Gunpowder Empires

You might have heard of gun powder, but do you know who invented it and when it was created. It was first created by the Chinese during the tang dynasty. This particular dynasty was active in the 18th century. Gunpowder contains 3 important ingredients: sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal. Ironically today we use gunpowder to kill but before used in weapons the Chinese thought it could cure skin diseases. Soon after gunpowder’s total potential was discover. The Chinese then invented the cannon. Three major empires saw the power of these cannon and began to create and experiment with this new technology.As known technology advanced so did cannon building and other small arms. This allowed the empires that invested in this technology to strengthen and spread out and conquer more lands. As these empires expanded they began to intrude on European cities. Naturally Europeans didn’t appreciate the intrusion. The Europeans began to fight back and start wars, most importantly at th e battle of Vienna. Vienna was a very important city for the Ottoman Empire to conquer seeing how it is the easy passage through the mountains to Europe, a sort of doorway. The Ottoman Empire attacks the best they could fighting the Europeans.The fighting was so close that only the long waited Calvary from Poland was able to save the Europeans from total disaster. Maybe if the ottomans gunpowder was more powerful and closer to today’s formula they would have won. If the Calvary had never showed up the entire history of Europe would be different. Another example is when the Ottoman Empire managed to conquer Istanbul. You may be wondering how anyone could get past the 50 by 40 foot walls of Istanbul. The Ottoman Empire developed huge cannon. These cannon were twenty six feet long and 18 inches thick. It shot carved stone balls that weighed in excess of six hundred pounds.These alone weren’t enough to take down the wall; however the ottomans came up with a clever strategy . What the ottomans did was build twenty six of these bad boys and divide them into three groups each group fired at one desired point along the wall with days of constant battering at one point the wall came down. The gunpowder undoubtedly changed history, even though some people believe that if gunpowder was never discovered the world would be a safer place. They might be right but I don’t see how we could have reached this point in development without technology.

Patriotism Is an Outdated Notion

To say that patriotism is outdated is to imply that the concept of nation is outdated. For me patriotism is a word, nothing more nothing less, when I feel patriotic I don't call it patriotism, I call it being human. It is perhaps our disguised patriotism that we fight today in the world, and it will be our disguised patriotism that will lead us into world destruction. Again like I said, patriotism is a word defined differently by diff people. Who define it the better way, I salute you and hats off to you, those who do it the wrong way, well I can't do nothing much about it. Patriotism is not something that should be on display only on the 15th of August and the 26th of January or when the country is facing a war. We need to be patriotic in our everyday life. We can be true patriots by becoming good citizens. Simple things like keeping your streets clean, following the traffic rules, refusing to bribe or be bribed. ll these go towards the construction of a better nation. This is patriotism for me – or at least, this is the patriotism that should be shown by a mature country. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. † So in order for us to be free then patriots must exist because without patriots the tree of liberty will dry up, and wither away. Leaving us bare, alone and as slaves. Perhaps the people who said patriotism is an outdated concept, said it while thinking about a lot of different things, that you and I do not see when we read such stuff. In one sense they may be questioning the definition of patriotism as thought by many patriots. Be the change that you want to see in (India) the World. –MAHATMA GANDHIA man's feet must be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. – George Santayana Let me end by saying, as Lord Byron said– He, who loves not his country, can love nothing.

New Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

New Media - Essay Example Its examples are the Internet, websites, DVDs, CD-ROMs, vide-games, and computer multimedia. These new media technologies have not only become a necessary part of our daily lives but also have dramatically changed our way of living, affecting almost all aspects of our lives in various ways. As new media technologies have become increasingly the ordinary way by which we transact our daily businesses, its positive impact cannot be denied. In the first place, if the new media has not been beneficial to the lives of individuals and the society as a whole, it would have not been widely used and would have not become as pervasive as it is today. However, against its beneficial effects is its negative impact of what many critics termed as the digital divide, which various definitions (OECD, 2001; Boyd, 2002; Wolff & MacKinnon, 2002; Hilbert, 2011) can be summarized as the disproportionate distribution of new media technologies in terms of access, capability, and usage. Just like the undeniable beneficial impacts of new media technologies, so is the digital divide as statistics show. According to the Digital Divide Network (2002), more or less 429 million online users worldwide actually correspond to only 6% of the entire world population. The small proportion of online users is true even in highly developed countries (Sweden at 61% and Spain at 20%), meaning there exists a digital divide even in highly industrialized countries. But this becomes far greater when access and usage are compared between the â€Å"have† and the â€Å"have not† countries – the International Labor Organization (2001) reports that industrialized countries account for 90% of online users worldwide, with the United States and Canada leading both at 57%. On the contrary, the combined online users of Africa and the Middle East account for only 1% of global online users (as cited in Boyd, 2002, p. 113) The emergence of the digital divide, as can be gleaned from

Should gay marriage be legalized Research Paper

Should gay marriage be legalized - Research Paper Example Should gay marriage be legalized? The United States constitution guarantees all citizens equal rights regardless of gender, sex, religion, race or sexual orientation and therefore, denying people of same-sex the right to get married is a violation of the constitution. As stipulated in the constitution, everyone has a right to liberty, freedom and equality provided in the exercise of such rights one does not cause damage or harm to other people. The gay people in engaging in marriage are only exercising the right and their behavior does not cause harm to anybody. Despite the fundamental principles not only allowing but also requiring legalization of same-sex marriage, some people still insist that same-sex couples should not be accorded equal right to marry. They forget that gays are human beings just like other people such as the heterosexuals and as such should be treated equally. The democrats and republicans often advocate equal rights for gay and lesbians such as the right to proper housing, government benefits, employment and legal protections. However, when it comes to marriage they strongly oppose such an idea. The democrats even go ahead to support the inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibility. Opposing the right to marry is thus a contradiction to the party’s commitment to legal equality and non discrimination. It makes no sense to support good cause for the gay and their families but refuse to acknowledge their right to marry and to live happily.

The Economy of Irish Republic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Economy of Irish Republic - Essay Example (Christopher T. Whelan 2007 ).However the current position of the slump in the ICT market has caused a temporary slump in the period of 2006-2007.It has been suggested that a policy focusing on retaining a deflated real exchange rate/real wage rate would benefit Ireland in the longer term.towards a macro-economic balance. (Christopher T. Whelan 2007 )In 2001 alone the interest rate was more than 3 % for the economy and it has been brought down recently to pave the way for a better monetary policy based economic performance by marked increase in public finances strengthened markedly and a cut down in the public debt with a surplus in the Foreign trade balance. (OECD 2001-2006)There have been recent strong gains in the disposable incomes and wealth, and investment has improved but there is a marked danger of the labour supply shortage.The better part of the Irish economy is that it has managed a low inflation rate (5%) for the past one decade despite the high fuel prices in the interna tional market and tax increases in tobacco prices and the service sector. (OECD 2001-2006) Inflationary pressures are also coming from the employment sector but have been avoided in the interests of a tight fiscal and monetary policy.However in the face of the promising productivity growth the monetary conditions in Ireland are expansionary based upon the rapid increases in house prices and private sector credit and lending. (Christopher T. Whelan 2007 ) Tax revenues have also been promising in the face of a booming economy and have enabled sizable tax cuts and increases in real spending over the past three years for the business community.There is also an over all increase in consumer spending based on the successful international and EU trade performance of Ireland with in the past few years.Coming back to the interest rates there has been a peak in overall inflation because of the above factors but the nominal interest rates have been accordingly adjusted to adjust to the hazards of inflation without disturbing an overall real increase in disposable incomes The success of the Irish Economy mainly due to the governments attempts at the effective macro-economic policy management. Currently the Irish Economy has a nominal GDP of 180.7 billion. with a real GDP growth of 6% and a Nominal GDP per capita of $44,500. (National Statistics 2006).With an export industry that relies heavily on food processing, beverages, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceutical and construction and an export industry based upon machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, and beverages the country deals mainly with the US and the Great Britain in terms of Foreign trade. (www.imf.org). Popularly labelled as the "Celtic Tiger" the country has witnessed massive GDP growth in the past three years alongwith its progressive industrial policy and massive foreign direct investment. (Honohan, P. and Walsh, B. 2002) The economy did take a slump during the post 9/11 scenario and there was no longer the

Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Questions - Essay Example If an artist is able to manage an analysis of bulk information, they are capable of inserting hugely valuable inclinations and breakthroughs. As a result, artists are able to actively secure their artworks in an appealing prospect for data security. Many artists certainly collect numerous bits of data with the usage of security gadgets. Their information can be secured through valuable inclinations and breakthroughs attached to their switches, internet connecting routers and data flow devices in an infinite manner (Vaidhyanathan 83). The first amendment and the right freedom of speech do not exist in absolute and unchallengeable senses. This is because reflection about liberation of speech on constitution day highlighted the protection of free speech by the first amendment (Vaidhyanathan 117). More precisely, free speech has been described as the communication conveyed into the market of concepts. These ideas have to have the authority to permit individuals on making decisions based on what is believed to be morally correct and incorrect. Therefore, I concur with the laws that forbid the criteria for harmful speech as referenced in the course book. The inherent dignity and equality of each person is the cornerstone axiom of global human rights. Global regulations restrict declarations that deny the fairness among all human beings. Hate speech laws form part of the regulations that go far enough in the criteria of hatred it is supposed to cover (Vaidhyanathan

New teacher induction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

New teacher induction - Essay Example A mentor is useful in guiding the teacher through the various problems that the new teacher may face (Collins, 2008). An instructional coach is instrumental in ensuring that the correct procedures are kept in covering the curriculum. The induction process helps the teacher understand and know how to deal with the various students who come from diverse backgrounds. A teacher will also be better placed to deal with students who have difficulties in class and also maximize on the different talents of the various students (Collins, 2008). An important issue to consider is that teachers need to connect with the students so that they can achieve more. The induction process also needs to be reviewed from time to time to ensure that the correct practices are used in the induction of teacher. What works on the program should be further improved while what does not work should be corrected as well. In this standard the administration describes the responsibilities for the teacher and guide them through the written and vision that promotes and supports the ability of the teacher to the continuous development of the region and describes the policies of the school. At this point, the new teacher gets to learn the rules of the school such as the time that they are meant to report to school and time they are meant to eave, the timetable of the school, the values and the culture of the school and how they are meant to conduct themselves especially in regards to how they relate to the students (Collins, 2008). This area could also include issues of pay and if there are any bonuses or any medical support that he teacher is entitled to when they are teaching at the school. This stander seeks professional improvement the teachers that include classroom management techniques and motivating students. Moreover, it lets the teacher to know more about how to communicate and work with diverse students. Students are usually from very

Health Research Methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Health Research Methodology - Essay Example I note that the University reserves the right to check my assignment for plagiarism. Should the reproduction of all or part of an assignment be required by the University for any purpose other than those mentioned above, appropriate authorisation will be sought from me on the relevant form. OFFICE USE ONLY If handing in an assignment in a paper or other physical form, sign here to indicate that you have read this form, filled it in completely and that you certify as above. Signature XINTONG?HAN Date 28/04/2011 OR, if submitting this paper electronically as per instructions for the unit, place an ‘X’ in the box below to indicate that you have read this form and filled it in completely and that you certify as above. Please include this page in/with your submission. Any electronic responses to this submission will be sent to your ECU email address. Agreement XINTONG?HAN Date 28/04/2011 PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES ON LATE ASSIGNMENTS (University Rule 39) ? A student who wishes to defer the submission of an assignment must apply to the lecturer in charge of the relevant unit or course for an extension of the time within which to submit the assignment. (39.1) ? Where an extension is sought for the submission of an assignment the application must : bein writing - preferably before the due date; and set out the grounds on which deferral is sought.( see39.2) ? Assignments submitted after the normal or extended date without approval shall incur a penalty of loss of marks. (see 39.5) ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT (University Rule 40) All forms of cheating, plagiarism or collusion are regarded seriously and could result in penalties including loss of marks, exclusion from the unit or cancellation of enrolment. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ASSIGNMENT RECEIPT To be completed by the student if the receipt is required UNIT  NAME OF STUDENT  STUDENT ID. NO.  NAME OF LECTURER  RECEIVED BY Topic of assignment  DATE RECEIVED The Effects of Parents and Childhood Obesity Introduction With the development of the economy, the number of overweight and obesity children are increasing dramatically in many countries (Schmidt, p. 3, 2008), and this is becoming an important health issue of children (Schmidt, p. 3, 2008). In the past ten years, the number of overweight and obese children has actually tripled, especially in developed countries (Lobstein & Rrelu, 2003, p. 195). In Australia, twenty percent of children are overweight (Wake et al., 2007, p.1044). Population data shows the amount of overweight children increased dramatically, and that this increase has even been seen among four-year old children (Vaska, 2004, p.353). The above concerns are significant concerns because childhood obesity can lead to many diseases, such as diabetes, hi gh blood pressure. It is a disease which is linked with various activities including increased screen time, lack of enough physical activities, and the increase in fast food consumption. Parents have a crucial role in the childhood obesity phenomenon. After all, they supply children with food resource; and

“SALVATION” by Langston Hughes Essay Example for Free

â€Å"SALVATION† by Langston Hughes Essay â€Å"Salvation† is an account of a young boy of twelve of his experience with his faith. It tells the story of a Langston who at this impressionable young age, became confused by the accounts of the other members of this congregation and his own personal experience with salvation. The setting of this story is in a healing mass, in a gathering of the faithful, headed by the priests to celebrate salvation. It depicts a set of frenzy to the point of fanaticism. The concept of faith, whispered into the open and impressionable minds of the youth, who honestly did not have any concept of their own at that time. Langston was not yet jaded, nor cynical. He was but 12. He really did want to be saved. He really did want to experience seeing the light. (Hughes,1940) However, his experience inside the church exacted the opposite of the fervor in faith that his elders expected. He gave the appearance to be no different from the others who claimed to have seen the light. Yet, in him, the darkness seemed to grow because he knew for himself that it was a lie- to escape the pressure and apparent humiliation he was receiving from steadfastly waiting on the bench, to honestly see Jesus, in the light. After the event, it appears that his innocence was shattered, his eagerness for salvation turned into disappointment and his faith shaken into unbelief. In his innocent young mind, he must have felt disappointed that he was abandoned by the savior everybody claimed to have seen. In his young mind he felt ashamed that he lied to everybody in order to spare himself and his kin the shame of being one who was different, one who was not able to see â€Å"the light†. Most importantly, he felt hurt that the â€Å"Jesus did not come to help him. †(Hughes,1940). He must have felt rejected-a devastating blow to an adolescent who, at that stage in life, seek the guidance of and acceptance into society. Since the society he lived with was centered on their faith, he as a young person, must have felt that he could only be part of that society if he claimed to see what the rest of them saw. His deception must have ate at him from inside because though he wanted to be genuinely part of the society, he knew he could not claim to be in his heart, because he had lied. It may have seemed to him that a welcome into a society based on a perceived lie was no good at all; more importantly, a welcome into the Faith was worthless if it was founded on a falsehood-a falsehood he was forced to tell because of the undue pressure that was seemed to have been placed on a young person as himself. Based on this narrative, there are a lot of assumptions one may make as to the resulting religiosity, or lack of, of Langston Hughes. His encounter with disappointment in his faith may have led him to be a skeptic all throughout his life. It might have made him question all the doctrines of the Church preached to the faithful that required them to believe in the unseen. However, he might have been forced to appear adherent to the practices and outward manifestations of being a member of the church. He might have been forced to go on living the lie he started with, yet inwardly being unconvinced. However, an opposite scenario might also be speculated upon. Adolescence is a trying time for a person and whatever experience one might have had may lead to different realizations later in life. With Langston experience, it might also be that he eventually sought to discover for himself the true meaning of â€Å"salvation†. It might be that, his experience with his family and with the society he belonged to, eventually led him to be resolute in his own beliefs and stand by his own principles, in order to make up for that one big lie he had to tell when he was 12. Whatever path Langston Hughes chose to follow in terms of his religious faith, it was greatly influenced by that time in his life when he was â€Å"saved. † That point in his life would obviously be pivotal, in terms of his faith and of his ability to stand up to pressure. It might even have become a starting point for him to be a man, in charge of his thoughts, words, actions, and convictions. With regard to the lie he had told and the reasons why he kept it, one could only speculate. Yet, based on the author’s account, it must have been an act of self-preservation. Adolescents give such a high regard to acceptance. He might have stood by the lie to avoid reproach or castigation from his peers, from his superiors, from all the people who witnessed his â€Å"salvation. † He might have kept the lie to himself to avoid more pain from rejection, as he already felt rejected by Jesus Himself, when young Langston failed to see him as the others claimed to. (Hughes,1940) Another possibility was that he did not want to bring shame to his aunt, who most fervently played for his salvation. He knew that he would not be the only one who would be humiliated when he reveals that he did not see Jesus at all. His young heart aimed to please, and being the only child to be unsaved would cause a great disappointment to his devout aunt. Having to tell her that he lied about his â€Å"salvation† would cause her greater dejection, as she was the one who so zealously urged him to see the light. Whatever his reasons were for keeping the lie to himself, it may be attributed to his confusion with the concept of faith. His expectations and that of the other church-goers seemed to be complex and varied, Langston seemed to expect to wait until he saw the light and be saved before he could actually stand up and approach the priest and the rest of the young ones. The others seemed to expect him to see it at once. Failure to do so seemed to indicate a lack and what a horrible state that seemed to be, as depicted by the crowd’s passionate praying in order that the boy be â€Å"saved†. In the end, it appeared as if the lie was his real â€Å"salvation† at that moment. It was what saved him from the emotional persecution brought down by his peers. Furthermore, it seemed his innocence only made the matter more grave for the idea that he could only be saved by a lie appeared to be what was really tearing him up inside. In this same light, the poem â€Å"Unsaid is analyzed† as a parallel to this â€Å"Salvation. † It is a poem of six lines. It pertains to emotions and words that have no outlet, internal struggles that stay within a person. It speaks of the turmoil most people have inside themselves, trying to hide the most important things for unknown reasons. â€Å"Unsaid† is a simple, yet artistic way of conveying that all individuals feel more than what they reveal. Concealing emotions seem to be a necessity in society, suggests the poem. It supports that the things which are not expressed in words are also as real as the ones that can be heard by others. It also states that it seems to be a way of life, for everyone has something to hide inside himself. This poem supports, and is supported by the story â€Å"Salvation†, for both of these allude to a bottling of emotions, a concealment of true self. In â€Å"Salvation†, the author is â€Å"saved† by a lie which he had chosen to keep unto himself as to escape shame. However, it led him to a struggle with in himself. Inside, he is torn knowing it was wrong to tell a lie yet also understanding that he seemed to have no other choice if he wanted to be accepted. His thoughts and the resulting doubt in his faith are the â€Å"unsaid†. As the poem talks of keeping so many emotions locked up within, the story depicts how such â€Å"unsaid† sentiments affect individuals, especially as one as young as the author. On the other hand, the poem artfully describes the accompanying complex sensations to a thought left unuttered. In simple verse, it suggests images of strong moving emotions such as grief and love. It dares to suggests that most of human lives are lived within. It also defends that what people keep from others are as real as what they choose to reveal. All of this pertain to varying degrees of emotionality, in relation to those that are â€Å"unsaid†. Meanwhile, the story presents an example in the person of Langston. In the same way that the boy in the story had his own compelling reasons to lie, so do other individuals. There are countless explanations as to why people lie or people leave things unsaid. In any case, it seems to be either the basic instinct of self preservation or a noble intention to spare others of pain, that motivates such actions. The poem suggests its readers to validate the writer’s statements by recalling â€Å"letters that we write our dead†(Gioia, 1950). This last line enjoins readers to share in such sentiments by revisiting forgotten or buried feelings for people long gone, urging them to reminisce their own personal struggles with their emotions of having been unable to convey all their thoughts to their dead loved one. In relation to the essay of Langston Hughes, as a boy, he found himself confronting his own emotions as he cried when he went home after the mass. So as other people find themselves examining their own feelings, the boy Langston also found himself looking for the real reason for his tears. â€Å"Salvation† and â€Å"Unsaid† are both works that delve into the intricacies of human emotions. These give readers a feel of what internal struggle feels like. These present the resulting predicament of individuals who chose concealment as a means to cope with pressure exerted upon them by external factors. These works grab hold of readers by presenting an introspective mood. Ironically, as both works speak of concealment of thoughts, the essay by Langston Hughes is a move towards revelation, as he recounted his boyhood encounter with faith and narrated it in the eyes of a 12-yer old. The poem also attempts revelation by actually acknowledging that humans have hidden thoughts and sentiments they’d rather left unsaid. In this light, one can surmise that the parallelism in these two works not only lay in their allusion to hidden emotions. The manner by which the authors of these works eventually revealed their thoughts on this matter also follows a similar pattern. Ultimately, it appears that these two works are about human struggles inside and outside the self. These are about the experiences humans go through to find what they are looking for-be it themselves, their faith or other matters this world holds. REFERENCES: Gioia, Dana. †Unsaid† (details of your BOOK SOURCE for this poem) Hughes,Langston. â€Å"Salvation†. (details of your BOOK SOURCE for this essay)

Playing Beatie Bow Essay Example for Free

Playing Beatie Bow Essay Kirk was a happy young girl who was cheery and enthusiastic towards her parents and life, until the day her father went off with another woman leaving her and her mother (Kathy). Lynette wanted nothing to do with her father so she changed her name to try and get everything about him out of her life. After wanting to be named after a witch she changed her name to Abigail, which her grandmother suggested. She went down to the park with her young next door neighbours Natalie and Vincent, finding them playing a game called, Beatie Bow. After becoming very interested in a little girl that stood there watching them play (Little Furry Girl) she decided to follow her. This was after having a fight with her mother, when she told Abigail that she had been seeing her father again and that he wanted the two of them to move back in with him and live in Norway where his architectural job was located. Abigail did not take this news well She went for a walk to cool off, when she once again saw the little furry girl and following her found that she had followed her back into her own time of 1873. She got tripped over by the Little Furry Girls father, then found herself at their house. Further into the novel the character Granny (Alice Tallisker) told Abigail that she was the stranger and had the gift. The gift came from the crochet on the top of her dress which enabled her to travel and heal. Later in the book it mentions that the crochet was made by Granny. She falls in love with Judah, who was betrothed to Dovey, and realised firsthand what its like to love somebody but no be able to have them. This helped Abigail realise that she should not be selfish towards her parents and should let them have a second chance of a decent life and marriage. During the time that she was in the past Abigail matured by being influenced by the people that surrounded her, the world in which she lived and the events which occurred there.

Creating Shared Value From Corporate Social Responsibility Commerce Essay

Creating Shared Value From Corporate Social Responsibility Commerce Essay This research is an investigation into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and what it means to the companies that practice it. The subject remains an intriguing one because it raises questions about a companys responsibility towards society and whether it is good or bad for businesses (Crane et al, 2008). There is a need to understand why a company should be concerned about what is happening to the communities they are operating in, the impact of its operation and whether it can assist without compromising its bottom-line. The concept of CSR came in to focus in the early 1950 (Crane et al, 2008), it is now generally accepted by most companies and is expected by communities (Porter and Kramer 2006, Savitz and Weber 2006, Blowfield 2008). This has come about because of several events that started in the USA, causing negative impact on communities for example the Vietnam War 1960, the Watergate scandal during the Nixon era, the oil embargo 1973, later Enron collapse, Exxon Valdez oil spill (Argenti 2003) and recently the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Another factor has been globalisation by large companies in less developed countries whereby there has been human and environmental consequences (Blowfield et al 2008: 92). These events have propelled the rise of pressure groups, public and media scrutiny and government legislations on social and environmental issues and so encouraging companies to be ethical, accountable and transparent at all levels of management and not just at operational level. However CSR has been generally voluntary with philanthropic and charitable activities (Crane et al, 2008) aimed towards the environment and the immediate community because of these practices, CSR has been perceived by many to be a marketing tool and for enhancing the image and reputation of the company (Savitz and Weber, 2006). Therefore companies need to avoid public suspicion by finding ways to satisfying the stakeholders, make a profit and be competitive in a sustainable approach such as building on material resources, cultural advantages and, stakeholder connection (Savitz and Weber 2006 145). As a result there is a need to understand how companies can secure long-term economic performance by avoiding short-term behaviour that is socially detrimental or environmentally wasteful (Porter and Kramer 2006: 6). This can be achieved by making CSR part of core company strategies and integrated into the value chain to create shared value and gain competitive advantage over rivals (Porter and Kramer 2006: 13). However, Blowfield (2008) states that the social responsibilities of multinationals varies from small or medium businesses. Overall aim and objectives Following what has been mentioned above the overall aim of this research is to provide an understanding on how CSR can add value to the company in the course of meeting stakeholders expectations, be profitable and competitive in a socially acceptable manner. There is a lot of literature on CSR, however not a lot has been written on how CSR in the value chain can create a shared value for the stakeholders and the business simultaneously. With regards to the value chain most literature on it is related to gaining competitive advantages and profits making but little impact on societal needs. Therefore this research shall investigate CSR in the context of the value chain. However the investigation extends to the supply chain which, if sustainable creates the value chain. To realise the overall research aim, the following objectives have first to be realized. Critical examine the concepts CSR shared value in relation Critically evaluate the integration of CSR into the supply and value chain. Analyse how practices of CSR can create shared values. Draw conclusion on the findings of CSR practices in the supply and value chain. This allows further questions to be raised: Why is it, that CSR means different things to different people? What is the relationship of CSR practices, within in the supply chain and the value chain? How can value gained from CSR be measured? It is hoped that this research will make a contribution to the current literature of CSR practices. Consequently offer an understanding of CSR in the supply and value chain and the benefit of value creation it can offer. This study is suitable for other business management students or academic researchers that may wish to study more on the subject of CSR and its purpose in the supply and value chain. Overview of literature The first aim of this literature review is to identify the most important concepts in the field of CSR, identify definitions and key issues that arise. Secondly the background and similarities and differences between the supply and value chains will be considered. The final discussion shall be on the relationship of the value chains and CSR. The research within this literature review focuses on objectives 1 and 2 as set out above. 3.1 CSR Concept CSR not a relatively new concept it can be traced back centuries, the mid 1800s the industrial revolution brought about the first steps of CSR as businesses where concerned with their employees welfare and increasing their productivity (Crane et al, 2008). However CSR really gained importance in the 1950s it was known as the philanthropic era (Crane et al, 2008). One of the first CSR definitions came from Howard Bowen who made the link between business responsibilities and communities expectations. It (SR) refers to the obligations of businessmen to pursue those policies, to make those decisions, or to follow those lines of action which are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society (Crane et al 2008: 25). Bowens definition places a social obligation on businesses when making decisions to consider their impact on the communities. However in contrast to Bowen, Milton Friedman sees management as having only one responsibility to maximize profits of its shareholders (Friedman, 1970). This leads to the shareholder theory, which suggests that companys managers, are supposed to spend corporate funds only in ways authorized by the shareholders (Smith, 2003). Therefore managers are not to spend this fund on non-profitable activities that does not increase shareholders value. Friedman does state that while it is true that managers should increase profit for the shareholder they need to play by the basic rules of the society (Carroll, 1991). However individuals and groups are affected by negative business activities and operation. These are the stakeholders internal and external of the company to whom they have obligation and responsibilities (Galbreath, 2009). In contrast to shareholder theory Freeman citied in Crane et al 2008: 69 states that managers have a moral duty to protect all stakeholders. To merge the stakeholder and the shareholder theory Carroll introduced the Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility. Figure 1: Source: (Carroll, 1991) The pyramid, attempt to summaries and classify the numerous definitions of what constitute CSR within four categories economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic (Carroll, 1991). However it gives the impression that economic responsibility is the first step toward CSR and once achieved the next levels can be attempted and that philanthropic responsibility can only be achieved when all the levels are completed. Secondly ethical and legal responsibilities are pursued concurrently with any activity gear towards for profit maximisation and cannot be practise separately as it frequently required by the law. Philanthropic responsibility can be said to be voluntary and companies does not have to contribute to the communities that should the responsibility for governments. To address the confusion, the four tiers can be further broken down. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) may better represent the pyramid with the three Ps (Savitz and Weber, 2006). TBL like Carrolls Pyramid suggest that companies should take care not only of their bottom line but also their social/ethical and environment bottom lines (Meijer Schuyt, 2005) commonly identified as People, Planet and Profit. The diagram above illustrate that companies can pursue any of the three Ps in any particular order depending on what is priority for the company With these three social responsibilities to focus on companies should look at, how it can be integrated into the business. 3.2 The Supply Chain and the value chain This chapter shall look at the concept of the supply and value chain along with how economical, social and environmental responsibilities are managed to gain benefits for the stakeholders and the company. The supply chain is defined as The supply chain is defined by Supply Chain Council (1997) as a term increasingly used by logistics professionals it encompasses every effort involved in producing and delivering a final product, from the suppliers supplier to the customers customer (Lummus Vokurka, 1999) (Lummus Vokurka 1999: 11). It is a flow of goods (raw material) and services from a number of suppliers linking together to meet the needs of the customer at the end of the supply chain. From the researchers understanding the supply chain is a business process that forms part of the value chain. This understanding comes from the supply chain definition given by Cox citied Lummus Vokurka 1999 :11 the function within and outside a company that enable the value chain to make products and provide services to customers. The value chain of a company is a collection of activities that are performed to design, produce, market, deliver and support its product (Porter, 1998). It is a combination of two types of value adding activities primary and support (Porter, 1998) within the company that creates economic and social value (Porter and Kramer 2006: 13). Both the supply and value chains are vital for the integration and practice of CSR. The supply chain is more about effective and efficient processes from supplier/ producer to costumer, whilst the value chain activities links together to provide value to the stakeholders. Companies must use their supply and value chain to convert social needs and social issues into opportunities with the aim of meet the expectation of their stakeholders and achieve a unique strategic position. 3.3 From CSR to creating shared valued Traditionally companies carried out CSR through cash donation, charitable and philanthropic activities but these social initiative according to Michael Porter are however not effective as its often not carefully planned and not part of company strategies hence in the long term it is not effective (Porter Kramer, 2006). However, companies are increasingly aware that they can have long-term success only if they can create the same value for shareholders and the community in which they operate (Brabeck-Letmathe 2010). According to Nestlà © Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, for CSR to be a success for the company it needs to be part of the business function of creating value for shareholders and communities. Companies need to be able to integrate unmet social needs of employees and communities into the core business strategy and so unite all stakeholders values. Nestlà © employs the approach of Creating Shared Value (CSV) as a CSR practice. It involves addressing social causes that can in the long term provide added value for the shareholders and community. Research Design and Methodology A research is something that is undertaken by the people to find out things in a systematic way to increase knowledge (Saunders et al 2003:3). These involve finding a research methodology that can explain how the research is designed, how data will be collected, how the findings will be analysed and presented and also account for any limitations. In order to find the best research approach and the research strategy the researcher will follow the research process onion developed by (Saunders et al 2003: 83). This process allow for a systematic approach to answer the research questions and consequently meet the objectives set out above. The research methodology has five sub headings starting with the research philosophy and ending with data collection method at the centre of the onion. Figure 2: The Research Process Onion Source: Saunders et al 2003: 83 4.1 Research Philosophy This is about the way knowledge is gain and how it is developed. There are three recognised research philosophies positivism, interpretivism and realism. Positivism research process attempt to copy the method of the natural science and takes the role of an objective analyst, collecting data from the social external world in a value free manner (Saunders et al, 2003). Knowledge by this method is developed by reducing phenomena to simple elements representing general laws (Blumberg et al 2005: 23). While, the philosophy of interpretivism is motivated by subjective meaning of human interest (Saunders et al, 2003). Realism shares the philosophies of both positivism and interpretivism but at the same time stressing the error of studying people as objects in the style of natural science (Saunders et al, 2003). The philosophy framework adopted shall be the interpretivism, for the reason that corporate social responsibilities in the supply and value chain are complex and unique phenomenon wh ich cannot be generalised in a value free manner (Saunders et al, 2003). Furthermore, social phenomenon cannot be understood from just facts but from the exploration of people different experiences and why these differences result in the different construction and meanings people give to the social world (Blumberg et al 2005:21). 4.2 Research approach This involves the use of theory and the design of the research (Saunders et al, 2003). The theory approach includes inductive and deductive whilst the latter involves qualitative and quantitative approach. 4.2.1 Deductive This approached is adopted for scientific researchers were by a hypothesis is deducted and tested rigorously from a theory by the use of the appropriate research strategy (Saunders et al, 2003). For the deduction to be correct it must be both true and valid (Blumberg et al, 2005). 4.2.2 Inductive This involves building theory and defining the hypothesis by observation of empirical data (Saunders et al 2003:479). This study will have an inductive approach with the aims to understand why something is occurring and to build the theory by investigating CSR in the supply and ask why it influences the value chain and so infer a hypothesis that will answer the research questions. 4.2.3 Qualitative vs. quantitative These two approaches are generally used to gather data for unique phenomenon. Quantitative approach relies on gathering of numerical data and figures only. The objective of this approach to seek answers by measuring, analysis and interpretation of data with the aid of computer programmes (Saunders et al, 2003) (Zikmund, 2003). Such quantitative data gathered from large scale surveys or from electronic database are suitable for descriptive and causal studies (Hair et al, 2003). Qualitative approach involves the gathering of non numerical data (sentences or narratives) (Blumberg et al, 2005). The researcher has more control over the type of information gathered though leading or probing questions (Blumberg et al, 2005) or if collecting primary data through observation method, decisions can be taken on how and where the study will take place (Blumberg et al, 2005). Typically this study requires smaller samples or case studies and it is best suited for exploratory studies (Hair et al, 2003). 4.3 Research strategy Research strategy can be described as tool(s) utilised to answer the research questions. Saunders et al (2003) identify six main strategies experiments, Survey, case study, grounded theory, ethnography and action research that can be used, depending on the research approach selected. A case study is defined as a strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence (Saunders et al 2003:93) In this research a case study strategy will be used because of its ability to provide answers to the why and how questions. Saunders et al, states that a simple and well constructed case study can be used to challenge existing theory and provide source to hypothesis (Saunders et al, 2003). 4.4 Time horizons This involves deciding whether the research will be a snap shot taken a point in time (cross-sectional) or be a representation of event over a long period of time (longitudinal studies) (Saunders et al 2003:95). This research will utilise a snapshot approach or cross sectional studies because the research is not interested in change or development (Saunders et al, 2003) but at a point in time where the supply chain and value chain are influence by CSR practices. 4.4.1 Research purpose Saunders et al states that research enquires can be classified in terms of their purpose. These classifications include exploratory, descriptive or explanatory studies (Saunders et al, 2003). The purpose of this study is classified as an exploratory, whose objective is to find what is happening to seek new insight; to ask questions and to assess phenomena in a new light (Saunders et al, 2003).The exploratory study may be achieved by the use of both qualitative and quantitative tools but is most dependent on qualitative approach (Blumberg et al, 2005). 4.5 Data collection methods Data is collected depending on the nature of the research (Hair et al, 2003). As mentioned above this study is exploratory with the aim of exploring relevant literature and interviewing specialist on the subject (Saunders et al, 2003). Exploratory research provides the secondary data and primary data needed for analysis. The research aims to make use of both secondary and primary data. The former relates to data previously collected for other purposes and these are classified as documentary data, survey- based data and those complied from multiple sources (Saunders et al, 2003). For this research, secondary data regarding CSR practices shall be collected from relevant companies websites. In contrast primary data are collected for specific purposes through observation of peoples behaviour or utilizing semi and in-depth interviews (Saunders et al, 2003). Primary data can be collected by two methods, observation and survey which are further sub-divided into human and electronic observation as well as self completion and interviewer administered surveys (Hair et al, 2003). In this study primary data will be collected via interviewer administered surveys of individuals (Hair et al: 125). This approach is particularly helpful in collecting valid and reliable data (Saunders et al 2003: 245). 4.5.1 Interviews The primary data can collected from structured, semi-structured and unstructured interviews. This study shall employ a semi structured approach which is often used in exploratory research. This type of interview usually starts with specific questions but the respondents are permitted to follow his or her own thoughts subsequently (Blumberg et al, 2005). The interviewer has the flexibility to omit or raise new questions depending on the organisation or change the order of the questions to suit the flow of the conversation (Saunders et al, 2003). This type of interview being qualitative in nature requires that data are collected by note taking or by tape- recording (Saunders et al, 2003). 4.5.2 Sampling Sampling is the technique that enables the reduction of data by selecting only part of the population rather than all possible cases or elements (Saunders et al, 2003) due to time constraint. There are two approaches to choosing the appropriate sample probability or non-probability sampling. In probability sampling each case or element of the population has known and none zero probability of being selected randomly (Saunders et al, 2003: 486). While, for non-probability sampling the probability of each case or element being selected is not known (Saunders et al, 2003). Non probability methods include quota, purposive, snowball, self- selection and convenience sampling. Non probability will be best suited for this study as it allow for the selection of participants that can help answer the research questions and meet set objectives. This type of sampling is used when the researcher wishes to select cases that are particularly informative (Saunders et al, 2003). Data Analysis and interpretation Data analysis involves managing large amount of data collected by summarising and arranging it in a meaningful format (Zikmund, 2003). Saunders et al put forward two strategies for analysis of qualitative data these are theoretical or descriptive frameworks (Saunders et al, 2003). The first strategy of theoretical framework relies on the analysis of data according to a deductive position where the use of existing theory is needed to formulate research questions. The second strategy entail an inductive position whereby the descriptive framework is used to start and direct the analysis of your data (Saunders et al: 389) by transforming data in a form easy to interpret (Zikmund, 2003). This research will make use of the second strategy descriptive framework, in order to organise the case study on the basis of description of the general characteristics and relations to the research questions (Yin, 1994). Research Limitation Limitations should to be taken into consideration while conducting a research. This research will be investigating multiple case studies as oppose to just a single case study. This is because with multiple case studies their results are considered more robust (Blumberg et al 2005: 376). However, it demands a lot of thinking on how to best select the appropriate case studies for the required evidence (ibid). The research also utilise a range of academic literatures and reputable publications. However, the literature listed in the reference may not include all of the best up-to-date sources. Many other sources that could have been used but decision was taken to focus on particular literature mainly due to having access to them albeit some dated from the year 1991 and 2003. So the research structure depends on the type of sources found. Validity and reliability According to Saunders et al reducing the possibility of getting the answer wrong means that attention has to be paid to two particular emphases on research design reliability and validity (Saunders et al 2003:100). Reliability This means that the research can only be characterised as reliable, firstly if it can yield the same results consistently free from error (Saunders et al, 2003) (Zikmund, 2003). Secondly, the same observation ought to be observed by others and thirdly raw data has to be interpreted in a transparent way (Saunders et al 2003:101). Reliability of a research can be tested by repeatability and internal consistency. The former involves, similar scale or measure to the same respondents at different times to concur the same result (Zikmund, 2003). If the results gathered at the different times are dissimilar this indicates a low degree of reliability (Zikmund, 2003). However this test is more suitable for longitudinal studies where there is little time constraint. Internal consistency involve the measure of homogeneity where by all similar questions are grouped together in a questionnaire to measure the same concept (Zikmund, 2003). Validity On the other hand, this is about how data collection methods accurately measure what is intended to be measured and whether the findings are really about what they appear to be about (Saunders et al 2003:101, 492). There are three tests to be used when testing quality of case studies these are construct validity, internal validity and external validity (Yin 1994: 33). Table 1, summaries the three tests for validating of research. Test Description Case study Tactic Construct Validity Establishing correct operational measures for the concept being studied Use of multiple sources of evidence Establish chain of evidence Have key information review draft case study report Internal Validity Establishing a casual relationship, whereby certain conditions are shown to lead to other conditions, as distinguished from spurious relationship Do pattern matching Do explanation- building Do time- series analysis External Validity Establishing the domain to which a study findings can be generalised Use replication logic in multiple- case studies. Table 1 Quality Test Description and case study tactic (Yin 1994: 33) In this research, certain measures will be employed to increase the validity. To increases the construct validity it is import prior to the interview the questionnaire is pilot tested so as to ensure that respondents will have no problem to understand and answer questions (Saunders et al 2003: 308). A tape recorder will be verified to ensure that data can be recorded proficiently and this should allow focus on the interview and not note taking. The benefit with a tape recorder is that it can be replayed whenever required. Internal validity concerns with explanatory studies, where the research try to determine casual relationship between variables (Saunders et al, 2003). This research is exploratory and the internal validity of this study is not relevant. External validity is concerned with knowing that the results of the case studies are generalise or not (Saunders et al, 2003) and retested through replication (Yin, 1994) to other research settings. Timescale

Essay --

Haley Hicks Howerter ENGWR 300 16 December 2013 Emerson: Transcend Conformity Transcendentalism; most people are unfamiliar with this term but not the ideas behind it. A religious deviation that started in the 1820’s caused one of the most influential movements in history. The after effects would be seen in the beliefs of those who fought for civil rights, women’s rights, and abolition; anytime a rebellion rears its head, there tends to be some distinctly transcendentalist ideas and mindsets found fueling the individualist fires of change. Transcendentalism and its various principles changed the face of the world and the way people thought by challenging the majority and scorning conformity. They challenged people to be individuals; to look inward for the truth and make their own happiness. Those that were a part of this movement also spoke out against figures of authority when it was believed they acted against the common good. There was a vague optimism and stubborn refusal to accept any truth but the ones found to be true to the individual tha t was characteristic of its supporters. In a world that seems to be constantly telling its inhabitants what we should think, it is important to remember that we are each still our own person and how we live our lives is up to us. The movement was not without its critics and opposition, but the lasting effects of the philosophical ideals stood the test of time and continue to change people for the better. While there were many great thinkers, writers and leaders of this movement, the one that many consider to be the father of the movement is Ralph Waldo Emerson. His humble nature made him reluctant to take such a title, and he was not the creator of transcendentalism, but his influence on ... ...eveloping an acid tongue.† Men who isolate themselves not only deprive themselves of friendship and love, but also make themselves unfit for marriage. Society isn't always achieved easily, but by "chemical affinity" and even then "in very small doses." Striking a balance between solitude and society is difficult because "solitude is impracticable, and society fatal." (Society and Solitude) But this Thinking is not solely his own; Socrates once said, â€Å"To find yourself, think for yourself.† In one of his most influential works, Self-Reliance Emerson once said that â€Å"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. (Self-Reliance)† "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." - H.D. Thoreau

Hanford :: Seattle, Washington Native Americans Essays

Hanford Hanford is an area located Seattle, Washington. This is an area that receives a lot of rainfall and occasional floods. Hanford has had a rich history dating back to the Native American Indians who had occupied this land thousands of years ago. Prior to the early 1940’s, this area was a farming community. The objective of this paper is to cover Hanford from a historical perspective so that we can understand why its radioactive contamination has led to health problems for many people in the area. The second part of this paper will cover an ongoing study by the Hanford Thyroid Disease Study, which had just ended its data phase. In addition, Hanford is deemed uninhabitable by humans or animals due to its high concentrations of radioactive materials. In late 1942 and early 1943 Hanford was selected as the site of the Manhattan Engineer District (Whiteley, 1993). The objective of this project was to test and produce mass quantities of plutonium to produce the Atomic bomb. This site appeared to have little value, according to Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves, one of the members of the Manhattan Engineer District (Whiteley, 1993). Little attentions were given to the possible contamination of the Columbia, nor the majestic green forests of the northwest. The project began in March of 1943 and by August of 1945 sufficient plutonium had been produced for the Nagasaki bomb (Whiteley, 1993). The United States government along with the members if the Manhattan Engineer District knew of the radioactive fumes that were emitted into the air, but did little to prevent it. In addition, low-level and high-level radioactive wastes were spilled into the soil and the Columbia River. Shortly after the Second World War, there was a rapid expansion of the Hanford site as result of the cold war between the United States and the new eastern power, the Soviet Union. The security of the country was the priority of the United States, and the environment suffered irreversible damages. There was an arms race between the two countries and the only focus was to outdo the other. Hence, little thoughts were given to the environment, and little were known about radioactive effects on the environments. The safety of the people who worked at the Hanford site and those living in surrounding areas were kept in secrecy. However, shortly after World War II, officials spoke out on behalf of the safety and health record of the Hanford facility (Whiteley, 1993).

Goodwill Industries Essay

1. Describe the three customer types mentioned in the video. What is each customer type looking for when they shop at Goodwill? What is most important to each customer type? The video mentioned 3 specific clientele for Goodwill Industries. The fashion shoppers, the bargain hunters, and the resellers. The Fashion Shoppers are most likely the frequent customers of Goodwill boutiques. Goodwill boutiques sells high end products with lower prices. These shoppers are what the Goodwill merchandisers are targeting when it comes to selling their trendier merchandise. These shoppers are the early adopters of trends and they put more value on style rather than the savings itself. Bargain Hunters are the more common clientele for Goodwill stores. These are the people that go to the stores with the mindset of getting more for their money. To this clientele, the focus is on how much discount they could get on an item in comparison to getting them from regular stores. They may care about the trends as well, but their focus is more on the psychological factor of getting a deal (buying something that is 80% off for example) rather than getting something that is trendy. Resellers are probably the shrewdest of all three. They are basically a combination of both of the latter customer types with an intent to sell afterwards. They are businessmen or women that understands trends and are also looking for the best deal for it. Resellers traditionally would buy merchandise at deeply discounted prices and then sell them for a profit. They would be the most frequent customers of the Goodwill outlet stores where the items that were not sold on regular stores are sold in bulk for much cheaper prices. Their sole intent is to make a profit, an d reselling Goodwill products is their means to do it. 2. What is Goodwill’s value proposition? Is it the same for all customer groups? According to the video, Goodwill’s value proposition is ‘used merchandise in deeply discounted prices’. (Pearson Education, 2013) No, I believe that it varies from customer to customer. A fashion shopper’s bargain would be different from what a bargain hunter would consider a deal. Also according to the video, social values define  what we see as a thrift; that is why they cater their stores to appeal to different demographics. 3. How do the four sets of factors affecting consumer behavior affect the buying behavior of Goodwill’s customers? Which of the four sets of factors affecting consumer behavior do you believe most strongly affects consumers’ purchase decisions from Goodwill? The four factors that affects consumer behavior are Cultural, Social, Personal, and Psychological factors. Each factor has a heavy effect on shaping a consumers buying behavior and so Goodwill makes their stores relevant by making sure to weigh in the most prevalent factor, among these four, based on location. The cultural factor makes it important to fill stores with items that match the culture of the neighborhood in which the store is located. The social factor make sit important to take into consideration consumers’ views of thrift stores. The personal factor makes it important to consider how concerned the target market for a particular store is with timing fashion trends, and the psychological factor makes it important to consider how a buyer’s perception of an item is linked to the item’s price. (Pearson Education, 2013) In my opinion, Cultural factors plays the biggest role in affecting the consumer behavior when it comes to Goodwill stores. As have been discussed last week, marketing affects the society it is found in and vice versa.If they are to sell products that does not fit the target demographics neighborhood, then the rest of the factors becomes moot. After all, the consumers has to be in the store for any of the other factors to kick in, and being culturally appropriate would greatly help in bringing in consumers. From my own experience as well, I only go inside Goodwill stores if it seem like it would be a safe place for me to buy things. If the place appear too musty, or to unclean, I would not even be tempted to go inside even if they have the best deals in the area. 4. What environmental trend(s) does the video discuss that significantly impacts Goodwill’s performance? What two â€Å"metrics† are affected and why does this affect how Goodwill markets its retail goods? The video talks in detail about the challenge of depending on customer situations and economic changes. The success of their whole operation rests on the ever changing economic times; specifically influencing consumer purchasing habits. When the economy goes through a slight recession, it drives customers to the stores. Less money to spend means, budgeting and bargain hunting for consumers, which happens to  be the forte of Goodwill stores. However, if the economy keeps turning bad, the company gets fewer donations. Fewer donations leads to fewer products to sell and fewer movement in the supply line. Some of their stores rely on the constant product cycles to reach their target demographic. Without donations, the cycles slows, stalling every aspect of their operation. These also results in the cutting back of employee hours, which greatly affects their mission to help people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. (Goodwill Industries International, 2015) 5. How does Goodwill’s recognition of consumer behavior principles affect its marketing mix? It helps them in recognizing trends, leading to better strategies and helps them in optimizing their impact on influencing consumer behavior. First off, they tailor their stores in a way that it is very similar to private retail stores. The products, the way the stores operates, and the way everything is processed are like those of traditional retailers; they set themselves apart with their offering and the experience of shopping in the store itself. (Pearson Education, 2013) They have boutiques to sell the trendier products, they have outlets to sell items in bulk, and they have an online store as well to reach a global audience. Their prices speak for themselves. They offer very low prices in comparison to regular stores and they make sure that consumers know that they are getting a bargain. All the factors are being considered here: the neighborhood of the store, the perception of thrift stores by that neighborhoods’ populace, the buying power of the consumers, and the discounts that drives them to spend their money there. REFERENCE LIST Goodwill Industries International (2015) Our Mission http://www.goodwill.org/about-us/ Goodwill: understanding consumer and buyer behavior, produced by Cole Creative Group, Pearson Education (2013)

Required Skill-Set and Knowledge of a Successful Policy Analyst in the Ecowas Region Essay

The Policy Process consists of many different and connected parts and is not easily explained theoretically because it involves diverse category of actors; is influenced by experimentation, learning from mistakes, etc; is shaped by discourse and narratives; and is highly political. The policy process focuses on the way that leads to decision making and it has different stages which include, Agenda Setting, Decision Making, Implementation and Monitoring & Evaluation. In short, we can now say that the policy process is the way policy reforms are planned, designed, implemented and evaluated. Explaining the complex policy process requires a policy analyst who is knowledgeable and trained in the field and is able to solve complex policy issues; balance constituents’ need with the political and economic realities of governance; and gather and analyze information to assist in the planning, development, interpretation, and review of government or industrial politics. Gupta, D. K. 2010). A Policy Analyst, also called a researcher or a scholar, is a person who works to raise public awareness of social issues, such as crime prevention, access to health care, and protection of the environment. An analyst in government creates policy and evaluates program effectively and provides decision makers with data and hypotheses about the effects of different policies. Blanchard S. (1997). The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975. Its mission is to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters. The ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, more often called The Fund are its two main institutions designed to implement policies, pursue a number of program and carry out development projects in Member States. Such projects include intra-community road construction; telecommunications; and agricultural, energy and water resources development. With this background, we now take look at the key roles of the analyst in the policy process and the skills-set and knowledge an analyst should have to be successful in the ECOWAS Region. To attain the desired aim or result as an analyst can be very challenging when thinking about the potential applications and repercussions of a policy. To succeed in the policy analysis career, one must be on top of logical reasoning and have an intimate knowledge of the legal and political systems in the nation or institution of work, along with an understanding of social attitudes that can influence policy. To identify and prioritize policy issues; clarify government policy objectives; identify potential conflicts in terms of objectives and interests; identify current policies and their consequences; identify alternative viable policy instruments, their probable direct and indirect consequences and the risk that these may not materialize; develop criteria and indicators to assess progress towards objectives; design viable policy packages, with associated strategies to obtain political support and to ensure organizational effectiveness; advocate viable policy packages in a clear, brief and persuasive way; review government policies and design viable policy packages; and help policy makers take appropriate decisions on sensitive issues. These are the things a policy analyst does. Blanchard S. (2007). Principally, policy analyst in decision making process should be cognizance of administrative rules, procedures and routines which characterizes the public in action. You should posses a superior application of rationality both in decision (policy) and implementing decisions (administration), have a claim and more rigorous methods of investigation, and effective regard for efficient means of operation. Decision making in the policy process as an analyst in the ECOWAS Region is indeed cardinal to sustain socio-political and economic stability. An analyst should understand and draw distinctions between management and policy making, define stages of government activities (decision making), implement those decisions and evaluate the outcome. This analyst must frequently and simplistically offer a solution to what is said to be the â€Å"central problem of bureaucratic inadequacy†, Should be knowledgeable in program budgeting to relate expenditure budgeting to define goals and outputs, again with the intention of controlling the cost of achieving set objectives. Another essential tool a policy analyst should posses in decision making in the ECOWAS Region is necessary and sufficient information in public policy making; information is frequently inadequate and simply not available, yet there is constrained supplied by time and events. Chooses between competing objectives can be rationally determined on the basis of accurate formulation of knowledge. A major problem for rational method is the reliance upon knowledge which is quantifiable. According to Lord William Beveridge (1942) â€Å"reason and special knowledge have the chance only if there is a channel of access to those who have power†. Implementation in the policy process is a crucial business of translating decisions into events: of getting done. The policy analyst can at least agree that getting things done, or implementation, is a crucial aspect of the real world of public policy making, and one which has been neglected in theoretical literature. Implementation relates to specified objectives, the translation into practice of the policy emerge from the complex process of decision making. As a policy analyst, management of state policies might be of universal interest, which makes more essential a proper scrutiny of the claims of managerialism. Policy scientist is likely, skeptical of how much effect management can have on the success of public policies. As a policy analyst, Christopher Hood once said, â€Å"real administration give an account of real organizational life† and thus summarize his model as follows: 1. An administrative system should be unitary, with a single line of authority; 2. Objective must be given, uniform, explicit, and known throughout the system; 3. Clear and authoritative objective must still be implemented, to achieve this, the system must ensure either perfect obedience or perfect control: there must be perfect information and communication, with all task unambiguously specified and precisely coordinated; all these conditions require an adequate time scare for fulfillment. In public organizations, no meaningful distinction between policy and administration is possible, and policies roposed and authorized by former political institutions and participants are in a wide variety of ways influence, mediated, and even altered by formal administrative institutions and participants at both higher and lower levels. (Hood calls this, in the implementation stage, knocking off the corners to get policy through the front door). The problem of policy making might be clearly define of what is involve in good management which was further demonstrated by the reference to the question of information. Hood’s model says that information must be accurate and must be communicated. Clearly, it is essential for governments to estimate results, to measure these results, and learn from them. Evaluation is feedback, and technically such feedback operates as a self adjusting mechanism, alternatively, evaluation might generate more data on which the policy analyst base on to improve population of best future policies. Major problem arise with the nature of political leadership and organizational behavior. Political leaders will not be anxious to have too critical an examination of their failure; this will be particularly so if, as with many economic plans in states, political leaders have never intended implementation but sought only the easier fruits of political rhetoric. We need to understand as analyst operating in a complex environment that evaluation is not merely a technical matter, nor even a question of good practice, it is, or maybe a highly political issue. We are always, therefore, likely to find that an absence of evaluation contributes further to the uncertainties an unsystematic nature of politics, and in its analysis, the uncertainty principle might be given great regard. One significant effect is to widen the gap which exists between theory and practice. This gap is created in a variety of ways. The most obvious problem is the absence of real political or administrative experience in those who teach and theorize about public policy. This the analyst partly explains to remoteness of theory from the real world policy. Some policy analyst would quite deliberately avoid any involvement in the real world of policy on the ground that this might impose upon their unwanted intellectual constrictions, as well as quite practical constrains. As an analyst, it not difficult to understand this tension between academic and practitioners, each threatens to interfere with the activities of other. The theorist wishes to distance itself intellectually from the real policy world to avoid the ideological contamination which inevitably comes from actual participation in an area of policy. The practitioner tends to avoid over exposure to a wide range of ideas. Finally, policy analysis is synonymous with creativity, and with defining problems rather than offering handy solutions, policy analysis the more creative calculations concern finding problems for which solutions might be attempted. To be a successful policy analyst in the ECOWAS Region, you must be able to manage time, be able to think clearly and practically, be able to combine/structure ideas to form theories for research, must be dependable when it comes to creating frameworks for quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and must have good verbal and writing skills. In short, you must be able to work hard, plan, communicate, do critical readings and suggestions, be logical and have research skills. Have a perception and sense of the region, you must know the political geography and national boundaries, have geographic perspectives on democracy and elections, must be knowledgeable on geography and migration analysis, population policies and issues, and must be able to analyze the sustainable urban development and transportation of West Africa to bring sustained economic growth and democracy to the region.

Compare and contrast of the three women Essay

Virgin Mary Mary is an important figure in catholic faith, Mother of Jesus Christ in physical body, she is also the spiritual Mother of the Church, the Bishops of the Second Vatican Council gave this title to her. We know little biographical information about Mary, our greatest source would be the books of Matthew, Mark, John and Luke. From these spiritual accounts – and knowledge of the everyday circumstances she would have faced – comes a picture of the Mary the shepherds would have found in Bethlehem: a woman who was young, devout, offended by injustice, devoted to her child, and, many believe, sorrowful in the knowledge of what his fate would be. Mary was bethroed to Joseph when the angel Gabriel appears to her and says she is to bear the son of God, she asks, â€Å"How can this be, since I am a virgin?† She is told that nothing is impossible with God. Mary’s consent and willingness to endure social injustice for God is an holy act in itself, as women suspected of adultery were often stoned to death. Throughout her life she seen as very holy and is believed to be the Immaculate Conception i.e. born without any sin. Although Mary herself is holy as well as all her acts, the most courageous act she did was watching her son die on the cross. Mary endured the pain because she was a good piteous woman devoted to God, she knew Jesus’ death was inevitable. Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale was born in May 12th 1820. She was an aristocrat born to wealthy British parents. At 16 Florence thought she heard the voice of God telling her that she had a special mission in life. Florence suspected it had something to do with nursing because as a young child she had always enjoyed caring for the sick. Traditionally she was meant to behave like a ‘upper class lady’, but Florence was reculant to do so, having found her passions elsewhere. She turned down suitors and social parties to instead take up studying health and medicine. As she was a woman of the upper class, this behaviour was not expected. A cultured lady of that day did not enter in hospital work and her family’s opposition finally prevented her from  working in a hospital. She overcame this obstacle by studying at a protestant school for nursing. Later she became the superintendent of a hospital in London. At the Crimean War, Florence was asked to take charge of nursing. There she revolutionized hospital care. She cleaned up the hospital, set schedules, ordered supplies, and once the hospital was running smoothly- taught the soldiers how to read and write. When she returned to England she fell sick from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Ministers, heads of government, authors, politicians and reformers came to her for her advice. She received many public honors and was the first woman to be awarded the British Order of Merit. Florence almost single-handedly invented modern nursing, as we know it today, and created a new image of female nurses as a professional class. Irena Sendler Irena Sendler was born in 1910 in Otwock, a town some 15 miles southeast of Warsaw. She was greatly influenced by her father who was one of the first Polish Socialists. During WW11 Irene defied the Nazi’s and in a show of remarkable bravery, rescued 2,500 Jewish children by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto. She was rescuing these children from most certain death, as very few came out of the Warsaw Ghetto alive. Irene worked in the Warsaw Social Welfare Department and as a result was able to go about freely without suspicion. When Irene saw the prejudice and terrible conditions that were being forced upon the Jews she was appalled and decided to join the Polish underground resistance movement Aid to the Jews. Irena Sendler accomplished her incredible deeds with the active assistance of the church. â€Å"I sent most of the children to religious establishments,† she recalled. â€Å"I knew I could count on the Sisters.† The children were given false identities and placed in homes, orphanages and convents. Irena Sendler carefully noted, in coded form, the children’s original names and their new identities. But the Nazis became aware of Irena’s activities, and on October 20, 1943 she was arrested, imprisoned and tortured by the Gestapo, who broke her feet and legs. Though she was the only one who knew the names and addresses of the families sheltering the  Jewish children, she withstood the torture, refusing to betray either her associates or any of the Jewish children in hiding. She escaped from prison but for the rest of the war the Gestapo pursued her. After the war she dug up the jars and used the notes to track down the 2,500 children she placed with adoptive families and to reunite them with relatives scattered across Europe. This lovely, courageous woman was one of the most dedicated and active workers in aiding Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Her courage enabled not only the survival of 2,500 Jewish children but also of the generations of their descendants. Her courage, strength and the goodness of her spirit is honored forever by those lives she saved. Compare and Contrast Mary, Irena Sendler, and Florence Nightingale all have something in common. Each and every one overcame social injustice, discrimination and prejudice in the name of all things good. Virgin Mary knew she would be shunned, as her baby was conceived before marriage, back then adultery was punishable by stoning to death, yet she agreed to do god’s work out of love for the Lord. Irena Sendler risked her life for the 2,500 children she saved, her deeds could have gotten her killed yet her faith and morality was more important to her, and Florence Nightingale overcame the social ethics and restrictions of her time to do what she believed to be God’s work. Another similarity is the fact that all three women saved lives in their own respective way. Unlike Florence and Irena, Mary did her deeds indirectly and in a more spiritual sense, she gave birth to Jesus who is spiritually viewed as the savior of mankind, he gave people salvation, faith and hope. Also, today many people see Mary as a role model and through her seek inspiration that leads many people to give up sin and live a good and holy life. This contrasts to the work of Florence Nightingale and Irena Sendler, these two woman saved people in the physical sense, through knowledge, nursing, and trying to prevent genocide. These woman strike inspiration and strength in all that read their story. Though they come from different eras and have different life stories to tell, all three are fine examples of the strength, faith and capabilities of a woman. Bibliography Internet http://net2.netacc.net/~mafg/mary03.htm http://www.auschwitz.dk/Sendler.htm http://www.catholic.org/saints/saints/lucy.html http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stl01001.htm http://www.dnai.com/~borneo/nightingale/tl1.htm http://www.geocities.com/squillin_us/Mother%20Mary.htm http://www.holocaustforgotten.com/sendler.htm Books Book of Saints Mark Straton 1991 J.M Dent Pty. Dictionary of World Biography. Barry Jones 1998 The Age Encyclopedia of World Biography McGraw Hill 1973 McGraw Hill Inc. Florence Nightingale John Drasedon 1988 Wiley and Sons LTD Virgin Mary Linda McWell 1963 Curtin Pty.

Political Development Essay

Morocco is located in North Africa at the border of Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea . Onto the south it neighbors Western Sahara and due east with Algeria. Its terrain consists of mountain, desert and coastal plain with only about 21% of total land which is productive . The people in the region basically comprise of the Berber, Arab, African, Spanish and French. Morocco is considered to be one of the most westernized Islamic nations. Its population is close to thirty million with a population growth rate of 2% per annum . Arabic is general spoken language. The Southern parts of Morocco uses French while in the Northern parts, Spanish and French are commonly used languages. English language is a new language which is being introduced in the country. Majority of the population are Muslim affiliates and number of Jewish, while in northern parts especially those who speak Spanish and French, a greater portion belong to catholic religion. Morocco’s economy is that of liberal in nature which follows the dictates of demand and supply. Privatization policy is not a new phenomenon as some of the sectors were handed down to the hand of private sectors. However, its economy is characterized by relatively slow economic growth and inflation rate. Basically, employment largely anchors at agricultural sector which is never reliable due inadequate rains . Unemployment is escalating generally, affecting majority of the youths especially in urban areas . Social evils such as trafficking of young women and girls for prostitution and domestic service and sexual abuse are the characteristic phenomena in Morocco besides high level of illiteracy, and unemployment . Non-Governmental Organizations refers to lawfully constituted organizations that operate independently from the government. There are some Non –Governmental Organizations which acts as donor and or development partners depending on the charter of their mandates. Virtually all of the Non-Governmental Organizations acts on humanitarian grounds focusing on alleviating human suffering by improving the human welfare for quality living. Some Non-Governmental organizations operates on a large scale where they may cover a very large geographical region, while still others operate at national level or in limited areas within a country . International Non-Governmental Organizations cover several geographical regions as their scope of operation while local Non –Governmental Organizations usually operate within the country or in some parts of the country International and Local NGOs in Morocco: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the International Non-Governmental Organizations that has intensified its work in the country of Morocco through an economic program. Since Morocco has a liberal economy, it is governed by the law of supply and demands. In the context of globalization, farmers in the country would have faced cut-throat competition after agricultural tariffs were lowered as result of trade agreement between USA and Morocco. To save the farmers from such agony, USAID works with the farmers to have their crop yields improved and creates alternative jobs in form of industries to avert overdependence on farming as the only way of employment. It assists by linking export business to competitively get into the US market in ways such as by cutting down the numbers of days officially needed to register the business from sixty to eleven. This was actualized when USAID got into the microfinance field in Morocco. It had two prime objectives. One was to start a microfinance institution that would be self sustainable and grow to support the farmers and businessmen’s need. The second one was to foster policy that could favor this establishment of microfinance sector. All of its efforts toward making true these objectives were very successful due to its technical skills it possessed and its full commitment for these projects’ sustainability to serving large number of the poor . This has been witnessed particularly for the last seven year of its operation. Besides improvement of economic growth of Moroccans, it also featured in improving education level by increasing access to quality education and relevant basic education to all. This was because there has been high illiteracy level in the country. To achieve this USAID used ‘school-to-work’ approach by ensuring linkage between training and employments at various levels. Basic education has much attention on achieving high retention rates to ninth grade and possible equipping the learners at this level to adaptable skills for the next level. It lays more emphasis on courses such as information technology and tourism in technical colleges as the country has prominent tourist attraction sites and this is geared to promote tourism industry in the country. Global Rights is an International Non-Governmental Organization that partners for justice through advocacy of human right by collaborating with local activists. They speak to make heard injustices done at global level. It deals with legal and human rights education comprehensively from semiliterate to illiterate women from all walks of life in Morocco. This initiative aims to empower women to know their collective and individual rights so as to be assertive to these right and give them power in decision making in all matters affecting them, be it in household, community, national or at global level. So far the program has reached thousands of women across the country. By so doing the initiative aims at curbing alarming number of young women and girls at risk of human trafficking for prostitution and domestic service in the region. Besides human trafficking in different parts of Morocco, there has been an increase in cases of sexual abuse among young women and girls. Therefore, this necessitated direct service and intensive advocacy . Increased access to information has been deemed to be one of the successful approaches particularly starting with community liaisons, lawyers, teacher, researchers and the at-risk population and entire community would help curb such vices. Food and Agricultural Organization has not been new in Morocco. This country having been relying heavily on the agricultural sector for employment, much is needed to be done to revive the sluggish economic growth of the country . Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is the United Nation’s agency that is involved in collecting, analyzing and interpreting and sharing the information with relevant stakeholders related to agriculture and nutrition. It is barely four months when an outbreak that posed threat to sheep and goats was announced in Morocco. In the month of September peste des petites (PRR) threatened to kill about a million sheep and goats where a hundred and thirty three outbreaks were reported within twenty nine provinces of Morocco. Being a viral causative agent and a very contagious to all ruminants, about 17 and 5 million sheep and goats respectively were at stake . This could be translated to loss of family livelihoods as so many of them depended on this. In response to this, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) took drastic measures after receiving request from the government to beef up the interventions. This made FAO’S Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) to convene a two-day meeting in Tunisia to chart the way forward over the situation. During the two-day summit, it was collectively agreed to help the Morocco government to prepare an emergency plan and see its implementation together with appropriate coordination with veterinary services of Maghreb among others from neighborhood countries. Right now FAO is in the advanced stage of setting up an urgent regional cooperation project. Control measures that were taken necessitated quarantine of suspected or affected farms and institutions and make urgent review of animal disease emergency contingency plans as well as raise awareness on the outbreak of the disease by all stakeholders concerning its risks and clinical signs. This is the latest development that FAO has been able to undertake in Morocco. Besides, livestock production, in the sector of agriculture, F. A. O has been in the forefront to see the country is in the process of achieving the millennium goal number one; that of eradication of extreme poverty and hunger through adoption of new innovations such as high yield, and fast growing crops that are drought tolerance. This will enable the country to attain level of food and nutrition security required. Use of biotechnology which has been witnessed in Nigeria where cassava clones are being propagated as disease free plants for the higher yields, are now incorporated in Morocco. World Food Program is the world’s largest humanitarian body. World Food Program is on a global campaign to ensure undernourished school going children are educated through its school feeding program. During worst time when there is total crop failure in Morocco, it has severally responded by providing relief food to the regions that needs emergency intervention. Community Based Organizations are local non-governmental organizations which are found in Morocco just like in other third world developing countries. Community based organizations collaborate with International Non-Governmental Organization and are the ground players. International Non-Governmental Organization for sustainable development make use of local organizations so that without setting other new parallel programs they can build on the existing system and facilitate on capacity building of the community. Faith Based Organization is a local non-governmental organization that has particular religious group affiliation. For instance, in northern parts of Morocco there is significant number of Christians who have come together to form faith based organizations to cater for the needs of their less fortunate member in time of need. Conclusion Non-governmental organizations primarily have humanitarian affair at their centre of focus. They feature on development transformation of community in which they are operating on. According to the transformational development indicators, the lives of many communities in different parts of the country have really improved. The level of illiteracy has decreased as a result of increased enrollment and retentions in schools . School- to- work approach has created job linkages among youths as a way of fighting unemployment in the country. Through, improving agriculture and easy accessibility to credit facilities, farmers are able to get good returns while others are able to diversify their income. This has seen improvement of living standard of the community. References: Agnaou Fatima, (2004); Gender, Literacy, and Empowerment in Morocco. ISBN 0415947650, 9780415947657, Routledge Davis K. Diana, (2006); Neoliberalism, Environmentalism, and Agricultural Restructuring in Morocco. The Geographical Journal, Vol. 172 Facts about Morocco, (2008). Retrieved on 16th November 2008 from: http://cc. msnscache. com/cache. aspx? q=morocco+facts&d=74397575479858&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=1d93f448,870bb89e Fisher Julie, (1998); Nongovernments: NGOs and the Political Development of the Third World. ISBN 1565490754, 9781565490758, Published by Kumarian Press Kourous George & Omolo Dominic, (2008); Outbreak of ‘peste des petits ruminants’ in Morocco. Retrieved on 16th November 2008 from: http://www. fao. org/newsroom/en/news/2008/1000918/index. html USAID/Morocco, (2004); Annual Report. Retrieved on 16th November 2008 from: http://pdf. dec. org/pdf_docs/PDACA063. pdf

Ancient Mayan Civilization

The ancient Mayan civilization of the ancient Mayan civilization was built on a strict social structure based on religious beliefs. They use caste social structure where differences are based on wealth, inheritance level, privilege, occupation or occupation. Their beliefs are based on the fact that elements of nature have the power to help and hurt. Ancient Mayas used their social structure and beliefs to shape their daily lives. Maya is a very devout person. They believe in many gods. Maya's ancient Mayan civilization settled in Yucatan Peninsula around 900 AD. This civilization was one of the most advanced civilization of those days. They created their own religion, language, mathematical structure, highly accurate calendar and many other things. Maya's lifestyle is their religion. They have polytheism praising many gods. Every God has something to worry about whether they rule. Chac is the god of rain, Kinich Ahau is droughty. Sweat covered his whole body and made him shine under the noon sun like the god of glory which comes down from the sky. But he is not a god. He participated in the architectural project of the famous Mayan town of Copan with an unintentional slave. Maya rose in the year 250 AD and had a huge civilization that fell around the year 900 AD. They live in an area called Central America consisting of South America, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras. As a country, Maya is known for their numerous achievements. The ancient Mayan civilization contains about two-thirds of the Central American civilization. This area is also known mainly from volcanic mountains to porous limestones, as a lowland in the central area. Maya civilization extends from the northern Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to Honduras in the south. It is their complex society far beyond the current construction and modernization in the tropical rainforest climate that makes the Maya the most prominent (Aissen, 1992). General