Scanning the Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scanning the Environment - Essay Example ote focuses on demographics and socio-cultural trends, advertising, strategy and image for the previously mentioned retailers and the strategy that a competitor should adopt. Retailing of grocery items has been a competitive business for some time because a number of large retail chains, online stores and retail shops compete within the market. This means that it is important to try to position the retail brand right so that a maximum attraction for the grocery retail segments within the consumers is possible (Reynolds, 2004, Pp. 12 – 18). Brands tell a lot about price and this means that positioning brands to attract a certain type of customer to maximize profit is important in grocery retailing. Demographic trends for the US consumer suggests that the average consumer is more health and money conscious as a result of the prevailing economic uncertainty and they are only willing to pay a little extra for better fresh fruits and vegetables, food brands (Cook, 2008, Slides 1 – 25). However, quality and price are the most important considerations in selection of grocery items, but pesticide free items are only second in preference to fresh gr ocery items. Thus, organic products are second only to fresh quality products. In addition, the proportion of non – Hispanic Whites as a proportion of the total consumer is declining compared to an increase in the Hispanics and the Asians. Thus, retailers must consider the previously mentioned trends in efforts to position their retail brands. Aldi, the global grocery retailer has tried to benefit from the willingness of the consumer to pay a little more for quality in positioning its brand (Aldi, 2009, â€Å"Grocery Selections†). However, Amazon Grocery appears to have tried to lure the customer by offering established middle-of-the range brands with an emphasis on saving for quality and a concern for the Asian and Hispanic consumers. However, both of the previously mentioned chains emphasize value for money. Although

Northern Cape Department of Educations Service Standards Research Proposal

Northern Cape Department of Educations Service Standards - Research Proposal Example From this study it is clear that  the turnaround strategy when implemented tries to bring the distressed and underperforming departments back into normal performing setup. The acceptable level of solvency, liquidity, profitability, and cash flow are the basic objectives of a turnaround strategy. The management also try to focus on certain turnaround strategy components like managing, funding, stabilising, fixing of the distressed components to revert back the organisation to working profitably and also to bring back stability into the associated activities of the department. The service standard of the organisation holds the key in judging their capability and analysing their success. In this dissertation also, the success of the department is aimed to be judged on their performance after the turnaround strategy.According to the report  the Northern Cape Education Department (NCED) has moved from an effective and efficient department, to one with many management challenges. In 20 06, the Northern Cape boasted the best matric pass rate, with good financial and administrative systems and reports. In response of this reality, the NCED did adopt a two-pronged approach for the service delivery and also for meeting its performance obligations. The department is faced with a massive task of restoring its sound financial and administrative position. The internal clients’ belief towards the department and its capability of handling any such issues brings back stability in the entire departmental structure.

Non-Conventional Energy Resources

Non-Conventional Energy Resources India is a country rich in natural resources as well as in population. In order to cater to the needs of ever increasing population, we have to conserve our natural resources by utilizing them carefully. Energy resources are considered to be the most needed resources for the existence of mankind. The conventional energy resources like gas, oil and coal are used everywhere starting from the household chores to industrial activities. As the conventional resources are subject to depletion nature and cannot be regenerated immediately, there is a rummage around for alternative sources of energy. The government of India has recognized the need for the development and promotion of non-conventional energy resources like solar energy, wind-energy, bio-mass energy etc to conserve conventional resources. Establishment of Non conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NEDCAP) is a milestone in this endeavor. The article highlights the importance of non-conventional en ergy resources and the role of NEDCAP in promoting these sources and discusses the various sources of non-conventional energy and highlighted the efforts of NEDCAP in conservation of conventional sources of energy. *Associate Professor Head, Dept. of Management, Auroras PG College, Hyderabad and can be reached @ [emailprotected] **Assistant Professor, Dept of Business Administration, PVP Siddartha Institute of Technology, Vijayawada and can be reached @ [emailprotected] Introduction The conventional energy resources are continuously registering a diminishing balance with the population explosion and industrialization-taking place all around the world. India is the second largest in the world in the statistics of population and considered to be sixth in the consumption of energy as per the study conducted by the Government of A.P. In view of the existence of a large gap between the requirements of the population and the availability of the conventional sources of energy there is a need for the development of a sustainable resource based alternative for the conventional energy resources. The conventional energy resources are the natural resources like coal, oil and gas. With the rapid developments taking place in the industrial sector the need for energy is also increasing constantly. It has become inevitable to supplement the exhaustible resources with renewable resources to cater to the needs of the future generations effectively. Fortunately, India is gifted wi th large amount of sustainable non-conventional energy resources like solar power, wind and biomass along with small hydro power and industrial and domestic wastes. These resources are natural, cost free, available abundantly and readily usable for the generation of energy in different forms. Moreover these are pollution free and hence can be used to produce clean form of energy without any wastage apart from being renewable. So there is a need for the development of non-conventional energy resources in the country. Non-Conventional Energy Resources As the demand for power and energy is increasing rapidly and depletion of natural resources is taking place with the same pace, the emergence of environmental friendly and pollution free non-conventional energy resources has become a viable alternative. The non-conventional energy resources like solar energy through thermal as well as photovoltaic systems, wind energy, bio mass, hydal energy and industrial and household wastes will help the economy to a great extent in enhancing the power generation capacity and energy needs of different sectors. The following is a brief presentation of the renewable sources of energy. Solar Energy: India has a locational advantage in receiving abundant radiant energy form the sun as it is located in the equatorial sun belt of the earth. Majority of the Indian continent is bestowed with clear sunny weather in all most 280-300 days of a year. Daily solar energy incident over India varies from 4-7 KWH per square meter depending on the region. Solar energy can be used in two ways: Solar Thermal Conversion: Conversion of solar energy into heat using devices of steel, copper, aluminum is called solar-thermal conversion. A solar thermal device captures and transfers the heat energy available in the solar radiation. The energy generated can be used for varied applications in the household and industrial sectors like water heating systems, air heating systems, cooking and other household utilities. Solar Photovoltaic Conversion: This is the conversion of solar energy into electricity using semi conductors and their hybrids to convert the solar energy into Direct Current form of electricity for the application of DC and AC. The electricity thus generated can be used to needs of home lighting, street lighting and running motor pumps etc. The direct current form of solar energy is a major technical consideration for SPV application. Wind Energy: The evolution of windmills to convert wind power into energy, using wind turbines dates back to the beginning of the century. Denmark was the first country to install the first windmill for the generation of electricity. Later many countries entered into the field of wind energy. India started operations during 1983-84. The technology involves generation of electricity using turbines, which converts mechanical energy from the wind mills and is mainly used for pumping water from bore wells, open wells etc .However, average wind speed is major technical consideration to harness wind energy depending upon the climatic conditions and geographical locations of the project. Bio mass and other Bio energy systems: Bio mass is yet another renewable source of energy with potential to generate power to the extent of more than 50% of the requirements our country. Indian economy is predominantly an agricultural based economy with the availability of huge quantities of biomass available in the form of husk, straw, shells of coconuts and of wild bushes etc. Bio mass resources include large quantities cattle dung and other organic wastes. The biomass resources can be used for production of thermal energy or electricity. It can also be used to produce gas that may be used for combustion and to run gas engines. Small Hydro Power Hydropower is tapped from running waterfalls, canals and other water streams containing relatively small quantities of water but with some force of falling. The force of falling and flowing water can be converted into electricity by using turbines. This is a cheaper and abundant source on energy in our country. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 MW of power can be generated with the potential of the small hydro projects in the country. This power can be used to meet the requirements of the vicinity areas of the water streams like agro processing and milling. Industrial and other Wastes: These projects utilize the municipal and industrial wastes which has a problem for their disposal. The cleanliness of urban and industrial areas are achieved by utilizing these wastes as raw material to generate power. Wastes from the household, agricultural and industrial sectors are utilized to produce electricity. Industrial wastes from sago manufacturing units; sugar manufacturing units, poultries and others can be effectively used to produce power. This is a source of cheaper and renewable energy source available in India. Production of gases can also be undertaken using the wastes. Government Initiatives in Conservation of Energy Realizing the potential for energy from renewable sources, the government set up the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES) in 1992, which is now called MNRE. The Prime Minister directly controls the activities of the ministry. MNRE activities include promotion of renewable energy technologies, creating an environment conducive to promote renewable energy technologies and assessment of renewable energy resources. Various sources of renewable energy are identified and policies are developed to supplement the conventional energy resources under the auspices of the ministry. Nodal agencies with different names have been established in different states to achieve the primary objective of supplementing the energy needs of the states. Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limiited (NEDCAP) The nodal agency of Andhra pradesh is popularly called NEDCAP. Initially the name is Agro Pumpsets Implements Ltd., (APIL) for implementing non-conventional energy programmes sponsored by both the State and Central Governments. The corporation was incorporated on 21.10.1969 and was renamed as NEDCAP on 10-5-1986. The primary objectives of the Corporation are To survey, develop and implement renewable energy programmes of the State and Central Governments. To generate electricity through renewable sources like wind and solar energy on a decentralised manner. To conserve the sources of energy in rural areas. To import and adopt viable technology and machinery in the areas of Non-Conventional energy sources and ensures post installation service. To impart training and to promote research and development in the field of Non-conventional energy sources. To provide technical consultancy services in implementation of power projects through renewable energy sources. To achieve the above objectives NEDCAP has initiated many programmes in different areas of non-conventional energy sources. The programmes are continuously monitored and necessary support is extended to individuals, non-profit making organizations, commercial and industrial organizations working in various projects associated with renewable energy resources. The following are some highlights of the promotion measures initiated by NEDCAP. Promotion of solar energy Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued GOs under reference Nos. G.O.Ms.No.302 M.A. dated : 03.08.2004 and G.O.Ms.No.506 MA dated: 03-12.2004 of Municipal Administration Urban Development (M) Department making mandatory for installation of Solar Water Heating Systems at proposed construction of hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, guest houses, lodges and multi-storied buildings of stilt + 5 floors or 15 meters and above height provision shall be made in their plans. NEDCAP is taking all necessary initiatives in the implementation of the programme. It is providing subsidized loans with banks with concessional rates of interests. Type of Users Rate of interest applicable Domestic users 2% Institutional users not availing accelerated depreciation 3% Industrial and commercial users availing depreciation 5% Source: www.nedcap.gov.in Along with the provision of loans at concessional rates of interest, NEDCAP is also providing capital subsides for the organizations which are not availing the facility of soft loans depending on the type of the organization and the area used for collecting the solar energy. The subsidies are Rs. 1100 per square meter of the collector area for registered non-profit making organisations and Rs.825 per square meter of the collector area for registered commercial establishments. Further it is providing and incentive of Rs. 100 per square meter for motivators and agents working in the field of attracting potential buyers of the solar water heaters. Promotion of Wind energy Based on the studies conducted through wind monitoring exercise, it is found that the southern part of Andhra Pradesh has got wind potential for setting up of wind farms. The areas in Anantapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool and parts of Nellore and Chittoor district have been identified with relatively better potential sites to set up wind power projects. In the master plan to assess the potentiality in southern part of A.P. it is estimated that there is a potential of about 2100 MW capacity. NEDCAP has established 2.25 MW wind farm project at Kondamedapally, Kurnool dist. and 2.50 MW wind farm at Narasimhakonda, Nellore district under demonstration scheme of MNRE. To encourage investment and to promote wind power projects in Andhra Pradesh, the Govt.of Andhra Pradesh has announced a comprehensive policy and incentives to set up wind power projects in private sector. NEDCAP is the single window clearance agency to sanction projects up to 20 MW capacity in the State and so far 100.12 MW capacity of projects by 30 developers at Ramagiri, Kadavakallu, Tallimadugula in Anantapur District and on Tirumala Hills, Chittoor district, was commissioned. The total installed capacity is 107.37 MWs as on March, 2008. NEDCAP extends the following services to the wind farm developers to set up projects in private sector. Clearance of projects Selection of suitable sites for the proposed projects Providing data related to the speed of the wind and related parameters Guidance on suitable equipment needed , its erection and commissioning of the project Guidance on inter-facing of the project Co-ordination with the revenue department on the land allotment to the proposed projects Necessary technical assistance to the projects sanctioned and to the ones commissioned. A total of 0.25% of the project cost subject to a minimum Rs.1.50 lakhs / MW is payable to NEDCAP towards sanction fee of the project. Promotion of Biomass utilization After identifying the abundant availability of bio mass in the state of Andhra Pradesh NEDCAP has started implementing the Biogas programme since 1982-83. The initial stages of implementing the programme, 4 cum 6 cum capacity KVIC model biogas plants were erected. It has been observed that KVIC models of biogas plants are comparatively associated with high initial costs along with periodical maintenance. Since, 1990-91, the Corporation is promoting the Deenabandhu model as it is less expensive and more efficient. The programme gained momentum and the same model is continued. The Corporation till now has installed around 2.50 lakhs biogas plants in the state so far. Under the biomass programme rural energy programmes are designed and implemented. Rural Energy Programmes Sl.No. Description Nos. Installed 1 Family Size Biogas Plants for cooking 2.8 Lakhs 2 Improved Chulhas 27.28 lakhs Source: www.nedcap.gov.in National Project on Biogas Development Basing on the studies conducted and on the success of the plants already installed in Andhra Pradesh, there is huge demand/potential for the establishment of Biogas Plants in Andhra Pradesh. The estimated potential of family size biogas plants is 10.90 lakhs. So far 2.84 lakh family-size biogas plants have been installed in the state. Improved Chulhas The estimated potential in Andhra pradesh is 95 lakhs. Since 1984-85 the achievement is 27.03 lakhs. Presently, the programme is being undertaken with State Govt. assistance. Promotion of Industrial waste based Projects NEDCAP is authorized by the A.P. State Government vide. G.O. Ms. No. 253, E F (RES) Department, dated 15-11-94 to sanction the Municipal Solid Waste/Industrial Waste based Power projects of capacity up to 20 MW. Andhra Pradesh is having a number of Industries which generate effluents. These effluents are to be treated to have value added products. The waste generated from Industries like sago, starch, palm oil, distilleries, dairy, vegetable wastes and poultry etc can be treated to generate Electricity. The following table presents the total capacity of the power generation projects undertaken in the industrial waste management area. i) Municipal Solid Waste Projects 107 MW ii) Municipal Liquid Waste 16 MW Total 123 MW iii) Industrial Waste Projects 135.0 MW Source: www.aponlineltd.org It is estimated that there is a huge potential of 40 MW from municipal solid wastes in the cities of Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur. Two projects aggregating to a capacity of 12.6 MW are under implementation at Hyderabad and Vijayawada cities. It is estimated that there is still an untapped potential of 135 MW from industrial wastes including poultry, distilleries and others industries operating in the state. Out of this potential projects with a capacity of 1.50 MW have been commissioned. Small Hydro Power The activity of power generation from small hydro power has been transferred from AP TRANSCO wing which was previously known as APSEB to NEDCAP vide G.O.Ms.No.37 dated 01-02-1999 of Energy (Power I) Department, Government of AP. The assessed Hydro Power potential is 1000 MW (approx). The status report on Small Hydro Power projects is shown in the table given below. Status of small hydro power projects as on 31-03-2008 S.No. Description No. of projects Capacity in MW 1 No. of projects sanctioned 47 146.603 2 No. of projects commissioned 31 92.353 3 No. of projects under progress 05 7.150 4 No. of projects Financial closure not completed 11 47.100 5 Detailed project reports referred to Irrigation Dept. for issuance of No Objection Certificate 125 305.500 Source: www.nedcap.gov.in The total no of projects sanctioned are 47in number with a capacity of 146.603MW. The capacity utilized so far is 92.353 MW through 31 projects commissioned under private sector participation. The number if Projects, which are in progress, is 16 with a capacity of 54.250 MW. The proposals and detailed project reports referred to Irrigation Department for issuance of No Objection Certificate are aggregating to a total capacity of 305.500 MW. Andhra Pradesh is one of the pioneering states in the country in encouraging the non-conventional energy based power projects. The State Government has authorized the nodal agency NEDCAP to sanction NCES based power projects of capacity up to 20 MW in private sector also along with the public sector participation. The cumulative installed capacity as on 31.10.2003 is 473.09 MW which is about 4.6 % of the total installed capacity in the state. During the year 2002-03, 1287.55 Mega Units of power was fed into the State grid which is 3.65 % of the total volume of power generated in the state. The Non Conventional Energy based power projects have the following advantages Environmental friendly and produce green power with less costs and free rawmaterial. Every KWH of power generated from NCES will eliminate 1 KG of Carbon emission into the atmosphere which is relatively very less when compared with conventional sources like coal, oil and natural gas. Non Conventional Energy Sources are abundantly available and are renewable with in no period of time. Low gestation period of the projects commissioned under the utilization of non-conventional sources. Also helpful in conserving the rapidly depleting reserves of fossil fuels. Helpful in creating rural employment and self employment opportunities Helps in improving the economic and living conditions of the rural population. Conclusion The importance of non-conventional energy resources is gaining momentum in the country as well as in the state. India is now one of the countries implementing various programmes on the utilization and promotion of non-conventional energy resources. Rightly identifying the need of the hour for the conservation of energy resources the Planning Commission of India in its Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) has highlighted the need to develop domestic supply options and diversify energy sources. The projections of the report state that non-conventional sources may account for 5 to 6 per cent of Indias total energy mix by 2031-32. As the Nodal agency of the state of Andhra Pradesh, NEDCAP is taking all necessary initiatives to promote the usage of the renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biomass, industrial wastes etc, as evident from the above discussion on various areas of non-conventional areas of energy. Private participation is also solicited in some of the areas like pow er generation and solar heating systems. To become more effective in the promotion, NEDCAP can also undertake promotional and publicity campaigns for individuals, NGOs, commercial and non-commercial institutions elaborating the importance of the conservation of the conventional sources of energy and the need for supplementing them with non-conventional sources. Finally it is aptly said that Save Nature and Enjoy the Future

Arts Education Essays :: Education

1. Describe how recent advancements in technology (since 1975 or so) have changed the arts and arts education. Answer: Since 1975 or so there has been many changes in technology that have affected arts education. Advancements in technology such as the internet, computers, and more art education programs have played a major effect. Before this era students could not really get the full picture of visual arts unless the instructor has the actual prints. The students did learn about colors, elements, and the ideas of art, but not students are not only learning about these things, but they can actually see these important elements. This came about primarily due to the internet. Students now can log on the internet and find pictures made by any artists. Also, since this era art has become very important in the concept of learning. I believe that people now realize that art education isn't just for fun, but it's a way that students can think beyond the books and explore the world through art. Computers have played a major role in this development of art. It's very important because students can l earn the different eras of art such as the neoclassical era and romanticism. I know that when I think of art I just think of drawing and painting, but now I believe that art can relate to almost anything. Everything in life is art and with the advancements of technology students can see that this is true. Art history is very important because we can see how the advancements of art have changed over time. For example in music there used to be barely any instruments and composers would make art through voice and now since we have advance so much in technology music today is very complex, usually filled with many instruments and heavy sound. Art education and the arts itself have changed dramatically throughout the years due to the advancements in technology. 2. Describe (A) the stylistic trends and innovations and (B) the characteristics of the art works from one historical period of your choice. During the contemporary period many new stylistic trends and innovations came about. This era was the post war era and occurred after the holocausts of World War II as well as the Nazi death camps where the first use of atomic weapons were put to use.

Discuss the Difficulties in Seeking to Adopt a Common Social Policy

Assignment 2-Take Home Exam (Question 3, 5 and 6) Question 3 Discuss the difficulties in seeking to adopt a common social policy and social welfare agenda among the E. U. member states. Introduction A social policy is a public policy and practice in the areas of health care, human services, criminal justice, education, and labor. (Malcolm Wiener Centre) In European Union, it has passed a long way to seeking adopt a common social policy and social welfare agenda among the E. U. member states. Caune et al has summarized the process of social policy into three steps followed by the milestone of EU.First stage was to create a common market and keep the national welfare policies. During the first stage E. U. did seek to establish a certain policy, such as freedom of movement for workers and freedom of establishment and equal pay and rights for migrant workers. The second stages was Maastricht treaty that creating Maastricht criteria as new economic policy regime and established ‘sof t law management’. The thirds stage was focus onwards coordination and competition of national welfare policies. The treaty of Lisbon which is the recently moment in E.U. social policy, it defines E. U. seeks to assess the significance of the poverty/social inclusion open method of co-ordination in terms of what it indicates about the EU’s engagement with social policy. From the historically, EU was did a lot of works to creating social policy and social welfare agenda. But E. U. still faces many difficult to making a common social policy among E. U. states. Furthermore, this essay will mainly discuss on the difficult in seeking to adopt a common social policy and social welfare agenda among the E. U. ember states which are based understand and analyzed the history and concept of E. U. social policy. Discussion From the three stages of form a social welfare system, we could found European Union has really well social welfare systems as an example for the rest of the wo rld. It has maintained social equality among EU members which defend weaker market participants and guarantee them acceptable standards of living. However, EU is now face great challenges, such as rapid growth in EU expansion and integration, growing competition among member states for investments.Most of them are now becoming difficult to a adopt a further common social policy EU, such as increasing about personal expectancy, population migration process, growing income inequality and the existing social exclusion. These difficulties are mainly coming from two sources which are national and European level. If EU aims to form a common social policy, they will firstly facing a problem of different social policies pursued by member states. Rutkauskiene indicated that there is† no unanimous opinion about all existing social policy in EU. (Rutkauskiene, 2009) Every member states have their social policy depends on different typology, such as Mediterranean model and antipodean mode l. These different social policy models in the place which lead EU faces a huge challenge-too many different social policy model in the members will hinder the process of adopt a common social policy in EU. One of the objectives of common social policy is maintain social equality among EU member state but each member state has a different economic situation that leading to different budget on social welfare expenditure.Hence, there will be conflict between different countries investment on the social welfare. One of the example are from the EU integration process, employee are free to move to a low cost countries and also employee from poor countries can move to a member state that has a better work condition. The enlargement or integration of European has becoming one of the difficulties in order to adopt a common social policy in EU because it has direct on the social issues, such as unemployment rate and fair work rights.Traser describe enlargement had already, in 2004, caused pu blic anxiety about large numbers of low-skilled and semiskilled workers from the new Member States seeking both employment and benefits in the EU-15, and displacing national workers with cheap labour. (Traser, 2005) The issues about free movement of employee is only one example about the differences of economic situation between member states but it can be a main difficulties for EU to adopt a common social policy because the members state are only stand for their own country and competing with other member states.In the European level, EU are also did a lot of work trying to leading member states participate on the process of adopt a common social policy but it is difficult as well. Since the Maastricht Treaty a concept of ‘soft law’ management measures are used to implementation of the EU activates. This has given to the control measures that are based on voluntarism, education and the sharing of best practices. (Rutkauskiene, 2009) In other world, member’s sta te is voluntary participation in an exchange of information or action.The European council collected all these soft measurement 2000 in Lisbon and give them a name of ‘Open Method of Coordination. (OMC)† (European Council Web) In the European council website explained OMC- set goals are monitored and supervised, best practices are shared and there is a scope to share. (European Council Web) But there are one important feature of the OMC is that goals and achievement are established at the EU level, while the measure and practice to achieving them are left for national governments. Many scholar are debate the disadvantage of this method.OMC is the lack of obligation to implement any agreements, and the lack of sanctions for failing to meet any obligations (Szyszczak, 2006). In other words, EU did not give in to any suggestion about policy to national government, and national government did not need to adequately orient their active measures according to OMC goals. Moreove r, each member states can present their own conclusions on the certain policy areas in their national actions plans, such as pension and health care area. Rutkauskiene has found a greatest number of faults in pension’s area caused by OMC. Rutkauskiene, 2009) Everyone is too different in their personal needs and clamming to adequate for all is not feasible. So a government policy should be set a minimum pension sum to be guaranteed and set of this agreement among EU member states. In other worlds, it is necessary that guidelines for changes in indicator evaluation are set, thereby blocking the way for different understanding about social affairs. From the different argument on OMC policy we can it was mainly established a principle of turning into coordination among EU member state but it facing difficulties turning this policy into an operational manner.Vandenbroucke state the post challenge of Lisbon treaty is EU need an operational social policy. (Vandenbroucke, 2002) Unfor tunately, according to the discussion that the current OMC policy has some disadvantaged that made difficulties for EU to adopt a common social policy. Conclusions This essay has started with an introduction milestone of adopt the EU social policy. The difficulties in adopt a common social policy among EU member states have been compounded furthermore by the fact that large number of state in EU and each of them implementing a different social programs and social policy measures.Then we look on how European Union to dealing with this difficulties of great variety in the social policy systems. We have been chooses the current model to coordinate of social affairs in 2000 at the signing of Lisbon strategy which are Open Method of Coordination. Based on the analysed from different academic literature, â€Å"the main shortcomings of the OMC were identified as the lack of obligation and no sanctions for failing to carry out the activities set out in the agreements reached. (Rutkauskiene , 2009) Hence, the inefficiency of current policy is other main difficulties in adopt a common social policy. At the end, the process of adopt a common social will be forward in the future and the difficulties are also coming continuously at different stages. Reference Arnaudova, F. Z. L. A. A. (2011). Growth, well-being and social policy in Euroep: trade-off orsynergy. European Social Policy Centre Concuil, E. , from http://ec. europa. eu/invest-in research/coordination/coordination01_en. htm Daly, M. (2006). EU Social Policy after Lisbon.Queen's Univeristy, Belfast. Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy. Retrieved 10 Jan 2013, from http://www. hks. harvard. edu/centers/wiener Palier, P. R. G. a. S. J. a. B. (2011). The EU and the Domestic Politics of Welfare State Reforms. England. Rutkauskiene, L. (2009). Problems in the formation of the common EU social policy: Vilnius Univeristy. Szyszczak, E. (2006). Experimental Governance: The Opend Method of Coordination. European Law Jou rnal. Traser, J. (2005). Report on the free movement of workers in EU-25: who's afarid of EU enlargment? Brussels:European Citizen Action services. Vandenbroucke, F. (2002). The EU and Social Protection: What should the Euroepan Convention Propose. Retrieved from http://econstor. eu/bitstream/10419/44291/1/644397675. pdf Vobruba, G. Debate on the enlargement of the Euroepan Union. University of Leipzig. Question 5 the single market is the fundamental economic underpinning of the EU. Discuss why  this single market is problematic in the EU with regards to the digital technology sector Introduction The Europe commission in a 1985 white paper launched the single market programme.The main purpose of single market is ‘seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people – the EU's â€Å"four freedoms† – within the EU's 27 member states. †(European Commission Web) It was launched as the fundamental economic integration of the EU. It creates large benefit to the enterprise and EU-citizens. The European commission and the EU’s executive arm, has target ‘energy, digital and transport sectors as priorities for depending market integration. †(Egen) In relating to the digital technology sector, the world economic is now more deepening on the digital technology.A 2010 study commissioned by the European Policy Centre from Copenhagen Economics showed that an integrated European Digital Single Market (DSM) would lead to an increase in GDP of at least 4%, with concrete benefits for consumers and citizens. (Economics, 2010) European commissions have already been set in motion about importance of digital single market. For example, Monti report had already highlighted the importance of developing the digital single market, which was also reflected in the digital agenda and the single market act.However, there are still many problem existed in the EU with regards to the digital technology sector. This e ssay will outline of the reasons of why this single market is problematic in digital sector, which are mainly because of less enforce on inappropriate regulation in the member states and cost effectiveness and differences in provision of the infrastructure and ‘old national monopolists’. Discussion In Pablo’s report, which has summaries the European commission need to work more on to build trust and confidence in digital single market.Echeverria has indicated that â€Å"European Commission need to stresses that the consumer rights directive marked an important step forward in terms of increasing legal certainty for consumers and businesses in online transactions, and today constitutes the main consumer protection instrument for online services. † (Echeverria) A single market strategy will require a higher level of legal regulations in regarding to issues such as cybercrime, data privacy and spam while ensuring free movement and the possibility of transacti ons on the internet.Otherwise this single market will be a problematic in digital sector because of the existence of a patchwork of different legal provisions and barely interoperable standards and practices. Also the consumer can’t access the full benefits from this strategy if this regulation is poor. European commission’s report of building the digital single market has identified more and more pollution is using the digital technology now. (Commission, 2011) Peoples are now using more internet service to making a convenience life, such as the online cross border trade.Moreover the digital single market will allow citizens to have access throughout the EU to all forms of digital content and services. So in order to creating single market digital sector, if people are not use digital service in a safety environment then there will be a data protection problems. The other reasons of why  this single market is problematic in the EU with regards to the digital technol ogy sector, which is cost effectiveness. In Zuleeg’s report has determine that a single digital market will require large scale investments in fixed and mobile networks, with much of this investment needing to come from private operators. Zuleeg, 2012) Especially in the European finical crisis period, Europe government and private operator will need to have spent more to support this investment by developing new investment vehicles and guarantees. Michelle Egan also defines a digital single market is a long way of investment and still have many barriers now. (Egan) But the single market in digital sector will improve productivity and contribute to increasing Europe’s medium to long term competiveness. It also brings out benefit beyond the economic which it can help some societal problem, such as fragmented labor market and environment problems.According to all of this facts, we can finding the single market can bring large benefit to citizens and social but it will nee d to put extra investment by government and private operator. So this single market will bring out a conflict between internal users and external stakeholders because of cost effectiveness. A study by Copenhagen economic has list out â€Å"there is a range of national and international operators, totalling close to 100 mobile operators. â€Å"(Copenhagen economic) In the Australia digital sector there are mainly one operator provide the most mobile and internet infrastructure which are Telstra.The digital sector is fragmented in European compared with other countries. The most of the digital companies are competing on a national scale instated of across borders. None have continent-wide operations and provide difference in provisions of infrastructure. One of the example is there are still less operator can provide mobile service across borders and also with a high roaming fees. However the single market strategy in digital sector is trying to integrate these companies into one gr oup.This single market strategy may become problematic in the digital technology sector because a fragmented supplier industry may hamper certain developments. From the overall finding, we can operator is the main stakeholder with a large impact on the digital sector. The study by Copenhagen has further explained this fact as â€Å"a lack of market consolidation with ‘old national monopolies’ keeping their strong position in local markets due to government protection in the past. â€Å" The operators are stress on their profit and ignore the importance of single market.One of the major benefits of European single market is increasing competition, leading to lower prices and better welfare for consumers and society as a whole. But the operator has main power in the national market and can refuse price convergence. Conclusion At the end, the single market in digital will have large impact on European economy either in public sector or employee or consumers or producer s ides. But according to the nature of digital technology sector which is fragmented industry and investment barriers so the single market has being a problematic in this industry.Reference Completing the internal market White paper from European Commission to European Council (1985). Brussels. Commission, E. (2011). Building the digital single market-cross border demand for content services. Echeverria, P. A. On completing the digital single market Economics, C. (2010). The conomic impact of a european digital single market. Egen, M. Twenty years after the completion of the EU's single market programme, member states have still not eliminate all barriers to trade. London: The london school of economic and politcal science. Zuleeg, F. (2012).A digital single market by 2015. eSharp. European Mobile Indsutry Obeservatory. (2011) Monti, M. (2010). A new strategy for the single market. â€Å"The Single Market†. Europa web portal. http://ec. europa. eu/internal_market/index_en. htm. Retrieved 03 January 2012. Question 6 what are the problems to be encountered in forming a European sense of identity among the citizenry of the EU? Introduction A sense of a national identity is â€Å"the person's identity and sense of belonging to one state or to one nation, a feeling one shares with a group of people, regardless of one's citizenship status. (Smith, 1993) Usually, these are nation-states but it also can implied an entity group of European Union. McCormick writes sense of European identity as â€Å"a related term of Europeanism refers to the assertion that the people of Europe have a distinctive set of political, economic and social norms and values that are slowly diminishing and replacing existing national or state-based norms and values. †(McCormick, 2010) Johan Borneman indicates the practices of Europeanization in term of languages, money, tourism and sex and sport. Borneman 1997) European Union are getting practice on this through the creation of the European single market, the expanded the European Union from twelve members in 1985 to twenty-seven members in 2007 and link the legislative and policy frameworks of EU with European identity. As we explained before EU has a long history of this integration process but there are still many problems encountered in forming a European sense of identity among the citizenry of the EU. There are especially in some countries are having this problems such as British.Moreover, this essay will discuss on the main problems that are in forming a European sense of identity among the citizenry of the EU. It also will consider some examples in English. Discussion Medrano has summarized the main problems into three section which are â€Å". 1) conflated behaviour in referenda on reform treaties of the European Union, support for European integration, and identification with Europe, 2) conflated different dimensions of European identity, and 3) failed to unpack the various meanings that citizens a ttach to the idea of identification with Europe† (Medrano, 2010)In the detail, the first problems are mainly concerned on the public debate on European identity. Many people see no opportunity to influence supranational decisions effectively because there are lacks of intermediary actor primary covering European issues. In the public, the media or journalists are both have lack of supporting on EU news. Vreese said â€Å"It is difficult to ‘sell’ an EU story. † (Vreese, 2004) Medrano has asked many journalists do you agree you play an important role in ‘crating a European identify’. (Medrano, 2010) The most of them unanimously agreed that the answer should be ‘NO’.Some journalists believe their role is to create engagement and interest and not to influence identity. One of the examples is in British, the public opinion is divided and the country is becoming the most of skeptic members in EU with regards to EU policy of common curre ncy and the enlargement. There is other problem influencing public opinion about Europe, such as difference in social-demographic characteristics. Most of researcher has find men being more supportive of Euro-pan integration and higher levels of education are associated with being more positive towards the EU.The second problems listed by Medrano, can be described as there are having many dimensions of European identity either by national or citizen. If there are too many dimensions of European identity that will results a lack of precision use in the use of the sense of European identity. The official dimensions of European identity is a precondition for a democratically legitimise European Union with feeling of belonging together of the people living in the member states, including the awareness and the support of common values, achievements and aims.But in related to a real case the European identity is far lagging behind national identity. Fukuyama has given one example of Franc es created a strong national identity by built around the French languages. (Fukuyama, 2012) In order to compared within the EU’s dimension, EU are more stress on political and policy identity but the nation’s dimensions are more focus on culture and social level. EU has 27 members within different culture and religion. These countries have already built on different level of national identity.EU is now trying to integrate this national identity into one common identity which is European identity. So EU needs to conflate different dimension of European identity. The third problems is failed to consider the citizen’s ideal about European identity. The EU defines concept of European identity are most physically based, such as free movement of goods and service. But the officials should to promote a sense of belonging to Europe citizens emotionally. Medrano stated there are lacks of identification with Europe among citizens are mostly interested in the emotional di mension of identification. (Medrano,2010)Besides of Medrano’s measured three problems, there are still many other problems in order to create a sense of European identity. One of these problems are EU has less use any knowledge or instruments of identity policy to deliver the sense of European identity, such as education. Walkenhorst writes â€Å"without a sense of commitment and knowledge of citizenship rights the European peoples cannot establish a democratic identity in the sense of supporting the EU as a legitimate political system†. (Walkenhorst, 2004) EU also will not being able to demonstrate its benefits for the European citizen without using an instrument of identity policy.For instance, provide more education or program on spread the sense of European identity will also help to avoid the problems of different religions. EU has different religions identity, such as Christian and Muslim. The concept of European identity need to consider the ideal of multicultur alism and democracy. Conclusions This essay draws an analysis of the problems encountered in forming a sense of European identity which are based on an understanding what is a sense of European identity and how could generate a sense of identity.Since the firstly forming a European Union, EU are trying to creating a sense of European identity. A sense of national or regional identity is an emotionally feeling belongs to a group. EU did a lot of work that letting people are physically feeling of European citizen, such as free movement of people and goods. One of the examples, are Eurostar given people are more mobility in traveling around European. However, EU is now facing problems on ignored the citizen’s emotionally feeling of European identity and conflicts of different dimension about European concept of identity.Each member state and citizens has different dimension about European identity. The best way to solve this problem is using accurate instrument to spread the ide al of European identity, such as education and media. But the fact is there is lack of use media and education that results a problems in forming a sense of European identity. Reference Adrian Favell, E. R. , Theresa Kuhn, Janne Solgaard Jensen and Juliane Klein. (2011). The Europeanisation of Everyday Life: Cross-Border practices and Transantional Identitifcations Among the Eu and Third-Country Citizens. Foweler, J. B. a. N. (1997).Europeanization. Annual Review. Retrieved from http://www. jstor. org/stable/2952532 . Fukuyama, F. (2012). European Identities Retrieved from http://blogs. the-american-interest. com/fukuyama/2012/01/10/european-identities-part-i/ Margaret R, A. (2008). Perceptions of European Identity among EU Citizens: An Empirical Study. McCormick, J. (2010). Europeanism: Oxford University Press. Medrano, J. D. (2010). Unpackiing European Identity: CAIRN, INFO. Smith, A. D. (1993). National identity: Univeristy of Nevada Press. Versteegh, M. L. C. (2010). European Ci tizenship as a New Concept for Euroepan Identity.

Cultural Characteristics of India Essay

With more than half of the workforce being in agriculture, services however, is the biggest contributing factor the economic growth in India. The information technology (IT) sector is where most of the growth is taking place. Many companies in the United States are beginning to outsource their help desk and programming specialties to India where the labor is cheaper and there are an abundance of qualified individuals. In-fact many of the positions you see in IT are filled by people native to India simply because training for these specialties is limited in the U. S. For example, if you were looking to hire an Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) developer it is highly unlikely that you will find a U. S. citizen with these skill sets, and if you did the U. S. candidate would certainly be demanding more money. India’s ability to train highly qualified IT professionals and ability to provide cheaper labor will continue to contribute to their increase in economic growth. Ultimately, it is those cultural characteristics we have discussed in class that has led India to so much growth over the last decade. They are a collectivist society, with a large power distance and a different set of value orientations from our own. Higher education is of upmost importance, and often times, much more important than interpersonal relationships. This is evident of the fact that they place so much importance on one’s education and its correlation to family status when selecting a bride/groom in an arranged marriage. India is considered a large power distance culture because there is a clear hierarchy within the family, â€Å"the father rules authoritatively, followed by the eldest son and moving down the ladder by age and sex† (Neuliep, 2009. 9). Within the Indian culture the children are expected to be obedient and many Indian children feel that their parents really don’t understand what it is like to grow up in today’s diverse society. Indian parents constantly expect their children to go to the right schools, only converse with people who share the same cultural backgro unds and to marry within their own race and religion. There are many different religions in India which include: Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Sikh. In India, even though you may share the same ethnicity if you do not share the same religious beliefs, marriage is forbidden. In my research I have come across a common theme within the Indian culture, and that is that Indian parent’s love to gossip about everything; they constantly discuss who got into what school, and who is getting married to whom. It’s not to say that Indian parents don’t want what’s best for their children because they do. In the article Indian Parents and Societal Pressure the author Arti Nehru states, â€Å"The really sad part about all of this is that parents truly want their children to be happy. But they are unsupportive in many instances because they worry about ne thing: What will people say? † The Indian culture is more of a collectivist culture who has the tendency to stress the importance of a group over the importance of the individual. Neuliep confirms that, â€Å"In collectivist cultures, people are not seen as isolated individuals. People see themselves as interdependent with others their (e. g. , their ingroup), where responsibility is shared and accountability is collective. A person’s identity is defined by his or her group memberships† (Neuliep, 2009. Pg. 41). Most of their values come from their traditional beliefs, their religious devotion and their secular spirituality. It is these value orientations that shape the way the Indian culture communicates with individuals in their own culture as well as with individuals outside of their culture. Values can affect the way people communicate within their own culture and with people of different cultures. They are â€Å"evaluative beliefs that synthesize affective and cognitive elements to orient people to the world in which they live† (Mooney, 2001, 2828). The value orientation model is used to compare high-context cultures such as the Indian collectivist culture with low-context individualistic cultures such as the United States. It can be broken down into six different categories: self, family, society, human nature, nature, and supernatural. In a collectivist culture such as the Indian culture â€Å"self† refers to how one may view themselves in relationship to others, and can further be broken down into three different sub-categories: self-identity, age, and activity. In India self-identity would suggest that people value conformity and cooperation. In India people are â€Å"interdependent with others, and for them, responsibility and accountability are shared and divided among the group members. † (Neulip, 2009, 63-64). Age for a collectivist, high-context culture is admired when they are old and conversely, in an individualistic, low-context culture, age is admired when they are young. In a collectivist culture like India the people tend be very spiritual and believe that people should embrace life. The activity one performs on a daily basis is of less importance in a country like India. Whereas in the United States, activity ften refers to how people identify themselves through their activities such as their professions and occupations. Often times when Americans are asked who they are, they will answer with what they do for a living; indicating that they tend to associate who they are, with what they do. Family within a collectivist culture such as India tends to be more authoritative in nature. The â€Å"head of the household† will make the decisions rather than having everyone work together as a democracy when making decisions. In India, families are less mobile, and will always attempt to sit down together when eating dinner. There is often a strict hierarchy that is followed among family members with the man of the house being at the top. The men and women in Indian families have very different roles within the family, which coincide with one’s hierarchal power. The male of the house makes the decisions, provides for the family and the women often times make the meals at night and take care of the children. In Indi,a family is a very important concept and marriage is considered to be sacred and is meant to last a life time. The term â€Å"society† in India can be broken down into two categories: social reciprocity and group membership. According to Neuliep â€Å"social reciprocity refers to the mutual exchanges people make in their dealings with others† (65). In collectivist cultures like India, if one asks another for a favor it is expected that an equal exchange of favors will occur. In India, group membership is often a pervasive formality; they have a tendency to join only a few different groups over a life-time. In the United States membership in a group is usually short lived, whereas in India people are highly selective and group membership is usually a prolonged commitment. This idea of a prolonged commitment to a group stems from those same cultural values that marriage does. In India, they practice arranged marriages and it is considered a lifelong commitment that is viewed as sacred. What may seem strange to the youth in the United States is actually embraced by youth in India. Many children in India feel that it gives them the ability to focus on their youth, and their education without the distraction or worry that an adolescence relationship can bring to the picture. It is also said that the youth in India â€Å"feel secure in their parent’s ability to choose an acceptable partner for them, trusting that their parents have enough experience and knowledge to do so without creating a disastrous situation† (Galt, 2011, 2). Many cultures like India believe that when marriages are not pre-arranged they tend to burn out too quickly. They believe it is because the two people have already gotten to know each other, rather than spending a life-time together after marriage getting to know each other. Marrying a person you don’t know gives one a lifetime to learn to love them, as opposed to the American ideal of learning a person inside and out before entering into marriage† (Galt, 2011, 3). In the United States, many believe that the idea of an arranged marriage is something that is forced upon the two getting married. This however isn’t true, in India before a marriage can become official the bride and groom are afforded the opportunity to meet each other to decide if they would like to go forward with the marriage. You might be surprised to hear that any rejection to a proposed marriage rarely occurs, and more often than not the proposed bride and groom will go through with the wedding as planned. This is because the parents of the bride and groom do their due-diligence and will often times spend years looking for a suitable bride or groom. They spend countless hours meeting with the families and friends, â€Å"considering hundreds of different aspects and comparison points before the potential bride and groom ever meet each other† (Galt, 2011, 6). In many ways the Indian culture is different than our own, we have the tendency to be more of an individualistic culture while they tend be more collectivist. We are considered a low-context culture, while India is considered a high-context culture. We value or independence and look out for our own self-interests over that of the group. In India, they value the group over the individual and believe that if one fails, they all fail. Even though we may differ culturally we are still similar in many ways, the biggest being our level of diversity; we are both comprised of many different values, ethnicities, and religious beliefs.

Islamic Seljuk Turks essays

Islamic Seljuk Turks essays The Islamic Seljuk Turks and the European Christians considered the crusades to be holy wars because the Christian military was trying to recapture the Holy land from the Muslims. The crusades were undertaken between the 11th and 14th century. Different motives influenced those who journeyed to the Holy land, and they were not all religious ones. The church offered many incentives to encourage men to take the Cross. The word crusade refers to any war fought by divine command or for a primarily religious purpose. The Crusades were considered to be holy wars because the Christian crusaders invaded the Holy land. These Crusades applied solely to the European efforts to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims. Jerusalem was a sacred city to Christians because it was seen as the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Popes and Kings, eager for new land and wealth, encouraged crusaders. The crusades came from all over Europe. Most crusaders were knights and soldiers, but ordinary people also set out hoping to gain Gods approval. The Crusades may have been seen as holy wars, but they were lasting terror and misery to the near East. There were eight major Crusades that took place during 1096 to 1270. In 1921, Muslims captured the city of Acre and the Holy land was lost to Christians forever. Although the Crusades brought no lasting results in terms of military conquest, they were important in the development of trade. The reestablishment of traffic between the East and West, which after having been suspended for several centuries, was then resumed with even greater success. These trade routes generated a beneficial contact between the cultures. Many merchants from the cities of Venice and Genoa bought spices, sugar, cloth and cotton. Other merchants from Sicily and Aragorn traded Tunisian gold and Algerian wool and animal skins. Popular goods traded from the Middle East were su...

Eco561 Week 2 Paper Essays

Eco561 Week 2 Paper Essays Eco561 Week 2 Paper Essay Eco561 Week 2 Paper Essay Market Equilibrium Sergio Carranza ECO561 July 19, 2011 Basil Al-Hashimi Market Equilibrium Process To achieve market equilibrium is what we all strive for as business people and as consumers. When the market is at equilibrium, we know that the market is functioning smoothly. However this is not an easy state of the market to achieve. This discussion will include a real world event. The event will be one in which a high school demanded a certain amount of computers to educate its students, and the amount demanded was supplied. With this experience I will be able to explain market equilibrium, the law of demand, the law of supply, and shortage and surplus. The Event My sister in law is a professor at a nearby high school here in the inner city. The school is a new school in south phoenix. The school needed to have a certain amount of computers in order to educate the students that were going to be attending the new school. This school was supplied the amount of computers that were demanded from the board. This example is a small scale example of equilibrium and not at the scale of the world market. However, market equilibrium was achieved. The Law of Demand In short, there is a negative or inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded. Economists call this inverse relationship the law of demand (McConnell, Brue, Flynn, 2009). This means that if a price of any product rises then the demand for that product will drop, and if the price drops then the demand will increase. Some of the determinants of demand are factors such as: consumer’s income, consumers taste, the price of the goods, and how many buyers there are. The Law of Supply As price rises, the quantity supplied rises; as price falls, the quantity supplied falls. This relationship is called the law of supply (McConnell, Brue, Flynn, 2009). So if supply rises then the price will also rise because the bottom line is profit, and a consumer who is demanding it, will pay it. The determinants of supply are factors such as: number of sellers in the market, resource price, prices of other goods, expectations of producers, technology, and taxes. Equilibrium Now that these laws have been explained, we can apply this to the computer scenario provided above. If the quantity demanded by the school is equal to the quantity supplied, then we have equilibrium. The equilibrium occurs where the supply curve intersects with the demand curve, and a visual is provided in the graph below. In addition we can explain what would happen if the curves shifted. For example, if the quantity supplied is greater than the quantity demanded, then we have a surplus. If the quantity supplied is lower than the quantity demanded, then we have a shortage. Market Equilibrium Conclusion On a smaller scale then the economic market, I can take this event and take away from it that we are at equilibrium if, the quantity of computers that are demanded is equal to the number of computers supplied. We have discussed the law of demand, the law of supply, and market equilibrium. Reference McConnell, C. R. , Brue, S. L. , Flynn, S. M. (2009). Economics: Principles, problems, and policies (18th ed. ). New York, : McGraw Hill/Irwin.

Definition and Examples of Correctness in Language

Definition and Examples of Correctness in Language In prescriptive grammar, correctness is the notion that certain words, word forms, and syntactic structures meet the standards and conventions (that is, the rules) prescribed by traditional grammarians. Contrast correctness with grammatical error. According to  David Rosenwasser and Jill Stephen, Achieving grammatical correctness is a matter of both knowledgehow to recognize and avoid errorsand timing: when to narrow your focus to proofreading (Writing Analytically, 2012). Examples and Observations It is in vain to set up a language police to stem living developments. (I have always suspected that correctness is the last refuge of those who have nothing to say.)(Friederich Waismann, Analytic-Synthetic V. Analysis, 1952)Concern with correctness, whether mechanical, logical, or rhetorical, is in no way illegitimate or suspect. Virtually all educators evaluate student writing for correctness of spelling, grammar, or logic. What generates the distinctive pedagogies of clear and correct writing is not a concern with correctness that no one else shares, but the rather less widespread notion that rules are somehow context-neutral, that they can be taught by themselves and then applied elsewhere.(Dennis McGrath and Martin B. Spear, The Academic Crisis of the Community College. SUNY Press, 1991)School Grammar and CorrectnessIn nearly every instance, school grammar is traditional grammar. It is concerned primarily with correctness and with the categorical names for the words that make up sentences. Thus, students study grammatical terms and certain rules that are supposed to be associated with correctness. Grammar instruction is justified on the assumption that students who speak or write expressions such as He dont do nothin will modify their language to produce He doesnt do anything if only they learn a bit more grammar. . . .Although most teachers in our public schools continue to prescribe language, linguists dropped prescription long ago, replacing it with the concept of appropriateness conditions. This expression signifies that language use is situation specific and that there is no absolute standard of correctness that applies to all situations. People modify their language on the basis of circumstances and dominant conventions . . ..(James D. Williams, The Teachers Grammar Book. Lawrence Erlbaum, 1999) Three Kinds of Rules Most of our attitudes about correctness have been encouraged by generations of grammarians who, in their zeal to codify good English, have confused three kinds of rules:A few date from the twentieth century:But since grammarians have been accusing the best writers of violating such rules for the last 250 years, we have to conclude that for 250 years the best writers have been ignoring both the rules and the grammarians. Which is lucky for grammarians, because if writers did obey all their rules, grammarians would have to keep inventing new ones, or find another line of work.(Joseph M. Williams, Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. Longman, 2003) Some rules define what makes English Englisharticles precede nouns: the book, not book the. These are the real rules we violate only when we are tired or rushed. . . .A few rules distinguish Standard English from nonstandard: He doesnt have any money versus He dont have no money. The only writers who consciously follow these rules are those striving to join the educated class. Schooled writers observe these rules as naturally as they observe the real rules and think about them only when they notice others violating them.Finally, some grammarians have invented rules they think we all should observe. Most date from the last half of the eighteenth century: Dont split infinitives, as in to quietly leave.Dont use than after different, as in This is different than that. Use from.Dont use hopefully for I hope, as in Hopefully, it wont rain.Dont use which for that, as in a car which I sold. Freshman Composition and Correctness Composition courses provided a means to teach larger numbers of students at once, assessing their success by measuring their adherence to prescribed standards. . . . [M]any schools [in the late 19th century] began instituting Freshman Composition classes that focused more on correctness than invention. For example, Harvards course English A, initiated in the 1870s, focused less on traditional aspects of rhetoric and more on correctness and formulaic responses. The concept of discipline had changed from moral and religious discipline, codes of conduct and virtue, to mental discipline, means of working with repetitive drills and exercises.(Suzanne Bordelon, Elizabethada A. Wright, and S. Michael Halloran, From Rhetoric to Rhetorics: An Interim Report on the History of American Writing Instruction to 1900. A Short History of Writing Instruction: From Ancient Greece to Contemporary America, 3rd ed., edited by James J. Murphy. Routledge, 2012)

Managerial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Managerial Economics - Essay Example les may not aim for high salaries at the beginning of their careers as they have future plans of settling a family whereas males aim for extremely high salaries and strive hard to get there. The height of aim possessed by both the genders also reflects upon the amount of earnings that they are able to get in the business world. Many organisations may show biasness against men and women. The men in these organisations may be favored more for their competency and performance level as compared to females. The males are considered as satisfying the customers in a better way as compared to females and therefore they are paid high against female employees. The female employees working at a higher designation in the organisations are expected that they may be taking maternity leaves and later on child nursing leaves more frequently and this is not the case with male employees, therefore the males are paid higher salaries than the female employees. The gender gap in the pay issues are related to the gender differences that are present and this causes differences in the entitlements of pay that is set up for both genders. Men are entitled to be more worthy of pay than women in most of the societies. One of the factors are that while negotiating the starting salaries at different jobs the male candidates tend to negotiate salaries many times more as compared to the female candidates who easily settle down on a low pay. Male employees negotiate their entire compensation packages in greater details as they have to run their families by looking at all the elements and benefits they are receiving from the organisation as compared to female employees who may not bother in detail about the benefits in detail. The male employees are willingly ready for taking up jobs that are physically dangerous whereas female employees may show definite reluctance in this case. Therefore this is also the reason that male employees are preferred more for physical jobs and also paid highly

Human Ecology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human Ecology - Essay Example According to various studies undertaken regarding food consumption within the U.S, approximately a third of the total calories are obtained through junk foods (Adams, 2004). This can be associated with the elevated cases of obesity among the U.S populace. Conversely, LDC for instance Haiti depend on indigenous diets that often offer diverse nutrients thus providing balanced calories for the populace. However, the diets that LDCs obtain have little animal-related food sources, although the small amounts meet biochemical demands (Molnar & Iva, 2000). In return, the populace has managed to maintain proper health, thus reducing cases of diseases for instance obesity within its populace. Diets often vary with reference to regions with rural diets being healthful matched with urban diets. Urban diets are deprived since families depend on junk foods while rural families take up traditional diets that are considered superior. Though wealthy communities have most options regarding their diets; they often misuse these options and opt to take up the least nutritious meals or take up excessively. The diets vary with regard to economic capabilities, lifestyles and regional preferences. Diseases have an impact both at individual and societal levels since certain diseases may be communicable. Additionally, once a disease affects an individual, the society suffers since it cannot obtain the services that the individual offers within the community or other economical contributions. Therefore, diseases affect both the individuals together with the community that this individual serves. Currently, inadequate water supply has hit most regions across the globe threatening to trigger disease outbreaks commonly related to sanitation. These diseases may include cholera that has profound impacts on individuals together with the populace. Additionally, numerous disease

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Research Paper Example According to the JCAHO, the tracer methodology is a process of evaluating the patient status, whereby surveyors select patients and use their records in order to assess the organizations compliance to the set standards (Joint Commission retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/about/JointCommissionFaqs.aspx). The surveyors are able to trace the kind of the care process that the patient received by interviewing the staff in areas whereby the patient was attended. The surveyor then follows up the treatment process and determines whether the health institution has complied with the Joint commission standards. The major intent of the follow-up is to ensure that all health organizations are delivering high quality and safe healthcare. The process serves the purpose of monitoring the patient attendance and assessing the services of the health care organization Apart from gauging the health care center, the surveyors also identify points of potential weaknesses in terms of the organizations performance. After identifying the areas of weakness, the surveyors may educate the staff in the organization and share with them the strategies used by similar healthcare organization who have achieved better standards. Tracer activities help in identifying compliance issues that are crucial in determining the organizations compliance to the joint commission. On average, a three-day hospital survey is expected to complete 11 tracers using three surveyors (Joint Commission retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/about/JointCommissionFaqs.aspx). The system requires that the patients selected as tracers are those who have undergone multiple and complex services so that most aspects of the healthcare are evaluated. It is mandatory that the surveyor request the permission of the patient before starting the process. Upon completion

Video in the Newsroom Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Video in the Newsroom - Research Paper Example The research bases most information in relation to New York Times practices. The New York Times newspaper initiated the use of videos in newsrooms following the dawn of digitalized technology and an aspect that propelled sales and profits. The company adapts to the practice and is able to reduce paperwork and unnecessary workforce (Hale c1). The company acquires an edge of efficiency as the editors find ease in making story scripts through the relay of videos. The company prints information promptly and reaches the buyer on time. Therefore, the editors post intense and accurate information online to reach the desired reader (Cornelissen, 78). The New York Times implements that the photographers should work closely to the live footage journalists who cast the videos on the occurrence of the events. The newspaper company establishes that the photographers should take still photos, and write scripts to remain informative to the occurrence of the events (Hale c1). New York Times’ photographers cast video scripts to support their still photos, and written scripts. Therefore, the use of videos in the newsrooms affect the photographers to present supported information to the editors who find ease in revising information, attaching relevant information to the chosen articles and promptly posting it online (Day 48). New York Times relays most of the news via websites to cover a wider area. The company saves unnecessary expenses through the criteria as transport cost reduce accordingly. The use of videos in newsrooms, and in online relay of information curbs the low-income earners from accessing information. The company notes that most of the readers to newspapers lack access to digital informative sources. The newspaper company seeks to reach all the readers accordingly but deviating to the online channels curbs some readers out of reach. Therefore, use of

International financial management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International financial management - Essay Example spect to be kept in mind is that the only source of revenue generation for Temple Hill is from Guests and if there are any lacunae in this area it could affects future revenue and dips in profits. Since this project has a 35 % returns on investments it could be considered to be a safe one and its implementation could be further enhance by increasing the guests’ strength. By increasing the number of guests from 12 to 40, the net profit on Sales increases from 8% to 25.65 %. The future trend of profitability for this venture is also commendable. However, it needs to be studied that these illustrations assumes that the variable costs remains constant in the short period which may not always be the case. If any guest discontinues during the period it could further affect the profitability levels in the short run although it could be compensated by others in the long run, but this risk factor needs to be evaluated. Return on Common Equity, which is measured as the Return on Common Equity. In other words, this would display what proportion of the capital is being returned as profits to the investors. It is by far, the most important aspect of business, because the ultimate motive of business is the Returns to Investors/.Stakeholders. In this case we find the following: â‚ ¤ 6,946/â‚ ¤ 20000 or 34.73 %. Therefore it could be said that there is a a return of around 35% on this proposed venture. Normally the industry standard for ROE is around 15%. Therefore, it could be said that for the present moment, this seems to be a profitable venture which has financial viability. From the above it is found that Returns on Sales is 8.03 % which is much above the industry standard of 5 %. However, it is suggested that this Returns on Sales could be further improved by 1. Either increasing the Revenue or 2. By cutting costs. The fixed costs could not be reduced in the short run, since this is a trial measure for seeking the feasibility of this project. However, the major costs

Bridgestone corporation's strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bridgestone corporation's strategy - Assignment Example ity of a firm to extend backwards into the sources and supplies of its strategic materials and/or forward into the supply chain outlets of the final product to the end users (Rudie, 2003). Bridgestone Corporation is one of the most vertically integrated companies in the tire manufacturing industry. The Corporation engages in backwards integration through internal manufacturing and production of key raw materials and intermediate materials used in the production and development of its strategic tire products. According to the 2014 Bridgestone data report, the corporation operates several plants around the globe, which engages in the manufacture and supply of raw materials and intermediate materials into the company’s tire manufacturing plants (Bridgestone Corporation, 2014). The corporation has a total of 18 raw materials plants distributed across America’s (7), Europe(1), Middle East/Africa/Russia(1), Asia Oceanic(7) and Japan (2). The Saga plant, based in Miyaki-gun, S aga, is the Corporation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of steel cord material used in the development of the tire products. Other raw material manufacturing plants held by the subsidiaries include Bridgestone BRM Co., Ltd., Bridgestone Tread System Co., Ltd., Japan Mould Industry Co., Ltd., Bridgestone Plant, Engineering Co., Ltd., and Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd (Bridgestone Corporation, 2014). The backward vertical integration strategy assumed by Bridgestone Corporation has enabled it to gain a competitive advantage in the global tire manufacturing industry. Backward integration enables the Bridgestone Corporation to ensure stability in the supply of high quality steel cord materials (Rudie, 2003). In addition, vertical integration enables the Corporation to focus on developing innovative raw materials for the development of the strategic tire products, and ensuring smooth running of its operations. Lastly, vertical integration enables the Corporation to optimize its internal resources and

International financial management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International financial management - Essay Example spect to be kept in mind is that the only source of revenue generation for Temple Hill is from Guests and if there are any lacunae in this area it could affects future revenue and dips in profits. Since this project has a 35 % returns on investments it could be considered to be a safe one and its implementation could be further enhance by increasing the guests’ strength. By increasing the number of guests from 12 to 40, the net profit on Sales increases from 8% to 25.65 %. The future trend of profitability for this venture is also commendable. However, it needs to be studied that these illustrations assumes that the variable costs remains constant in the short period which may not always be the case. If any guest discontinues during the period it could further affect the profitability levels in the short run although it could be compensated by others in the long run, but this risk factor needs to be evaluated. Return on Common Equity, which is measured as the Return on Common Equity. In other words, this would display what proportion of the capital is being returned as profits to the investors. It is by far, the most important aspect of business, because the ultimate motive of business is the Returns to Investors/.Stakeholders. In this case we find the following: â‚ ¤ 6,946/â‚ ¤ 20000 or 34.73 %. Therefore it could be said that there is a a return of around 35% on this proposed venture. Normally the industry standard for ROE is around 15%. Therefore, it could be said that for the present moment, this seems to be a profitable venture which has financial viability. From the above it is found that Returns on Sales is 8.03 % which is much above the industry standard of 5 %. However, it is suggested that this Returns on Sales could be further improved by 1. Either increasing the Revenue or 2. By cutting costs. The fixed costs could not be reduced in the short run, since this is a trial measure for seeking the feasibility of this project. However, the major costs

Angela McRobbie’s Analysis of Jackie Essay Example for Free

Angela McRobbie’s Analysis of Jackie Essay This essay will be exploring Angela McRobbie’s analysis of Jackie and why the magazine has seen a new found popularity in recent years. Jackie was a popular British weekly teenage girls’ magazine published by Scottish company D.C. Thomson which was published from 1964 up until 1993. It was named after the children’s author Jacqueline Wilson who worked for D.C. Thomson at the time. The magazine was most popular with girls in the age range of 10 to 14. Before Jackie made its debut, magazines aimed at teenaged girls were normally romance orientated comic strips such as Mirabelle, Romeo and Valentine. Although Jackie did indeed feature romantic stories, they were not the main focus of the magazine. Features that had normally previously featured only in women’s magazines such as problem pages, fashion pages, reader’s true life stories, and hair and beauty advice were now introduced to a teenage population. Indeed Jackie was written by the women’s magazine department of D.C. Thomson rather than the one focused on children’s comics such as The Beano and The Dandy. Taking all this into consideration, it could be argued that Jackie provided the blue print for the modern teenage girl’s magazines. In her analysis, McRobbie says she feels that Jackie tapped into the biological nature of teenage girls, when they start to become more curious about their changing bodies and start to show an interest in the opposite sex. The Cathy and Claire problem pages were a popular feature with readers of the magazine, and many problems readers wrote in with mainly focused on boys and other common problems that come hand in hand with growing up. McRobbie believes that one purpose of the magazine was to prepare girls for the â€Å"brief flowering† period that many young working class women in that time had before marriage but after they had just left school and started work and so had freedom and a disposable income to go out with their friends to pubs a nd dances and buy adult items such as clothes and make-up. Richard Hoggart discusses this period in his analysis of working class teenage girls in his book The Uses of Literacy. One feature Jackie was famous for was its photo stories that provided a stepping stone to fame for celebrities such as Fiona Bruce and Hugh Grant, which were usually of a romantic nature, in the style thought to appeal to the young women of the target audience. These provided girls with a romantic ideal which McRobbie discusses in her analysis of the magazine, McRobbie believes that young girls are conditioned to seek romantic based  relationships instead of sexual ones and that romantic stories like the ones that featured in Jackie and other magazines aimed at teenaged girls at the time helped to reinforce this. Again, these can seem comically clichà ©d and dated by the standards of today. In fact, one of the reasons that Jackie may have regained popularity is that this style of article, although probably reasonable at the time written, seem almost laughable and maybe also politically incorrect by today’s standards (for example one article featured in The Best of Jackie Annual on ways how to attract boys suggests that a girl should try sitting on a park bench â€Å"looking tearful†, and a fashion feature refers to plus sized girls as â€Å"fatties† and very slim girls as being â€Å"stick like†). To many people in 2012, these almost seem like satire. Indeed, on the popular bookselling website Amazon, The Best of Jackie Annual and it’s spinoffs such as Dear Cathy and Claire The Best of Your Favourite Problem Page can be found under the sub-category â€Å"Humour†. A feature that can be found in The Best of Jackie Annual, which had previously been published as a part of an actual Jackie Christmas annual, on how to survive Christmas parties advises the readers to be wary of drunken bosses and uncles making passes at them. This is disturbingly mentioned in a casual and almost light hearted fashion, like it is a common occurrence to be expected, and perhaps even tolerated. The idea of a girl so young being put in a vulnerable position with a much older man, especially one who is in a position of authority or a relative, would be unlikely to be treated in this fashion today. This article may appear humorous to some people in a dark way, simply because it is so shocking and highly inappropriate by today’s standards. Another reason why Jackie may have seen a new increase in popularity is because older women, who would have been readers of Jackie in the past, may want to look back at their youth and remember a much simpler time before they had children to worry over, bills to pay, jobs (or lack of them) and mortgages. Looking back on the past is something which has always been very popular with people and becomes more common during times of economic recession, like the one Britain (and Europe in general) has been struggling with in recent years. There are numerous discussions on the internet in forums with older women talking fondly about their experiences and memories of reading Jackie. When Jackie stopped being published in 1993, D.C. Thomson realised a new magazine aimed at teenaged girls called Shout,  which could possibly be seen by some people as a rebranding of Jackie. Shout is still being published today and I compared a recent copy of Shout from May 2012 to a copy of Jackie from June 1981. Both magazines feature a celebrity on the front cover, with Shout having Cheryl Cole and Jackie having Adam Ant, and both also have tampon adverts on the back covers. A similar layout to that which Jackie used, and which McRobbie discusses in Jackie: An Ideology of Adolescent Femininity, is used in Sh out. Problem pages, fashion pages, celebrity gossip, hair and beauty advice, â€Å"pin-ups† of attractive male celebrities, horoscopes and reader’s true-life stories all feature in both magazines, although there are clear generational differences in these articles between the two magazines. Advice given in the problem pages of Shout is more concerned with more serious issues such as sex and alcohol abuse and also offers career advice. In the days of Jackie’s popularity girls were not often encouraged to stay on to do further education after the compulsory school leaving age and usually got married at an age which would be considered very young today, whereas today many girls go on to go to college and university and choose to put off marriage and having children to a later stage in life, if they opt to at all. Jackie also contained sewing and knitting patterns, which are things which are no longer common hobbies with teenaged girls today. This is likely due to fashionable clothing being sold cheaply in supermarkets and high-street stores such as Primark and Asda. The popularity of teenage magazines is currently on the decline, with many once popular magazines no longer being published. This is possibly due to the fact that the features of teenage magazines such as celebrity gossip, hair and beauty tips and updates on the latest fashions are readily available on the internet. Even if a young girl finds herself in need of advice there are now websites such as Yahoo Answers, Girls Ask Guys and Answerbag where she will be able to get (possibly dubious) responses to her question quickly from a variety of people across the world and there is also websites set up by charities offering advice on more serious matters such as abuse, bullying, drugs and sexual health. It is also worth having a brief look at the context of the magazine’s existence, with the early-mid 1960s being a reasonable period of progress in Britain. In the nation of Labour leader Harold Wilson’s â€Å"white heat† † (Sandbrook, 2005:737) – a nation still getting over the war, but  proudly (if cautiously) advancing in what historian Dominic Sandbrook called â€Å"a new era of creativity and progress† (Sandbrook, 2005:737)– it is only natural that Britain’s young women would have a need for their own entertainment and place for advice. While it is true that this is not the intended focus of the essay, such a background should not be ignored, and may go some way towards explaining the magazine’s eventual demise(arguably, rebranding) in the very different world of the 1990s.

Australian Involvement In Wwi History Essay

Australian Involvement In Wwi History Essay Australia was involved in the world war one for many reasons. The most important reason was to help its mother country Britain. They thought if they helped Britain they will help them in any problem. Reasons for enlistment in 1914: In 1914, Australia became involved in world war one because of Britain declaring the war on Germany. When Britain declared the war, the Britain Empire should go to war including Australia and New Zealand. At this time Andrew Fisher (the future prime minister) promised Britain to help the in the war. Australia has entered the war for three reasons:http://web.grinnell.edu/individuals /kapilas/talks/Introduction_to_Indian_Writing_in_English_files /slide0005_image002.jpg They will be known as a nation of its own; The other countries will have greater respect for the new nation; The British Empire in 1914.Andrew Fisher promised that Australia will help its mother country. Approximately 98% of Australias population are non aborigines and most of them are from the British Empire like Scotland and Wales. Thats why the men have volunteered to go to war and help their mother country. There were other reasons to go to war cause the thought it would be a great adventure, and the will give them a great wages and the thought they will come back in Christmas.http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/images/GRG32_16_7Illust.jpg Australias relationship with Britain: After Australia was federated in 1901 it was still a part of the British Empire Australia was found by Britain and Australia language and culture has come from Britain. Australian political, justice, education, fashion and sport system are British. An Australian Poster Used to Make the Australian to Go to warAustralias import marketing is from Britain. Australia economy is to tie to Britains. Australias defence was the British Navy. Australia was scared by the Asian Hordes but British power was its defence. Australia was part of the British Empire. The Australian children learned about the England kings and queens. From 1905, Australia celebrates the queens birthday. First the children go to the school in the morning and they sing patriotic song and they have the rest of the day as a public holiday. Australias involvement with Britain in 1914 or world war one was quite all over the place, they were like rivals but not enemies, they kind of despised each other but when it came to danger they would ark up and protect each other no matter the cost. Opposition to Involvement: Many were against the war some of them are conscientious objectors from religious groups Society of Friends who defeat the human life. The conscription is forcing men to go to war even if they dont want to do there.118F824B The anti-war movement included: The Industrial Workers of the War; The Society of Friends; An extract from a letter written by F.J. Roberts in 1914 saying how he is against the war.The Womans Army Peace; The Australians Peace Alliance; The No Conscription Fellowship. Some thoughts aggravated anti-conscription: Conscription was wrong because war itself morally wrong. Its a type of injustice to force someone to go fight in the war. Some were provoked first and foremost by selfishness. The working classes would stand the load of conscription. Labour Party followers often viewed the pro-conscription entrance hall as war profiteers who in their self-interest, would happily censure others to die while they stayed home and made money. Recruitments Campaigns: With the rash of the war in Europe in 1914 the Australian government promised Britain and its allies to help them defeating Germany and its allies. First the Australian army start calling for volunteers. The army plan was to have half of the men that have experience or were in the army or served in previous wars and the other half wanted to be physically fit volunteers between the ages of eighteen to thirty five years old who were six inches and above. After the Gallipoli war news, the Australian army wanted more men to volunteer, but now one volunteered because they were scared. After the terrible Somme offensives in France with the high rates of loss of lives, the Australian government agreed to get more troops. The men were force to enlist. They said that it was their duty to join the war. Expressive and rousing addresses were given right through Victoria with speakers maintaining that Australians were forced to go to war in view of the German purpose of world control. Also, it wa s a good reason to punish the carnage dedicated by the Germans in their demonstration throughout Belgium and the finishing of Nurse Cavell. http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/allin/images/indigenous/P02140_005_150.jpg Australian men who volunteered for the WW1 Limited people at the time were not agreed about Australias participation in the war but strong moving forces were out of control in the community. Anti-German feeling was strong in the middle of many people. The Shire of Moorabbin was congratulated, by one person, for reprimanding a worker for expressing views that were careful with the pro-German. Leo Gamble reports an incidence where three young Mentone people threw rocks all the way through the weak walls of the home of Oscar Wetzel, a German settler of some years standing. Living next to the pier in Naples Road Wetzel often looked across the bay with a telescope and permitted others to do so for a money charge. He was accused of undercover work on ship activities. The three men were charged for the crime but received token fines.

Thousand Cranes Essay -- essays research papers

Trace Motif in Thousand Cranes In the book Thousand Cranes there are plenty of motifs. One motif is Chikako’s poison. She is a person who loves to meddle in people’s lives. Chikako had an affair with Kikuji’s father and now that he is dead she starts to interfere with Kikuji’s life. Chikako uses manipulation to get what she wants even if it destroys people’s lives. This meddling that she does is her poison. Chikako has a huge ugly birthmark on her breast and this is the source of all of her bitterness and poison. â€Å"Chikako unmarried because of the birthmark.†(Page 5). She believes that she can not get married because of the ugly birthmark and no one will ever love her. The only the man that ever gave her any attention was Kikuji’s father, which at that time he had a wife and another mistress. This adds to Chikako’s bitterness, which in result sets her to destroy the lives of the people involved in her life. She believes that if she couldn’t love then no one else would. Chikako begins by going after Mrs. Ota, the other mistress of Kikuji’s father, because she was jealous of the relationship that she was having with Kikuji’s father. Chikako would start rumors about Mrs. Ota and tell them to Kikuji because she knew of his affair with Mrs. Ota. â€Å"You must be careful with her. So meek and gentle-she always manages to make it look as if she could do no one the least harm. But you can never tell what she’s thinking† (Page 22-23). Chikako is trying to destroy Mrs. Ota and Kikuji’s...