Aristotle’s Critique of Plato’s Theory of Limited Communism Essay

Platonic communism advocates for abolishment of private families ownership among the upper and the lower class in favor of communism. This is what Plato in the Republic referred to as the ideal city . From the writing of Aristotle in Politics, this idea of Plato has been the center of criticism. Most of the critics have claimed that the idea is a cause of confusion. Aristotle has aired his worries about the nature and extent of communism in the society. Aristotle has also argued in opposition to stipulation of communism in a perfect political society. According to Aristotle, in platonic communism there is no clear explanation on the way the lower class is meant to live. This is problematic especially given the fact that this is the class that constitutes the majority in the society. Aristotle like many other critics claims that people cannot be in a position to live devoid of private property and families . This argument is against that of Plato that most people are not able to live without private properties and families . This criticism would be untrue if it is possible for any person to exist without private properties and families. There is no evidence anywhere of people who exist communally. The criticism of Aristotle is right owing to the fact that the Republic does not completely or clearly address the issue of the way the lower class is to survive. It does not address particularly the issue of whether the lower class is to exist communally or not . This is the reason why Aristotle is justified to claim that the question is not completely resolved. Many of the current scholars agree with the fact that the communism in the republic targets the rulers, and that the lower class exists in a way that does not need to be referred to as communistic. In the Republic, it is clear that a communism of children and women will only occur amongst the rulers . The argument of Aristotle is simple and clear that Plato does not take a clear position in his limited communism ideology . This reveals the fact that Aristotle’s criticism of Plato’s theory of limited communism as put forth in the Republic is justified and thus fair. Bibliography: Plato, The Republic Of Plato: Second Edition, New York: Basic Books 1991. Aristotle, The Politics, London: Penguin Classics, 1981

Lives of deaf mexicans

The movie â€Å"Lives of Deaf Mexicans: Struggle and Success focuses on the issues of the Deaf Community. Specifically the lack of government funding for education, difference in opinions regarding language, and acceptance into the hearing community. It also showed how in spite of these problems many of the people in the film had â€Å"good lives† The differences in opinion regarding the language I found particularly interesting.The National School for the Deaf taught LSI and was a residential school. Once it closed, the educational standard changed and deaf students were taught using the â€Å"Oral Method†, which consists of speaking Spanish and lip reading in day school. It was not expressed as such, but it seemed to me that those advocating teaching the oral method are thinking more in terms of assimilation Into mainstream society, and that using LSI would accomplish the opposite. The film touched briefly on those living outside of Mexico City, and their lack of acc ess to any type of school at all.However, it really did not address how to solve this problem, other than the creation of residential schools. Nor did It explain why the National school closed or why the government for a period of 1 5+ years stop funding education for the Deaf. Many of the schools In the film were day schools run by various churches. On the whole, the movie did a good Job of Introducing someone such as myself to the problems faced by the Deaf In Mexico, and It Is easy to assume hat to some degree the Deaf In America also have some of the same Issues.However, in this country there Is better access to education, and being Deaf Is not synonymous with having mental deficiencies. Mexico Is making steps toward Improving the lives of Its deaf citizens, but clearly there Is more work to be done. Oral method are thinking more in terms of assimilation into mainstream society, and problem, other than the creation of residential schools. Nor did it explain why the education for the Deaf. Many of the schools in the film were day schools run by various churches.On the whole, the movie did a good Job of introducing someone such as myself to the problems faced by the Deaf in Mexico, and it is easy to assume that to some degree the Deaf in America also have some of the same issues. However, in this country there is better access to education, and being Deaf is not synonymous with having mental deficiencies. Mexico is making steps toward improving the lives of its deaf citizens, but clearly there is more work to be done.

Bancassurance in Asia

China Traditionally, the main distribution channel for insurance in China has been through agents. However, with the introduction of bancassurance this has changed. The bancassurance models followed in China are distribution and joint ventures. The effect of bancassurance in the first quarter of 2010, was an increase in total premium income to $26. 91 billion, up 44% compared with the same period of 2009, this represents 8% higher compared to the overall insurance industry growth within the same period. Cotham, 2010) The main contributing factors for this trend have been the rapid growth of the Chinese economy leading to higher per capital income and the multiple economic reforms leading foreign companies to enter the insurance industry. In addition, the regulations introduced in 2003 played a major factor for the bancassurance growth. These regulations permitted banks to have multiple insurers as suppliers (â€Å"many-to-many† model).For instance, some major banks worked with 30 different suppliers for life insurance, and as many as 10 for property and casualty insurance. (Paribas, 2012) Although this model created growth, recently it has contributed to the slow down in the bancassurance market. Through this model, numerous complex insurance products were created and offered to clients by bank staff with minimal insurance expertise. As a result, demand decreased due to the lack of consumer understanding of the product and lack of trust.In addition, other major challenges in the bancassurance market are the financial market volatility (which makes insurance products less appealing compared to other wealth management products), intense competition and constant changes in regulations (particularly the introduction of CBRC 90 which prohibits insurance salesman from selling in banks). In turn, sales have declined. For instance, in 2011, sales through the bancassurance channel declined significantly and were blamed for an overall slowdown in premiums growth, from 29 percent to 11. KPMG,2012) India Just as in China, insurance products in India have been sold traditionally through agents. In addition, the insurance industry was entirely monopolized by the public sector. However, since the opening to private companies in the early 2000’s bancassurance through the distribution model has gained market share. In fact, it now accounts for about 25 per cent of new business for private insurers, with trends indicating that the proportion could rise to 40 per cent by the year 2013 (Cotham, 2012).In addition, India’s rapid economy has also played a major factor on bancassurance growth. However, just as China, India faces major challenges. The major challenges are poor manpower management, lack of a sales culture within the bank, no involvement by the branch manager, insufficient product promotions, failure to integrate marketing plans, marginal database expertise, poor sales channel linkages, inadequate incentives, resistance to chan ge, negative attitudes toward insurance and unwieldy marketing strategy. (Sarvanakumar, 2012)

The Feminist Movement in Britain Research Paper

The Feminist Movement in Britain - Research Paper Example This paper tells that because feminism is a liberal movement that directly challenges existing institutional arrangements, those who feel threatened by it often respond by representing it in negative and often hostile ways. Such representations pervade the media and even the academy. Feminists have been cast as destroyers of families and other cherished institutions. They have been blamed for problems such as the delinquency of adolescents, the inability of qualified males to find jobs, and the erosion of standards in the professions, the schools, and the academy. If women would only embrace traditional roles, the argument seems to go, there would be far fewer societal problems.  Before the feminist movement appeared, women were suppressed and limited their social and political life. In the late Middle Age, at a particular social level, women shared models of thought and behavior which set them apart as a group from men of the same social class. Whereas elite women have left a rich variety of writings, little has remained of the mental or material culture of ordinary women (Anderson 1987). The difficulties are increased by the fact that social distinction played less part in female culture than in early modern culture generally. Central to the female world was the woman with knowledge, the midwife who was herself a mother (Anderson 1987). The majority of women, from the poorest to the most aristocratic, shared direct experience of maternity. Even a woman of high social status who had not borne a child could find herself on the periphery of a key aspect of female culture (Smith, 2000).  Given that women ideally belonged to the household, and men claimed public space as their own, both elite and popular cultures recognized that women as women had concerns of their own. If the household was the proper place for women, then the household could sometimes become a female space (Anderson 1987). Furthermore, critics show how society encouraged women to spend time w ith each other. Although, since women were perceived as sexually unstable, men regarded them as being at risk in the mixed company, men were also suspicious of women in all-female company, fearing their opportunities for gossip. Social distinction, age, and geographical location all played a part in shaping women's bonds. Nevertheless, across these divisions, there were aspects of a common culture which women shared. Their cultures and values connected them to fundamental concerns: giving birth, childrearing, and sustaining life. From women's own perspective, they preserved a culture with important life-enhancing values (Anderson 1987). In comparison, men appeared to be preoccupied with politics, authority, and their masculine vanity and virility. Within their own culture, women shaped and enhanced the lives of both sexes, across all ages. Women shared female consciousness (Smith, 2000).  During the Middle Ages, religion and spirituality played a dominant role in the life of women determining their morals and values. Religious and neighborly or charitable occasions also offered women opportunities to construct feminine spheres of social dominance. Visits to the sick and dying were women's special concern because of their nursing expertise. As records of testamentary disputes confirm, the deathbed was a 'feminized' locale. The church was another setting where women demarcated their own spatial and sociable terrain. Women's quarrels about 'place' were generally confined to their own sector of the church; only rarely did, they publicly question their segregation from men (Anderson 1987). Yet while worshipping in the established church, they did not passively accept the places appointed for them by the clergy and churchwardens.  

CRJ311 Week 1 assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CRJ311 Week 1 assignment - Essay Example As the technology becomes more sophisticated throughout the society, the public has developed higher expectation on forensic technology capabilities. Greater public knowledge on forensic science has led to increasing the demand for forensic evidence in several police investigations thus inflating the workload for crime laboratories (Schweitzer & Saks, 2007). To my opinion I believe that the CSI effect is a legitimate concern because it influence the perception of the public and the legal team on the type of investigations carried. In essence, several aspects of crime shows have been criticised to be unrealistic. For example, the show characters not only get involved in the process of crime scene investigation but they also engage in conducting raids, pursuit, arrest and interrogating of the suspects and solving cases. Not all these responsibilities are for the forensic scientist, but they fall under the docket of uniformed officers and detectives. Moreover, if crime scene investigators process a crime scene it will not be appropriate get involved in the examination and testing of the collected evidence from the scene, as it would compromise the impartiality of the scientific evidence gathered. In addition, real investigation of the fingerprints and DNA data is occasionally unobtainable, and if they are available, it takes several weeks to process. Whereas the television crime scene laboratories usually get and process them within few hours thus making the whole show unrealistic (Tyler, 2006). Several researchers in forensic science have always described the shows as â€Å"high-tech magic† because the results that they give are instantaneous and accurate unlike in the real investigation. A forensic scientist Mauriello Thomas stated that 40% of the scientific techniques depicted in the shows do not exist. Moreover, the use of unrealistic techniques in

Article response paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Response paper - Article Example The article also points out why LA can be regarded as a crucial phenomenon to be used while teaching some issues related to language. The article also focuses on the theoretical perspectives, which guide literacy autobiography, and how useful they can be termed to be with regard to literary autobiography. The article outlines that L1 and W1 should be included in the L2 classroom (Steinman, 2007). Personal observation After reading the article, I gained outstanding knowledge regarding literary autobiography. The article is helpful in a number of ways, and the immense information contained in the article forms the basis for a deep understanding of what languages entail. From the article, I have managed to learn that there are various theoretical frameworks that support LA. I have learnt that certain writing conventions can be regarded as significantly crucial. These writing conventions include affective, textual, cognitive, contextual, as well as political. Language also plays a crucia l role in the development of thought. LA is vital to learning for teachers, as well as multilingual students. The L1 writing skills held by writers can be regarded as crucial since writers tend to bring such skills when they take part in L2 writing. The article outlines the crucial role played by information regarding early literacy. As stated in the article, information about early literacy determines the factors that have an impact on the academic writing skills of students (Steinman, 2007). The article outlines that the classroom can be regarded as a place where trans-cultural dialogue takes place. This means that students from diverse cultural backgrounds interact and the cultural beliefs of each student have to be respected. It is worth noting that the article points out the little advocacy with regard to the inclusion of L1 in institutions of higher learning such as universities and colleges. The article also points out levels of change, which tend to be three. These levels in clude change of practice, material and beliefs. Numerous approaches prove to be helpful in the literature and research of Literacy autobiography. Some of the central approaches encompass socio-cultural theory, communities if practice, multiliteracies, as well as contrastive rhetoric. LA is instrumental in examining how writing practices, as well as writing, differ between cultures. Based on multiliteracy, meaning should be derived from all forms of language used in teaching. The article explores various ways in which students from various backgrounds tend to be welcomed in a community of practice, which consists of various languages and students from diverse backgrounds. Writing is crucial to the developing of collaborative learning, as well as value and thought (Steinman, 2007). Excerpts â€Å"I have since been taking part in studying, talking, and thinking about contrastive rhetoric, which refers to the study of writing values and writing conventions, as well as how these tend to vary in different cultures† (Steinman 2007, p.564). â€Å" I discovered the implications and significance of writing conventions such as political, affective, cognitive, contextual, and textual. Consequently, I started rethinking what I expected second language students in my class to bring out appropriately and what they could not articulate with a lot of ease† (Steinman 2007, p.564). The reason for choosing the above excerpts is because they fundamentally address the

Law of Contract LA-112 (Joint Honours) coursework 2009 Essay

Law of Contract LA-112 (Joint Honours) coursework 2009 - Essay Example course of business or trade, there is an implicit condition that goods so supplied under the contract of sale are of acceptable quality and should rationally fit for their purpose. Thus , under SGA , a seller should sell products that well fit into its description , should conform to its purpose and should have acceptable quality and if the product fall short of these , then , supplier has the duty to redress the grievances raised by the buyer . Certain contract inserts clauses giving the right to buyer to terminate the contract under certain circumstances. For instance, when the market price for product decreases after the entering of a contract, a buyer in normal course is keen to take the privilege of termination rights as a result of delivery of non-conforming products or late delivery. However, a seller has the duty to make sure that the products sold â€Å"adhere to the contract.† For instance, if a car is sold, then the seller should clearly express the model of the car to be sold, the details about its engine size, its previous owner’s history. In case, if the seller has described the product imprecisely, then the buyer can make a claim against the seller for breach of contract and thus seller might be involved a breach under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. (The UK insolvency helpline 2008). In Fletcher v Sledmore, a car dealer and his customer visited the defendant who was a dealer in second hand cars. The customer inquired the defendant about a specific car and defendant informed him that it was â€Å"a good little engine.† However, this was not true. Then, car was sold to the customer. It was held by the court that the defendant committed an offence under false trade description Act. Thus, this decision clearly demonstrates that Act can travel beyond the restrictions of contractual relationships. (Weatherill 2005: 402) If any seller has sold the product that does not adhere to the description in the sales contract, or if it is not suitable for

Week Two Learning Team Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week Two Learning Team Reflection - Essay Example Waldo had previously tried to explain to her supervisor several times that she is being subject to sexual harassment and violence. There are certain employee rights which are to be abided by all companies because the government has laid down strict rules and regulations with respect to human respect and to ensure that there is no discrimination with respect to gender and race. These rules are set to ensure that the employees are not abused in any manner. Harassment issues are a common problem and that is why law a law has been implemented. Waldo did not keep quiet about her harassment by the employer. Waldo claimed that her current employer subjected her to gender discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation under state and federal law. Waldo took the company to the court to claim her rightful place in the society and to punish the company for its wrongful behavior in order to ensure that it is not repeated again and again with other employees. Several trials were held in this regard and the employer was punished by awarding Waldo a lump-sum amount of $400,000 in compensatory damage and $7,500,000 in punitive damage (MOORE,

Genius and Intellectual Mentality in America Essay

Genius and Intellectual Mentality in America - Essay Example The program The Big Bang Theory is a social experiment that is not only entertaining, but reveals a great deal about a sub-culture that has emerged that is child-like in their social habits, but have intellects that exceed the average. The Big Bang Theory revolves around four males and one female. The four males all work at the same university as research scientists and two of them live in an apartment as roommates. The third male lives with his mother and the fourth male lives in an apartment by himself. A more detailed character analysis will be within this essay, just as it will be important for clear definitions to be created for the words nerd and geek, which is the foundation of the identities of the four male characters. It is in the conflict between the social status of the men to the young woman that provides the opportunity for humor and social exploration. Definitions According to Anderegg, the definitions of a nerd or a geek are often interchangeable, but the specific def initions are actually quite different. A nerd is defined by someone who tends to be focused on academics and as a result is socially awkward. A geek is defined by someone who is more focused on sub-cultures that are not as socially accepted, but are still part of pop culture. Anderegg states that â€Å"nerds and geeks possess arcane knowledge that few other people possess† (n.p.). The types of knowledge that they have often mean extensions of popular culture products, which can mean computer and electronics. This also includes playing games such as World of Warcraft, collecting action figures, reading and becoming absorbed in alternative universes through books, comic books, and graphic novels, as well as being fans of cult favorite programs such as Star Trek, Stargate, and Battlestar Galactica. One of the reasons that nerds and geeks are attracted to alternative universes is that they are not completely comfortable in the social structures of the real world. In learning abou t and inserting themselves in the fantasies of new universes, the possibilities of being a welcomed member or an imagined hero allows for the social awkwardness to be minimized (Pustz 250). In learning about those who engage in online gaming, it is possible to see that the social problems of not having the appearance of a sexually attractive body falls away with the opportunity to build an avatar that allows the individual to express their identity in a safe space, where it is arguably easier to become the more authentic self. In creating and ‘living’ a life in a fantasy world, the social problems that have impeded them from expressing themselves is melted away and they can sink or swim according to who they are on the inside (Waggoner 10). Character Analyses The lead character who exhibits the most realistic characteristics and against whom the caricatures of the other three males are balanced is Leonard. Leonard is played by Johnny Galecki who previously was on the Am erican program Rosanne, which also was a reflection of contemporary culture (IMDB). He has a realistic appearance which is not overly good looking, nor unattractive. Through the prop of a pair of glasses that dangle near the end of his nose, only to be repeatedly pushed up again, he is transformed

How to improve the health care system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How to improve the health care system - Essay Example The United States is the sole leading developed country that does not insure its people through a health financing scheme (Waldman & Yourstone 232). These abovementioned major problems are widespread. They are observed in every form of care provided in the U.S., namely, end-of-life, chronic, acute, and preventive (Nash & Goldfarb 49). It would be logical to assume that with all these issues the future of the American healthcare system must be discouraging. However, there are still reasons to believe that the nation’s healthcare system can be improved. National surveys reveal that the American people agree fully to the restructuring of the healthcare system or reforming its core weaknesses (Richards & Coast 175). This essay discusses the possible measures that could improve the healthcare system. One of the most important measures to improve the quality of the healthcare system is assigning bigger responsibility to all stakeholders, such as the government, healthcare workers, insurers, employers, and consumers. Bigger efforts have to be initiated to make care more patient-centered and promote the involvement of the patients in the care given to them. To actually accomplish the concept of patient-centered health care it is not sufficient to merely place larger financial responsibility on the shoulders of consumers (Lighter 92). They also have to receive important and prompt information about the health care that they are entitled to obtain so that they can totally accept the principle of being in charge of their own health and medical requirements. In order to be effective, â€Å"that information needs to be authoritative, easily accessible, easy to understand and to act on, and personalized† (Nash & Goldfarb 10). So as to have patient-centered healthcare system, information technology (IT) should also be applied in delivering health care. It is thought that the Internet will revolutionize how health

Informal Report (Ch 9) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Informal Report (Ch 9) - Essay Example In order to be a registered nurse, one has to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a diploma course from an approved nursing program or even an associate degree in nursing. Other than having these academic qualifications, a registered nurse is required to undertake a licensing examination in order to be accorded a license to certify them to practice nursing legally. As at 2010, the annual salary of a registered nurse was $64,690. The future outlook of this career is slightly more than average as it is expected to grow at 26% before year 2020. This growth will be facilitated by the technological advancements, changes in healthcare and emphasis on preventive care. Being registered nurse will provide the basics in nursing and therefore career advancement to even become a head nurse or specialize in other areas of nursing like being a pediatric or cardiac nurse among other nursing career

Organization Behavior Analysis Essay Example for Free

Organization Behavior Analysis Essay Consequently, in the United States, organizational behavior and management researchers started studying the role that culture plays in the business community. The investigation led to some confusion. Some believed that the national culture of Japan was the driving force behind the competitive successes of businesses in that country. To others, however, it was the cultures of specific companies that created the advantage. My Company uses the Pluralism method. The first distinction to be made when studying culture is the level of analysis—a nation versus a specific company. An individual company constitutes the level of analysis. Therefore, organizational culture consists of a set of shared meanings and values held by a set of members in an organization that distinguish the organization from other organizations. An organizations culture determines how it perceives and reacts to the larger environment (Becker, 1982; Schein, 1996). Culture determines the nature of an individuals experience in an organization in both for-profit companies and nonprofit enterprises. Over time, employees find out how the company works, what is rewarded, and what is punished. Questions, answers, myths, stories, and jargon all become part of the organizational experience. When the person matches the organizational type, the fit produces the best chances for individual success. Company leaders enjoy distinct advantages when an organization exhibits a positive culture. Positive cultures are democratic and progressive. They nurture and value the contributions of members. Positive cultures tend to be more flexible and adaptable, making the organization better able to meet the challenges of a dynamic world (Benn, 2011). Organizational leaders have vested interests in trying to build positive cultures over time. Some studies suggest that culture can play a larger role in employee motivation than pay (Gifford, Zammuto, Goodman, Hill, 2002). Organizational culture can help managers reach their goals while helping employees adapt to company life. The benefits of a positive culture include stability, employee self-management, and assistance in integrating new employees into the workplace. †¢Communicating with the IRS for a taxpayer regarding the taxpayers rights, privileges, or liabilities under laws and regulations administered by the IRS. †¢Representing a taxpayer at conferences, hearings, or meetings with the IRS. Preparing and filing documents, including tax returns, with the IRS for a taxpayer. †¢Providing a client with written advice which has a potential for tax avoidance or evasion. Furnishing information at the request of the IRS or appearing as a witness for the taxpayer is not practice before the IRS. Other individuals who may serve as representatives. Because of their special relationship with a taxpayer, the following individuals can represent the specified taxpayers before the IRS, provided they present satisfactory identification and, except in the case of an individual described in (1) below, proof of authority to represent the taxpayer. An individual. An individual can represent himself or herself before the IRS and does not have to file a written declaration of qualification and authority. 2. A family member. An individual can represent members of his or her immediate family. Immediate family includes a spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of the individual. 3. An officer. A bona fide officer of a corporation (including a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliated corporation), association, or organized group can represent the corporation, association, or organized group. An officer of a governmental unit, agency, or authority, in the course of his or her official duties, can represent the organization before the IRS. 4. A partner. A general partner may represent the partnership before the IRS. 5. An employee. A regular full-time employee can represent his or her employer. An employer can be, but is not limited to, an individual, partnership, corporation (including a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliated corporation), association, trust, receivership, guardianship, estate, organized group, governmental unit, agency, or authority. . A fiduciary. A fiduciary (trustee, executor, personal representative, administrator, receiver, or guardian) stands in the position of a taxpayer and acts as the taxpayer, not as a representative. Submit a power of attorney when you want to authorize an individual to represent you before the IRS, whether or not the representative performs any of the other acts cited earlier under What Is a Power of Attorney. A power of attorney is most often required when you want to authorize another individual to perform at least one of the following acts on your behalf. . Represent you at a meeting with the IRS. 2. Prepare and file a written response to the IRS. Every day organizational operations involve processes and activities that are construed by many as distasteful or unpleasant parts of employment because they involve the use of authority, power, or politics. The word politics has a negative connotation for many people. Although they may try to avoid political situations, wishing them away is not possible. Furthermore, not every use of power has a negative intention or outcome. Managers can exert power to achieve legitimate organizational goals. The end result may be an increase or decrease in personal power, and the events may be construed as being political or simply as doing his or her job. I think that this brings out a positive outcome. The three types of authority are line authority, staff authority, and functional authority. Line authority is direct, formal authority, as indicated by the vertical lines of an organization chart. Staff authority consists of the right to advise, or give advice. Functional authority is the right to direct but not to discipline. It emerges when an individual has been assigned a leadership role on a task force, project team, or committee. The type of authority that Internal Revenue Service is mainly line authority. I think that this brings out a positive outcome. Employee responsibility, or accountability, is the obligation to carry out tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Each individual in a company is responsible to the manager at the next level up in the organizations hierarchy. The concept of parity of authority and responsibility states that equal levels of authority and responsibility should exist in each position (Fayol, 1916). Anyone who has authority should be held accountable for how that authority is used. Anyone being held responsible should have sufficient authority to get the job done. This is done in a positive manner. It gets the job done. If a manager motivates the unit, it brings out a positive outcome. A pleasant and positive job context contributes to individual and company success by enabling employees to do their best work. Through processes such as mentoring and rewarding, which help to build self-efficacy and self-esteem in individual workers, motivated behaviors can be increased. A company with an unpleasant physical environment, poor reward system, unqualified or inept supervisors, or counterproductive cultural norms limits motivated behaviors (Kamdar Van Dyne, 2007). Emotional Intelligence explains why, despite equal intellectual capacity, training, or experience, some people excel while others of the same caliber lag behind. Certain competencies are found repeatedly in high performers at all levels, from customer service representatives to CEOs. As trainers we must find ways to build these talents labeled EQ (emotional intelligence quotients). Research has shown that emotional intelligence, which encompasses self confidence, can be developed through things like awareness, training, coaching, and practice. That is why a growing number of organizations in the US and around the world is investing in providing their managers with training in emotional intelligence. The conclusion then is that if you are looking to build your self confidence as an important step toward achieving your dreams in life, you should consider taking some training or coaching that helps you develop your emotional intelligence. If you are a trainer or a coach, you should consider adding emotional intelligence to your offerings to help your clients build the confidence to achieve their dreams. The application of the New Sciences to the management of organizations in the age of hyper competition will also be investigated, in order to see whether it could improve our understanding and insight into the modern business organization. Due to the fact that this is a new and exciting way of managing a business, the amount of research literature available is limited. As always, when entering such uncharted waters, more questions will be raised than answers given, but this is indicative of a new concept, and leaves room for more intensive research which will provide a greater understanding of the value added by this management paradigm. Margaret Wheatley (1994) turns to the New Sciences to demonstrate how some of the issues discussed above might be accommodated. She shows how the New Sciences including Quantum Physics, Chaos Theory, Chemistry, and Molecular Biology provide insights into transforming how organizations organize work, people and life, in order to meet the strategic imperatives defined by DAveni. In particular, Wheatley draws on the New Sciences to apply scientific concepts to the problems of order/ change: autonomy/ control: structure/ flexibility: and planning/ innovation within organizations, and in so doing, calls, respectively, for free-flowing information, individual empowerment, relationship networks, and organizational change that evolves organically. This new approach to organizations is a dramatic shift away from thinking of organizations in mechanistic terms, as collections of replaceable parts, where leadership seeks prediction and control. A paradigm shift like this can only take place successfully if the necessary tools and mechanisms are available to support the application of the fundamental insights, offered by the New Sciences, to the complex adaptive system, i. e. the Organization . Conclusion  In summary, career development includes all efforts and activities conducted by individual employees and the organization to help each person choose and follow the best path. The primary concepts that apply to personal success are building an ethical foundation, becoming involved in training and preparation, finding the right person-organization fit, engaging in continuous improvement, and achieving balance. Organizational needs also must be met to fully achieve a quality career development system. The age of the virtual organization is fast becoming a reality. The implications of this have to be dealt with urgently in the new millennium, as the adoption of ever newer technologies and the emerging trends discussed earlier will continue to manifest at an exponential rate. What is also clear is that the traditional management framework is increasingly proving itself incapable of satisfactorily dealing with the new market reality: Conventional theories and practices no longer provide the necessary guidance and support for decision-making in a world of change, complexity and uncertainty. It is this, then, that is driving the move towards a new management paradigm, in terms of which the management function will be radically redefined to take emerging realities into consideration. If companies are to prosper to be drivers of their industries they will need to proactively embrace a new management philosophy that is cognizant of the dynamics of information science, accelerating change, a borderless world, the holistic approach, the New Sciences, as well as the growth of technology, and, in the words of Vernor Vinge,the dawn of the Technological Singularity.

Prenatal Diagnosis for Abnormalities Detection

Prenatal Diagnosis for Abnormalities Detection PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS The incidence of major abnormalities apparent at birth is 2 to 3 percent. These anomalies cause a significant portion of neonatal deaths, more than a fourth of all pediatric hospital administration results from genetic disorders. Prenatal diagnosis is the science of identifying structural or functional abnormalities, birth defects in the fetus. With this information clinicians can hope to provide appropriate counseling and optimize outcome. Birth defects can arise in at least three ways. The malformation i.e structural fetal abnormality, then the deformation, then the third type is disruption. Sometimes multiple structural or developmental abnormalities occur together in one individual . A cluster of several abnormalities can be a syndrome. Prenatal diagnosis helps to detect these abnormalities. Thus prenatal diagnosis basically comprises of different techniques and methods used to determine any diseases or heath condition of the unborn fetus or embryo. SOME PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DETECTION OF FETAL 1)GENETIC 2) CHROMOSOMAL 3)STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES Amniocentesis Triple test Chorion villus sampling Cordoncentesis Ultrasonography Fetoscopy Maternal serum alpha feto protein Peri-implatation genetic diagnosis Fetal cell isolation from maternal blood 3-D or 4-D ultrasound with increased resolution a) Amniocentesis: This test is developed byRichard Dedrick .Examination of a sample of amniotic fluid makes possible the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and certain metabolic defects. The procedure can be used as early as 14th week of pregnancy when abortion of the fetus is still feasible. The diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities is made by culture and karyotyping of fetal cells from the amniotic fluid, and of metabolic defects by biochemical analysis of the fluid. Karyotyping is a test used to detect genetic problems. Before the procedure begins a local anesthetic is given to the mother to get relief from the pain, a needle is inserted into the abdominal wall and then the amniotic fluid is withdrawn. The fetal cells are distinguished from the extract and the cells are cultured in medium, further stained and examined under microscope for abnormalities. Amniocentesis is very accurate in detecting the abnormalities in fetus as well as to find the gender of the fetus, hence is banned in many countries. Amniocentesis is called for in the following circumstances if the parents are prepared to consider abortion. A mother aged 35 years or more (because of high risk of down’s syndrome with advanced maternal age). Patients who have had a child with Down’s syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. Parents who are known to have chromosomal translocation. Parents who have had a child with metabolic defect-detectable by amniocentesis. The most commom are defects of the neural tube, anencephaly and spina bifida which can be detected by an elevation of alpha feto protein in amniotic fluid b) Chorionic villus sampling(CVS): This is another prenatal diagnosis used to find chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus. CVS was first described in China in the mid-1970s. This technique is also called as chorionic sampling. This is usually performed at 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. This new technique allows prenatal diagnosis at 9 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. By this test the chromosome status can be easily determined. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormalities offers the parents the option of therapeutic abortion. Samples may be obtained transcervically or transabdominally, depending on which route allows easiest access to the placenta. Relative contraindications include vaginal bleeding or spotting, active genital tract infection, extreme uterine ante or retroflexion, or body habitus precluding easy uterine access or clear sonographic visualization of its contents. The indications for CVS are essentially the same as for amniocentesis, except for a few analysis that specif ically require either amniotic fluid or placental tissue. The primary advantage of villous biopsy is that results are available earlier in pregnancy, which lessens parental anxiety when results are normal. It also allows earlier and safer methods of pregnancy termination when results are abnormal. Complications of CVS are similar to those of amniocentesis. There is an understandable desire to perform CVS as early as possible. Technically, this can be done successfully as early as six weeks’ gestation. However, a few clusters of limb reduction defects have been reported following CVS, with a trend toward an increased incidence of these defects when CVS was done before nine weeks gestation. Subsequent, large epidemiological follow-up studies failed to confirm this association, but most clinicians delay this procedure until after 10 weeks gestation. The incidence of amniotic leakage or infection is less than 0.5 percent. c) Alpha fetoprotein: Neural tube defects can be detected by measurement of a specific protein of foetal origin called alpha fetoprotein in maternal blood and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. A neural tube defect is termed as a opening in the brain or spinal cord that occurs very early in the developmental stage of human. Neutral tube defects include spina bifida. d) Ultrasound: This can be used to visualize the foetus and detect many abnormalities of the foetus . Ultrasound is the method of choice for detection of anatomical problems (e.g. absent kidneys, spina bifida), but provides no information on the genetic constitution of a fetus. Maternal serum screening, alone or in combination with ultrasound, is often used to identify fetuses at risk of Down’s syndrome, but the definitive chromosomal diagnosis can only be made from fetal cells. e) Fetal cells from maternal blood can be isolated for prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy. Fetal trophoblast, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and nucleated red blood cells are studied. Generally, 1ml of maternal blood contains one fetal cell. f)Â  Peri-implantation genetic diagnosis(PGD): This is done by polar body biopsy, blastomere biopsy, trophectoderm biospsy. Polar body biopsy is done by removing first or second polar body in the preconceptional phase. Paternal genotypeis not assessed here. Blastomere biopsy –one or two cells are aspirated through a hole made in zona pellucida by mechanical, laser or chemical means. This does not effect the normal embryonic development. g)Â  Triple test: This is basically a screening test. It mainly detects the presence of three substances in the maternal blood, i.e of alpha feto-protein, human chorionic gonadotropin(hcp)which is basically a hormone in placenta, and estriol. The triple test detects the presence of high level or low level of these substances. Both high and low level can creat abnormalities. h)Â  Cordocentesis It is also called as Percutaneous Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling (PUBS), this is a test that mainly examines the blood from the fetus to detect fetal abnormalities. The procedure carried out is quite similar to amniocentesis. This test helps in finding any malfunction and abnormalities of the fetus. i)Â  Fetoscopy-This procedure provides a direct visualisation to the fetus, amniotic cavity, umbilical cord, and fetal side of placenta. It does this by ultrasound scanning. Here an endocope is inserted into the abdomen of the mother which acts as an analyzer. Thus many prenatal diagnosis are available nowadays which allows to detect any kind of abnormalities in the fetus. Once diagnosed, some genetic abnormalities can be treated with partial or complete success by medical and surgical measures. Genetic counseling can also have impact when individuals or couples at risk are identified.

Death for John Walker Lindh :: essays research papers fc

Death for John Walker Lindh Death Penalty should be the only choice, no alternatives. John Walker Lindh knows the difference between right and wrong. He also knows the difference between an American Citizen and a traitor. This article describes John Walker as a person with a cold heart. It portrays Walker, as showing no remorse for the people who lost loved one’s due to the tragedy of September 11th, however thousands of others have. The article states he chose to fight alongside the Taliban regime and therefore he should be delt the penalties of being a traitor. â€Å"We may never know why he turned his back on our country and our values, but we cannot ignore that he did,† Attorney General D. Ashcroft said. Why even talk about ignoring what he did. Thousands of people are dead and more are hurt due to the actions of the al Qaeda network. Such loses and pain can not be ignored. He turned his back on the United States and people from all over the world. Terrorism is unacceptable not just to American’s but to all nations who endure the rite of freedom and security. Therefore John Walker should be tried in a court as if he were Osama bin laden him self. John Walker may have not been directly connected to the September 11th, but he did indeed learn from one of his instructors that Osama bin laden had sent people to the United States to carry out several suicide operations. I do not understand how a human being born and raised as an American can later grow up to fight against innocent people and watch as all American lives get turned upside down. He found out from an instructor that Osama bin Laden had plans in-store for the States yet did nothing to even contact his own family nor let anyone know. Maybe this could have been prevented. Or just maybe the next time I go back to my hometown, New York City, as I am driving towards my grandmother’s house instead of seeing just a lonely, empty blue sky; I would be able to see the World Trade Center as it once was months ago.

The Qumran Documents (Dead Sea Scrolls) Essay -- Dead Sea Scrolls

The Qumran Documents (Dead Sea Scrolls) The finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Qumran Documents is the single most important religious find of the twentieth century. These manuscripts have revolutionized the entire field of biblical study and have the ability to destabilize the mass of western religious thought as we know it today. For the information contained in these scrolls, include books of the Hebrew Bible that predate the next earlier example by one thousand years. The data found in these scrolls enable us to form a historically accurate reconstruction of the time period formative of Rabbinic Judaism and of Christianity. By studying the customs and the religious practices of the Essene people we can put together a snapshot of the religious and political times that were in place at the start of Christianity. In 1947 near the city of Qumran, a young Bedouin shepherd named Mohammed Dib of the T'Amireh tribe left his village in search of a goat that had become lost. He threw a stone into a small cave in a cliff thinking the goat had taken refuge inside the cave. When he threw the stone he heard the sound of pottery breaking. The next day he returned and found the entrance to the cave. Inside the cave he found ten jars made of clay. Most of the jars were empty and one held only dirt, but inside the remaining three he found scrolls. The scrolls he found were made of ancient papyrus, stuffed in jars and wrapped in linen. On a second visit he found four more scrolls. These scrolls were taken to an antiques dealer named Kando in Bethlehem in the hopes that they might be worth something on the black market. Kando bought the four scrolls from the shepherd boy nicknamed "The Wolf" for roughly one hundred and ten... ...d to reveal nothing to outsiders, even under pain of death. They must keep all the information contained in their books secret. They possess nothing of their own and eat in common together. They did not believe in the practice of animal sacrifice. They also only worked in crafts that contributed to peace. They also believed that God was the source for all good but could not be the cause of any evil. The dating of the community at Qumran has been done with a considerable amount of accuracy due in part to coins found near the settlement which dated to the time of John Hyrcanus (103-104 B.C.). This indicates that the settlement was begun in the second century B.C. or shortly thereafter. Archaeological findings clearly show that a city existed in Qumran and a community named the Essenes lived in Qumran from the middle of the second century B.C. to A.D. 68.

9/11:The Swedish Debate :: Politics Political Persuasive Essays

9/11: The Swedish Debate The attack on September 11 has affected countries all over the world. This was the case in Sweden where the events of 9/11 definitely had an impact. Naturally, the immediate reaction was shock at how someone could plan something so terrible and kill so many innocent people. However, a small group of authors and journalists made some statements saying that the United States "deserved" what happened. Obviously, these statements made a lot of people, including myself, very upset. These controversial statements led to a very intense debate in Sweden regarding Western countries, especially the United States, policies in the Middle East. The terrorist attack on September 11 opened the eyes of many people to what is going on in different parts of the world. People wanted to know how someone could hate a nation and a people that stands for freedom and democracy so much that they were willing to take their own lives in order to kill innocent people. To begin with, the discussion in Sweden was focused on these questions. However, the discussion took a different turn when some people, led by the Swedish author and politician Jan Guillo, begun to say that the United States had this coming because of the way they conduct their Middle East politics. Jan Guillo appeared in all major Swedish newspapers and TV stations saying that what happen was a terrible tragedy but the United States should have expected that something could happen. The United States should not have expected to go unpunished for the way they treat the Middle East and the Muslim states (Dagens Nyheter). Jan Guillo has a Socialist and anti-Capitalist bac kground and he believes that the Western countries, including Sweden, back the United States only because they want to please the greatest Capitalist country in the world. He argues that the Western countries would not have reacted in the same way if five thousand people in Baghdad were to be killed in a similar attack. People in the Western world would not have cared if five thousand Iraqis were killed, simply because they feel dependent on the United States and have less concern for poor countries where the religion is considered fundamentalist and extremist. Everyone wants to be on the United State’s good side, according to Guillo (Dagens Nyheter).

Mobile Phone Addiction

Those who remain fear the loss of mobile phones, or the presence of outside the coverage of the network, and thus the inability to communicate or receive communications .. It is a concern to hit the world and destroyed the ability of people to develop solutions to what the phone is forced suffering .. ..With a little thought, there are people who feel and enjoy the latest devices and smart phones .. To enjoy the modern programs in addition to the many features provided by these devices .. It is normal when a person uses his mobile phone to make calls or talk to friends and relatives from time to time .. Or Download game compete with friends .. But what if the transformation of the use of smart phone to addiction? .. See what the problems that can be caused by this addiction to the owner? .. So warned surveys and studies on the smartphone from the increasing signs of addiction, and concluded studies to That people stare at the phones screens For approximately 3 hours a day or more, in addition to the time spent in making calls. .. It was noted that psychiatrists, are those who initiated to consider the fight against the problem – phenomenon, in order to recognize that addiction to smart phones, psychological disorder. Experts warn that the use of new technologies at an early age may compound the risk of addiction, isolation and school failure. Where the smartphone is no longer a means to communicate with others only, but the smartphone is used to finish and follow the work of private and is used in the study and entertainment of the self through the games or watching movies and hear songs and networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and other programs, â€Å"People are checking their mobile phones at 34 times a day, and there are five, 81 and eighty-one percent of people who keep their phones near them, and 63 percent are checking their phones even while they sleep. People who are afraid of losing a mobile phone or being out of network coverage and therefore unable to communicate or receive communication suffer from the disease of sleepophobia. Monophobia can be monitored through a range of behaviors, for example, that a person checks his or her mobile phone more than 30 times a day , Or simply feel that it is impossible for him to give up his phone and live without him. Experts have found that smart phone addicts have become so many around the world that if they are removed from their phones they feel nervous and angry and can do things beyond their control. The use of the smartphone also leads to poor cognitive skills, especially among students. Surveys showed that the degree of addiction to the smartphone is increasing among young people, where one in every five young people check his phone once every few minutes, and drew attention to all this. For phones comes at the expense of neglecting the world around us, causing increased anxiety, tension and distraction. Stressing that each user to evaluate the fact that attached to his smartphone, and begin to get rid of this attachment step by step. Radio France International highlighted in a report published on its website the phenomenon of â€Å"addiction† of the inhabitants of the earth to the use of mobile phone. A study by the High Tech Web site showed that around 1.5 billion people around the world have mobile phones, while the study revealed that if this upward development revolutionized communications worldwide, it certainly had a significant impact on behaviors Individuals in the community. The study found that the use of intelligent mobile phones with the Internet causes â€Å"addiction† to this technology, and this situation is widespread and widely, among the 8.6 billion people of the earth, 1.5 billion people have mobile phones. But far from the figures and comparisons, the widespread use of mobile phones, especially smart phones, has led to a radical change in societal behavior. According to the study, 60% of mobile phone users sleep with their hands in their hands, and 15% of them may stop their entertainment and chat conversations just to answer the mobile phone. Many researchers have pointed out that there is a threat to the Earth's population from these mobile phones, that is, the addiction to this technology is already the same as when playing a game of video games continuously can be considered a form of addiction. Is addiction to smart phones a disease In Singapore, as in many other countries, doctors are struggling to recognize smart phone addiction as a form of psychological disorder. If you are difficult to break away from your smartphone or from people who seek it for no particular reason, you may be threatened with an addiction that may require the help of a psychiatrist. Singapore and Hong Kong broke regional records on the number of smart phone users, according to the latest report by the Nelson Office of Studies. According to Experience, 87 percent of Singapore's 5.4 million people have multi-function phones, compared to 65 percent in the United States.

Unit 307, Outcome 1: Support Assessment for Learning

Support assessment for learning Compare and contrast the roles of the teacher and the learning support practitioner in assessment of learners achievements In order to assess pupil’s achievements the teacher will take the main lead in doing so and the learning support practitioner will take guidance from the teacher’s assessments in order to support the pupil’s progress.In order to have a clear vision of the students ability and how they are progressing, the class teacher will monitor and assess students achievements, conduct reports of the achievements found for the department; other staff including year learning co-ordinators; and for the parents, they will also have meetings to share examples of pupil’s progress and discuss why they think that child is working at that particular level, this will further help the teacher to shape and adapt their teaching to a child’s individual needs.The teaching assistant’s role at this time will be to supp ort the teacher and have an input by discussing how they also believe the student is coping with the subject and to help set targets that can be put into the report so the student can achieve to their full potential.In order for students to progress in a lesson a teacher will plan each lesson by producing a scheme of work, so that the learning objectives for that lesson are clear, the teaching assistant will support the teacher by looking at the scheme of work prepared and after discussing with the teacher will prepare differentiated materials for SEN and targeted students and make sure these are done before the lesson is due to take place.The teaching assistant can also support the teacher by helping manage classroom behaviour, and keeping students especially targeted students focused on the task at hand, encouraging students by making positive comments and prompting them to participate in the lesson. Summarise the difference between formative and summative assessment. A formative assessment assists the teacher in developing their lesson so that they can improve the student’s attainment and is designed to give pupils eedback in order to improve in their learning. There are many different types of formative assessment which include; observations to understand how a student works and what strategies they use; write backs; diagnostic testing which can be done at the beginning of a term to check students strengths and weaknesses in learning; and engaging pupils in reviewing progress where at the end of the lesson teacher asks questions about the material that has just been learnt to check they have understood the learning objectives.Whereas a summative assessment comes at the end of a topic, term or year for a summary of what the student has learnt and is the formal testing. The results of these tests are then used for different types of reports including whole school, departmental, and parent reports. Explain the characteristics of assessment for learning . The main characteristics of assessment for learning are to encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning.This can be done by; making sure that pupils are actively involved in lessons from the very start; students are continuously referred back to the learning objective throughout the lesson so they know they are on the right track; helping students understand and know the standard of work that they are aiming for in class by reflecting and questioning themselves, for example ‘what have I learnt? ’ and ‘what could I have done/do to improve that piece of work? ; allowing time for peer assessment and getting students to provide each other with constructive critism; teachers providing constructive feedback that will help pupils identify improvements and by also educating pupils in self assessment methods in order to ascertain areas for development. Explain the importance and benefits of assessment for learning Assessment for learning is an essential part of education as it defines whether or not students have fully understood the learning objectives.However assessment for learning plays a significant role in raising a student’s academic achievements and is centred on the belief that in order for pupil to progress in school, they must understand the purpose of their learning, where they are in relation to this purpose and how they can achieve their goals, and research has shown that students that are involved in the assessment process are more likely to show higher motivation for their learning and take an active role in making improvements to their work by reflecting on their own development.If a pupil is given the opportunity to discuss their learning either with a teacher or one of their peers then they will develop a deeper understanding of their learning which can build confidence, raise their self esteem and motivate them as students. Effective assessment will identify individual educational needs of all children a s well as informing them about their specific performances and achievements, this will then allow teachers to use approaches that are personalised to the needs of a child.Assessment can be used not only to measure learning but also to promote learning by teaching pupils how to ask questions as well as answering them, by emphasising to a child that it is acceptable to ‘have a go’ and that by giving the wrong answer is still an opportunity to learn. It further provides the student with an understanding of what levels they are working at, what level they would like to working towards, and plan on how they are going to reach that level. Explain how assessment for learning can contribute to planning for future learning carried out by:Day to day assessments are a crucial phase of effective teaching, and consists of the teacher and teaching assistant in the class focusing on how the students learning is progressing in that particular lesson and defining where improvements can be made. If also allows both the teacher and teaching assistant to recognise what steps should be taken to support each student achieve to the best of their ability. The teacher It is important for the teacher to carry out a number of observations on their students and conduct topic knowledge test to have a greater understanding of students’ abilities.Once this is done the teacher can measure what the child can do and what they know, and they can determine what is successful and what approaches they are going to take when they are planning their lessons i. e. do some students need differentiated materials, does pair/group work activities need to be incorporated within the lesson to help students growth and development of their skills and knowledge. When this is in place the teacher will be able to measure the students progress and then they can encourage the pupil to take responsibility for their own learning and be involved in the assessment process as a wholeThe learners Th e assessment process for students will encourage and teach them to reflect on their work on a regular basis, and question themselves on whether they have met the learning objective for that lesson. This in turn will teach them to assess their own work and look at how they can make improvements to it, in accordance to the criteria they need to meet, furthermore it will make them feel included in the learning process and provide them with the confidence to ask for help when they are unsure or to say when they feel they have not understood the learning objectives correctly.The learning support practitioner The teaching assistant (TA) should always work in partnership with the teacher, to gain a greater understanding of how you can support and enhance the learning of the students. If you have more than one students who is low ability or a targeted SEN student, it can be an idea to sit them at the same table so that the TA can sit with them all so they can work at a pace that is suitable for them.This also allow the TA to help clarify the learning objectives for the lesson by asking questions such as â€Å"what are we learning about today? †, â€Å"can you highlight the key words in the learning objectives? †. It also provides low ability students’ with an opportunity to ask questions about their work and have clarification that they are on the right path. Thus assessment for learning provides the teaching assistant with knowledge of the students’ abilities and what types of questions to use to gage their understanding.

A Traveler’s Guide to Gifts and Bribes

Financial Management Policy Professor: Ms. Gleason A Traveler's Guide to Gifts and Bribes Harvard Business Review Why might bribery become a problem for U. S. managers working in foreign countries? The FCPA was structured to help U. S. companies understand what bribery is, and what is or is not acceptable behavior at home and in other countries. The confusing issue is that even with this guidance, it is not always clear what exactly is to be considered a bribe. Under the Act, not all payments are deemed to be bribes. FCPA doesn’t forbid payments to lesser figures, it allows bribes to facilitate ongoing business activities, as there is no monetary guideline it requires companies to keep reasonable records of the transaction. Brides given to influence political decisions are banned and usually small payments that are designed to get a foreign official to perform a non-discretionary function. The distinction between the two is blurred. Confounding this is that many U. S. business people do not know what is permitted and what is not, as there is no clear guidance. As there is no clear guidance on what you can and can’t do working with foreign countries a lot of U. S. Managers could actually be offering bribes that should actually be banned. This creates no equal opportunity for everyone; the foreign company will go with whomever’s bribe seems to be greater. This will create a huge problem because this is where a lot of U. S. manger will cross the line just to win the business. What are the major features of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)? The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) was enacted in 1977 and substantially revised in 1988. The FCPA generally prohibits corrupt payments to foreign officials. To complement this prohibition, the FCPA has accounting provisions that require maintenance of transparent and complete financial records. The Justice Department enforces the anti-bribery provisions, while the Securities and Exchange Commission has jurisdiction over the accounting requirements. The key provisions of the FCPA are as follows: (Hart, 2001)    * The FCPA prohibits payments (including promises to pay) of anything of value to nfluence, corruptly (with corrupt intent), the discretion of a foreign official to do something in violation of his or her official duty; to obtain, retain, or direct business; or to gain any improper advantage. * The FCPA prohibits indirect payments, as well. These provisions also apply to acts of a non-U. S. representative that is attributable to the U. S. party. * The FCPA exempts â€Å"facilitating† payments. These are usually small payments that are designed to get a for eign official to perform a non-discretionary function. The Justice Department can pursue criminal sanctions of up to $2 million per count for legal entities, with individuals facing fines of up to $250,000 per violation and imprisonment up to five years. Civil penalties may also apply at a rate of $10,000 per violation for an entity or individual. Additional fines by an SEC civil enforcement action may apply. * FCPA conviction can result in the party being debarred from U. S. government contracts, prevented from participating in the securities industry, and barred from loan programs of certain U. S. and international lenders. In addition, there may be tax ramifications. * Compliance should be reflected in international agreements. (It is not sufficient, however, to state in an agreement that the FCPA applies and is part of the agreement). * FCPA    require corporations to make and keep books and records that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the corporation and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. Why might the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act create a competitive disadvantage for U. S. firms? Many believe that the FCPA has created a competitive disadvantage for the U. S. s, historically, both the Europeans and Japanese have and continue to use payments to key foreign officials as a promotional device to attract and win business contracts. The U. S. Justice Department has been lobbying the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for greater international enforcement. When the U. S. stood completely alone in its legislative quest to curtail foreign bribery, the catastrophic scenario did not materialize. â€Å"As the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted four years after the implementation of the FCPA in a study called the Impact of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act on U. S. Business; claims that U. S. companies have lost sales†¦are difficult, if not impossible, to substantiate and quantify† (Graham, 1984). Further, a paper published in the Journal of International Business used published data to test the competitive disadvantage theory and found that â€Å"the FCPA had not negatively affected the competitive position of American industry in the world marketplace† (Graham, 1984). Even then, when the American industry was the only one worldwide facing these kinds of restrictions, anti-bribery laws did not negatively impact their export performance or market share. In today’s world, several markets where such an act may exist may provide a competitive disadvantage include those of China, the Middle East, Africa, and other emerging markets. This is in part due to the lack of similar laws in these markets and tradition based business practices where bribery, gratitude, or gift given is a norm. â€Å"Unfortunately, in the context of China, this has the potential to place American companies in a position where they must decide between violating the FCPA and losing Chinese business† (Shira, 2010). Even though China does have written anti-bribery laws on the books; these laws are poorly enforced and are routinely violated by Chinese and foreign companies. The desire to increase a company’s competitiveness in the face of such adversity may be tempting. Despite criticism of it, FCPA has benefitted honest U. S. firms by reducing unfair competition among other American firms which comprise about 80 percent of the world’s true multinationals. Despite original reluctance, the current trend among nations appears to be to follow the U. S. ead in cracking down on corrupt dealings between firms and governments in international trade. In the spring of last year, the United Kingdom passed its own act, the Bribery Act of 2010. Describe the three non-Western traditions that can lead to confusion regarding â€Å"gifts† vs. â€Å"bribes. † Three non-Western traditions that can be cause for confusion are the inner circle, future favors, and the gift exchange. The inn er circle refers to the notion in â€Å"developing nations of classifying outsiders into some form of â€Å"ins† and â€Å"outs† (Fadiman, 1986). For example in the Middle East, Central and South American, as well as, African countries there is a tendency for the upper class to view itself as the â€Å"Elites† of the society and often times take the view that they are above the law (or certain laws do not apply to them). They retain the view that certain procedures are not applicable to them and are entitled to circumvent these via their stature, position, or personal connections. Future favors relates to the notion of relationships within the inner circle here it is â€Å"assumed that any individual under obligation to another has entered a relationship in which the first favor must be repaid in the future† (Fadiman, 1986). Again this can notion relates to many countries within the Middle East, as well as, Far East countries such as Japan, India, and Indonesia. Gift given relates to payoffs as a continuous exchange of gifts. â€Å"In many non-Western commercial circles, particularly Moslem and Asian countries, the tradition of gift giving has evolved into a modern business tool intended to create obligation as well as affection. Gift giving in these cultures may therefore operate in two dimensions: one meant to provide short-term pleasure; the other, long-range bonds† (Fadiman, 1986). Through personal observation, for example, company executives may be presented with an invitation to a traditional banquet. This not only is intended as an â€Å"ice breaker†, but also serves as a sense of pride on the part of the giver and may be viewed negatively if rejected. What are some suggestions for managers who want to give bribes without violating the FCPA? One suggestion I found interesting is based on an interpretation of facilitation given by Howard Sklar (2011): â€Å"When someone asks me whether a payment is a facilitation payment, I ask only one question: what are you trying to get? If what you’re trying to get is a decision, it’s a bribe. If you’re trying to get something you’re legally entitled to (processing an application, for example), it’s a facilitation payment†. However, even facilitation payments are considered bribes, for though one part of the FCPA exempts such payments the control and record keeping provisions do not. The fact of the matter is, that corporations should not be engaged in bribery, facilitation payments, or gift given but rather concentrate on the merits of their product or services. Any company that wishes to do so can attempt to hide these within discretionary funds. This not only would still be in violation of the law, but also in breach of their responsibility to their stakeholders. What is more important? I believe is the thorough understanding of your markets culture, language, and traditions. A better understanding of these provides a competitive advantage over others. While there may exist some gray areas here, for instance, paying a gratuity to low level government workers in some countries who rely on such payments as part of their salary. Reciprocating in kind to a gift based on cultural norms, the dollar value has to be taking into consideration. One has to consider what is minimal and what could be construed as excessive. As Fadiman (1986), describes in the case study, corporations should â€Å"device appropriate responses to pay-off requests†. One method that can be used as means to bypass such requests and also to promote good relations is to use a donation strategy. That is to appeal to the â€Å"national element† by offering to assist for example an orphanage, or provide local schools with supplies, or help built a hospital. References Fadiman, J. A. (July-august, 1986) A Travelers Guide to Gifts and Bribes Retrieved May 3, 2011 from Harvard Business Review, Graham, J. L (Winter, 1984) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: A New Perspective Retrieved May 3, 2011 from http://www. jstor. org/pss/154278 Hart, H. (July 31, 2001) Anti-Corruption Provisions of the U. S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Retrieved May 3, 2011 from http://www. hollandhart. com/articles/FCPA. pdf Shira, D. (October 14, 2010) U. S. Business, China and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Retrieved May 4, 2011 from http://www. china-briefing. com/news/2010/10/14/u-s-business-china-and-the-foreign-corrupt-practices-act. htm Sklar, H. M. (February 07, 2011) On Facilitation Payments Retrieved May 5, 2011 from http://openairblog. wordpress. com/2011/02/07/on-facilitation-payments/

Changes in Africa from 500 C.E to 1500C.E Essay

The role of religion has changed over time in West Africa from the migration of Islam bringing its new faith, rituals, and establishment of a greater connection with the outside world through trade and cultural diffusion. However the unique African religion that existed beforehand was still retained; the African culture still believing in animism and polytheism even after the spread of Islam. From 1000-1500 CE the role of religion has seen changes and continuities influenced by the spread of foreign territories, economics, and political/social systems in West Africa. Religion in any time and has several profound influences on its society affecting the moral codes, gender relationships, and politics on that area. Previously, Africa although not fully isolated from the centers of other civilizations, remained secluded from communication with them, slowing the indigenous religions to be the main belief system. West Africa’s first major change begun around 1000 CE when followers of the prophet Muhammad came across Africa bringing its religion, Islam, and social changes. Due to its connection with the Islamic world Africa started to connect with other foreign territories through its new trading and long distance commerce system, exchanging new ideas and products. Furthermore, this new connection with the outside world brought occupants to the area, resulting in a population about 30 to 60 million by 1500 CE. These new economic effects deteriorated the native’s beliefs role as the sole influence of its society, sharing that position with Islam. Also, the Islamic influence brought on by merchants and travelers spread the new faith across West Africa bringing mixed results from new converts and those who remained with the original religion. In the 12th century around the Sudanic states lived a very powerful ruler, called Sundiata, who though never forcing Islam on the citizens encouraged the spread of Islam, attracting many converts. Around the 13th century in the Kingdom of Mali became an example of Islamicized Sudanic Kingdoms from the building of mosques, attendance of Muslim prayers, and emphasized obedience to kings. In addition, ruling leaders often took Islamic titles enforcing their authority and displaying the cultural diffusion connected with Islam. Though the role of religion in West Africa has been altered due to the spread Islam many of its traditional ethic concepts have been retained and practiced. Despite the fact that Islam was introduced around 1000 CE, unlike in other countries, the new religion was not forced upon the people and some chose to convert, while others kept the traditional beliefs. One original concept of religion that has not changed in Africa is its monotheistic beliefs where there is one superior, all powerful deity who controls the course of the world and influences its population. Also, apart from the superior creator god there is animism, in which Africans recognize lesser deities often associated with natural forces, like water, wind, sun, etc, who are connected with the affairs of humans, good or bad. Many native rituals are focused on honoring these gods and other spirits for good fortune, including prayers, sacrifices, ceremonies marking important stages in life, like birth, marriage, and death. Furthermore, another religious practice that remained intact is the recognition of diviners, or individuals who were believed to be the bridge between mortality and the divine, who knew the causes of problems and their solutions spiritually. Also, though Islam was a major change brought on by 1000 CE, throughout 500 years it remained a steadfast religion, which had some beliefs similar to that of the traditional religion. In addition Islam did not change African gender systems and supplanted original religions, rather than replace them. Although many changes were incorporated into its spiritual life, religion still determined the ethical/moral code of the population determining the social and cultural manner of West Africa. The Islamization that took place within West Africa from 1000 to 1500 CE brought a variety of religious, political, and economic changes in its society, contrary to the diversity and individuality that remained. With the spread of Islam came a broader trading network which brought Africa new ways of communication with the outside world, bringing new ideas of faith and migrants to the area. Though the movement of new faiths traveled across the Sudanic states bringing new forms of worship, religion was still the main authority that determined the ethical/ social patterns of Africa. With this in mind much of African religion was retained, leading many people to live a life devoted to animism and several nature deities. Around the beginning of 1500 CE much of West Africa, especially Ghana, Mali, and the Sudanic kingdoms, became a fusion of African culture and Islamic influence, with greater connection to the outside world and Islam while great diversity remained.

Mr Bhekokwakhe ntshangase

You will receive a number of tutorial letters during the semester. A tutorial letter is our way of communicating with you about teaching, learning and assessment. This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work, resources and assignments for this module. We urge you to read it carefully and to keep it at hand when working through the study material, preparing the assignments, preparing for the examination and addressing questions to us. In this Tutorial Letter you will find the assignments and assessment criteria as ell as instructions on the preparation and submission of the assignments.It also provides all the information you need with regard to the prescribed study material and other resources and how to obtain them. Please study this information carefully and make sure that you obtain the prescribed material as soon as possible. We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module. Please study this section of the tut orial letter carefully. Right from the start we would like to point out that you must read all the tutorial eaters you receive during the semester immediately and carefully, as they always contain important and, sometimes, urgent information.Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. Tutorial matter that is not available when you register will be posted to you as soon as possible, but is also available on manias. We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you all the best! Upon completion of this module you should have obtained the applied competence of the community, citizenship and pastoral role at a beginner teacher's level.Outcomes You will be able to: practice and promote a critical, committed and ethical attitude by developing a sense of respect and responsibility towards others. Uphold the Constitution and promote democratic values and practices in schools and society. Demonstrate within your school an ability to develop a supportive and empowe ring environment for the learners. Respond to the educational and other needs of learners and fellow educators. Develop supportive relations with parents and other key persons and organizations. Develop a critical understanding of community and environmental issues, especially Hides.Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies Unison pop BOX 392 UNISON 0003 ACH van deer Walt Building 6-72 Muckiness Campus Propeller Street PRETORIA Tell: (012) 429-4033 University If you need to contact the University about matters not related to the content of this module, please consult the publication my Studies @ Unison, that you received with your study material. This brochure contains information on how to contact the University (e. G. To whom you can write for different queries, important telephone and ax numbers, addresses and details of the times certain facilities are open).Always have your student number and module code at hand when you contact the University. Please note that all adm inistrative enquiries should be directed to: ; E-mail [email  protected] AC. AZ MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES Prescribed books There are no prescribed textbooks for this module. This means that you do not have to buy any additional books for this module. You only need your study guide and the tutorial letters. Recommended books There are no recommended books for this module. Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves) There are no electronic reserves for this module.Official study material One study guide Tutorial letter 101 . Apart from Tutorial letter 101 you will also receive other Tutorial Letters in the course of the semester (102 and 201). If you have access to the Internet, you can view the study guide and tutorial letters for the module on the University online campus, manias, at http://my. Unison. AC. AZ. Recommended electronic sources The following electronic sources are sources that you may consult in order to broaden your knowledge of the educator in a pastoral role. A limited number of popes is available in the library. e-books The SAGE reference online. Handbooks Online. The Sage Handbook of Special Education. The SAGE reference online. Handbooks Online. The Sage Handbook of Gender and Education. This book deals with special education and gender and education. ; Teaching Diverse Learners – 2 DVD set A diverse learning environment benefits everyone, but it can put overwhelming pressure on an unprepared teacher. This two-part DVD empowers educators using real-world teaching methods – enabling them to overcome the obstacles and maximize the rewards of a diverse learning atmosphere.The first DVD is 13 minutes and the second DVD 18 minutes. Learner's books and curricula for your learning area or subject It is essential that you have access to a series of learner's books for your learning area and/or subject approved by the National Department of Education. They are available at the JUST bookseller. Open education resources (ORE) 4. 7. 1 TESTS (Teacher Education in Sub-Sahara Africa) TESTS brings together teachers and teacher educators from across Africa. It offers a range of materials (Open Educational Resources) in four languages to support school- eased teacher education and training.

Chapter 4 discussion and analysis Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chapter 4 discussion and analysis - Dissertation Example these variables have no significant differences between grocery items and insurance (p > 0.05). Therefore, these variables should not be rejected because these factors significantly affect the purchasing behavior of online consumers when it comes to buying online grocery items and insurances. With regards to the length of time for transaction, several studies revealed that online shoppers are more likely to purchase online grocery items and insurances because of its convenience, reduced physical effort concerning the travelling from home to grocery store outlets or meeting a sales agent in buying insurances, and lesser amount of time it takes to complete a transaction (Kaufman-Scarborugh and Lindquist 2002; Verhoef and Langerak 2001; Keh and Shieh 2001; Raijas 2002). Likewise, the study of Yang et al. (2007) reported that security and privacy, the ease of use of the website, brand-name recognition, and pleasure associated with the purchase assistance provided online also positively a ffects the buying behaviours of online consumers. On the contrary, statistics result indicate that offering a wider choice of products (t = -4.321, p = 0.000), easy comparison of prices (t = -2.021, p = 0.046), sufficient information about the products (t =

Popular Culture(2-1) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Popular Culture(2-1) - Assignment Example According to the 2009documentary film Tyson, the young man frequently engaged in petty crimes and took to street fighting on frequent occasions. However it was under the guidance of D’Amato that Tyson started performing well at amateur boxing matches and was admitted to the 1982 Junior Olympic Games. Although it was the case that Tyson only won a silver medal, according to the 2009 documentary Tyson became a phenomenon after he scored the fastest knockout in an Olympic bout at approximately 8 seconds. It was upon this foundation that Tyson made his professional debut in 1985 where according to Cyber Boxing Zone (2010) Tyson won twenty six of his first twenty eight bouts by either knockout or technical knockout, most of which ended in the first round. The man became a powerhouse the likes of which the boxing community had not seen for a long time and quickly became known to most athletics fans across the world. However this career which brought great heights ended up hitting rock bottom. Tyson stood accused of sexually and physically abusing his wife Robin Givens during his marriage in the late eighties. After the divorce Tyson was accused and convicted of raping a young woman in Indiana and according to Berkow (1995) served three years of a ten year sentence. As pop cultural consumers I think it is natural that we are fascinated with te rise and fall of celebrity. It is the case that during the height of his career, Mike Tyson was an unstoppable force and a near perfect boxing machine. However in his personal life he brought about a type of ruin that the man self described in the 2009 documentary about his life as being â€Å"A tragedy†. As with many pop cultural phenomenon’s we tend to view. As far as my analysis is concerned, very few people remember Tyson for his boxing career anymore and simply focus on his failed personal life which is a trend we have seen spread across many different pop

Crime Rate in Hillsborough County Florida 2000-2012 Research Paper

Crime Rate in Hillsborough County Florida 2000-2012 - Research Paper Example These statistics only represent the crimes reported to the police. Under normal circumstances, so many crimes never reach the police desk. Hence, the police reports though correct, are not inclusive. In the US, violent crime includes aggravated assault, murder, homicide, rape, robbery with violence, violent crime between intimate partners, hate crime, fraud and impersonation, truancy, financial crimes, and killing of law enforcement officers. In the US, security agents that deal with crime include the police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Criminal investigation Agency. However, despite the huge amount of resources that the US federal government spends on crime prevention and management, the US records approximately 12 million crimes annually which is the worst criminal record in the world. Nevertheless, crime does not occur universally in the US with some states recording higher crime rates while others record low crime rates (Sperling et al 97-101). Indeed, the New En gland records the lowest crime rates of violence, property, and homicide in the US. Louisiana ranked first every year from 1989 to 2010 on per capita homicide rate. On the other hand, Detroit city has the most thriving crime rates of violent crime. Florida has one of the highest crime rates in US (Thuma et al 5-6). One is either a crime victim or a criminal. Ideally, the chance of one becoming a crime victim in the US depends on location and other demographics. Nevertheless, men, the financially unstable, minorities, and the young are more likely to commit crime or fall victim to crime in the US. However, women of any race are more prone to rape and violence against women than men. In average, 20 % of American citizens become victims of crime every year, which is the highest rate in the world. With the recent economic depression, skyrocketing unemployment, and increasing population crime rate in the US may upsurge due to the hard times and desperation among the citizens (Pearce Web) . However, according to the FBI, US were safer in 2010 than in any other year for the last 40 years (Jonsson Web). In comparing US crime rate with other countries, the FBI considers the nation’s wealth, development, and the nature of the crime. This paper will consider the Crime Rate in Hillsborough County Florida and specifically in Tampa area. It will include the crime rates from 2000-2012 and show what things have been done to combat the level of crime to get the levels lower. The paper will equally highlight some of the major crime events that featured in local and national news. Crime rate in Florida closely compares to that of Louisiana. The crime rate in Florida hit its lowest in 40 years this year (Thuma et al 5-6). However, it is arguably true that where man exists, crime exists. Hence, crime is still present in Hillsborough County Tampa area. Tampa area is a city in Florida and the county headquarters of Hillsborough County situated in the west coast of Florida. Tam pa city offers tourists attraction sites, historical sites, suburb life, and city life. The crime rate of Tampa city is favorable compared to that of other cities. Though there are no serious crimes here, thieves still open car doors and steal personal belongings. In addition, there are cases of shoplifting (Tampa Bay’s News Leader Web), credit card fraud, sex offences, prostitution, and liquor violations. However, these crimes are not on large scale and the security

Is One Child Policy in China Effective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Is One Child Policy in China Effective - Essay Example The implementation of the one-child policy saw the light of day early 1980s. This legislation came in to curb the unprecedented population increase that took place a couple of decades before 1980s. Formulation and drafting of the policy had started late 1970s, but the actual implementation took place in 1980 and subsequent years. Even though population increase was getting out of control, it was difficult to get the policy operational. Since the 1980s, one-child policy implementation has been dynamic due to the adoption of some specific changes from time to time.In light of the provisions made in the policy, there are a number of purposes served by the one-child requirement. The ultimate goal of the policy is to control and manage Chinese population. The operational aspects of the policy were designed to reduce births in the country. With reduced births within and across the country, population growth rate would significantly reduce. In other words, the essence of the policy is to re duce fertility levels, discourage couples from having many children, and ultimately reduce the general population in China (Wan, 2012).To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the policy promotes family planning through use of contraceptives. Government-funded agencies conduct massive awareness and creation and public education on matters of population, social welfare, and economic development. In essence, the purpose of the policy is to enhance the interconnection between the three variables.

Nanotechnology Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nanotechnology - Term Paper Example On the other hand, Eric Drexler, the founder of Foresight Nanotech Institute introduced to the world the term â€Å"nanotechnology in 1986, and used it to describe the bottom up approach. In contrary to Taniguchi, Drexler looked at nanotechnology from the perspective of a physicist. He referred to nanotechnology as a large scale mechanosynthesis that is founded on the positional control of molecules that are chemically reactive. The founders of nanotechnology anticipate that, in the future, the term will probably include building mechanisms and machines with nano-scale dimensions, also referred to as the Molecular Nanotechnology (MNT) (Cutcliffe 81). According to McGinn (2010), nanotechnology has emerged due to the advent of modern technological trends used for creating more comfort for the mankind. This technology will totally refurbish the way in which electronic and digital devices operate (McGinn 116). The concept of nanotechnology is based on further reduction of the size of tr ansistors and that of electronic circuitry that would enable working at the molecular level. Its implementation would not be limited to the field of technology and science, rather medicine, construction and other sciences would equally benefit from it (Ghattas 271). Nanotechnology is being made into it to introduce and transfer it from laboratory to markets due to its productivity; this has caught attention worldwide research as well as investment. Nanotechnology has gathered a lot of attention across the world, and rapid investments are being made into it. Some of the likely benefits include; the reduction in size, the speed of processing, capability to access further small elements and running the electronic circuits, processors, machines at a more brisk pace (Cutcliffe 90). The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is since 2000, the U.S. Government has spent more than $15.6 billion in advancing the nanotechnology industry; however, research is not progressing at an effec tive and efficient rate because a roadmap for nanotechnology research to move technology from the laboratory into the marketplace has not been established (Waldron 6292). From FY2001 through FY2012, the federal government invested in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Because of this focus and these investments, the U.S. has emerged as a global leader in nanotechnology. Further, nanotechnology is multiplying its applicability exponentially (Roberts, 2011). However, competition for global leadership in nanotechnology is escalating as nations and organizations worldwide increase investments in nanotechnology implementation (Waldron 6293). Maintaining U.S. leadership poses a technical, economic, and policy challenge for effective technology transfer to the private sector. Continued lack of attention to this concern will make it difficult for the U.S. to maintain its leadership role in the commercialization of nanote chnology. While the future of nanotechnology is promising and shows remarkable profitability for private industry, it is still a new practical science, and consequently it can be a high-risk and unpredictable commercial endeavor (Waldron, 6294). After 12 years and over $15 billion in research funds, the applications of nanotechnology appears to advance rapidly in research, yet slowly to being put in commercial practice in the United States (Holley 9). The idea of nanotechnology has