other than mentioned to the license holder. That is, there is greater data encrypted in the cards than one thinks. Many businesses such as bars swipe the cards for various purposes such as determining the age of the customer (bars). But the data obtained can also be used for other purposes such as marketing and illegal selling of data. Hence, there is an issue of privacy here which needs to be addresses. There must strict rules implemented in order to avoid misuse of this information. 4. As mentioned above there are definitely ethical and privacy issues involved. It is general understanding that the information is used only for the purpose intended. But once obtaining the data if it is used for a purpose other than mentioned to card holder, then it is unethical. Also all information available in the card is not necessary to fulfil the intended purpose and hence there is unwanted information that is made available which raises privacy issues. Personally I am not comfortable with such information being accessible to others until and unless it is absolutely necessary. 5. Texas has no data encoded on the cards which contrasts other states such as Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky as they have a lot of data encoded and also intend to add more data to it. The data they currently encode includes Licence number, expiration date, sex, name, etc. This means that the privacy of the card holders is respected but it would be beneficial for legal entities such as polices to have some minimal data

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

System Analysis and Design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

System Analysis and Design - Assignment Example Additionally, in terms of their real-world modeling, the system models the real world to a complete fashion compared to the traditional technique. The objects are categorized into object’s classes and the objects are associated with the behavior, this is because it is not based on processing and data but rather on objects. The object-oriented method is more reliable compared to the traditional system. This is because new behaviors can be developed from the existing projects. This is because the objects can be accessed and called dynamically. The object-oriented approach has high code reusability. After creating new objects, the project will automatically update the data characteristics and attributes of the previous project. There will also be data inheritance from the super classes that participated. When users create a new widget, the created project will behave â€Å"witty†. The analyst needs to start learning object-oriented techniques first. Learning the technique first will expose the analyst to promote greater maintainability and flexibility in the field of analysis. The technology has also proven to be popular in almost every field of software development. There the analysts need to have a basic understanding of the technology paradigm in order to develop sustainable software solutions. Therefore, the analyst needs to start learning the object-oriented techniques (Rosenblatt, 240). In the field, the analyst will be required to describe the functionality of the object-oriented system, and how the object-oriented system should be developed in ways that are conducive to flexibility and maintainability. Here, the analyst will be guided through using case survey, creating UML diagrams, applying high cohesion and low coupling, and produce codes from the design, and later understand time for creating design artifacts and analysis.

Women Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Women Smoking - Essay Example Due to the increased levels of smoking among women, the figure for deaths among women world-wide is set to double by 2020 (WHO, 1992). It is estimated that approximately 41,000 women die prematurely each year as a result of smoking in the U.K (Callum, 1995). Across the EU countries, the figure is estimated at 106,000. A total of 500,000 deaths per year is the estimated world total (WHO, 1992). A broad range of styles is offered to meet the expressed wants established as preferences by the different segments of the smoking population, for example women and these include taste, packaging and cigarette length, and these marketing strategies are targeted at women who are more concerned and worried about smoking but are less likely to quit. They look for more situational cues to smoke (Brown and Williamson, 1979). Smoking rates follow underprivilege, and these include the racial underprivilege. Statistics reflect that black women living in a society dominated by whites tend to have a higher smoking rate than their white counterparts. In America for example, the rates of lung cancer have increased faster among the black women than among white women.

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Pocatello Prison Siting Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The Pocatello Prison Siting Story - Essay Example There are certain challenges attached to building a new prison. While there are economic issues to consider, there are political complications that also may cause hindrance in selecting an area as a potential site for a prison. One major problem that has taken severe shape in the United States is overcrowding in state’s prisons. That excessive number of prisoners incarcerated every year is reflected in the fact that although America consists of only 5 percent of the global population, the country’s total number of prisoners is about 25 percent of prisoners around the world (The Challenges of â€Å"realignment†, 2012). This results in huge demand for building more prisons which leads to greedy bargaining of prison-guards union. Therefore, it is not surprising that state prisons have been exerting an enormous pressure on the state budget. Moreover, growing number of prisons in rural areas or small towns has also become a matter of humanitarian concern. Since most prisons in the United States are overcrowded, heath issues have taken a serious form. However, misery of the prisoners is always a subtle issue for the mainstream population in America as majority of state prisons is situated in remote locations from cities, often in deserts area inland which are dusty. Even till a few years back, one acute problem occurred in the manner that double the number of prisoners were housed in a prison than is actually permitted, especially in the city of California. To deal with this crisis, in 2011 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prisons should hold only that number of prisoners which will allow to sufficiently maintain humane conditions (The Challenges of â€Å"realignment†, 2012). The case study of the siting of the Pocatello Prison is one example that reflects the many ramifications (both political and rational) that arose from the decision of building a new women’s prison by the state of Idaho. For many

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Sarbanes-Oxley Act Article Analysis Research Paper

Sarbanes-Oxley Act Article Analysis - Research Paper Example It is a requirement under the US stock exchange regulation to comply with SOX, hence Arch Reinsurance being a publicly held company needs to follow the act. The IT manager for Arch Reinsurance considers automation to be a successful approach towards compliance of SOX. The company hires limited staff and resources and to cover it up, proper internal controls are to be managed by the company by automating control procedures at the company. Like many other companies, Arch Reinsurance Ltd have also spent a hefty amount on SOX related compliance proposal. According to the IT manager of Arch Reinsurance Ltd, it would have been really difficult for the company to sustain SOX compliance if automation was not followed, for him; the vital area of concern was to control access to financial systems and other applications. This is done by keeping a proper log and change management system, proper record is kept of every log-in, log-out and every possible activity done by the staff in the system. P roper security is also kept to ensure that only authorized personnel get to log in to the system. A review is done by the manager and his staff of daily reports produced by the data center monitoring tools. These reports are later presented to SOX auditors during compliance testing. Like every company, Complying with SOX has been expensive and time consuming at Arch Reinsurance Ltd. Though the staff is limited in number, the control procedures followed at the company decreases its vulnerability to internal control failures. The procedures followed are quiet extensive as the IT manager has abundant knowledge of company data center operations. The main theme is to strengthen the internal control systems by automating the procedures and activities at Arch Reinsurance Ltd. While conducting an audit, the auditor should identify the control procedures to avoid any material

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Pay For Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pay For Play - Essay Example Moreover, the athletes or sportsmen are not given much consideration when it comes to upholding their rights within this situation of labor exchanged virtually for free. When it came to my college, I saw that our college athletes were not given due respect with regard to the reward structure. I have chosen to write about this topic as I have seen college athletes undergo much sacrifice and bring money but not be paid in return. Second reason I chose this topic is because I have been a football player in college and I understand what it means to be able to have spending money to survive during the university experience; a luxury that those not playing sports can readily achieve merely by picking up a part time job while in school. Thus, it is the belief of this author that those college athletes who participate in major money making sports, such as football in the SEC, should be paid. College athletes have developed into un-remunerated and undefined athletic heroes who strive and stru ggle to bring a prestigious fame and earn an overly demarcated reputation for the institute. This has been counted as their performing duty that calls for no justification to be paid financially. However, I strongly believe that the regulations regarding payment of college athletes should be changed because these players bring in too much money and put in too much work for them not to be earning a paycheck. Major sports played at college - Sports have been an integral part of college education and it has always encouraged and inspired students to be more active and contribute to the college heritage. The colleges hold sport events on a regular basis and it has been a way to explore the talent and skill of students from a different dimension. Sports have united and inspired young men to be able and fit to become professional sportsmen. The major sports played at college and university level are football, basketball, baseball and softball. The history of sports at college and universi ty can be traced back a couple of centuries. History of college sports - The history of college sports is thought to originate around 1850s and since then it has evolved to become a major mission in educational campuses across America. It has been regarded as the perfect physical activity and the desire of the young men. The competitive spirit and vigor which are part of college sports hiked the mental and physical pleasure of the students. The college authorities elaborately planned sports activities which motivated the students immensely and sports event on college and national level became a prestigious venture and money making phenomena for college authorities. On the other hand, the students athletes remained thrilled about being college’s selected people and representatives of college on state level. Moreover, the media kept the young athletes in the lime light and the scholarship provided by colleges to them stood as a bonus. Recruiting is a significant phase in colleg e sports. The recruitment process is headed by college coach and large amount of power is vested in him in selecting the college athletes. It has been experienced that the selection procedure of athletes many times is subjected to bias and discriminations. For the recruitment procedure, the athletes are required to do rigorous practice and this takes a lot of energy and time from the

Friday, August 23, 2019

The Storm of 1928 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Storm of 1928 - Essay Example The overwhelming number of dead bodies were just too much for the rescue team. With just a number of days the wetness and the sun that set the place made the bodies decay beyond recognition. Some of the bodies were burnt in the fire as there was nowhere the bodies could be taken for burial. This points to a lack of the preparation measures of such a disaster.  The evacuation measures that could be used to save people in case flood struck were largely lacking. Apart from those who instantly died from the overflowing water, others died as they tried to find their way to a safe place. They would travel long distance where the flood had thrown them without finding any help. Frail and weak, many of them died while in search for food and shelter. If there were a good rescue measure, some of these people could have been saved. For instance, use of state resources such as military helicopters that could have been sent to rescue the survivors.  The technological advancement perhaps has ma naged to enable things that were impossible do back then in 1928. For instance, the detectors that can be used to warn of any changing cyclone movement in oceans that would be alert of any impending danger. Despite the limit of the technology back then, there were alerts made through the Radio. The government should have made efforts to relocate those people close to the coastline. The fact some people went around telling others of the impending hurricane cannot be used as a justification that proper information was given to the victims.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Exxon Valdez †Continuing Case Essay Example for Free

Exxon Valdez – Continuing Case Essay Many years ago, Raymond Baumhart the greatest sociologist questioned organization people, What does ethics mean to the business world? Some people believe that Ethics is a kind of feeling which would give the knowledge about right or wrong situation on the basis of religious beliefs. While other argues the prior view admitting that it simply the level of behaviour society accepts and the law requires. â€Å"Ethics is a study of moral standards whose explicit purpose is to determine as far as possible whether a given moral standard is more or less correct (Manuel G. Velasquez, 2006)† Standpoint March 24, 1989, one of the Exxon Valdez, a loaded oil tanker with 52 million gallons crude oil runs in Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of oil. The government was strongly feeling about the environmental damage, to the fishery and the life of people involved there. Output That was bad luck for the wildlife, approximately 30,000 birds and 2000 sea others lost their lives. More than $2 billion spent just to clean it up and paid millions of dollar to the fishermen. Ethically, Exxon lost image in the world and about 40,000 credit cards destroyed in protest. Ethical Issues It was truly horrific, the longer that marine animal is setting in oil the more they were dealing with death. Consumers lost their faith in Exxon and faced opposition from the world. The affected area has not fully recovered. The control over the ethical situation This was the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced. After a week, CEO Lawrence Rawls wrote apology note in all newspapers. In addition they began cleanup immediately after the situation occurred. Many of the ethical issues and dilemmas in international business are rooted in the fact that political systems and laws differ from nation to nation. In the international business setting, the most common ethical issue involve employment practices and corruption. According to the given case of Castle Cook, â€Å"whistle-blower† would be able to file the lawsuit in a federal court. The plaintiffs alleged claims under the violation of the â€Å"Foreign Corrupt Practices Act† The jurisdiction in this case can enable the person thus empowered to act towards, and in what manner this power may be exercised. In Subject matter jurisdiction thus empowers â€Å"whistle-blower† to act toward certain kinds of legal questions, whereas in Personal jurisdiction, the foreign country employee lives out of state, the court must look at the contacts with the state. Going into a state regularly to conduct business is usually sufficient for the court to obtain jurisdiction. (The Le ctric Law Library,2014) References The Laws That Govern the Securities Industry. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2014, from http://www.sec.gov/about/laws.shtml The Lectric Law Librarys Lexicon Personal Jurisdiction, Retrieved September 4, 2014, from (http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/p211.htm) http://crab.rutgers.edu/~sambhary/International%20Bussiness%20Environment/notes/IBe%20Ch%2004%20Ethics.pdf In 1989, the Exxon Valdez tanker spilled nearly 11 million gallons of oil around the cost of Alaska; it caused one of the worst oil spills in the United States history. The Exxon Valdez continues to suffer from last 25 years and still paying off for the incident. The Exxon was to be sued by many individuals and businesses within state or federal court as required, as per the administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, for the Environmental regulations law comes under both state and federal court. Some company sued under the law of business losses within the federal court. Sea Hawk Sea foods, Inc, having a seafood processing business on Prince William Sound in Valdez, Alaska sued the Exxon shipping company under the law of business losses. The court dismissed the case with the advice of federal admiralty  law (9th Cir.1994). Fishing industry filed the complaint again Exxon. In 1994, the Exxon was initially ordered to pay $5 billion by federal court, which was reduced in federal appeal in 2006 to $2.5 billion. In 2008, The United States Supreme court had decided to cut down the damage by $500 million as Exxon has already spent approximately $2 billion for cleanup and recovery (New York Times, 2010). The Exxon shipping co continues with the lesson, even after paying all these damages and standing for a long time in the federal and Supreme Court of the United States. References The district court also removed more than 160 other state law cases relating to the oil spillEyak Native Vill. v. Exxon Corp., 25 F.3d 773, 774 (9th Cir.1994) Retrieved September 5, 2014, from (http://openjurist.org/484/f3d/1098/in-re-the-exxon-valdez) New York Times, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (1989), August 3, 2010 07-219Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker (2/27/08), Retrieved September 5, 2014, from (http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/07-219.pdf)

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Effects of Slavery Essay Example for Free

Effects of Slavery Essay Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobson both write their compelling stories on what life was like as slaves during 19th century America. Both narratives define the harsh life of slavery and the unforgiving effects that occurred during their time as slaves. In the same way, both stories reveal the theme of the evils of slavery but also given their different gender roles, their experiences are completely different from one another. While both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobson’s Narratives undergo the corrupt power of slavery in 19th century America and were able to escape, the role of gender in society largely acts as a variance within these two stories. Both Frederick and Jacobs were born into slavery; Frederick’s father most likely being his master, and Jacobs being lucky enough to have both of her parents. Though Jacobs had a safe and guarded childhood, after her parents died she began to see the cruelness of slavery. Frederick learns the evils of slavery earlier on in his life when he witnesses his aunt being horribly beaten by his slave owner. (Notes, 2013) Both characters express their deep hatred for slavery through their narrative themes. In Jacob’s narrative she argues that slavery destroys the standards of slave holders, practically without exception. Jacob describes her feeling when she realizes Dr. Flint has total control over her, â€Å"When he told me that I was made for his use, made to obey his command in everything; that I was nothing but a slave, whose will must and should surrender to his, never before had my puny arm felt half so strong.† (Jacobs, Life as a Slave Girl, IV) Through this, she f eels empowered to rebel against him in acts that later shape her life. Jacobs has a strong hatred to slavery that she shows through her rebelliousness and the chances she takes. Douglass shows his hatred for slavery through his descriptive writing. For instance, he shows his intelligence by simply writing the narrative showing people that he is no animal but an accomplished human being. The fact that he used his real name in his narrative shows his strength against slavery. Douglass believed he was entitled to be treated like a human being and was enraged that he wasn’t treated as such. The physiological abuse slaves went through was unimaginable. When Douglass was given to Edward Covey he was to be â€Å"broken.† Covey took joy in breaking down his slaves until they weren’t â€Å"human† anymore. His job was to take all of the â€Å"life† and joy out of a slave’s life so all they know is work. Douglass states that his, â€Å" natural elasticity was crushed, [his] intellect languished, the disposition to read departed, the cheerful spark that lingered about [his] eye died; the dark night of slavery closed in upon [him]; and behold a man transformed into a brute!† (Douglass, X) Through this quote, one is able to see that he was broken by slavery, and turned into an animal. Jacobs abuse is similar to Douglass’s ex perience with physiological when she realizes that Dr. Flint owns her body. She is tormented by him at any time, as he frequently gets her alone. She is stuck in her situation because she can’t tell anyone to make Dr. Flint stop. She points out that slaves are given no reason to develop a strong moral sense, as they are given no ownership of their own body or final control over any of their actions. Both characters go through a time in their life when a master has â€Å"broken† them physiologically, makes them believe they are less than human. Both characters describe their childhood in completely different ways. Douglass explains the system that slave owners used to â€Å"make a slave.† By cutting off ties with ones parents, especially maternal caring, they are unable to grasp the concept of love and kinship, thus making them more as animals then people. Douglass explains that he never, â€Å"enjoyed, to any considerable extent, her soothing presence, her tend er and watchful care, I received the tidings of [my mother’s] death with much the same emotions I should have probably felt at the death of a stranger.† (Douglass, I) Douglass’s used adjectives like â€Å"soothing† to reinvent the childhood he could have had if he would’ve had his mother in his life. Douglass was robbed of his childhood by the wickedness of slavery and his attitude towards that is shown through his descriptive writing. Jacobs had a very different childhood then Douglass. Jacob’s had a somewhat normal childhood for a slave. Jacob’s was fortunate enough to have both of her parents in her life as well as a brother for amount of time. She was not a victim of being separated from her parents like Douglass. She was also privileged enough to be ignorant of what she had been born into. After her mother’s death, she is taken to her mother’s mistress who teaches her sew, read and write. Though both characters are b orn into slavery, they lead completely different childhoods. Gender dictates the working rolls Douglass and Jacobs were assigned in their time as slaves. Jacob’s was again fortunate to be doing house work as a young girl, most of her time as a slave she acted as a house maid. By being a women Jacob’s wasn’t easily subjected to working a hard day in the field, though field work was in her future when Mr. Flint vengefully sends Jacobs to his plantation. Though she was to work in the fields, such work was only assigned by Mr. Flints feeling towards her having an affair with Mr. Sands. Douglass being a man was subject to much harsher work than Jacobs. Douglass was exposed to hardened slave masters who were cruel to him, and was given harsh beatings. Douglass is deeply emasculated by the hours of work he spends out in the fields, as well as the harsh beatings given by Covey. Douglass becomes capable of only resting as a result of his beatings and extensive hours of work. Douglass describes one of his many beatings in great deta il, â€Å"he lashed me till he had worn out hisswitches, cutting me so savagely as to leave the marks visible for a long time after. This whipping was the first of a number just like it, and for similar offences.† (Douglass, X) Slave men were subject to much harsher work than the women, and these two characters are primary examples of such. Douglass and Jacobs were physically abused, but the context of their abuse was completely different based on their gender. Jacob was subject to Dr. Flint’s frequent sexual harassment. Jacobs was continually taken advantage of sexually during her time under his grasp. Jacob’s narrative is quite focused on the fact that she is a woman when writing about her struggles, â€Å"Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women. Superadded to the burden common to all, they have wrongs, and sufferings, and mortifications peculiarly their own.† (Jacobs, XVI) Her abuse physiologically damaged her, and eventually caused her to have an affair with another man just to escape another’s harassment. Jacobs was never able to truly be a woman of her own, she was constantly pressed by the fact that she was a slave and had no right over her own body. She states in her narrative that her body belonged to Dr. Flint, which was harmful to her. The fact Dr. Flint’s harassment led Jacobs to having an affair with another white man who she was not in love with, and eventually led into her hiding delaying her from mothering her children obstructed her chance for her to be a real woman. Douglass’s abuse was completely different but had the same effect on him; he wasn’t able to be a true man. Throughout Douglass’s narrative and mostly in his time under the control of Covey, he describes how his endurance to become a real man faded. Covey truly broke Douglass and continually states that he was everywhere, â€Å"under every tree, behind every stump, in every bush, and at every window, on the plantation.â₠¬  (Douglass, X) Slavery took every ounce of his will to live; he had no interest in reading, writing, or even escaping to become a free man. The effect slavery left on him shows that as a slave, Douglass was not able to be a real man. While both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobson’s Narratives undergo the corrupt power of slavery in 19th century America and were able to escape, the role of gender in society largely acts as a variance within these two stories. Both characters show that as a slave, they weren’t able to act as a real man or woman. The physical and mental abuse, their childhoods and every aspect of their lives as slaves, hindered them from having a real life for themselves. Though there were similarities in their narratives, their gender truly controlled the course of their lives. Works Cited Douglass, Frederick. I,X, XVI,. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. New York: New American Library, 1968. N. pag. Print. Jacobs, Harriet A. XVI, IV. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. New York: Oxford UP, 1988. N. pag. Print. Notes, C. (2013, April 10th). Class Notes. Print.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Analysis Of Zipcar Strategy

Analysis Of Zipcar Strategy Executive Summary An assessment of the strategic value of expanding Zipcar business was performed by identifying its resources and core competencies. Through its resources and core competencies, a S.W.O.T. analysis and external environmental analysis were performed to identify its strategic advantage and business model where it should strongly focus on its product differentiation and product cost (efficiency). Based on its strategic advantage and business model, strategic value and expansion into smaller US cities, other segments of the market and other countries were analysed and identified with clear implementation direction and recommendation. Introduction Zipcar was founded in 2000 by two Cambridge (Massachusetts) residents. Today, it is the worlds leader in car-sharing. It provides cars by the hour or by the day to more than 325,000 members and 6500 vehicles in 50 cities in the U.S., Vancouver, Toronto and London [1]. It has redefined the way the present generation perceives alternate transportation and strong focus on the need for environment conversation. Since 2004, it has doubled its membership base with current 10,000 new members joining Zipcar each month. This means that members on an average save about US$7200 per year by using Zipcar services instead of owning a car. Furthermore, it can be a suitable platform for electric vehicles due to the demographic and driving habits of its user base where the average trip in a Zipcar is less than 25 miles and lasts about four hours thus making as much as 95% of all Zipcar trips short enough for 1st generation electric vehicles with limited range. This could further enforce its goal on green initiatives. The company focused on three main customers: Individuals Personal usage by young professional who did not own a car but needed one occasionally for errands and short trips, and families who sometimes needed a second car Companies There are more than 10,000 organisations using its facilities and services for business programmes. Universities There are more than 140 colleges using its campus car-sharing services in U.S. It rents cars by the hour and day to members in Boston, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and several smaller markets. It aimed to become a billion dollar company. Resources and Core Competencies Its fleet was predominately made up of Volkswagen Golf and Beetle but has expanded to make it more attractive to drivers who first concern was style and not gas mileage. For example, mini-coopers, scion vans, and SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape were introduced [2]. Since majority of its fleet were idle or unused in the day, it was able to create a sales force to market them to corporation. As such about 25% of its revenue comes from â€Å"Z2B† offering. In other words, it was able to utilise its resources to generate sustainable revenue. Service innovation As mentioned, Zipcar is a young company that has created an alternative to automobile ownership for urban dwellers in several cities across the U.S. Its mission is to offer members affordable 24/7 accesses to private vehicles for short-term round trips. It has been able to build such distinct competitive advantage and succeed in a crowded and established market like the rental car business through wireless technology and the Internet that major competitors like Avis, Hertz, and National have chosen to ignore. It was one the very first few organisations to utilise wireless technology to its advantage. The distinctive competence it developed around this technology meant the company had to create several new technological processes. By investing in RFID, it was able to streamline car rental process and tracks the location of the cars in real-time that helped to improve fleet yield management and mitigate the risk of double-booking and phantom vehicles. The online web portal was fundamental and critical aspects of its business model. For business to function effectively, the hourly rental reservation and payment portal had to be user-friendly and trivial (highly effective human-computer interface) for members to transact online. At the same time, it should virtually be costing zero or very minimal cost to the company for each transaction. This in contract to a typical human agent would have cost the car rental company about 4% to 10% for each transaction. By eliminating complex user interface from within the car, it effectively deploys a simple and effective proximity keycard that is held to the windshield of each car that allows car users to locate and gain access to the cars. With further enhancement, it has been able to effective adapt and used mobile phone like iPhone or Blackberry to locate and gain access to those cars. In other words, it contemplates car sharing through Zipcar to be as easy as drawing cash from any ATM. Zipcar attempts to satisfy driving needs of its customer at a fraction of the cost of car ownership by contemplating to replace twenty private cars for each Zipcar service. Traditional rental companies like Avis, Hertz or Enterprise have adopted a similar business approach but the rental processes is time consuming and entail its representatives handling over car keys at specify rental locations. Thus, the appeal of Zipcar is its flexibility and efficiency where one can pick up a car at any time from any available unmanned location with the car keys waiting in the car for the driver to zoom off on a journey. As mentioned, the company knows that its buyer like â€Å"cool cars†. Thus the fleet includes mini coopers and Volkswagen beetles. However, unlike traditional rental cars, each has a Zipcar logon and web address making the actual car a communication tool that help curious observers learn more about the company. Many of the cars are painted in the signature Zipcar light green that also signals environmental friendly or green initiative aspect of the product experience. By partnership with city governments, landlords, colleges, and business owners, it has formed a dedicated team of customers who evangelise the company to potential renters that produce resonance with drivers or customers. Additionally, it has a strong, focus and effective management team that was capable of stirring the organisation into one of the largest car sharing leader in the industry by exploiting and maintaining core competencies and developing human capital to effectively execute it goals and strategic direction [9][10]. S.W.O.T. Analysis Strength: Ease of use (utilise proximity keycard, Blackberry or iPhone) in term of identifying car make/model, location and rates as well as ease of driving off. Style of its service (cool car) Technological sophistication (Wireless RFID technology) Clean and user-friendly interface within the web portal makes navigation very easy like car browsing, check and compare prices and view membership plans. Effective branding through its website and fleets by using signature Zipcar light green that symbolises environmental friendly. No usual hassles attributed to traditional car rental like reservation after joining as a member. For example, lost time for tedious paperwork, prohibitive car prices and petrol prices, limited certainty about vehicles make and model etc. Avoidance of double-booking or phantom vehicles through effective real-time fleet yield management. Strong partnership or collaboration with governments, landlords, colleges, and business owners. Weakness: High dependency on technology for its seamless operation like online reservation, payment and fleet management. Any failure of its integrated system can be catastrophe. Thus, business contingency plan is critical and needs to be in placed. There is certain weakness in its marketing tactics as it is largely unknown to urban masses. This can result in lost sales if potential customers are looking to rent a car in Chicago may look for traditional rental agencies as opposed to car-sharing. Furthermore its website failed to be search engine optimised. Opportunities By been environmental friendly and adopting the use of electric cars, it is in a very strong position to entice customers who have strong view about environmental and social concern. This is critical to Zipcar in building up its brand and equity apart from attracting more customers. Such trigger in term of economics and social interruption help to create more awareness about car-sharing that can only benefit Zipcar. Increase weekday car usage. Its fleet are only utilised at night and weekend while majority are idling during the day. Besides attracting more private business organisation to use it fleets on employees as opposed to using employee own cars, it can also look into convincing municipal agencies or government workers like social workers or nurse to utilise its services. Furthermore, as pressures mount for reduced fuel consumption and car-usage, its concept can provide a unique and viable long term solution. By establishing its presence on college, it has created a strong awareness and foothold of fans in term of the ease of car sharing as well as marking its environmental and social concern among the new generation. The students are part of the new generation of self-service economy that fits nicely to Zipcar self-service model. By experiencing with Zipcar concept and car sharing service, there is a high chance that those students would continue to use car-sharing as an alternative to car ownerships instead of buying one. Transit connection can provide growth opportunity for Zipcar where it fleet can be strategically parked near train or subway stations to provide members easy access to cars so they can continue their journeys to areas where public transport is not available. By parking at subway station, it can further create awareness of its brand and services Threats With its merger with Flexcar, it is competing in 50 cities in the U.S market including Canada. In another words, it is competing directly with larger operator like PhillyCarShare [5] and I-Go [6] that bring unique set of competitive forces in relation to their tide niche at the city and communities. Furthermore, their grassroots operation, low rental rates and non-profit status may inadvertently make them the preferred choice for business seeking car sharing services. Big car rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise or Avis [8] may make entries into car sharing market. Hertz has 40,000 cars in New York alone while Zipcar has about 6500 vehicles in total. In other words, big car rental companies have better economies of scale to take advantage of existing facilities, expertise and financial support if they chose to enter car sharing market. Rising petrol can be an economic burden to Zipcar since its rate is inclusive of petrol. It may have to increase its rate to cover such increased expense. This may lead to lower car usage by members and more may use cheaper public transport or share their rides. This could hinder membership growth. External Environmental Analysis Economies of scale Zipcar and Flexcar are the two largest and nationwide car sharing companies in the state. With their merger, there is a greater economy of scale as the new company will operate under the Zipcar brand and use its technology. Moreover, the move could help expand the practice of car sharing. By merging, Zipcar effectively operates in 50 cities in U.S., in Vancouver, Toronto and London that brings more members and more benefits in term of access to more fleets in more location and neighbourhoods. With more fleets in more location, it can consider lowering its membership fee to entice more membership enrolments to enjoy greater economies of scale. Barriers to market entry This can be unattractive for Zipcar as large rental companies may enter this market after they have a better understanding of such business model. In addition, there is no government regulation or restriction to prevent anyone from going into car sharing business. In addition, the cost can be low as anyone can start the business with a few vehicles. Diversification Apart from providing car sharing to individual, companies and colleges, it can expand into taxi business, emergency business or ambulances services or health caring services that required vehicles on ad-hoc or certain regular basis. Furthermore, it can also provide vehicles to courier services or mover services. Alternatively, it can provide fleet management services to those organisations as well. In this case, it is restricted to related-constraint diversification for better performance of the company. Product differentiation Zipcar provides unique experience by utilising wireless technology to ease car sharing. By eliminating complex user interface from within the car and deploying a simple proximity keycard that is held to the windshield of each car, it has allowed drivers to locate and gain access to the cars with ease. By integrating iPhone or Blackberry device, it has further improved such experience. Furthermore, it provides a fleet of â€Å"cool cars† that cater to each individual lifestyle and needs. Degree of concentration of firm in the industry There are several car sharing operators within U.S. [7] that operates as a non-profit organisation. However, in term of coverage, they are no as comprehensive as Zipcar that operates in 50 cities and outside of U.S. Thus, it can value add its service like more access to many cities and locations for its members which is inline with Zipcar objective of providing wheels when you want them. Positioning and Business Model Zipcar operates in a model of car sharing business that makes it difficult for competitors to imitate. For example, it utilised wireless technology like 3G, GPRS, GPS and RFID to manage and streamline its operation to maintain lean and low overhead. Traditional car rental companies or non-profit car-sharing would find it difficult to model after it due to their existing infrastructure and model. This is similar to Wal-Mart efficient supply chain management practices that competitors find it difficult to intimate. No doubt, customers can utilise other rental companies or car sharing operators but they would lose the convenience and ease of use offered by Zipcar model of hourly rental agreements and convenient access to 50 cities and locations. Moreover, it has a strong focus on customer needs and lifestyle by providing fleet of hip vehicles like mini cooper, Volkswagen Beetle, BMW Bottella, Mazda and environmental friendly vehicles like Toyota Prius [2] and using cool gadget like iPho ne or Blackberry to locate and gain access to the cars. Zipcar does not need to concern about car manufacturers or other suppliers since it does not use proprietary goods. Been a IT savvy organisation, Zipcar should ride on its existing memberships by using social networking tool so members can exchange and shares ideas and more importantly provide feedback to Zipcar who can them improve on its services and offering. In other word, it should keep listening to customers and continuing to innovate through IT. Based on strategic directive and advantage, Zipcar should continue to focus on product differentiation and product cost (efficiency) through greater economies of scale and product differentiation by offering unique fleet of vehicles coupled with excellence service and ease of usage. Expanding its presence in smaller US cities Zipcar has great appeal to a number of buyer personas like city dwellers that occasionally need to use a car for a few hours where cars ownership are expensive coupled with high parking fee in cities. According to U.S. census back in 1990, there were about one-third of U.S. residents living in cities. Those clustered suburban neighbourhoods would be suitable for car sharing, particularly if they have good transit service, pedestrian-friendly streets and local commercial centres. Assuming that 30% of American drivers live in higher-density, multi-modal neighbourhoods and 20% of these have low annual mileage vehicles; this could mean that about 6% of current privately owned vehicles could shift to car sharing. Of course, potential demand for car sharing will be much higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas. Zipcar can look into merging or buying over smaller operators that operate or have presence in those smaller US cities if viable. Alternatively, it can consider deploying its fleet in those cities since it uses wireless technology to streamline most of its operation and the cost of expanding in those cities would be relatively low. Nevertheless, there should be sufficient number of users within convenient walking or cycling distance where vehicles are parked with good travel alternatives. For example, to have 3 car share vehicles stationed in a neighbourhood with 10 members per vehicle would requires at least 30 member households within one square mile. Therefore, as long as there is high density urban neighbourhoods with good walking or cycling distance and good public transit services as mentioned, it should continue to expand its presence in those area to enjoy greater scale of economies with minimum risks. Expanding to other segments As highlighted, Zipcar should expand into taxi business, courier business, mover business, emergency business, ambulances services or health caring services by not just offering vehicles but also its fleet yield management services to help those companies to better managed and streamline their operations. This can be done in a form of strategic alliance or partnership. In addition, its services could be bundled with public transit passes, taxis service and ride share matching to give customers an integrated package of mobility options. It can also extend those services by collaborating with state mayors, city councillors, or police force who deals with parking constraints in major cities. Expanding to other countries and cities (Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo) Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore or major cities like Taipei or Tokyo are suitable target for Zipcar services as they are typically high density metropolitan areas where walking, cycling and public transit are viable transportation option. Moreover high cost of car ownership coupled with high parking pressure in term of cost and space made these cities suitable market for Zipcar to expand its overseas business similar to those in London. Residents in those cities usually do not require cars to go to work or go about their daily activities. Thus, low vehicle ownership rates are one of the best predictors of the economic viability of car sharing programs. It can consider co-operative strategies by forming a joint local partner to operate fleet of vehicles that utilise it fleet management systems for car sharing. Alliance formation would avoid high cost of investment since resources are shared including risk. By forming synergistic alliance, it can create joint economies of scope between partner firms. For example, by exploring ways to work with car manufacturers like Toyota, its members can test electric cars to designing vehicles specifically for the sharing market. Similarly by working with closely with various authorities and companies, it can bundled public transit passes, taxis service and ride share matching to provide customers a fully integrated package of mobility options just like in its home country. Recommendation Zipcar should continue to focus on product differentiation and product cost (efficiency) through greater economies of scale and product differentiation through its unique fleet of vehicles that comes with excellence service and ease of usage. It should consider lowering it membership fees to attract more memberships to further utilise its fleet. It should continue to collaborate with various authorities and companies to use its fleet management system to enjoy greater economies of scale. It should look out for opportunities to perform consolidation through mergers and acquisition at the same time form strategic alliances with overseas local partners, car manufacturers and IT vendor to further develop its competitive edge. It should continue to adapt to customer needs by using an effective customer relationship management (CRM) system to obtain and to enhance its relationships with customers, retain customers and provide better customer service that leads to competitive advantage for the business. It should institute a more vocal marketing campaign to educate the target demographic about the benefits of car sharing. This could include aggressive print advertising on all urban and public transportation vehicles in addition to its own fleet of vehicles. It should further invest in improving the search engine optimisation of its web portal to attract traditional car renters. This would improve zipcar.com ranking on organic searches and increase the conversion rate. Through integrated marketing strategy this would increase awareness about Zipcar and its car sharing benefits that further reinforcing the firms hip and green identity. Reference: [1] Team: home office. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://w.zipcar.com/ [2] Four Leaders You Need To Know. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://stage.fastcompany.com/magazine/91/4-leaders.html [3] Zipcar is shifting into higher gear as market widens. Accessed on, 17-01-2010, http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2008/01/13/zipcar_is_shifting_into_higher_gear_as_market_widens/ [4] Zipcar The best new idea in business. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/26/news/companies/zipcar_car_rentals.fortune [5] Philly Car share. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://www.phillycarshare.org/ [6] IGo Car share. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://www.igocars.org/ [7] List of carsharing operators. Accessed on 17-01-2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_carsharing_operators [8] Avis: For more on the history of Avis, see www.avis.com/AvisWeb/JSP/global/en/aboutavis/corp_info/historical_chronology.jsp. [9] Zipcar: We interviewed Robin Chase in November 2007. Other useful information came from ‘‘Part-Time Wheels: City Dwellers Share Cars through New Service by Heidi B. Perlman, Associated Press, http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/072000/new_0720000010.shtml; and from ‘‘Scott Griffith: Zipping Ahead by Lisa van der Pool, Boston Business Journal, August 24, 2007; [10] Zipcar is shifting into high gear as market widens by Yoon S. Byun, The Boston Globe, January 13, 2008. http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2008/01/13/zipcar_is_shifting_into_higher_gear_as_market_widens/.

My Experiences at Medsim :: Papers

My Experiences at Medsim They were all there. All two hundred of them, all having the same ambition as me, wanting so very badly to be a doctor. Nottingham University was the setting for this union of prospective medics and I was there, trying to be part of the crowd. Eyes throughout the lecture hall flickered up sharply and scanned the room with worry as two hundred students measured themselves up against each other. For many of them, and I was included, it was the first time they had been in the same the room as "the competition". The lecture hall hummed with polite conversation as students talked and friendships were made. The excitement built, as the three-day conference was about to start. The lecturer David Graven walked on and welcomed us to Medsim and kicked off the conference, it was Friday afternoon and the first lecture begun, the topic was why we were all here and what we should get out of it. David Graven filled us with inspiration and prepared us for what was to come. After a formal dinner where we were seated with our teams, the people who we were going to be working together with for the next few days, it was back the lecture hall for some essential information for what was about to come. The night ended with all the students going happily to there rooms. The next day started early with a serious set of exams that were voluntary and were set by Charles University, Prague, an international university who were recruiting on Medsim. The exam was later followed by an interview in the evening and if both were satisfactory students

Monday, August 19, 2019

Epic of Beowulf Essay - Lindisfarne and Christian Influences in Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essay

Lindisfarne and Christian Influences in Beowulf      Ã‚  Ã‚   The Beowulf manuscript, written around the year 1000 and containing approximately 70 Christian references/allusions, could owe part of its Christianization to the Catholic bishops, priests, monks and laity who made The Lindisfarne Gospels a reality about 300 years prior.    â€Å". . . the poem is the product of a great age, the age of Bede, an age which knew artistic achievements of the kind buried at Sutton Hoo, an age in which art and learning were united to produce great gospel books like the Lindisfarne Gospels, now in the British Museum,   . . . (Stanley 3). The Lindisfarne Gospels was written and artistically decorated about the year 700. About the middle of the tenth century a Catholic priest named Aldred, after translating The Lindisfarne Gospels from Latin into Anglo-Saxon, wrote on the last leaf of the manuscript a colophon naming the four Catholic religious responsible for making The Lindisfarne Gospels:    Eadfrith, Bishop of the Lindisfarne Church, originally wrote this book, for God and for Saint Cuthbert and – jointly – for all the saints whose relics are in the Island. And Ethelwald, Bishop of the Lindisfarne islanders, impressed it on the outside and adorned it with gold and with gems and also with gilded-over silver – pure metal. And Aldred, unworthy and most miserable priest, glossed it in English between the lines with the help of God and Saint Cuthbert†¦.(Backhouse 7).    Janet Backhouse in her book The Lindisfarne Gospels, says that these gospels were made in north-east England â€Å"less than a century after the introduction there of Christianity† (Backhouse 7). This statement is quesstionable. Consider that the conversion of Britain to Christianity began quite early. The Catholic priest Venerable Bede, born in Bernicia, Northumbria, around 673, states in Bk 1, Ch 4 of his Ecclesiastical History of the English People that while Eleutherius was Bishop of Rome (175-189AD), a king of Britain named Lucius requested of the Pope that the king be baptized a Catholic by papal decree:    In the year of our Lord 156 Marcus Antoninus Verus was made emperor together with his brother Aurelius Commodus. He was the fourteenth after Augustus. In their time, while a holy man called Eleutherius was bishop of the church at Rome, Lucius, a king of Britain, sent him a letter praying him that he might be made a

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Satire About Anorexia Essay -- essays research papers

Satire Local Anorexic Still Way Too Fat Staten Island, New York- Despite years of intense dieting and vigorous exercise, local anorexic Lucy Fernandez is still excessively fat. Reported Monday to the Staten Island Advance, Fernandez who stands five feet and weighs approximately ninety pounds is still overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. â€Å"I cannot believe how gross I look,† said the corpulent Fernandez, examining herself in a full-length bathroom mirror. â€Å"I am such a whale.† Pinching her bulky, misshapen body, Fernandez expressed frustration with her inability to transform herself into a reasonably svelte person. â€Å"I eat celery, I drink only water or diet coke, I do three hours on the Stairmaster everyday,† she said. â€Å"But despite all that, I have still got, like, these huge rolls of fat all over.† However, Fernandez could stand to lose a few pounds in nearly every area of her body, worst of all her arms. â€Å"I have got this totally disgusting flab on the back of my arms that swings back and forth when I move,† said Fernandez, wearing an oversized champion sweatshirt to conceal... Satire About Anorexia Essay -- essays research papers Satire Local Anorexic Still Way Too Fat Staten Island, New York- Despite years of intense dieting and vigorous exercise, local anorexic Lucy Fernandez is still excessively fat. Reported Monday to the Staten Island Advance, Fernandez who stands five feet and weighs approximately ninety pounds is still overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. â€Å"I cannot believe how gross I look,† said the corpulent Fernandez, examining herself in a full-length bathroom mirror. â€Å"I am such a whale.† Pinching her bulky, misshapen body, Fernandez expressed frustration with her inability to transform herself into a reasonably svelte person. â€Å"I eat celery, I drink only water or diet coke, I do three hours on the Stairmaster everyday,† she said. â€Å"But despite all that, I have still got, like, these huge rolls of fat all over.† However, Fernandez could stand to lose a few pounds in nearly every area of her body, worst of all her arms. â€Å"I have got this totally disgusting flab on the back of my arms that swings back and forth when I move,† said Fernandez, wearing an oversized champion sweatshirt to conceal...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Pauline Ethics Essay

1.Why is it necessary that actions proceed from moral and spiritual vision? It is necessary that actions proceed from moral and spiritual vision because the attainment or accomplishment of our vision or goals is when we will be able to put it into action. What is in hearts and minds must be seen through our actions because grace to Apostle Paul work in the inside out. Like Apostle Paul, his ethical teaching flows from a moral vision. For him, to be a Christian is to able to do God’s will. To know the Christian codes of right conduct and behavior, we must have the moral capacity to act on them. In short, if one has moral character then one will act morally. In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul said that â€Å"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.† If we are seeking after the exalted Lord Jesus Christ then it envisions our practical pursui t of spiritual goals. Then to set our minds on things above, emphasizes that we have the spiritual capacity to accomplish those spiritual goals. For example, one of my moral visions is to be more patient enough or to control my being hot tempered against unreasonable people. In order to attain this goal of mine then I have to pray for them to become matured enough and also ask God to give me wisdom in dealing with them especially in giving responses, reactions or comments to what they say. Further, I have to befriend them and try to reach out with their needs. All these moral and spiritual visions will be accomplished through our actions since we participated in the death and resurrection of Christ; we are now being transformed into new person by God’s grace. 2. How do the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love affect the practice and conduct of your own particular profession? These three virtues affect the practice and conduct of my profession in such a way that as a Social Worker I am committed to help the less fortunate people or people who are deprived from their own rights (esp. the indigent) in the upliftment of their lives. Because of my faith that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and that He will provide all our needs according to glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19) then I have to keep going, not to be discouraged in helping these clients. This virtue of faith drives me to hope that someday, somehow, these less fortunate people will rise from their present situation and be able to exercise their right and duties as citizenry of our country. Also to pursue my commitment, I have the duty to love these people as Jesus loved me unconditionally. There are times that it’s not easy to love especially if I encounter rude people but to be able practice my faith, I ought to do so. 3.How would you foster ethical/moral values in the following realities? a.Consumerism – buying only what I need (want vs. need). By being practical and maximizing my resources to the fullest. Also when buying something, do not be brand conscious but focus on the usefulness of that thing. b.Mundane and Profane tendencies – not to conform to the pattern or evil desires of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind†¦ (Romans 12:2) even if it is the trend. To stand out against the world. c.Relativism – by respecting one’s faith and beliefs. Also being open to the perspective of others not to be so closed with what I know and how I understands different things in life but be willing to share or exchange with one’s opinion and ideas. d.Technological Dependence – for me by choosing only what is applicable to my need and demand of times. Personal relationship should not be sacrificed just because of this high technology. e.Economic Scarcity – being resourceful and practical and maximizing the full potential of such – (Principle of supply and demand). For example, there was food scarcity in a certain area because of typhoon devastation. Relief goods were distributed and so there were crowd falling in line. In this case, I would give priority to senior citizens, the sick, pregnant and the handicapped, though all of them have equal need. 4.How do you exercise your particular profession in the perspective of the following Christian Gifts (Romans 12:4-11)? a.Prophecy – For me, when I was in the National Irrigation Administration as Irrigator’ Development Officer, I do a lot of field work, meetings, and trainings. I always inject the word of God in giving opening prayers in the conduct of meetings and trainings. Even when I do home visitations, during informal sessions with my clients I inspire them with the words of God especially when they open-up their problems and difficulties in life. In that way, I know I was able to exercise this gift of prophesy. b. Practical Service – When I perform my duties and responsibilities, I do it with all my heart not to please my boss or co-worker but to please God. Since we have a multi-task function in the office before, even cleaning the comfort rooms, (when our janitor retires and our office did not hire anymore instead we are task to do additional janitorial works) I do it with gladness. I told myself that this will not degrade my profession because even Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as an example of true humility and service. c.Teaching – In conducting seminars and trainings with the farmers, I think I do exercise this gift God has given in relation to the teaching of Christ. Like for instance, one the principles that we emphasize with our farmer clientele is the principle of sharing (e.g. there must proper sharing of irrigation water). This principle is in light with the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ to share what we have to those who don’t have. I give instruction, rules and regulations as a way of teaching in the attainment of target/desired goals of our agency. d.Encouragement – This gift is attached to my profession I think especially to deal with different kinds of people with different ethical behavior. I need to practice this gift in order for me to attract or influence these farmers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as partners of irrigation development. To encourage is my â€Å"capital† to become effective IDO. e.Almsgiving – to perform my duties and responsibilities in the office, I am willing to give my time beyond the prescribed office hour (8 hours a day) without expecting a reward or additional compensation. I always stay in the office beyond office hours just to comply with the deadlines reports and other pertinent works or when my superior asked me to do something. f.Position or Authority – whenever I am tasked to do something, for example, assign me to lead or spearhead a particular program/project, I always accept it without hesitation and I have to perform to the best of my ability involving my team in all aspects of the project because I believed that team approach is more effective way in accomplishing a particular activity/project. g.Acts of Mercy – in working with my officemates and rendering service with my farmer-clientele, I do it by heart and with joy. I have to enjoy my work so that I will not get burn-out. I still remember when I do field work and do home visitations with the farmer leaders, they even open-up their problems regarding their private life and I do some counseling and offer prayers for them and this developed a closer relationship with them. 5.Why is it necessary to contextualized Pauline Ethics in your own field of expertise? By contextualizing Pauline Ethics in my own field of expertise I can share/bring the â€Å"good news† or the love of God to my clientele. By exercising the seven Christian Gifts and the various codes of Christian conduct, I believe I can help in the transformation of their lives just like what Jesus did for us. And hopefully not only our direct clients will be influenced but their family circle and the whole community as well. A concrete example of this is when I conduct training, imparting to my farmer clientele the value of self-discipline in light of distribution irrigation water, payment of irrigation fees, etc. but it does not end up with the irrigation water alone but relating it to the whole aspect of their lives. I was amazed that I have seen the impact of this with their lives through evaluation and some farmers will give feed-backs on the positive impact of the training in their li ves. 6. Defend or Refute: The transformation of one’s life from vice to virtue, and alienation to reconciliation is the byproduct of grace. I strongly agree that the transformation of one’s life from vice to virtue and alienation to reconciliation is the byproduct of grace. The transformation of our character from negative to positive is not by our own strength. If we want to change and have transformation it’s only by God’s grace. As Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, He said to me, â€Å"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.† He promised grace for Paul’s pain. It means therefore that in our weaknesses, God’s power is sufficient. Grace simply means God’s help, intervention and strength in our weakness. Our vices or character deficiencies can be replaced with virtues or character assets by trusting God’s grace. By participating in Christ’s work and our confession that He is our Lord and Savior means transformation of our lives so that we can live our lives in accordance to God’s will. We are alienated before because of our sinful nature which we inherited from Adam and Eve, but because God loves us so much, He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins. So with Christ death on the cross we were being reconciled to God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, â€Å"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.† Our salvation is by God’s grace- gift of God (undeserved gift) through faith but we have to ask (open our hearts and let Christ reign in our lives) so that we will receive this gift of salvation. We cannot earn our own salvation but it’s only by God’s grace! 7. Defend or Refute: To live through commitment and not merely by inspiration means to be faithful to God. Yes I agree to this statement. To be faithful to God means a commitment to live our lives to Him and not merely by inspiration. For Paul when he was converted in Damascus, he started to commit his life to God no matter what the cause maybe. In the practical side of it, to live our lives through commitment is living with a purpose and direction. Once we are committed to do something, we do it consistently, not mechanically but with all our mind and heart having the assurance and certainty that God will be glorified. By doing so it follows the joy and love in performing the act not by force or compulsion. On the other hand, we should not live only by mere inspiration not just to enjoy life and be contented to what will happen. For example, one way to be faithful to God is to pray every day – giving thanks to Him for all the circumstances He brought in my life and entrusting to Him all my concerns and even my future. I should do this consistently and accept whatever God’s response. Another way of my being faithful to God is by giving my tithes and offering regularly. 8. Defend or refute: If one acts on the basis of the responsibility of love, he is free. No. I disagree because love never ceases. Love must continue to be our motivating factor to act. Love will go on eternity for God is love. 1 John 4:8, â€Å"God is love! God is eternal; therefore love is eternal as well. Paul writes, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, â€Å"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal†¦ v. 13 â€Å" And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. We will never be free because we have the debt with our fellowmen and that is the debt to love them regardless of the race, status, physical attributes, etc.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Importance of Data Collection

Introduction This report will give an overview of the aim behind collecting data, types of data collected, methods used and how the collection of the data supports the department’s practices. It will also give a brief outlook on the importance of legislation in recording, storing and accessing data. Why Organisations Need to Collect Data To satisfy legal requirement: every few months there is some request from the government sector to gather, maintain and reports lots of information back to them on how many people do we have in the organization, working hours, how much our expenses for the whole year, we should keep data stored in case information is needed to defend the company legal actions that could arise at any time To provide documentation in the event of a claim: safety legislation and health required that require that records are kept of accidents , whenever an employee make claims to employment tribunals and the employer need to defend such a case he will demands on t he accuracy and comprehensive of personal records * To provide the organization with information to make decision: since the computer software is developed the information is more readily available, will aid identify problems and helps in taking decision in relation to promotion and salary increases.Types of data that is collected within the organization and how each supports HR or L&D practices There are 2 types of Data that is collected by HR Functions and below is a description of each explaining who they support the HR and L&D functions. Quantitative data are the data that uses metrics/numbers, usually numbers act as magic whereas it eases out work & make it efficient. Adding out numbers add value to your work, it usually supports your report & act as solid evidence. Such data are used for decision making.Qualitative Data is intangible data, used as information & kept as records for feedbacks & reference once needed. Usually assist in improving processes & fasten them out but do not give clear measures. It could be elaborated much further & then used as quantitative data. (2) Methods of Storing Records & their Benefits: * Manually: * Some data are still being stored manually, especially those documents that require signatures or kept for the Government. * Manual data storing is easy to use as it does not required specific training; however it takes a lot of space and time. The department started to scan those documents and upload them to the virtual data base to ensure a friendlier environment and for security purposes. * Electronically: * The main system used in the organisation is SAP. * Storing data electronically via SAP is highly efficient as the data is integrated. * The program needs to be updated only once to be implemented throughout the company. * It is accurate and reduces human error. * It has different keys for accessing authority. * The downside of this implementation is its high cost. Also, it may take a longtime to get a return on the inves tment. Importance of Legislation: Legislation is a very important part when it comes to data recording, storing and accessing. * The company has different keys when it comes to accessing data. * Code of Business Ethics Policy is applied to all employees in the company. * This policy includes information on Confidential Information and Disclosure. * The use or disclosure information must be for Company purposes only and not for personal benefits. * To preserve confidentiality, disclosure and discussion of confidential information should be limited to those Employees who need access to the information in the course of their work. 2) UK Legislations that related to confidentiality of records: 1. The Human Rights Act: * Allows you to have privacy and not be discriminated against as an employee. 2. Data Protection Act 1998: 1. Processed for limited purpose. 2. Fairly and lawfully processed. 3. Accurate 4. Adequate, relevant and not excessive. 5. Not kept for longer than needed. 6. Secure 7. Processed in line with the rights of data subject. 8. Not transferred to countries outside the EU without adequate protection. Data must be processed fairly and legally:Processing applies to all uses of data from collecting and storing data, to retrieving, organizing and destroying it There are two main conditions. Either the data subject must give their permission or the processing is necessary for legal or contractual reasons. For data to be processed ‘fairly’: * The data subject should know who the data controller is; * Why the data is being processed and any other necessary information, such as the likely consequences of the processing. * Individuals must not be deceived or misled as to why the information is needed.For data to be processed ‘legally’: * It must not lead to any kind of discrimination and should not go against other laws such as the Human Rights Act 1998 Personal data must be accurate and where necessary, kept up-to-date. * Incorrect and misleading data are inaccurate. Data users should record data accurately and take reasonable steps to check the accuracy of information they receive from data subjects or anybody else. * Managers should review personal information held so that only up to date and accurate information is kept. Appendices

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Patriotic Sentiment in the Interwar Essay

The creation of the British Empire and its â€Å"contributions† to the welfare of its colonies was used by many English historians as a source of justification for its existence and future. Needless to say, many English historians would naturally put the British Empire as the â€Å"empire† that aspired for assimilation and multiculturalism, which had been absent in previous empires (although this is debatable) (Aldrich 1988:24). Added to that, because of the perceived inferiority of the colonized peoples, many of these historians usually attached to the â€Å"white man† the significant role of guardian (Aldrich 1988:25). In recent years however, this notion of racial superiority was replaced by the principles of equality and self-determinations. This was in lieu of the increasing surge of patriotic sentiments of the colonized peoples and a general compromise of the colonial powers over the future of the former colonies, as mandated by the United Nations. Modern English historians, while continuing to justify the existence and foundation of the British Empire, admitted some of the mistakes and grave errors usually attributed to the British Empire. Nonetheless, they argued that these mistakes were committed out of necessity. Other colonial powers were greedily aspiring to replace Britain in its role as a superpower. Germany for instance, before the onset of the First World War, was building a powerful navy to replace Britain as a sea power. France was busy eyeing British colonies in Central Africa for its own exploitation. In short, the errors committed by Great Britain to its colonies were a result of self-defense. Added to that, in order for the colonies to benefit from British colonial rule, the colonized peoples would have to sacrifice some of their outdated or â€Å"primitive† institutions and adopt institutions that are characterized by efficiency and commitment to public service. These justifications made by English historians on the role and future of the British Empire were imbued in the study of history. History as a Tool for Application of Theoretical Knowledge The use of history to justify the existence and foundation of the British Empire was not born out of prejudice or unsubstantiated truths. In fact, early English historians noted that history should be as scientific as possible in order to represent the true nature of world events. Added to that, these English historians viewed history as an application tool for upgrading the political, social, and economic systems of the world today. Specifically, knowledge of the end of the British Empire would naturally pave to greater solidarity and understanding between former colonies and the mother country (the colonizer); that they have a common history, and to some extent similar social, economic, and political structures. Although for the common viewer this might seem a little idealistic and devoid of historical verification, this was the practical side of the scientific discipline of history, if we accord them to these English historians. Thus, the extensive use of history as a tool for the political understanding of countries with a â€Å"common† history was the result of theoretical justification of English historians on the existence and rule of the British Empire to about a large portion of the Earth’s population. This was though a problem for many local historians in the former colonies. They extensively used history as a tool for demonizing their colonial oppressors: the justification of independence movements and revolutions. This dialectic aspect of history, depending on the one who views it, disoriented historical data, making the discipline of history itself the vantage point of uncertainty (Aldrich, 2000). Herein, we shall examine the various practices that were incorporated in a large, common society. Nonetheless, we shall also examine power relations between the mother country and its colonies as well as the issue of tolerance and cultural differences. Cultural Toleration in the British Empire When England finally defeated France and Spain in a series of colonial wars, it was able to establish colonies in North America and Asia (Africa was not the target of colonization since it was viewed as an inhabitable and inhospitable continent – although commercial bases were established to streamline trade and commerce with other European powers) (Baldwin, 2007). England was able to acquire Malacca from the Portuguese in the latter half of the 16th century. India and Canada fell into the hands of the British after France’s defeat in the Seven Years War (called French and Indian Wars in North America). The eastern coast of the present United States was colonized by England (the Thirteen Colonies) to foster greater trade between North America and England (it was known as New England). Australia and New Zealand were colonized to provide the British Empire penal colonies for the rouge elements of British society. Rebels and political prisoners were deported to these penal colonies. In the latter half of the 19th century, Britain was able to take possession of several Chinese ports after a series of wars with China, then under the rule of the Manchus (known as Opium Wars). In South America and the Caribbean, some islands were colonized by the British to offset Spanish and French power in the area (although in the early part of the 19th century, Spain controlled at least 2/3 of the land area of North, Central, and South America). In the European partition of Africa, Britain controlled a large portion of North, Central, and Southern Africa. These colonized areas minus the 13 colonies were known as the British Empire. The British fostered a policy of cultural toleration to discourage the native population from revolting. Moslems, Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, and other Oriental religions existed side by side with Christianity in matters like trade and commerce. Temples of different religions were treated with respect and dignity by British authorities. Nonetheless, British rulers especially Queen Victoria even traveled to the colonies to inspect and inspire the native populations to support Great Britain in its economic undertakings, for the benefit of the mother country and the colonies, and its colonial wars with other European powers (especially France and Germany). Religious festivals were declared as holidays, with some exceptions, to foster greater solidarity with the native population. English was not an enforced language. This was done to preserve and enrich the culture of the native populations. The â€Å"British† educational system was introduced to stimulate greater economic efficiency in the colonies. The British parliament, in its sessions, declared that education was the only plausible and least risky way of opening the colonies to true development. The British parliament and to some extent the British rulers knew that there were form of British economic exploitation in the colonies, thus the only way for them to recreate the image of the â€Å"British Empire† was to encourage education. English was taught in the universities (other European powers loathed this type of strategy) established outside Britain. Economic and maritime schools were also established to stimulate the natives to increase their productivity yield and to participate in naval undertakings. Nonetheless, the British army was remodeled in order to include natives in the soldier payroll. At a specified rank, a native could rise to a prominent rank in the military. Needless to say, to fit in the global economy, Britain also created institutions that would politically and socially integrate the mother country and the colonies. The old models of exploitation and oppression were replaced by systems of mutual cooperation and commitment to a common economic goal. Thus, these contributions of the Britain to its colonies became the framework of early English historians for justifying the existence of the British Empire. Patriotism and Nationalism: The Beginning of Decline Nationalistic sentiment in the colonies grew in the latter beginning of the 20th century. Because of the relative prosperity of the colonies, some of its natives were able to study in European universities and able to acquire the increasing surge of ultra-nationalism (nationalism in Europe differs from the nationalism of the colonies on one count: nationalism in European countries focused on the acquisition of colonies to bring glory to the country, whereas in the colonies on independence) in Europe. When they returned to their homeland, they established organizations which aimed of attaining independence or self-governance status of their homelands. The British authorities naturally would quell these â€Å"uprisings† since this put into question the status quo, and generally the legitimacy of the British Empire. Power Relations But because of the involvement of Great Britain in the two World Wars, it was forced to grant self-governance status to many of its colonies in exchange for economic and military support (in India, Gandhi urged the Indians to fight on the side of the British). However, because of the changing political atmosphere in Britain at that time, the British authorities once more crushed these independence movements. Many were forced to go underground. Some seek political asylum in America or The Netherlands. Added to that, political theory and political education were deleted in the course curriculum of many universities for fear that the British might close the institutions. The purpose of the British authorities was always to preserve the rule of the British Crown on the colonies. All means were therefore necessary in order to dissipate these independence movements. Thus, while the British were open to cultural toleration, they loathed political development in the colonies. Political development is the measure of citizen participation in the affairs of the government. Political development is largely a relationship between the citizenry and the country to which they owe their citizenship. The British authorities were enforcing a policy of â€Å"mother dependency†, that is, the political, social, and economic future of the colonies should depend on the mother country. Later Vladimir Lenin expanded this concept and renamed it as the â€Å"dependency relations. † The mother country, according to Lenin, when its reaches the height of economic development experiences shortfalls and recessions due to overproduction. The surplus produce of the mother country is â€Å"dumped† to the colonies since colonies are potential markets. In this way, economic recessions in the mother country are kept in check, and the laboring class enjoys relative prosperity, at the expense of the colonies. This is a uni-directional type of development unlike the so-called â€Å"mutual development† that Britain was preaching (as exemplified in Africa, in Ramsay, 2000/1784). Practices and Institutions that Became Part of the Colonies’ Society: The Tragedy British colonies can be classified into two categories: 1) those that fully accepted British practices and institutions, 2) those who only accepted British political and educational institutions. India, Pakistan, former British African colonies, and former British Asian colonies adopted the political and educational institutions of Great Britain because of its efficiency and relative good organization. The parliamentary system became the standard system of government of most of the former colonies of Great Britain. It was noted that this type of government adheres to the principles of public accountability and stability. Most of the former colonies of Great Britain using this type of government experience relative stability and effective governance (Toynbee, 1987:401). The tragedy lies on the second type of former colonies. These colonies fully adopted British practices and institutions at the expense of native practices and customs. In Australia and New Zealand for example, most of the population is classified as of British or European descent. When the British came to New Zealand, they dispossessed the Maori through fraudulent land contracts and generally through war (that severely reduced the Maori population by 1/8. The British authorities encouraged immigration to these places (Australia and New Zealand) to reinvigorate economic activities to these places. The result was that New Zealand and Australia became an extension of British society: mirror images of England. The Maori who were the true owners of the country was exploited and dispossessed by the British. In the case of Canada, because of strong French influence (former French colony), the British authorities had the difficulty of making Canada a cultural sphere of influence of Britain. In fact, cultural differences in Canada serve as the marking definition of power relations in Canada. Conclusion While many English historians talk endlessly of a Commonwealth under the banner of Great Britain, they were not able to pinpoint the opportunity costs of the colonization on the part of the colonies. There is no such thing as a common society, for the British Empire created two types of societies in its sphere of geopolitics. The only intersection of these societies is the institutions bequeathed to them by the British Empire. Socially, these societies differ significantly because the British Empire was not able to fully integrate its customs and practices to most of its colonies due to the onset of nationalism and patriotic sentiments of the native populations (in Australia and New Zealand, there was no such thing as a â€Å"political† native population since they were able to reduce their populations through wars and enforced immigration policies). References Aldrich, Richard. 1988. Imperialism in the study and teaching of history. In Benefits Bestowed? Education and British Imperialism. Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press, pp. 23-38.